INSIDE Centro Sefarad Volume 52, Number 1 • Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 NM A Conversation with a Front-Line Radiologist page 8 and Sephardic Ancestry Seeker: Dr. Yvette Bailey By Diane Joy Schmidt have a normal chest X-ray and a very abnor- “When you get a clot, if it’s big, and if it’s Passover In case you’ve become complacent after mal CT scan with the virus.” “We’re getting a lot of CT scans looking sitting in the wrong place, people immediate- ly succumb to that because they can’t breathe, During the our year-long lockdown, opening the news- for thrombus (blood clots) in the lungs. This there’s something blocking their arteries. papers on any given day will reawaken you virus is an inflammatory disease, and so it And, this can affect even younger people, to the urgency of the pandemic. Sometimes attacks organs. Blood vessels are considered it can affect all populations, because no one Pandemic personal stories hit the hardest - an anesthe- an organ system, and it’s causing clots. And knows how this inflammatory disease will af- siologist writes about looking into the eyes so sometimes the shortness of breath may fect you. And we look at ultrasounds of the of his terrified patients as he intubates them, be more because you’re really having blood lower extremities, the legs, to see where those knowing that some may not wake up again; in clots. So, the x-rays are followed by the CT of clots are coming from.” page 9-11 Brazil, where the president has followed no the chest, specifically looking not just for the This reporter asked if taking baby aspi- health policy, when the oxygen ran out at a Covid pneumonia, but also making sure that rin might be a good preventative measure if hospital, the intubated patients suffocated and there’s no additional blood clots, you know, died. Now news reports are slowly beginning pulmonary embolus along with it. Remembering BAILEY continued on page 23 to surface revealing how President Trump, simply wanting to make states look bad, de- Those We liberately slowed access to PPE last spring and then in the fall, refused funding to the states to prepare for the vaccination program. Have Lost A radiologist, Dr. Yvette Bailey, who has been working with Covid patients since De- cember 2019, has been in touch with the Sephardic heritage program at the Jewish pages 18-20 Federation of New Mexico while applying to become a Portuguese citizen. She offered to share her experiences as a radiologist, and the latest recom- mendations for what preventive measures we all can be taking now. She also has been personally and actively involved in trying to bring shipments of PPE here from overseas and relates how they were confiscated by the Trump ad- ministration. Dr. Bailey explained that as pa- tients come into the hospital with the Covid virus, they first will get a chest X-ray. But, she explained, “it’s very difficult, sometimes to actually discern what’s happening on a chest X-ray, the chest X-ray may look normal, but the patient is very, very symptomatic,” hav- ing difficulty breathing, “so they move on to a CT scan (a CT scan, or computerized tomography scan, often pronounced ‘cat scan,’ is a method of making multiple X-ray images of parts of the body with a computer). It’s not uncommon to Still inspiring minds. No matter what. Grades 6 - 12 sandiaprep.org 2 The New Mexico Jewish Link Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S CORNER Event Draws Thousands: Standing Avoiding the Narrows Together Against Racism By Diane Joy Schmidt being, then we are denying ing that’s sustainable about an- By Rabbi Dr. Rob Lennick, God. And if we deny God, we ger. And disillusionment, you CEO, Jewish Federation of New Standing Together Against cannot pray.” have to channel it into positive Mexico Racism: Building on our Com- Bernice King, who holds a action.” mon Heritage, sponsored by doctorate in law from Emo- Lennick added, “This whole The Passover story focuses on the the Jewish Federation of New ry University, is the youngest conversation is about coming Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. Mexico together with Burque of King’s children, and did back and carrying forward a We recount this dramatic example of Against Racism, reached a live not mince words. “We have a story that continues to inspire.” God working in history during the Pe- audience of over 2,500 people long way to go if we’re going Susannah Heschel, Dart- sach Seder – as we also celebrate the across the country on January to build on the legacy of Her- mouth professor of Jewish rebirth of spring. 24th, and made headlines at the schel and King, we have a lot studies, whose scholarship fo- In addition to the historical and international newspaper Haar- of work to do if African Amer- cuses on Jewish-Christian re- natural manifestations of liberation, etz in Israel. The recorded we- icans and Jews are going to lations in Germany during the the rabbis also offered a psychologi- binar can be viewed online at: work together.” 19th and 20th centuries, Bib- cal interpretation of the Exodus from TogetherAgainstRacismNM. She said that awareness of lical studies and antisemitism, Egypt. In Hebrew, the word for Egypt org. fighting a common enemy added a parable which related is, mitzrayim, and the root of this word Rabbi Dr. Rob Lennick The event featured Dr. Su- is what can bring us togeth- to her personal experience of is, tzar, which means, narrow. Egypt, sannah Heschel and Dr. Ber- er. “We see these injustices meeting Dr. King as a child, in this sense is not only a geographical equity and inclusion. And while there nice King, two daughters of as threatening an individual and how she felt her father and place, but a psychic space of narrow- may be opinions that we are unable to the leaders of the civil right group of people, when, at the Dr. King studying the Bible ness. embrace, let our community always movement of the 1960’s, the end of the day, they threaten all together helped Jews restore We have certainly experienced be a place where every individual is Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, of us… Since my father said themselves to their souls. the narrowing of our lives during listened to and the humanity in every Jr. and Rabbi Joshua Heschel, injustice anywhere is a threat She said, “Today in the syn- Covid-19. The limits on freedom to person is celebrated. in a discussion moderated by to justice everywhere, and his agogue, we read chapter 10 of come and go and our ability to gather, A story: There was this perfect crys- Rabbi Capers Funnye Jr., chief reminder of our being inter- the Book of Exodus. And just the important necessity of social dis- tal that people venerated until one rabbi of the International Isra- twined, and interconnected and a few days ago, I came across tancing and so many other aspects of day it was dropped, and a crack ran elite Board of Rabbis. interrelated with each other, a commentary that I want to our lives during Covid-19 represent a through it, deeming it worthless. An The women were chil- and humanity in the single gar- share with everybody. Because narrowing of our lives, for a good pur- artist looked at it for some time and dren when their fathers were ment of destiny.” the first verse in chapter 10, pose, to keep each other healthy. said, “I see something here.” The art- friends, and both have found Funnye added that mem- says, God tells Moses, go to The narrowing has also resulted in ist then etched into the crystal along their own ways to carry on that bers of the African American Pharaoh because I have hard- new opportunities for face-to-face en- the crack, a thorn, then some leaves, legacy. In speaking together, community had felt their souls ened his heart. It’s a famous counters on Zoom. Hopefully, distance and more thorns and at the top of the they honor the bonds of that were stolen and that he, as an verse. But the commentary I has made all our hearts grow fonder crack, a beautiful rose bud. The crack special friendship of their fa- African American Jew, found read is so interesting—it takes and we feel more gratitude for the peo- disappeared and became the stem of a thers, to give voice to what is a synthesis in his own soul in the word hardened, and it says ple who care about us and whom we beautiful rose etched into the crystal. needed at this troubled time, studying the words of Heschel that in Hebrew, the root of that care about. We need to have the patience and vi- when the Covid pandemic has and King. word also means honor, and There is also the Egypt of the Soul sion to see the beauty that is embedded made us acutely aware of the King went on to say that be- dignity. And reinterpreted, it that impacts all of our lives that is ex- in every person we encounter, even if inequities in our country, and fore us is “the heart work,” as said, not that God hardened pressed in narrowmindedness. We live they have what we think are flawed a racist mob recently almost her father would say, “the met- Pharaoh’s heart, but that God in a time when so many people are viewpoints. Our common humanity is overtook the capital. tlesome task is to discover how transformed Pharaoh’s heart to stuck in the narrows of intolerance, found when we see beyond the flaws. Above and beyond the in- to do this, this organizing the be capable of honor and digni- anger, dismissiveness, fear, prejudice, The narrows we wish to avoid is a spiring and thoughtful remarks strength.” She said it doesn’t ty. racism and hate. place where people refuse to even talk, made, hearing these two wom- take a mass movement, but just “And then if you look at Many of us remember a time in our stop listening to each other, and slip en warmly address each other a critical mass of leaders. verse 17, Pharaoh says to Mo- civic life when people could disagree into villianizing those with different as “sister” left a good feeling, King pointed to the suc- ses and Aaron, I have sinned vehemently about issues and debate viewpoints. Sadly, we see so much of and a reminder that personal cess of the Southern Christian before God and before you.” them responsibly, maybe reach com- this across society. Can we return to relationships can make histor- Leadership Conference, found- So actually, it makes much promise or not, all the while maintain- the culture of civility where we may ical change. ed by a hundred “big egos, who more sense. And that, to me, is ing respect for one another. All issues reject someone’s opinion while ac- Rob Lennick, CEO of still managed to come together also so much of what Dr. King were not automatically politicized cepting them as a person? One hopes. the Jewish Federation, told in favor of the greater good, accomplished. He took hearts and polarizing. The primary standard Is this a tall order? Yes. The first step Haaretz following the webinar, when faced with that common that were often quite hard, and against which public discourse was requires listening to the other, and then “This event was so much more enemy” of oppression and he made them capable of honor measured was through a widely held responding respectfully and honestly. than a review of history and hatred, and violence, and dis- and dignity, of repentance. And belief in the common good. Sadly, this Learn as much as possible and dis- thoughts about the future of crimination. She added, point- that’s the heritage for us.” kind of dignity in our social and polit- agree without malice. Black-Jewish relations. It was edly, “another sermon is not Audience comments that ical discourse has dramatically waned. The saddest part of “cancel culture” a spiritual experience where going to get us out. It’s gonna followed the webinar came in Would that we recognized the hu- is that it has led many people to can- all three shared personally have to be the word that has be- from across the U.S. and Can- manity in each other, were able to cel other people because they simply about the imperative for peo- come flesh.” ada. Many expressed apprecia- listen empathetically to each other, disagree on issues or ideas. That is the ple to learn to see each other Funnye and King talked tion for the program, and also and knew there is a person behind the narrows in which too many people find as humans in God’s image… about the example set by Sta- great concern and questions opinion figuring out life just as we are. themselves these days. And [it is] motivating as we cey Abrams in Georgia, how about how best to bridge the We can only overcome the othering This Pesach, as we welcome Elijah have already begun to discuss there was evidence of voter current divide. One comment that goes on in our society and create into our homes, perhaps he might rep- what programs need to follow suppression when Abrams ran encapsulated this in a rhetorical a culture of mutual respect and com- resent the person with whom we dis- this historic gathering and pro- for governor of Georgia, but, question. Cantor Sheri Allen of passion by beginning with ourselves. agree. While we may reject an opinion, found conversation.” as King said, “She didn’t incite Texas, asked, “I lead a small Diversity, equity and inclusion are not principle, group or point of view, and Susannah Heschel, drawing people to violence, she drew Jewish congregation, and have simply slogans. Each one of us can certain people for their abhorrent be- on the religious background them together and galvanized been criticized for focusing too play a role in promoting these values havior, let that person with whom we her father and King shared, them in a movement for polit- much on racial injustice, and if we choose. Listening is the first step. simply disagree still be welcome to sit recalled that her father had of- ical change.” Without having not enough on antisemitism. What makes our Jewish community at our table. Let us listen and see the ten said that, because human to point out the divisive tac- How can I communicate that exceptional is that we are diverse in humanity in each other. beings were created in the im- tics this country saw in the last it’s not one or the other —not experience, opinion and knowledge, age of God, “if we deny the months of the Trump era, she us or them—that these issues and we are working together to create humanity of another human said, “You know, there’s noth- affect us all?” Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 The New Mexico Jewish Link 3 IPS ARMED PATROL – ARMED RESPONSE – K-9 SERVICES “ T H E R I G H T C O M P A N Y A T T H E R I G H T T I M E. ” www.ipsglobal.com • 505–897–2420 4 The New Mexico Jewish Link Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 Op-Ed: Stop Abuse of Op-Ed: The Antidote Palestinian Children By Diane Joy Schmidt er person’s shoes. Do not do to others that which is By Todd Goldblum, M.D. Palestinian children are trained in distasteful to you. Don’t make up lies about some- terrorist camps each year, and over My mother told me about the Golden Rule when I one else—how would you like it if they did that to As a pediatric physician, I would 160 children have died digging ter- was a very small child. I don’t remember what I did, you? Don’t make fun of a person who looks differ- like to respond to Stanley Hordes’ ror tunnels into Israel. but I must have done something wrong. I remember ent from you—what if that turned out to be someone recent opinion piece in the win- Hamas places children on the looking to see if she was holding a gold-colored rul- in your group? ter 2020 issue of the New Mexico front line in their riots and battles, er behind her skirt. She recited, ‘Do onto others as Don’t exclude others from having the same rights Jewish Link regarding the United routinely uses women and children you would have others do onto you.’ I didn’t get it. as you. If we are all made in God’s image, all a spark States House of Representative’s as human shields, and most horrify- Then she tried reasoning. She said, kindly enough, of God, then it follows that you wouldn’t like to be resolution HR 2407 which claims ing they recruit children for suicide ‘If you are nice to others, they will be nice to you,’ excluded either. that the Israeli Defense Force bombings. Using child combatants but that required an imaginary leap into the future, This extends to all living creatures, all of creation. abuses against detained Palestin- is one of the most horrific form something that a four-year-old wouldn’t make. It’s a teaching that is found in most religions and ian children. There is a reason why of child abuse, and DCI-P as well The version in Leviticus 19:18, “Love thy neigh- cultures in the world. It is the concept of reciprocity. many in Congress will not support as Jewish Voices for Peace (JVP) bor as thyself,” made even less sense to me, as I But apparently some in this country are having to re- this bill, these claims are mostly will not condemn this child ex- knew my mother didn’t even like our neighbor, an learn this. We seemed to have lost the finer points of from a report made by Defense of ploitation. Palestinian children are old man who made my father listen to his dirty jokes common sense in a proliferation of made-up stories Children International – Palestine recruited for violence at an early over the hollyhocks. to bolster some wishful thinking, a false belief that (DCI-P). This non-profit organiza- age in schools. In 2016, over 240 Perhaps if she’d used the other version, “What is the election was stolen. This is causing an erosion of tion has ties to the terrorist orga- approved textbooks, which called hateful to you do not do unto another,” that might our democracy. nization the Popular Front for the for children to kill Israelis and then have made a bigger impression. As in, ‘Don’t hit Fortunately, Dominion, the company that makes Liberation of Palestine, which has martyr themselves, were distribut- your brother if you don’t want him to hit you,’ or, ‘If the voting machines, has sued Rudy Giuliani for bil- murdered many civilians includ- ed to hundreds of UNWRA schools you hit the dog, it will bite you.’ It would be a more lions of dollars, using lawyers who have defended ing children. DCI-P’s agenda is to to children as young as in the first commonsensical approach. prominent conservatives. This set back the bullies vilify and delegitimize Israel, so it grade. For any family, tribe or country, for any society in our country a bit who think, any made up claim, is not surprising that much of their Stanley Hordes represents JVP to hold together at all, it has to start with that most the more outlandish the better, will sell. The attack claims are of course based on pro- which actively endorses and sup- fundamental idea. on the capital was led by right-wing extremists who paganda, rather than fact. ports the Boycott, Divestment, and A story that dates back centuries explains that this wanted to overthrow the election and stop Biden For example, statistics show that Sanction (BDS) movement against is a core tenet of Judaism. A non-Jew asked a rabbi from taking office. Period. from April 2015 to March 2016, the Israel. BDS does not support the to explain Judaism while standing on one leg. The When people want to believe the most poisonous rate of arrest of Palestinian minors internationally accepted two-state rabbi, annoyed, sent him away. The man then went conspiracy theories, and refuse to believe reality, we was 5.5 times less than England and solution. They abhor any negoti- to Rabbi Hillel the Elder, who told him, “Whatever have slid down a most treacherous slope. The only Wales which are not in the midst ations or reconciliation between is abhorrent to you, do not do to your fellow man. way out, the antidote, is not to turn the other cheek, of an armed conflict. Nearly all of Israelis and Palestinians. They That is the whole of Torah. The rest is commentary. but we must instill in our country again this foun- DCI-P claims have been proven to masquerade as a human rights orga- Now, go and study.” dational teaching, however it speaks to you: Treat be misleading or outright false. The nization, but their ultimate goal is The positive version, “Do onto others as you others as you want to be treated, don’t do something blood-libel claim of solitary isola- the elimination of the world’s only would have others do onto you,” might be better for to others that you wouldn’t want done to you. tion and torture is outrageous and Jewish state. the grownups among us, as it instructs how to prac- Diane Joy Schmidt is a writer and photographer disgusting. History has consistently shown tice making the world a better place. who was raised in the traditions of Reform Judaism It is what Stanley Hordes does that peace requires mutual respect, But Hillel’s version may be what’s needed right and is an admirer of all things spiritually resonant. not tell the reader about the plight understanding, and cooperation. now, because it forces us to put ourselves in anoth- Visit her at www.dianejoyschmidt.com. of Palestinian children which is the We need to support reconciliatory Protect Our Community: Register most alarming. He fails to mention and collaborative efforts between that in 2015 Palestinian authorities the two sides not violent and de- actively recruited Palestinian chil- structive ones. for a Coronavirus Vaccine dren to riot, including stabbings, All we have to do is look at the shooting, and murder. These “mar- remarkable peace accomplishments tyrs” were then hailed as heroes made this year between Israel and by the Palestinian authorities with the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco to By Sara Koplik, Ph.D. As we enter the season of Pe- on the Navajo Nation vaccinated. encouragement to continue their vi- name a few. Most importantly, we Editor sach, we recall the lengths that the Only Israel and the Seychelles olent ways. He also fails to report must teach our children not to hate children of Israel took to make have higher rates than our neigh- Hamas’ horrific use of child com- or commit acts of violence. We are a small people, 16 mil- sure that the angel of death would bors to the west. batants – approximately 10,000 lion souls spread across the globe, pass over their homes and spare Throughout this difficult year, with a recent experience of geno- their first-born. Once again, we New Mexicans were fortunate that Dear Editor, cide. Our population has not yet are called to protect ourselves and Governor Michelle Lujan-Grish- Stanley Hordes’ recent article, “Conflation of Anti-Zionism and recovered the number of lives our community. This time, how- am, our departments of health and Antisemitism Wrong” (Winter 2020) is the clearest illustration of lost in the Holocaust. As Jews, we ever, blood on our doorposts will human services, tribal and local know that every life is precious, not save us, but rather a vaccine governments, our synagogues, the problem raised by Halley Faust in “Can you be Jewish and An- and any preventable death is its will. schools and businesses all put for- tisemitic?” (Fall 2020). To begin with, Dr. Hordes creates a straw- own tragedy. Now is the time to register for ward strict regulations to stem the man, which he then happily knocks down: he mischaracterizes The Link does not normally a Covid-19 vaccine. If you have tide of Coronavirus. Dr. Faust’s position as stating that anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism. print obituaries, and yet, in this computer access, go to: Vac- Without these measures, it is Faust’s position is that the two are often the same. issue, three pages are devoted cineNM.org. If you don’t, please estimated that four times as many Hordes accuses Israel of a policy of persecuting Palestinians with- to those who have recently died. call (855) 600-3453, choose 0, people would have died. In mid- out any basis in fact. He states that 700,000 Palestinians were ban- Covid-19 means that grief is com- and then 4. March 2021, that could have been ished from their villages in 1948, without mentioning that they were pounded and comforting the be- Being vaccinated is a way to about 16,000 people, similar to not banished, but left home at the urging of their leaders in order to reaved is so much more difficult. protect our entire people. It is a the population of Los Lunas. facilitate the Arab assault on the nascent state of Israel. Throughout the past year, life-saving act. Our health infrastructure would Hordes describes Gaza as an open-air prison, without mentioning the New Mexico Jewish Link has We live in a state where there have been completely over- that the Gazans’ material shortages are due to Hamas’ diverting all worked to provide our readers is a centralized vaccination reg- whelmed. This did not happen, aid to building tunnels into Israel instead of feeding the population with the most accurate, up-to- istration system and over 90% of because wise policies were put or repairing the infrastructure. He accuses Israel of controlling who date information about how current supply has been distrib- into place, and our population enters and leaves Gaza without mentioning that Egypt, on its side of to keep safe during this global uted, the highest in the US. By heeded the warnings. Gaza, imposes the same restrictions on entry and exit. Coronavirus pandemic. There is mid-March, 29% of the popula- The sacrifices that were made, Kristina Harrigan, Santa Fe no higher value for Jews than pi- tion received at least one dose of kuach nefesh – saving a life. a vaccine, with 82% of residents VACCINE continued on page 5 Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 The New Mexico Jewish Link 5 Op-Ed: January 6th, Day of Rage symbols of white racism, including the Confederate flag, were present and prominently displayed.” The Tulsa riots are another hideous example. It won’t disappear soon or easily as we saw January 6th. By Barbara Crews man. You can’t legislate feelings but Trump’s appeal to mostly white He goes on to say that “They are I wrote this piece in an effort to you can legislate behavior. males has always been about racism a dangerous mob of grievous white understand the context of the horri- It took my breath away. It made me But what does race or even an- and fear. Their fear existed long be- people worried that their position in ble events of the past few weeks, in angry. It brought me to tears. All the tisemitism have to do with the mob fore Trump gave voice to it; before the status hierarchy is threatened by fact of the past four years. It was a daily rage of the past four years bub- attacks on the Capital? Adam Serwer he sympathized with it and before he a multiracial coalition of Americans daunting task to capture my thoughts bled up and over. And now Trump’s writes in The Atlantic that the riots nurtured it. Looking at the faces of who brought Biden to power and de- and feelings and to read and to keep followers were storming the Capital were not so much “unprecedented” the terrorists who stormed into the feated Trump.” reading in search of answers. I am of the United States. I found I had as they were in keeping with our Capital, it was appalling to see the As Serwer explains this “violence dismayed but not totally despairing. no answers. How to make sense of country’s history of white backlash incredible arrogance of their white- claims no legitimate grievances, it I keep telling myself that perhaps these senseless and violent scenes at to racial equality. ness. They took selfies, they re- is merely the perpetual retaliation to this cataclysmic event will be the our Capital. Here is my attempt to After all, Jim Crow followed Re- corded their atrocious behavior and racial progress, as evidenced by the last gasp of white racism in Con- understand recent events. construction. The Tulsa riots deci- criminal acts believing they would insurrectionists parading of Trump gress and in the White House. I am We knew from day one, that mated “Black Wallstreet.” And it is be immune from punishment. As if flags, Confederate flags, Gadsden hopeful that our increasingly mul- Trump was a racist, a bigot, and a not a coincidence that on the same this were some kind of entitlement. flags, Blue Lives Matter flags and ticultural country will continue to misogynist. Possibly an anti-Sem- day of the riot, Georgia elected its As a woman outside the Capital was neo-Nazi symbols. This was not an bring about successful and exciting ite. Deborah Lipstadt, the writer and first Black and Jewish Americans overheard telling her husband, they uprising against a tyrannical govern- election results like those in Georgia. American historian (best known for to two Senate seats. Where there is won’t shoot us, they are supposed to ment; it was an uprising against a As Martin Luther King, Jr fa- her books Denying the Holocaust, racism, there is usually anti-Semi- shoot BLM protestors. multicultural government.” mously said the “arc of the moral History on Trial: My Day in Court tism. It is how the KKK demonstrat- Hakeem Jefferson writes: “It is White backlash or “whitelash” universe is long, but it bends toward with a Holocaust Denier and most ed their power and spread fear for not by chance that most of the in- as Sheryll Cashin describes it, is an justice.” recently, Antisemitism: Here and years. dividuals who descended on the old American ritual. When whites Barbara Crews served as Galves- Now) has said that she doesn’t be- Racism is America’s original sin. nation’s capital were white, nor is it fear losing their power, their sense ton’s mayor from 1990 to 1996 after lieve that Trump is an anti-Semite, It is fundamental to who we are and an accident that they align with the of superiority, or their control, there spending several years on the city but that he enables antisemitism. I what America is. It is so ingrained Republican Party and this president. is a wave of pushback to bring back council. She currently a Taos Jewish believe that is a distinction without in our institutions that it is part of Moreover, it is not a coincidence that the old order of white superiority. Center board member. a difference. the very fabric of our society. Every I remember hearing James Bald- institution in this country, from gov- win being interviewed in the 1960’s ernment, to housing, to health care, saying that he didn’t care what feel- to education, criminal justice, bank- ings people had in their hearts. “I ing, and of course politics, main- don’t care if you love me or or hate tains systems and has for centuries, me,” he said. What he cared about systems that favor whites and not was how he was treated as a Black Blacks. VACCINE continued from page 4 children are eligible. This year, when older adults You’ve got a have been at far higher risk, young and continue to be made, are vital- people stepped in to help them. BUDDY ly important. Your actions protect those around you. Thank you for And now, as more older adults are in the Business! taking this mission so seriously. fully vaccinated, the favor must The Jewish community of New be returned, so that all are protect- Mexico is significantly older than ed from this terrible scourge. the general population. Many If you know of someone who have underlying health condi- tions. Despite the terrible diffi- culties and pain of this year, our has not registered with the state, please encourage them to sign up, and help them fill out the simple 505-982-1900 resolve must continue. It is crucial form. Think of those you know that everyone registers for a vac- who don’t have access to a com- cine and receives the necessary doses. The much more deadly puter or a vehicle. As members of a caring community, we can all MAIN LOCATION EXPRESS MAINTENANCE variants have not yet arrived here. make a difference. Everyone over age 18 is eli- 1601 St. Michaels Drive, 1920 Cerrillos, Road, We do not know their impact, but vaccination is a pivotal defense. gible. It is not necessary to have health insurance or documented Santa Fe, NM 87505 Santa Fe, NM 87505 Even a month after the final in- OFSANTAFE.COM jection, masking, social distance, immigration status. As we have and careful handwashing are still learned time and time again this necessary as so many are still not year, we are only as strong as our vaccinated. Currently, none of our most vulnerable. you were meant to come alive The Link is a community newspaper, published since 1971 as a service by the Jewish Federation of New Mexico. It in the time of great death focuses on Jewish life in New Mexico, and you were meant to sit is committed to seeing Jewish life thrive. you were meant to cry Publisher: Rob Lennick, CEO F. Benjamin, Misha Sauceda, Sybil Kaplan, Beth Cohen, by self-addressed, stamped envelope. All letters, readers you were meant to offer up your gloved hand to Jewish Federation of New Mexico (JFNM), 821-3214 Harold Albert, David Blacher, Nathan Ari Fox, Marsha forums and opinion pieces solely reflect the opinions perfect strangers Berkowitz Johansen, Rabbi Lily Solochek et al. of the authors and not the opinions of The New Mexico Editor: Sara Koplik, Ph.D. Production: Christine Carter, Envision Graphics Jewish Link, nor of its publisher, the Jewish Federation you were meant to repair and to break to break Editorial Board: Marvin Gottlieb, Ph.D., of New Mexico. These serve as a forum for the New and then to repair Ron Duncan Hart, Ph.D., Wire service: Jewish Telegraphic Agency Mexico Jewish community and The Link strongly urges Sabra Minkus submissions. Send submissions via e-mail to sarakoplik@ you were meant to arrive this day Sarah Newman Address: The New Mexico Jewish Link unmhillel.org or via post to exactly as you came Halley Faust 5520 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Abq, NM 87109 The New Mexico Jewish Link, 5520 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. you were meant to Contributors: Diane Joy Schmidt, Todd Goldblum, Submissions: The New Mexico Jewish Link is published quarterly. to draw near to the work of Barbara Crews, Devon Spier, Sabra Minkus, Phyllis Cohen, Letters to the editor, articles, or other information to be Postmaster: Send address changes to considered for publication must be sent with return address JFNM, 5520 Wyoming Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87109. never-ending staying away Schelly Talalay Dardashti, Judah Botzer, Frances Williams, Gilad Katz, Eli Follick, Rabbi Paul J. Citrin, Nancy Sohn and phone number and signed by the author. E-mail Swatz, Jeffrey Paul, Emily Blaugrund Fox, Beth Cohen, submissions are preferred. The editor reserves the right to All letters, readers’ forums, opinion pieces and advertisements edit or deny publication to submissions. Materials sent to solely reflect the opinions of the authors and not the opinions of by Devon Spier Sue Parker Gerson, Lance Bell, Ron Duncan Hart, Robert The Link will not be saved or returned unless accompanied the New Mexico Jewish Link. 6 The New Mexico Jewish Link Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 A Kaddish for 2020 The Struggle to Make Aliyah Equitable By Rabbi Lily Solochek, Kohenet Shamirah, for the B’nei Menashe of India Rabbinical student May Ye, By Sabra Minkus Menashe’s Aliyah is handled by chance at immigration for all Rabbi Emily Cohen, Rabbi Raysh Weiss, a monopoly given to a single or- B’nei Menashe, it is a significant Rabbi Noam Lerman In December 2020, 252 mem- ganization, which has a pattern improvement. bers of the B’nei Menashe com- of troubling behaviors. In February, the B’nei Me- munity made Aliya from India. Degel Menashe, a new nashe Council submitted the pe- We cannot count the losses of 2020. It was a troubled process as usu- non-profit organization, founded tition signed by 912 members of We lament the deaths of 2020. 1.8 million from the coronavirus. al. Once again, families were di- to support the B’nei Menashe in the Manipur community. It stat- Deaths of healthcare workers, deaths of incarcerated people, deaths in vided, refused at the last minute Israel and India has been con- ed: “We have had enough. We refugee camps, deaths from homelessness during this pandemic. after being accepted, and in one cerned for quite some time about ask the Jewish Agency, the Min- We lament the deaths from police violence. Deaths of Black and case, turned away at the airport the abusive treatment of its com- istry of Immigration, and the Brown people. Deaths of trans people, murdered for existing. in Delhi with no reason given munity members by Shavei Is- government of Israel to assume We cannot count the losses of 2020. or funds for hotel and transport rael. direct responsibility for our Ali- We mourn time lost from family and friends. Cancelled weddings, back to Manipur. These difficul- A year ago, Degel Menashe yah by taking it out of Shavei Is- ties are just a small sample of the reached out to the Israeli gov- rael’s hands and freeing us from funerals in isolation. injustices inflicted on the B’nei ernment asking that the monop- its tyranny over our lives.” We mourn the loss of in-person education for our children and the Menashe who are trying to ful- oly held by Shavei stop. The As we approach Passover let socioeconomic barriers to education during a pandemic. fill their dream of going home to Israeli government agreed to us hope that the B’nei Menashe We mourn jobs lost, increased hunger and poverty. Evictions and Israel. shift practices to some extent, will be able to say, “Israel let our unpayable bills. The Aliyah process for the and now the Jewish Agency will people go!” We cannot count the losses of 2020. B’nei Menashe has been in the be involved, in partnership with For more information about We cry and we cry out. hands of a Jerusalem non-profit, Shavei Israel. the B’nei Menashe, please go to We cry out against fascism. Against white supremacy. Shavei Israel since 2004. Like While this is not a complete Degel Menashe’s website: De- We cry out for stolen indigenous land. no other community, the B’nei victory for fairness and an equal gelMenashe.org. We cry out for those whose voices have been silenced. Intention for Waiting for Vaccine We cry out for the injustice of our race, gender, socioeconomic class, and location determining how we experience this pandemic. We cannot count the losses of 2020. We grieve. By Devon A. Spier To align our worry with the We grieve the damage humanity has inflicted on precious Earth. Breath of the whole universe We grieve poisoned water, poisoned air, drought and erosion. Floods, G-d of swift justice and the wellspring of life hurricanes, wildfires. Of long lines, delayed hopes, and dreaded hearts Sending us out each day We cannot count the losses of 2020. longing to take flight We grapple with new phrases we’ve come to say daily: Unprecedent- To exhale and remember what it is ed. New normal. Pivot. Unforeseen. Abundance of caution. Surreal. G-d who waits and who doesn’t Mundane moment to Isolation. Difficult. Mute & unmute. Technical difficulties. Silver lin- Mundane moment to ing. Streaming. Quarantine & shelter in place & Lockdown. Masks. Bring us our vaccine in time Restlessly awake Misinformation. On holy time Who give us permission to source the profundity from the profane We cannot count the losses of 2020. That we are nourished Inhale May the One who makes peace in the heavens give us courage and That we are safe And so, to live. resilience to make peace amongst our communities, our nations, and That we are reminded our world. of the purpose of our days Amen. May the anguished learnings of this year lead to building better access for people on the margins of community. That our wounds mending tending ache Republished with permission from Ritualwell.org. May the memory of this year spark a revolution within us to build a And are seen felt and heard Devon Spier’s Whatever it is, gently: Quiet Medi- stronger, more just and loving world. By the health givers tations for the Noise of the Pandemic is available May we know the privilege we hold by being alive as we say, Amen. Who are around us every instant on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, GoodReads and other Republished with permission from Ritualwell.org online sources. by Phyllis Cohen Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 The New Mexico Jewish Link 7 www.Hadassah.org/Albuquerque A Message ARE YOU A Happy FAMILY Passover from from the CAREGIVER? Sabra Minkus and family Jewish Care Caregiving for a loved one can be overwhelming and isolating. This group provides Program a compassionate space for caregivers to gain emotional support and information. During this time of continued Happy Passover Take a step to care for uncertainty, we want to remind yourself – come to the free you that there are ways to connect Caregiver Support Group with others that are supportive With a wish that we will be able and nourishing. Let’s keep caring to gather next year. deeply for one another and our- 616 Central Avenue SW · Albuquerque · NM 87102 selves. We are here to support se- Tuesdays, from 2-3pm gamelsky new cards:Layout 1 9/26/08 9:07 AM 505.247.0606 · www.nmholocaustmuseum.org Page 1 niors and those in our community Preregistration required (505) 348-4451 who need resources and emotion- al support. If you or someone you OPEN TO ALL know is in need, please call us at LEE GAMELSKY ARCHITECTS P.C. 505-348-4451. Jewish Federation of New Mexico | 5520 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 | jewishnewmexico.org 2412 MILES ROAD SE ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87106 505.842.8865 FAX 842.1693 lee@lganm.com www.lganm.com LEE GAMELSKY AIA, LEED AP Help Temple Aaron Meet its 100x6 Challenge! Temple Aaron needs your help to raise $100,000 in six months! In late 2020, the State Historical Fund (SHF) awarded Temple Aaron $50,000 for critical roof repairs. The temple must match this with $30,000. The 100x6 campaign includes: • $30,000 match for SHF grant • $50,000 to replace the temple’s boiler • $20,000 towards operating expenses for 2021 $100,000 For more information and to donate, please visit: www.templeaaron.org Or call 303.905.2161 Thank you for your generous support! Temple Aaron of Trinidad, Colorado is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation 8 The New Mexico Jewish Link Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 Centro Sefarad NM Makes a Global Splash By Schelly Talalay Dardashti The past few months have been busy for Cen- tro Sefarad NM with conferences, presentations, monthly Shabbat services, and the start of “Intro- duction to Judaism” (in Spanish). The website is up and running, while online resources are being added. Centro Sefarad NM rabbi-in-residence Rab- bi Jordan Gendra-Molina and board member Schelly Talalay Dardashti both spoke at the recent RootsTech Connect in February, the largest gene- Maria Apodaca Rabbi Jordan Gendra-Molina alogy event in the world, produced by FamilySe- arch.org. be speaking on Sephardic topics at the National Due to the pandemic, this year’s edition was Genealogical Society, the Southern California completely virtual and completely free. More Genealogy Society Jamboree, the Internation- than 1 million global attendees in 242 countries al Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies viewed some 1,800 recorded programs in 40 lan- conference, and the Hispanic “We Are Cousins” guages. The programs will be online for about a event on an overview of Sephardic DNA and ma- year. Rabbi Gendra-Molina offered programs on jor projects. the routes of the Sephardic Diaspora and on pa- Centro Sefarad NM’s programs include a leographic handwriting in English and in Spanish, monthly Kabbalat Shabbat service (attendance has while Dardashti presented a three-part series on increased from a hand- Sephardic resources. ful to some 60 attend- In addition to this massive worldwide reach, ees), holiday-themed Dardashti and board member Maria Apodaca pre- programs, and Rabbi sented several virtual team talks to Jewish gene- Jordan’s “Introduction alogical and historical societies. One was for the to Judaism” class in new Jewish Genealogical Society of Santa Cruz Spanish has just begun. (California) and, on August 23, they will present For more informa- at the San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Genea- tion, go to CentroSe- logical Society. In the summer, Dardashti will faradNM.org Tracing Our Tribe Jewish Geneaolgy: A Quick Start to Your Quest By Schelly Talalay Dardashti 5,000s, while today’s registrations are in the hundreds of thousands. If you are just starting on the When I began, there were about road to genealogical discovery, five people looking for families in here are three free resources pro- Mogilev, Belarus; today, there are viding excellent information. hundreds of researchers listed for the same town. JewishGen.org Registration is free. If your family is of Eastern European Ashkenazi ancestry, SephardicGen.com your first stop should be Jewish- However, if you are of Sephar- Registration not required. This is just a taste of what is out Gen, with many special interest dic or Mizrahi ancestry, begin at Tracing the Tribe: Jewish Ge- there, and future columns will fo- groups, active discussion groups, SephardicGen, created by pio- nealogy on Facebook cus on specific topics. and many databases ranging from neer Sephardic genealogist and The third resource is Tracing If there is a topic you are inter- cemetery photos and records to award-winning author, Dr. Jef- the Tribe (known as TTT) estab- ested in, please email: tracingth- vital records from Poland and Schelly Talalay Dardashti frey Malka. His site holds hun- lished 13 years ago and now with etribe@gmail.com. many other countries. Unfortu- dreds of databases, as well as new 38,000 members in 101 countries. nately, it is still a rather Ashke- the town they come from, and and updated resources. There are It is a public group, so you may Schelly Talalay Dardash- nazi-focused site, although Sep- enter contact details. This feature country info files, as well as an look at the posts and answers, but ti was the genealogy columnist hardic researcher Genie Milgrom should be looked at as soon as you excellent indexing/search system only members can post or com- for the Jerusalem Post (1995- has recently created the Sephar- register for the site and add your (in English, French, and Span- ment. Request to join and answer 2006; It’s All Relative), authored dic/Crypto-Jewish database there. details as soon as possible. Some- ish). The first place to visit, as a the three questions you will re- the award-winning Tracing the For a good grounding of what one else may be looking for your short cut, is DATABASES, then ceive. The group has many gen- Tribe blog, and created Tracing the site holds, look first at the list name in that town and may have click the Consolidated Surname erous volunteer experts in many the Tribe: Jewish Genealogy on of InfoFiles covering first steps, already amassed a documented Index. Enter only the surname, countries who translate numerous Facebook (with 38,000 members how-to information, and specif- genealogy. In some cases, people and search using each parameter languages and help find records. in 101 countries). She is president ic country information. Join the have been contacted by long-lost in turn, to handle spelling vari- TTT members have participat- of the Jewish Genealogical Soci- main JewishGen discussion group family after years of posting in- ants. There are sections on maps, ed in many genealogical success ety of New Mexico and serves on where you can ask questions. formation. Better late than never! books, and other resources. Jeff’s stories, translated thousands of the boards of Centro Sefarad NM A useful feature is the Family This feature has been around award-winning book, Sephardic gravestones and other documents, and the Society for Crypto-Judaic Finder, where users can enter the for decades. As an example, my Genealogy (Avotaynu) offers and are also helpful in DNA ge- Studies. She is the US Genealogy surnames they are searching for, registration number is in the low even more information. netic genealogy questions. Advisor for MyHeritage.com. Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 The New Mexico Jewish Link 9 Pesach and the Mysteries Found within its Letters By Judah Botzer Chet means to discuss. Before Samech is a circle; and the Chet, stiff-necked people. Hebrew roots for they belie the these three letters are elaborat- being the eighth letter, is also the Joseph means ‘he added.’ The fact that life and traditions are ed on, remember, too, that Pha- symbol of infinity — the figure crux of the root is Samech Peh, a continuum. Both Chag––hol- raoh dubbed Joseph, Tzofnat eight, two connected circles. Joseph’s coat of stripes in re- iday, and grandparents––Sabba Pa’aneach, “the Code Decipher- Chet originally meant wall in verse. Hashem too is embodied and Savta, are representations of er,” to emphasize that much of the Egyptian and was depicted as in Joseph’s name. Only the AYN the circling of the seasons and Biblical narrative also contains two stacked blocks when carved SOF, no limits, could split the the generations. Samech means concealed cryptic messages. For in stone. Paper and pen led to the Yam Suf (Samech Peh), the Sea both trust and the transmission example, the reluctant stuttering rounding of what was etched. of Reeds, the Red Sea. Not only of Divine wisdom from genera- lead man, Mosheh, is actually The word Paradise, means ‘a did Moses lead us through the tion to generation. For example, HaShem’s name backwards. wall around.’ The garden of parted waters, but those same Joshua was full of the spirit of The word Zachor, which means Eden, in its roots, Gan Eden, waters engulfed and swept away wisdom because Moses Samach remember, contains two other means Guard Eden. Protection Pharaoh’s chariots. That word is Et Yadav, placed his hands, and words —Zach and Cur. Zach is essential for life, which is the Sachaf, (Samech Chet Peh) the thus, channeled and transmitted The Passover story is the epic is refinement and purity. Cur is consummate representation of turbulent sweeping away in a del- that wisdom. story of our people. From the the melting furnace. These three Chet. L’Chaim! –– to Life! uge of water. For Hashem deliv- I like to say, the Seder stands humble beginnings of the down- letters also spell Zachar, the Now let us look more deeply ers us and protects us under his for Sod HaDorot, the mystery trodden dreamer, Joseph, and masculine, because it is our spe- at Peh, Samech and Chet. Peh wing and is our refuge. Chusah connecting the generations. his blood-soaked coat of many cific calling as men to remem- Samech spells Pas, directly con- Na (Chet Samech––Save us, oh Pesach, Passover, is the glue colors to the glories and then ber, lest we forget. HaShem put necting us to Joseph’s emblem- Lord). of this continuum, reaching far melting furnace of Egypt. Even us through the melting furnace atic coat of many colors, Cutonet Hebrew letters and their com- into the past, while propelling unto the miraculous splitting of Egypt to refine us as a people. Passim. Cutonet is cotton and binations are both concise and us forward, together as a people, of the Red Sea and the sweep- Even the Seder contains three of Pasim are stripes. This was not expansive. Volumes are hidden kvetching but One. ing away of Pharaoh’s chariots, the letters of PaRDeS, the myth- just a sign of Jacob’s love, but in plain sight, prodding us to Judah Botzer has been teach- much of this, the greatest story ical cryptic orchard which im- rather a designation of Jacob’s look for (Chapes) and uncover ing Hebrew for the last 45 years. ever told, is already encapsulat- plores us to dig deep in search intention for Joseph to lead the (Chasof––Chet Samech Peh). He also prepares students for bar ed in the very letters of Pesach, of the mysteries (Remez — hint, clan. Joseph’s envious brothers You might suggest, Chapes, and bat mitzvahs. He grew up in the Passover. Drosh — inquire and Sod — the took the Peh Samech, stripes, is with a Shin. Well… Shin and Cleveland, Ohio, moved to Israel HaShem bade us to remem- mystery). and turned it into Peh Chet, PaCH, Samech often interchange. For where he served as a paratroop- ber this day and to recount it. Not only do the letters Peh, a snare, and threw Joseph into example, Samech Chet and Shin er in the Israeli Defense Forces Thus, the Haggadah, the telling, Samech and Chet beckon us to the pit. In reverse, these two let- Chet both mean to discuss. and has lived in Taos County for is reinforced by the letters Peh, recount, all three letters are also ters, Chet Peh, represent the ch- As mentioned, the three let- the past 30 years. Contact him at Samech and Chet. representations of circles. The uppah, the wedding canopy, the ters of PeSaCH display four judahbotzer@outlook.com and Peh means mouth and Samech Peh was originally a circle; the sacred union of HaShem and his circles. Circles are integral in (575) 751-0779. Passover in Saigon, 1968 The Passover service was in- spiring, the singing of songs, Had Gadya sung with zest, enthusi- asm, and a lot of laughing. As a er’s arms, a person who cared about them, and to let them know we all cared. When it is said that war is hell, By Frances F. Williams ed to volunteer at the 24th Evac- cations. Those who arrived from mother, a woman who had born you don’t really know until you uation Center on my off-duty combat areas came with their children, and a Jew, I experienced see the results of combat up close In 1968, I spent the most mem- hours. The Tet Offensive started rifles slung over their shoulder the pain of seeing the product of as I did. Most of these soldiers orable Passover of my life in in January 1968, and our supply which had to be left at the door. war up close and personal, some- were young. and had not yet ex- Vietnam. As a civilian employee, mission became more critical. Some still had dirty and unshaved thing you can’t get from watch- perienced living. Some did not I was dispatched by the Army to When Passover came, I was in- faces, showing the strains of com- ing TV. I left my seat at the head make it home. May their memory the 14th Inventory Control Cen- vited to attend Passover services bat; tired, weary, sadness, and ex- table, making the rounds to talk be for a blessing ter (I4th ICC) in Long Binh, Viet- with the troops and the president haustion. The acrid smelling dirt to them. They came from every- Frances F. Williams is one of nam, which was the central sup- of the Jewish War Veterans which of Vietnamese soil still clung to where in the U. S. the founders of Temple Beth El ply depot for our troops and allies was being held at the Army mess their uniforms. Most were young We exchanged Jewish jokes in Las Cruces. She became a in South Vietnam. hall in Saigon. I was the only and had been drafted, as was my and Yiddish words, kibitzed, and bat mitzvah at the age of 80, and The computerized supply sys- woman present. Manischewitz son. As I watched the soldiers they told me about their families, currently serves on both the Civil tem there had failed, and much supplied the food for the sed- coming into the mess hall, I felt the children and women they left Rights Commission, and the New needed supplies and equipment er which consisted of the usual that it was an ingathering of my behind. They all wanted to know Mexico State Ethics Commission, were not getting out to the field fare of chicken soup and matzo people, a link of shared culture what was going on at home. I and is president of the White especially to troops in combat balls, gefilte fish and horserad- and history, not sent by G-d, but hugged each one, wanting them Sands Missile Range Historical areas. Our mission was to get the ish, chicken, vegetables, salad government. to feel the warmth from a moth- Foundation. system up and running as quick- and macaroons for dessert. And ly as possible. I was working at of course, Manischewitz wine. White Sands Missile Range as a The food was served in individ- THE NEW MEXICO JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY supply officer in logistics and I ual TV dinner plates, and served agreed to volunteer for the mis- lukewarm, by a kitchen staff not “Discovering and Sharing Our Stories” sion as a DAC (Department of familiar with Jewish food or its Army Civilian). Long Binh also requisite temperatures. Become a Member today and ensure had the 24th Evacuation Center, a A young chaplain, Rabbi Gary our legacy for future generations! MASH unit, responsible for pro- Rosenberg, conducted the ser- viding medical treatment to the vices. He also conducted Shabbat www.nmjhs.org U. S. soldiers, but also to the al- services every Friday night at the www.nmjhsevents.com lied troops and civilians. In some Rex hotel in Saigon, which was admin@nmjhs.org instances, they also treated enemy the BOQ (bachelor officer quar- 505.348.4471 soldiers as well. After a 12 to 14- ters). As the doors opened at the hour day at the 14th ICC and no mess hall, troops came pouring NMJHS is a Beneficiary Agency of The Jewish Federation of New Mexico good TV, I was bored and decid- in from their jungle and city lo- 10 The New Mexico Jewish Link Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 Passover: Holiday of the Family taught us that Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh l’Zeh, All of Israel is responsible for each other. This Passover, I believe it is the perfect time In memory of my beloved ses, as is written in the Torah, Passover has always been celebrated within the family. Passover is a time for each of us to recog- nize the importance of family. This is why to strengthen ourselves and our families. Not just your relatives, but your communi- father Yaacov Katz (z’l) According to Jewish tradition, family is not we gather the family around the Seder table. ties, neighbors, friends, and strangers. We only a safe haven for its members, but also a To join together to honor our Jewish history are all family, and will overcome this to- By Gilad Katz, Consul General of Israel to basic structure that empowers its and to remember that even during times of gether, just as the Israelites triumphed over the Southwest members. pain, change, and uncertainty, we shall over- their enslavement in Egypt. On a personal and very inti- come with the support we receive from the When talking about family, it goes In the Jewish calendar, there mate note, I can say from my own ones we love. without saying that we should always re- are a variety of different holidays experience that there is nothing Something I would like to note is that member that the Jewish State. Israel will that the Jewish people celebrate. more valuable than family. Un- family can be more than just one’s relatives. always be there for you and your loved Some are joyful while others are fortunately, my beloved father, Family is the community that you live in ones. No difficulties, nor disagreements more somber. Passover is the only Yaacov Katz, may his soul rest in and the people that you cherish. Family is will drive Israel away from you. No dis- holiday that combines happiness peace, passed away suddenly just whomever we see and treat as family. During tance nor politics can divide us. We share and sadness together. It is a time Yaacov Katz (z’l) a few months ago. I was devas- the last year, all humanity has experienced a the same past, future, and destiny. This is where we reflect on the massacre tated. My father was the person worldwide pandemic that took the lives of forever our Jewish secret ingredient. and enslavement the Israelites who shaped and influenced me more than almost three million human beings. It was Allow me to end by quoting the immor- endured in Egypt, while also celebrating anyone else. His death flipped my world an incredibly difficult and challenging year tal answer Ruth gave to her mother-in- the miraculous salvation our people experi- from top to bottom. The only true comfort I for all. As we speak, countries continue to law, Naomi as is written in the Scroll of enced during their exodus to freedom. Pass- had, and continue to have, is my family; my fight this battle against Covid-19. We must Ruth, Chapter 1 Verses 16-17: “But Ruth over is a holiday of weeping and praising wife, children, mother, and siblings. It was all remember that each of us has a personal replied, “Do not urge me to leave you, to simultaneously. painful for all of us, but together we became role and responsibility to play in defeating turn back and not follow you. For wherev- For any human being, it is difficult to ex- stronger and were able to ease our grief and this virus together. And that is where the er you go, I will go; wherever you lodge, perience two opposite feelings at the same emotions. theme of family comes in. Just as we will do I will lodge; your people shall be my peo- time. The question that this conflicting real- I will always cherish my dad and he almost anything to protect our own family ple, and your God my God. Where you ity brings about is simple: How did we, the will always be tremendously missed. But, members, so too should we behave accord- die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Jewish people, cope with such a contrast? knowing that I have my family allows me ingly to our fellow neighbors and friends. Thus, and more may the Lord do to me if How do we, year after year, celebrate Pass- to look on the bright side of life. It reminds Family is what saved humanity, and fam- anything but death parts me from you.” over so naturally without mulling or debat- me to continuously thank God for blessing ily is what will continue to save humanity. Happy Passover to all my dear friends ing on this issue? me with my wonderful family, the light that This Passover is an excellent opportuni- and to the entire Jewish community here My personal answer can be summarized guides my way, even through the darkest of ty for us to go back to our most basic and in the Southwest and throughout the in one word: Family. From the days of Mo- times. fundamental beliefs and values. Our sages world. A Simple, Healthy, Quiet Passover 2021 By Eli Follick over. I am alone, my children both live with their beautiful 1 medium zucchini thinly sliced families across the country from me. There is no safe way 1 medium tomato chopped Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, no matter how for me to go to them or for them to come to me. I learned ¼ cup sliced green onion much you plan, no matter what your experiences have been, in yeshiva, many years ago, that even when one is alone, he 2 tbsp olive oil the final act doesn’t come off as you would have liked it to must follow the rabbis’ interpretation and read the haggodah 2 tbsp vinegar come off. to himself. ½ tsp salt As we all gathered together at home, after all the prepara- Being alone does not forgive our celebration of the event ½ tsp ground pepper tions were finished, and as we sat down, haggodahs in hand that molded a group of desert wanderers into one of the lon- In salad bowl, combine mushrooms, zucchini, tomato, to guide us through the ceremony and the story, I accidentally gest lasting, resilient nations on the planet. I am a descendant and green onion. In a separate container combine remain- hit my wine cup with the haggodah and deep, red wine spilled of that group and I am proud of it. In fact, there is a passage ing ingredients, mix well, add to salad and toss well. This and everybody bolted to help contain the spread of the fluid in the haggodah that says each of us must think of ourselves makes 5-6 servings. Each of 6 portions has about 60 calories as it moved toward the edge of the table. No luck as it dripped as having been there as it was happening. (less than a medium sized apple), 2 grams of protein, only 4 on the pants of my new grey suit. That was at the beginning. And so, this is my plan. I will clean the house as best I grams of carbohydrates, and lots of vitamins, minerals and We all recovered, and I went to the bedroom to change. That can. I have simplified my food plan to include as much plant- fiber. stain on the brilliant white, embossed, tablecloth, was there based food as possible. Most of this doesn’t require Passover and it somehow reminded me of the mark of Cain in the first certification. There will be a few extras and I’ll need to go to Herbed Green Beans chapters of the Torah. a store and search for those and some things will be gotten on 1 9oz package of cut up or whole green beans When I think back to that Passover, forever engraved in my Amazon (that’s right - Amazon). 1/2 cup sliced onion memory, I did not think it ever possible for a future Passover As I read the haggodah, I will stop at various passages and 2 tsp olive oil to begin in that bad a way. Then it is 2021, and all my night- consider the import of the words I am reading. I’ll remem- ¼ tsp dried basil (if you want, you can use fresh basil) mares came back. ber some of the questions my children were given in yeshiva ¼ tsp garlic powder Who could ever have predicted that there would come a to ask and stump Papa and I’ll remember how they were re- Dash of salt and pepper time when family and friends couldn’t gather around a table solved to everyone’s understanding and pleasure. If you have access to other favorite herbs/spices, add a and, as we are commanded to do, tell the story of Passover. I’ll remember and follow the order and the portion sizes small amount to the mix. For example, turmeric, smoked When the youngest would stand up to ask Papa the four ques- - four full cups of wine, enough matzoh to play havoc with paprika, basil, oregano. Some of these may be hard to find tions, when Papa would hide the Afikomen for the children my digestion, bitter herbs, sweet charoses, dipping the greens with a Passover certification. Different spices and herbs add to find and hide again. When we couldn’t all enjoy a special into lightly salted water (remember blood pressure issues), notes of flavor that may be fun to try. meal and sing the song of Chad Godya. and, of course, the special Passover meal. In more than 70 In a saucepan cook green beans to al dente, drain well. Our lives have been interrupted by a catastrophic virus Passovers gone by, the meal served would be one for royalty. In another pan, cook onion in olive oil until tender. Stir in outbreak, an organism so small that even the most power- In fact, we are supposed to lean and slightly recline to act as green beans and herbs. Heat and serve. ful microscopes can barely get a picture of it. Here we are free people. Well, things change. This year, no brisket, no tur- This makes about 4 portions. Each has about 40 calories, 2 and here we must go on. The Jewish people have survived so key, no matzoh balls, no farfel stuffing, and no rich desserts. grams of protein, 5 grams of carbohydrates. Very healthy! many barely imaginable situations - wars, slavery, 40 years Health has become my goal. After the meal, and the blessings, I will sing the songs. in a desert after being freed from centuries of hard labor in These are some of the dishes I will substitute. The first one I loved that part of the Seder and will not give it up. At the Egypt, concentration camps, and pure hatred for no reason. has become one of my go-to salads. The second one is a vege- end of the service, there is a phrase that holds more meaning But, how to do that? We must use our best judgement, adapt table dish that usually takes up a good part of my dinner plate. for me than it ever has before – Next Year in Yerushalayim! as best we can, and be mindful, even now, of those blessings May we all merit to live through this disaster and may we and gifts that G-d has given to us. Mushroom Zucchini Salad all be blessed to celebrate this wonderful and meaningful And that is the way I have chosen to celebrate this Pass- 8 oz fresh mushrooms (use a variety if you like) sliced holiday in Jerusalem. Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 The New Mexico Jewish Link 11 Beyond the Darkness to Freedom’s Light By Rabbi Paul J. Citrin and privilege. his house and says, “What concern have As a result of the pharaoh’s example, I with the community burden? What con- One of the most dramatic and impacting any reservoir of mutual empathy among cern do I have with their struggles and is- parts of the Passover Seder for me is dip- Egyptians for each other evaporated. They sues? My own well-being is my one and ping a finger in the wine and putting a drop ceased to see mutual needs and suffer- only concern,” such a person destroys the Join Rabbi Paul on our plates for each of the ten plagues. ing among their own family members. A world! and Susan Citrin The idea is that since wine is the symbol mentality of everyone for himself, what For Jewish tradition, there is neither of joy, we reduce our joy by removing ten some may call “rugged individualism,” is liberty nor freedom outside of the frame- in a Seeing Israel drops in memory of Egyptian suffering by a mindset of thick darkness. work of community life. In our demo- Naturally tour, God’s punishments. Pharaoh, his taskmas- In contrast to the Egyptians, the Israel- cratic American context, our communal ters and his army were our oppressors, yet ites “enjoyed light in all their dwellings.” concerns must also go beyond our fellow January 9-21, 2022 we also call to mind their humanity. Light is the symbol of a sacred value Jews to the community of our fellow cit- Among the plagues, the one which which is prominent throughout thirty-five izens. We will focus on the nat- seems the least miraculous and most met- hundred years of Jewish life. That value is The concept of community and peo- ural wonders of Israel and its aphorical is the ninth plague, the plague community. Community is both the basis ple’s commitment to it is the symbolic of darkness. The narrative in Exodus 10 and the goal of our covenant with the di- light which filled Israelite dwellings. To wildlife with hikes, jeep rides and reports there came three days of palpa- vine and with each other. Its foundation is draw again on Midrash Tanchuma, we boat trips with expert guides from ble, thick darkness in Egypt. No Egyptian ethical deeds and mutual caring. learn with a different image of the vital the Society for the Protection of could move from his/her place by reason There is an instructive tension in Jewish need for community. “It is the nature of of total darkness. The text then says, “but tradition between the place of the individ- things when a person picks up a cluster of Nature in Israel. An information- all the Israelites had light in their dwell- ual and the role of community. We recog- reeds, he cannot break them all at once. al meeting about trip details will ings.” (Exodus 10:23). nize the uniqueness of each person and the Yet if reeds are picked up one by one, even take place on Wednesday June It is possible to imagine the darkness unequivocal holiness of his/her existence a child can break them. Thus, Israel can which enveloped the Egyptians as a so- and personhood. Those are reflections of be strong and whole only when the people 9th, time and place (either virtu- cial and moral blindness. It began with the divine image in each of us. Yet, our form one cluster.” ally or at JCC) to be announced. their leader, the Pharaoh Raamses II, who heritage emphasizes peoplehood, doing At this season of celebrating our liber- If you would like Rabbi Citrin thought himself a god. The Egyptian peo- and giving to others, sharing a common ation from Egyptian bondage, we affirm ple were mesmerized by him and consid- destiny, and participating in and support- our place in the Jewish community and its to contact you about the meet- ered their ruler to be divine. Pharaoh’s ing the community. Such is the path to institutions. When we do so, we reclaim ing, please email: pjcitrin@gmail. ego was boundless, and his crimes, in- fulfilling the potential of our individuality. these words we recently read in the Scroll com or call (505) 274-5066 cluding enslavement and genocide, were Midrash Tanchuma puts it well. If a of Esther: “The Jews had light and glad- accepted by Egyptians as his divine right person sets himself apart in a corner of ness, joy and honor.” (Esther 8:16) Passover during the Pandemic By Nancy Sohn Swatz Memories of this festival from years past stay with me, extending back to when I was just a young child. Extending back in time and space like those tables that ex- Since Covid-19 arrived, I find myself living in a paradox, a world of constant tend, placed end to end, room to room, so there will always be place for everyone. contradictions: a cacophony of cross-current conversations going on inside my head Memories come like warm waves washing over me; memories of being surround- and felt within my heart, coexisting together. Fear, trepidation, uncertainty, anxiety ed by my extended family with unconditional love; with joy and laughter, song and and sadness; and yet somehow, miraculously, simultaneously, also the holding of stories. Memories of asking questions across the generations, and literally tasting hope, faith, optimism, inspiration and even joy. my ancestral history with symbolic foods. Symbolism that comes alive for me now, I have never felt so totally alone. And yet, at the same time, so totally connected more than it ever has before. to everyone in the world. Through the modern miracles of technology, my isolation For I now understand that it is my Seder table that has always taught me how to is only physical, and I can be magically connected to others in ways that I had never live with contradiction and paradox, with certainty and uncertainty, with fear and dreamed possible except in a world of fantasy. hope, anxiety and optimism, all at the same time. All in the same breath. All in the And because of the Coronavirus, the holiday of Passover is now more real to same taste. me than ever before. Thousands of years ago, my ancestors were slaves in ancient I will taste matzoh, a symbol of both slavery and freedom. I will dip a fresh green Egypt, and on the eve of what would become our holiday of freedom, we were told vegetable, symbolic of spring’s promise of renewal, into a bowl of salt water, a sym- not to go out of our homes, to stay inside where we would be safe from the plague bol of my ancestors’ tears of slavery, tears of hope for a new beginning. I will eat and to wait till it would pass over us. How could this holiday be any more real to charoset, a mixture to symbolize the mortar my ancestors used to build slave cities me than it is now? for pharaoh, as I taste the delicious sweetness of its apples and honey. I will eat a I feel the chains of slavery again; not having the freedom to come and go; or to bitter herb, symbolizing the bitterness of slavery, dipped into the sweet charoset and be with people I love; not having the freedom to feel an embrace or the touch of a eaten together, all at the same time, with the matzoh. Altogether, one taste; slavery, human hand. Or move my lips across my new grandchild’s soft face. Instead here I freedom, bitter, sweet. wait alone in my home, waiting for the plague to pass over. Without really being aware, I have been taught my entire life, by my Seder table, And yet simultaneously, it is inspiring acts of bravery, dedication and courage to taste the bitter and the sweet together, to remind me that life is filled with both. happening everywhere that fill me with awe and gratitude for the goodness and Since Coronavirus, I now have learned that Passover, always my most favorite kindness that exists. I see everyone all over the world, including adversaries, work- holiday shared with family and friends, is now a symbol for me of the countless ing together as one, searching for a cure; helping those in need. And I am filled with generations before me, who continue to teach me to this day. I now understand great hope for the future and joy in my heart. that it is the tradition of my ancestors, who for millennia have lived with bitter and So here I am, awaiting the arrival of Passover, which will come whether I am sweet simultaneously, that has taught me how to cope with this unprecedented time ready or not, whether I am with others or alone. For the first time ever, I will be of constant contradictions in my life. No one knows for certain when this global physically alone for a Passover Seder. pandemic will end. But no one is saying that it will never end. And for that day, I I have always loved this holiday more than any other throughout my entire life. continue to hope and dream and believe. 12 The New Mexico Jewish Link Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 Rabbi Harry Rosenfeld: Retiring after Wandering in the Rabbinate for 40 Years By Jeffrey Paul active in camps and youth groups. area many years ago. Celia Surget, will be able to con- From a humble beginning, Rabbi For a decade, Congregation sult with and call upon him as The Book of Exodus says that Horowitz and the congregation Albert has been blessed to have needed. after crossing the Red Sea, Moses always made sure that he was able Rabbi Harry as our spiritual lead- When asked what rabbi emeri- led the Hebrews into the Sinai, to get to school and to temple. er, and source of guidance. His tus status means to Rabbi Rosen- where they spent 40 years wan- Rabbi Rosenfeld became a rab- own special brand of humor and feld on a personal level, he said dering in the wilderness. Three bi partly to “pay back and pay for- love of Judaism have infused our that it will give him the opportu- months into the desert, the He- ward” the debt he owed his rabbi lives. During these years in New nity to keep his commitment and brews camped at the foot of the and congregation. He earned a Mexico, he forged many warm connection to our community and mountain of God. On Sinai, God master’s degree in Hebrew letters and lasting working friendships congregation. He is excited about appeared to Moses - and changed and rabbinic ordination from He- with people in local and state watching Congregation Albert everyone’s lives. brew Union College in Cincinna- government including Governor grow and develop into the future. On July 1, 2011, Rabbi Har- ti, Ohio in 1981. Lujan Grisham and State Auditor The weekend of May 7 - 9 has ry Rosenfeld arrived in the New Rabbi Rosenfeld’s rabbinic Brian Colon, Albuquerque Mayor been set aside to honor Rabbi Har- Mexico desert after fleeing Tem- journey began in Memphis where Tim Keller, and former Mayor ry Rosenfeld. Virtual activities ple Beth Zion (and the snow) in he was assistant rabbi for three Richard Berry. will include special Shabbat ser- Buffalo, NY; and changed every- years. He went on to become He has also worked tirelessly vices and learning sessions with one’s lives. But his journey did Rabbi Harry Rosenfeld senior rabbi at Beth Sholom in with clergy in the Interfaith ABQ Rabbi Lisa Greene, a former in- not begin in Buffalo. Anchorage, Alaska for 16 years. community and has been a cham- tern who worked with Rabbi Ros- Rather it started in Cleveland, Philip Horowitz, as being a men- Rabbi Rosenfeld next moved on pion for social justice on many enfeld in Alaska, and a Saturday where Rabbi Rosenfeld was tor, a role model, and a benefac- to become the senior rabbi for levels. Characteristic of Rabbi evening Facebook broadcast com- raised. Following high school, he tor. Temple Beth Zion in Buffalo, Rosenfeld’s commitment to com- memorating his 40-year career. went on to receive a B.S. in psy- Rabbi Horowitz’ guidance and NY. For the past ten years, Rabbi munity, he continues to maintain Additionally, there will be a chology from John Carroll Uni- fatherly support helped to open Rosenfeld has been the rabbi at close relationships with interfaith fundraising tribute and mazel tov versity in 1976. Rabbi Rosenfeld his eyes to the rabbinate. As a Congregation Albert. clergy and government leaders book in which people can place credits the rabbi from his youth, teenager, the young Harry was Throughout his time in the from other communities where he congratulatory wishes and com- rabbinate, he was an adjunct pro- served. ments. All proceeds will go to the fessor at multiple colleges in the The Congregation Albert Board Congregation Albert endowment Congregation Albert United States. of Trustees decided to graciously fund and the L’Taken scholarship Rabbi Rosenfeld’s journey in confer the title of rabbi emeri- fund for confirmation students to Introduces Rabbi Celia Surget the desert of New Mexico began tus on Rabbi Rosenfeld after ten support their annual social justice on July 1, 2011. Rabbi and his years at Congregation Albert and learning trip to Washington D.C. In preparation for Rabbi Har- wife, Michele Hope, were very 40 years as a rabbi. What will For information on contributions ry Rosenfeld’s retirement on happy to come to Albuquerque ten having a rabbi emeritus mean to to the book, please call Joell Ack- June 30, 2021, Congregation years ago, as this was the place in Congregation Albert? First and erman, Congregation Albert ad- Albert’s rabbi search committee which they knew they wanted to foremost, we get to keep Rabbi ministrator, at (505) 883-1818 or spent over a year conducting a eventually retire, as Michele lived Rosenfeld as a source of learning email joell@congregationalbert. comprehensive process to find and worked in the Four Corners and consultation. Our new rabbi, org. his replacement. In January, the congregation voted to accept Rabbi Celia Surget as their six- teenth rabbi. JOIN US FOR A A U.S. national, Rabbi Surget is also a citizen of Switzerland VARIETY OF and France. For the past ten years, she helped lead a congre- PESACH gation of more than 860 families in Radlett, England, just north EVENTS! Rabbi Celia Surget of London, where she primarily served as associate rabbi. Rabbi Surget began her rabbin- ic education at the Hebrew Union College in both the US and Israel and completed her master’s degree in Jewish letters at Leo Baeck College in London, where she was ordained in 2007. Her first rabbinic post was as the assistant rabbi and director of youth at Mouvement Juif Liberal de France in Paris, a historically im- portant Reform congregation with over a thousand households. As the rabbi search committee came to know Rabbi Surget, it Sunday, March 28th became clear that she would be a good match for Congregation 10 am Pesach Morning Service (Virtual) Albert, and in January, our membership overwhelmingly agreed. 6 pm Second Seder (Virtual) With family and friends in both the midwestern and southwestern United States, Rabbi Surget has long wanted to make her home in 7 pm Saturday April 3 Celebrate the end of this region and is thrilled to be coming to Albuquerque. She will Pesach at Havdalah with a Seder Song take the pulpit at Congregation Albert effective July 1, 2021, with sing-a-long. her formal induction likely scheduled for the fall. Contact: office@congregationalbert.org The members of Congregation Albert invite you to join us in for the Zoom link welcoming Rabbi Celia Surget to our congregation and to the New Mexico Jewish community! Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 The New Mexico Jewish Link 13 2021 New Mexico Humanitarian Awards Event: Call for Nominations By Emily Blaugrund Fox Last year, the JCC was proud Vivian and George Skadron’s manity in a local, state, national A call for nominations is going Chief Development Officer to honor Dr. Karissa Culbreath, many years of devoted service to or international capacity. They on right now on the JCC’s web- JCC of Greater Albuquerque medical director of infectious the Jewish people were also hon- will honor three outstanding hu- site: jccabq.org. They should be disease at TriCore and associate ored when they received the Har- manitarians who demonstrate a submitted to Emily Blaugrund Extraordinary humanitarian director of pathology at UNM old B. Albert Community Service passion for human welfare, social Fox, emilyf@jccabq.org, by Fri- acts are happening every day all School of Medicine, and Dr. Award. reform, philanthropy, and/or val- day, April 16, 2021 around us, we only have to take David Scrase, secretary of the The 2021 JCC New Mexi- ues-based investing. Selected honorees and nom- notice. The JCC’s Humanitar- New Mexico Health and Human co Humanitarian Awards Event A fourth award will recognize inators will be contacted by the ian Awards honors individuals Services Department who help will be held on August 15, 2021, those whose service to the Jew- middle of May. who help sustain our community protect the health and well-being where the JCC will again honor ish community reflects the high- Please join us on the evening through good deeds and acts of of all New Mexicans during this New Mexicans who have demon- est integrity, love for others and of August 15, 2021 to celebrate loving kindness. global Coronavirus pandemic. strated an exemplary spirit of hu- commitment to the ideals of Jew- and honor the 2021 selected hon- ish life through the Harold B. Al- orees. More information about bert Jewish Community Service this special event will be coming Award. soon. Sunday, March 28, 2021, 6:30 - 9:30 pm Nahalat Shalom Community Seder Second Night Seder on ZOOM Join Cantor Beth Cohen and Maggidah Batya Podos for a warm, authentic, inclusive seder. NO CHARGE but you must register to receive zoom link. Everyone is welcome! _____________________________________________ Join Nahalat Shalom Every Shabbat for 8 Different Services and Experiences 1st Friday: Der Freylekher Shabbat 1st Saturday: Chanting-Going Deep with Davennen 2nd Friday: Sephardic Shabbat 2nd Saturday: Renewal Shabbat 3rd Friday: Kabbalat Shabbat 3rd Saturday: Minyan HaLev 4th Friday: Queer Shabbat Happy 4th Friday: Chanting Kabbalat Shabbat _____________________________________________ Learn about our innovative Passover New B’nai Mitzvah Program Cheder (Grades 2-7) Gan (PreK-1) _____________________________________________ Visit www.nahalatshalom.org from the JCC family for information about all our programs or contact: office@nahalatshalom.org _______________________________________ N AH AL A T SH AL O M www.nahalatshalom.org 3606 Rio Grande Blvd. NW ABQ NM 87107 505-343-8227 jccabq.org office@nahalatshalom.org 14 The New Mexico Jewish Link Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 Nahalat Shalom Receives National Recognition for Covid Response Nahalat Shalom closed our doors wisdom, strength and hope with Society (AJHS) became aware of which we can all try to understand on March 13, 2020, the day our our entire community. In this pro- our three times a week messages our own situation more deeply and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham cess, Nahalat Shalom learned some and followed our little synagogue in perhaps learn how American Jew- closed down New Mexico. While very valuable lessons. Our commu- the high desert with great interest. ish communities of the past have we hope to gather together in per- nity is adaptable and we genuine- AJHS reached out to Nahalat Sha- dealt with major crises and other son at some point, we embraced so- ly care about one another. We are lom and invited us to participate in transformative issues of their times. cial distancing with a commitment thriving without being physically their oral history project to capture During the preliminary conver- to connectedness and gratitude for close to one another. Our members how Jewish communities across sations with Annie Polland, exec- the love we have poured into this are connecting and reconnecting in the country are responding to this utive director of AJHS, we talked village of ours. With our members ways that will build our future and extraordinary time of challenge and about our Sephardic poetry proj- now physically separated from each reaffirm our commitments to our transformation. We are one of 36 ect. Writer, researcher, teacher and other, the need to reach out and re- beliefs, our culture and our com- organizations to be included in this translator Héctor Contreras López define community was evident. munity. important and valuable project. has been translating Sephardic po- We committed to having spiri- We decided that we would pub- As part of this process, Nahalat etry into Spanish and sharing these tual messages sent every Monday, lish this extraordinary chronicle of Shalom will share an artifact (in beautiful poems during our month- Thursday and just before Shabbat our community’s response to 2020 digital form) that will be discussed ly Sephardic Shabbat gatherings. so community members could re- in a touchable, hard copy book, during the oral history interview, We talked about Hector’s transla- ceive hopeful words on the days especially in these times of digital and which will then become a per- tion of Emma Lazarus’s famous Collection of Spiritual Support that traditionally are reserved for overload and Oysgezoomt (new manent part of the AJHS archive. poem on the Statue of Liberty “A Messages published by Nahalat Torah reading. From March 16 Yiddish word meaning “fatigued We will send AJHS a digital copy New Colossus.” Shalom in January 2021 until one week before High Holy or bored by Zoom). We called his of our book How We Persist, the Annie Pollard was very excited Days in September 2020, we sent book of our messages How We Per- collection of the spiritual support by this project because AJHS hous- out 90 email messages offered by sist, and we are safely hand deliv- messages that first brought Nahalat es all of Emma Lazarus’s papers this March into unexpected connec- the gifted professional and lay lead- ering copies, offering yet another Shalom to their attention. and sponsors the Emma Lazarus tions through the American Jewish ers who provide spiritual guidance opportunity for connection. Na- The American Jewish Historical Project. https://www.ajhs.org/em- Historical Society to our greater to our diverse community. halat Shalom is fortunate to have a Society will select an artifact from ma-lazarus-project. AJHS is may Jewish community. We discovered that our evolving professional book designer, Karen their archive, sending us a scan of offer Nahalat Shalom a digital ar- To learn more about AJHS, paradigm of spiritual leadership Mazur, in our congregation; her the document, image, or object. tifact from their Emma Lazarus ar- please visit www.ajhs.org. served us well during these times expertise and vision contributed as Nahalat Shalom will be invited to chive to share with us. What start- For more information about of distance as 20 rabbis, cantors, much to the book as the messages reflect on its relevance to our situ- ed out last March as an immediate “How We Persist” and how you spiritual leaders, teachers, poets, contained inside. ation today. This conversation will need to connect with each other in can receive a copy, please contact artists and thinkers shared their The American Jewish Historical provide historical contexts through our own congregation has grown office@nahalatshalom.org. Nahalat Shalom Hosts Albuquerque Mutual Aid Food Pantry Here at Nahalat Shalom, we remember we support local, organic farmers and food when our congregation did not have a home pantries through plant sales. But our build- of its own, when we found space with other ings that had not only served our own Jew- organizations that opened their buildings and ish congregation, but our greater community their hearts to our wandering community. For now were empty and quiet. the past five years, one of Nahalat Shalom’s In the past, the Jewish Community Center goals has been to open up our campus to oth- hosted a food pantry on their campus, but er organizations that share our vision of a during this period when the pandemic made more just, sustainable, peaceful and inclusive food insecurity so much worse, there were world. no services offered anywhere in our Jewish Before the pandemic, Nahalat Shalom was community. In December, Nahalat Shalom host to a Waldorf inspired pre-school, half a learned that Albuquerque Mutual Aid needed dozen recovery meetings, one Sufi and two a new home, and we decided to support the Buddhist groups, a bi-annual Hindu chanting good work of this amazing organization by retreat, and other groups that needed a safe, offering to share our unused space with them. welcoming home. We offered our building Albuquerque Mutual Aid (ABQMA) is to our community partners working on our a collective of organizers and individuals common goals: Albuquerque Interfaith, 350 working in solidarity to support our commu- New Mexico, and New Mexico Interfaith nity by delivering free, contactless care pack- Power and Light. ages. ABQMA started on March 16, 2020, When Albuquerque became the hub for three days after our governor shut down the transgender women seeking asylum from state, and has been serving folks in Albu- South and Central America, Nahalat Shalom querque and surrounding areas non-stop ever became involved and welcomed these most since. All involved are volunteers, and ABQ- vulnerable of people into our sanctuary while MA runs solely off monetary and food dona- Rabbi Shefa Gold offered them blessings tions gifted by the generosity of the commu- during our High Holy Days. When a host was nity. During the recent spell of cold weather needed for the Jewish Asylum Seekers Initia- in Albuquerque, ABQMA volunteers went tive, Nahalat Shalom again was there to offer directly to unhoused folks on the streets, our volunteers and our infrastructure. Our bringing them food, blankets and heat. Over campus was lively, busy and full of meetings, the last eleven months, ABQMA has had a classes, and gatherings of our own congrega- great impact on Albuquerque, serving thou- ABQMA volunteer delivering food packages tion and the community in which we live. sands of individuals and families every week. And then, almost a year ago, everything Now, on most days of the week, instead of community. We are proud to be able to participate in the closed down, including our campus and our seeing an empty campus, we see our build- Since Covid-19, there have been many good and hard work being done by this amaz- growing community center. Since then we ing and courtyard full of volunteers, wearing similar, grassroots mutual aid societies that ing, grassroots, all volunteer organization, have doubled our previous efforts to reach masks and face shields, practicing social dis- have sprung up overnight like ABQMA all and we invite our entire Jewish community out to our community in whatever ways we tancing. Some volunteers are carrying in food over the country. Our Jewish history contains to support their work. could: we host blood drives, collect and de- donations, some are creating individual care stories of this kind of response to communal To make donations of items or money, vol- liver supplies to HopeWorks, Albuquerque packages, and others are picking up packages need; often the first organization set up by unteer or request care packages, please visit: Public Schools, our Navajo neighbor,s and to deliver safely to those most in need in our Jewish immigrants was a mutual aid society. ffol.org/mutualaid Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 The New Mexico Jewish Link 15 The 19th Annual KlezmerQuerque Festival Pairs Up with Rosh Chodesh Adar for a Joy-Filled Weekend By Beth Cohen director Bruce Bierman (Berkeley, CA) and producer Laura Sheppard It is said in the Talmud (Taanit 29a) shared a sneak preview of their new “When the month of Adar enters, film “God of Vengeance” which is joy increases.” It is also known based on the 1906 classic “Got Fun far and wide that when Klezmer- Nekome” by Sholem Asch. The Querque begins, joy also increas- contemporary Broadway play “In- es! This year all who participated decent” (Paula Vogel, 2015) also in the live via Zoom festival were drew its inspiration from Asch’s treated to a double dose of much piece. “God of Vengeance” in Yid- needed joy, hope and celebration. dish and English, will have its on- The KlezmerQuerque Zoom-festi- line premier by Klezcalifornia’s re- val presented three days of klezmer nowned Yiddish Theatre Ensemble music, dance, workshops, perfor- from March 20-23, 2021. Papercut by Diane (Dena) Palley mances, services and presentations Mr. Bierman also performed which featured over one dozen mas- and taught a Yemenite Shabbat music in and for the Jewish com- ters and scholars of klezmer music, ritual dance live via Zoom on Fri- munity, in theaters on record, radio dance, history, art and education day evening and he joined forces and in concert between the world from across the United States. Us- with Yiddish dance master Steve wars. Mr. Sapoznik’s talk honored ing the remote Zoom-venue en- Weintraub to lead a live via Zoom the memory of now forgotten Black couraged and enabled attendees Jewish dance party which topped cantors – Mendele der Shvartz- from all over the United States and off the evening events on Satur- er Khazn, Reb Dovid Kalistrita, Canada to join us for the weekend. day. Cookie Segelstein (violin) Abraham ben Benjamin Franklin, Festival highlights included per- and Joshua Horowitz (accordion) Thomas LaRue Jones and Goldye formances on Friday and Saturday of the klezmer band Veretski Pass di Shvartze Khaznte the first – and evenings February 12th and 13th performed live via Zoom on Friday only — Black woman cantor. along with stunning music, dance, and Saturday nights and taught a Immediately following theater and animated videos. Tra- 75-minute klezmer music work- Sapoznik’s lecture was “Papercut- ditional dance, music and storytell- Joey Jay Friedman and Morgan Nilsen of Mayvn Music shop on Sunday afternoon. ting – A Jewish Folk Art,” illumi- ing were presented live via Zoom On Sunday, February 14th be- nating the work and life of New by guest artists including violinist, tween 10:00 am and 4:20 pm, there man. A native Yiddish-speak- er’s Circle. Mexico’s own beloved artist Diane composer and educator Steven were eleven workshops, classes, er, Esther hails from a family of Despite the fact that we were not (Dena) Palley. Festival participants Greenman (Cleveland, OH), the lectures and presentations which prominent Yiddishists: she is the physically together, holding hands, also had the opportunity to study klezmer band Veretski Pass (Berke- took place over six different minute granddaughter of the famed sing- dancing in the lines and circles, klezmer and Yiddish music with ley, CA), Nahalat Shalom’s own sessions. In honor of Black History er-songwriter, poet, and artist Beyle playing in the band and singing clarinetist Margot Leverett, Yiddish storyteller Maggidah Batya Po- Month, the festival featured the lec- Schaechter-Gottesman (of blessed with our friends and neighbors in singer Jordan Wax, violinist Steven dos, Yiddish dance master Steve ture-presentation “The Lost World memory) and the daughter of Yid- person, we all felt strongly connect- Greenman, the band Veretski Pass - Weintraub (Philadelphia, PA), of African-American Cantors, dish scholar Itzik Gottesman. As a ed with our hearts and in our minds dance with Steve Weintraub, Bruce along with beautiful and moving 1915-1953,” with musicologist-his- fourth-grade teacher for 14 years as we joined together virtually with Bierman or storytelling with our music videos from two New Mexi- torian Henry Sapoznik (New York). in Brooklyn, Esther has also orga- joy for the festival. own Maggidah Batya Podos. co-based klezmer bands Duke City Sapoznik shared his research which nized Yiddish children’s programs The 19th Klezmerquerque also Hora and Mayvn Music. he has worked on for over 40 years at numerous festivals including Beth Cohen is Nahalat Sha- featured “Yiddish kids & kids at On Saturday evening, Jewish about the African-Americans who Yiddish New York, Ashkenaz Fes- lom’s cantor and KlezmerQuerque heart” for children and families dance master, actor, film and theater performed Yiddish and cantorial tival, Klezkanada and The Work- co-ordinator with artist-educator Esther Gottes- Nahalat Shalom Launches Innovative B’nai Mitzvah Program Nahalat Shalom, Albuquer- and child to work with someone for those needing it. morning Shabbat services. que’s Jewish Renewal congrega- they relate to as teacher, men- Students are expected to be en- Nahalat Shalom’s intent is to tion, has a long tradition of being tor and service leader to create rolled in cheder (grades 2-7) and join the best of our Jewish heri- creative, inclusive and flexible in an individualized ceremony to attend an extra half hour week- tage with the very real situations our approach to educating chil- mark this important moment in a ly in the current remote sched- we find ourselves in today—in dren. We already have a success- child’s life. ule. This extra time in the b’nai our Jewish lives and beyond. Di- ful gan (pre-K to grade 1) and Recognizing the many learn- mitzvah cohort will introduce versity is our strength as we build cheder (grades 2-7) programs, ing styles and abilities that chil- d’var Torah and Torah reading, community to support the b’nai and have now put together a new dren bring to the process, Nahalat t’filah (prayer), Jewish ethics mitzvah and their families. Our b’nai mitzvah program to serve Shalom offers all children the and values, a mitzvah project complete, authentic and flexible our growing community of 11-13 opportunity to experience the rite and a creative project. Students process for becoming a b’nai year old students. of passage of becoming a b’nai often choice to create a visual mitzvah focuses on the most im- Since Nahalat Shalom does mitzvah. As a Renewal congrega- midrash (interpretation) of their portant element in the process not have a single rabbi, we rely tion, we are committed to creat- Torah portion through the unique for our students: standing at the on several spiritual leaders, both ing a meaningful experience that Jewish folk art of papercutting, Torah and taking their place in clergy and lay, to serve our com- speaks to the way we celebrate helping to preserve this precious the Jewish community; and by munity and provide preparation our Judaism today, respecting Jewish tradition that almost dis- that act, securing the our Jewish for and officiate at b’nai mitzvah the many obligations that chil- appeared during the Holocaust. future. services. This evolving paradigm dren and their families face. We In addition there are individual For more information about of professional and lay spiritual also know that the pandemic has and individualized sessions with this unique b’nai mitzvah pro- leadership is the community’s Papercut created by 12 year old changed the way we all live, now the officiant, tutors and mentors gram, please reach out to Batya strength as we are able to offer Lily Ma’ayan for her creative bat and in the future, and want to take to focus on preparation. Students Podos, Nahalat Shalom education options tailored to fit every stu- mitzvah project advantage of the lessons learned will also be expected to take on director, at office@nahalatsha- dent. We encourage each family by offering remote programming leadership roles during Saturday lom.org. 16 The New Mexico Jewish Link Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 Isbin Scholarship Recipients’ DONOR Caring Continues in College SPOTLIGHT The Neil Isbin Scholarship Fund, Sophie Carroll, Duke Universi- administered by the Jewish Com- ty - After starting at Duke, I contin- Chuck Buxbaum munity Foundation of New Mexico, ued my work with menstrual health Chuck Buxbaum has always been provides a $1,000 college schol- activism, moving from Women to an activist. As a youth, he was very arship for the benefit of Albuquer- Be in Albuquerque to Progress Pe- involved in Habonim camps, Jewish que-area high school seniors who riod in Durham. With Progress Pe- summer camps modeled after life demonstrate achievements and on- riod, I’ve organized two fundrais- on a kibbutz. Into college, Buxbaum going volunteer work supporting hu- ers to purchase menstrual hygiene took a gap year in Israel and was man rights and dignity. Three stellar products for a local shelter, and I am an active member of the Progres- young women received scholarships currently the organization’s media sive Zionist Caucus and American in the fall of 2019. They just em- chair, where I compile a monthly Friends of Peace Now. Once he barked upon the spring semester of newsletter on reproductive health moved to Albuquerque, Buxbaum their sophomore year. Needless to news and events on campus. became involved at Nahalat Sha- say, their college experiences have In addition to my work in men- lom. He describes Nahalat as a “tru- been quite unusual given the pan- strual health activism, I recently ly unique congregation.” Buxbaum demic. Here are some excerpts from became a tutor at SuWa (Supporting is drawn to the fact that Nahalat Shalom is socially active, partner- their college reports. Women’s Action). Though we’ve Ronja Steinbach, 2019 Isbin Scholar- Vera Berger, Pomona College - had to meet over Zoom instead of ship Recipient ing with the New Mexico Islamic Center and supporting protests I’m planning to major in mathemat- our usual in-person sessions, it has for social justice. Nahalat Shalom has been a Jewish spiritual home is our focus on women, but also to Buxbaum and his family and so many others. He wants to contin- ics and minor in astronomy. Attend- been an amazing experience to meet on supporting other groups with ing a liberal arts college has given with my community partner, a new ue Nahalat Shalom’s mission for our community, which is why he the same goal of protecting human is leaving an endowment legacy gift. me the flexibility to continue with immigrant woman and her family rights. politics and human rights-focused from Sudan, and help her with En- This past semester, our intern courses as a math major, including glish fluency. It has been rewarding Aviva Maxon, JCF NM summer intern, interviewed Chuck to create team grew from just two to six of this donor spotlight. taking classes focused upon social to see my partner’s language prog- us. We are all in different walks of justice in STEM (science, technolo- ress; it’s been even more amazing life and thus have unique ideas and gy, engineering and mathematics). I to see the community we’ve formed interests, which has enhanced the am learning about equity and inclu- with the other partners and tutors. extent of our outreach. We began a sion through a scientific lens. As a This kind of connection is greatly monthly newsletter in which we ad- leader of the Association for Women needed in a time when we get so lit- vertise our events, scholarships, and in Mathematics, I will be organizing tle social contact, especially for the highlight women from the commu- workshops and affinity group meet- mothers we partner with. nity. For our December newsletter, ings for math students this spring. Ronja Steinbach, University of we had a piece about a local Hawai- I have been able to pursue advo- Hawai’i at Manoa- The past year ian artist and activist who did a lot cacy work at Pomona as the com- and a half have been very eventful; of work related to the Mauna Kea missioner of facilities and environ- from transitioning to college to the movement. ment in the Pomona College Student pandemic that has disrupted life-as- During the fall 2020 semester, I Senate. Recently, I’ve been working usual. While I faced many challeng- put on monthly empowerment mov- on initiatives to provide free femi- es, there have also been a lot of great ie nights in collaboration with Peace nine hygiene products to students, things that happened. For me, some Corps and AmeriCorps VISTA. For increase access to potable water and of my most fulfilling moments have these virtual Zoom events, we had recycling, and address campus ac- come from the work I am doing at my contactless “movie kit” pickups for cessibility. on-campus job through the Office of people to get bags of popcorn and I have found that environmental Civic and Community Engagement. other goodies, and we streamed and human rights issues are surpris- There, I serve as an outreach intern movies and had discussions about ingly intertwined. Although I’ve for the American Association of the issues addressed. We watched spent as much of my college career University Women (AAUW). With Girl Rising, On the Basis of Sex, and on campus as learning remotely, I so many social movements gaining Hidden Figures. It also served as an am happy to have been able to con- national attention this past year, it opportunity to bring people together tinue with campus advocacy. I aspire has been an honor to be able to work and help combat some of the social to continue bridging my seemingly with an organization that is focused loneliness that many of us have been disparate interests in STEM and hu- on supporting equity for women experiencing. man rights throughout my career. in education and society. Not only 2021 Scholarship Applications Due Soon! Support for Jewish young people in New Mexico • $1,000 scholarship for a visit to Israel – Israel Experience Fund Apply by June 1, Sept. 1, Dec. 1; awards made 30 days later • Up to $500 scholarship for Jewish sleep away camp – Irving and Hertha Auerbach Fund for Jewish Identity and Galit Mares Memorial Fund Apply by April 15; awards made 30 days later Support for young people, Jewish or non-Jewish, in the Albuquerque area: • $1,000 scholarship for college tuition – Neil Isbin Scholarship Fund Apply by May 1, award made June 1 For information on eligibility requirements and applications visit www.jcfnm.org/grants or contact Erika Rimson, 505.348.4472, erika@jcfnm.org. Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 The New Mexico Jewish Link 17 Mountain States ADL Spotlights Holocaust ADL’s 40th Annual Governor’s Holocaust Survivor Judith Altmann Remembrance Program to Feature By Sue Parker Gerson, Survivor Judith Altmann Senior Associate Director, ADL Mountain States Region By Sue Parker Gerson ADL Mountain States Senior Associate Director The 2021 ADL Governor’s Holocaust Remem- brance Program, which will take place virtually The ADL Mountain States Region will host its 40th Annual on Thursday, April 8 at 5:30 pm MT, features a Governor’s Holocaust Remembrance Program virtually from keynote interview with Holocaust survivor Judith 5:30-7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 8. The program is one of the Altmann. We recently spoke with Judy about her largest in the United States and allows individuals of all faiths experiences during the Holocaust and her thoughts to come together to honor Holocaust survivors, remember those about how her experience shaped her. who perished, educate the community about this horrible crime ADL: Please describe your life before the against humanity, and translate those lessons into contemporary Holocaust. What was your childhood like? action. The program includes a memorial ceremony and has Judy Altmann: I had a wonderful childhood. traditionally featured a special message offered by the Governor We lived in Czechoslovakia and there was no of Colorado. Winners of ADL’s “A Tribute to Moral Courage” discrimination. Hungarians, Ruthenians, and all student essay contest will also be recognized. people lived together with no disputes. In my town, Information and free registration: adl.org/GHRP2021. To add thing,” which I understood to mean that she was going there were 15,000 residents, of whom 5,000 were Jews. the name of your organization to our growing list of community to kill herself. I said, “Mommy, you have time later to My family had a general store and a farm, and we lived partners, please email us at mountainstates@adl.org. die.” So, she came with us. in a big house. I am the youngest of six; my siblings and The 2021 program features a conversation with Holocaust We were directed to walk into town, a walk of about I went to the local schools. I had many friends in the Survivor Judith Altmann. Judy, who is 96 years old, was born six kilometers, and we were directed to the cemetery. area. Most of my friends were not Jewish; in fact, there in Jasina, Czechoslovakia, which was invaded by the Nazis We were there for a whole week. One person from each was only one other Jewish family with children besides in 1939 when she was a teenager. In 1944, Judy was arrested family was allowed to go home to get more jewels and ours. and taken to Auschwitz. Out of 24 family members, only she money, so I went home. I found our beautiful German ADL: How old were you when the Nazis took and her niece and nephew survived. Judy was assigned by Dr. shepherd had stopped eating when we were taken, and power in Czechoslovakia? How did life change for Mengele to forced labor at the Krupp factory in Essen, Germany he had died. I didn’t take the jewels; they were buried you and your family? where, despite a catastrophic injury, she remained until March in the yard and I told our maid to dig them up and bring JA: I was fourteen years old. The first big change 1945. Judy survived the 150-mile death march that ended in the them to the cemetery, but she never did. came when we were occupied by the Hungarians. They Bergen Belsen concentration camp. Sick with typhus, Judy was After that week was over, we were taken by train to completely took over the store; they put in a commissar barely alive when she was liberated by the British Army in 1945. the ghetto in Hungary. We were there for six weeks and who took all the profits. My father could no longer be in After living for a short time in Sweden, Judy immigrated to the after that, we were taken by train to Auschwitz. We ar- the store. Jews could no longer go to school. I remember United States in 1948. Today, Judy is a member of the Holocaust rived on May 21, which was my father’s birthday. I lost meeting up with my friend Olga and she said, “Judy why and Human Rights Education Speakers Bureau and is vice 24 members of my family. Only my niece, my nephew aren’t you in school?” When I told her about the new president of the Holocaust Child Survivors of Connecticut. and I were selected by Dr. Mengele to work. My niece regulations, she said, “but you were Jewish yesterday!” We hope you will join us for this important event. and I were able to stay together through all the camps, None of us could understand what had happened. My including two forced labor camps in Germany, and we parents wanted me to go on the Kindertransport, but I both survived. didn’t want to leave them, and my chances were slim of This article has been edited gaining a spot in any event. for length; to read the entire ADL: What was the turning point for you and interview, please visit https:// your family? mountainstates.adl.org/moun- JA: The day after Passover in 1944, two Hungarian tain-states-spotlight-with-ho- gendarmes along with Nazi soldiers knocked on our locaust-survivor-judith-alt- window at 6:00 AM. They said, “you have half an hour mann/. to take all your money and your jewelry and come.” We hadn’t even put away the Passover dishes yet. For more information So, what do you take? My father took his prayer book or to register for the pro- and prayer shawl and his coat. I took my manicure set gram, please visit adl.org/ that had been my last birthday present. My mother didn’t GHRP2021. want to go at all. She said, “I’m going to drink some- 18 The New Mexico Jewish Link Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 THOSE WE’VE LOST Barry Goldsmith, Who Escaped, Dropped Out and Came Back, Dies at 82 Mr. Goldsmith survived the Ho- 39-story apartment towers in what is but she had moved on. “He went locaust, immigrated to the United now luxurious Tribeca but was then from the Ivy League, to being a hip- States and built a successful career as grungy downtown Manhattan. Mr. pie, to being an Orthodox Jew,” Mrs. an architect, before abandoning his Goldsmith, who turned 30 in 1968, Goldsmith said in a phone interview. life for a commune — and then com- was made the lead designer. “I said, ‘Forget about it, what are ing home. He died of complications The gargantuan complex embod- you, crazy?’” of Covid-19. ied all the contradictions of postwar They divorced in 1980. That year urban architecture. Complete with Mr. Goldsmith married Victoria Lu- By Clay Risen shopping and office space, Mr. Gold- bina. They had a son, Alan, and di- smith’s towers were a city within a vorced in 1988. Tsvi Hirsch Goldschmidt planned city, subsidized to keep middle-class Mr. Goldsmith went to work in to escape alone from the Jewish ghet- New Yorkers from fleeing for the 1981 for the New York Department to in Iwje, Poland, on New Year’s suburbs. But their construction re- of General Services, where he over- Eve, 1942. News was spreading that quired the demolition of several doz- saw facade renovations on city- the Nazis, who had forced the city’s en acres of New York history, and owned property. If his first turn in Jews into the ghetto a year earlier, their fortresslike street front turned a architecture involved grand gestures were planning to liquidate it. But back on the city they were intended that erased the city’s history, this time then his youngest son, Dov Baer, be- to help save. he was saving the past, one terra cotta gan to cry. Independence Plaza was complet- slab at a time. He picked him up and ran into the ed in 1975, but Mr. Goldsmith had He was proud of one project in forest, leaving his wife and two older since been hired away by the elite particular, completed soon before children, Pesach and Chaya Pesha, firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill he retired in 2000: the renovation behind. They were ultimately mur- to work on Westway, a multibillion of the Brighton Beach branch of the dered. plan to bury much of the West Side Brooklyn Public Library, near the That one heartbreaking decision Highway in Manhattan. shore where he had spent weekends made possible a life, Dov’s, that To his colleagues, Mr. Goldsmith as a teenager. The library, he liked encompassed much of the modern was going places: an Ivy League-ed- to point out, had been cramped and American experience, from immi- ucated architect already reshaping the utilitarian; he rounded its edges, gration and the promise of postwar New York skyline. Inside, though, he punched in skylights and recast it in abundance, through the tumult of the was starting to crack. The pressures brick tiles — a New Mexican adobe 1960s, to the search for meaning in a of his job and the weight of unpro- in southern Brooklyn. secular society — and finally, in the his father had spent time in the woods played soccer at Thomas Jefferson cessed trauma bore down on him; he In retirement, he filled his home early 21st century, to the ravages of alone. High School, which educated gener- took up pot smoking and began skip- with cactuses, building tools and a pandemic. It was a life of struggle They eventually joined with the ations of Jewish immigrants and their ping work. He fought with his wife, Beatles records. By then he had de- that ended with a modicum of solace. Bielski partisans, a celebrated group children, including the actor Danny eventually moving out of their house veloped pulmonary disease and ear- Dov Baer Goldschmidt, who be- of Jewish resistance fighters led by Kaye, the director Paul Mazursky in Brooklyn. Skidmore fired him. ly-onset dementia; his social circle came Barry Goldsmith after he ar- the three charismatic Bielski broth- and Lloyd Blankfein, the investment One day in 1972, he just left. narrowed to a few friends, his temple rived in the United States in 1950, ers, he said. His father built shelters banker and former chairman of Gold- For months he drifted around the congregation and, occasionally, his died on Dec. 6 in Albuquerque. He and bunkers for the partisans, who man Sachs. country, said Mrs. Goldsmith, who children. was 82. The cause was complications rescued hundreds of Jews before So- remained in contact with him during Mr. Goldsmith in 2018 traveled to of Covid-19, his daughter Gwen viet forces swept through the region the period. He stayed for stretches at Albuquerque for the wedding of his Goldsmith said. in 1944. communes populated by hippies and, daughter Gwen, who had long felt He was born on May 1, 1938, in After the war, the Goldschmidts increasingly, people like him: young that he disapproved of her being a Iwje, a town in what was then east- joined tens of thousands of other professionals who, after the social lesbian. But at the dinner reception ern Poland and is now western Be- Holocaust survivors in making their unrest of the 1960s, chose not to be he embraced her and even said a larus. His father, who later changed way to Italy, where Western forces A photo from Mr. Goldsmith’s burdened by the pressure of modern prayer over the challah before break- his name to Harry Goldsmith, was a had set up displaced persons camps. 1955 yearbook shows a smiling, con- adult life. ing it — a rite typically reserved for bricklayer; his mother, Golda (Volpi- The pair spent several years living fident young man with thick black Mr. Goldsmith settled in Taos, an elder or rabbi. anski) Goldschmidt, was a home- outside Castel Gandolfo, the pope’s hair. According to the yearbook, he N.M., then as now a counterculture Mr. Goldsmith never returned to maker. summer residence near Rome, where aspired to study engineering, though hot spot. He lived simply, learning Brooklyn. He broke a bone a few Germany invaded the region in Mr. Goldsmith learned Italian from by the time he met Lois, he had en- to make drums and sandals from days after the wedding and ended up 1941, forcing the approximately the nuns who ran the camp. tered Cooper Union on a scholarship Native Americans. He fell in with in a nursing home near his daughter. 3,000 Jews of Iwje into a ghetto. Be- Many at the camp hoped to move as an architecture student. They mar- a loose group of radical architects, She visited him daily, taking him ginning in early 1942, German sol- to Palestine, and to prepare them, ried in 1960, and in 1962 Lois gave some trained, others self-taught, who swimming or driving around the San- diers rounded up and murdered thou- representatives of the Jewish Agency birth to their first daughter, Gwen. were designing earth-friendly under- dia Mountains. sands. The final liquidation of Iwje for Israel operated a “hachsharot,” a Not long after, Mr. Goldsmith and ground homes that were built with “He was working through his de- was to begin at the new year. form of training station, where the his family moved to College Station, recycled materials and heated by the mons, but he got to end his life sur- Barry Goldsmith’s memory of the refugees learned farming and other Texas, where he completed his un- sun. rounded by friends,” she said. time was uneven, and often filtered skills. dergraduate degree at Texas A&M In 1973, a friend from Brooklyn, Along with his daughter Gwen, through conversations with his fa- Mr. Goldsmith never said wheth- in 1965. He received his master’s Avrahum Bernstein, traveled to New Mr. Goldsmith is survived by his oth- ther, who said that he only brought er he and his father had intended to degree in architecture from Colum- Mexico to persuade Mr. Goldsmith er daughter, Robin, a son, Alan, and a him on his escape because he had join the move to Palestine. In 1950 bia in 1966, the same year the Gold- to return to his family. Mr. Bernstein, granddaughter. He was buried in Har been small enough to carry. they sailed to New York, where they smiths’ second daughter, Robin, was like Mr. Goldsmith, grew up secular HaMenuchot cemetery in Jerusalem, Mr. Goldsmith told one of his settled in the Brownsville section of born. but had recently embraced a form of not far from the grave of the man children that his family had been Brooklyn. Mr. Goldsmith began a rapid as- mystical Orthodox Judaism. The two who had carried him into the woods protected by a Christian family in Barry Goldsmith quickly blos- cent in the world of New York corpo- spent days talking about faith, and by so many years before. Iwje. While a memorial book about somed into what his first wife, Lois rate architecture. He joined the firm the time Mr. Goldsmith went home at This article was originally pub- Iwje says that the Goldschmidts were (Kessler) Goldsmith, called “a per- Oppenheimer, Brady and Associates, the end of the year, he had become lished in The New York Times on aided in their escape by partisans, fectly American Jewish boy.” He which had just won a contract to Orthodox, too. January 11, 2021. Reprinted with Mr. Goldsmith later said that he and spent weekends at the beach. He build Independence Plaza, a trio of He tried reconciling with his wife, permission. Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 The New Mexico Jewish Link 19 Remembering Larry Lubar By Harold Albert by his peers to numerous positions of to travel and have been all over the leadership, even as president, of local, world. After a trip to Israel, both Lar- Larry Lubar lived his life loving statewide and national dental associ- ry and Marcia made the continuation his family and working to make Al- ations. He was named a New Mex- of Jewish life in Israel, New Mexico buquerque and our Jewish community ico Humanitarian Award recipient by and the world a priority of their vol- the best it could be. He passed away the publication Albuquerque Busi- unteer activities. on December 7, 2020. ness First. Larry was asked to chair Larry served as a board member For those of us who had the privi- the New Mexico Mission of Mercy and president of our Jewish Feder- lege and honor of knowing and work- by which over 2,200 New Mexico ation of New Mexico, bringing his ing with Larry, we are grieving over residents received free dental care leadership qualities to initiate dra- his passing. For those who did not, that they could not otherwise afford. matic changes in fundraising and Larry Lubar (z’l) during a New Mexico Mission of Mercy, our state’s larg- you have missed a meaningful oppor- He was selected for the publications planning. His service and generosity est charity event, which provides free dental care to thousands of under- tunity. Why? Because Larry was the Who’s Whom Among Outstanding helped to strengthen the Federation, served individuals. type of individual, role model, and Americans and Who’s Who in Den- and bring it into increased promi- mentor every leader of a community tistry. nence. In addition, Larry served on many of the future JCC policies. Larry’s integrity, wisdom, charm, tries to emulate. In addition to his dental practice, the boards of Congregation Albert Larry became the third president and humor will be sorely missed. Even before immersing himself in Larry served for several years on the and Jewish Family Service. of our JCC and successfully guided As president of the JCC, Larry was the leadership of our Jewish commu- board, and became the president of During the many years of devel- the board through our initial difficult quoted as saying “With the help of nity, Larry brought his talents to his our YMCA. He also served on the oping our Jewish Community Cen- years. Larry and Marcia were the the whole Jewish community, we will profession as a dentist and a volunteer board of the New Mexico Philhar- ter, Larry devoted countless hours seventh recipients of the Harold B. continue to grow and be an important to numerous Albuquerque organiza- monic. This experience was instru- as a member of our steering commit- Albert Community Service Award at part of the lives of each and every per- tions. mental in helping Larry work with tee. His advice on how to operate a a gala dinner, solely in their honor, son who passes through the doors of Maintaining his dental practice of and lead numerous Jewish organiza- non-profit organization, in part based which was attended by almost four the JCC.” Larry Lubar’s life strength- some fifty years, Larry was selected tions. Larry and his wife Marcia loved on the YMCA, helped formulate hundred guests. ened all of us. We will miss him. Remembering Paula Berss Blacher We Wake Up By David Blacher Investment Management Analyst the Next Day professional designations. As she In the New Mexican Jewish commu- continued to work in these capac- By Nathan Ari Fox nity, as in all Jewish communities in the ities for major money manage- United States, there is a program entitled ment companies, she also taught When a parent dies, we wake up the next day. “Life and Legacy.” Whether from the review courses in these disci- We know this but it does not have significance until perspective of family, friends or profes- plines at the University of South- relevant. Then we realize it is a tiny miracle for us to be sional colleagues, this is the quintessen- ern California. Of course, she alive when the one who brought us into being has passed. tial phrase which best describes my wife, was on boards and investment This is the reason the Modeh Ani is so important. Paula Berss Blacher, of blessed memory, committees of many non-profits As the first prayer we say upon waking, “Modeh ani who died on November 20, 2020. in both the social service and ed- lefanecha, Melech chai v’kayam, shehachazarti bi nesha- Paula was the daughter of a Holo- ucational fields. mati b’chamla raba emunetcha. I thank You, living and caust survivor and an former WWII GI, Paula enjoyed public speak- eternal King, for giving me back my soul in mercy. Great both of whom viscerally understood the ing; in addition to addressing is your faithfulness.” It is the prayer that underscores our centrality of being Jewish in both their civic organizations and invest- faith. Every morning we express true gratitude that our spiritual and daily lives. Their Conser- ment groups, she addressed na- soul has returned safely and fully into our bodies. After a vative shul was a short walk from the tional professional organizations parent dies, we awake with the breath of life still within house, and regularly attended. Her Jew- us. Karala Girl by Paula Berss Blacher (z’l), captured in on specialized investment policy We can choose to believe that our loving father, HaSh- ish-American life led her to take a year the market square of Karala, India, a predominantly Hin- issues, consulting on planned off from the California State College du village on the outskirts of Delhi. To see more of her giving and the investment of em, has placed it there with great compassion; or we can (now University) and study at Tel Aviv photographs, go to: pblacher.myportfolio.com non-profit assets. She also pro- choose to believe it finds its way home unguided. I choose University. While there, she befriended vided expert testimony on char- the former. I choose the power of hope, faith, belief and individuals who are also from the US, itable gift regulation to the State certainty in His guidance because I choose these quali- and with whom she and her family are still in regular contact. of California legislature. ties in people. I do not think people act randomly. One Upon completion of college, with a degree in psychology, she In 2008, Paula and I made aliya to New Mexico. Paula taught hundred years of psychology and four thousand years of went to work for a stock brokerage as a clerical assistant, but an investing class for a while at the Anderson School of UNM, traditions as varied as Torah and the Bhagavad Gita tell soon discovered the appeal of the professional tasks attendant to but eventually decided to spend her time traveling the world to me otherwise. the industry. Subsequently, she became licensed, at a time when photograph and interpret the human condition as only she could While it is not always obvious in the moment, time and very few women were in this profession. Shortly thereafter we see it. Her greatest sense of personal satisfaction and accomplish- introspection show us that our actions do not come from married, but Paula continued her career in the investment world, ment was to capture the human condition through street photog- a void. Our thoughts, our fears and our desires are part until our daughter Rachel was born. raphy. of our individual stories, just like we are part of the long During the interregnum of her professional path, brought about Returning home, her Jewish roots ultimately melded with her story of Judaism. by the attention to early child rearing, Paula discovered and pur- professional skills, knowledge and abilities. She soon became in- When a parent dies and the sun warms the cold shell sued her lifetime passion of photography. It is said by many that volved with the Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico that contains our hearts, we know that life is a miracle to she saw light, and captured it. During this period, we joined with as a board member and treasurer. be cherished. My prayer for each of you at this time of several other families in their local Jewish community with sim- While this has been her Life, she never lost sight of the re- Passover and renewal is to notice an aspect of this miracle ilar aged children, to found, first a Jewish preschool, and subse- sponsibility as a committed Jew to leave a Legacy. As such, we every day and celebrate it. Because in the midst of pain, quently a Jewish day school. Then, Paula returned to the invest- established the Paula and David Blacher Family Endowment at illness, fear and grief we are alive – and that is a blessing ment community. the Jewish Foundation of New Mexico worth jumping for joy! Upon return to the investment world, Paula first attained an Judaism teaches us that the ultimate legacy of a life well lived In memory of my mother, Margarete A. Fox (z”l), Executive MBA from the Peter F. Druker Graduate Management is - a life well lived. daughter of hidden Jews. Center and achieved Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Paula will be missed. 20 The New Mexico Jewish Link Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 Remembering Carla Freeman: Santa Fe Jewish Cemetery Receives $50,000 Seed Endowment By Lance Bell tery at Memorial Gardens, and she The SFCF’s generous seed en- Freeman’s obituary said she and her sister Lisa purchased me- dowment to the JCCNNM, from was known for her sense of humor Carla Freeman, of blessed mem- morial plaques for their parents. Carla’s gift, will ensure that Car- and had a passion for Jewish his- ory, passed away in January 2019 After Doris Francis, who is the la’s legacy will shine brightly tory and genealogy, animal rescue and due to her caring and gener- cemetery chair for the JCCNNM, and positively for generations to and volunteer work. Her favorite osity, the Santa Fe Community was able to walk members of the come. This will also help secure local charities were Kitchen An- Foundation (SFCF) received near- SFCF through the cemetery and future projects to care for our gels, which delivers meals across ly a $6 million gift from her estate show them first-hand the enhance- community’s special and sacred Northern New Mexico; Adelante, wishes. Carla, who lived in Santa ments that have occurred over Jewish cemetery. a Santa Fe Public Schools pro- Fe from 2005 until her death at the the last decade, we were optimis- Carla Freeman was a Washing- gram dedicated to serving home- age of 69, set up her gift with no tic that the SFCF might consider ton, D.C., native. Her father, Carl less students; the Santa Fe Animal restrictions, and is the largest un- helping start our own Santa Fe M. Freeman, was a prominent de- Shelter and Humane Society; and restricted gift in the foundation’s Jewish cemetery endowment in veloper, real estate manager and Esperanza Shelter, which serves 38-year history, according to a Carla’s memory. philanthropist in Washington, who people affected by domestic vio- SFCF news release. Carla was incredibly kind and died in a crash in Northern New lence, the obituary said. After the Jewish Community caring, and I had the privilege to Mexico in 1998, according to a re- Carla will not be forgotten. Council of Northern New Mexi- get to know her when she was an port in the Washington Post. Each year, we will recognize her co learned of this gift, I received active participant and board mem- According to her obituary in along with the SFCF at all of our a call from Lisa Freeman, Carla’s ber for the New Mexico Jewish the Santa Fe New Mexican, Carla virtual and live events. Now that sister, an artist who also lives in Historical Society. Carla was al- Freeman earned a bachelor’s de- the JCCNNM has received this Santa Fe. Lisa suggested that I ways positive, and her smile was gree and master’s degree in library endowment, we will have the Carla Freeman, of blessed memory. reach out to Carla’s estate execu- contagious. She cared about her science from the University of Ar- ability to help it grow with future tor which led Doris Francis and I loved ones, her family history izona. But according to a 2006 contributions from others in the endowment happen. To learn more to have discussions with the lead- as well as New Mexico’s unique interview with the newspaper, she greater Jewish community. about the Santa Fe Jewish ceme- ership of the SFCF. Jewish history. Carla was also worked as a professional organiz- I’d like to thank the entire tery and the JCCNNM please vis- The leadership at the SFCF was passionate about the animal com- er, consulting with clients who JCCNNM board, including our it www.JCCNNM.org. willing to review our request to munity, especially the feline type. need help getting closets, shelves legal advisor, Lewis receive some funds from Carla’s generous unrestricted gift because During one of our meetings, she had two or three cats in her car she and filing cabinets in order. She joined an industry group, Profes- Terr who was instru- mental in working Zooming with Carla chose to be buried in the dedicated Santa Fe Jewish ceme- was proudly helping to transport for new adoptions. sional Organizers of New Mexico, that same year. with the SFCF to make this wonderful the Temkins Friday evenings are reserved Learn More about Natural Burial New Mexico for Shabbat and zooming with my Temkin cousins preserved for future generations. ten people buried in the Jewish section and on the east coast. New Mexico has respectful statutes hon- many others have prearranged by securing Barry and Diane, a family legal team, oring all traditions within its multicultural burial plots. ran to their Connecticut landscape. We at Natural Burial New Mexi- Every end of life situation is unique. It is hideaway when the virus hit. co are committed to the diversity represent- our experience that prearrangement relieves Rebecca’s enjoying Los Angeles ed in these statutes by providing support in families of many uncertainties which can and just attained her Master’s in French. all end of life matters for the people of our and do arise when arrangements have not La Puerta Natural Burial Ground is state. been made prior to a loved one’s death. This Bruce & Judson recently moved out of the city pleased and honored to have an alliance At La Puerta Natural Burial Ground, helps families know what their loved one’s to their place in Brooklyn, savoring culinary with the Jewish community of New Mex- there are specifically designated areas set wishes are, as well as to know in advance delights ico, with whom natural burial is the tradi- aside for those who choose to be laid to rest what some of the next of kin’s requirements on weekends at Fire Island. tional and customary way of interment and within the comfort of their own culture. The are that must precede burial. Emma camps out with Scott in the city, mourning; respecting the deceased, their Jewish section was the first to be designat- Natural Burial New Mexico has spent a while cousin Jeff takes care of my Uncle Bob loved ones, and the earth. All those buried ed upon request of the Jewish Federation great deal of time over the past four years in Rochester until he connects with his lady love, at La Puerta face east toward Jerusalem, and of New Mexico and Congregation Nahalat establishing relationships with the state Joyce, back at her place in Brooklyn. the sun rising over the majestic Manzano Shalom. Health Department, the New Mexico Bu- Mountains. For those of you who were not able attend reau of Vital Records and Statistics, the fu- Hannah & Ian just opened up shop together La Puerta Natural Burial Ground is a 40- the June 2018 festive dedication of the Jew- neral industry, and the national Green Buri- across from Prospect Park, she: a yoga maven acre private, serene natural burial site with ish section at La Puerta, we encourage you al Council on behalf of the families of New he: a writer & musician. majestic views, fully certified by the nation- to visit. Following Jewish tradition, a plant- Mexico. Because of this we have become a We look forward to watching the show al Green Burial Council. Located at the ing border was placed around this section resource unlike any other, providing fami- each week in Albuquerque. base of the grand Manzano Mountains, it is for identification. Cremation and urn buri- lies with transparency into the requirements Different interactions, unique family, one hour’s drive south of Albuquerque, and als, as well as green burials without a cof- and the plentiful options available to them. comfortably converse inside our squares. lies adjacent to 14,000 acres of open space, fin are also permitted. There are currently Our goal and commitment is to promote Paying respect to our ancestors self-reliance and the ability to choose op- reciting special prayers for the wine tions that meet each person’s needs and re- and the children, something Jews sources. have done for centuries. We encourage you to go to our website naturalburialnewmexico.com for additional We’re all vulnerable now information. We also welcome any com- and appreciate this family ritual ments or questions, so please feel free to during a time of daily fear contact us via email at naturalburialnew- and uncertainty. mexico@gmail.com, or by phone. Donal Zooming with the Temkins Key (505) 716-2543 or Linda Canyon (505) gives us a sense of belonging. 360-4480. The cemetery is always open. Please fol- By Marsha Berkowitz Johansen low the directions on the website and expe- Her collection of poems, Around the Edges was rience the beauty, the peace, and the gran- published in 2018. deur of La Puerta. Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 The New Mexico Jewish Link 21 The Shaping of Modern Jewish History: Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews and the Holocaust - The Santa Fe Distinguished Lecture Series By Ron Duncan Hart, Ph.D. military and businessmen. Ethan University College of London, the Jewish literature, and a Guggenheim scendants today who have formed Katz recounts the drama of this sto- leading British/French legal expert Fellowship among others. The Econ- the widely known Sephardic com- The Santa Fe Distinguished Lec- ry and how it forces us to reassess on the Holocaust, will be speaking omist named Family Papers a Best munity of Seattle. ture Series has an international the meaning of resistance during about his new book, The Ratline: The Book of 2019, while the New York The underwriters for these world group of eminent speakers for its World War II and the Holocaust. The Exalted Life and Mysterious Death Times Book Review selected it as an class speakers are Paul Golding Spring 2021 series on modern Jew- Burdens of Brotherhood, his book of a Nazi Fugitive. John le Carré Editors’ Choice Book. Family Pa- and Bonnie Ellinger, Gloria Abel- ish history which continues the Jews on this subject, won the National says the book is “Hypnotic, shock- pers was also a finalist for the Na- la Ballen, Marcia Torobin, Doris in Arab Lands series with the San- Jewish Book Award and five oth- ing, and unputdownable”, and The tional Jewish Book Prize. Francis-Erhard, Yehuda and Nurit ta Fe Jewish Film Festival. These er awards as the best history book. New York Times Book Review says Finalizing this series of Patt, Edward and Eva Borins, and award-winning authors have some Outstanding. that it is “Gripping … fascinating award-winning scholars is Devin Halley Faust and Eva Cohen. of the most important recent books Shalom Sabar of Hebrew Univer- and important, told in vivid detail Naar of the University of Wash- Register for talks at www.san- in Jewish studies. Register for any sity is arguably the top scholar in the … fiercely inquiring … suspenseful ington, an expert on the Sephardic tafedls.org where you can also get of these free talks at www.santafed- world on European and Middle East- … extraordinary.” Sands’ last book world of Greece. On June 16, his more information about speakers ls.org. ern Judaica, and he will talk about East West Street swept the top Brit- talk “From the Ottoman Empire and their topics. On March 17, Prof. Ethan Katz Jewish amulets and magic from ish and French awards for history in to Auschwitz: Sephardic Jews If you miss any of these lectures of the University of California in Arab lands on April 6. A week later 2018. The Ratline has been featured and the Holocaust” will focus on or would like to view talks by pre- Berkeley starts the Spring program on April 13 he will talk about how in the New York Times and NPR as the Jewish geography and history vious speakers in the Santa Fe Dis- with a talk about the “Jewish Re- the Jews of those Arab lands, espe- one of the best books of the year. of the Ottoman Empire up to its tinguished Lecture and the Santa sisters that History Forgot: How cially Moroccan Jews, brought their On May 26 Award-winning author annihilation in the Holocaust. Did Fe Jewish Film Festival series go the Jewish Underground in Algeria cultures with them and in doing so Sarah Abrevaya Stein of UCLA will you know that the Sephardic Jews to www.jewishlearningchannel. Helped Win World War II.” When began to shape modern day Israel. talk about her book Family Letters: of Greece had the highest death com. You can see speakers on sub- the Allies landed in Algiers in 1942, He can speak from his own experi- A Sephardic Journey Through the rate of any Jewish community? jects from the Vatican, Jews and their path to victory was paved by ence as an Iraqi Jew who arrived in Twentieth Century. Stein is the win- Prof. Naar is the leading scholar on the Holocaust, Spinoza, Maimon- an unlikely alliance of young Alge- Israel as a child in the 1950s. ner of two National Jewish Book the Jews of Salonica and of the Ot- ides, Amos Oz, Sholem Aleichem, rian Jewish shock troops with local On May 4, Philippe Sands of the Awards, the Sami Rohr Prize for toman Empire, including their de- Jewish humor, and many more. A Dramatic Response to Covid Isolation: Hunker Down backs, audiences have commented about the familiarity of the char- acters, their plight, and the univer- By Robert F. Benjamin I realized the pandemic would shut challenge in these terms, I probably their story, but recontextualized as sality of their dilemmas. Attendees down in-person theater for many would have abandoned the project. mindful elders engaging a startling have spoken of their personal expe- May 2020, only two months into months, possibly years. How to Fortunately, I welcomed the char- adventure. He has a big decision to riences of loneliness and uncertain- the era of Covid shelter-in-place, get Hunker Down produced during acters, who urged me on to create make. So does she. ty during this time. Hunker Down lockdown, quarantines, etc. A this time? I made the bold decision their bumpy journey from animosi- I feel grateful that Hunker Down is a whimsical tale of aging with widow (age 60s) desperate to re- to adapt the script into a purebred ty into Covid friendship. audiences have applauded this up- grace, courage and humor, suitable lieve her loneliness shleps across Zoom play. Bari’s plight becomes complicat- lifting romantic comedy during the for all audiences. the street to visit her neighbor, a The play’s action is Zoom calls ed when her girlfriends invite her to Covid crisis. Play performances by Upcoming productions live on widower (also age 60s), whom she between Bari and Kevin. Using reconvene in-person within a strict wonderful actors have taught me Zoom will be at the Firehouse The- dislikes. Appalled by her chutzpah Live-on-Zoom presentation, audi- bubble. This complication triggers that strong emotions can be evoked ater (Denver), March 19-21, 2021 and concerned with Covid-safe ences eavesdrop on the characters’ her realization about increasing on Zoom between the characters (www.FirehouseTheaterCompany. practices, he refuses to meet with video calls. But would audiences misalignment between her core val- and also between actors and audi- com) and Teatro Paraguas (Santa her in-person but agrees to a video accept such eavesdropping as the- ues and her unkind behavior. Kevin ence. Fe), mid-May 2021 (www.Teat- call. ater? Having watched other Zoom- responds with a remarkable story, During post-performance talk- roParaguas.org). This action opens my upbeat cast stage plays that were awful, I romantic comedy, Hunker Down, was skeptical but willing to give it about older adults coping with a try. After all, innovative theater loneliness during the pandemic. is part of American Jewish culture, How can oldsters use their hard- right? I brashly believed I could earned wisdom to navigate uncer- do better to create live theater on tain isolation? Zoom. My goal was to compose an up- Kevin makes a last-ditch effort to beat, roller-coaster play that would save Bari from herself. His gambit not only entertain but also evoke is a remarkable offer that surprises conversations among audience both of them. Bari reluctantly ac- members about overcoming iso- cepts his offer, but then pursues her lation and loneliness; discovering plan anyway. It goes awry, in part new, unlikely friendship; giving because of Kevin’s ploy. Bari nose- and receiving kindness during dif- dives into a whirlpool of confusion, ficult times. even as she now regards Kevin as I aimed to create a heartwarming a mensch. tale of and about seniors who strug- A major problem during isolation gle with tsuris, then emerge for the is exercising emotions. Although better. emotions are not muscles, they The widow, Bari, is a clever and need to be exercised regularly to persistent extrovert. In contrast, promote well-being. So it seems to Kevin is an introverted curmud- me. The Bari/Kevin story beckons geon, who finds Covid isolation strong emotional interplay. Each to be a blessing. As Bari observes character needs a tortuous emotion- how Kevin finds peace and con- al journey. If not, why would any- tentment within his solitude, she one watch Hunker Down? aspires to develop such skills and My challenge became clear. How perspectives. Kevin warns her should emotionality be expressed about pitfalls of such a quest, but on a Zoom screen between charac- she is determined. ters who themselves are commu- Soon after I wrote the first scene nicating via their Zoom screens? as a stage play during spring 2020, Had I initially thought about my 22 The New Mexico Jewish Link Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 Electronic Media in the Sanctuary: The Experience of Congregation B’nai Israel By Misha Sauceda brid service that can be used by has already completed several ep- viewers on the computer and those isodes entirely on Zoom. We pro- The Federation’s Chanukah cele- who are seated in the sanctuary. Lec- vided an extensive tour of the newly bration changed my view of the Al- tures, classes, and services can be at remodeled dairy kitchen. For Purim, buquerque Jewish community. the touch of a computer keyboard, the episode included an interview I thought there might be 75 people or even a smart phone. with the organizers of a mishloach at the most for the first night and that We went to the CBI board of manot fundraiser (sending gifts of that number would dwindle through trustees, and they supported us with food, especially cookies and other the week. But, I was wrong, gross- seed money. Our goal is to create a treats), which brought in a record ly wrong. Every night had at least professional product that includes amount. The most recent bat mitz- 80 viewers. If Rob Lennick, CEO multi-camera shots, editing, and vah also used an overhead camera so of the Jewish Federation, had not unique visuals. This process is made viewers could see the young woman kept the program moving, the peo- less expensive through smart phone reading the Torah live. ple would have kept chatting among technology. With the addition of tri- A second Purim segment fea- themselves. I realized that most of pods, microphones and editing pro- tured a mother and her nine-year-old the individuals were over seven- grams, we were able to get started. daughter giving a demonstration on ty-five, and every one of them knew Our computer wizard Jimmy Tran how to bake hamantashen, complete Filming a Purim episode how to get onto the Zoom event. I manages all of the technology, while in costume. The Jewish Women’s understood there was an audience my role is focused on developing the Endowment has provided a grant for the CBI-TV team to ensure the board of trustees, know that Zoom for this media. The recognition was programs’ content and publicizing additional episodes. viewer has a great experience. Jim- is here to stay and together hold this profound. our videos. Every consideration is made by my Tran and I, as well as the CBI vision of the future. That realization became the seed Many decisions were made spe- for the Congregation B’nai Israel’s cifically with the CBI viewer in (CBI) Zoom programming troupe. mind. Special footage of the syn- We focus on producing a profes- sional program about the members agogue architecture focused on its unique design. Internal video of the One Word Prayer and for the members. By cultivating building was put into the introduc- drawing by Phyllis Cohen, Zoom’s easy and broad appeal, we tion, so congregants can see their can provide stories of interest for sorely missed synagogue. Inside the field of poetry by Mary McGinnis our aging, house-bound congregant sanctuary, we designed a set for the as well as busy families. This is a interviews, once again to remind way of offering and maintaining an the viewers of their spiritual home, intimate CBI culture. both religiously and culturally. This Jimmy Tran and I developed the building holds deep meaning in model for this unique station. We their personal life as a Jew and as a believe that electronic media will member of this Conservative Jewish hold a permanent place in our new community. spiritual world. It will create a hy- Though newly formed, CBI-TV Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 The New Mexico Jewish Link 23 I Can’t Believe They’re for Passover Desserts By Sybil Kaplan sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees served hot or cold. dish. Set dish in a pan of hot wa- boil. F. Vegetable spray a springform 2 cups scalded milk ter and bake in preheated 300 de- I grew up when sugary candy 3. Add matza meal and one egg pan. 2 broken matzot gree F. oven 30 minutes. Spread in fruit flavors and sponge cake at a time. Blend well. 2. Process macaroon until fine 3 T. lemon juice top with strawberries. were the only desserts I remem- 4. Spoon dough in pieces on a crumbs form. Sprinkle crumbs in 1 T. grated lemon rind 5. In a bowl, beat egg whites ber for Passover. Now, there is cookie sheet. Bake in preheated springform pan. Pres crumbs to 3 T. melted pareve margarine until stiff but not dry. gradually almost no dessert we can’t make. 350 degree oven 30 minutes. bottom and up sides of pan. 2 egg yolks beating in sugar until mixture is Here are a few. When cool, cut a lit off top of 3. In saucepan, melt chocolates 1 whole egg smooth and glossy. Spread atop each. with margarine or butter. Remove ¼ cup sugar baked mixture and return to oven Mom’s (z”l) Cream Puff Buns Fill with a favorite custard. from heat and whisk in sugar. ¼ cup sliced strawberries to brown, about 15 minutes. 9-12 puffs 4. Add eggs and whisk until 2 egg whites Chill before serving. 2/3 cup water Truffle Tart blended. Pour chocolate mix- ¼ cup sugar 1/3 cup oil 12 servings ture into macaroon crust. Bake 1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Sybil Kaplan is a journalist, ¼ t. salt 3 cups coconut macaroon in preheated 350 degree F. oven F. Grease a baking dish. author, compiler/contributor/ 1 T. sugar cookies 15 minutes. Cool tart completely. 2. Place broken matzot in a editor of nine kosher cookbooks 3 eggs 1 cup semisweet chopped Refrigerate at least 1 hour before mixing bowl, Pour milk on top (working on a 10th) and food 1 cup matza meal chocolate serving. and let sit 15 minutes. writer for North American Jew- 1/3 cup chopped unsweetened 3. Beat matzot-milk mixture ish publications. She lives in Je- 1. Preheat oven to 350 degree chocolate Lemon Meringue Charlotte with mixer. Add lemon juice and rusalem where she has led weekly F. Spray a cookie sheet with 6 T. margarine or butter 6 servings lemon rind, margarine eggs and walks of the Jewish food market, Passover vegetable spray. ½ cup sugar A Charlotte is a classic French sugar and mix well. Machaneh Yehudah, in English 2. Place water, oil, salt and 3 large eggs molded dessert which can be 4. Pour into greased baking since 2009. it. Vitamin C is one of the best reach marginalized communities… sender didn’t get paid, and it wasn’t Flies. It was a government of cha- BAILEY continued fron page 1 things that everyday people can do on the Indian reservations across returned to them, and we didn’t os.’” you test positive for the virus. Dr. for themselves, besides wearing a this country, we already know receive it.” They tried to track it Another story published in Stat, Bailey said that while aspirin is mask, to prevent getting the virus. they’re a population that’s always down but, “it’s a quagmire coming the medical newsletter, on January a blood-thinner, people must first I would love to see more people vulnerable, with regard to receiving through very busy ports, in Boston, 31, 2021, titled, “Trump officials check with their doctor, “because aware of Vitamin C.” medical care.” New York, Miami, it’s very difficult actively lobbied to deny states mon- any medication you take always has What does Dr. Bailey think Fortunately, in mid-March, the to track down. So we’re hoping that ey for vaccine rollout last fall,” is a side effect.” Generally speaking, about double-masking? “The med- Navajo Times reported 80% of Na- Biden can look at that process. The based on new information coming doctors say you should not take ical community suggested to dou- vajo Nation members received at question remains, what happened to out now from former Trump aides. aspirin if you are already on blood ble-mask about six months ago, but least one dose of the vaccine, one of all of those PPE’s that were taken? President Trump’s people kept in- thinners, if you have gastric issues this message never got out to the the highest percentage in the world. Where did they go? We hope some- sisting that $200 million they had like ulcers, or if it will interfere with wider community. And part of that, According to a New York Times data day there’s an investigation, we already handed out to states hadn’t other medications, like chemo, for I believe has been more because map, currently New Mexico has figure that out. So, we don’t know been spent yet, so they shouldn’t get instance. medicine has been politicized, rath- vaccinated 29% of its population what happened to them. But we do any more. The states hadn’t spent it Dr. Bailey does however, with- er than just being there for telling Dr. Bailey wanted to stress how know that all of this action, or inac- because the vaccines hadn’t arrived out hesitation, strongly recommend the facts. devastating it has been that the mes- tion, led to where we are today.” yet, but obviously that was a drop Vitamin C for everyone, along with “Here, we have been double sages about masking were garbled Indeed. Medical personnel all in the bucket of what is needed to Vitamin D. “Vitamin C acts like an masking all along, and now we have over the last year. When asked if across the country have struggled, administer vaccinations to 350 mil- anti-inflammatory agent. We know the different strains. Getting the it looks like we’ve dodged a bullet watching patients and colleagues lion people. that we’re all supposed to be taking right masks are important. A ban- now, she said, die, baffled that the administration The Sephardic Heritage program, vitamin D, but perhaps we need to dana around your face doesn’t pro- “No, I don’t. What’s dodging was not able provide emergency based at the Jewish Federation of also be telling people that Vitamin tect you. It’s better than nothing—it the bullet? By the end of the year supplies. But more really could New Mexico under the leadership C is necessary.” She explained that protects others if you sneeze, but it of 2020, we saw 500,000 people. have been done. of Sara Koplik, Ph.D. is unique in prophylactically, you are getting doesn’t protect you if someone else Could we say that we dodged the The New Yorker published an ar- assisting those around the world in your body strengthened to fight this is talking to you. But it’s not like bullet? No, I think that we just we ticle on September 28, 2020 by Jane getting Spain and now Portuguese virus. an N-95 masks, Of course, it would just didn’t do the right thing here.” Mayer of how Robert F. Kennedy’s passports for those whose families “One thing the hospitals are do- help if the country actually gave out Dr. Bailey has been personally grandson Max, recently graduat- were forced out by the Inquisition ing now is giving Covid patients masks to people. What has to oc- actively trying to get shipments of ed from Harvard, volunteered in of 1492 in Spain and then the Portu- IV vitamin C. There are physicians cur now is for people to be double need masks delivered, but those March to help out with the White guese Inquisition in 1536. The pro- who are treating their patients with masked, take their vitamin D, take efforts had been blocked. “In the House Covid-19 Supply-Chain gram has helped individuals across vitamin C. Vitamin C definitely their vitamin C. Those are the pro- spring of last year, what we were Task Force. He was shocked to the globe and is bringing additional works as an anti-inflammatory, it’s phylactic things people can do.” bringing in was being confiscated discover that he and the 20 or so kudos to New Mexico. something you can take. It’s easy Is Bailey hopeful that the Biden by the Trump administration. We’ve inexperienced volunteers were not Dr. Bailey has learned her hus- enough to get. It’s not a medication, administration will handle the had shippers who have stated that there to help out, they were expect- band’s family left Catalunya, you can’t overdo it.” rollout of the vaccine better? “I they could not bring it in. Hospitals ed to be the task force, the front-line Spain at the time of the Spanish According to NIH reports and do think they will handle it better. were scrambling for PPE. And not against the pandemic. Inquisition, then went to Portugal, other medical sources, the current Studies are coming out, that only because there was a lack of getting Disgusted, knowing medical then was forced to leave again, and daily recommendation is 1000 60 to 70% of front-line workers it from other countries who were workers were having to wear gar- moved to Constantinople, Turkey, milligrams of Vitamin C and 5000 are choosing to take the vaccine.” selling it. China, Thailand or any- bage bags and reuse masks, within and later moved within the Otto- milligrams of Vitamin D. Dr. Bailey She says that has been due to a lack where else, but, you just could not weeks he became an anonymous man Empire to what would later also said the liquid form, liposomal of transparency, and that the med- get it in, and that helped to spread whistle-blower to Congress. Even become Romania. Shortly fol- Vitamin C, is absorbed better by the ical community now has a chance this virus. People could not protect though he had signed a non-disclo- lowing the Kishinev pogroms, in body, and a brand, Lypo-Spheric to get the word out so that people themselves early. With this new ad- sure agreement, Kennedy said, “‘If 1906, half the family left Romania Vitamin C, can be purchased online. understand the research. “Still, this ministration, I will try again. But you see something that might be and went back to Constantinople, “If your immune system is real- country won’t be back to where it under the Trump administration, we illegal, and cause thousands of ci- while the other half joined the first ly at the top of where it could be, was, until, we’re predicting, the fall could not get them.” vilian lives to be lost, a person has Zionist settlement in Rishon LeZi- you’ll decrease the worse effects of 2022.” Bailey said that they were not to speak out.’ The administration’s on was still part of the Ottoman that could possibly happen if you Dr. Bailey also expressed con- able to ascertain what happened to coronavirus response, he said, ‘was Empire. At the end of World War I, get the virus. And some people will cern that vaccinations need to reach the shipment that she had ordered like a family office meets organized the British took over. The journey just get Covid and go right through everyone. “We have to be able to that was confiscated. She said, “The crime, melded with Lord of the continues. 24 The New Mexico Jewish Link Spring 2021/Aviv 5781 PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY To have your company featured in this professional directory, please email ads@jewishnewmexico.org Jon Bell, CPA Full Service Accounting Tax Planning Business Consulting Quickbooks Business Structure Analysis & Selection DESOTO PRODUCTIONS™ 1303 Rio Grande Blvd NW, J ����� W ������� Suite 6, CD & DVD Duplication Alb. NM 87104 On-disc Printing Media Packaging Phone: (505) 385-3535 Graphic Design Fax: (505) 715-5515 Check us out: www.DeSotoProductions.com www.jonbellcpa.com Call: (505)410.3300 Email: desotoprod@comcast.net TRAVEL PLANNING Travel Planners International Happy Passover When Extra Care is Needed from all of us here Betty Harvie 505-293-3360 at the New Mexico 505 For All Your Travel Dreams 344-1644 HOME • 505 306-4101 CELL. www.stewardsplumbing.com Jewish Link Home Based Agent 7H Heritage Tours – Kosher Vacations CLIA Accredited Cruise Counsellor bharvie5@comcast.net Getting ‘Back to Normal’ Is Going to Take All of Our Tools If we use all the tools we have, we stand the best chance of getting our families, communities, schools, and workplaces “back to normal” sooner: Get vaccinated. Wear a mask. Stay 6 feet from others, Wash and avoid crowds. hands often. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/vaccines 12/09/20
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