xt7ftt4frd6m https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7ftt4frd6m/data/mets.xml Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass Kentucky Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass 2015-10 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, October 2015 text image Shalom, October 2015 2015 2015-10 2025 true xt7ftt4frd6m section xt7ftt4frd6m Volume XIV
Issue 8

Tishrei/Cheshvan
5776
October 2015

Newspaper of

OF THE BLUEGRASS

 

President’s Message
By Michael Grossman

I am delighted to announce that
the Jewish Heritage Fund for
Excellence has approved the
Lexington Jewish Community’s
Proposal for Community Study
to develop strategic initiatives
for our community. This is a
huge step forward for our com—
munity, and in the words of the
Jewish Heritage Fund‘s Board
of Directors, they hope that our
work will be an inspiration to other communities to do
the same kind of community-wide proactive planning and
research.

As I‘ve reported previously, the Presidents’ Council of the
Jewish Community of Lexington has been working for the
last 2 years to ensure our future as a viable, vibrant Jewish
community. The Council, comprised of past and present
presidents of the Federation, congregations, and Jewish
organizations. as well as the congregational rabbis and the
Federation executive and assistant director, did not want
to be reactive to demographic and economic challenges

as other communities have been, but to be proactive and
develop a strategic planning process that would serve our
community for many years to come. How should we ad-
dress our concerns about the growth and stability of our
community? How should we address concerns about the
financial consequences of our older, most generous donors
moving out of the community, or dying? How can we
create a community where our organizations collaborate
to meet our current and future needs?

In order to begin to address these questions, the Presi—
dents’ Council recognized the need to gather more in-
formation, both qualitative and quantitative, to aid us

in formulating a strategic plan. After much discussion,
including an offsite, professionally-led retreat comprised
of a cross-section of the entire Lexington Jewish Com—
munity, we decided to develop a proposal to fund a study
which would help us address the current and future needs
of the elderly. youth, families, and others. It would ex-
plore ways in which people are and want to be Jewishly
active and connected, such as through affiliations, educa—
tion, kashrut, social events, religious services, and much
more.

The community study will be conducted (continued. pg. 2)

Rosh Hashanah marks New Year, New
Country for Israeli Diplomat

The High Holidays will certainly
be symbolic for me this year: I
will be spending the holidays not
with my family in Israel but in
the US as the newly appointed
Deputy Consul General of Israel
to the Mid-Atlantic Region. I
will be living and working in
the Consulates Philadelphia
headquarters, and will soon be
travelling to all the states that we
represent (Pennsylvania, Ohio,
West Virginia, Kentucky, Delaware and Southern New
Jersey).

The high holidays and especially Rosh Hashanah cre-
ate a very optimistic atmosphere in Israel. Between all
the festive foods on the tables at Rosh Hashanah dinners
across the country, we can find an apple which is dipped
in honey to mark the sweet new year. (continued pg. 2)

 

CAMPAIGN NEWS
Help PJ Library grow
By Judy Wortman

PJ Library is one of the best-loved programs that the
Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass sponsors. In partner-
ship with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, we provide
free Jewish themed books and CD‘s to all children in the
community who are between 6 months and 8 years of age.
These children begin their own Jewish library with a book
or CD every month for eight years. In addition. the Fed-
eration provides programming for these children and their
families throughout the year. We have also purchased sets
of book every year for the congregations and their pre—
schools and religious schools.

We have been blessed by several families who have made
yearly commitments to fund a large part of the costs of the
PJ Library program. However, as the program grows and
the number of children enrolled grows, the costs increase
and more funds are needed. We would also like to be able
to add to our modest PJ Library Endowment fund so that
eventually, the income from the endowment could cover
the costs of the program in perpetuity. In order to help.
you have a number of options. It is a feeling of a fresh
start and a new beginning which may (continued. pg. 2)

 

   

  

(President's Message. cont. from pg. 1) by Ukeles As-
sociates. Inc. Dr. Jacob Ukeles and his team have
conducted many similar projects throughout North
America. They will be in Lexington in October to
kick off the community study. We are fortunate to
have this opportunity to partner with the Jewish Heri—
tage Fund for Excellence along with Ukeles Associ-
ates for the future benefit of the Jewish Community
in Central Kentucky. The results will be used to help
guide the discussions and recommendations of the
Presidents’ Council and in turn our Jewish organiza—
tions for year to come.

The process will take about 9 months to complete,
will include a community-wide anonymous intemet
survey and key informant interviews of influential
and philanthropic leaders, and will culminate in the
preparation of a report and proposal including recom-
mendations for strengthening Jewish life in the Blue-
grass. Our Jewish Community depends upon your
support. I urge you all to participate in the process
when called upon.

 

(Rosh Hashanah marks new year. cont. from pg 1) bring
good things with it. In the same sense. I hope my time
here in the United States will be meaningful, valuable
and enjoyable both professionally and personally.

While preparing for my first posting as an Israeli
diplomat. I learned about American history and gov-
ernment. US—Israel relations and major landmarks
and destinations in the states I represent. but upon my
arrival in the states I have learned that I can best learn
how to do my job by interacting with communities.
In just the first few weeks upon my arrival in Phila-
delphia. my wife Dana and I have been completely
captivated by our new home. The great atmosphere.
the friendly people. the excellent food and inspiring
museums all make this a region I look forward to ex-
ploring and learning from.

I am fortunate that my first posting is in a location that
shares with Israel the same core values and commit-
ment to democracy. liberty and freedom. Even when
we sometimes disagree. the special bond between the
United States and Israel remains strong and will con-
tinue to be.

I wish to all the people of the Mid-Atlantic region a
happy new year, a year of exciting new beginnings
like mine and of success and fulfillment in every
sense. Shana Tova!

Moran Birman is the Deputy Consul General of
Israel to the Mid-Atlantic Region. He assumed his
role in Philadelphia on August 24th, 2015.

October Events with The University of
Kentucky Jewish Studies Program
Oct. 21, 2015 - Prof. Emeritus Lee Shai Weissbach of

UL. “Kentucky Synagogue Architecture in National
Perspective" 7:00 pm.

Oct. 29, 2015 - Mr. Mordreck Maeresera of Zimba-
bwe. “The Jewish Community of Zimbabwe" 7:00
pm. Conference/First Lady’s Room.

Both events will be in the Boone Center with free
parking and a reception.

 

(Campaign News. cont. from pg. 1 )

You can contribute to the endowment fund. make a
special gift to P] Library after your annual gift to the
Federation is made. or you can increase your gift to
the annual campaign designating the additional funds
to the PJ Library. We now have just under 150 sub—
scriptions to PJ Library and more requests come in
every month. Help us to continue to serve the children
and families of our community. To enroll your child
or grandchild in P] Library. contact Talia Smolkin at
268-0672. Talia has just returned from maternity leave
to continue to direct the program. To discuss a gift.
please call Judy Wortman at the same number.

J Mikael-fl

“Neal-I”
0 havay Zion Synagog

Please RSVP to
Fairing” .

 

wishicxingmnorg

ygroup is a joint endeavor of Te
» reel, Ohovoy Zion Synagogue, -
- ry. Locations rotate each mo

'PJMoup, best for families with k‘“

Qfiw place In Lexington, 10: 15-M“
,, , 'me to informally pl ,. H '
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ASK JFS JFS: At Your Service is a monthly column covering a
Mimi Kaufman wide range of issues. If you have a problem or a con-
cern that you would like addressed in this Shalom col—
The new Pathways Guide umn, please send them either by mail to Jewish Family
for Older Adults in the Services at 1050 Chinoe Road Suite 112, or by email
Bluegrass Area is avail- to jfs @jewishlexingtonorg. You can also always call
able. The Pathways Guide with your confidential questions at ( 859) 269-8244.
is a wonderful resource
booklet that is produced
every year by the Blue-

 

Make a Donation to JFB in Someone's

 

grass Area Agency on Honor 01‘ Memory
Aging and Independent
, Living. It is a comprehen- Make a donation to the Jewish Federation in honor

sive resource containing reliable information about or memory of someone, or in celebration of a spe—
the wealth of services and resources available to assist cial occasion, and help J PB nurture the values of
older adults, adults with disabilities, their families and tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (char-
careg1vers. ity and social justice) and Torah (Jewish learning)
It is especially handy as an aid for care giving and within our Jewish community at home and abroad.

long-term planning. The guides are free. There are a
stack of them in both congregations and in the Jewish
Family Services office. Please feel free to pick up a

copy.
Some other news to use is that the Nursing Home
Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass has moved.

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 con-
tribution online.

They are no longer located at the Senior Citizen Cen- 'Celebrate 3’91” 10V§d ones and support 9UP JeW'
ter but now at 3138 Custer Drive, Suite 1 10. Their Ish commumty by glvmg a spemal contrlbu-
new phone number is 277—9215. The Nursing Home tion. Thank you for your support.

 

 

 

Ombudsman Agency is an independent agency look-
ing after the interests of long term care residents, with
advocates assigned to each nursing home in the 17
county area. Their office has information available
covering a wide range of subjects-from evaluation of
a nursing facility to getting good care once you are

Show Your Support
Help us keep Shalom solvent.
You may contribute online or mail a check to J FB.

admitted. You can call them for placement counsel- 1050 Chinoe Rd Ste 1 12’ Lexington. KY 40502-
ing or information on any topic related to care in nurs- Please make checks payable to JFB and write
ing. personal care. and family care homes. There are "Shalom" on the memo line.

also volunteer opportunities through the Ombudsman

Agency. The Friendly Visitor Program serves to en- Giving levels

hance the lives of res1dents and complement certified Chai _ $18; Double Chai _ $36; Three Times Chai _

ombudsman work on behalf of residents. The friendly _ . _ _ . _
visitors are trained by the Ombudsman Agency. $54’ Haboneh (Builder) $72’ Gibor (Hero) $90

 

    

   

Our caring and medically-licensed staff will see to it that your
loved one not only enjoys the club atmosphere, but is also in a
safe and health promoting environment.

Spa Treatments l Group Exercise Classes 2 Transportation
Interactive Club Meetings l Wonderful Breakfasts 8c Lunches

3

 

 Photos from August and September Events
in the Lexington Jewish Community

Stanley and Judy
Saxe were honored
by the Lexington
Chapter of Hadas—
sah on September
6. 2015 for their

All of the
mezuzot were
put up in the new
Chabad House.
Rabbi Yonason
Biggs from New

 

lifetime ofcommit—
ment to Hadassah
and the Lexington

York (father of
Shoshi Litvin) put
up the mezuzah on

and greater Jewish the front door at
community. the Chabad Open
Photo credit: Victor House on August
Orlov Photography 23. 2015.

   

    
    

 

( Left to right) Keynote speaker. Marcie Natan. National Three ofour esteemed rabbis ofLexington. From left:
President of Hadassah. The Women 's Zionist Organization Rabbi Moshe Smolkin. Rabbi Shlomo Litvin and Rabbi
ofAmerica: honoree. Judy Saxe: and current president of David Wirtschafter.

the Lexington Chapter of Hadassah. Melanie Shapiro.
Photo credit: Victor Orlov Photography

    

It is customary to hear the Shofar each day of the month of
Elul. Rabbi Chaim Litvin from Louisville blew the Shofar.

Honorees Stanley and Judy Saxe with Judy and Dr. Robert
Baumann. Photo credit: Victor Orlov Photography

  

Ask a Rabbi—
Rabbi Moshe
Smolkin

Question: I was thinking
about saying blessings
before I eat. Not quite
sure what I think about
them. And I was also
thinking about keep-

ing kosher. Do I just
start doing everything at
once? It all seems a little
overwhelming.

Answer: It is very beneficial to say blessings. Our
ancestors created an incredible system of spiritual
speedbumps, so that we could live a life aware of
the everyday miracles that inhere in God’s glorious
creation.

 

There are blessings for opening our eyes at the begin-
ning of the day, for standing up, even for going to
the bathroom. (And when your child is finally potty-
trained, perhaps one could even say a special Shehe-
chianu, thanking God for allowing us to reach this
time in our lives.)

When we eat food, it makes sense for us to thank God
for the special opportunity that we have been given.
There are a lot of steps that happen before the food
gets to our table, and when we think about it, each
time we cat can feel like a special blessing from God.
When we are spiritually awake, it can be very natural

to say thanks before we eat. The blessings give us that

moment to pause. We can reawaken from the busy—
ness of life, and feel that gratitude to the Holy Blessed
One for the opportunity to eat once again. Saying
blessings helps us not to take the gifts we have re-
ceived for granted.

In a similar vein, it is wonderful to incorporate kashrut
into our lives. This holy diet can help us pause and
can increase our awareness of God and our connection
to our holy traditions.

That being said, it is interesting to note that there is no
single mitzvah to keep kosher. There is no command-
ment: Thou shalt keep kosher. Rather, there are a se-
ries of mitzvot that we can incorporate into our dining
practice. For example, we can follow the command-

ment to not eat pigs. Anytime we pay attention and do

not eat a pig, we are doing a mitzvah. Or we may try
not mixing milk and meat, or exploring other ways of
keeping kosher, such as only eating kosher meat.

You may already be doing these mitzvot, but if not,
they could be something exciting to try. Though I
always caution to go slowly. Whenever we shift our
practice, it is important to shift slowly, so that we

make our new Observances a natural part of our lives.

Kashrut is an important part of Jewish observance.
Though what kosher means may be different depend-
ing on a person’s level of strictness. There is a joke
that for any kosher kitchen, there exists someone who
will not eat in it because it is not kosher enough.

Many folks in our community keep kosher by refrain—
ing from eating pork. Other folks also refrain from
eating milk and meat together. Still others, only eat
kosher meat. That’s why meals at Jewish Federation
events are vegetarian. No meat means that almost ev-
eryone in our community will feel comfortable eating
at that event.

There is much more to explore about both blessings
and kashrut. Please feel free to speak with friends and
rabbis in our community for more information.

For now, I wish you blessings and delightful dining
experiences.

, ; Arts-n-A
. . Tuesday,

. ms
.0, 201.5 .

m I: acquired.

 

 

 MAZON

SMSC and MAZON partner with
University of Arkansas School of Law on
first-of—its-kind project to develop model
tribal food codes

Project part of the tribe’s national Seeds of Native
HeaIth campaign to improve Native American nutri—

tion

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — A landmark project to
enhance tribal food sovereignty was unveiled today
as the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
(SMSC) and MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hun—
ger (MAZON) announce their collaboration with the
University of Arkansas School of Law as part of the
tribe’s Seeds of Native Health initiative.

Due to a long history of limited access to nutritious
food, Native Americans suffer with obesity, diabetes,
and other nutritional health problems at disproportion-
ate rates compared to other ethnic groups. In an effort
to create and sustain lasting policies and programs
that will overcome these challenges, the Indigenous
Food and Agriculture Initiative at the School of Law
will lead the development of a long-needed, compre—
hensive set of model food and agriculture codes to be
customized and adopted by tribal nations.

Food and agriculture law is comprehensive and can
be complex. This project will provide the legal and
policy foundation for the development of resilient and
sustainable food and agriculture systems and vibrant
economies in Indian Country.

“Food sovereignty is a central component to build

a culture of dietary health for Native Americans,”
SMSC Chairman Charlie Vig said. “We are thrilled
by this opportunity to work with the University of
Arkansas and MAZON to empower Native nations to
reclaim their own food policies.”

The project will be led by Janie Simms Hipp, director
of the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative and
former US. Department of Agriculture senior adviser
for tribal relations. Hipp founded the USDA’s Office
of Tribal Relations, was a National Program Leader at
the USDA’s National Institute for Food and Agricul-
ture, and served two terms on the USDA Secretary’s
Advisory Committee for Beginning Farmers and
Ranchers.

The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative was
created by Dean Stacy Leeds at the University of Ar-
kansas School of Law — the first female and only cur—
rent American Indian law school dean — and focuses

on multi—disciplinary research, service, and education
opportunities that directly support the Native Ameri-
can community.

“Food and agriculture codes will be an invaluable
guide for tribal leaders as they work to improve the
health of their people,” added Dean Stacy Leeds. “The
Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative is proud to
partner with the SMSC and MAZON.”

The SMSC’s leading gift of $250,000 through its
Seeds of Native Health campaign and MAZON’s gift
of $50,000 through its Rural and Remote Initiative
will support the first phase of an anticipated three—year
project.

“This unprecedented coalition is a meaningful and
innovative approach to a systemic problem that
should be a national outrage,” said Abby J. Leibman,
President & CEO of MAZON. “MAZON is proud to
bring its 30 years of anti-hunger advocacy experience
tothis remarkable project and to support the SMSC‘s
Seeds of Native Health campaign and the University
of Arkansas to create a long overdue legal framework
which will make a real difference in the response to
hunger among tribal nations.”

The University of Arkansas School of Law and MA-
ZON are the latest strategic partners in the Seeds of
Native Health philanthropic campaign to improve Na—
tive American nutrition across the country. Previously
announced strategic partners include the First Nations
Development Institute, Notah Begay III Foundation,
the University of Minnesota, and the American Heart
Association.

For more information about Seeds of Native Health,
visit www.SeedsOfNativeHealth.org.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux
Community

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a
federally recognized, sovereign Indian tribe located
southwest of Minneapolis/Saint Paul. With a focus on
being a good neighbor, good steward of the earth, and
good employer, the SMSC is committed to charitable
donations, community partnerships, a healthy environ—
ment, and a strong economy. Having donated more
than $325 million since opening its Gaming Enterprise
in the 19908. as well as providing more than $500
million in economic development loans to other tribes,
the SMSC is the largest philanthropic benefactor for
Indian Country nationally and one of the largest chari-
table givers in Minnesota. Seeds of Native Health, a
campaign to improve the nutrition of Native Ameri-
cans, was launched in March 2015 with a $5 million-
contribution from the SMSC.

 About MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger

Founded in 1985, MAZON: A Jewish Response to
Hunger is a national nonprofit organization working
to end hunger in the United States and Israel. Through
its three interrelated strategies — advocacy and educa-
tion, partnership grant making and strategic initia—
tives — MAZON is acting to ensure that hungry people
have access to the nutritious food they need today and
working to develop and advance long-term solutions
so that no one goes hungry tomorrow.

MAZON‘s Rural and Remote Initiative is committed
to addressing the specific and unique needs of rural,
remote, and Native American communities struggling
with food insecurity. Partnering with community—
based organizations to maximize their impact, and
developing long-term solutions with policy makers
and advocates at the state and federal level, MAZON
will continue to seek solutions to alleviate hunger and
increase access to healthy, affordable food in rural,
remote, and Native American communities.

About the University of Arkansas School of Law

Established in 1924, the University of Arkansas
School of Law ranked first in the US. in National Ju—
rist magazine’s Top 20 Values in legal education and
among US. News and World Report‘s top 36 public
law schools. It is home to the nation’s oldest LL.M in
agricultural law program.

About the Indigenous Food and Agriculture
Initiative

Established in 2013, the University of Arkansas
School of Law Indigenous Food and Agriculture
Initiative is the first of its kind nationally, focusing
on enhancing food, agriculture, health and wellness,
and business and economic development; youth and
professional education in food and agriculture; stra-
tegic planning and technical assistance, research and
publications in the areas of health, nutrition policy,
traditional knowledge; financial markets and asset
management; and tribal governance, law and policy.

I The Shalom Editorial Committee is seeking I
Ienthusiastic new members to join their team. I
I The Editorial Committee convenes once per I
I month to edit Shalom articles and have a l
I short meeting. If you are interested in l
I learning more or wish to volunteer, please I
: contact Judy Wortman at (859) 268-0672 or :
I jfb@jewishlexington.org I
L -l

 

  

A Letter From Camp Tel Yehuda: What is

Hadracha?
By Felix Satin

Dear Reader:

Hadracha is the start

: of many possibilities
which all tie into a
single word: leader-
ship. In the begin-
ning, ”B’reshit,” there
was Maccabia. In my
last year at Tel Yehuda, we went to Washington DC.
to persuade congresspeople to address issues that our
group was passionate about*. Congresspeople weren’t
always there, but most of the staffers were interested
in the different groups’ topics. In fact, one of the
staffers we met with was luckily also part of a Young
Judaea (YJ) alumni panel, and he told our group that
he would speak with the congressman he works for
about our chosen issue - proof of how much we can do
in three and a half weeks.

This is my groups'

, : last year at Tel Ye-
huda as campers, but
that doesn’t mean this
is our last year ever
being involved in the
Young Judaea move-
ment. We can still go
to conventions,
Machon, Year Course in Israel, and even become a
Madrich. We can also apply the leadership skills that
we’ve learned at camp to the outside world and create
some real and positive change in our world.

 

*public policy issues such as gun control and racism

President’s Note: Young Judaea is instrumental in the
development of future Jewish leadership and encour-
ages a strong Jewish identity. Hadassah supports YJ,
in particular Camp Young Judaea Midwest where
Felix and his brother, Isaac along with others from the
Lexington community. attended as children and where
Isaac served on the staff this past summer. Camp Tel
Yehuda serves as leadership training for high school
students and Year Course is spent in Israel imme—
diately after graduation preceding college. YJ also
sponsors summer missions to Israel for young Jewish
leaders of tomorrow.

 

  

  

ISRAEL21C: Israeli med tech company
bought for record $929 million

Acquisition of Valtech Cardio by America’s Heart-
Ware International marks biggest deal for an
Israeli med tech company ever.

By ISRAELZIC Staff SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

  

A patient undergoes heart valve repair surgery. Photo via
5 urassa wadee/Sh utters tock. com

A mega acquisition deal worth roughly $929 mil-

lion of Israeli replacement heart valve maker Valtech
C ardio by HeartWare International has Israel’s startup
sector buzzing with excitement.

 

The US-based heart technology company announced
late yesterday that it has entered into a definitive
agreement to acquire the privately held Or Yehuda
company, which employs just 40 people, and spe-
cializes in the development of devices for mitral and
tricuspid valve repair and replacement.

It is the biggest buy—out of an Israeli medical device
company ever, and one of the biggest deals in any
industry in Israel. It comes in the wake of a bumper
year when in one week alone in January acquisitions
of companies including Annapurna Labs, Red Bend
Software, CloudOn and others reached $900 million.

“By joining HeartWare, we can more quickly and fully
realize the potential of our pipeline technologies and
further influence the underpenetrated markets that we
serve,” said Amir Gross, founder and CEO of Valtech.

Terms of the deal will see Valtech shareholders
receive an up—front consideration of 4.4 million

shares of HeartWare common stock; 800,000 shares
of HeartWare common stock, contingent upon CE
Mark approval for Cardioband; and 700,000 shares of
HeartWare common stock upon the earlier of first-
in-man implants for either Cardioband tricuspid or
CardioValve. The deal is said to be worth at least $929
million.

The buy—out is subject to regulatory approvals as well
as HeartWare stockholder and Valtech shareholder

approvals, the Massachusetts company said. The deal
is expected to be closed later this year.

The mega-deal did not come out of nowhere. Heart-
Ware and Valtech have been bedfellows since 2013
when the US company invested in the Israeli med-tech
team.

Founded in 2005, Valtech Cardio has full, in-house
development. manufacturing, and clinical research
capabilities, and over 130 patents and patent applica—
tions. The company, which was founded by Gross and
Yiftach Beinart in an incubator in Ariel, began life
with a grant from the Office of the Chief scientist.

“We identified Valtech as having the broadest, most
compelling portfolio several years ago, which led to an
investment in 2013. This investment gave us a unique
opportunity to observe Valtech’s significant progress
across their portfolio of valve repair and replacement
technologies. It is from this vantage point that we
have concluded that Valtech‘s platforms represent the
most innovative and comprehensive portfolio of inter-
ventional and surgical products for mitral and tricuspid
repair and replacement in development today," said
Doug Godshall, president and CEO of HeartWare.

Helping millions

Millions of people with heart disease are likely to ben—
efit from this deal.

Valtech is a leader in the development of innovative
surgical and transcatheter valve repair and replace—
ment devices for the treatment of mitral valve regurgi—
tation (MR) and tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR).

MR is a condition in which the mitral valve leaflets
fail to close properly, allowing backflow of blood
from the left ventricle into the left atrium during sys-
tole. Left untreated, severe MR can eventually lead
to a significant deterioration in cardiac function and,
eventually, death. In the US alone 4.2 million patients
are affected by mitral valve disease. according to
HeartWare.

Meanwhile, TR is estimated to affect 1.6 million
patients in the US and complements the mitral patient
population, as a significant percentage of patients suf-
fer from both MR and TR.

HeartWare, which develops and manufactures minia-
turized implantable heart pumps. or ventricular assist
devices. to treat patients suffering from advanced heart
failure, says this deal will provide it with a comple-
mentary portfolio of technologies to broaden the
treatments it offers heart failure patients and enhance
patient outcomes.

“Valtech provides HeartWare with commercial-stage
products for mitral repair, as well as a robust technol—
ogy pipeline, an advanced R&D center and an impres-

 

 

 sive, experienced team with a proven track record,”
said Godshall.

Valtech’s portfolio includes Cardioband, the first in—
terventional, transfemoral, direct annuloplasty system
designed for mitral and tricuspid repair; Cardinal, a
semi-rigid, adjustable annuloplasty ring system that
provides surgeons with the ability to optimize annulo-
plasty results; CardioValve, a low—profile, transcathe-
ter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) system with five
degrees of steering maneuverability; and V-Chordal, a
surgical and interventional chord replacement system
for MR repair.

V-Chordal, which has been successfully evaluated in
a first-in-man clinical trial, is expected to expand the
range of percutaneous solutions offered for treating
degenerative mitral valve pathologies and allow more
patients to be treated without the risk of open-heart
surgery.

“The mitral repair market is already a well-established
and rapidly growing market with a significant, unmet,
immediate clinical need. The Cardioband transfemo-
ral annuloplasty system represents a more reproduc—
ible and predictable platform for mitral valve repair
than existing solutions. We believe Cardioband will
be a natural and clear selection as a first-line treatment
for the broadest spectrum of MR patients, since it of-
fers a safer option and, even in early clinical use, has
already demonstrated a strong efficacy profile,” said
Godshall.

“Valtech has benefited significantly from HeartWare’s
early investment in our company. Since then, we have
developed a strong relationship based on a shared mis-
sion to deliver transformative products to patients with
advanced heart failure and degenerative heart condi-

tions,” said Amir Gross, founder and CEO of Valtech.

“HeartWare’s existing market development experi-
ence and commercial infrastructure provide a compel—
ling platform from which to launch multiple products
worldwide, including a near-term launch of Cardio-
band in international markets following anticipated
CE Mark approval this year. Together, we can offer
clinical heart failure teams a compelling portfolio of
surgical and interventional technologies to serve the
advanced heart failure population.”

This article can be found online here.

 

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B’tayavon: Easy Strudel
Submitted by Vivian Bitensky
Recipe by

Estelle Hamburg

 

Estelle unlocks the
mysteries of strudel
making with this
delicious recipe. When
I was a little, girl my
mother would talk about the tante who would close all
doors when she was making strudel. Now, the secret

is out. Enjoy!

DOUGH

2 cups flour

2 sticks unsalted butter (1/2 lb.)
V2 cup club