Shabbat Shalom, Gesher Shalom!

WE SALUTE AND HONOR OUR VETERANS, AND ARE GRATEFUL FOR THEIR SERVICE AND SACRIFICES ( AND YEAR-IN, YEAR-OUT, I MARVEL AT AND ADMIRE THE BBC PRESENTERS, WHO EACH WEAR A POPPY ON THEIR CLOTHING)

CHANGE OF PLANS: RABBI'S THURSDAY CLASS

Following a major "revolt" by my students, we have scrapped my original plans!

Starting next Thursday at 10:30 a.m., we will begin contrasting the Biblical narrative with the Rabbinic legends that were created to either flesh out the Torah's details or to harmonize the text by resolving its problems and contradictions.

Everyone will be expected to purchase a used (and cheap) copy of the The Legends of the Bible by Louis Ginzberg

Where We Are Meeting on Shabbat Mornings:

November 9 at Gesher Shalom: Kristallnacht Commemoration - Evelyn Baer will speak about the tragic fate of her aunt and uncle in Nazi Germany (see 2 related modern-day stories in the first items under Important/Interesting Reads)

November 16 at Gesher Shalom 9:00 am Bar Mitzvah of Max Greenberg

November 23 at CBIOTP

November 30 at CBIOTP

Five Reasons We Need You in Washington This March

You Make a Real and Lasting Impact

Diverse group in front of the Capitol Building on their way to meet with their representatives

Meeting with your elected leaders in Congress and engaging them on the issues helps advance bills, resolutions, and other legislative actions important for Israel's security.

You Show Leaders the Strength of America's Pro-Israel Community

Congresswomen McSally and Duckworth

Elected leaders, administration officials, members of Knesset, heads of state and other key figures see the strength of America's pro-Israel community firsthand.

You Stay Informed on the Issues

A pro-Israel activist asking panel of experts a question

Choose from hundreds of breakout sessions featuring thought-leaders, decision-makers, and experts who share their knowledge on issues related to the U.S.-Israel relationship.

You Connect with the Pro-Israel Community

Young diverse pro-Israel activists. See friends and make new ones at the largest annual gathering of pro-Israel Americans.

You Strengthen Your Passion for the U.S.-Israel Relationship

Israeli Innovation Showcase - on AIPAC stage during Policy Conference. You will leave the AIPAC Policy Conference inspired by moving stories and firsthand accounts of how U.S.-Israel collaboration improves lives around the world.

By registering today, you receive a $100 early bird discount.
To learn more about the 2020 AIPAC Policy Conference, visit www.AIPACPolicyConference.org or contact the AIPAC Policy Conference Hotline at (202) 639-5363 or [email protected].

Torah Reading 69 Haftarah 95

LEKH L'KHA

At the close of last week's sidra, Abram was introduced to us briefly as the son of Terach, a man who has journeyed from his home in Ur to Haran. This week God commands Abram to begin a journey of his own from Mesopotamia to Canaan, where his descendants will become a nation in their own right. He embarks on this mission without hesitation, taking along his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot and other members of his household. Upon his arrival in Shechem, God promises the Land of Canaan to Abram's progeny.

A severe famine compels Abram and Sarai to travel to Egypt, where, at Abram's suggestion, Sarai is identified as Abram's sister and taken into Pharaoh's house. Pharaoh and his court are stricken by a mysterious illness, the truth about Abram and Sarai is revealed, and the couple is sent away.

Five kings of small, southern Canaanite cities revolt against the King of Elam. Abram comes to the aid of these kings because his nephew Lot has settled among them and has been taken hostage. Abram and the men of his household rout the King of Elam and his allies, earning a blessing from Melchizedek, King and Priest of Shalem (Jerusalem).

In a vision, God promises Abram an heir and foretells of the bondage in Egypt and the Exodus. Still childless, Sarai gives Abram her handmaid, Hagar, who bears him a son, Ishmael. A subsequent vision confirms that Abram and Sarai will have a child of their own, that their names will now be Abraham and Sarah, and that all males in their community must be circumcised as a token of this covenant on the eighth day of their lives. Abraham, Ishmael and all the other males of the household undergo circumcision.

This Week's Yahrzeit Observances

We hope that our weekly listing of yahrzeit observances will serve 2 purposes:

1) To remind those who have the yahrzeit for a second time, much closer to the date of the actual observance

2) To alert friends and acquaintances that someone they know is observing a yahrzeit. We hope that you will show them your support by joining them at our minyanim, and helping to assure that Kaddish can be recited with a minyan

Peter Bloch will be observing yahrzeit for his grandmother, Bertha Hass on Friday evening, November 8th

Carolyn Tauber will be observing yahrzeit for her grandfather, Isaac Horowitz on Saturday evening, November 9th

Selma Spielman will be observing yahrzeit for her father, Michael Mundel on Saturday evening, November 9th

Karen Halpern will be observing yahrzeit for her father, Al Rosenblum on Saturday evening, November 9th

Howard Schefflan will be observing yahrzeit for his father, Leonard Schefflan on Saturday evening, November 9th

Barry Sussman will be observing yahrzeit for his father, Oscar Sussman on Saturday evening, November 9th

Helene Polinsky will be observing yahrzeit for her mother, Eva Newman on Sunday evening, November 10th

Faye Salmon will be observing yahrzeit for her husband, Tom Salmon on Sunday evening, November 10th

Martha Shemin will be observing yahrzeit for her husband, Orin Shemin on Monday evening, November 11th

Evelyn Baer will be observing yahrzeit for her grandfather, Julius Aufseeser on Tuesday evening November 12th

Myrna Block will be observing yahrzeit for her aunt, Clara Barback on Thursday evening, November 14th

Kathy Grazian will be observing yahrzeit for her father, Alfred Blank on Thursday evening, November 14th

Jerome Goldfischer will be observing yahrzeit for his wife, Joan Goldfischer on Thursday evening, November 14th

Mindy Goldfischer will be observing yahrzeit for her mother, Joan Goldfischer on Thursday evening, November 14th

Important/Interesting Reads

Important/Interesting Reads

Apropos of Kristallnacht:

A Brazilian Soccer Team Wore Stars of David on Their Jerseys as a Tribute to Kristallnacht

27 Jews On Living With Fear Of Violent Anti-Semitism

Virginia Elects First Jewish Speaker of the House

Nita Lowey, Retiring After 32 Years in Congress, Gets Teary Recalling her Jewish Legacy
Here's Something New: We Called Out Ira Glass and He Thanked Us

This is the piece that prompted the above article:

We Hasidim Aren't Aliens. And We're Tired of the Media Acting Like It.
Time Capsule from 1906 Uncovered at Former Tree of Life Building Site in Pittsburgh

Where an Ancient Jewish-Muslim Coexistence Endures (North Africa)

The next 4 articles are a unit, of sorts:

How Jews Expelled from Spain Forged a Diaspora with Ties to 25% of Latin America
At Least 27% of Applicants under Spain's Sephardic 'Law of Return' Are Not Jews

The Lost Tribes of Spanish Jews Torn between leaving or staying in chaos, Venezuelan Jews turn toward Spain

After 500 Years, A Hebrew Bible Returns to Spain

The Democratic Party Debate About U.S. Aid to Israel

Joe Biden: "Absolutely Outrageous" to Use Israel Aid as Leverage

Democrats Rip Calls to Reshape U.S. Aid to Israel

Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations Condemns Candidates' Calls to Put Conditions on Israel Aid

What Democrats Need To Learn From Obama About Aid To Israel "One instruction Pres. Obama never gave those of us conducting those negotiations, on both occasions, was to try to attach conditions to the assistance over the Palestinian issue. Quite the contrary."

J-Street on Leveraging Aid to Israel

The group's president, Jeremy Ben-Ami, spoke Sunday night at the opening plenary and offered this blistering line at the Washington Convention Center: "Our aid is not intended to be a blank check."

But the next morning, talking to reporters, Ben-Ami added parameters to the pledge: He was referring to precedent and existing laws. J Street was not advocating new legislation to restrict aid to Israel.

And he was less conclusive than the "blank check" line had made it seem. Ben-Ami clarified that the leveraging aid idea should be considered, stopping short of giving it a full endorsement.

"If it is against American policy to expand settlements, shouldn't we be inquiring whether any of our dollars are going there?" he asked.

Ben-Ami said assistance to Israel could be checked against, for instance, the Arms Export Control Act, which requires U.S. arms sales to be used strictly for self-defense.

He also said the idea of using aid to pressure was not new. A number of presidents have withheld portions of loan guarantees commensurate with Israel's spending on settlements, a mechanism that is enshrined in law.

Even with these caveats, J Street's embrace of leveraging aid was notable: Throughout its decade of existence, the group has been hands-off on aid to Israel, instead advocating for diplomatic means to advance a two-state solution.

What Has Gaza Done with Its Aid?

Hamas has diverted at least $90 million of foreign aid to building attack tunnels into Israel - enough to build 2,580 homes, 210 mosques, 180 schools or 570 medical clinics. As confirmed by the son of one of the terror group's founders, corrupt Hamas leaders spend lavishly on themselves while the majority of Palestinians struggles in poverty. If history has shown Hamas to spend on terror and itself rather than easing Palestinian suffering, why would increasing the amount of aid yield more humanitarian results?

Israel

With Israel in Limbo, Benny Gantz Vows to Seek a 'Peace Within'

Vowed that, if he does become prime minister, he will return to Rabin Square in November 2020, this time alongside the leader of the opposition, whoever that might be, and "express a message of hope and internal reconciliation." "We are setting out on the most important fight," he said, "the fight for peace within."

NATO Recognizes Israel as Key Medical-Assistance Partner

12,000 International Students Are Pursuing Higher Education in Israel

Kurdish Kids Get Urgent Medical Treatment in Israel

A Christian group in Jerusalem works with the Interior Ministry to get visas for Gazan, Syrian and Iraqi children to have heart surgery in Israel

After Tragedy: Offering Aid and Solidarity to Victims of Terror

IDF Appoints First Female Artillery Corps Battalion Commander

Israel Security Agency Thwarted over 450 Terror Attacks in 2019
Israel Will Deport Human Rights Watch Director

Offshore Karish Natural Gas Field Larger than Thought

BDS / Anti-Semitism / anti-Zionism

Jewish Agency Reports Huge Spike in Requests for Help to Upgrade Security at Jewish Centers

Neo-Nazis Working Together, FBI Director Reports

Flyer at UCF Claims 'Jews Attack Campus Free Speech'

Eastern German City Declares 'Nazi Emergency'

Rent-a-Jew Debunking Jewish Stereotypes in Germany

The average German person doesn't personally know a Jew

Anti-Semitic Hate Crimes in Sweden Rise by 53% to All-Time Record High

Holocaust survivor receives 200 Threats a Day. Now She Needs Police Protection

Auschwitz Survivor a Focus of Italy's Anti-Semitic Tensions

For Ukrainian Jews, Having a Jewish President is a Source of Pride - and Fear Volodymr Zelensky's election was a major symbolic victory, but the one-time actor faces enormous political challenges that some say could bring a backlash

Iran / Syria / Hezbollah

Gen. Ignatius: Hizbullah Had Been Nearly Untouchable in Lebanon. But the People Are Fighting Back.

Iran Failing to Cooperate with IAEA over Radioactive Samples Discovered at Site Identified by Israel

Pompeo and Netanyahu Push to Scrap Iran Nuclear Pact Providing further details, Israeli intelligence and national security officials contended late Thursday that the atomic agency's inspections earlier this year, including analysis of samples taken from the site, had shown that Iran stored nuclear material at the Turquzabad site that had been converted from raw uranium but not yet enriched. The Israelis also said the material's characteristics and age did not correspond with any nuclear facility previously disclosed by Iran.

Saudi Strategic Expert: Israel Has the Right to Defend Itself from Iran

Iraqis Pour into Streets for Biggest Protest since Saddam

The Revolt Against Iran

Iran's plans for regional hegemony depend on being seen as the protector of loyal Shiite Muslims-but those are exactly the people leading mass protests against Iranian domination in Iraq and Lebanon

Iran's Deadly Diplomats

Twitter Suspends Accounts Linked to Hamas, Hezbollah Curbs come after lawmakers pressed social media companies to remove content from groups the U.S. classifies as terrorist organizations

How Hizbullah Is Using the Internet to Incite Violence in Israel

IDF: There Are Iranian Quds Forces in the Golan Heights

Iranian Judoka Gets Refugee Status in Germany As He Resumes Training for Olympics

The Palestinians

Palestinian Firefighters Train in Israel

A Gaza Palestinian Who Now Seeks Peace

IDF Commander Learns to Manage Gaza Border Riots

Israel Calls for Comprehensive Change at UN Palestinian Refugee Aid Agency

Head of UN Palestinian Agency Resigns amid Ethics Probe

U.N. Aid Chief Quits Amid Probe Into Palestinian Refugee Program

Trump's aid cuts posed an existential threat to the U.N. agency charged with caring for millions of Palestinians. Now, the agency is grappling with its own management crisis

This Elusive Jihadist Commander in Gaza Is Challenging Both Hamas and Israel Unburdened by responsibility for Gaza civilians, Baha Abu al-Ata has more freedom than Hamas to take action against Israel-like Friday's missile attack

Hi-Tech

Israeli Firm Announces Success in Drug Trials for Severe Sepsis

Rewriting Trade Playbook for Tech Age Takes Priority for Israel

Israeli Researchers Develop Multi-Purpose Anti-Bacteria Coating

Israeli Machine Converts Air into Water for Colombians

The residents of the town of El Talento have no source of streaming potable water
Russia Has Acquired an Advanced Israeli Air-Defense Missile that Failed to Detonate

Should Israel Be Worried that Russia Might Have an Israeli Missile?

Pop Culture

For National Redhead Day, the History of Ginger Jews

Seth Meyers Is Jewish Enough, According to His New Netflix Comedy Special

Q&A: How Stan Lee Changed Comics - And The World

Jewish Minestrone

Warm up with this traditional Italian recipe for white bean soup-no matzo ball needed

And the Bride Closed the Door- With Jessica Cohen and Bethany Ball

November 11 | 7:30 pm

The Strand

On the 2nd floor, the Strand will be hosting an event for acclaimed Israeli novelist Ronit Matalon's final novel, And The Bride Closed The Door. In conversation will be Jessica Cohen, the books translator, novelist Bethany Ball, and literature professor Gil Hochberg.

Ronit Matalon (1959-2017) was the author of nine novels and a liberal social activist. The daughter of Egyptian immigrants to Israel, she worked as a journalist for Haaretz and reported from the West Bank and Gaza. Her last book, And the Bride Closed the Door, was awarded Israel's prestigious Brenner Prize the day before her death at age 58.

Music

Idan Raichel - The Piano Songs

November 14 | 7:30 pm

NY Society For Ethical Culture

Producer, keyboardist, lyricist, composer and Performer Idan Raichel is a global music icon who has brought his inspiring example and soul-stirring music to some of the planet's biggest stages.

AICF's 80th Celebration of the Arts of Israel

November 17 | 3 pm

Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Theater

America Israel Cultural Foundation in celebration of its 80th anniversary, AICF is launching its inaugural ICA Awards- Israeli Culture & Arts Awards - to honor the most impactful Israeli artists in the performing, visual, design, television, and cinematic arts for their contribution to the global cultural landscape.

This year's program will also feature the Sheba Ensemble, prodigy cellist and AICF current grant recipient Nahar Eliaz, choreographer and AICF alumnus Ori Flomin, along with incredible visual artists, designers, and other performing artists. Winners will be honored at the ICA Awards ceremony on November 17, 2019 at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. Tickets may be purchased at https://aicf.org/event/anniversary-celebration/.

Music

AvevA

November 10 | 5 pm

Marlene Meyerson JCC

Ethiopian-Israeli singer-songwriter AvevA fuses African groove with the beat of Tel Aviv to create her soul-pop music. In songs about society, freedom, and love in both English and Amharic, AvevA's unique musical sound and inspiring voice will make for a not-to-be missed concert experience.

Art

New World Water

November 4- December 13

Opening Reception:

November 7 | 5-9pm

Walsh Gallery

Curated by Samantha Becker.

New World Water examines humanity's relationship with water through the lens of contemporary art. The artists in the exhibition address themes such as: climate change, water contamination, immigration, diaspora, plastic pollution, community water management, leisure, and hygiene. Participating artists include Keren Anavy, Dotty Attie, Aileen Bassis, Adam Brent, Nancy Cohen, Nancy Crasco, Sally Gall, Tai Hwa Goh, Ellie Irons, Anne Percoco, Nyugen Smith, Allan Wexler, and Woolpunk.

Art

RU: 90 Minutes with Victoria

November 13 | 6:30pm

Residency Unlimited (RU)

Please join Berlin-based artist-in-residence Roey Victoria Heifetz for a presentation of her work including large-scale expressive drawings in situ; a preview of her new film Third Body; and a screening of the 7-minute video Block of Clay, which is featured in Field Hospital X in the Israeli Pavilion at the 2019 Venice Art Biennale - 58th International Art Exhibition.

Victoria's intimate drawings and candid video and film are shaped by her own observations of transgender communities; the discrepancy between gendered social expectations; themes of violence and memory; and the realness of the physical transformation of the body and the psychological and emotional journey as she moves closer to her female body. Her images depict both imaginary and actual transgender women with an introspective exploration of her own identity in the face of recognitions of allowance, disempowerment, and acceptance. The presentation will be followed by a conversation with RU curator Rachel Gugelberger and open dialogue with the audience.

Dance

Ella Rothschild

November 15 | 12 pm

BAC Space Resident Artist

Choreographer Ella Rothschild begins a new creative process stemming from the question of how personal story can reveal broader phenomena about society. The work lingers on common images that define the physical and emotional environment in which we conduct ourselves, and leaves room for distinct characters who move the narrative forward through tensions, conflicts, and untenable situations..

Dance

Bobbi Jene Smith

November 15 | 5 pm

BAC Space Resident Artist

Choreographer/dancer Bobbi Jene Smith (NYC) will create a new work drawing inspiration from the catastrophic and sublime machinations of geological forces to create an abstract and emotionally visceral narrative. Exploring the intersection of physicality, virtuosity, spatial poetry, and desire, this series of vignettes with live music brings together remarkable artists from around the world.

Music

Dina Pruzhansky - Piano

November 10 | 3 pm

92Y

Music Faculty Concert Series:

Join us for an afternoon of new original art song, instrumental, theatre, and operatic compositions by 92Y School of Music faculty member Dina Pruzhansky.

The concert features Dina Pruzhansky at the piano along with celebrated New York performers:

Claire Kuttler, soprano

Inbar Goldmann, mezzo-soprano

Pavel Suliandziga, tenor

Edward Pleasant, baritone

Gabriel Gurevich, boy soprano

Tyler James, cello

Free and open to the public.

Film

DOC NYC

November 6-15

IFC Center | SVA Theatre | Cinepolis Chelsea

Documentary storytelling is flourishing like never before - encompassing reportage, memoir, history, humor and more. DOC NYC celebrates this cultural phenomenon and encourages its new directions.

ADVOCATE- Thu Nov 7, 2019, 7:00 PM | Cinepolis Chelsea

THE HUMAN FACTOR- Sat Nov 9, 2019, 8:15 PM | Cinepolis Chelsea

GOLDA- Sun Nov 10, 2019, 2:05 PM | SVA Theatre

KOSHER BEACH-Wed Nov 13, 2019, 5:05 PM | IFC Center

Music

Israeli Jazz Celebration: Yuval Cohen Sexet

December 10 7:30pm | 9:30pm

Dizzy's Club

Saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Yuval Cohen is a leading figure in modern Israeli jazz, and tonight marks his long-anticipated return to DIzzy's Club. Cohen has played with a long list of legends from the world of jazz and beyond, including his wildly successful family band, The Three Cohens (also featuring Anat and Avishai Cohen), but he is also notable for the eclectic small groups he assembles. This performance will feature the ten-part KadishZuger Suite, Cohen's latest chamber jazz creation, combining Western Romantic music, traditional jazz, and Israeli music.

With: Maya Belzitsman - Cello, Jonathan Voltzok - Trombone, Gadi Lehavi - Piano, Tal Mashiach - Double bass, Ofri Nehemya - Drums

Art

Oded Hirsch: At the Borders

PBS

Clip: Season 5 Episode 3 | 8m 18s

The Israeli conceptual artist Oded Hirsch lives on the periphery- both philosophically and geographically.

Film

Synonyms- a film by Nadav Lapid

Opens October 25 in New York

Quad Cinema

Film at Lincoln Center

Synonyms is an artistically captivating film about a young man who escapes his original, Israeli identity to find a new one in France. Grappling themes on language, history, trauma, and renaissance, this modern and intense film will leave you thinking for days on end. Won the Golden Bear at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival. Based on writer-director Nadav Lapid's own experiences, Synonyms explores the challenges of putting down roots in a new place. Yoav's attempts to find himself awaken past demons and open up an existential abyss in this tragicomic puzzle that wisely knows how to keep its secrets.

JCC of Fort Lee/Congregation Gesher Shalom

1449 ANDERSON AVE. FORT LEE NJ 07024 MAIN OFFICE: (201)-947-1735