xt7bzk55j39g https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7bzk55j39g/data/mets.xml Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass Kentucky Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass 2015-12 2016-01 Newspaper of the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass, previously named the Central Kentucky Jewish Association and Central Kentucky Jewish Federation. Published ten times annually. The Federation seeks to bring Jewish community members together through holiday parties, lectures, Yiddish courses, meals, and other celebrations of Jewish heritage and culture. They also host fundraisers and provide financial assistance for Jews in need, both locally and around the world. This collection is part of the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass records, 2016ms010. newsletters 2016ms010 English Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass Inc.  Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass records Jews -- Kentucky -- Lexington Jews -- History Shalom, December 2015/January 2016 text image Shalom, December 2015/January 2016 2015 2015-12 2016-01 2025 true xt7bzk55j39g section xt7bzk55j39g Volume XV

Issu IO
flap/9] A/amtA/m/t ll ”l” Kislev/TevetSe777

mm December 20 I 6/

January 2017
OF THE BLUEGRASS

 

Tzeason of Tzedakah: How will you participate this Tzeason?
By Talia Smolkin

During Tzeason of Tzedakah this year, we have the opportunity to look deeply at each other,
at the people serving alongside us, and the people we are serving. It is easy to interact with
others without truly seeing them, but Jewish tradition calls upon us to see each other as
whole, complex individuals, made in the image of God. When we come together, how do we
see each other?

3 Now 1s the time for us to stand as a Jewish community and Lexington community. With the

6; range of views, beliefs, and feelings we can come together We can see each other. We can

mag

and need to take care of each other

Every year at this time, we come together to volunteer at a variety of organizations in the

wider Lexington community. We call this Tzeason of Tzedakah, a season in December filled
with tzedakah—related activities. We cook, serve, and deliver food or full meals. We socialize and celebrate with those in
need. We donate items to wonderful organizations in town. We do this with old friends and new, with others from across
the Jewish community. We help many organizations that sorely need us to fill in as volunteers this time of year. It is fun,
fulfilling, and shares with the Lexington community how amazing we are.

At the end of reading this article, of course you will send an e-mail, pick up the phone, or go to OUR WEBSITE to sign
up. Many of you reading this article have been dedicated, volunteering with Tzeason of Tzedakah for a number of years.
And many of you are fresh-faced, lovely new volunteers.

The question at hand is not whether or not you will participate. The question is, how will you participate? How will you
infuse kavanah, meaningful intention, into Tzeason of Tzedakah?

Do more than sign up for a Tzeason of Tzedakah activity. Enter the space with open eyes. Truly search for each other and
give each other kavod, respect. Bring light into winter’s darkness. (Continued on p. 2)

Campaign News
By Tamara Ohayon

 

The Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass Annual Community Campaign will end on De-
cember 31. If you have not yet done so, please make your tax-deductible contribution this
month. Your donation will aid us in fulfilling our obligations to our brothers and sisters
around the world, and continue providing quality programming and services here at home.
If you are able to give more than in previous years, please consider doing so, as each ad-
ditional dollar you give increases the depth and reach of what we are able to do for you and
others in Central Kentucky.

Giving your gift to Federation should be easy, and we are able to offer many ways in which
you can support our work through the Annual Campaign. Here are some of the ways you
can make your tax deductible gift to Federation this year:

1. Mail a check to “JFB” or “Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass” at 1050 Chinoe Rd Ste 1 12, Lexington, KY 40502.

2. Give securely by credit card at 1y\mggwisljlex 111g1611,91jg. Just look for the “Donate” link at the top of the page.

3. Call the Federation office at (859) 268—0672 to pay by credit card over the phone.

4. Support JFB in the GoodGiving Challenge by donating online at wwwbggiyesorg between November 29 at 9:00 am.
and December 31 at 1 1:59 pm. We ask that if you participate in this Challenge, please select the option to cover pro-
cessing fees so that JFB receives the full amount of your intended donation.

5. Transfer stock or other investments to J FB by calling the office of Lee Mullins at (859) 243-5007.

6. Donate a car, truck, motorcycle, boat or RV by calling (866) 985—4483 to speak to a dedicated Federation representa-
tive or fill out the form on our website.

Thank you for all you do to support the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass. Your donation WILL make a difference.
Please give with your heart, and give generously.

 

 (Tzeason of Tzea’aka/z, continuedfi‘om p. 1) Everyone is invited to participate in numerous volunteer opportuni-
ties. Each individual is welcome to join any volunteer opportunity. whether or not they are affiliated with the
organization sponsoring the activity. Try something familiar or new:

- Hope Center’s HopeMobile* - Make sandwiches for distribution from Hope Center‘s HopeMobile — Dec. 4. at
Ohavay Zion Synagogue. IO a.m. Sponsored by Ohavay Zion Synagogue.

- Stewart Home - Share Hanukkah activities with residents of Stewart Home School — Dec. 7. at 5 pm. Meet at
Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass to carpool.

° God’s Pantry* - Sort goods at God's Pantry for those in need in Lexington — Time and Date TBA. Sponsored
by Young Bluegrass Jews.

- God’s Pantry Backpacking - Pack food for Fayette County students to take home for winter break. Time and
location TBA. Sponsored by Temple Adath Israel and Ohavay Zion Synagogue.

0 Sayre Christian Village - Help run program for residents of Sayre — Dec. 20 at 2:30 pm. Sponsored by The
Lexington Havurah.

° Moveable Feast* - Deliver meals to those in need (training required and can be arranged) — Dec. 26. Arrive
4:30-5:00 pm.

0 Ronald McDonald House - Cook and serve dinner — Dec. 25. Arrive at 3:30 pm. for cooking and/or 6:45 pm.
for serving dinner. Sponsored by Lexington Chapter of Hadassah.

° Catholic Action Center - Prepare and serve dinner. Sponsored by Temple Adath Israel.

0 Dec. 23 - Cook (time TBA)
0 Dec. 25 — Prep Food and/or serve dinner (time TBA)

. Mayfair Village — Help run program for residents — Dec. 25 at 2 pm.

- Meals on Wheels - Deliver meals to those in need — Dec. 26 at lO:l5 am. at Trinity Hill United Methodist
Church. Sponsored by B‘nai B'rith.

In addition to volunteering. there are opportunities to donate items. Donation bins will be available at Jewish
Federation. Temple Adath Israel. and Ohavay Zion Synagogue.

- One Parent Scholar House* - From their website. this organization helps “single parents earn a college degree
by providing affordable housing for their families. on-site care and development for their children. counseling.
and support." One Parent Scholar House is in need of:

o Diapers (sizes 4 and 5)
0 Baby wipes
0 Socks and underwear for boys and girls

0 The Race For Education* — From their website. "Through academic development programs. tutoring. intern-
ships. financial literacy training and scholarships: The Race For Education provides opportunities for educational
success for young people with significant financial need and academic challenges." The Race for Education is in
need of:

o Pencils

0 Notebook paper (wide-ruled or college-ruled)
o Post-its

o Colorful 3x5 notecards

0 Small jenga sets

0 2—pocket folders with prongs

0 Electric pencil sharpeners

Charities marked with an asterisk (*) are participants in the GoodGiving Challenge. Please consider supporting
them alongside JFBY

To sign up to volunteer or for more information, visit our website, e-mail talia@jewishlexington.org, or call
the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass at (859) 268-0672.

 

 Director’s Message
By Tamara Ohayon

5.1.. , ~ As I write this, our country is only beginning to process the results of the elec—
‘ tions. Whether your feelings are positive or negative about the outcomes, this
election has reminded many of us of the ideals and values we find most precious.

most important.

” By now I hope we have all begun to think about how we will keep moving for-

. ward. Politics aside, I hope our community can come together to recognize that
we will always be united in our shared history, rituals, religious and spiritual
beliefs, and hope for a better future.

, In looking ahead, we must continue to show the world that our country’s greatest

strengths shine through when we harness our passions and champion the causes

which carry meaning for us. As a Jewish community, we have a responsibility to support each other and ensure

our Jewish future, and in unity. continue to bring light to the world. We must embody mutual respect. kindness,

and compassion. We have as much of a commitment to the future as the past, if not more so. We must keep doing
the work. together.

I truly hope the value of Federation’s work is recognized. For some who are less involved or less informed, Fed-
eration’s reach may feel small, as our organization and local Jewish community are relatively small. Our work. 1
would argue. has a much greater impact than any of us could possibly imagine.

Together. with our Board and volunteers, the Federation staff is coordinating and running many diverse programs
throughout the year. providing services for individuals and families in need, and supporting an array of educa-
tional opportunities for adults and children. We are sending funding to similar programs around the world. efforts
which strengthen communities of all sizes and deepen the connection that younger generations have with their
Jewish heritage and people. In times of crisis and natural disaster, the Federation worldwide system, of which
we are a part. sends funds and assistance to those in most dire need across borders and regardless of faith or
nationality.

Perhaps most importantly. Federation is always searching for new ways to collaborate, convene. and complement
the various groups and activities offered locally.

We have programming committees in need of additional help and fresh ideas to start planning for 2017 and be—
yond. Our Tzeason of Tzedakah is throughout December, when there are numerous possibilities for volunteering
around Lexington and supporting agencies which serve our broader community. (See the article by Talia on pages
1-2 for more information.)

We have a new Bikkur Cholim (visiting the sick and homebound) group which has regular trainings scheduled by
our Jewish Family Services social worker, Mimi Kaufman.

You can meet us downtown on January 16, 2017 as we join together under one Jewish community banner in the
Lexington Martin Luther King, Jr. March for Freedom.

This week we begin participating in the GoodGivin I C hallcnge, an online fundraising event supporting over 100
nonprofit organizations in the Central Kentucky area. This is yet another fun way to give to Federation and help
us fund the work we will do in the coming year.

Not hearing about causes you want to champion? If you feel passionately about it, pitch it to Federation and to-
gether we can see if we can make it happen.

Finally, please don’t forget to send us your contribution for 2016 by the end of the Annual Campaign season on
December 31. to guarantee your 2016 tax deduction and ensure our programs and services continue in the coming
year.

Thank you for all that you do and will do with us in the future.

 

Submissions for the February 2017 edition of Shalom are due
January 10!

 

 

Contributor articles are always welcome!

 

3

 

 Rabbi’s Column
By Rabbi Avrohom Litvin

Question to the Rabbi: I am writing this just a few hours after we heard the news
of Donald Trump winning the election for the next President of the United States.
Literally dozens of people have asked me everything ranging from “How could this
happen?” to “How can we go on?” to “Please shed some light on this historic turn
of events.” Let’s condense all these questions to: “Rabbi, what are your thoughts on
the outcome of the elections and on the future of our country?”

Answer from Rabbi Avrohom Litvin: My first thought is to try to explain why so
many among the Jewish community, and so many across the entire country, could
not agree on whom the president should be and what steps should be taken to enable
this country to be its very best. Within humanity, we find there are many different
ways to see a problem and many different ways to solve it. In Jewish philosophy
(Kabbala) it is explained that people come from different mindsets. Some people
are “givers.” They are kind and generous and enjoy sharing gifts with others if they
are deserving of these gifts or not. One such person was the first of the three Patriarchs, Abraham.

In Kabbalistic terms, Abraham came from a place of kindness (Chessed). Abraham had a tent open to all sides.
All who would pass by would be given food and drink. He did not ask if they were deserving. He saw someone
hungry, and he fixed it by giving and sharing whatever he had. The Torah teaches that when it was very hot and
there were no travelers, Abraham was pained by not being able to share his kindness with others.

The second of the Patriarchs was Isaac (son of Abraham). The Kabbala describes him as coming from a place of
Discipline (Gevurah). He was more interested in being just and fair than in always giving. He didn’t interact much
with others and spent the majority of his time working on himself to ensure that he would be the best he could be.

The third of the Patriarchs was Jacob (son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham). The Kabbala describes him as a man
of harmony or beauty (Tiferet). He took the best of his father and grandfather and blended their strengths into the
best of them both. He became the father of the 12 tribes and the future Jewish Nation.

Take, for example, the famous dilemma of what to do when finding a hungry man. Abraham would see the prob—
lem and say: “The man is hungry. Give the man a fish.” Isaac would see the problem and say “Although he may
be hungry, he did not deserve getting a fish. Teach him the skill to fish for himself." Jacob might say “Give him
a fish now to appease his hunger and then let's teach him to fish for himself.”

Throughout the generations, we can see the same attitudes displayed over and over again. For example. someone
came to the sage, Shammai, and asked to be taught the entire Torah while Shammai would stand on one foot.
Shammai felt this person was being disrespectful and had him chased from the study hall. He then went to the
sage, Hillel with the same request. Hillel looks past if he was being totally sincere or not. Hillel told him: “What
is distasteful to you, do not do to your fellow man. The rest is commentary, go and study it.” Hillel was a man of
kindness while Shammai was more just and disciplined.

Fast forward to the year 2016. The candidates looked at the problems facing our country and presented different
solutions. Some solutions may have come from more of a place of kindness. Other solutions may have come from
a place of justice and discipline. So there was a vote and one person was elected.

What now? Now it is up to President-Elect Trump to have the wisdom of Jacob to take the best part of both parties
and govern the entire country with harmony and beauty. It is interesting to note that Abraham, the giver, had two
sons — Isaac and Yishmael — but they didn’t get along. Isaac, the disciplinarian. had two sons — Jacob and Esau —
but they didn’t get along. Yet Jacob, who harmonized the contrasting teachings of both his father and grandfather,
after they grew up — his children all got along and blossomed into the Nation of Israel.

If President-Elect Trump can learn from Jacob, then he will indeed pull together the entire country and the best
days of America will surely be in front of us. To make this work — we, the nation, have to stay united, and the
President has to govern with great harmony and intelligence. I pray this is what ensues throughout the term of his
upcoming presidency. May G—d bless the President—Elect. May G—d bless us all. May G-d bless Israel and May
G-d Bless the United States of America.

 

Our local Rabbis write columns pertaining to a variety of topics. We encourage you to submit suggestions for columns
you would be interested in reading to shalom@jewishlexington.org.

4

 

 

 

 

 ASK JF S

By Mimi Kaufman

We often hear, “It’s so hard to find good help.” This is true. We also hear, “It is so darn
expensive.” This is often also true. But, here is the other truth that is a tough subject to
talk about. When we know someone needs help because they are declining a little bit
physically, mentally or both, it is preventative medicine to bite the bullet, so to speak,
and try to get some help. Quite often it is tough for some families because their loved one
is a determined matriarch or patriarch who is telling everyone how it will be, no matter
what. There is no good, clear reasoning or judgment going on when this is the case. Al—
though waiting for something to happen can be exasperating, it is often the only approach
some families can use. A serious acute illness can temporarily disable even the youngest
and strongest people, but a minor illness can totally disable someone who is mentally or
. physically declining.

' ( It is certainly easier to find assistance when there is no urgency. Plan ahead as much as

you can to avoid a crisis. Accept help when it is appropriate and beneficial to health and well-being. Rely on the
family doctor and good friends. Be willing to alter lifestyles in order to maximize rewards and pleasures in life.

Feel free to call J FS, (859) 269—8244 if you need more information or help navigating through what kind of ser-
vices could be most beneficial to you.

ASK JFS is a monthly column covering a wide range of issues. If you have a problem or a concern that you would like
addressed in this Shalom column, please send them either by mail to Jewish Family Services at 1050 Chinoe Road Suite
112, or by email to its@iewish/exiiigiioirgg. You can also always call with your confidential questions at ( 859) 269-8244.

 

OZS \X/omen's League is planning a

Sunday, December I 1
(During our Hanukkah party)
at 025 froml 1:00 — I :00

We will have tables set up in the social hall for
vendors to sell their goods.

Tell your friends and anyone that might be
‘ 3 interested in Participating.
ill
1: We ask that you donate 10% of your sales
:3 from the day to 02$ \X/omen’s League.

‘ Contact Ronit at aeres83821@aol.com
I for more detailed information and to sign up.

‘1IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

 

 

 Israel 21c: On the olive-oil trail through the Galilee and Golan
By Viva Sarah Press
(Originally published online November 3, 2016)

With the olive harvest underway, Israel’s boutique olive—oil producers
and small-scale olive-oil presses are open for a peek behind the scenes.

The olive harvest is underway in Israel, and Israel’s olive—oil producers
and small—scale olive—oil presses have opened their doors to the public
for a peek behind the scenes.

Israeli olive oil may not flow as abundantly as that of some of its Medi-
terranean neighbors ~Spain, Greece and Italy are among the world’s top
producers — but the yellow— green oil coming out of the Galilee and Golan
Heights is top quality.

“We know how to make good oil. It’s not about one type of olive or another but about how to make the oil,” Dr.
Mazen Ali, a dentist in Deir Hanna and an olive oil expert, tells ISRAEL21c. “We cannot compete by quantity.
but we can compete by quality.”

In 2016, 10 Israeli olive oil producers won gold certificates at the prestigious TerraOlivo international extra—virgin
olive oil competition.

“We know how to make high—class olive oil,” Peleg Ovrutzki, owner and farmer at Ein Camonim, tells IS-
RAEL21c. “We have some very good oils in Israel and we win international awards with them.”

History of oil
The olive oil industry in Israel dates back thousands of years.

Today, Israel produces about 19,500 tons of olive oil annually. Adi Naali, olive division manager of Israel’s
Plants Production and Marketing Board, says Israelis consume about 2.5 kilograms of extra-virgin oil per person
yearly. Greece leads the world with more than 23 kg consumption of olive oil per person per year.

Like in other sectors of agriculture, Israel’s growers and oil producers are constantly looking for better techniques
to yield premium unrefined extra—virgin olive oil (EVOO). “Virgin” refers to oil from the first pressing. while
“extra” signifies low acidity.

Ali says that the local olive-oil producers follow a traditional Arabic saying: “From the tree to the stone.” In other
words, the sooner the picked olives get to the mill the better the oil.

“We have our own specific taste in Israel,” Hilla Wenkert, an international olive-oil judge, told lSRAEL2lc in
2013. “Compared to, let’s say, Greek or Italian oils that are smooth and fruity and quite aromatic, ours are more
pungent and a little more aggressive. I think it’s because of the water, the soil and the specific climate here.”

Olive Branch Festival
Ali says there are some 120 olive oil presses in the Galilee and Golan Heights.

During the Olive Branch Festival through November 19, visitors can watch olive pressings, participate in pick-
ing and bottling olives, meet with different ethnic communities in the Galilee, enjoy food tastings and free tours,
and take guided hikes through olive groves to learn the history of the trees and the area. Reservations for specific
workshops and tours must be made in advance.

Visitors can make their own marinated olives at Deir Hanna, a community of 10,000 Christians and Muslims,
which is once again taking part in the annual festival. Some of the olive trees surrounding this village are said to
date back 2,000 years.

At Kfar Kedem in the lower Galilee, visitors can pick their own olives and press them using an ancient olive press.

At Ein Camonim, visitors can watch the olive press in action as it uses 250-year-old millstones as well as modern
techniques and machinery to produce tasty and aromatic oil.

If you’re in the area of the Druze village of Julis, stop by the olive-oil press to watch the action as locals pull up
with crates of freshly picked olives ready to be crushed. (continued on p. 7)
6

 

 

 (Israel 21c, conlinued from p. 6) “This hands—on experience of making your own olive oil lets you understand
what you eat, what you’re using in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals for your health, and how olive oil was made thou-
sands of years ago,” Menachem Goldberg, director of the recreated ancient Galilean village Kfar Kedem, tells
ISRAELZlc.

Visitors to the Kfar Kedem tourist center can also make goat’s milk cheeses.

Israel’s farmers know that olives and cheese go well together. At the Ein Camonim farm in the upper Galilee be-
tween Rosh Pina and Karmiel, there is a boutique dairy alongside the olive groves. Ein Camonim, one of the first
farms in Israel to make boutique cheeses, offers over 30 varieties.

As the Olive Branch Festival’s name suggests, this event really extends an olive branch to all the communities
and religions making up this country.

Doors are opened. Olive oil is shared. And everyone is welcome into one another’s homes.
Source: hIIPZ/N\I'XVJSIQQJQ-J,§=S)1‘.$gjt>,ll;,ll\§:,0liVC-Oil-Uilil'llll‘mlglléllIC-géllilCC:£ltld:gOli.Ul/
Blue Grass Community honors Michael Ades during 2016 National Philanthropy Day

Michael L. Ades was recently honored by Blue Grass Community Foundation
during National Philanthropy Day, a once-a-year celebration recognizing those
who have had a significant impact in philanthropy in their regions. Mr. Ades was
recognized for his role in helping to establish Blue Grass Community Foundation
in 1967, which since that time has awarded over $67 million in charitable dollars
for community good. In addition to providing pro bono legal services, Mr. Ades
served for many years as board chair and secretary. “We are so appreciative of
Mike’s sustained service and commitment over five decades,” said Lisa Adkins,
President/CEO of the Community Foundation.

 

Members of our Jewish community continue to play an important role in the
growth of Blue Grass Community Foundation, which today has assets of almost
$90 million. Art Salomon serves as the Community Foundation’s current board—
chair, and Joe Rosenberg is a director and chair of the investment committee.

The Jewish Federation, Ohavay Zion Synagogue and Temple Adath Israel all have permanent charitable endow-
ment funds at the Community Foundation. To support one or more of these endowments or to start your own
charitable fund, contact Lisa Adkins at (859) 225-3343 or ladkius@bgci‘org.

 

Save The Date!

J FB Open House
December 14 - 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Come by the JFB Office for a delicious
dessert nosh and learn about how your
contributions during the GoodGiving
Challenge support your Federation and the
local Jewish community!

Please give generously at
mw.bggiy_es_.9_rg.

 

 

 

 

  

Remembering
Joe Engelberg, z”l
1928 - 2016

 

 

 

On behalf of our community, we are honored to publish these mov-
ing tributes to beloved community member Joe Engelberg. Many of
these eulogies were presented during the memorial service for Joe
Engelberg at Temple Adath Israel on October 7, 2016.

Joe was an assett to our community and will be missed greatly.

May his memory be a blessing.

 

By laurence H. Kant

Joe Engelberg was born on June 2, 1928 in Vienna, Austria, to parents who ran
a successful baby carriage (Kinderwagen) shop and factory not far from Sigmund
Freud’s home at a time of great cultural ferment. Joe was immersed in the cultural
‘ history of his city that included so many great artists and thinkers from musicians
like Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Bruckner, Mahler, and Strauss
to scientists like Schrodinger, Lorenz, and Landsteiner to philosophers like Popper.

like Wilder. As a boy, Joe was friends with another boy who would later become one
3;“; of the preeminent holocaust historians, Raul Hilberg (whom Joe always would call
.3 “Rauly,” because his mother would call him that from a distance).

‘ Husserl, and Wittgenstein to artists like Klimt, Schiele and Kokoscha to film makers

Later Joe would become a biophysicist. He was one of the inventors of the prototype for the kidney dialysis ma—
chine and the iron lung. After that, he emphasized integrative studies and the importance of understanding medi-
cal cases in the broadest possible contexts and as a part of a web of subtle relationships.

As many of you know, Joe had a life-long affection for Catholicism and for Catholic monasticism, had long
friendships with many of the monks at the Abbey of Gethsemani, and had a correspondence with Thomas Merton.

At the same time, Joe confided to me how horrified he was when the cardinal of Vienna, Theodor lnnitzer. wel-
comed Hitler and the Nazis into Austria and Vienna with open arms in I938 (after the so-called Anschluss). sign-
ing a letter with “Heil Hitler” and celebrating Hitler’s birthday with church bells and Nazi swastikas. With all that.
Joe’s sister, Paula, realized what was happening, exclaimed that she had seen enough (even though her parents
didn’t agree with her and thought that Hitler could be good for business), and eventually got herself across the
border into France. Her words and actions helped save Joe and his family. One late night in December 1938. Joe‘s
parents woke him at 2 am. and took him to the West train station in Vienna, where Joe describes an apocalyptic
scene with hundreds and hundreds of little boys and girls saying good-bye to their parents as they took trains to
England in order to escape Hitler.

Joe’s mother, Goldie, was crying, and Joe had no idea what was happening. This became known as the Kinder-
transport in which thousands of Austrian, German, Czechoslovakian, among other places, children took trains
to England. Most of these children would never see their parents again, as the Nazis would murder them in the
camps. Joe told me, and Dianne, this story several times, talking about the scene and how confused and frightened
he felt at the time.

When Joe arrived in England, he lived with a family who took him in. Joe did not have a close relationship with
the family and was often lonely, but he loved England where he also learned to become an Anglophile and lover
of things British and, later, Irish. (Continued on p. 9)

 

 

 

 

 (Eulogy by Laurence H. Kant. eonnnuedfrmn p. 8) Joe had no idea whether he would ever see his parents and
sister again. but fortunately for him his parents managed to get out of Austria and they were able along with his
sister to reunite in 1940 in New York City. Later he would meet the love of his life. Judy. in 1954 in Philadelphia.

Joe would probably deny this. but these experiences haunted Joe. Joe spent much of his life wanting to reach
out to others. especially Christians. His life was about kindness and compassion to the extent that Joe would talk
to everyone he encountered from the loftiest to the homeless and would engage them in meaningful discussion.
Those of us in conversation with Joe often found ourselves deeply impressed by Joe’s commitment to dialog and
his life—long attempt to understand the Shoah. For those of us with different backgrounds. these conversations
could be illuminating. but also sometimes frustrating and a bit exasperating. because Joe was wounded by his ex-
periences. in spite of his protestations, and it would show up in odd and unexpected ways. For example. he would
sometimes rationalize Jew hatred on the grounds that Jews had misbehaved in various ways.

But it was always important for me to remember that in many ways Joe never left that train station in Vienna. It
was forever a part of him. How could it be otherwise? When Joe and I would have disagreements about something
or other. including why people hated Jews. I would always go back to that train station and the little boy saying
good—bye to his crying parents. And I recalled what had happened to my own family during that period as well.

Several times Joe told Dianne and me. that he didn’t regard himself as a “survivor." because he wasn’t in a con-
centration camp. And. truth be told. there is a hierarchy of “survivor" victimhood within the Jewish Shoah world.
We explained to him that anyone—and that means anyone including Judy——wh0 went through the kinds of things
he did made that person a survivor. And finally our Jewish community here began to broaden its interpretive
scope. and Joe was able to light candles at the Lexington Yom HaShoah. This meant a lot to him I think.

Truth be told. the Shoah is not always a unifying force in our community and can at times divide Jews. Joe and I
had disagreements about Shoah-related issues. as well as about basic issues of cause. And we all still struggle to
talk about this horror and recognize its effects on individuals and generations of families. Our community is still
wounded. Joe wanted to heal and wanted Jews to heal. Though we may not always have agreed on the means. we
both believed strongly in the healing process. And it‘s that healing which we must all continue. especially those
healing from the Shoah or its affects.

l have written a short farewell address poem to Joe in German. I apologize to native speakers if I make errors:
my German is a little rusty right now. I’m doing this for two reasons: I) to speak to Joe in his native language. If
he can speak to us in ours for all those years. I can speak to him briefly in his; and 2) to continue the healing to
which Joe devoted his life. German language and culture are a big part of Jewish heritage. and we should reclaim
it. make our peace. and appreciate its beauty and profundity. I will offer a translation afterwards.

Anf Wiedersehen. lieber F rennd. Gnte Reise. Wir haben Dicll ge/ieb! Wie so viele Male :nmr. werden wir Die}!
alle bald wiedersehen. In unserem sch/agenden Herz nnd im pnlsierenden Her: nnserer warmen Era'e und den
riesigen. intergalaktischen Ra'nmen. wirs! dn immer dasein. Du bis! nunfrei nene Wege zu beschreilen. and Die]!
van alten Lasten zn Iiisen, die Dieh s0 lange .s‘