xt7ghx15qx8h https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7ghx15qx8h/data/mets.xml Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass Kentucky Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass 2002-05 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 Central Kentucky Jewish Federation 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, May 2002 text image Shalom, May 2002 2002 2002-05 2025 true xt7ghx15qx8h section xt7ghx15qx8h .3: “41’”,

halom

Serving the Central Kentucky Jewish Community Since .7962

   

 

 

 

May 2002

.I' yar-S/ van 5762

 

 

CAMPAIGN KICK- OFF WITH TAL KEINAN

 

  
  

1-;z .l11 l._'\'1\:s"=1 "11391 wt

  

Kentucky at Makers

p m for a sensational kickoff event spearheaded
by Tal Keinan, Israeli Air Force pilot and patnot
extraordinaire!

Tal Keinan knows American Jews. He grew
up in Miami and made aliyah at the age of twenty.

After finishing his B A. at Tel- Aviv University he
entered the Israeli Air Force as a combat pilot,
rising in the ranks to Air combat instructor and
commander of the IAF Flight Instructors’ course.
He provides a rich and unique perspective on
Israel-Diaspora relations from the vantage point of
his personaljourney as an “‘Oleh” and his experi-
ences as an American Israeli. His service in the Air
Force gives him also an interesting “in” on security
issues.

At a time when the Jewish people is witnessing
an open onslaught on Israel by the Palestinians and
a sharp rise in Anti~Jewish propaganda throughout
the Arab World and Europe. and at a time when the
world is becoming a very dangerous place. his
perspective becomes extremely important. We will

have a look at the idea oi‘lM‘ius; 0111‘ l’eoole thin ‘11“

Ihe 2002 CKJF/U1 C Community Campaign ‘ "W
faces sigafican‘t’ éhaflé‘nges Every year we stress
the importance of contributing to our campaign. But
this year the need to support Israel in its nation
building and the rescue of imperiled Jews around
the world holds special meaning.

Israel is under fire, both in the literal sense and
on the diplomatic front. The world supports the

 

Big Changes At CKJF

New Office, New Website, New Computer System

New Office Location

CKJF is moving up and out of the basement
office space on Romany Road to brighter and
larger space on Chinoe Road in the Chinoe Center
office building.

The new office space will have two areas for
committee meetings and volunteers, a larger
storage area, adequate parking spaces, and suffi-
cient office space for staff including Jewish Family
Services. It should accommodate the needs and
growth of our community over the next few years.

The new office will also allow CKJF to concentrate
its reading and audiovisual material for easier
access by the community.

Stan Saxe, Federation President, cited the
members of the search committee for a new facility
for their efforts over the past two years. The
committee included Steve Caller, Steve Kesten,
Bret Caller and was chaired by immediate past
CKJF president Marty Barr. “Special thanks go to
Bret Caller for his commitment and work on behalf

see Big Changes (continued on page 17)

actions that the U. S. has taken in Afghanistan to
uproot the Al— Qaeda network. These same actions.
when taken by Israel in its effort to uproot the
Arafat—led coalition of terror, are denounced. Even
under siege. Arafat has told Al—Jazeera that "The
Jihad will continue until the total liberation ofthe
homeland." Suicide bombers. trained by Hamas in
territory controlled by the Palestinian Authority and
financed by Iraq and other Arab regimes. will
continue to dominate the Palestinian tactics to avoid
an agreement and negotiate peace. The continuous
violence has decimated the tourist industry. the third
largest industry in Israeli economy. leaving over
30,000 people jobless. The consequences for the
overall Israeli economy are staggering. What better
evidence than to report that 500.000 Israeli children
totlin li‘,
‘1c1 in 15: c111111nucs to lulllll its role by defending

e belovx the pm city line.

Wns‘”uzens by5”Ch°°S“¥Inukfiflflnnesasnenxnei’f"Mr’.,m.;i

Jews from starvation in Ethiopia with the help of
the JDC, and by providing a safe heaven for Jews
escaping the growing anti-Semitic climate in France
and the economic collapse of Argentina. All this is
done while Israel continues to absorb Jews from
Russia and the former Soviet Union who choose to
make Israel their home.

In addition, the Joint Distribution Committee
(JDC) and the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI),
international groups also funded in part by cam-
paign, continue to work with marginalized communi-
ties to help them become part of the Israeli main-
stream.

With our overseas contribution we are part of
this tremendously positive enterprise. We become
an integral part of the world-wide Jewish commu-
nity. As American Jews, we are in a unique position
to be able to help those of our people in other parts
of the world, and to support Israel financially and
politically.

The campaign this year is vital. Your participa-
tion is the only way to achieve this vitality. Be
counted by making a minimum campaign pledge of
$250 and attending this exciting kickoff event

 

oa=
1050 Chinoe Road, Suite 203
Lexington, KY 40502

Change Service Requested

 

Nonprofit Org.
US. Postage
PAID
Permit # 719
Lexington, Ky

 

 

 

 

 

Central Kentucky
Jewish Federation

Has A New Location!

1050 Chinoe Road, Suite 203
(Chinoe Center), Lexington, KY

40502

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

In This Issue:

President’s Message .................................. 2
Super Sunday .............................................. 3
Solidarity ..................................................... 3
The Impositions of History ......................... 4
Memories of Mike...A Tribute .................... 5
Camp Shalom 35th Anniversary Party ....... 6
Leisure Club ............................................... 7
Rabbi‘s Comer ........................................... 8
AIPAC ....................................................... 9
Ask JFS .................................................... 10
CKJF Director Spends Night on Street 10
National Solidarity Rally ........................... ll
Organ Donation ........................................ 11
Fun and Community at Camp Shalom ...... l2
Hadassah Flower Power 2002 ................. 12
True Stories from the Front Lines ............ 13
Tikkun Lexington to Honor Vols. .............. 13
Community Seders ................................... 14
Camp Shalom Application ......................... 16
Judaic Studies offerings ............................ l7
Community Calendar ................................ 18
Ohavay Zion Synagogue .......................... 19
Temple Adath Israel ................................. l9

 

 

 

CONDOLENCES TO:

The family of Mike Adelstein who died on
March 31.

Jerry & Karen Sander on the death of
Jerry’s mother. Rita Sander, on April 4.

The family of Rose Brazin who died on
April 5,2002. She is survived by her daughter.
Harriet Brazin and her niece, Jan Cerel.

Robert Sloat on the death of his father
Robert E. Sloat on April 9.

The family of Robert Cohen who died April
16. He is survived by his daughter, Jan Cerel;
granddaughter, Sylvia Suhl; and niece Harriet
Brazin.

Dan and James Liebman on the death of
their father, Herbert Liebman on April 25.

MAZEL TOV TO:

Aaron Davidson, who was a medal winner
in the fourth grade class of the Kentucky
American Water Company Science Fair. Aaron
is the son of Jeff Davidson and Janet
Tamaren.

Kaitlin Graff, who was a medal winner in . ‘

the sixth grade class of the Kentucky American
Water Company Science Fair. Kaitlin is the
daughter of Anne and Wayne Graff.

Amy Nigoff who has been accepted into
Ohio University’s doctoral program in clnical
psychology. Amy is the daughter of Lowell &
Betty Nigoff.

Ada Wikler, on the birth of her grandson.
Samuel, who was born on March 7, 2002. The
proud parents are Daniel Wikler & Sarah
Marchand.

Joe Krislov on his engagement to Louise
Miller of Simsbury. Ct.

Gabriella Pessah on her engagement to
Adam Benson.

Alan Stein for being honored by Volunteers
ofAmerica in recognition of service to the
community.

Merle and David Wekstein on the birth of
their grandson. Samuel Doron Wekstein
Kravitz, son of Debby and David Kravitz on
March 17, 2002.

REFUAH SHLEMAH (get well wishes):

Dorothy Halleck, Jane Hart, Ruth Poley
Irma Rosenstein. Kim Rosenstein
Phyllis Seher

 

 

\9lunlom @endline
Deadline for articles for the June/July
Shalom is May 11. E—mail articles to
shalom@jewishlexington.org
Articles submitted in hard copy
should be double-spaced.

 

 

 

 

\9halom

Published ten times annually by the Central Kentucky Jewish Federation, Inc.
1050 Chinoe Road, Suite 203, Lexington, KY 40502

(859) 268—0672 0 Fax (859) 268-0775 0 e-mail: shalom@jewishlexington.org
May 2002, Volume IX, Issue 10
Stanley Saxe, President
Daniel Chejfec, Executive Director
Fran Morris, Jewish Family Services

Editorial Board
Marcia Blacker, Evelyn Dantzic Geller, Judy Levine, Ruth Poley

Production Editor & Advertising Manager, Carrie McDanaId

The editorial staff has the right to edit all articles submitted for publication in \Slyalom .The appearance of any advertising
in this publication does not represent a kashruth endorsement on the part of CKJF or any other agency or organization.
5halom is supported by the advertisements appearing in the paper.

(9 2002 by Central Kentucky Jewish Federation

 

 

2 ' \Shulom

President's

Message
by
S tan Saxe

What Cari
We Do?

isturbed by continual reference by t.v.

news announcers and analysts that terror

directed against Israel results from
poverty, deprivation, occupation and denial of
human rights, my column this month was to be The
Root Causes of Terrorism. I was going to write that
those who claim people who face hopelessness and
despair become the suicide bombers disregard
some facts: 15 of the 19 suicide hijackers of 9/1 I
were from Saudi Arabia and were financed by a
millionaire, and Christian Arabs living in the areas
under Palestinian Authority control have not
become suicide bombers.

Scholars of Islamic history. hoth Arab and non—
Arab, understand the I‘OIC of Islamic fundamental—
ism. Islamic radicals who embrace fundamentalism
teach that the hated infidel. whether the Christian
West or Israeli Jews. should be killed. The extrem—
ists who have hijacked the principles of Islam and
promote for their own twisted purposes the destruc-
tion and killing of non-believers are the root cause,
ill lll_\

However I will not expand the topic this lmmlll
because Benjamin Netanyahu has written the
featured article on the April 19, 2002 editorial page
of the Wall Street Journal. It is titled “The Root
Cause of Terrorism.” The former prime minister is
much more diplomatic than I. In the article he
mentions Mahatma Gandhi, the people of Eastern
Europe and Martin Luther King, Jr. Netanyahu
writes these people pursued their cause without
resorting to terror because “they believed in the
sanctity of human life, were committed to the ideals
of liberty, and championed the values of democ—
racy.” He goes on to describe totalitarianism as the
root cause of terrorism. Check it out on the web:
http://opinionjoumal.com. The site contains The
Wall Street Journal editorial page and op-ed articles
which can be retrieved easily and quickly.

Csiiiimiiui‘.

see President's Message
(continued on page 10)

r-_--------------1

: DON’T MISS OUT! :
: Get this great paper delivered FREE :

I to your home ten times annually. Mail your I
I name & address to:

: \Shalom / CKJF

I 1050 Chinoe Rd., Suite 203
| Lexington, KY 40502

I or by e-mail at

IL shal0m@jewishlexington.org

 

  

 

Lowell Nigoff Chairs Super Sunday — May 19TH

ampaign chair. Alan Stein, announced that

Super Sunday, our Grassroots phone-a—thon

for the 2002 CKJ F/UJ C Community
Campaign, will be held on May 19 from 9 am to 2
pm. at Temple Adath Israel

So why Super Sunday ? Because every person
counts. and every dollar helps. This is an opportunity
for every Central Kentuckian to provide help for the
grave situation in Israel and overseas.

CKJF also provides services to the local Jewish
community. Camp Shalom offers a great summer
experience for children ages 4 to 10. This unique
camp is celebrating 35 years of service to the
Central Kentucky Jewish community with what will
be the best Camp Shalom ever.

Jewish Family Services continues to help the
community one person at a time. The isolated
senior, the single mother, the elderly are all helped
by J FS. J FS also provides educational opportunities
for teens and their families, especially in the areas
of health education.

The Community Activities Committee continues
to organize unique cultural and social opportunities
for the community to come together. Trips such as
the one to the Huntington Museum of Art, the Boat
Ride on the Kentucky River, and cultural programs
such as the Lexington Community Orchestra
concert on Jewish composers were well attended

and enjoyed. Yom Ha’atzmaut, the annual celebra-
tion of Israel Independence Day, was marked this
year by the screening of the re-mastered version of
the movie “Exodus.” The committee is planning
another boat ride in July and a second concert in
the Fall, and will continue to enhance Jewish life in
Central Kentucky.

The Community Relations Committee is faced
with the daunting task of representing the voice of
the Jewish community in the public arena on issues
of public concern. Interpreting the Middle East
crisis to the wider audience of Central Kentucky,
expressing our support for the State of Israel,
raising awareness on issues of anti-semitism and
preserving the separation of church and state are
issues this committee addresses. The committee
also works with other groups in the greater Lexing-
ton area to address serious social issues such as
homelessness, racism, discrimination, housing
shortages, and a wide gamut of social problems. In
addition, the CRC promotes an ongoing dialogue
with other ethnic and religious groups in the region
and helps mark significant Jewish events such as
Yom Hashoah; the committee also works with the
local elected officials and school officials to pro—
mote fair treatment for all.

Tikkun Lexington, an initiative to promote
\. oltmteeris‘m in our comnnlmt} and participation ill

 

the wider community, brought Jewish

holidays through the year to the Jewish students at

the Stewart Home in Frankfort, and is now prepar-
ing to launch more initiatives in partnership with the
social action committees of our congregations.

The Shalom Newspaper and the new community
website are designed to keep our community
informed on local Jewish communal events, and to
serve as a forum for community opinions. The
paper reaches the homes of those affiliated, as well
as unaffiliated Jews, in the Greater Lexington area
and promotes our community in the wider American
Jewish community.

This wide array of programs is funded by the
CKJF through the annual campaign. Super Sunday
not only helps raise the funds for overseas and for
local needs, but also reaches out to every Jewish
household in the community. It is about building
community.

We need volunteers on Super Sunday to make
phone calls, work on refreshments, or help distrib—
ute the pledge cards. Please call the CKJF office at
268—0672 and give an hour or two of your time.
And, most importantly, on May 19th, answer the
Super Sunday call with your pledge to support the
CKJF/UJC campaign. The need is urgent. both
here and abroad. and ex cry person counts. Every
dollar helps.

Central Kentucky Jewish Community ‘
Shows Solidarity with Israel

it March 24. 2002, United Jewish Communities, the Conference of Presidents of

Major American Jewish Organizations and the Federations of North America

mobilized a nationwide expression of support for the people of Israel.Over 40
members of the Lexington Jewish joined a show of public solidarity with the State of Israel.
We watched as elected officials expressed US support for Israel. We visited the bombed
Moment Cafe’ in Jerusalem and listened to the reports of this horror by Mayor Ehud Olmert
and the cafe owner. We heard Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s appeal to the Jewish people for
unity and public support. They were part of almost two hours of an outpouring of emotion and
love for Israel.

Our leaders reiterated the unwavering support of the North American Jewish community for . . o .
the State of Israel and its fight against terror. This most significant event linked Close to 100 communities
via TV satellite hookup and another 40 through the world wide web or audio link.

The highlight of the broadcast was Elie Wiesel, speaking by satellite link from Florida. With his usual
thoughtful demeanor he expressed his pain and sorrow, blaming Chairman Arafat not only for not stopping
the violence, but also for wasting an historic opportunity for his people to achieve independence.

This show of support for Israel was unique in its unanimity. It highlighted the fact that this was not
about politics or settlements or territory. Israel is facing a fight for its very existence, unlike anything
experienced since 1948. This broadcast put aside differences to focus on the fundamental right of the
Jewish people to have its own State. It was a call to American Jews to stand side by side with our
brothers and sisters in Israel to protect Israel’s rights. In the words of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, “At
this time it is very important for the Jewish people to be united here in Israel and in the Diaspora, for we
are one people...”

We stand with the people and the State of Israel at this critical time. We share their pain and outrage
at the terrible loss of life and limb as a result of the Palestinian campaign of terror and violence launched
against Israel eighteen months ago.

We stand with Israel as it fulfills its most basic responsibility as a democracy; defending the nation and
protecting its citizens.

We stand with Israel in demanding that the Palestinian Authority end the violence and terror, arrest and
persecute the perpetrators. dismantle the terrorist infrastructure and the incitement against Israel and
Jews. and live up to all its previous commitments.

We stand with our government and with Israel in combating the global threat of terrorism.

‘th stand with Israel (is it seeks a true and lasting peace that will assure secure and defensible bor-

lsove to éhop‘?

Turn your sense of fashion into
an entrepreneurial opportunity.
Represent an exclusive New York
collection of Women’s Designer
Sportswear; flexible hours, sell
via home trunk showings.

1-800—658—7015 .

 

lnternet Consulting
Web Design
Web Hosting

Where Web Design is Work ofArt

Full scale of quality internet services.
Unbeatable low prices ?

 

lBUSS. LLC

Phone/’Fcnx: 272-2144

Email: ortklngtéiorlklngdomcom
‘f-“i’tt: site Walkman;odklnqdo

 

 

 

i"."‘.y"‘
.rv'yrll

ders. as well as the safety or its citizens and or all people in the region.
We call on all people ofgood will tojoin us in standing with Israel now.

May 2002 - 3

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Announcing our
Updated E-mail

ckjf@jewishlexington.org

dchejfec@jewishlexington.org
Daniel Chejfec, Executive Director

jfs@jewish|exington.org
Jewish Family Services

shalom@jewishlexington.org
Material, etc. for Shalom newspaper

lexadmin@jewishlexington.org
Website, new persons,
general information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bill 'Mecca

Lawn Con Developer

4?74 Old Versailles Rood
loxlngton, KY 405 IO

(559) 225651 1
Fox [859’ 2255527

Jewell/s

73.11002 zepnir
\fpecin [is ts

Risaters

A Divlulon 0! TIM Service:

immisdum

WW
£Maluluaaa

 

 

233-1173

. m We” 8: Gran.
”$3 Lmtammmngm wmgwl‘zflrflfi

  
 
    
      
 

hen I left town to spend the

Seder with my family in

Chicago, I thought about
writing this column on a different subject,
but after this last Erev Pessah, how can I
write about anything different than what is
happening in Israel?

Eight and a half years ago, I was
watching CNN with many others and
marveling at the incredible sight: Yitzhak
Rabin, architect of the Israeli victory in
1967 and Prime Minister of Israel, shaking
hands with Yasser Arafat, leader of the
PLO, a terrorist group bent on the destruc-
tion of the Jewish State. I did not think the
marriage was the perfect shiddach, mind
you, but I felt it was the best possible at
that moment; and I was filled with a sense
of hope. Maybe there was, after all, a light
at the end of the tunnel -. a way to live
side—by-side in peace. For more than seven
years, I hoped. Rabin was assassinated.
The Jewish community headquarters in
Buenos Aires was blown up. Netanyahu
came to power. Arafat continued his
campaign of incitement against Israel and
Jews. Barak defeated Netanyahu. And I
kept hoping.

In the summer of 2000, at Camp David,
Barak offered Arafat a deal that, in spite
of my commitment to peace, I had diffi-
culty accepting, for it implied sharing
Jerusalem with Arafat. But the Arab
wizard of political survival rejected
Barak’s offer and used the opportunity to
launch a bloody and insane attack on
Israel. I was there in March of 2001. I
saw the empty hotels, I saw the Israelis
trying to understand the reasons for the
attack. I saw despair and uncertainty
about the future. And I buried my hope.
The crude reality of day-to—day life in an
Israel under siege by terrorists can do that
to you. It can swing you from your hopes
into pragmatism.

I came back home with a heavy
burden. For Israel to survive, I thought in
those days, it might have to do things I will
not like, yet no workable alternative
occurred to me.

Since my visit, the situation has wors-
ened greatly, culminating in a terrible rape

“The Impositions
of H story"

By Daniel Chejfec, Executive Director
Central Kentucky Jewish Federation

gathering just to spend the Passover Seder
together in Netanya. All hell broke loose, and
each one of us lived through those days in
different ways. I know that a pan of me died
in Netanya — that part of me that hoped
against hope for a diplomatic solution. The
equation was simplified » If Israel makes
concessions, it is interpreted as weakness.
and Israel is attacked. If Israel retaliates, it is
seen as arrogance and oppression. and Israel
is attacked. If Israel does absolutely nothing,
it is seen as an opportunity, and Israel is
attacked. Israel is attacked, no matter what
it does, then Israel is forced to defend its
citizens by any possible means.

As I write these lines, CNN is criticizing
Israel for putting the Church of the Nativity
in Betlehem under siege. Did they think of
criticizing the sharpshooters who occupied
the Church and violated its sanctity? Obvi-
ously not.

Over the last couple of weeks. our
community has been very active on this
front, sometimes as a community, and
sometimes through individual initiatives. In
late Mar-ch. at
together as a community to participate in the
“We Stand with Israel" national initiative, as
part of a satellite hook-up. We listened to
Ariel Sharon, to Ehud Olmen, to Elie Wiesel,
to the leadership of United Jewish Communi—
ties and the Conference of Presidents of
Major National Jewish Organizations. We
wept with the Israelis, and we saw their
resolve.

A week and many casualties later, Prime
Minister Sharon briefed the leadership of
American Jewry over the phone about the
events developing in Israel. He stressed the
need for the unity of the Jewish People in
Israel and in the Diaspora. He urged us to
publicly express our support and our love for
Israel.

On April I, KET broadcast a panel
discussion featuring two political science
professors, Nayef Samhat from Centre
College and Stuart Kaufman from UK, as
well as John Stemple (Director of the
Patterson School), and Mrs. Hashim from
the University of Louisville. It was clear
from Mrs. Hashim’s comments that she was
not interested at all in facts. She wanted only
to dehumanize and demonize Israelis.

Many of us might feel uncomfortable with
Sharon’s views. Many of us might support
his views. Many of us might like him , and
many of us might not. But we all need to

the KIT studios, we came

— the assassination of people who were see ImpOSItIOI‘IS (continued on page 12)

 

7‘...an

 Memories Of Mike...

 

 

 

  
     

A memorial service
will be held

K

When I came to Lexington in October 1999.
one of the first people I met was Michael
Adelstein. l was immediately taken by his dynamic
personality and his demeanor. He was as unas—
suming as he was passionate. Over time, I had
many conversations withhim about so many
topics, that they would fill a book by themselves.
What always impressed me the most was his
passion for the Federation’s mission locally and
abroad. and his clear and often very sharp under-

‘ 35;:- . it'tlrp l‘s\l!L’\ im mind iii- \\ it his sense
m, Winnmrmm and showed
his love for the Jewish people and dr‘tfiétc‘é‘fieai
Kentucky Jewish community in particular. I wish I
had a chance to. spend more time with him and
drink from his wisdom. Mike was areal
“Mentsch.” and I will miss him dearly.

Daniel C hejfec

 

There have already been, and there will be
many more, encomiums written about Mike
Adelstein. They are well deserved. Mike was a
consummate teacher; he had a great store of
knowledge and a great desire to pass on that
knowledge to his students. He was concerned for
his community, his state, and his country, and
found time to give his wisdom and his passion to
various community activities.

We all looked forward to his columns for
\Shalom. We knew we would be entertained,
amused, and most of all, enlightened by whatever
subject happened to capture his curiosity.

He was a kind, thoughtful, warm, and gracious
man. Mike Adelstein was a gentleman, a gentle
man, a mensch. His presence is missed.

Marcia Blacker

On April 2 I lost a person who has been
important in my life as a teacher, mentor, col—
league, and dear, dear friend. Naturally, I knew his

/
on Sunday, May 12 at 1:00 PM. /

\ at Temple Adath Israel

\
\

fragile health made his every day a gift; nonethe—
less, this was a shock. He and Gay had just
shared the Seder with Abe and me on the previous
Thursday evening, laughing, talking about the
wonderful winter they had spent together in
Hawaii, listening to their travel plans for the
summer and following winter, analyzing the
chances of the teams in the Final Four—in short
catching up with each other’s lives. Less than three
hours later. he had a massive stroke. and the Mike
w e knew and loved was gone

I did little but think 01 him that terrible w eekend

' as We and his many, many friends checked in With

each other about how he was doing. And all those
thoughts were happy, consoling ones. I thought
about the great times we spent together over the
years: the word play that consumed the lunch
bunch (mostly writing teachers) as we munched
our sandwiches in the tiny English Department
Lounge at UK; the comical misses as we tried to
find each other in Istanbul but never did succeed
(though finally on their last day Mike tracked us
down by phone and we got to exchange experi-
ences before he and Gay returned to the States;
Mike always did persist); the relaxed rambles we
took when he and Gay visited us in Florida, and
always the dinners and the talk. When Mike
began, “Let me ask you a question,” we could
always count on an interesting discussion that left
us with a whole new slant on an issue.

I thought about his influence on me—and so
many others—as a teacher: his willingness to
experiment and innovate in the classroom while
insisting that students use language eloquently and
precisely; his cutting—edge textbook, The Writing
Commitment, written with his colleague and close
friend, Jean Pival, a textbook so many of us relied
on through its many editions; his commitment to
high standards in university governance as a
member of the AAUP, as President of the UK

 

...A Tribute

Faculty Senate, and as a member of the UK
Board of Trustees.

Mike was a first-class teacher of writing, but
even more to the point, he was a first class writer.
He loved the act of writing. His frequent letters I
and op-ed pieces published in the Herald-Leader
argued persuasively about a variety of political and
moral issues, especially issues connected to the
University of Kentucky and his insistence that the
University have the kind of leadership it deserved.
\Iothing interfered with his writing his column in
\Shalom w inch \\ a». a highlight for me. It w as a
when he had surgery scheduled in Cleveland or
planned to be away on an extended trip. And his
articles were so engaging. Our daughter, who lives
in New York. told me she always turned to Mike’s
column first thing. reading it avidly.

Mike's voice was a force in the community—
soft spoken to be sureflbut powerful. It insisted on
compassion. ethical conduct, accountability, and
excellence. That voice is silent now, but who of us
will ever forget it?

Judy Levine

Mike was not only a gracious and gifted human
being who earned the respect and admiration of
his students and peers, he demonstrated a com—
nritment to the Jewish community in Central
Kentucky. Mike has served as a CKJF Board of
Directors member, on the Executive Comnrittee
and as Secretary. He served on the editOrial board
of fihnlom, our monthly newspaper. His
monthly columns written for fibulom were
widely read and were a high point for our publica—
tion. They were of a quality well beyond that
enjoyed by other Federation & community
newspapers. I miss his generous and joyful
contributions to our community.

Stan Saxe

‘May 2002 - 5

 

  

 

New and Returning Campers Enjoy 35th Anniversary of Camp Shalom

amp Shalom, the summer day camp

sponsored by the Central Kentucky Jewish

Federation, welcomed 2002 campers and
celebrated the camp’s 35th anniversary on March
17 at the Temple Adath Israel social hall. It was a
Sunday afternoon of reminiscing about past sum-
mers at Camp Shalom and excitement about our
2002 camp. ,

Photographs were displayed from the first camp

in 1968 and Gail Cohen, Judy Saxe and Evelyn
Geller helped us identify our first campers, some of

Celebrating 35 Years of Camp Shalom

With lots of great food...

 

    

 

by Kathy F einberg

whom are now parents of campers.

Ted Friedman read a moving tribute to Sue
Friedman written by his daughter, Greta.

Sue saw the need for a Jewish day camp in Lexing-
ton in 1967, and formed a committee whose work and
dedication resulted in the first Camp Shalom.

New and returning campers had an opportunity
to meet our 2002 staff and pick up applications for
campers and counselors, buy a Camp Shalom
sweatshirt, and make a craft. Crafts were provided
by Bonnie O’Neill and Jana Lazur, Program
Directors for 2002 Camp Shalom, Tammy Bradley

cool camp activities...

amiss

our pre-K Camp Director; Janis O’Connell, Vicki
Atha’s daughter and Lisa Miller, Camp Shalom
committee chair.

Jason Heymann, Assistant to the Camp Direc—
tor and Penina Goldstein, Senior Counselor, wel—
comed returning campers and organized games for
the children.

Our thanks go to Daniel Cheijfec, CKJF Execu-
tive Director; Vicki Atha, CKJF Activities Director;
and our Camp Shalom staff and committee for
making the Camp Shalom 35th Anniversary Party a
great success.

 

  
 

and plenty of smiling faces!

 ATDAC! Drnmn'l'inn Tcranl’c Tn'l-nrnci-e

 

Leisure Club Kickoff Event Leaves Lasting Impression

By Fran Morris, Director of Jewish Family Services

eisure Club members were treated to
a special program last month. On
April 18th we listened to an enlight-
ening discussion on
the state of health
care in the United
States by veteran
newscaster Jerry
Sander from Channel
27, WKYT. Mr.
Sander explained the
differences in the
health care system
here and in South
America. It was
interesting to View

a part of his
broadcast in
Ecuador some time ago. Besides present—
ing an educational discussion, Jerry is a
dynamic speaker whom we all enjoyed.

 

Jerry Sander
introduces the
newscast we are
about to view