On the month of April, we had the opportunity to attend the 350th Anniversary of the Jewish Community of Curaçao. It is easy to say "350th Anniversary", even though, as Ron Gomes Casseres, Chairman of the 350th Anniversary Commemoration Committee, said, "This 350th anniversary is about the improbable being possible. Ten or twelve Jewish families find a haven of hope on this barren island in 1651 and in 2001 some four hundred and fifty Jews commemorate 350 years of Torah in Curaçao. Three and a half centuries of sometimes difficult times and strife, three and a half centuries of reconciliation and of preservation of Jewish life on this small Dutch Island. Larger Jewish communities in larger and richer countries did not survive these same centuries. Improbable as it may sound, ours did. The improbable made possible is what we commemorate today".
I had these words in my mind throughout our entire visit to Curaçao.
We found a Synagogue built on 1732, by Sephardic Jews, with the floor covered with white sand. Symbolically, the sand represents the sand of the desert where Israel camped during the long journey from slavery to freedom. The interior of the Synagogue is, in fact, arranged in such a way as to remind one of the ancient Israelite encampments, with the Tabernacle in the center and the tribes camped about it on the sand. Others prefer to explain the sand as a representation of the traditional blessing of G-d to the patriarch Abraham, that his descendants would be as numerous "as the sand, which is upon the seashore". More practically, the thick layer of sand used to cover the floor helps deaden the sound of footsteps during the services.
Inside the Synagogue, suspended from the high ceiling, magnificent brass chandeliers. They are all identical and are copies of similar chandeliers in the Portuguese Synagogue of Amsterdam, dated around the 1700. The wooden furniture, the interior and exterior designs, are simply marvelous.
We continued our journey and found a Jewish museum, which has collections of different things dated back to 1728. We saw antique Seder plates, antique clothing, tallitot, cups of wine, etc., and also the original Mikvah or Ritual Bath. We also observed beautifully carved tombstones, dating back to the year 1659, with carvings based on the biblical names of the deceased with death and/or biblical symbols.
We had the opportunity to attend the introductory conference on the book "Wanderings: History of the Jews", written by the well-known author and rabbi Chaim Potok.
We also attended the Shabbat services, with Sephardic rituals and singing in Hebrew and Ladino (old Spanish language). In sum, the experience was enriching, spiritually and intellectually. And the words "the improbable made possible" keep flashing in my mind.
Afterwards, and in our Synagogue, we have celebrated Shavuot. As you all know, Shavuot is the celebration which marks the final count of the omer, with the handing of the Torah to the people of Israel in Mount Sinai. But before G-d gave the Torah he asked for a guarantee. The women presented their jewels and gold as guarantee, but G-d responded, "This is not enough guarantee. The Torah is more valuable than all the jewels and gold in the world." Then the people offered their leaders as guarantee, and G-d responded, "That is not enough guarantee." After deliberating for a while, they said: "We will give you our children in guarantee. They are our future, our continuity and hope. It is for them that we fight and they are the meaning of our existence." And G-d replied, "That is enough guarantee." And then, and only then, He handed them His Torah.
Finally
but not less important, we were blessed with the visit of Rabbi Roth and
his wife Lilliam. We had the privilege of sharing with them for two weeks,
in which we celebrated Monica's Bat-Mitzvah, the baby naming of the Kahn
family, and two memorable Shabbat services. With their visit they gave
us a marvelous gift and again, left in our memories special and unforgettable
moments. I quote Rabbi Roth words, "There is no future without memories",
and so I trust that we will not only hear "oldies", but continue growing
for the future of our children, enlightened by the wisdom of past generations,
and continue growing individually, familiarly and in a community way.
Our Congregation is now 14 years old, and throughout its history we have celebrated many life cycle events, part of Jewish life.
Until now we haven’t had the opportunity to organize an archive of all these celebrations. But we want to do it in order to have a permanent record of all the b’nei mitzvah, brit milah, weddings, conversions, reaffirmations, baby namings, etc.
We would appreciate it if you could send us copies of the certificates of any events that your family has celebrated in B’nei Israel.
You may leave the photocopies at the synagogue, with our Secretary, or mail them to:
Dear friends:
Once again we are reaching your homes to keep you abreast of what is happening in our communities. For those of you who were unable to attend, enclosed, you will also find an attachment with a full account of the celebrations in Curaçao on their 350th. anniversary of continued Jewish life on the island.
ARUBA
The celebration of the 53rd anniversary of Israel’s independence had special significance. It was sponsored by the Hon. Consulate of Israel to Aruba and Government dignitaries as well as the press joined the community in marking this joyous occasion. Cantor Irving Spenadel led the attendants in the singing of the Israeli and Aruban anthems, and delighted everyone with a medley of Israeli songs.
On the Dutch Queen’s birthday, as is traditional, distinguished citizens are honored. This year we were happy to learn that one of the members of our community, Benjamin Pick, was bestowed the title of Officer of the Order of Oranje-Nassau.
COSTA RICA
Hearty congratulations to Marvin Sossin, our Honorary President, on his election as a Board member at-large of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, at WUPJ"s 30th. International Convention (3/24-27) in Washington, DC. We are also very proud of Hilda ten Brink who, at the Convention’s Shabbat morning service, was one of the lay leaders called to read the Torah.
The passing of Kathya Benzaquen’s mother, in Peru, saddens us. May Kathya draw strength and comfort from the love of her family and friends, and from her precious memories .
CURAÇAO
We wish Rene Maduro, president of this vibrant community, refuah shlemah, a speedy and complete recovery.
EL SALVADOR
We congratulate the community on welcoming a new Torah scroll to their synagogue on Sunday, May 27. It is a significant occasion for all to celebrate, and a true milestone in the life of the Salvadoran community. We share in their happiness across the miles, and wish that this sefer Torah might bear witness to many years of rich Jewish life for our friends.
HONDURAS
The community in Tegucigalpa has a very touching story to tell. About two months ago they celebrated the return of their Torah, which had been very badly damaged by Hurricane Mitch. Thanks to the invaluable help of volunteers from the JCC on the Hudson, NY, who, together with Rabbi-scribe Manny Vinas spent countless hours to salvage it and restore it to its original beauty, the community was able to welcome this Torah, which has since become a symbol of the solidarity that binds Jews around the world. The Torah became the object of an educational experience in schools, congregations, and homes for the aged. An experience that is probably so far reaching that we are unable to measure its human impact. In her speech on the occasion of the welcoming ceremony in Tegucigalpa, one of the project volunteers, Judy Underberg said: "Our lives are now connected with yours thanks to this Torah. The Torah is yours and will form an important part in the life of your synagogue. But a part of the Torah is ours too. It became a part of our lives while we lived with it for two years, and we are overjoyed to be returning it to you… Rabbi Vinas told us in a letter: ‘Working with this Torah has been the most important work I’ve done as a scribe. It is the best example that ‘every Jew is responsible for one another’. The energy, passion, generosity, and spiritual gifts that we have shared will never be forgotten’. To which we respond: "Amen."
JAMAICA
The community feels already the excitement in the air as they prepare to welcome our members for the Fifth UJCL Conference (February 2002). There is hard work ahead but, judging from the fruits of our previous conferences, well worthwhile. We wish them success and inspiration to create even tighter links amongst our member communities. Being a Liberal Jew in the Caribbean is no longer a lonely experience. We can now rely on each other for support and mutual learning. We know that Jamaica has a lot to offer, and we are sure it will open its heart to all of us.
PANAMA
On Thursday, May 31, Kol Shearith Israel Congregation will celebrate 125 years of life. Although we are unable to attend, we share with them in their happiness, and wish them continued success and fulfillment in the practice of our Jewish traditions for many more years to come.
PUERTO RICO
After
an intensive search, Puerto Rico has hired a full-time rabbi who will be
the spiritual leader of their community. His name is Mordechai Rotem and
he comes from Haifa, Israel. We wish them a "perfect match" that will last
for a number of years, and congratulate the energetic leaders of the community,
especially Cheryle Thacher and Sallie Valcarcel, on their fruitful work.
NEWS FROM ISRAEL
TIKKUN LEIL SHAVUOT, IMPJ-STYLE:
Thousands of people attended traditional Jewish study sessions that continued into the night on Shavuot eve at Progressive congregations throughout Israel. Two of the many events were at Beit Shmuel, the World Union's education and cultural center in Jerusalem, and at Congregation Beit Daniel in Tel Aviv. The former, which attracted some 600 participants, was sponsored by Beit Shmuel, the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) and its Young Adults' Forum, and Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR). The study sessions and lectures were conducted in Hebrew, English and Russian. There were also walking tours in Jerusalem. One tour took in a number of tikkunim held by Masorti (Conservative) and Orthodox streams, and ended at the Western Wall in the Old City. The tikkun was preceded by Shavuot eve services, and followed by morning holiday services, including the traditional reading of the Book of Ruth. The tikkun at Beit Daniel, which attracted another 600 participants, included a discussion led by Meretz Party leader MK Yossi Sarid and author Yochi Brandes on the relevance of the Book of Ruth in today's Israel.
NETANYA CONGREGATION COMMEMORATES VE DAY ANNIVERSARY:
Some 100 World War 2 veterans, most of them immigrants from the former Soviet Union (FSU), marked the 56th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany at ceremonies held last month by Congregation Netanya. One of Israel's largest absorption centers is in Netanya, and as a result, the city is home to many FSU natives. The ceremonies were organized in conjunction with a local Red Army veterans association, and are just one example of the congregation's strong emphasis on Russian-language programming for immigrants. According to Netanya's spiritual leader, student rabbi Miri Raz, this is the first time an IMPJ-affiliated congregation has marked the anniversary of the victory over the Nazis. "I hope VE Day commemorations become a tradition in our congregations," she said. "As Jews and Israelis, we owe it to these people."
CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT IMPJ:
Rabbi
David Ariel-Joel has assumed the role of Executive Director of the IMPJ.
He replaces Menachem Leibovic, the World Union's Director of Operations
for Israel and the FSU, who had been "on loan" to the Israel Movement during
a period of transition. (Leibovic was feted for his service to the IMPJ
during an evening tribute held at Beit
Daniel in Tel Aviv last
month.) Rabbi Ariel-Joel told WUPJnews that his priorities include ensuring
the Movement's budgetary and cash flow stability; delegating additional
authority and operational responsibility to congregations; reinforcing
the operational ties and cooperation among the Movement's various branches,
institutions and congregations; and improving the status and working conditions
of congregational rabbis. Ariel-Joel previously served as IMPJ Associate
Director, Programming Director of Beit Shmuel, and rabbi of Congregation
Harel in Jerusalem.
BEIT MIDRASH OFFERING SUMMER COURSE:
The Beit Midrash/A Liberal Yeshivah, an English-language Jewish studies program in Jerusalem, will be offering a two-week summer study and worship seminar for adults. The seminar will take place from July 19 to August 4 on the Jerusalem campus of HUC-JIR. According to Betsy Landis, Director of the program's North American office, at a time when many Israeli programs for Jews from overseas are being cancelled due to poor registration, "this program stands as our commitment to Jewish learning and to Israel. We currently have a wonderful international array of students coming from Australia, France, Mexico and North America, though space is still available." For further information, or to register for this study opportunity, please e-mail or call Rabbi Gary Tishkoff, Director of the Beit Midrash, at LiberalYeshivah@huc.edu or 02-620-3324 in Israel, or Betsy Landis, at blandis@huc.edu or 212-824-2240 in the US. The Beit Midrash/A Liberal Yeshivah is a joint project of HUC-JIR and the World Union, in cooperation with the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and Leo Baeck College.
IMPJ TO HOLD SHABBAT KALLAH IN JERUSALEM:
The
Israel Movement will hold a special study weekend on June 15 and 16 at
Beit Shmuel. The program will include Kabbalat Shabbat, Shabbat morning
and Havdalah services, as well as an Oneg Shabbat; a family study experience
to include group learning and lectures led by Movement rabbis and teachers;
local tours; special children's activities; and entertainment by the popular
Israeli comedy and satire group, B'not Pessia. For further information,
see the IMPJ Web site at: http://www.reform.org.il or, if in Israel,
call (02)620-3478.
NEWS FROM THE FSU
SPECIAL IN-SERVICE TRAINING SEMINAR HELD FOR MACHON STUDENTS AND GRADS:
Seventeen persons (nine graduates of the World Union's Institute for Modern Jewish Studies in Moscow, and eight second-year students at the Institute) attended a 10-day training retreat outside Moscow in late May. Known as the "Machon," the two-year-long World Union program prepares Progressive Jews in the FSU for community service. The seminar was led by Rabbi Alexander Dukhovny of Kiev, Rabbi Nelly Shulman of Minsk, and student rabbi Chaim Ben-Yakov of Moscow. The topics covered included marriage and family; Jewish ritual surrounding death and burial; a historical perspective of the development of Halachic thought; conversion issues; and anti-missionary strategies. There was also Torah, Talmud and Mishna study, and lectures on methods of teaching these subjects in the community. Machon graduates currently form the backbone of Progressive Jewish congregations and programs in the FSU.
U.S. CONGREGATIONS DONATE TORAH SCROLLS TO FSU COMMUNITIES:
Five Reform congregations in the U.S. will be providing Torah scrolls to Progressive communities in the FSU this summer. They include Congregation Beth Israel of Houston (Odessa); Temple Beth Sholom of Topeka, Kansas (Tumin, Russia); Congregation Beth Emet, the Free Synagogue, of Evanston, Illinois (Simferopol, Ukraine); Temple Sha'aray Tefila of New York City (Minsk); and Temple Sinai of Long Island, of Lawrence, New York, (to be determined). ARZA/WORLD UNION North America is asking all North American congregations blessed with an extra Torah to provide it on permanent loan to a needy Progressive community overseas. For more information, congregations are requested to contact ARZA/WUna at <arzawuna@uahc.org> or, in the U.S., (212) 650-4280.
JOIN THE ARZA/WORLD UNION MISSION TO THE FORMER SOVIET UNION:
Members of the Reform Jewish community of North America are invited to participate in the ARZA/WORLD UNION, North America Leadership Mission to Moscow, Kiev and St. Petersburg, scheduled for August 23-September 2. Participants will meet with leaders of the local Progressive Jewish Movements and communities, and visit some of the most beautiful and historic sites of Russia and Ukraine. For more information, please contact ARZA/WUna (see above).
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
EL SALVADOR'S LIBERAL JEWISH COMMUNITY UNDERTAKES TZEDAKAH PROJECT:
Following the massive earthquake that devastated El Salvador in January, the Progressive Jewish congregation there has embarked on a project to rebuild public schools. Comunidad Israelita de El Salvador (located in the capital city of San Salvador) is funding the construction of two new schools, which should be completed by the end of the year. "We decided to build the schools in a little town, two hour's drive from San Salvador, called Jerusalem," says Rabbi Gustavo Kraselnik. "Symbolic, isn't it?" Kraselnik expressed gratitude to Reform Jews in North America, who contributed $8,000 to the project. In other news, the congregation welcomed a new Torah scroll during a festive celebration on May 27. [With thanks to ARZA/WUna.]
UNION OF GERMAN-SPEAKING PROGRESSIVE JEWS TO HOLD YEARLY GATHERING:
The Union of Progressive Jews of Germany, Austria and Switzerland will hold its 7th annual conference in Halberstadt from June 28 through July 1. The themeof the conference will be "Renewal of Jewish Life -200 Years of ReformJudaism in Germany." Participants will take part in a number of workshops and seminars. Presenters will include Rabbi Jo David and her husband, Sofer Neil Yerman; Rabbi Joel Oseran, World Union Director of International Development and Program; and Rabbi Walter Homolka. Rabbi David is Executive Director of the New York City-based Jewish Appleseed Foundation (JAF), which has been a driving force behind the re-emergence of German-speaking Progressive communities. The JAF Web site can be accessed via http://www.jewishappleseed.org.
ZIONISM AND SKIING FOR AUSTRALIAN DAY SCHOOLS:
The
Zionist Federation of Australia, in conjunction with the Progressive Movement's
King David School (www.kds.vic.edu.au) in Melbourne and Emanuel School
(www.tes.nsw.edu.au) in Sydney, is organizing a week-long Zionist seminar
that will take place in August near the ski resorts of Victoria. Part of
an ongoing program aimed at increasing the level of Zionist education in
the country's thriving Jewish Day School network, the seminar will bring
together some 100 ninth grade students to explore Zionism and Jewish identity,
as well as ski. Youth leaders from Israel are to lead an exciting educational
camp program, which will include a Shabbat experience, with assistance
from graduates of Netzer-Australia. The seminar will represent another
first for the Day School movement in that it will bring together groups
from two states.
A very special thanks to all the Ladies of B'nei Israel for making the Hospitality Tea a successful and enjoyable afternoon.
We continue with our collection of things for our Garage Sale. Please make and effort and clean out your cupboards and closets and drawers and bring your merchandise to the Familier home. Without your help there will be no Garage Sale.
Our
next Sisterhood Board Meeting will be in July, date to be announced.
When I was a little girl growing up in New York City, I remember hearing a program about Auschwitz. My mother wouldn't let me watch. But unknown to her, the television was perfectly audible in my bedroom. I learned about how the St. Louis had wandered the seas with Hitler's prey, Jews looking for refuge, and how every country in the world had seen fit to close its doors. And how Hitler had learned from this that he could do as he wished with the Jews of Europe. I learned about the camps: the Zyklon B gas, the way the doors were locks... And so, as I lay in my bed in the dark and listened to everything that was said, a horrible realization and a wonderful revelation took place in my soul.
The horror was the terrible vulnerability of the Jews, and the unthinkable things that had been done to them because of it. The wonder was that I was a Jew and I was still alive and well with my whole future ahead of me; that whatever had happened to my people in the past, I could now help to ensure it never happened again.
In the morning, I asked my mother what she and other American Jews, safe in their comfortable homes, had done to help the isolated Jews of Europe.
"There was a protest," she said vaguely. "In Madison Square Garden."
I was ashamed. I would never let that happen again, I thought. When I grew up, I would make sure that my life and the lives of my people were inextricable. I would care. I would fight. I would risk. I would be strong. I would give all my love to my G-d, my people, my nation.
And so, in my early twenties I moved to Israel. I was always a little surprised that more of my American Jewish friends didn't join me. After all, the history of the Jewish people was being written in the Jewish State, not in New York, or Maryland. I was always a little ashamed when American Jews felt that their checks entitled them to pretend that they were citizens of Israel, entitled to decide her political moves, to give her advice, and scold her. I accepted the summer camps for American Jewish children who were sent for two months to undo years of a barren American upbringing which gave them so little in terms of information and inspiration and connection with the richness of their Jewish heritage. We had fought so many wars to give American Jews a summer camp. But I was happy that those two months actually did help stem the tide of assimilation, and that the children who came did find pride in being part of the Jewish people.
And now, when the moment of truth has come and the entire world is once again smelling Jewish blood, and another six million Jews have become increasingly isolated and attacked and unfairly maligned, now when the solidarity of American Jewry actually means the world to her brothers and sisters in Israel, American Reform Jews have decided that Israel isn't even worth summer camp.
Let's be honest. I know what some of you are thinking: Is this woman off her rocker? Me, go into a war zone? Me, risk my children's lives when Israel has become Beirut. Get real, lady!
I see the same pictures you do on CNN - the death and mayhem. But the truth is, I walk the streets of Jerusalem. I send my son to school on the buses. I travel to Tel Aviv, and Haifa and Netanya. Millions of Israelis do it everyday and are fine. If I were to travel on the subways of New York late at night, or walk into certain neighborhoods in Baltimore, or Los Angeles or Miami I might not be fine. I might also risk being dead.
And so, I would like to reassure you. Israel, whatever our enemies tell you with the help of CNN, is not a war zone. We take precautions, just as you do in America. We don't mingle in large crowds. Some of us feel more comfortable in taxis than in buses. We don't travel every road in the country fearlessly, but there are many, many roads in which you need have no fears at all. That is the truth. The big bombs get big news. But that doesn't mean that on a day to day basis every one of us fears for our lives.
The truth is, youth groups are coming and going every single day, the participants cautiously guarded and directed, leaving with wonderful memories. The irony is that this is the best time in the world to come. The prices are great. Nothing is crowded. The tourist industry is at its most welcoming.
Millions of us in Israel turn to the Jews of North America, South America, England, South Africa, Australia, and Europe and say: My brothers and sisters. The hour is at hand to see if we are truly a nation, an indivisible family. To show how deep your commitment goes. Because if Israel is the insurance policy for world Jewry; if her losses and sacrifices have been made to ensure every Jew a homeland, a place where when a Jew has to go there, the country has to take them in, then the time has come for you to do your part.
We are not asking you to put on a uniform and take a gun. Nor would we ask you to send your child into battle. We are asking you a very simple, reasonable thing. Come to Israel and see what a beautiful country we Jews have built. Only you can fill the flights to Israel. Only you can fill her hotels. Come and show the world there is such a thing as the Jewish people and that they are not cowards. They have strength, and faith and courage. Show the affluent, influential Arabs nations and their European allies that the Jews have come home to stay and that, under attack, we don't not cower. Our numbers swell.
Do
this not only for Israel and her economy, and her people's moral. Do it
so that when your son or daughter asks you in years to come: "Mommy, Daddy,
what did you do when the Jews of Israel were under attack?" you can give
them an answer which will make you, and them, feel proud.
Dear Gil:
My son's grade school experience is much richer and interesting than mine was. Obviously much has been learned about teaching and curriculum over the past 30-40 years. Why is it, then, that when I go into my son's Hebrew school class, I feel like I have entered a time warp and am back in MY Hebrew school?
I don't
think it is helpful to complain about parents. Parents like me continue
to wonder whether Hebrew school is any more enriching than it was for us.
It is up to Jewish educators to bring Jewish education out of the '50s.
Dear R:
In many cases I think you are right about the time warp and I never cease to be amazed that we continue generation after generation to try to teach material that is not applicable to day to day life. I have written before about the need to shift our educational emphasis from how to be Jewish... to WHY should a person be Jewish.
Even as I say that, I must differ with you... it is up to the parents to make sure that their children have a rich Jewish education. School is only a small part of this.... Jewish home life, youth groups, camp, Israel trips all play huge roles. You as a dad are pivotal in making those all happen and happen positively!
As
for schools, parents must also play a critical role, as the email below
from a teacher and high school director says better than I could....
Dear Gil:
Unfortunately most parents are not willing to strongly back the religious schools and programs their children attend.
The
field of Jewish supplemental education is growing and professionalizing.
We do work diligently to write creative curricula, vary our methodologies,
and offer a variety of alternative informal educational opportunities for
our students and families. Despite the efforts that we are putting into
these things, in a great many cases the attitudes at home undermine them:
Dear R & L:
Most
parents do not expect their kids to be professional athletes or musicians...
but they do want them to be ethical and conscientious Jews. The latter
requires a partnership and critical mass of many parents committed to serious
learning together with many creative and innovative teachers. The alternative
is Jewish education that will continue to frustrate parents and teachers
while creating Jewish students who won't make the grade.
FEBRERO: Familia Lev - Familia Baum - Amanda y David Sossin
MARZO: Amos Bien
- Familia Arguedas - David
y Anita Kaufman - Gonzalo Vega -
Ligia Campos
ABRIL: Familia Zango - Hilda ten Brink - Familia Mizrachi - Familia Yechivi
MAYO: Bill and Bonnie Fischer - Familia Podcaminsky - Clara Zomer - Familia Berman
JUNIO: José y Jessica
Ackerman - Kurt Bachman - José
y Dina Rosenkrantz -
Familia Waltersdorfer