http://www.jstandard.com/content/item/ en _JStandard@js.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-25T07:53:42+00:00 /content/item/21524 http://www.jstandard.com/index.php/site/fourth_synagogue_targeted/#When:23:07:45Z Notice: Undefined offset: -1 in /var/www/vhosts/jstandard.com/httpdocs/system/core/core.functions.php(663) : eval()'d code on line 43 A firebomb attack on a synagogue in Rutherford is being investigated as an attempted homicide and a hate crime, Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli announced on Wednesday. “You’re looking at 40 to 50 years in prison,” said Molinelli, addressing the “person or persons who are doing this act” at a Wednesday afternoon press conference. “Turn yourself in and end this now,” he said. “We will ultimately solve this crime and make arrests.” Around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, several Molotov cocktails were thrown at Congregation Beth El, an Orthodox synagogue on a quiet residential street in Rutherford. One entered the second floor bedroom of the congregation’s rabbi, Nosson Schuman, and ignited his bedspread.Firebombs were thrown at Congregation Beth El in Rutherford early Wednesday morning. larry YudelsonA firebomb attack on a synagogue in Rutherford is being investigated as an attempted homicide and a hate crime, Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli announced on Wednesday. “You’re looking at 40 to 50 years in prison,” said Molinelli, addressing the “person or persons who are doing this act” at a Wednesday afternoon press conference. “Turn yourself in and end this now,” he said. “We will ultimately solve this crime and make arrests.” Around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, several Molotov cocktails were thrown at Congregation Beth El, an Orthodox synagogue on a quiet residential street in Rutherford. One entered the second floor bedroom of the congregation’s rabbi, Nosson Schuman, and ignited his bedspread. Schuman extinguished the fire — suffering minor burns on his hands — and evacuated the building’s inhabitants: he and his wife, their five children aged 5 to 17, and his two parents. Schuman has served the small congregation since August 2009. While located in Bergen County, it is only two miles away from Passaic. Molinelli called on religious and community groups — including churches and synagogues, as well as all area police — to be on heightened alert. “I don’t think this is the type of offense where we should have a heightened awareness just in the Jewish community,” he said. “This is not Damascus or Baghdad,” said Rep. Steve Rothman at the press conference. “This is Bergen County, New Jersey. We will catch them and prosecute to the full extent of the law.” Rothman said he asked federal authorities to help the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office with the investigation and that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is assisting. Molinelli said that the quantity of firebombs thrown at the synagogue suggest that more than one person may have been involved. “We have a great deal of details on this. We have quite a bit more to go on,” in terms of the investigation, he said. Molinelli said there was no evidence directly linking the Rutherford attack to last Tuesday’s arson at Congregation K’hal Adath Jeshurun in Paramus, or to the December spray paint vandalism attacks on synagogues in Maywood and Hackensack. Etzion Neuer of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said that his organization regards the attacks as related. “The Jewish community has been targeted. We would be foolish to suspect otherwise,” he said. The ADL has raised the reward previously offered for information leading to the conviction of the perpetrator or perpetrators of the synagogue attacks to $2,500. Said Neuer, “It’s important that people don’t use these incidents to become fearful. It’s important for the community to stand together in the face of hate,” and continue going to synagogue and Jewish communal events as always. He repeated his calls for synagogues to draft security plans, a topic that was scheduled to be discussed Thursday night at the meeting previously called by the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Synagogoue Life Initiative. “Too often, small synagogues feel they are immune because they’re too small to be on the radar. No one is immune,” he said. Said Molinelli: “Security cameras are a wonderful way to assist law enforcement.” Molinelli said that from the rabbis bedroom, he looked down to the ground and thought about the effort it took to throw the firebomb. “What brings people to do this?” he asked. Local 2012-01-11T23:07:45+00:00 /content/item/18201 http://www.jstandard.com/index.php/site/u.s._senate_unanimously_calls_on_u.n._to_rescind_goldstone/#When:20:33:15Z Notice: Undefined offset: -1 in /var/www/vhosts/jstandard.com/httpdocs/system/core/core.functions.php(663) : eval()'d code on line 43 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate unanimously approved a resolution calling on the United Nations to rescind the Goldstone report. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and James Risch (R-Idaho) initiated the resolution last week after Richard Goldstone, a South African judge, retracted a key conclusion of the U.N. report he helped author on the 2009 Gaza war -- that Israel had targeted civilians as a policy. WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate unanimously approved a resolution calling on the United Nations to rescind the Goldstone report. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and James Risch (R-Idaho) initiated the resolution last week after Richard Goldstone, a South African judge, retracted a key conclusion of the U.N. report he helped author on the 2009 Gaza war—that Israel had targeted civilians as a policy. The resolution, passed Thursday night, “calls on the United Nations Human Rights Council members to reflect the author’s repudiation of the Goldstone report’s central findings, rescind the report, and reconsider further Council actions with respect to the report’s findings.” Similar legislation is now circulating in the U.S. House of Representatives. Unlike the non-binding Senate resolution, those bills would tie U.N. funding to rescinsion of the Goldstone report. Goldstone has also said that much of the remainder of the report still stands, such as Israel’s alleged slowness in prosecuting individuals accused of war crimes. His three fellow committee members said they stand by the report in its entirety. JTA Wire Service Local 2011-04-15T20:33:15+00:00 /content/item/17705 http://www.jstandard.com/index.php/site/israeli_dignitary_welcomed_by_nj_state_senate_march_21/#When:12:00:49Z Notice: Undefined offset: -1 in /var/www/vhosts/jstandard.com/httpdocs/system/core/core.functions.php(663) : eval()'d code on line 43 Senate President Extends Invitation to Ido Aharoni, Consul General of Israel in NY Union, N.J. (March 18, 2011) – In a gesture of friendship and cooperation, Senate President Stephen Sweeney has invited Ido Aharoni, Consul General of Israel in NY to appear before the upper body of the legislature at the Senate Chamber on Monday March 21, 2011 at 2 p.m. Aharoni will make a formal presentation to the State Senate prior to the voting session.Senate President Extends Invitation to Ido Aharoni, Consul General of Israel in NY Union, N.J. (March 18, 2011) – In a gesture of friendship and cooperation, Senate President Stephen Sweeney has invited Ido Aharoni, Consul General of Israel in NY to appear before the upper body of the legislature at the Senate Chamber on Monday March 21, 2011 at 2 p.m. Aharoni will make a formal presentation to the State Senate prior to the voting session. Aharoni, who officially assumed the post of Consul General in February, after serving as Acting Consul General since August, represents the State of Israel to communities from throughout the tri-state areas of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. This is Aharoni’s second post in the New York Consulate. Between 2001 and 2005, he served there as Consul for Media and Public Affairs. During his tenure in Israel’s diplomatic corps, Aharoni has also served as Consul for Communications and Public Affairs at the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles. In 2006 he served as a Senior Advisor to Israel’s Foreign Minister and Vice Prime Minister, in charge of media and public affairs in Jerusalem, among other positions. In his earlier career, Aharoni served under then-Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, as Policy Assistant to Israel’s Chief negotiator with the Palestinians. Following his appearance before the State Senate, at which he is expected to be presented with a proclamation by Senate President Sweeney, Aharoni will also be a guest at the meeting of the New Jersey-Israel Commission, convening for the first time under the newly appointed chairman Mark Levenson of West Orange, New Jersey. In the words of Ruth Cole, President NJ State Association of Jewish Federations, “It is a great honor that Senate President Sweeney has extended this gesture of welcome and partnership between the officials of our great state and of the democratic nation of Israel. We are delighted that the visit will coincide with the new term of the New Jersey Israel Commission, and we thank Governor Chris Christie and Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno for their efforts to revitalize that body which fosters economic development, security cooperation and cultural exchanges between the State of New Jersey and the State of Israel.” NJ State Association of Jewish Federations Jacob Toporek, Executive Director 501 Green Lane, Suite 202 Union, New Jersey 07083 P: (908) 352-7930 Local, World 2011-03-18T12:00:49+00:00 /content/item/16779 http://www.jstandard.com/index.php/site/christie_gives_nod_to_bergen_county_hebrew_charter_school/#When:20:17:12Z Notice: Undefined offset: -1 in /var/www/vhosts/jstandard.com/httpdocs/system/core/core.functions.php(663) : eval()'d code on line 43 Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday approved 23 new charter schools for the state, including the Shalom Academy for students in Englewood and Teaneck. The school would be New Jersey’s second Hebrew immersion charter school. The new Hebrew-language charter school is set to provide a Hebrew immersion program for up to 240 students in grades kindergarten to eight. The school, the brainchild of Englewood resident Raphael Bachrach, had been rejected by the state board of education three times in the past. Bachrach did not immediately return calls for comment.Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday approved 23 new charter schools for the state, including the Shalom Academy for students in Englewood and Teaneck. The school would be New Jersey’s second Hebrew immersion charter school. The new Hebrew-language charter school is set to provide a Hebrew immersion program for up to 240 students in grades kindergarten to eight. The school, the brainchild of Englewood resident Raphael Bachrach, had been rejected by the state board of education three times in the past. Bachrach did not immediately return calls for comment. Local school leaders reportedly opposed the academy, which had been rejected three times by previous administrations, because they say it will drain resources from the public schools. Before turning to the idea of a charter school, Bachrach had first sought to create a dual-language program in one of Englewood’s public schools, similar to existing programs for Spanish in some New Jersey schools, as an alternative to day school for tuition-burdened families. Difficulties with the Englewood school board eventually led to Bachrach abandoning the proposal for the charter school idea. The Shalom Academy will be the second Hebrew-immersion charter school in the state, joining the Hatikvah International Academy that opened last year in East Brunswick with 108 students in kindergarten through second grade. Ninety percent of its students come from East Brunswick. Hebrew charter schools, which offer nonreligious but Hebrew-focused curricula, are being looked at across the country as less expensive alternatives to Jewish day schools. Several of the schools are operating in New York and Florida. A full report on the school will appear in The Jewish Standard next week. The Jewish Standard and JTA Wire Service Local 2011-01-19T20:17:12+00:00 /content/item/23214 http://www.jstandard.com/index.php/site/making_book_on_attracting_the_disconnected1/#When:07:53:21Z Notice: Undefined offset: -1 in /var/www/vhosts/jstandard.com/httpdocs/system/core/core.functions.php(663) : eval()'d code on line 43 Linda Ripps, local coordinator of the PJ library, is bullish on the book project. “We currently have 2,100 kids getting books every month,” she said. “That’s from 1,800 families. More than 3,500 children have received books so far.” Run by the Kehillah Partnership, based at the Bergen County YJCC in Washington Township, the library initiative began as a three-year pilot program with funding from the Russell Berrie Foundation, the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, the Bergen County YJCC, and support from a Park Ridge couple, Howard and Eva Jakob.Linda Ripps, local coordinator of the PJ library, is bullish on the book project. “We currently have 2,100 kids getting books every month,” she said. “That’s from 1,800 families. More than 3,500 children have received books so far.” Run by the Kehillah Partnership, based at the Bergen County YJCC in Washington Township, the library initiative began as a three-year pilot program with funding from the Russell Berrie Foundation, the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, the Bergen County YJCC, and support from a Park Ridge couple, Howard and Eva Jakob. “We’re now doing fundraising to continue,” said Ripps, adding that while the national program sends books to children from age six months to eight years, the local practice is to stop at age 6 l/2. “Every community makes its own decision,” said Ripps. “The larger community went for breadth rather than depth.” Local decision-makers, however, have opted to cover a smaller group for a longer period. Calculating the contribution of the Grinspoon Foundation to the local community, Ripps estimated that it has “given this community more than $300,000 over the past three years.” The funds, she said, pay for a portion of each subscription, as well as for staff and marketing support. The local children who receive books come from the entire federation catchment area, she noted, adding that this encompasses some 85 communities. “It’s astounding when you look at the communities,” she said, reeling off towns from Hewitt, near Ringwood, to Rutherford and North Haledon. Ripp said local book recipients “are pretty evenly distributed,” although clearly towns with a higher concentration of Jewish families receive more books. In addition, recipients “run the gamut in terms of religious observance.” “We estimate that more than 50 percent of the families were unknown to the Jewish community before they signed up,” she said, pointing out that organizers find additional names by asking current recipients to suggest others who might appreciate receiving the books. Ripps explained that books sent out by the Grinspoon Foundation to prospective families come with a letter explaining the program and asking families who can’t participate to pass the information on “to a cousin, neighbor, or co-worker who would like to receive books with Jewish content.” Often, she said, she receives accolades from families who have received the books, sometimes after notifying them that children have “aged out.” She keeps in touch with recipients — even those whose children no longer get books — through quarterly mailings, as well as a monthly newsletter, informing them not only of book-related programs she is planning, but about programs sponsored by synagogues and other Jewish organizations. Ripps said the PJ Library has received an Adler innovation grant to create a “virtual concierge,” or community website for families ranging from those expecting a child to those with children through age nine. Synagogues will be able to upload their own events, while site managers can provide information of all kinds — from material on holidays, recipes, and crafts, to advice on how to find a mohel, choose a school, or select a Hebrew name. The program is expected to launch before the High Holy Days. The project coordinator said the programs she runs have consistently attracted more than 20 children — whether Tot Shabbat Hopping; bringing the youngsters on a Chanukah visit to the Jewish Home for Assisted Living; organizing a (kosher) cooking program at Chef Central; or building a gingerbread sukkah. While her budget includes some money for programming, the library initiative will be looking to synagogues to partner with at different funding levels. Under this system, programs will be co-sponsored, with the PJ Library offering the program and professional expertise, and the synagogues providing their buildings. Ripps, who has worked as both a librarian and a Jewish educator, said her job with the PJ Library “plays to a lot of my strengths. It’s fun for me to do.” She is trying to create a volunteer parents committee and, with a small grant from Women’s Philanthropy, hopes to launch NJMoms groups in various communities, “reaching out to mothers of kids who have not yet started preschool. It will be a place to gather and meet with a facilitator” to discuss issues of common concern. While each one will be somewhat independent, “Hopefully, we’ll be mentoring them about connecting with the Jewish community.” Abby Leipsner, PJ Library Outreach Coordinator, will oversee the two new projects. The library initiative is also looking for ways to interact with Sifriyat Pijama, Israel’s Hebrew-language version of the program. “We’re looking to connect one of our classes with one in Nahariya,” the JFNNJ’s partner city, said Ripps. “There are seven or eight books in both languages. The kids will read one in their native language and there will be an art project loaded on to both websites. It will make a connection between parents, with kids in Israel reading the same books or discussing the same mitzvah. Other communities are doing something similar.” Fine feedbackRipps said she loves to get family feedback. One father wrote that he only wishes he had these books when growing up. A grandmother — looking at neighborhood houses decorated for Christmas — reflected on the importance of exposing Jewish children to Jewish culture. Still another parent wrote that the books are, in fact, sparking discussions. “Just letting you know it is working,” she wrote. “We spent a while talking about what a kibbutz is and how it works, and since we are planning an upcoming trip to Israel, we will have to add a kibbutz to our itinerary.” One mother, an early childhood teacher, said she has studied Jewish children’s literature and is particularly impressed by PJ Library selections. Another noted that her husband — who is not Jewish — takes great pleasure in reading the books to their children each night. Wrote one Rutherford mother: “All three of my children are in afterschool Hebrew programs, and this has really brought support to the issue. Since we have to drive far to get to Hebrew school, it wasn’t originally something they wanted to do. The books have brought the education into their everyday lives.” Local 2012-05-18T07:53:21+00:00 /content/item/23119 http://www.jstandard.com/index.php/site/jewish_school_teacher_evan_zauder_arrested_on_possession_of_child_pornograp/#When:13:00:51Z Notice: Undefined offset: -1 in /var/www/vhosts/jstandard.com/httpdocs/system/core/core.functions.php(663) : eval()'d code on line 43 A Jewish educator elementary school teacher in the New York area has been arrested on charges of possessing child. pornography. Evan Zauder, a sixth grade teacher at the Modern Orthodox school Yeshivat Noam in Paramus, N.J., was arrested after the FBI reportedly raided his Manhattan department and discovered on his computer hundreds of images and videos of boys engaged in sex acts. His bail hearing is set for Friday. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail and a maximum fine of $250,000.A Jewish educator elementary school teacher in the New York area has been arrested on charges of possessing child. pornography. Evan Zauder, a sixth grade teacher at the Modern Orthodox school Yeshivat Noam in Paramus, N.J., was arrested after the FBI reportedly raided his Manhattan department and discovered on his computer hundreds of images and videos of boys engaged in sex acts. His bail hearing is set for Friday. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail and a maximum fine of $250,000. The Forward reported that Rabbi Chaim Hagler, principal of Yeshivat Noam, was unavailable for comment, but issued a statement to parents May 2 stating that the school had “no reason to believe that any of our students are in any way involved or directly affected.” Zauder is also a rabbinical student at Yeshiva University. The Forward quoted Y.U.’s spokesman, Mayer Fertig, as saying that he was “saddened and dismayed” by the charges. Following the news of Zauder’s arrest, Rabbi Shaul Feldman, director of the U.S. and Canadian wing of the Orthodox youth movement Bnei Akiva, issued a mass email message to parents informing them about the arrest and Zauder’s stint the past two summers as a head counselor on the organizartion’s Israel summer tour. “We learned of this arrest in the news and have not been contacted by the authorities,” Feldman said. “This arrest is not related to his employment at Bnei Akiva and we have no reason to believe any inappropriate behavior occurred while he was employed in any of our programs or camp Local 2012-05-07T13:00:51+00:00 /content/item/23052 http://www.jstandard.com/index.php/site/he_saw_a_need/#When:07:56:51Z Notice: Undefined offset: -1 in /var/www/vhosts/jstandard.com/httpdocs/system/core/core.functions.php(663) : eval()'d code on line 43 If leadership means to see a problem where no one else does, and then take the initiative to solve it, Ben Sagerman is definitely a leader. The 17-year-old high school junior loved the experience of outdoor prayer he experienced at the Union for Reform Judaism’s Camp Eisner — and wanted to make that experience possible for his fellow congregants at Temple Avodat Shalom in River Edge. So he built an outdoor sanctuary, a small ampitheater, in an empty space on Avodat Shalom’s property.Ben SagermanIf leadership means to see a problem where no one else does, and then take the initiative to solve it, Ben Sagerman is definitely a leader. The 17-year-old high school junior loved the experience of outdoor prayer he experienced at the Union for Reform Judaism’s Camp Eisner — and wanted to make that experience possible for his fellow congregants at Temple Avodat Shalom in River Edge. So he built an outdoor sanctuary, a small ampitheater, in an empty space on Avodat Shalom’s property. He solicited $3,000 in donations. This paid for a landscaper, who brought in a Bobcat to dig out a pathway; half a dozen wooden benches; and mulch. Following three and a half months of planning and fund-raising, seven hours of work completed the project. Building the outdoor sanctuary served as the required community service component of receiving an Eagle Badge from the Boy Scouts of America. The award was given at a ceremony in the sanctuary on Sunday, and culminated a scouting career that began when he joined the Cub Scouts in first grade. He is not only a scout; he also has been elected president of the New Jersey region of the National Federation of Temple Youth. His involvement with NFTY followed his first summer at Camp Eisner five years ago. Sagerman says he “couldn’t imagine” not having both NFTY and the Boy Scouts as part of his high school career. “Each has taught me so much. NFTY has taught me to really think for myself, and who I am as a person. Boy Scouts has taught me leadership experience and how to work with other boys and so many skills in life,” he says. Local 2012-05-04T07:56:51+00:00 /content/item/23053 http://www.jstandard.com/index.php/site/munich_11_petition_goes_live/#When:07:55:51Z Notice: Undefined offset: -1 in /var/www/vhosts/jstandard.com/httpdocs/system/core/core.functions.php(663) : eval()'d code on line 43 A grassroots petition urging the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for a minute of silence at this year’s London games in memory of the Israeli athletes murdered at the Munich Olympics in 1972 already has attracted more than 20,000 signatures. The response so far has surprised even those most passionate about it. “This is on a big scale and a different way than we could pull it off,” said Ankie Spitzer, widow of Andrei Spitzer, the fencing coach who was held hostage and murdered on Sept. 5, 1972, along with 10 members of the Israeli Olympic delegation to the Munich games. “It’s heartwarming. I just read the petition [the online comments], and it’s marvelous,” Spitzer said in a telephone interview from Israel, where she lives. “I usually have words, but in this case, it’s very special.”A grassroots petition urging the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for a minute of silence at this year’s London games in memory of the Israeli athletes murdered at the Munich Olympics in 1972 already has attracted more than 20,000 signatures. The response so far has surprised even those most passionate about it. “This is on a big scale and a different way than we could pull it off,” said Ankie Spitzer, widow of Andrei Spitzer, the fencing coach who was held hostage and murdered on Sept. 5, 1972, along with 10 members of the Israeli Olympic delegation to the Munich games. “It’s heartwarming. I just read the petition [the online comments], and it’s marvelous,” Spitzer said in a telephone interview from Israel, where she lives. “I usually have words, but in this case, it’s very special.” Spitzer, along with Ilana Romano, widow of weightlifter Yosef Romano, recently asked Jacques Rogge, the president of the IOC, for a minute of silence during the opening ceremony of the 2012 Games on July 27. The families have made similar requests since the 1976 games in Montreal, but to no avail. The IOC has rebuffed them, saying that to do so would be a political act and that the Arab countries would boycott the games. This time, however, Spitzer partnered with the Jewish Community Center in Rockland County, across the border in New York. Together, they posted the IOC petition at www.change.org, an online organization that aids grassroots advocacy groups in obtaining a wider reach. The address for the petition is http://chn.ge/munich11. JCC Rockland’s advocacy on behalf of the Munich 11 goes back to 2010, when its board of directors decided to dedicate the hosting of the JCC Maccabi Games in Rockland this summer to their memory. A series of 11 events leading up to the games, which begin on August 12, also are dedicated to the 11 slain Israeli Olympians. Nine of those events already have taken place. The Maccabi opening ceremonies that August Sunday will also include a special commemoration. “I cannot imagine why someone wouldn’t support this,” said David Kirschtel, chief executive officer of JCC Rockland, who is the driving force in making the athletes a centerpiece of the JCC’s games. “These men went to the Olympics in a spirit of fair play and competition, and died horribly. After 40 years, it’s about time they were recognized.” It was not until organizers harnessed the power of the Internet, however, that their efforts caught anything but local attention. They were aided when the JCC Association (JCCA) promoted the effort out to all of its 350 members, including JCCs, YM-YWHAs, and camps, as well as to other Jewish organizations, such as Jewish Federations of North America; the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations; and the Hillel campus network. In addition, students at the Catholic University of America adopted the cause. Gary Lipman, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the JCCA, was 12 years old in 1972 and remembers being glued to the television set as the horrific events in Munich unfolded. “That day changed us,” he said. Sport mingled with such craven politics was really something new, as was the round-the-clock broadcasting of the terrifying drama, he said. Making what happened that day a part of each JCC Maccabi Games gives the sporting event some of its educational power. “These kids have never heard of it, and they go into it, and think, ‘Oh God, I have to see this video,’ and you can hear a pin drop. It’s that impactful.” JCC Rockland set an initial goal of 10,000 signatures and breezed through that in just over a week. A new goal of 80,011 signatures has since been set, and the number of signatures stood at 22,000 as of midday Wednesday. Signatures have come from across the United States, from places as close by as Bardonia, N.Y., and as far away as Boise, Iowa. People have signed up from across the globe, from places expected and not, including Israel, England, France, and Holland, Germany, Australia, and even Turkey. Signers have included E.L. Doctorow, author of the novels “Ragtime” and “The Book of Daniel,” and Mayim Bialik, star of the 1990s television series, “Blossom,” and the current CBS hit, “Big Bang Theory.” Although the events in Munich played out three years before Bialik was born, she was vaguely aware of the events. When Steven Spielberg’s film “Munich” came out in 2005, however, “it instantly spoke to me of this incredible injustice,” said Bialik. “I think anyone who learns about the story, what happened and how it happened and why it happened — I cannot imagine not being personally compelled [to sign.]” Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon signed it and has posted it on the Ministry’s Facebook page. Just prior, he sent a letter to the IOC’s Rogge, asking again that this year’s opening ceremony in London include a minute of silence. For Israelis, each subsequent set of Olympics is clouded by those “dark few days when our athletes were kidnapped and then murdered,” Ayalon wrote in an email to The Jewish Standard. Awareness of the petition is building in Israel, where the Munich terrorist attack is considered a critical milestone in Israel’s struggle with terror. Ayalon was a young man who had recently served in the army at the time and the Munich tragedy made a deep impression. “One thing is for certain, they were targeted for murder because they were Israeli and Jewish,” Ayalon wrote. “No other athletes have been subjected to such tragedy at the Olympic Games. We hope the IOC will not bring politics into this and remember them as athletes, and part of the Olympic family regardless of where they came from.” There have been unofficial commemorations for the murdered athletes in various Olympic host cities subsequent to the 1972 games, and Olympic officials have attended. However, there has never been an official marking of the event at any of the games during the last 40 years. There will be a commemoration in London at the Guildhall this summer; and the Jewish community will unveil a plaque dedicated to the Munich 11 on the Sunday prior to the July 12 opening of the XXX Olympiad. For Spitzer, who has made this her business since the Montreal games in 1976, seeing an official commemoration is somewhat of a solitary experience. She has welcomed JCC Rockland’s attention and care, she says. “We have been doing this by ourselves; this is the story of my life for the last 40 years,” said Spitzer. “To find a community that has put themselves behind our goals is incredible. For me and the other families, they are amazed. They cannot believe that there are other people doing everything in their power to get this done.” Spitzer hopes that through the power of social media and the internet, the IOC will at least pay some attention this time around. Because the Olympics are held every four years, the 2012 games fall on a significant anniversary, and the media has been paying more attention than usual, Spitzer said. Already she has done interviews with the Times of London, the London Jewish Chronicle, and with the international wire service Reuters that has appeared in many online and printed newspapers. CNN, the BBC, and other television news outlets also have shown interest, she said. “There is no way they are going to do the Olympics this time without mentioning Munich,” she said. “I think it might make it this time; if there is a petition with a lot of response, maybe it will get through their skulls what we are trying to do.” Local, World 2012-05-04T07:55:51+00:00 /content/item/23055 http://www.jstandard.com/index.php/site/once_upon_a_day_school_versely/#When:07:53:51Z Notice: Undefined offset: -1 in /var/www/vhosts/jstandard.com/httpdocs/system/core/core.functions.php(663) : eval()'d code on line 43 Ever heard of a ghazal? Probably most of the local yeshivah high school participants in two “Poetry Slam” events did not know what it was until a short time ago, either. Now, however, the Urdu word — which describes a short lyric poem composed of a series of five to 15 couplets — is part of their vocabulary, as is “sonnet” and “free verse.” For Frisch School English teacher Meryl Feldblum, the Poetry Slam serves two purposes: bringing together students from different schools for a literary event; and creating the next generation of writers.Ever heard of a ghazal? Probably most of the local yeshivah high school participants in two “Poetry Slam” events did not know what it was until a short time ago, either. Now, however, the Urdu word — which describes a short lyric poem composed of a series of five to 15 couplets — is part of their vocabulary, as is “sonnet” and “free verse.” For Frisch School English teacher Meryl Feldblum, the Poetry Slam serves two purposes: bringing together students from different schools for a literary event; and creating the next generation of writers. “If they’re not encouraged to produce their own writing, why are we teaching literature?” asked Feldblum. She organized the fourth Yeshivah High School Poetry Slam — the first at Frisch — in April with fellow English teacher Rabbi Neil Fleischmann. Given the event’s proximity to Pesach and Yom Haatzmaut (Israel Independence Day), the suggested theme was “redemption.” “We’re producing not just future poets, but future Jewish poets,” stressed Feldblum. “We wanted them to explore their Judaism.” Because the slam took place the day after William Shakespeare’s birthday, each participant was required to write and present one sonnet and one free-verse poem. Frisch senior Emily Rose Stone took the prize for best sonnet (see box) and was the overall winner of the Poetry Slam in February at Yeshiva University High School for Boys. The winning poem was a ghazal on the theme of “masking,” since it was around the time of the Purim holiday. “I was never into poetry, but Rabbi Fleischmann told me about the slam at YUHSB and I thought I’d give it a shot,” Emily said. “Because I had a great experience at that one, I knew I wanted to do it again. I love poetry now and I have started writing, but only because of the Poetry Slam.” “It was a ton of fun for the students, and for myself,” added Feldblum. “It’s a great venue for students to share poetry and get feedback. It raises the bar for them because they get good, innovative ideas.” Seven Frisch students participated along with 30 guests from the Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School in Livingston, Torah Academy of Bergen County in Teaneck, YUHSB, Rambam Mesivta High School on Long Island, and the Yeshivah of Flatbush. “Every sort of activity is available for yeshivah high school students — newspaper, debate, mock trial, sports, Model U.N. — yet something like writing is such a wonderful thing and no extracurricular activity is built around it,” said Aaron Roller, founder of the Yeshiva High School Poetry Slam. Before graduating from Yeshiva University in 2004, Roller was co-editor of “Mima’amakim,” an intercollegiate Jewish poetry journal. “I know that kids interested in the arts are frequently in the minority in their schools, and could benefit from meeting kids in their interest group from other schools,” Roller said. Working with a teacher at YUHSB and the assistant principal at Rambam Mesivta, his alma mater, Roller organized a test slam at Rambam last year. In 2011-2012, there have been three poetry slams. He and Dena Weiss, a Frisch graduate and former co-editor of “Mima’amakim,” serve as judges. “Every time, the judges and teachers feel so inspired and excited,” said Roller. “The goal is to get it to be a regular event on the schools’ calendar and create a Facebook site where students can choose to post poems and comment on them.” Joel Krim, a TABC senior from Teaneck, was studying poetry styles and rhyming schemes in his Advanced Placement literature and composition class, and thought the slam would be a good venue to share his writings with a wider audience. “I enjoyed the social aspect — the chance to get together with kids from other schools and connect with one another’s creative sides, outside of sports,” he said. Joel used the theme of redemption to write a free-verse poem (see box) about the seasonal death and rebirth of grass — a prominent metaphor among biblical prophets. “We give them themes meant to elicit an awareness of strong traditions of religious poetry in Judaism, which isn’t taught often,” said Roller. “Religious life isn’t about repression and no room to question. The Modern Orthodox community presents an alternative that this exemplifies. The desire to express themselves is there; we just created the forum to do it.” “I’m No Shakespeare” By Emily StoneIn Iambic pentameter I start But I CANNOT TAKE IT ANYMORE! I cannot express what’s in my heart For I am bound to lines ten plus four The rules are confining and cold As my true sentiment is repressed See, I’m not one to fit a mold As you have already guessed. So I apologize to the judges I mean no disrespect I just usually avoid trudges Even if it might seem incorrect I am no Shakespeare, you must understand For I find the sonnet writing process very bland. “Green Grass”by Joel KrimGreen grass out on the lawn how do you glow Brilliant shades of lime and harlequin All thanks go to the sun that shines to low And illumines you like father to kin. But skies cannot forever be azure As shadows creep and blot out your sunshine. Jet-black clouds hum — cutting you off for sure, Discharging searing rain with bomb-like whine That detonate with thunder claps of doom. And wind, it howls, uproots newborn lilacs. Then all is still, yet you are left in ruins: Mired in waste from this deadly attack. But clouds part to show sun ever so slight. Though not sure why — you rekindle your light. Local 2012-05-04T07:53:51+00:00 /content/item/23060 http://www.jstandard.com/index.php/site/catholic_group_honoring_victims_of_shoah/#When:07:48:51Z Notice: Undefined offset: -1 in /var/www/vhosts/jstandard.com/httpdocs/system/core/core.functions.php(663) : eval()'d code on line 43 A group of Roman Catholic musicians is coming to Teaneck and New York City next week to perform in honor of innocent victims in general, but especially victims of the Shoah. The group, Neocatechumenal Way, has traveled all over the world with the goal of preserving the identity of the People Israel and to strengthen the relationship between Catholics and Jews. It is definitely not out to convert anyone, said one of the organizers, Giuseppe Gennarini. The composer of “Suffering of the Innocents” is Kiko Argüello, a painter and multi-disciplinary artist noted for trying to evangelize the slums of Madrid. The music will be performed on Wednesday at 8 p.m. at the Jewish Center of Teaneck. It will be a scaled-down performance, not having the full complement of 180 performers.A group of Roman Catholic musicians is coming to Teaneck and New York City next week to perform in honor of innocent victims in general, but especially victims of the Shoah. The group, Neocatechumenal Way, has traveled all over the world with the goal of preserving the identity of the People Israel and to strengthen the relationship between Catholics and Jews. It is definitely not out to convert anyone, said one of the organizers, Giuseppe Gennarini. The composer of “Suffering of the Innocents” is Kiko Argüello, a painter and multi-disciplinary artist noted for trying to evangelize the slums of Madrid. The music will be performed on Wednesday at 8 p.m. at the Jewish Center of Teaneck. It will be a scaled-down performance, not having the full complement of 180 performers. However, on Tuesday at 8 p.m., there will be a full performance at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center. Admission is free, but reservations are necessary for the New York performance. One can call 201-998-9469 or email infony@sufferingoftheinnocents.com. A part of the symphony can be heard at http://vimeo.com/38261387. The 100-piece orchestra and 80 choristers come from Spain and Italy. They will be conducted by Pau Jorquera. The symphony was first performed in January of last year before Pope Benedict XVI. Since then, the group has traveled to Galilee, Paris, Madrid, Dusseldorf, and finally (in December) in Jerusalem, in a special concert for Chanukah. The group is to perform Monday at Boston Symphony Hall, and May 14 at Chicago’s Orchestra Hall. The composer is a founder of the Neocatechumenal Way, along with the Spanish chemist and theologian Carmen Hernandez. Members of the Neocatechumenal Way go through a Christian initiation to rediscover the Jewish roots of their faith, so that they are equipped to strengthen the relationship between Christians and Jews — a practice they have shared in thousands of communities throughout the world. Said Argüello, “We act according to the last wishes for Pope John Paul II. We remember that the roots of Christianity are in Judaism and that, since the beginning, God made Israel the chosen people.” The theme of the symphony reflects Argüello’s experience in the shanty town of Madrid in the 1960s, where he lived for several years after a religious conversion from atheism. In creating this work, Argüello aimed to convey the message that “in spite of the horrors that we have witnessed throughout history, I want to remind everyone that inside the human heart, hope is always preserved.” Presiding over the event in New York will be Rabbi David Rosen, American Jewish Committee international director of interreligious relations. He will lead a memorial prayer for the victims of the Shoah. Rosen said after hearing the symphony in Jerusalem, “This concert represents a revolution in the relationship between those of the Christian faith and the people of Israel; an acknowledgement that there are essential differences which separate us in faith – and yet all considered, there are very important elements which unite us. Kiko Argüello and the Way are committed to preserving the identity of the people of Israel, and I’m grateful to have taken part in this historical movement to foster the relationship between Christians and Jews.” Lawrence S. Zierler, rabbi of the Teaneck synagogue, said there is widespread approval in Jewish circles of the activities of the Catholic group. He will be introducing the program, and conducting appropriate prayers. The tour is endorsed by leaders of both the Catholic and Jewish communities, including Rabbis Arthur Schneier, Irving (Yitz) Greenberg, Joseph Potasnik, Jay Rosenbaum, and Marc Schneier. The Anti-Defamation League, the World Jewish Congress, and the AJCommittee have also endorsed the concert. No reservations are required. Local 2012-05-04T07:48:51+00:00