The Benefits of Connecting Children and Seniors p.20
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Adar I / Adar II 5779
March 2019
The Benefits
of Connecting
Children and
Seniors
p.20
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(918) 481-1111
5666 East 81st Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74137
CONTENTS
march 2019
adar i / adar II 5779
volume 90 • number 3
6 8
16 20
4 Letter from the Editor
5 Anti-Semitism: Fighting the Scourge by Drew Diamond
6 Peoplehood = Amiot ( )תוימעby Liat Gal
8 Sustainability at the Synagogue
9 Local Champs
10 Why Should I Care? Lessons from the Holocaust by Jesse Ulrich & Nancy Pettus
11 Mazels
11 Eva Unterman to be Honored
11 Butterflies
12 March Community Events
14 The Friendship That Changed the World by Phil Goldfarb
16 Museum of Art Music by Mickel Yantz
18 Zarrow Pointe News & Views
20 The Benefits of Connecting Children and Seniors Adapted by Lillian Hellman
22 The Storyteller by Alix Liiv
JEW ISH T U L SA. ORG 3
Letter from
the Editor
Founded in 1930 by Tulsa Section,
National Council of Jewish Women “There is no better
exercise for your heart
than reaching down and
(ISSN# 2154-0209)
Tulsa Jewish Review
(USPS 016-928) is published monthly by helping to lift someone
jewish federation of tulsa
up.”
2021 E. 71st St., Tulsa, OK 74136.
–Bernard Meltzer
Periodicals postage paid at Tulsa, OK.
Spring is a perfect time to open our hearts to new beginnings, let
STAFF
compassion blossom, and start, or strengthen, a practice of extending
our hand to others. No matter the level of resources we hold, we can all
EXECUTI VE DIRECTOR turn around and find someone who has less, someone with struggles
Drew Diamond unknown, someone for whom just a smile and a caring word could
execdir@jewishtulsa.org | 918.495.1100
create positive change.
In this issue, we celebrate those who lift others through the incred-
EDITOR ible gift of music. Read on to discover the new experience awaiting
Heather Setton visitors to The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art.
editor@jewishtulsa.org | 918.495.1100 Knowledge uplifts by chasing away the darkness; we honor another
passionate educator, dedicated to ensuring the lessons of the Holo-
ADVERTI S I NG MA NAGE R
caust reach as many young minds as possible, shaping a better society
Mindy Prescott for us all.
mprescott@jewishtulsa.org Through the beauty of l’dor v’dor, we see how Mizel students and
Zarrow Pointe residents support and benefit each other, creating an
ADVERTI S I NG RE P RESE NTATIV E
intergenerational bond of light and wisdom.
Lee Hubby The power of a journey, made possible through your gift to our
leehubby@cox.net Annual Campaign, took our Jewish Tulsa teens to new places inside
and out. Share in their Israel experience through the work of our
Shlicha, our Israel Emissary.
BOARD And finally, this month we welcome new additions to our local
P R ES I DENT, J EWI S H FE DE RATION OF TU LSA
tribe, bringing positive energy and a warm heart, with stories to tell.
This is the season when the sun starts to shine a little brighter and
Larry Feldman
invites us to do the same. Viewing our Federation, our community,
and the world through a filter of joyfulness and possibility is a gift
DESIG N not only to those around us, but to ourselves.
–Heather
MAG AZI NE D ESIGN BY
Bhadri Verduzco, Verduzco Design
bhadriv@gmail.com | verduzcodesign.com
Postmaster: Send address changes to
Tulsa Jewish Review, 2021 E. 71st St., Tulsa, OK 74136
4 J EW I SHTU L S A.ORG
Anti-Semitism: Fighting the Scourge
by Drew Diamond, Executive Director
The murder of 11 worshipers at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh this past October evoked for a great many people
the reality of anti-Semitism in America. I, too, shared in our community’s reaction of intense grief and outrage. However, for
many reading this, the ugly specter of anti-Semitism comes as no surprise. Anti-Semitism is universally defined as “hostility
toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group.” As Jewish Americans subjected to the generational
trauma imposed by a sustained history of anti-Semitism, we have developed resilience to this hostility that has fortified us with
protective barriers. As a result, this resilience has become part of our collective Jewish DNA.
Each of us has stories about encounters with anti-Semitism, ranging from intentional slights to overt acts of hatred and
discrimination to violent attacks. Fortunately, our range of protective barriers is just as wide. For decades the American-Jewish
community has utilized educational and community relations tools to call out and isolate anti-Semites. The Anti-Defamation
League’s “Pyramid of Hate” and related curriculum are examples of valuable instructive resources.
The Pyramid demonstrates
biased behaviors, growing
in complexity and intensity
from the bottom to the top.
If people or institutions
treat behaviors on the lower
levels as “normal,” the
behaviors at the next level
become more accepted.
This complacency leads to
greater life-threatening
consequences which may
eventually result in genocide.
Contemporaneously, we employ these same tools to engage the non-Jewish community to stand with us as we also stand with
them. As important as these well-honed devices are today, their effectiveness is being challenged by the intensity of social media
used by anti-Semites to propel their messages of hate. Abraham Foxman, Anti-Defamation League’s National Director Emeritus,
insists “There are no halfway measures against bigotry, hatred and anti-Semitism. It’s got to be rejected totally.” The only way to
totally reject anti-Semitism is to take the fight directly to the haters and defeat them at every turn.
JEW ISH T U L SA. ORG 5
Peoplehood = Amiot ()תוימע So how do they differ? While on a trip
you get to meet the people of the place, on
a journey you really get to know them.
While on a trip you get to taste the food,
by Liat Gal, Shlicha, a journey to Israel together with six teens on a journey you understand its roots.
Israel Emissary from Israel and two teachers from Branko While on a trip you visit places, on a
Veiss School and Nofei Golan School. journey you connect to them. A journey
No, it was not a “trip” to Israel, nor changes something inside you. A journey
W
h at d o y o u think a “visit.” It was a journey. What is the connects you to yourself, to who you are.
when you hear this difference between a journey and a trip? A journey makes you question things.
word? About whom do On both you learn something new. On On a journey you areteen
Tulsa-Israel far away from all
you think? At the end both you can meet new people. On both the people that you
exchange knowonand
group a who know
of November, a group of six amazing you can visit new places, have fun, have you, so you could reinvent yourself. You
graffiti tour in Tel Aviv.
teenagers from Tulsa, along with Jesse some difficult times, and collect some can be whoever you like; you can lead,
Ulrich, Elissa Renberg, and me, went on memories. you can laugh and dance and sing without
6 J EW I SHTU L S A.ORG
thinking about how you look, and what tour so we could learn about the people of I got to experience being sort of a
people think about you at the moment. Tel Aviv—their hopes and dreams. tourist in my own country. Here in Tulsa,
You can be, well, you can be simply you. We have been to Jerusalem, where we I’m representing Israel, married to a half-
And what’s more powerful than that? met with Evan Charney, who spoke about American guy. But coming to Israel with
We have been to the North, to the the connection between the Jewish people. the Tulsa teens, I was both.
Golan Heights, where we took a tour, We went to the Muslim market, traveled Maybe that is the meaning of Amiot
biked Hachula Valley, made chocolate the old city, went to the Western Wall, and (peoplehood) to me—we can have
at De-Karina chocolate factory, visited to a basketball game. different colors, but we are one.
a kibbutz and a dairy farm, worked in We have been to the South, the Ein Ever since I came to Tulsa there is more
agriculture alongside people with special Gedi waterfalls, the Dead Sea; we met room to hold more people in my heart. My
needs, and visited the Druze community. with the Bedouin community, slept in a world became more colorful.
We have been to the center, to Tel Aviv, Bedouin tent and took a camel ride. Isn’t that the whole meaning of being
where we saw the markets, had shakshuka We talked about growing up, about the on a journey?
at Jaffa- the city where Arabs and Jews live differences between people, about how to
together in harmony. We took a graffiti create bridges.
JEW ISH T U L SA. ORG 7
Sustainability in other categories included the Tulsa Zoo,
Tulsa Community College, and Covanta
with the presentation of this year’s Bellmon
Sustainability Awards,” said Denney.
at the
as top performers in the sustainability “The Scor3card™ validates what we’re
field. doing and why we’re doing it,” stated
The Scor3card™ is Tulsa’s first business Overall Bellmon Award Winner, Matt
Synagogue sustainability assessment tracking tool. The
award itself is named after Henry Bellmon,
the first governor of Oklahoma, and later a
Neman, Director of Business Management
at Covanta.
“Sustainability is an essential part of
two-time US Senator. In addition to being every business, every industry, every
Sustainability Success: (Pictured L to R)
Sara Levitt, Director of Jewish Life and Learning; Betty
Lehman, Sustainability Project Leader;
Rabbi Dan Kaiman; Rabbi Marc Fitzerman
C
omposting. r ec yc l i n g . a great statesman, Bellmon was a farmer organization,” noted Robert Katz, professor
energy efficiency and close and conservationist and was considered of Music & Humanities at Tulsa Community
attention to sustainability. a pioneering champion of sustainability, College. TCC won the Bellmon Award in
If you’ve spent time this past long before the term became part of our the large business category.
year at B’nai Emunah, you would have common lexicon. Rabbi Dan Kaiman spoke on behalf
seen these principles at work each day. As of the Synagogue: “We’ve diverted one
the first faith organization to participate ton of food from dumpster to compost
in Sustainable Tulsa’s Scor3card™ program, “We’ve diverted one ton in our first month of being in Sustainable
the Synagogue has reorganized its
routines to reflect a deeper sense of its
of food from dumpster Tulsa’s Scor3card™ program. Sustainability
is an enactment of Jewish values. Our
environmental responsibilities. The to compost in our first goal is to model sustainable behaviors
foundations of the program are rooted in month of being in and practices for our congregation
a concern for the three essential Ps: people, and staff. We hope this fosters changes
profit, and the planet. Working hand-in- Sustainable Tulsa’s in their businesses and homes as well.”
hand, volunteers and the Synagogue’s Scor3card™ program. Thanks to the efforts of Betty Lehman,
professional family made measurable
gains in containing costs, reducing
Sustainability is an sustainability project leader, the
Synagogue is now serving as advisor to
the Synagogue’s carbon footprint, and enactment of Jewish other congregations eager to participate
mobilizing members and friends to do values.” in the Scor3card™ program. Calls for
the right thing. guidance have come in increasing
All of this was recognized in Sustainable numbers since the awards ceremony.
Tulsa’s recent Bellmon Awards ceremony. Introduced by Corey Wren Williams, “We’re ready to help anyone who asks,”
Held at the Universtiy of Tulsa, the event Henry Bellmon’s daughter, Ann Denney, Betty said. “The Sustainable Tulsa digital
honored B’nai Emunah as the small was on hand to present the awards. “My platform has been a useful tool, and it took
not-for-profit that made the largest annual father was a passionate environmentalist us to our goals in record time. This year
gains since joining the program. Winners and I am honored to continue his legacy silver, next year platinum!”
8 J EW I SHTU L S A.ORG
Local Champs
A
tulsa united states Tennis
Association (USTA) Women’s
Super Senior (ages 65 and up)
team, representing LaFortune
Park and captained by Shirley Brody, placed
3rd out of the 15 qualified teams competing
in the National Championships in Surprise,
Arizona. The team was unbeaten in their
local Tulsa area league played in the spring
of 2018. In July 2018, they advanced to re-
gional competition in the Kansas City area,
where they won all five matches, defeating
teams from Kansas City, St. Louis, a second
St. Louis squad, Oklahoma City, and an-
other Tulsa team. At Nationals, played from
January 25-27, 2019, they defeated teams
representing New York (from the Eastern
Section), Michigan (Midwest Section), and
Pennsylvania (Middle States Section) before
losing a close semi-final match to Florida. In The victorious team members are Bonnie Bell, Shirley
a playoff for 3rd place, they beat the Southern Brody (captain), Bonnie Canfield, Vivienne Culver, Veronica
California team 3-0, who they had previous- Donnelly, Blanca Falcon, Janice Green and Vibsen Lay.
ly lost to on the first day of competition.
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JEW ISH T U L SA. ORG 9
especially if you teach two subjects.
Jesse: What has been the most
rewarding aspect of this endeavor?
Cheryl: Every year my students tell
me that studying the Holocaust was the
most interesting and important subject
that we studied the whole year. My
hope is that I have led young people
to improve humanity by loving and
accepting others.
Jesse: Please share one story of a
student whose life was changed by
learning about the Holocaust.
Mrs. Kerbo with students Avery Rankin, Sheridan Cheryl: My second year that I taught
Wilson, and Natalie Hackler, working with primary about the Holocaust, Tomi Reichental
document analysis, a vital skill in conducting research came all the way from Ireland to speak
at our Yom HaShoah commemoration
in Tulsa. Fortunately, he was able to
Why Should I Care? come and speak at our school the next
day. Our students are pretty talkative
Lessons from the Holocaust
during assemblies, but Tomi talked for
over two hours and you could hear a
pin drop. My students were enthralled,
and many spoke to me afterwards. One
by Jesse Ulrich, Director of intolerance for others. Students need girl, in particular, told me that this was
Jewish Learning and Engage- to understand the ramifications of the most memorable experience of her
ment & Nancy Pettus, Holocaust prejudice and stereotyping. Studying the life and she would never be the same.
Educator Outreach Coordinator Holocaust allows us to examine moral Since that day, I have taken students to
issues that teach awareness of their roles hear survivor testimony, like Tulsa’s own,
and responsibilities in our society. the wonderful Eva Unterman. Many of
Jesse: What inspired you to become my students’ parents have told me that
W
e continue our series involved with Holocaust Education? these have been life-changing experi-
of interviews with an- Cheryl: As I began to study about ences for their children.
other of our amazing the lives of the people affected by the
Holocaust educators. Holocaust, I felt the need to share their
Cheryl Kerbo is a fantastic teacher at stories and honor their lives. TWO HOLOCAUST
Thoreau Demonstration Academy. Please Jesse: How has your experience with EDUCATION EVENTS TO
enjoy my interview with her as well as Holocaust Education affected your MARK ON YOUR CALENDARS:
pictures of her students’ Yom HaShoah worldview?
projects. Do not forget to mark our In- Cheryl: Since I started teaching the Sunday, March 17 @ 2pm,
Circle Cinema, Who Will Write Our
terfaith Holocaust Commemoration, Holocaust, I feel like I have become History. Historian Emanuel Ringleblum and a
Survival in the Shadows: Hidden Chil- more aware of antisemitism and other clandestine group of scholars and community
dren of the Holocaust, on your calendars, forms of intolerance that are still in leaders in the Warsaw Ghetto vowed to defeat
Nazi lies—not with guns and bullets, but
May 6th at 7pm at Temple Israel. We are our world today. I also have a deeper pen and paper. For the first time their story
honored to welcome Abraham Foxman as understanding of the abuse of power is told through their own writings featuring
our guest speaker. Abraham H. Foxman and propaganda. On a positive note, the voices of Joan Allen and Adrian Brody.
Director & Producer Roberta Grossman will
is world-renowned as a leader in the fight after reading many personal accounts Skype in for a Q&A following the screening in
against anti-Semitism, bigotry and dis- and memoirs, I have been overcome by partnership with Jewish Federation of Tulsa
crimination. Mr. Foxman regularly speaks the strength, resilience, and courage to and facilitated by Jesse Ulrich.
out on issues of global anti- Semitism, the resist that many individuals exhibited Our Annual Interfaith Holocaust
war on terror, church/state issues, reli- during the Holocaust. Commemoration, Survival in the
gious intolerance and issues relating to Jesse: What do you find to be the most Shadows: Hidden Children of the
Holocaust, May 6th at 7pm at Temple
the Holocaust and Israel. He will be talk- challenging aspect of teaching about the Israel. We are honored to welcome
ing to our community about his time as Holocaust? Abraham H. Foxman as our guest speaker.
a hidden child. Cheryl: Teaching the Holocaust is Mr. Foxman is world-renowned as a leader
in the fight against anti-Semitism, bigotry
an emotional and complex subject. My and discrimination. He regularly speaks
Jesse Ulrich: Why teach about the students are in seventh grade. I have out on issues of global anti-Semitism, the
Holocaust? to be careful to choose appropriate war on terror, church/state issues, religious
intolerance and issues relating to the
Cheryl Kerbo: Our children subject matter. Another issue is time. It Holocaust and Israel. He will be talking to our
are growing up in a world rife with is a constant issue for any teacher, but community about his time as a hidden child.
10 J EW I SHTU L S A.ORGEVA
MAZELS UNTERMAN Butterflies
Honoring Donors to
TO BE the Zarrow Pointe
HONORED
FROM
Lisa Braverman
Frieda Grossbard
Myrna Lubin
Sallye Mann
Esther & Leonard Morton
Helene Singer
Pam Waddell & Glenn Hale
Nancy & Andrew Wolov
BIRTHDAYS
Irene Burnstein
Conley Lena Bolusky
Community activist and Holocaust IN MEMORY
educator, Eva Unterman, will be honored
Conley Lena Bolusky, daughter of by The Synagogue-Congregation B’nai Marvin Hart
Richard and Emily Bolusky will become Emunah at its annual Touro Celebration Charles Kantor
a bat mitzvah on March 30, 2019 (23rd on Sunday, May 19, 2019. Eva has built a Dr. E.N. Lubin
of Adar II, 5779), at Congregation B’nai remarkable community of interest around
Emunah. the experience of European Jews during
Conley is a seventh grade student the Second World War, and her charisma
at Carver Middle School. She enjoys continues to create deep devotion by
playing volleyball for Club One and students and teachers. Eva is a voice of
the Carver Middle School team, where conscience on many important issues at
they recently won the TPS City Cham- CBE, including immigration and climate
pionship. As a member of the National change. All of Eva’s friends in our commu-
Charity League, Conley contributes much nity are invited to attend. Please watch for
of her time to service projects across the further details in the months ahead.
city. She inspired and founded Myriam
Poppins Costume Closet which collects
and distributes Halloween costumes to
children in need. Conley’s greatest love
is travel and adventure. In fifth grade,
she participated in an exchange program
in which she lived with a host family
and attended school for two months in
Madrid, Spain. This summer she will be
attending her second year of Camp Ramah
in the Rockies.
Conley is the granddaughter of Eric
Bolusky and the late Janis Bolusky, and
Reed and Carol Melton of Tulsa. Conley
is the loving older sister to Campbell.
Preparations for her bat mitzvah have
been led by Nina Fitzerman-Blue.
JEW ISH T U L SA. ORG 11M A R C H CO M M U N I T Y E V E N T S
Jewish Federation of Tulsa Sherwin Miller Museum of
Temple Israel
Men’s Club • Wed., Mar. 13 • Noon • A Jewish Art
delicious lunch will be followed by Michelle Sisterhood Shabbat Evening Service •
Place, Executive Director of the Tulsa Historical Event: Will Eisner Comic Fest • Sat., Fri., Mar. 1 • 7:30 p.m. • It’s time again for
Society. Michelle’s topic will be “The Tulsa Mar. 2 • Noon–5 p.m. • Sylvan Auditorium • Sisterhood Shabbat! Don’t miss this lively service
Historical Society- Past, Present and Future.” Cost This comic book and pop culture event, is featuring the Sisterhood Choir lead by Cantor
of the luncheon is $8. Please RSVP to Mindy at hosted for the third year by Tulsa’s Sherwin Weinstein. Stay for the delicious Oneg following
918.935.3662 or mprescott@jewishtulsa.org by Miller Museum of Jewish Art. The festival will the service.
noon on Mar. 11. feature comic book and toy vendors, artists,
a cosplay contest, panels, and a Will Eisner Shabbat Morning Service • Sat., Mar. 2 •
Who Will Write Our History • Sun., exhibit. Admission to this family-friendly festival 10:30 a.m. • Participatory prayer and Torah study
Mar. 17 • 2 p.m. • Historian Emanuel Ringleblum and the museum is completely free. For more followed by a potluck lunch. Be part of our warm
and a clandestine group of scholars and information, please contact Mickel Yantz, Director Minyan. If you are able, please bring a dish to
community leaders in the Warsaw Ghetto vowed of Collections and Exhibitions, 918-492-1818 or share.
to defeat Nazi lies - not with guns and bullets, curator@jewishmuseum.net.
but pen and paper. For the first time their story Tot Shabbat • Fri., Mar. 8 • 6 p.m. • A fun
is told through their own writings featuring the Exhibit: 13th Annual Purim Mask musical service designed for our young families.
voices of Joan Allen and Adrian Brody. Director Invitational • Mar. 14 – May 12 • Awards Filled with silly songs, Shabbat celebration and
& Producer Roberta Grossman will Skype in for a Reception Thurs., Mar. 14 • 5:30 p.m. • a story. Bring a friend! We end the evening with
Q&A following the screening in partnership with Elementary, middle and high school students are a pizza dinner, $5 per person, five years old and
Jewish Federation of Tulsa and facilitated by Jesse invited to participate in the 13th Annual Purim above. Be sure to RSVP by phone, email or on
Ulrich. Mask Invitational by creating wearable masks our website. For more information please contact
recognizing Purim. Stephanie Marshall. RSVP by Tues., Mar. 5 to
Ladies Who Lunch • Mon., Mar. 18 • Noon • rsvp@templetulsa.com, call 918.747.1309, or go to
Come enjoy pleasant conversation and great Exhibit: Leonard Bernstein at 100 • Now– our website.
food at The New Royal Dragon (6528 E. 101 St.). Apr. 29 • This exhibit celebrates the life and
Each person pays her own check. Please RSVP to work of Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990), the great Purim Carnival & Megillah Reading •
Mindy @ 918.935.3662 or mprescott@jewishtulsa. American composer and conductor who dedicated Fri., Mar. 15 • 4 p.m. • Shabbat Evening Service
org no later than Fri., Mar. 15. his life to making classical music a vibrant part of with TI Band and Purim Dinner • 6:00 p.m. •
American culture. Organized by the GRAMMY Join Temple Israel as we celebrate Purim with
SUPER SUNDAY 2019—IT ALL STARTS Museum® and curated by its Founding Executive our annual Purim Carnival and Megillah reading.
WITH YOU! • Sun., Mar. 24 • 11 a.m.–3 Director and renowned music historian, Robert After the carnival there will be a festive Shabbat
p.m. • CSJCC • Join Chairs Jodi Finer and Mat Santelli, Leonard Bernstein at 100 is the official service, including the TI Band, followed by a
Zalk for a Super Sunday like no other! DJ, kids’ exhibition of the Bernstein centennial celebration. special Purim dinner. RSVP for the dinner by
corner, food, and more—come enjoy the party The exhibition is the most comprehensive Tues., Mar. 12 to rsvp@templetulsa.com, call
and volunteer to make calls that support the Tulsa retrospective of Bernstein’s life and career ever 918.747.1309, or go to our website.
Jewish United Fund. To sign up, contact Heather staged in a museum setting. To accommodate
Setton at 918.495.1100 or hsetton@jewishtulsa.org. the scale and scope of Leonard Bernstein at Teacher Appreciation Shabbat Evening
100, the exhibition will be divided among two Service • Fri., Mar. 29 • 6 p.m. • Join us as we
Men’s Club • Wed., Mar. 27 • Noon • A of Tulsa’s leading cultural institutions – The show our appreciation for teachers. This special
delicious lunch will be followed by Ken Busby, Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art and the service is followed by a catered dinner in honor
Executive Director & CEO of the Route 66 Woody Guthrie Center. This first-of-its-kind of teachers. RSVP required by Tues., Mar. 26, to
Alliance. Cost of the luncheon is $8. Please collaboration between the two centers presents a rsvp@templetulsa.com, call 918.747.1309, or go to
RSVP to Mindy at 918.935.3662 or mprescott@ unique opportunity to explore the personal and our website.
jewishtulsa.org by noon on Mar. 25. professional life of one of America’s greatest 20th
century artists.
Project Prom • Please help us “dress” Congregation B’nai Emunah
Rogers High School students who might Exhibit—Prairie Landsmen: The Jews
otherwise be unable to attend prom. We are of Oklahoma • Now–Dec. • This exhibition First Friday Shabbat • Fri., Mar. 1 • 6:30
looking for “gently” used items including: Prom consists of photographs taken in 1996 of Jewish p.m. • After a brief winter hiatus, we’re back
Dresses, Tuxedos or Suits and accessories. All people and places in Oklahoma, photographs that downtown celebrating Shabbat and enjoying one
items can be dropped off in the lobby of the JCC tell the story of the state’s Jewish community. The of Tulsa’s great cultural experiences. Join us for a
through March 25. Questions: Call Mindy @ artist, acclaimed American photographer David monthly musical Shabbat service in the heart of
918.935.3662 or mprescott@jewishtulsa.org. Halpern, concentrated on capturing the Jewish the action. Stop in and sing while taking in the
presence, in some cases the remains of a Jewish downtown galleries or make our service your
Institute of Adult Jewish Studies Winter presence, in small-town Oklahoma. final destination, Shabbat and First Friday make a
2019 • Continues thru Mar. 4. wonderful combination. It all gets started at 6:30
Exhibit—Jews Rock • Now–Dec. • Featuring p.m. in the Flyloft which is just above the Woody
SAVE THE DATE • Mon., Apr. 8 • 7 p.m. • photographs of music’s Jewish icons through the Guthrie Center. Look for the sign on the west side
Jewish Federation of Tulsa • Modern Masters: lens of photojournalist Janet Macoska. Musicians of the building.
Nathan Englander • Hosted by Magic City Books, include Gene Simmons, Neil Diamond, Bob
Jewish Federation of Tulsa, and Booksmart Tulsa. Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, Bette Midler, and To|Gather • Sun., Mar. 3 • 10 a.m. • It’s a
Pulitzer finalist Nathan Englander joins us for his many more. We are also debuting a select group of Sunday morning program for young children and
best work yet–a brilliant, streamlined comic novel, Oklahoma artists with original pieces of artwork their families. Students ages 4 and below, along
reminiscent of early Philip Roth and of his own featuring Jewish rock artists painted on guitars. with their parents, are invited to participate in a
most masterful stories, about a son’s failure to say morning of singing, story, and art. The fun begins
Kaddish for his father. at 10:30 a.m. and will conclude in time for our
families to join the ShulSchool end-of-school
singalong. If you have any questions or want
to RSVP, please be in touch with Sara Levitt at
slevitt@bnaiemunah.com.
12 J EW I SHTU L S A.ORGChallah Baking • Wed., Mar. 6 • 6 p.m. • It’s the greatest bread ever.
Each month we gather on a Wednesday to mix dough so that you’ll have
enough for two challahs the following Friday afternoon. Novice baker?
Not to worry, we’ll walk you through it step-by-step. Please call Valerie at
This Month’s Advertisers
the Synagogue at 918.583.7121 to reserve your space at the kneading table. This publication is brought to you each
Space is limited, so please call early. No cost to anyone.
month thanks to the support of our
Seventeenth Street Deli • Sun., Mar. 10 • 6 p.m. • Authentic Jewish advertisers. Please be sure to use their
delicatessen in Tulsa, Oklahoma. House-cured pastrami and corned beef,
fresh baked rye bread, half sour pickles, the only thing missing is the products and services and mention that you
formica countertop. You’re hungry for this and we’re ready to feed you. For found them in the Tulsa Jewish Review.
just $18 a person, fulfill the nostalgic longing of the Jewish people over a
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org today to reserve your spot. Circle Cinema. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 918.59 2.3 45 6
Shabbat for Everyone • Fri., Mar. 15 • 6:15 p.m. Dinner • 7 p.m. The Delta Café. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 918.932.8 8 4 0
Celebration • With open doors and open arms, welcoming Shabbat with
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celebrate the anniversary of Steve Aberson and Brent Ortolani with a
special blessing. An optional communal meal accompanies this service Holland Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 918.4 81 .1 1 1 1
so that your Shabbat can be truly restful and restorative. No reservation
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Khalid Jabara Tikun Olam Library takes its signature program on the road
to AHHA Tulsa. This month will be a Women’s Living history experience Levinson Sullivan Dentistry. . . . . . . . . . . . 91 8.49 6.1 35 8
featuring some of Tulsa’s most prominent social justice leaders. For
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Jacobson did the buying and Truman
The Friendship That kept the books while both sold clothing
in the store. Unfortunately, the business
Changed the World
failed and closed in September 1922 as a
result of the post-war economic recession
and the resulting debts burdened both for
many years.
by Phil Goldfarb The Jacobsons had two daughters,
Elinor, born November 27, 1920, and
Gloria, who was born on February 25,
1930. When Harry Truman used to visit
Eddie’s house, he would find time to play
Eddie Jacobson a duet on the piano with young Gloria.
and Harry S. Truman Gloria Jacobson eventually married
in Haberdashere Tulsan Dan Schusterman on September
17, 1949, in Jackson, MO and they moved
to Tulsa.
Jacobson’s friendship with Truman
survived their business failure and
continued through the 1930s and 1940s,
as Truman advanced from county admin-
istrator to U.S. Senator to Vice President
and, ultimately, President of the United
States. Jacobson worked as a traveling
salesman of men’s clothing from 1922
until 1945, when he was able to open his
own store in Kansas City, Eddie Jacob-
son’s Westport Menswear. Jacobson used
to send Truman shirts, pajamas, and hats
from his store while he was President and
afterwards.
I
t ’ s well known that over 70 years Jacobson met Truman in 1905 in down- When Jacobson first heard about what
ago, on May 14, 1948, at 4 p.m. local town Kansas City, MO, where Jacobson was happening to the Jews in Germany
time, David Ben-Gurion read the worked as a stock boy in a clothing store before and during World War II, he took
Declaration of Independence that and Truman worked as a bookkeeper at a to discussing it with Truman. After he
brought the modern Jewish State into nearby bank. While their paths diverged, heard the post-war reports regarding
existence. It’s also well known that just they renewed their acquaintance on the Holocaust and its survivors, his talks
11 minutes later, United States President August 5, 1917, when they were both with Truman about how to help the Jewish
Harry S. Truman recognized the new State sworn in to the military and were assigned people became more intense.
of Israel. What’s not so well known is that to the 129th Field Artillery of the 35th Immediately after he became president,
Truman’s prompt recognition might not Division and left for Camp Doniphan at Truman was under tremendous pressure
have happened without Eddie Jacobson, Ft. Sill, Oklahoma on September 26, 1917. from all sides regarding the situation in
a little-known Reform Jew from Kansas Lieutenant Truman was appointed regi- the Middle East. Personally, he was most
City, Missouri, who was Truman’s Army mental canteen officer and asked Private concerned about the Jewish refugee
buddy, best man, poker player friend, and Jacobson, who had merchandising expe- problem the Holocaust had created. The
former haberdashery partner who even rience, to help him. They successfully State Department, under Secretary George
had a Tulsa connection! managed the canteen together making a Marshall, was against the establishment of
Edward “Eddie” Jacobson was born on profit of $15,000 in six months before they the State of Israel and any partition plan.
June 17, 1891 in New York’s Lower East were shipped off to France. In fact, it was As one of Truman’s closest Jewish friends,
Side. His parents, David Jacobson (1851– the only store in the entire army during Jacobson lobbied the President on behalf
1935) from Lithuania, and Sarah Aronson WWI that made any money! They vowed of a cause that was very important to him:
Jacobson (1862–1941) from Poland, were that if they made it home alive they would the establishment of a Jewish homeland in
Jewish immigrants. David started out as a open a men’s store together. Palestine as a refuge for survivors of the
shoemaker in New York and then became On December 8, 1919, Eddie Jacobson Nazi Holocaust in Europe.
a clothing merchant when he moved to married Bluma Rosenbaum, just a week At one point, when Truman said, “I
the Midwest. The family moved to Kansas after he and Harry Truman opened the don’t want to hear about Palestine
in 1893, settling in Leavenworth, Kansas Truman & Jacobson Haberdashery on anymore,” and refused a meeting with
before finally relocating to Kansas City, November 28, 1919 at 104 West 12th Street Chaim Weizmann, president of the
Missouri in 1905. in Kansas City, a prime location just across Zionist Organization, the Jewish world
14 J EW I SHTU L S A.ORGTruman also made calls to the leaders of
nations asking them to cast their ballots
for Israel in the United Nations resolution.
Immediately after the State was declared,
Harry Truman signed the proclamation,
giving his friend, Jacobson, the pen he
used to sign the document.
The last communication between the
two men is a handwritten letter from
Truman, dated June 30, 1955, in which
the former President describes his plans
was thrown into panic. National leaders person living today. He’s an old man and to visit Israel, hopefully in the company
reached out to Jacobson as the “last hope” very sick, and he has traveled thousands of Jacobson as his escort. Jacobson died
for a Jewish State. Jacobson in his 37-year of miles just to see you and ask for a soon thereafter, and Truman never made
friendship with the President had never homeland for my people. And now you the trip.
tried to leverage it, but having met Weiz- are putting him off. You are a fair person, Eddie Jacobson died on October 25,
mann, Jacobson had taken up the Zionist and this just isn’t like you, Harry.” Truman 1955, in Kansas City, Missouri of a heart
cause. drummed his fingers on his desk and then attack. His service at Temple B’nai Jehudah
On March 13, 1948, Jacobson went turned his back on Jacobson in his swivel was attended by more than 1,000 persons
unannounced to see Truman in the Oval chair looking out the window in silence. including Harry Truman who called him
Office. Although Truman screamed at Finally, Truman swiveled around and “as fine a man that ever walked.” Truman
him for violating the President’s specific faced his old friend. “You win, you bald- also went to the cemetery for the grave-
instruction never to mention the word headed SOB, I’ll see him.” side service and then attended the Minyan
“Palestine,” Jacobson knew how to get to Five days later, Truman met secretly service at the Jacobson home where he
him. He looked Truman in the eyes and with Weizmann in the Oval Office. They wept unashamedly.
said: “Your hero is Andrew Jackson. I talked for over an hour and Truman Phil Goldfarb is president of the Jewish
have a hero too, Chaim Weizmann, who agreed to support the Partition Plan and Genealogical Society of Tulsa and can be
I believe to be the most important Jewish the establishment of the State of Israel. e-mailed at: phil.goldfarb@cox.net.
TODAY Tomorrow
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explorers writers artists musicians
difference-makers readers philanthropists
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leaders researchers
riverfield.org
918.446.3553
Non-Discriminatory Statement: Riverfield Country Day School is a non-profit, independent school with no religious affiliation. Riverfield is a welcoming community that strives to treat everyone fairly.
All decisions regarding admissions, employment, administration, and student and faculty life are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, disability, gender,
sexual orientation, marital or family status, or any other criteria prohibited by law. All rights, privileges, educational, athletic, school-administrated programs, and activities made available by the school are
extended to all students, families, faculty, and staff.Museum of Art Music The Archives is an international research
destination for scholars researching in the
fields of art, music, film, history, political
science, psychology, and literature. Stem-
by Mickel Yantz, Director of —The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish ming from the mission statement of the
Collection and Exhibitions Art and the Woody Guthrie Center. This Woody Guthrie Center, the Archives
The Sherwin Miller Museum first-of-its-kind collaboration between the collects and preserves records, manu-
of Jewish Art two centers presents a unique opportunity scripts, and artifacts of enduring historical
to explore the personal and professional research value related to the life, literary,
life of one of America’s greatest 20th cen- and artistic works of Woody Guthrie. The
T
he museum has focused on tury artists. Woody Guthrie Exhibit is located right
artwork for over five decades, Along with our partnership with the outside the Bernstein at 100 exhibit.
but we currently have music in Woody Guthrie Center, we invited them to To round out the music experience,
the air. In January, we had our come create an exhibit featuring artwork we brought back an exhibit that many
opening for Bernstein at 100 from the and research Guthrie had done on the guests enjoyed and requested. Jews Rock is
Grammy Museum in partnership with the Jewish faith and culture. Guthrie was back in the Sanditen Gallery for the 2019
exhibit schedule. Jews Rock features 18
photographs by Janet Macoska. Macoska
is a Cleveland photojournalist who has
worked for four decades appearing in
Rolling Stone, People, and Vogue and at the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
in Cleveland, Ohio.
Macoska remembered, “I thought,
‘How many (Jewish rock performers)
can there be?’ I started researching it
and couldn’t believe how many there
were.” The more she researched, Macoska
discovered that Jewish influences went
beyond musicians such as Neil Diamond,
Gene Simmons, and Billy Joel, and into
those behind the scenes, such as Beatles
manager Brian Epstein; Sid Bernstein, the
producer who brought the Fab Four to
America; and legendary concert promoter
Bill Graham.
“I kind of knew there were Jewish influ-
ences in rock ‘n’ roll, I just never knew that
there were influences beyond musicians,”
she said, adding that the two Cleveland
DJs who coined the phrase “rock ‘n’ roll”
in 1952 and staged the first rock concert
were both Jewish. “There’s just so many
people involved in the creation and evolu-
tion of rock ‘n’ roll, it was just an inspiring
story, I thought,” she said.
Along with the photographs are ten
commissioned guitars painted by Okla-
homa artists, featuring Jewish rock icons
like Gene Simmons, Lenny Kravitz, P!nk,
Bob Dylan and more. Each guitar was
painted specifically for this exhibit and
all are one-of-a-kind from award-winning
Oklahoma artists.
Come see and hear all that we have at
The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art.
Woody Guthrie Center. To accommodate very interested in all aspects of different The Woody Guthrie Exhibit and Bernstein
the scale and scope of Leonard Bernstein religions and global cultures. Visitors will at 100 will be on display through April
at 100, the exhibition is divided among see original drawings, writings and photo- 29th and Jews Rock will be up throughout
two of Tulsa’s leading cultural institutions graphs from the Woody Guthrie Archives. 2019.
16 J EW I SHTU L S A.ORGProviding Advanced Restorative
& Cosmetic Dental Care
Marti Levinson, DDS
Carla Sullivan, DMD
918.585.1151
Please note that the telephone number listed in the 2014 Tulsa Jewish
Community Directory is incorrect. We apologize for any inconvenience.
The correct number for Fitzgerald Funeral Service is 918-585-1151.
71st & Harvardl Tulsa, OK
(918) 496-1358 l levinsonsullivan.com
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JEW ISH T U L SA. ORG 23ZARROW POINTE NEWS & VIEWS
I N T H E S P O T L I G H T:
EMPLOYEE:
Elizabeth
Chatzigiannids
by Rita Shisler
Have you encountered the young woman
RESIDENT: Norma Eagleton with the charming South African accent who
works as a staff accountant in the second floor
Administration office of Zarrow Pointe? As
N
orma and john Eagleton City University and practiced law in Tulsa newlyweds, Elizabeth Chatzigiannidis and
lived in Dallas and New Or- for 23 years. her husband, John, moved to Tulsa 20 years
leans before returning to Tulsa In 1976, Norma was elected Finance ago so that he could pursue his medical
in 1962. They were married 61 Commissioner—the first woman to serve career. They have two children, both born
years until John’s death in 2017. They have as a voting member in Tulsa’s City govern- in the U.S. and now all four are U.S. citizens.
two children and five grandchildren. ment. She then served ten years as the first Elizabeth worked at various jobs,
Norma attended Stephens College in woman on the Oklahoma Corporation continuing her education, extending
Columbia, Missouri and graduated from Commission. She was inducted into the the Degree of Accounting and Business
The University of Oklahoma. She received Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame in 1997 Administration which she had obtained
her Juris Doctor Degree from Oklahoma and has lived at Zarrow Pointe since 2015. in Johannesburg. She eventually came to
Zarrow Pointe four years ago where she loves
her work, especially enjoying meeting the
residents here. Other interests are cooking,
F E B R UA RY ’ S A N S W E R RIDDLE ME THIS: traveling, reading, attending her children’s
“I’m a word that’s hardly there. Take Some pencils are erasers. All erasers swimming meets, and studying her fifth
away my start, and I’m an herbal flair. are papers. Some papers are pens and language.
What am I? some pens are erasers. So, pencils are Be assured that Elizabeth will appreciate
Answer: Sparsely (No S = Parsley) obviously pens! True or false? a greeting in any one of these languages and
Answer will be in April News & Views respond accordingly.
18 J EW I SHTU L S A.ORGMAT’S CORNER NOW OPEN! PUBLIC EVENTS:
New
Dear Zarrow Pointe Community Members: Guest performance,
I want to take the time to say “thank you” to everyone Janet Rutland
for being so welcoming to me in my new role as our
Healthcare
Healthcare Administrator. Over the last six months, Tuesday, March 12th
I have been absolutely amazed by how close-knit our 6:45 PM
community really is. I have already met so many amazing
and talented people and I still have so many more to
meet! Center Art Burnstein Auditorium
Gallery is
Many facilities often say that they treat their residents
and staff like family, but at Zarrow Pointe we truly take Aging Can Be Tough
this phrase to heart and put it into practice every day! It To Swallow
makes me proud to come to work every day to serve our
W
organization’s mission, vision, and values. e are proud Guest Speaker,
I also wanted to briefly mention that in future news- to announce Rachel Howard, SLP
letter publications, the healthcare center will have more that the new
of a presence. Our goal is to showcase all of the great healthcare Friday, March 15th ~
things that are going on in our healthcare center and offer center art gallery is now open 2:30pm
a small glimpse into some of our more notable activities to the community for viewing.
and events. The gallery opened January 30th Burnstein Auditorium
The activity department will be providing regular with the intention of showcas-
content on some of the neat things we are doing in our ing some of our talented artists It is thought that one
we have on campus, and for the quarter of US adults will
enjoyment of our residents. experience a swallowing
One of the best perks of my job is The gallery is located by the problem at some point.
getting to meet all of the amazing administrative offices in the
healthcare center and open for
Among other health
issues, swallowing difficulties
individuals that make our viewing any time! can lead to malnutrition,
campus truly unique. The gallery will feature a dehydration, and pneumonia
diverse selection of community from food and drinks being
artists spanning different art misdirected into the lungs.
healthcare center. I, on the other hand, will be writing a mediums and forms such as still- Could you be at risk? Yes.
monthly article called “Zarrow Pointe, On Pointe” that life, abstracts, landscapes, nature, Rachel Howard is a
will be either an informative article on changes or addi- portraits, and many more! Speech/Language Pathologist
tions related to our healthcare center or an educational The art gallery will be a here at Zarrow Pointe and is
article on a different healthcare topic that I might feel “living” exhibit, meaning that the recognized as an expert in
could benefit our readership in some capacity. art displayed is on loan and we her field for her knowledge of
One of the best perks of my job is getting to meet will regularly rotate new pieces and treatment for swallowing
all of the amazing individuals that make our campus through the exhibit. If you would difficulties. Her discussion
truly unique. I invite anyone interested to come tour like your piece displayed in the will focus on a common sense
the healthcare center and meet myself and our talented gallery, please contact Mathew approach to early preven-
healthcare team. I also encourage our readers to email Snyder, Healthcare Adminis- tion as well as intervention
me as well if they have a healthcare-related question that trator at 918.496.8333 x 258 or techniques to treat advance
they would like answered personally or an idea for an email at msnyder@zarrowpointe. swallowing issues.
article they would like to see written. My email address org.
is msnyder@zarrowpointe.org. We also want to give a special
I look forward to connecting with our readers each thanks to Lois Rosenstein for
month and again, thank you all for making me feel so contributing several pieces to
welcome! our exhibit that allowed us to get
Regards, it off the ground! Several of her
Mathew T. Snyder pieces are also up for sale as well.
JEW ISH T U L SA. ORG 19The
Benefits of
Connecting
Children and
Seniors
Adapted by Lillian Hellman,
Head of School Mizel Jewish
Community Day School, from
an article written by Jenée
Mendillo, Bayshore Home Care.
I
n the recent past, extended fami-
lies often lived within the same home
or very close to each other; however,
this does not occur as frequently
today. Even though people live healthier,
longer lives, they expect to be self-suffi-
cient. The trend in recent decades is for
older Americans to live alone.
As a result of this desire for indepen-
dence, either by nuclear families or older
adults, only one in eight single elderly
adults now lives with extended family.
The paradox is that although children
today are more likely to have healthy,
active grandparents, they are also less
likely to know their grandparents well
or visit with them frequently. While it is
not always possible for families to be in
close proximity, it is important for both
children and seniors to connect with
those of differing generations.
20 J EW I SHTU L S A.ORGBENEFITS OF INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
According to Erik Erikson, one of the first psychologists to
describe social development across the lifespan, the final stage
of emotional development is experienced around the age of 60
and older. Developing connections with a younger generation can
help older adults feel a greater sense of fulfillment. In fact, linking
older adults with youth can provide advantages for both groups.
For example, such relationships can:
1. Provide an opportunity for both to learn
new skills
2. Give the child and the older adult a sense
of purpose
3. Help to alleviate fears children may have
of the elderly
4. Help children to understand and later
accept their own aging
5. Invigorate and energize older adults
6. Help reduce the likelihood of depression
in the elderly
7. Reduce the isolation of older adults
8. Fill a void for children who do not have
grandparents available to them
9. Help keep family stories and history alive
10. Aide in cognitive stimulation as well as
broaden social circles should a youth
introduce technology into the life of a
senior
At Mizel, both our students and the residents of Zarrow Pointe
are so fortunate to have the opportunity to frequently interact
with one another. Through these monthly encounters, we have
seen the power of intergenerational relationships first hand. Our
students help celebrate Shabbat with the residents through song,
blessings and stories, partner with them in arts and crafts and
patiently and lovingly read books to the seniors. It is a pleasure
to witness the spark of vitality on the faces of the residents and
the pride our students feel when they perform this wonderful
mitzvah. I always wonder who benefits more from this special
experience; the children or the residents.
In February, we celebrated the 100th day of school and our
younger students came to class dressed as 100 year olds. When
they went to Shabbat services at Zarrow Pointe, they were thrilled
to meet a resident who actually was 100! We are blessed to share
our campus with this beautiful retirement home and incorporate
this unique experience in our children’s lives.
For more information about Mizel JCDS, visit us at www.
mizelschool.org or call 918.494.0953 for a tour. Enrollment for
3-year-olds to 5th grade is open year-round.
JEW ISH T U L SA. ORG 21The Storyteller health. Our programs partnered with
other institutions to better understand
the social and psychological context for
issues affecting teens. We created a ripple
by Alix Liiv, Director We have a rich lineage of Jewish folktales effect in the teen wellness waters.
of Adult Programs and mythology that has followed. Stories Prior to leaving my post in Los Angeles,
have been a powerful, motivational, inspi- I worked in the Campaign Department
rational, and educational tool. overseeing the Entertainment and Legal
M
Alixandra Marisa
y name is It is through our narratives we learn Divisions. As a team, we created compel-
Liiv. I was born and raised how to communicate, connect, emote, ling experiences, which highlighted the
in New York City. I went and relate. impact of our work to prospective donors
to Bates College in Maine, As Jews, it is through our narratives we and lay leaders. This opportunity opened
where I received a B.A. in Theatre and learn who we are, how to be better, and a broader landscape; a 30,000 foot view of
Philosophy. I have a Master’s in Public for guidance on our own journey in life. the key players who can help affect change.
As Jews, it is through
our narratives we
learn who we are, how
to be better, and for
guidance on our own
journey in life.
I see the role of the Jewish Federation
of Tulsa as the epicenter of all matters
culturally Jewish; the bridge between the
Synagogue and Temple, and a conduit for
other faith groups and institutions. The
Federation has a distinct responsibility to
its community; to engage, lead, inspire,
and connect. Its history is rich, and its
Tulsa Newcomers Alix and story is unfinished.
Monte with their dog, Uni. In my new role as Director of Adult
Programs, I hope to continue to tell the
Tulsa Federation story by creating rele-
vant and inspiring programs that engage
Policy from Pepperdine University in In- My journey to Tulsa is unique. I was and re-engage the community. We must
ternational Relations. I am engaged to a living in Los Angeles working for the meet people where they are, think outside
handsome gentleman named Montgom- Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. the box, and continue to grow and iterate.
ery Caplan who is a native Philadelphian. Tulsa was not on my radar. Through I want to remind people why the Federa-
I have a dog named Uni, appropriately various avenues of Jewish geography, I had tion is a pillar in the community and
named after my favorite food. I am a the pleasure of joining in the inaugural showcase its unique benefits; creating a
proud Jewish woman. I love food, Shake- Tulsa Tomorrow initiative in November story that positions the Federation’s vision
speare, traveling and telling stories. of 2017. I was immediately taken by the and values.
I started telling stories at the age of five. warmth of the people and the small, but Stories are always about a decision; a
Whether it was on an actual stage, in the mighty Jewish community. I felt Tulsa was choice you make, a pivotal moment when
park, or in the privacy of my own room special and had a compelling story. that decision changes the course of your
in front of an imaginary audience, I loved Through my initial work at the Jewish journey. I made a choice to relocate to
the ability to transform a space; to escape Federation of Greater Los Angeles, we Tulsa. This choice has set me on a new
my life and create a magical place. challenged ourselves to tell compelling path.
People have been telling stories since stories. We ensured our teen programs As Jews we are all on a similar journey.
the beginning of time. For centuries supported and guided our youth respon- My focus is to preserve the deeply rooted
through oral tradition, laws and legends sibly and holistically. Resources and values of our community and forge mean-
were passed down from generation to training were provided so educators could ingful strides. Collective action is essential
generation. Jewish tradition teaches effectively shepherd our teens. We offered for us to evolve together. May our story
G-d dictated the written Torah to Moses, outlets to parents and the community to be positively steadfast, responsible and
which was later recorded in the Talmud. improve emotional, spiritual, and physical significant.
22 J EW I SHTU L S A.ORGYou can also read
