xt7cvd6p325p https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7cvd6p325p/data/mets.xml Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass Kentucky Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass 2016-08 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, August 2016 text image Shalom, August 2016 2016 2016-08 2025 true xt7cvd6p325p section xt7cvd6p325p Volume XV

Issue 6

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OF THE BLUEGRASS AUEUS‘ 2016

Director’s Message

By Tamara Ollayon

 

Blessed — the word that comes to mind when I think of Lexington.

We have a beautiful little city, a great mix of folks of all walks of life. We have an im-

pressive amount of diversity and culture for a city this size and a great central location

to keep us connected to the world outside of Kentucky. We are an affordable city, with
nice neighborhoods and good schools. Major corporations, universities, and hospitals
are here to draw in newcomers as we watch Lexington grow exponentially.

Most of us also know that it is our small Jewish community which makes Central

Kentucky truly special. We are blessed with active congregations, a strong Hadassah

; chapter, and Jewishly committed volunteers. Not only do we shine locally, but many

’ ' of our Lexingtonians serve as Board members or officers for both Jewish and secular
"“1 J ' national organizations.

While there has been a Jewish presence in the area for over a century, it was only in the

late 1960s that a group of eight mothers got together to convince Carole Wirtschafter to help launch a community summer
camp for all of their kids. From this pioneering spirit, Camp Shalom was born, and within a decade Jewish Federation
was incorporated.

Over the past four decades, Jewish Federation has grown and expanded its reach. It has added more programs, adjusted to
fill needs, and strived to bring our community ever closer together. As older generations fade or move away, as children
and grandchildren come and go, our mission to support and advocate remains the same — though the ways in which we
carry out that mission inevitably will, and perhaps already have, changed.

We are very blessed to be in the midst of a recent baby boom in our Jewish community. There have been a lot of little
ones at Camp Shalom and enrollment for P] Library is steadily growing. And participation in holiday, Shabbat, and fam-
ily programming has been growing again, as well. As professionals and leaders, we are constantly trying to stay on top of
trends and adjust to suit the desires and needs of our expanding and shifting membership and donor base.

Judy Wortman has been an exemplary role model for us for over seven years. With her wisdom, warmth, and initiative
she has guided us through a process of healing and reflection. She has held our hands through tough decisions, brought
us around tables to talk through difficult changes, and constantly challenged us to do more when able, to accept scaling
back when necessary, and to be proactive in making plans for our future.

She has been a surrogate sister, mother, and Bubbe to many, and most importantly a friend to all who embraced her. We
are really going to miss your glow, Judy.

We are especially blessed because, thanks to Judy and Mike Grossman, and all those who were willing and eager to sit
on our reinvigorated Presidents Council, representatives from each local Jewish organization have together made tremen—
dous strides in finding ways to bridge the remaining divides between our micro-communities. On June 15 the Presidents
Council sponsored a Town Hall meeting at Temple Adath Israel, where came yet another step closer to deeper self reflec—
tion, and true long-range planning. Dr. Jack Ukeles, who was hired by the Presidents Council with financial support from
the Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence in Louisville, and who facilitated a community survey in January, shared the
data gained from his study as well as recommendations for our future as a stronger and more cohesive Jewish community.

In July, the Presidents Council met again to review a final report from Dr. Ukeles and his suggestions for implementation
of his recommendations. While all organizations are positive and supportive of the overall ideas presented, we are all
embarking on an analysis and implementation process at our own respective paces. Of the seven recommendations, some
make sense to move forward with now, while others require more research and discussion. Rest assured, with your input
and support, our leadership will be able to evaluate what will work for each of us.

I recently taped a quote to my computer screen in the office. “Changemaking happens when people fall in love with a
different version of the future.” (Seth Godin) (continued on p. 5)

l

 

 President’s Message
By Evalyn Block

Three years ago I was asked to be the Vice President of the Jewish Federation
of the Bluegrass. I was aware of the fact that, ifI took the position, at a future
date I would transition into the Presidency. I questioned whether that was a role
I wanted to assume. It would have been easy to have said no considering that I
currently work full-time, am active in Hadassah, and keep busy with a myriad of
activities. Also, I considered the amazingly talented people who had previously
served in that position and wondered how I could possibly measure up. My deci-
sion was made after I asked myself what I was passionate about and, aside from
family, what matters most to me.

Being President of the Federation is an honor but one that comes with a respon-
sibility and an obligation to you. I view the Federation as a large canopy under
which everyone should feel comfortable and welcomed. It does not matter

whether you are a member of 028, TAI, Hadassah, B’nai B’rith, the Havurah, or if you are unaffiliated. We are
one community and we need to embrace that concept. That is why I would like to continue and expand the Federa—
tion’s collaboration with the various Jewish organizations here in Lexington. In order to do that, and be effective
at bringing you the programs services and activities you want, I need your help. I want to hear from you. Call
me, send me an email or stop me if you see me out and about and let s have a conversation. Since this 18 your
Federation I need to know what you want and need from us so that we can better serve you. Also, and I mean this
sincerely, I want your constructive criticism I view being critiqued by the people you serve as a positive, not a
negat1ve.

I want the Federation and the Jewish community in Lexington to be vibrant, active and engaged. There are many
small Jewish communities that are struggling If we want to leave a legacy to our children and grandchildren we
must lead by example That 1s why I ask you tojoin me in supporting the Federation. Volunteer to be on the board
or a committee or help out with a program. Give generously 1n whatever capacity you are able I will do my part
to the best of my ability but I need youjoin me by doing your part. It 1s up to us to ensure the future.

Thank you.

I V om
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na—m‘ni “'""~ a
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Celebrate LIFE with us

Call to schedule your visit

859.629.1090

 

 

 Report of the Results of the Community Study
By Hanna 8. Smith

On June 15, 2016, the Presidents Council of the Jewish organizations of Central Kentucky held a town hall meet-
ing to acquaint the Jewish community with the recommendations arising from the community study conducted in
2015 by Ukeles Associates, Inc. Dr. Jacob Ukeles, President of Ukeles and Associates, reviewed the findings of
the study and then presented his recommendations for a Bluegrass Jewish community strategy.

The meeting was held at Temple Adath Israel and was attended by a cross-section of the Jewish community. The
presidents of both congregations, the Lexington Havurah, and the various organizations were present as were the
rabbis. Dr. Eli Capilouto, President of the University of Kentucky, was among the audience. In all, more than 100
people attended the meeting.

One of the reasons for the population study was concern over the future of the Lexington Jewish community,
with its aging membership and declining donor base. The Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass, Temple Adath
Israel (TAI), Ohavay Zion Synagogue (028), the Lexington Havurah, the Lexington Chapter of Hadassah, and
the B’nai B’rith Stanley Rose Lodge #0289, all are facing the same issues. Design of the study was to get a better
picture of the community’s assets and liabilities and guidelines for future planning.

With the Presidents Council spearheading the project, JFB, Hadassah, TAI, 028, the Havurah, and B’nai B‘rith
supported the project, including financially. The Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence. a Louisville-based Jewish
philanthropy, generously contributed to make the study possible.

A survey of needs and interests was sent to members of the Jewish community in 2015 whose emails were avail—
able, 910 individuals in all. The response rate was 46%, an extraordinary rate according to Dr. Jacob Ukeles.
showing the community’s high level of interest.

The survey confirmed the reality of concerns such as an aging leadership and donor base, distance between the
congregations and the congregations and the Federation, and gaps in Jewish infrastructure, such as no Jewish day—
school, mikvah, and full-service JCC.

Among the assets were the relative stability of the Jewish community, with new people moving in as others leave,
and a well-educated and relatively affluent membership committed to Jewish tradition. Both congregations and
other Jewish organizations have rich traditions and member loyalty. As a city, Lexington has a relatively strong
economy and the cost of living is affordable. The University of Kentucky offers a strong Jewish Studies program
and invites cooperation with the Jewish community.

The most frequent response to the survey was a desire for greater integration and collaboration between the con—
gregations and organizations, and more community-wide activities.

In developing a planning strategy for a healthy future, the survey looked at the Jewish population of the Bluegrass
as a stable entity based upon the fact that new people move in while others leave. There may not be a population
increase, but the community is unlikely to seriously decline in number or to disappear altogether.

Based upon the responses to the survey, the following community vision statement was drawn up: “A stable.
open, pluralistic, engaged and integrated Jewish community, rooted in the rich history of the Central Kentucky
Jewish community and the culture of the Bluegrass.”

In order to make the vision statement a reality, the survey recommends strategies to sustain the community, bring
the. community together, and create partnerships to better engage the community in Jewish life.

For sustaining the Jewish community, recommendations include securing the financial future with a legacy and
endowment campaign and to promote the Bluegrass Jewish community to others. The latter includes, for ex—
ample, developing a guide to Jewish life in Central Kentucky, to be made available to the Chamber of Commerce.
the VisitLEX Visitors Bureau, and to major employers in order to attract Jewish professionals and their families
to Lexington.

Recommendations for bringing the community together are creating programs for children and youth across the
community, coordinating Jewish social, cultural and educational opportunities for adults of all ages, and creating
community structures for the Federation, the two congregations and other organizations that allow them to work
together.

Creating partnerships to better engage the community in Jewish life calls for strengthening the relationship with
the University of Kentucky and to develop (continued on p. 5)

3

 

 Gifts to endowments support a strong, vibrant Jewish community
By Lisa Adkins, President/CEO, Blue Grass Community Foundation

We all want to leave something behind--some lasting testament to who we are
and what we believe in. Perhaps the most effective way to leave a meaningful
legacy is through a planned gift to an endowment. And the best time to do it is
NOW.

We are poised at the door of the largest transfer of wealth in history. The result is
a philanthropic potential that exceeds any period in history.

In Lexington alone, as baby boomers age, $6.31 billion will be left to the next
generation within the next ten years. Many of these heirs will leave Kentucky and
take their wealth with them.

But what if these same donors made a plan to leave just five percent of their
wealth to permanent charitable endowments for the benefit of their community?

Endowments are permanently held assets that provide perpetual support for charitable causes. Typically, about
five percent of these are invested back into the community each year. Five percent doesn’t sound like a lot, but
let’s look at the numbers.

Five percent of $6.31 billion would result in a total of $315.49 million reserved for the benefit of the causes we
hold most dear. Using a conservative five percent annual rate of return and payout on that $315.49 million, $15.77
million in new money would be available each year to support the causes we care most about. The results could
be transformative.

In addition to the satisfaction of making a lasting gift to better our community, donors also receive attractive tax
benefits. In 2016, the Kentucky state legislature approved $1,000,000 in Endow Kentucky tax credits. The Endow
Kentucky Tax Credit offers substantial credits of up to 20 percent to businesses and individuals that make gifts to
permanent endowment funds held at qualified community foundations.

Unlike tax deductions. tax credits are taken off a donor’s tax bill dollar for dollar. A gift of $5000 can eliminate a
$1000 state tax liability. A gift of $50,000 or more can eliminate a maximum $10,000 state tax liability, and can
be carried forward five years.

This is in addition to state and federal charitable tax deductions. For example, a gift of $50,000 gives a donor
in the 28 percent tax bracket a federal tax deduction of $14,000, a state tax deduction of $3,000, and an Endow
Kentucky Tax Credit of $10,000. The endowment fund receives a gift of $50,000—at a cost of only $23,000 to
the donor.

To qualify for the tax credit, donors must obtain preliminary approval of their gift by filling out and submitting
a one-page application to the Kentucky Department of Revenue beginning July 1 of each year, and gifts must be
made to qualified Kentucky community foundations.

To learn more about leaving a lasting, meaningful legacy and the Endow Kentucky Tax Credit, contact Lisa Ad—
kins, President and CEO of Blue Grass Community Foundation at ladkinsca‘lmclflorg or 859-225—3343.

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HOME & CONTENTS

A background check will be done;
offering $15/hour.

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Contact karen.bames @uky.edu.

 

 (Director’s Message, continuedfrom p. 1) Despite our blessings in Lexington, we are not immune to the chal-
lenges of the times.

As I begin to take on my new role as Executive Director, I will share with you that I do not believe I have been
hired to do the work of changemaking for you. I truly believe that my role, my purpose, as Federation Director
is to help YOU do the work. In the coming years I pledge to be your sounding board, your researcher, your coor-
dinator, your convener, your connector, your partner—and when needed, your leader—in the work of growing,
enriching, and sustaining this beautiful Jewish community we live in.

During this time of transition, I ask you to reflect on what you see for us in the future. Let us not squander the op-
portunity that Judy and the Presidents Council have given us. We now have a chance for innovation and continued
positive change. Let us take this opportunity to think about the legacy we can leave behind and act on it before
this chance has passed.

While we do not have a large annual campaign, our Federation has remained fairly stable. I liken it to living
paycheck-to—paycheck with no significant savings in the bank, no social security or other monthly benefits coming
in to help pay the bills, and a 401K that cannot be touched. Without legacy gifts, without a substantial and grow—
ing pool of endowment funds, Federation is literally surviving year-to-year, paycheck-to-paycheck. We get by.

It is up to us, as leaders of our community to not only pave the way, and walk the path of long-term financial sta—
bility, but also to encourage our friends, neighbors, and fellow congregants to do the same.

We need to be thinking about the seeds we can plant today, the legacy that will grow and support the next genera-
tion of leadership.

We have been given a chance now, to dream of a slightly different future we can all “fall in love with,” and to
plant the right seeds to see that garden thrive and expand. Our older community members, those who have served
on committees and boards for decades, have an opportunity to encourage, mentor and support the younger genera-
tions — including my generation — in the tending of that garden. And if, in the end, we have done our work, my
generation will do the same for our children and grandchildren.

I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to lead and support you in this changemaking.
So, I’ll go get my gardening gloves and meet you at the Federation door.
Thank you.

 

(Report of the Results, continued from p. 3) a life-long Jewish learning program with the University’s Jewish
Studies Program. This recommendation takes into account that for some people Jewish culture and learning is
important while religious and mystical traditions are less so.

The community strategies included detailed steps to reach these goals. Ukeles and Associates will present a final
report with implementation recommendations by July 12, 2016. In the meantime, for those interested in reading
the report of the Bluegrass Jewish Community Strategy, please go to the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass’ web
site at jewishlexingtonorg, click on “More” on the banner featuring the town hall meeting. Also, watch for out-
reach and information from Ohavay Zion Synagogue, Temple Adath Israel, and other organizations concerning
these goals.

Community members attended a Jewish Community Town Hall Meeting on June 15for a
presentation of the community study findings by Dr. Jacob Ukeles of Ukeles and Associates.

5

 

 ASK J FS: Bikkur Cholim - Visiting The Sick
By Mimi Kaufinan

There are a number of people in our Jewish Community who have become increasingly
isolated as they age. Some are choosing not to drive; some have become a little less mo—
bile. So what can we do as a community to help? In Judaism, Bikkur Cholim, or visiting
the sick, is considered a mitzvah that can help people heal both physically and psycho—
logically.

“Friendly visitors,” are volunteers who have been trained by local professionals on the

different aspects of the aging process, and how to visit people in their homes. These vol-

unteers go into the homes of individuals to provide companionship. They are an exten-

. A sion of Jewish Family Services. Volunteers act as the eyes and ears of the professional,

\ ' 35." , making them aware of situations that may need more assistance than the volunteer is
\\ ‘ trained to handle.

“Friendly visitor,” programs benefit everyone. They help Jewish Family Services by reaching more people who
may benefit from services and they help the person who is isolated. An unexpected benefit is that the volunteer can
enjoy the wisdom of an older new friend. We all can learn from each other. It is a win-win for everyone involved.

I would like to give another try to having a more formalized group of “friendly visitors.” This group of potential
volunteers would have occasional meetings with each other and JFS. Training and support if needed can be of—
fered this way. You can volunteer as little or as much time as you wish.

If you are interested in becoming part of a new group of Bikkur Cholim volunteers, please come to the first train—
ing and informational session. It will be held on Thursday September 15th at the Federation office, from 10:00am
to Noon. Coming to the training session does not commit you to becoming a volunteer. Come and learn about the
program. For more information on either being a volunteer or receiving this service, please call me at 269-8244
or email atjfs@jewishlexington.org.

JFS: At Your Service is a monthly column covering a wide range of issues. If you have a problem or a concem that you
would like addressed in this Shalom column. please send them either by mail to Jewish Family Services at [050 C hinoe
Road Suite 112. or by email ttulstqtjgu isli/mingutiring. You can also always call with your confidential questions at
(859) 269-8244.

 

 

Chabad of the Bluegrass
By Rabbi Shlomo and Mrs. Shoshi Litvin

Women, Wine and Wisdom

Led by Mrs. Shoshi Litvin, this social gathering offers fellowship, Torah, and fine kosher refreshments. Wom-
en ages 2] and over are invited to greet the new month together. Join us in welcoming the month of Av, on
August 4 at 7:30pm taking place at 568 Columbia Ave.

Practical Parshah

This series of classes discussing the weekly Torah portion and how its lessons are applicable to our everyday
lives. Classes meet at the Chabad House on Wednesdays at 7pm. Open to the entire community.

Meet and Greet

With thanks to the Holy One Blessed Be He, we are delighted to announce we will be moving, having grown

out of our original space, with over 250 visitors! We will be relocating to 568 Columbia Ave. Join us Monday

September 5 at 5:30pm for our Chanukas Habayis- House warming barbeque, and welcome the incoming Jew-
ish freshmen.

For more information, visit ChabadBluegrass.com or call 859-813-0770.

 

 

 

 

 Ask A Rabbi: H. D. Uriel Smith
Question

Do the Biblical stories. such as those ofSumuel, Saul, and David, have something to [UN
us today?

Response

We are living in an era of uncertainty, when many of us are searching for moral and
emotional answers that can give us full security and comfort. A story may help us.
A famous psychologist found a person knocking frantically on his office door an hour
before official office hours. The man was in a panic, shouting that it was an emergency,
and that he needed immediate help. The psychologist tried to calm him down, but to no
avail. Finally the psychologist looked at his watch and told him that he could take

him for half an hour, but the patient would have to calm down. When they came in, the psychologist told the pa—
tient, “Please sit down, and tell me the whole story from the beginning.” The patient sat down and started talking
more calmly. “In the beginning” he said,” I created heaven and earth.”

Here in Kentucky we have museums like the Creationist Museum and Noah’s Ark Encounter ostensibly pro—
claiming that the Bible is literally true, but actually teaching that God is ajoker, who created a universe that looks
evolutionary, but He continues to demand that we pretend not to see that. They further teach that it is good to sell
God’s truths in a Disneyland fashion to make much profit. Of course, fundamentalists cannot see the joke.

Here in the USA we pledge allegiance to our flag and republic, “One nation under God." Our money states, “In
God we trust.” And nowadays, when a newly elected president recites the Oath of Office, he usually adds, “So
help me God.” We are fumbling over the separation between church and state, partially because we do not know
how to differentiate between recognizing the importance of religion in our lives and recognizing still that religious
claims often are merely opinions.

Our Bible helps us to treat religion in a mature fashion. We can argue with biblical stories. We can even challenge
God. Abraham demands from God (Genesis 18:25), “Should not the Judge of all the earth actjustly‘?” Moses re-
peatedly complains to God and makes God change His mind (e.g. Exodus 5:22-62 1; 32:11-14; 34:8-10; Numbers
1 1:] 1-15; 14:13-20), and even breaks the two Tablets of the Covenant shortly after God delivered them to him
(Exodus 12:19). The Book of Job tells us that we may not understand why problematic events happen (Job chap-
ters 38-41), but continues that Job was more righteous in challenging God than his friends who tried to defend
God (Job 4227-9). This stance gives us greater freedom of thought than Christianity, which teaches that we are too
sinful to challenge God, and than Islam, which teaches us fully to surrender to God.

So, how can we support such challenges? I have discovered that as our cultures have become more sophisticated
our sense of the sacred has become privatized and more attenuated, so that at present it seems that if we strengthen
our religious senses we must bejuvenilizing our thought, and becoming as children. The New Testament actually
states, (continued on p. 8)

 

Make a Donation to JFB in Someone's Honor or Memory

Make a donation to the Jewish Federation in honor or memory of someone, or in celebration of a special
occasion, and help JFB nurture the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (charity and social
justice) and Torah (Jewish learning) within our Jewish community at home and abroad.

Send us your special contributions with a note specifying its intent. Also, let us know if you would like your
contribution published in this box in Shalom. You may also make your special contribution online.

Celebrate your loved ones and support our Jewish community by giving a special contribution. Thank you for
your support.

Thank you to:
Linda and Leon Ravvin in memory of Vivian Weil
Linda and Leon Ravvin in memory of Jack Joffe
Linda and Leon Ravvin in memory of Bobbi Fried
Linda and Leon Ravvin in memory of Irvin Stem

 

 

 

 

 Todah Rabbah
By J udy Wortman

Dear beloved members of the Jewish Community of the Bluegrass,

In my column last month, I said my official good-bye to the community. Since that time,
I was given a magnificent farewell party and was honored by very generous gifts for the
Judy Wortman Fund for Staff Development. Since the party, you have contributed over
$2600 for this most important endeavor. As is the case in many organizations, the costs
of staff development are often eliminated from the budget when funds are tight. This can
be penny wise and pound foolish. Training is critically needed to ensure that leadership
is in tune with best practices, and staff can bring new learning and skills to better serve
the community. This is particularly true at a time when new roles are being assumed by

current staff, and new staff members have been hired who have not worked for Jewish Federations before.
When I was asked if there was something specific I wanted to see funded in my honor, I immediately responded
with a fund for professional development. I came to this community with nearly 40 years of experience and a
great deal of coursework in Jewish communal leadership and fundraising. Our community benefitted from this. I
am proud that I will be able to participate in this way to ensure the future education of our professional leaders.

Thank you for a wonderful party catered deliciously by Barbara Goldman, our Shalom Editor—in-Chief, and co-
ordinated by Tamara Ohayon, Michael Grossman, Evalyn Block, Lynn Furness and Linda Ravvin. And thank
you to so many of you for contributing to this important fund. Most of all, thank you for these years of love and
support.

B’shalom,

Judy

 

(Ask A Rabbi, conn'nuedfrom p. 7) “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom
of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). However, a fuller analysis shows that once we reach the stage for college entrance
requirements, a stage named Aristotelian (named after the philosopher Aristotle), we can continue beyond it to
develop a dialectic between religious and materialistic perspectives. I call the dialectical stage of Aristotelian
thought Hegelian, since the philosopher Georg W. F. Hegel developed that stage. Hegel developed a religious
perspective of that stage, leading to a Christian Protestant perspective of reality. Karl Marx turned Hegel’s philos-
ophy on its head, developing his dialectical materialism, an anti-religious philosophy. For him religion was “the
opiate of the masses.” Thus, at the Hegelian stage you can become Hegelian or Marxist, pro- or anti-religious.

The problem is that, since until this stage any increase in sophistication has led to a decrease in the power of reli-
gion, many individuals believe that the new increase in sophistication should also decrease religion still further. It
does not occur to them that the many religious philosophers at the Hegelian stage (e.g. Schopenhauer, Schelling,
von Henning, and Kierkegaard among Protestants, and Walter Kaufmann, Martin Buber, Franz Rosenzweig, and
Emil Fackenheim among Jews) show that the continued attenuation of religion has ended. Still, materialism con-
tinues in the stage beyond the Hegelian, the Galileian stage (named after Galileo Galilei), especially when study-
ing the natural sciences. Galileo especially argued that we should develop mathematical and geometrical models
of reality, which can then be tested. He argued that, “The Bible teaches us the way to go to heaven, not the way
the heavens go.” Also the dialectical situation continues with more advanced stages such as Kantian and Post-
modernism (sorry for this telephone-book of names). At these stages we continue beyond modelling, developing
transcendental judgements of reality. For these, religion is irrelevant. Thus, Kant in his Critique of Pure Reason
proved that all the traditional proofs for God’s existence cannot succeed.

The whole system of advanced stages of scientific, semiotic, and psychosocial stages of thought lead to a relativ-
ism in religion. They support multiculturalism, where no religion is supported strongly. This supports mutual tol—
erance, but leaves the support for any one religion weak. Only at the most sophisticated stage of scientific thought
can we state unequivocally that the sense of the sacred is necessarily part of that sophistication. This still does not
argue for any particular religion. It is consistent with Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, and all advanced
religions involved with the sacred. (Continued on p. 13)

8

 

 Hadassah Announces Major Rosenthal Gift to Hadassah Medical Organization
By Judy Saxe

The Lexington Chapter of Hadassah is proud to announce a generous gift from
Warren Rosenthal for a Nurses Station in the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower.
The Tower is located on the campus of the Hadassah Hebrew University Medical
Center in Ein Kerem, Jerusalem. The Nurses Station, located in the newly opened
Department of Internal Medicine, is named in memory of Mr. Rosenthal’s late
wife, Betty.

After the SWD Tower was dedicated in 2012, comprising 19 floors, five under-
ground and fourteen above, departments were moved from the original hospital
to the new building as funds became available to equip and furnish them. Mr.

Rosenthal’s gift of $125,000.00 helped bring about the completion of the
Department of Internal Medicine.

Over 100 years ago, Hadassah was the first to bring modern medicine to the Middle East. Hadassah established
Israel’s first teaching hospital and its first nursing, medical and dental schools. Hadassah Medical Organization
staff established the first cancer center, burn unit, trauma unit, bone marrow transplantation center, neonatal unit,
and first Embryonic Stem Cell Research Center in Israel. HMO houses Israel’s National Skin Bank and the only
bone marrow registry for Arabs in the world. HMO physicians are researchers, and its researche