Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By richards on February 19, 2017

Armed French soldiers stand in front of a Synagogue during a visit of French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve after an attack in front of a Jewish school in Marseille's 9th district, France, January 14, 2016.. (photo credit:REUTERS/JEAN-PAUL PELISSIER)

Synagogues are no longer a safe haven, a top European rabbi said Sunday at a special panel about the situation of Jews across the continent, held in the framework of the Munich Security Conference.

At the back of almost every Jews mind is the possibility of what could happen. Sadly, in Copenhagen, Brussels and in Paris, that has become a reality, said Chief Rabbi of Moscow Pinchas Goldschmidt, president of the Conference of European Rabbis, at a breakfast event he was hosting titled Securing Jewish Communities across Europe.

The Jewish community finds itself targeted from a number of directions; from the extreme Right, the extreme Left and Islamic terrorism, Goldschmidt said, referencing terrorist attacks that have targeted Jews in different European countries in recent years.

The event took the form of a panel discussion featuring MK Tzipi Livni, Deputy CEO for Diplomacy of the World Jewish Congress Maram Stern, director of the International Center for the Study of Radicalization Dr. Peter R. Neumann and former director of Europol Jrgen Storbeck. German journalist Richard Schneider moderated the discussion.

Stern expressed a similar sentiment to Goldschmidt, noting that while he feels comfortable walking the streets in general, when the synagogue is his destination he begins to feel uneasy.

People are curious who walks in and who walks out, it is like you are in a zoo, he remarked.

Livni said that while Israel feels a responsibility for the security of Jews around the world, it is the responsibility of every state to protect its citizens and we cannot take away from that.

Every Jew should be able to walk around looking Jewish and not face discrimination, she added.

For his part, Stobeck addressed Berlins capabilities to deal with the threat of terrorism, saying that prior to the 2016 ramming attack at a Christmas market, German security services did not have enough money.

After the attack in Berlin, security services got a lot of money, he said. But you need to improve information management both nationally and internationally. We are still not quick enough, and we do not have a good [long-term] forecast.

Neumann described Jews as a priority target.

They are the first ones to be targeted. If Jews are being targeted, then all citizens should be worried because there is more to come, he warned, indicating that nobody should be lulled into a false sense of security by a period of calm. Just because the Jewish community has not been attacked in the last year, it does not mean it is not a target, he added.

Turning to the rise of the far Right in Europe, Neumann said: At the core of every far-right party, there is bona fide antisemitism.

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Top European rabbi: Synagogues no longer a safe haven - Jerusalem Post Israel News

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Posted By richards on February 19, 2017

The following was published on Sunday evening on the official Facebook page of the Rockland County Republican Party. It was not edited in anyway by YWN, and appears in full:

Im all in favor of others right to speak their mind and peacefully demonstrate their views. Conversely, I understand that my right to swing my arms in protest ends when my fist hits someone elses nose and my right to free speech ends when I falsely yell fire in a crowded theater. What I cant stomach is hypocrisy!

The Rockland County Democratic Committee has been posting all weekend in support of the marches in all of the liberal cities of our country. Yet, right here in Rockland County, right in their own backyard, is the most egregious example of womens oppression in our entire country. The ultra orthodox Hasidic communitys abusive treatment of women is epic. In that community, women must separate themselves from men, must dress as they are told, are forced into arranged marriages, can not divorce without the approval of their husbands and community leaders, they are not properly educated, cant attend college, and can not use birth control, yet, the Rockland County Democratic Committee says nothing: absolute silence. Why? Because the people in that community vote in a block and the leaders of the Rockland Democratic Party want their votes. Please!!!!! Total hypocrisy!!!!

(YWN World Headquarters NYC)

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Posted By richards on February 19, 2017

(JTA) The daughter of a transgender woman in Manchester, England, is being shunned by her classmates at a haredi Orthodox school after being ordered to by their teachers.

The classmates were told not to communicate with the girl in any way, the regional newspaper the Jewish Telegraph reported.The students wrote her a letter telling her that if they see her they will have to ignore her but that they would always love her and that they would pray for her, according to the report.

A British high court judge ruled late last month that the transgender woman, who is the father of the girl and four other young children, may not have direct contact with the children.

I have reached the unwelcome conclusion that the likelihood of the children and their mother being marginalized or excluded by the ultra-Orthodox community is so real, and the consequences so great, that this one factor, despite its many disadvantages, must prevail over the many advantages of contact, Justice Peter Jackson of the High Court of Justice of England and Wales wrote in his decision.

The transgenderwomanis allowed to indirectly contact the children four times a year on Jewish festivals and their birthdays.

In the yearlong case, the identity of the family remained anonymous, the London-based Independent newspaperreported.

The childrens mother had said in court that if the children had direct contact with the transgender woman, the parent body of their schools would not allow other children to play with them, and she was backed by the testimony of several community rabbis. The children could also be denied places at good yeshivas and schools, be prevented from marrying into some families, and the entire family could be shunned by the community, the court was told.

The judge also wrote that his decision was not a failure to uphold transgender rights but the upholding of the rights of the children to have the least harmful outcome in a situation not of their making.

Jackson has written to the U.K.s top education official,warning that social banishment of trans peoples children in strict Jewish schools may be illegal, The Independent reported.

There is, to say the least, evidence that the practices within the [ultra-Orthodox Jewish] community, and in particular its schools, amount to unlawfuldiscrimination against and victimization of the father and the children because of the fathers transgender status, he wrote.

Religious bigotry is illegal in the U.K. Allschools must promote tolerance, inclusion and respect for people who are LGBTQ, and cannot refuse admission to children on the basis of whether they or a family member is LGBTQ, the LGBQ Nation, news website reported.

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Transgender Woman's Daughter Shunned By Hasidic Classmates - Forward

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Posted By richards on February 19, 2017

Quartz

A Jewish reporter asked Trump about anti-Semitic attacks, and Trump told him to sit down and be quiet Quartz Towards the end of his press conference today, Donald Trump took a question from Jake Turx, a Hasidic Jewish reporter for a small US-based weekly magazine that caters to the international Orthodox Jewish community. During the 2016 presidential ... Quiet, Quiet!: Trump Silences Jewish Reporter Who Asks Him About Attacks On SynagoguesThe Ring of Fire Network A Jewish Reporter Got to Ask Trump a Question. It Didn't Go Well.New York Times Jewish journalist sticks up for Trump after being called a 'liar'Jewish Telegraphic Agency International Business Times -LBC -Forward all 292 news articles »

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A Jewish reporter asked Trump about anti-Semitic attacks, and Trump told him to sit down and be quiet - Quartz

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Posted By richards on February 19, 2017

The production offices of Israels Big Brother reality TV show were visited on Friday by police, who demanded that producers hand over filmed material featuring current season contestant Andel Kabeda, Haaretz reported.

Police reportedly had a warrant for the materials, and told producers it had been issued in light of a complaint filed against Kabeda, though they would not give any more details. Producers refused to hand in the materials and said they would appeal the warrant on Sunday.

Kabeda, who is of Ethiopian descent, has railed against police treatment of his community, and in one recent exchange called policemen Nazis.

The controversial contestant has also been accused of sexual harassment of another contestant, Maayan Ashkenazi. Kabeda has frequently attempted to touch Ashkenazi in seemingly inappropriate ways and has often spoken to her in an offensive manner, suggesting she undress and that they engage in an orgy together, as well as expressing his desire to drink from your lips. Ashkenazis father recently said production staff had cautioned Kabeda about his behavior.

It was unclear whether Fridays police visit was tied to one of these matters.

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Police demand filmed materials of Israel Big Brother contestant - The Times of Israel

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Posted By richards on February 19, 2017

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Posted By richards on February 19, 2017

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Posted By richards on February 18, 2017

In response to Talmud to Betsy DeVos: Yes, We Need Public Schools by Adam Kirsch:

I am a big fan of Adam Kirschs Talmud column, and usually enjoy readings views on this monumental and highly complex work that has kept our people preoccupied for over a 1,000 years. Even if his views are cursory, they are fresh and I think positive. This week, however, was exceptional.

The Talmuds says clearly that, as Kirsch quotes, if not for Rabbi Yehoshua ben Gamla, Torah would have been forgotten from the Jewish people. In short, Rabbi Yehoshua ben Gamlas work had nothing at all to do with public schools because he was interested in only one thing: ensuring a Torah education. Without his institution, too many children in that era would have been lost to our heritage and we would not be here to talk about the Talmud today. When Agudath Israel and other Orthodox organization take a strong stance pro vouchers, they are fully following in the footsteps of Rabbi Yehoshua ben Gamla. They are fighting the battle to ensure that it is not difficult for any parent to make the choice to send their child for a Torah education. Just as Rabbi Yehoshua ben Gamla knew that expecting parents to send children away from home for education would make the burden of education too great, these organizations know that school choice and vouchers will lighten the burden of a Torah education and ensure that many parents will now be freer to make such a choice.

Does Adam Kirsch honestly believe that the Talmud or Rabbi Yehoshua ben Gamla, with their single minded and heroic efforts to ensure Jewish continuity through Torah learning and Torah education, would approve of Jews fighting again Jewish groups trying to get whatever help they can for Torah education, in the name of helping public schools? If anything the Rabbis would bemoan that a man as intelligent and capable as Kirsch, without a complete Jewish education, can only read his peoples most sacred works in a foreign and often shallow translation, without the life, complexity and deep analysis that a nine year old yeshiva kid who delves in the sea that is the Talmud.

As an aside to the debate, I weigh in by opining that the Jewish people are suffering an onslaught of assimilation and loosing the vast majority of unaffiliated Jews and even reform Jewish youth due to their complete lack of Jewish education. As noble as the ideals of caring about society is, and as free as any Jew is to take that stand, the Talmud certainly cannot be brought as weighing in on the side of restricting tax money that Jewish day school parents pay from going to their own schools. Too many Jews take the concerns of every group around them to their hearts. This is commendable, but let us not forget that if we Jews are not their for our own brother, our own education, our own continuity, no one will be and we will disappear from history. Let us not forget that before Hillel says, If I am for myself, what am I? he states clearly, If I am not for myself, who will be?

R. Adler

In response to Whats Mine is Mine by Alana Newhouse:

Well said!

Al Averbach, San Francisco

In response toAn Open Letter to Robert Kraft by Matthew Fishbane:

Many thanks for your excellent letter to Mr. Kraft. We hope that it goes from your pen to Mr. Krafts ears and to his heart and mind! Todah rabah!

Phyllis and Archie Nahman

In response to The Arab-ization of American Politics byLee Smith:

In my opinion, the Womens March comes out of this tradition and cannot be relegated as Mr. Smith alludes, to as 60s nostalgia. Jews have often held rallies for their politically/culturally-specific causes like the rallies during the 1930s (and protest theatre once again as in Ben Hechts pageants in New York, Chicago and Boston and performative events) that were against Hitlers rise in Germany, along with the Free Soviet Jewry rallies in the 60s and 70s, and the rally that drew I believe (needs research) about 250,000 to D.C. in the 80s when Reagan brought Gorbachev to meet and Elie Wiesel made it a cause to support (as he had done earlier in his career).

Also, in a way that may not be intendedfrom the title to the content I think the article as it is written is a form of demonization. I have read articles by Mr. Smith before and though I often dont often agree with him, but I have respect for his broad knowledge that he brings to his chosen subjects. But demonizing Arabs, unintended or not, is both unseemly and even racist. In todays toxic environment around identity and politics it is a volatile mix. I have found myself more towards Mr. Smith in his most recent articles on Trump and I think he is a valuable voice providing other viewpoints than mine and providing some balance.

I respect Tablet and all you do and your inclusive approach to this intercultural world that we live in.

David Y. Chack, Chicago, IL

In response toTheo Epsteins Cubs Recognized as Champions at the White House by Jonathan Zalman

This article begins with a thinly-veild swipe at outgoing President Barack Obama. While the observances at end of Obamas tenure may be seemingly endless to the writer, that is not the case for many. As this snide comment is not particularly relevant to the otherwise interesting article, I question the authors motivation.

If it was meant humorously, Im sorry that I dont find it funny enough to merit its inclusion. Was Mr. Zalman so bored by these last few weeks and so eager to vent his anger about it that he simply could not remain civil? Is it possible that he was oblivious to his insult? I would very much like to understand.

I wanted to shared this piece on various social media outlets, as I often do with Tablet articles. Unfortunately, this rude comment did not meet my standards for what I can endorse. And I dont think my standards are all that high or anything to brag about! If someone with my admittedly low expectations found this objectionable, who else is also annoyed? Or was the intent to make the slap so oblique that few would notice?

Sincerely,

Daniel Kasnitz, Vermont

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Posted By richards on February 18, 2017

Michael Holtzman Herald News Staff Reporter @MDHoltzman

FALL RIVER For 35 years he manufactured womens clothing in Fall River and he became known as Mr. Apparel while his imprint stretched far and wide, including to the Azores, where the Jewish businessman yearned to restore a forgotten synagogue.

Now one year after Aaron N. Mittleman died at age 90 in New Jersey, two regal velvet covers will bear his name and be placed on two holy-scripture Torahs in that reborn synagogue sanctuary founded nearly two centuries ago after the Inquisition.

These two beautiful and meaningful Torah covers were donated by Cheryl Mittleman Stern, Aarons daughter, and Dr. Cathy Stern, Aarons niece, said Paula Raposa, a retired city business leader who had been part of the pioneering Azores Synagogue Restoration Committee that Aaron Mittleman had chaired decades ago.

What beautiful Torah covers! Thats wonderful the Mittlemans have donated them and its such an honor to receive them, Gideon Gradman, president of the Azorean Jewish Heritage Foundation, wrote fellow-member Raposa.

Raposa had been with Mittleman and a few other Fall River business people on a trip to Ponta Delgada when they were first led to 16 Rua de Brum, a non-descript site in a rabbis home of the Sahar Hassamain Synagogue.

The synagogue name translates to Gates of Heaven. It was in ruins.

That restoration committee evolved into the AJHF that has worked for years and raised funds from Greater Fall River along with officials in Ponta Delgada.

On April 23, 2015 they celebrated the synagogue rededication to international acclaim. Ambassadors from Portugal, America and Israel were among the dignitaries that attended to view what also houses a museum and library bearing witness to its origins.

My father when he went somewhere was always interested in finding out about Jewish history, Cheryl Mittleman Stern said recently.

Too old and infirm to take that synagogue dedication trip from Boston almost two years ago with a large delegation of about 80 people including many legislators, Mittleman had read the accounts in The Herald News. He was busting with pride, his daughter said.

His highly regarded company in Fall River, which employed approximately 85 people until he retired in 1989, was called Cheryl Manufacturing after his daughter and located on County Street.

During that period he headed the New England Apparel Manufacturers Association, a trade organization, for 14 years. Hed lead efforts to improve the textile industry locally and at the state and national levels, directing the chambers of commerce in Fall River and New Bedford.

The two Torah covers manufactured by Jewish Bazaar are a white one with a tree of life and gold trim honoring him as a founder of the synagogue restoration committee; and a maroon one with gold trim, in memory of him, his late brother Sandy and late sister Connie.

State Rep. Michael Rodrigues, D-Westport, a AJHF member, whos been active with the rededication and continued efforts, plans to deliver the two Torah covers to the synagogue during a personal trip to Portugal in April, his office said.

In October, Temple Beth El in Fall River had donated a royal blue Torah cover with the name of both synagogues embroidered on it to Ponta Delgada Mayor Jos Bolieiro during his visit here in October. It signified the an agreement to preserve Jewish history in both lands.

Sahar Hassamain has four original Torahs. It began as a synagogue in 1836 to allow Jews the freedom to worship after the Inquisition.

Email Michael Holtzman at mholtzman@heraldnews.com or call him at 508-676-2573.

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Posted By richards on February 18, 2017

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