Celebrating Israel @ 71: Our Community Unites - Pages 6-7 - Sivan/Tammuz 5779 June 2019
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Jewish Federation of El Paso Non-Profit Org.
7110 N. Mesa U.S. Postage
El Paso, Texas 79912 PA I D
El Paso, Texas
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Permit No. 1256
Pages 6-7
Our Community Unites
Celebrating Israel @ 71:
June 2019
Sivan/Tammuz 5779
2 | June 2019 The Jewish Voice
Music, noshes and fun at Federation’s 82nd Annual Meeting
Our Jewish community packed the sec- ens of images from events sponsored by Paso. The second is a demographic study The crowd enjoyed delicious food,
ond floor of the city’s Whole Foods store the Federation and Jewish organizations of the area’s Jewish population that can wine, and beer from Whole Foods along
on May 20 to celebrate one of the busi- supported by it. Photos of many mem- help shape the community’s and Federa- with live music presented by Frank Etcet-
est years ever for the Jewish Federation bers of our Jewish community flashed tion’s work and goals in the future. era. The evening was a memorable one,
across the large screen ac- Congratulations to Dr. Lauren Eisen- with a diverse multi-generational gath-
companied by lively music. berg and Adam Rosenfield, recipients ering of both new faces and old friends
Handouts at each table listed of the 2019 Bernard and Florence from across Las Cruces, El Paso and our
the many recipients of funds Schoichet Young Leadership Award. entire community. Kudos to event co-
and budgeted programming Ophra Leyser-Whalen, the 2018 award chairs, Stephanie Calvo and Loree Fur-
expenses with percentages recipient, spoke of the couple’s ongoing man!
and amounts set to total commitment to the community, their Cindy Graff Cohen
around $471,376 this year. outstanding work in the shul and local Editor, The Jewish Voice
Both the video and the funds organizations, and their involvement
distribution list are on the with the Federation’s Maimonides Soci-
Federation’s website at www. ety for medical professionals. The award
of Greater El Paso. The meeting intro- jewishpaso.org and were sent out in the includes a grant toward a trip to the Jew-
duced the 2019-20 Board of Directors Federation’s weekly email. ish Federations of North America Gen-
and reviewed the past year’s activities. Janet’s remarks to the crowd expanded eral Assembly in Washington, D.C., in
Janet Wechter, Board President, and on her “mantra” for the year: “Better To- November.
Scott Stevens, Vice President - Nominat- gether.” She spoke about building bridg- Lauren, daughter of Cliff and Martha
ing, thanked outgoing board members es and finding a way forward, regardless Eisenberg and granddaughter of Jack
for their service: William Bass, Loree of affiliation and perspectives. She intro- and Doris (of beloved memory) Eisen-
Furman, Julian Gonzalez-Herrell, David duced two important initiatives for the berg, grew up in El Paso’s Jewish com-
Kern (JCRC Chair), Steve Lanski, John coming year. The first is an ambitious munity. The couple’s three children
Moye, Debbie Pazos, and Mitch Pus- and highly important program aimed at – Davna, Oliver, and Andrew – repre-
chett. helping our partners work collaboratively sent the family’s fourth generation of
Executive Director Robert French pre- with a shared sense of purpose to tackle involvement in Jewish education and
sented an inspiring video featuring doz- challenges facing Jewish life in Greater El service.
2019-20 Board
Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso
Janet Wechter, President
Leslie Beckoff, Vice-President - Campaign
Scott Stevens, Vice-President - Governance
Hal Ettinger, Treasurer
Ophra Leyser-Whalen, Secretary
Neal Rosendorf, Chair - Jewish Community Relations
Council
Eitan Lavi, Immediate Past President
Stephanie Calvo Wendy Lanski
Cesar Carrasco Shane Wagman
Shari Ehrlich Romero
Martha Eisenberg Melissa Silverstein
Robin Furman Daniel Sonnen
Ben Kaufman Bill Stein
Debra Kanof Peter Svarzbein
Monika Kimball
A publication of the
Jewish Federation
of Greater El Paso
The Jewish Voice of El Paso, published ten times a year, is dedicated to informing,
educating, and uniting the Jewish community by providing news items of local, national,
Israeli and international concern.
The Jewish Voice will consider for publication any materials submitted that support the
mission of the Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso and have relevance and appeal to
the El Paso Jewish community. Articles are subject to editing at the editor’s discretion
and are subject to space limitations. Letters cannot be longer than 150 words and articles
must be kept to a maximum of 300 words. Please email to thevoice@jfedelpaso.org
Opinions are those of individual writers and not necessarily those of the Jewish
Federation of Greater El Paso. The Jewish Voice is not responsible for the kashrut of any
product or eating establishment advertised herein.
Executive Director: Robert French
Editor: Cindy Graff Cohen
Campaign Director: Sue Bendalin
Advertising Representative: Said Buhaya
President: Janet Kent Wechter
Layout and Design: Beatriz Garcia
Office: 915-842-9554
Printing: PDX Printing
7110 North Mesa, El Paso, TX 79912
No July or August issue.
Due Date for the September issue of the Voice: August 12
BETTER TOGETHER
The Jewish Voice June 2019 | 3
Better Together: A look forward
June is a good time to reflect on the them and listening to their ideas and con- El Paso Jewish Community”, which Rob-
2018-19 year and look ahead, as Janet cerns – and he is still meeting with them. ert French, outlined in his report, “Engage,
Wechter completes her first year as Board Communications have improved. The Connect & Support.” Since then we have
President and new Executive Director, Jewish Voice is better positioned to share been awarded an Impact Grant from the
Robert French, approaches his first-year news about the Federation and our com- Jewish Community Foundation which will
milestone. Your Jewish Federation has be- munity. The website continues to improve fund this important work with a diverse
gun to be more visible and make a greater and our weekly email is opened by more group of leaders and representatives to
difference in our Jewish community – and people. help bring about true collaboration and
that’s just the beginning, as we learned in a The Jewish Community Relations positive change in the Greater El Paso
recent conversation with Janet. Council (JCRC) has been very involved community. Members from our commu-
this year. PJ Library is doing a better job nity will be invited as well to share ideas
Cindy Graff Cohen: What changes with engaging young children and their and create innovative solutions to our com-
have you seen over the last year at the Jew- parents with educational programs that are munity’s needs.
ish Federation? also really fun. Borderland’s Café Europa By coming together and listening with an
Janet Wechter: More involvement. for our senior community members has open heart, we can build bridges amongst you deeply care about the Jewish commu-
More outreach. The Federation is doing a expanded its programming. Our commu- our institutions that can having significant nity, no matter how you identify yourself
better job at working with the community nity is abuzz with our successes of Good effects on our community. It takes more Jewishly.
to get buy-in for the programs and engag- Deeds Day, our moving and inspiring Ha- than just a willingness to make this happen
ing more people, regardless of age. We tikvah program and our Celebrate Israel – there are techniques and a trained profes- CGC: What else is next for the Federa-
have an engaged and committed Director @ 71. (People have even taken the time to sional can help to facilitate this growth. An tion?
and an active Board. call, email and write to us, our Chairs and objective facilitator can guide us through JW: We have an exciting and ambitious
Our staff is more organized, with more volunteers to thank us!) Robert’s fundrais- honest conversations about what we’re do- research project launching this summer
direction. Having a Jewish community ing expertise helped last year and we’re on ing, what we need to be doing, and how we at UTEP in the Sociology Department –
professional like Robert French work with track to increase donations in 2019 as our can bring Jewish life to those in need and it’s a comprehensive survey of our Jewish
us and with volunteers is a game changer. community gains a better understanding those who may not be involved. community that you will be hearing more
He spent his first six months meeting with of our role and our purpose. about in August. The data collected will
community members, getting to know We improved our Granting Process and CGC: What has surprised you about not only give us population, but also help
are continuing to do so for the benefit of this past year? us understand the needs, attitudes and
our grantees and community members. JW: It surprised me that I could actually perceptions of our Jewish community. It
do this! I read and studied BoardSource will be available to our partner organiza-
These We Honor With tions, and we hope will provide answers to
CGC: What new initiative is in the best practices, good governance, and
Tributes works for the Federation? looked for techniques to engage our Board fundamental questions about how to serve
JW: We’re creating a new forum with and volunteers. This and my energy and needs which will ensure the health and vi-
Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso tality of our community’s future.
the goal of bringing our partner Jew- determination to make a difference fueled
To: Leslie Beckoff in Honor of Your ish organizations together for the benefit me. I also am fortunate to work with a We need to be proactive in developing
Special Birthday of our entire Jewish community. We are professional like Robert French. And the our future leaders and philanthropists.
From: Jane Snow
confident that building relationships and Board has been incredibly supportive be- Many of the same needs that drove the
trust can help us overcome the challenges lieving in me to do the work. If I can do foundation of Jewish Federations across
To: Lauren and Adam Rosenfield
in Honor of Your Receiving the Jewish communities are facing all over the it, you can do it: it just takes passion and the nation still exist, but we need to find
Schoichet Leadership Award country. With so many needs and desires commitment. new ways to address those needs while
From: Martha and Cliff Eisenberg
in our community, we must find common I’ve been involved with the Federation still providing exciting and innovative pro-
threads to bind us together in order to for over 30 years. My first exposure was on grams that interest people of all ages. We
To: The Jewish Federation in
Gratitude for Shalom Shuttle move forward and share resources. We will a Federation Mission trip to Israel 34 years need to figure out a way to really make a
Service then be better able to try to do something ago with my father, who was involved in difference. We know people like to be at
From: Rochelle Saks
that will ensure our Jewish community Federation in Shreveport. The Federation events with more people. What if more
and our Jewish institutions thrive. All of us has been helping the Jewish community for teens could be together?
Camp Kadima Memorial Scholarship
in Memory of need each other. The more successful each over 80 years now and although various is- The more we get to know each other, the
Leona Goldfarb and Minna Frank of our individual institutions – the stronger sues have come up, it’s the bigger picture more we will want to develop a community
we are together. that really matters. that is really a true community where peo-
To: The Family of Frank Altus in his
Our first meeting took place in May to Supporting the work of the Federation is ple feel good going to all places of worship
memory
From: Bobby Goldfarb discuss, “A Way Forward for our Greater really important and it’s a way to show that for programming and events. To really feel
welcome everywhere is a goal in itself.
Todah Rabah to Our Volunteers
Israel@71
Federation Campaign Callers Blanca Carrasco, Ellen Goodman, Monika Kimball, Annual Meeting
Co-Chairs Stephanie Calvo and Loree Furman, Co-Chairs
Leslie Beckoff, Weylin Burlingame, Stephanie
Calvo, Gloria Davidoff, Lori Gaman, Cynthia Thank you to Benita Neumann for all of her hard work Denise Tolentino, movie screen loan and setup
Henry, Jack Heydemann, Mika Cohen Jones, and support in making our event a success
Gregory Martin, Sara Heller Pena, Stuart Phil and Sally Alkon, Itamar Bastekar, Leslie Beckoff, Jenna Pink Store
Shiloff, Nathan Stevens, and Alison Westermann Bevens, Ann Berkson, Michele Blum, Dee Cook, Roberto Leslie Beckoff and Jackie Gulbas, Co-Chairs
Davidoff, Cheryl and David Decker, Edward Dubowitz, Staci
Café Europa Engman, Shari Ehrlich, Naomi Estrada, Neora Garcia, Judy
Grodin, Elijah, Hannah, and Noah Hagins, Victor Hollowell,
Itamar Bastekar, guest speaker Rose Jacobs, Debra Kanof, Paula Kramer, Debra Pazos, Eliseo
and Eva Pena, Rita Polsky, Mitch Puschett, Dora Roe, David
Sabal, Brian Small, Carolina Shoemaker, Noel Hollowell Smart,
Terry Sugarman, Denise Tolentino, Tiffani Torres, Sebastian To get involved with Jewish Federation activities or
Vargas, Janet Wechter, Sarah Williams, Amalia and Leora Zeitlin volunteer, please email sbendalin@jfedelpaso.org
TEXAS NEURODIAGNOSTIC, HEADACHE
& SLEEP DISORDERS CENTER, P.A.
BORIS KAIM, M.D. F.A.A.N., FAASM
Board Certified in Neurology, Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine
PRACTICE LIMITED TO CONSULTIVE NEUROLOGY,
PSYCHIATRY, ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY,
NERVE CONDUCTION, EMG, SLEEP DISORDERS,
AND TESTING FOR DIABETIC NEUROPATHIES.
2311 N. Mesa, Bldg. F • El Paso, Texas 79902
Phone: (915) 544-6400
915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org
4 | June 2019 The Jewish Voice
2019 Campaign
Thank You to Our Donors
List current on May 27, 2019
Patron
Bob Shiloff Sylvia Wechter
Sustainer
Robin Furman Randy Wechter
Leader
Leslie Beckoff Nancy Heydemann David Metrikin Rose Schecter
Cliff Eisenberg Bob and Elaine Krasne Bob and Jane Rosen Sara Shiloff
Dori Fenenbock Cindy Metrikin David Schecter Janet Wechter
Sponsor
Larry and Joyce Anenberg Jay Gladstein Paquitta Litt Adam and Lauren Eisenberg Rosenfield
Dan and Michelle Blumenfeld Bruce and Jackie Gulbas Lyndon Mansfield Stuart Schwartz
Bill and Marcia Dahlberg Jack Heydemann Bob and Susie May Jon and Arlene Sonnen
Martha Eisenberg Joyce Jaffee Arvin Robinson Deedee Spier
Tony Furman Steve and Wendy Lanski Louis Rosenbaum Jeffrey Spier
Supporter
Robert Beckoff Hal and Linda Ettinger Michael and Susan Jaffee Tom and Deborah Levy Dick and Jean Scherotter
Sue Bendalin Ross Fruithandler Debra Kanof Myer and Beth Lipson James Scherr
Ron Blumenfeld Mimi Gladstein Boris Kaim Randee Mansfield Dan Schuller
Walter Chayes Howard Goldberg Jimmy and Judi Keller Amy Marcus Bob and Jane Snow
Cindy Cohen Mona Goldberg Ellyce Kimmelman Bob and Susie May Bill and Anne Spier
Louis Cohen Randy Goldstein and Karen Herman Barry and Robin Kobren Keith Myers Beverly Robinson
Bonnie Colton Bequest David Goodman Nancy Laster Robert Novick Charles Zaltz
William and Jennifer Ehrlich Ellen Gulbas Eitan and Audrey Lavi Cesar and Debra Pazos Sue Zaltz
Sam Ellowitz Paul Gulbas Norma Levenson Mitch and Cathy-Glen Puschett Rabbi Ben and Katie Zeidman
Partner
Ira and Irene Batt Dick and Marlene Fass Bobby Goldfarb Alan and Cheryl Karp Alan and Mimi Pittle
Scott and Mandy Blumenfeld Robert French Tom and Cyd Goldfarb David Kern Neal and Lisa Rosendorf
Eric and Clarisse Colvard Linda Fruithandler Sheldon Gopin Scott and Lynn Kobren Harriet Roth
Beverly Dudley Cliff and Amy Gladstein Fifi Heller Kaim Bernie Lauterbach Shari Schwartz
Brenda Ehrlich Amy Goldfarb Barry and Tammy Karch Bobby Perel Marc Zuckerman
Fellow
Michael and Suzi Aaronson Andrew Feinberg Joan Johnson John and Bita Mobbs Felipa Solis
Philip and Sally Alkon Roberta Fennig Stuart and Frances Kahn Jeanne Moye Ed and Helene Solomon
Dan and Simy Allan Loree Furman Eddie and Rebecca Kallman John Moye Daniel and Vanessa Sonnen
Nono Altus Alan and Lori Gaman Marc Kaplan Lee and Sandy Nadler Miriam Spitz Domnitz
Jerry and Haidi Appel Paul and Maria Geneson Rabbi Larry and Rhonda Karol Mort Naiman Alejandra (Alex) Sosa
Richard and Eileen Armour Tom and Elisa Given Richard Katz Rachelle Nedow Bill Stein and Susan Michaelson
Shirleen Askenazi Rebecca Glaser Richard and Rosalie Kaufman Irene Oppenheimer Sharon Stein
Art August Richard and Susan Glaser Sam Kessel Leon and Margie Ospovat Scott and Bonny Stevens
Gloria August Ruth Gniazdowitz Robert and Monika Kimball David Paul Peter Svarzbein
Harry and Diane Bass Estelle Goldman David and Kristin Kimmelman David Pearlman Mark Tombosky
William and Cynthia Bass Julian Gonzalez - Herrell Maria Klein Joyce Post Paula Tombosky
Sam and Gayle Belford Erline Gordon Sam and Lenore Kobren Justin and Jessica Pretiger Amit Toren
Bernadine Belkin Norman and Cheryl Gordon Joan Korn Debby Robalin Pollie Toren
Deb Benedict Sandy and Judy Grodin Ken Korn Leslie Rockey Fred and Ellen Torres
Arthur and Rebecca Berkson Neal and Joyce Gronich Sylvia Korn Miriam Rosenbaum Phyllis Tromer
Michael and Carol Bernstein Danny and Dina Hamicha Gabe and Anabel Koshinsky Noel Rosenbaum Bob Warach
Bob and Edi Brannon Deborah Hamlyn Lloyd Krapin Charlotte Roth Jane Warach
David Brown Leonard and Janette Heller David Leffman Nancy Rothschild David and Alison Westermann
Stephanie Calvo Mary Hines Mark and Kyta Levitt Jaime and Martha Rubinstein Dan and Ophra Leyser Whalen
Bill Carvajal Fred and Nina Hirsh Erika Lopez-Bertiery Wendy Rothschild Mike White
Olivia Chavez Nat Holzer Mark and Beth McCoy Tibor Schaechner Moshe Yardeni
Cindy Graff Cohen Julian Horwitz W. Gordon Mahon James Schwartz Mark Zimmerman
Mika Cohen Jones Ira and Becky Horowitz Michael and Barbara Mandel Lee Schwartz
Dee Cook Bob and Claire Jacobs Gary and Allison Mann Lolli Scott
Jim and Marian Daross Ruth Ellen Jacobson Hal and Patricia Marcus Steve Shapiro
Friend
Sandra Aaronson John and Lourdes Eger Mary Kirshenbaum Marcos and Sara Pena Sherry Smith
Maria Almaraz Paul Feil David Klahr Alberto and Azucena Peralta Nathan and Letty Stevens
Steve and Sheila Alper Peggy Feinberg Erika La Coste Jorge and Elena Perez Annette Stone
Mario Aranda and Gail Slater Randy and Loretta Fertel Yosef and Susan Lapid Bob and Elaine Prensky Bob and Carol Teplitz
Ho Baron Chet Frame John and Shirley Leonhardt Henri and Diana Rafael Jamie and Beth Tierney
Allen and Michele Blum Norma Geller Larry Lesser Carina Ramirez Denise Tolentino
Frank and Dinny Bomberg David and Brenda Goldman Marlene Levine Alan Romaner Eddie Trevizo
Gabriel and Ethel Braun Sydney Goltz Clara Levy Steve Rosenberg Robert Trevizo
Randi Cabrera Ellen Goodman Jeff and Avis Lewis Ron Roth Jed and Melissa Untereker
Selma Chasens Rachel Goodman Robert and Carla Libby Marvin Rubin Jordan Waltzer and Lindy Eisen
Sylvia Cohen Allen Green Moises and Dora Margolis Ned Rubin and Francine Feinberg Doug Waters
Gloria Crohn Holly Hernandez Frima Marquez Rochelle Saks Paul and Lisa Weinbaum
Gloria Davidoff Elizabeth Hicks James McCarthy Wilma Salzman Jo Witkoff
Joyce Davidoff Mark and Patty Hutman Stan and Gerie Muchnikoff Etta Mae Scherr Jan Wolfe
Laurie Davis Elisa Kahn Donna Munch Martha Schlusselberg Charles and Carmen Yates
David and Cheryl Decker Daniel and Linsey Kaplan Paulette Newberger Carl and Natalie Scoggin Erich Zameret
Jamie Desjardins Bob and Judy Kirschner Allen and Eve Palanker Marc and Tara Siegel
Rachel Eckman Harry Kirshenbaum Helen Pearlmutter Judy Sloane
To make a difference in your Jewish Community and be included in the next list, please contact sbendalin@jfedelpaso.org
BETTER TOGETHER
The Jewish Voice June 2019 | 5
Holidays, happy kids, and family involvement: The J ends year 2
As its second year comes to a close, and Simchat Torah. The students closed demonstration.
The J Center for Early Learning is “filled out the year with a Chanukah program The week also
with gratitude,” says Interim Director honoring our heritage and our city. The included special
Meg Birk. In year two, the school has program, which was supported by so art, cooking,
seen incredible growth. “When I ask my many in the community, was followed and family pro-
daughter if she’d like to stay home or go by a dinner that ended, of course, with grams.
to school,” says parent Rachel Good- sufganiyot! “It was truly great to see com- Early Child-
man, “she always says she wants to go to munity come out in full force to support hood and Par-
school! That’s how you know it’s the right the J at Chanukah,” shared parent Alison enting Coach
environment.” Westermann. Susan Glaser
Throughout the year teachers have Organic Herb and Vegetable Gar- from the Na-
crafted lesson plans that are student-cen- den: Our three, four, and five-year-olds tional JCC: The
tered, experimental, and relationship- sprouted seeds as they learned about the J welcomed
driven. While the many successes of the life cycle of plants and caring for our parenting coach
program are almost too numerous to planet. The class took hands-on learn- Susan Glaser
share, we’ve included a few highlights. ing seriously as they took to the dirt for several par-
Fall Holiday Programs: The J observed and planted an organic garden at the J. enting sessions at the preschool. These eration of Greater El Paso. With these or-
Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, They’re learning perseverance and dili- sessions covered topics ranging from ganizations’ support, as well as individual
gence in harvesting their mighty crop. navigating challenging issues to setting donors and volunteers, the continuity of
Hands-on Model Seder: The J educa- reasonable expectations. Parents were the 50-year tradition of Jewish preschool
tors took a Reggio Emilia approach to encouraged to share with each other, education in El Paso has been possible!
this year’s model Seder, encouraging the learning from one another while building Jordyn Rozensky
children to engage their curiosity. They community.
not only sang the four questions, but also NAEYC International Conference:
celebrated with activities such as turning Over 9,000 educators came together for
water to “blood” with food coloring, toss- the largest early childhood conference
ing cotton balls high in the air to repre- in the world. Three teachers from The
sent hail, and running through lengths J attended, bringing a wealth of knowl-
of blue fabric to experience crossing the edge back to the preschool and placing
Red Sea. our preschool on a path to be among the
Week of the Young Child: The Na- best.
tional Association for the Education of Enrollment for the 2019/2020 school
Young Children (NAEYC) encouraged year is nearing capacity with over 80 stu-
programs across the country to partici- dents in 9 classes – in fact, some classes
pate in the “Week of the Young Child” to are already adding prospective students
highlight early childhood education. The to a waitlist. The J remains thankful to
J kicked off the week with two UTEP Temple Mount Sinai, the Jewish Com-
music students and a cello concert and munity Foundation, and the Jewish Fed-
915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org
6 | June 2019 The Jewish Voice
Celebrate I
Yom Ha’atz
The Jewish community and other supporters
of Israel gathered to celebrate the nation’s 71st
Independence Day at the Keystone Heritage
Park Botanical Gardens on May 5. When they
left the packed parking lots, they walked into
a setting unlike any other in our community’s
history: a creatively designed “map” of Israel’s
landmarks, each with activities for the whole
family.
Presented by the Jewish Federation of Greater
El Paso and a small army of well-prepared vol-
unteers, the afternoon was a joyous discovery of
the beauty of Israel right here in El Paso. People
wandered the desert environment from Tzfat
to Tel Aviv and from The Golan to Jerusalem,
stopping to eat, play, dance, and even pet farm
animals at the “kibbutz.”
A handout marking the park’s Israel-inspired
locations took participants across the map. They
sipped Israeli wine at an elevated deck in Go-
lan’s vineyards at the edge of a little pond that
could be re-imagined as the Sea of Galilee and
they placed prayers in a rock wall representing
the Kotel. Children enjoyed a fun archaeologi-
BETTER TOGETHER
The Jewish Voice June 2019 | 7
Israel at 71
zmaut 2019
cal dig and traced their way through a maze
representing Hezekiah’s Tunnel. On the other
side of the park at Caeserea, people joined Is-
raeli dances and enjoyed non-stop live Israeli
music.
In the shady Tzfat section, grownups took part
in drum circles and a variety of arts and crafts.
The park’s large gazebo became Cafe Dizengoff
in “Tel Aviv” where volunteers served falafel,
Israeli salad, pita bread, tahina, hummus, and
mandarin oranges plus Dippin’ Dots ice cream.
Nearby was a photo booth with plenty of Israel
flags and an exhibit on the IDF Academy.
With many thanks to the three co-chairs --
Blanca Carrasco, Ellen Goodman, and Monika
Kimball, the many volunteers, and the generous
event sponsors, the day went from a vision on
paper to a vibrant reality in a few short months.
The result was a shared celebration that drew
people of all ages, denominations, and interests
for an important milestone for our beloved Isra-
el and an example of unity for our community.
Cindy Graff Cohen
Editor, The Jewish Voice
Todah Rabah to
Israel@71 Sponsors
Café Dizengoff: Janet and Randy Wechter
Golan Winery: Robin and Tony Furman
Petting Zoo: Martha and Cliff Eisenberg
Supporters: Shari and Stuart Schwartz
Friends: Robert French, Lori and Alan Gaman,
Susan Michelson and Bill Stein,
Meralee and Sidney Schlusselberg
915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org
8 | June 2019 The Jewish Voice
Women’s Campaign Road Trip: Margaritas in Mexico
The Federation’s 2019 Women’s
Campaign Road Trip to the Pink
Store in Palomas, Mexico, was a party
on wheels. The morning started with
brunch, coffee, and mimosas in front of
Congregation B’nai Zion before Rabbi
Stephen Leon shared a traveler’s prayer
and a Talmud reading he had creatively
interpreted for the occasion.
During the bus ride participants en-
joyed hearing good news fortunes by a
talented psychic whose insightful read-
ings surprised and impressed several
people with their accuracy. The block-
long walk to the Pink Store was easy.
The updated and beautiful new border
crossing includes attractive landscaping
and clean new buildings on both sides.
carts, all kinds of packages made it back to the
bus and walking back to the United States and Happy Graduation!
Before and after the group lunch, complete through Customs was fast and simple. People Lydia Duran graduated from Washing-
with mariachis and an impromptu line dance, thoroughly enjoyed the road trip -- and several ton University in St. Louis with majors
women said they were ready to go again any in Marketing/Supply Chain Manage-
everyone shopped at both the farmacias and the
ment and a minor in Design. While
Pink Store. With the Pink Store’s truck and golf time!
at Wash U, Lydia was a senator and
the PR project manager for student
government, held various officer posi-
Bar Mitzvahs: Mazel Tov! tions in Gamma Phi Beta, and served
as a TA in the business school. She
worked as a graphic designer, both
for the university’s law school and as
a freelancer. Her work has been fea-
tured in several publications authored
by various professors. Having been
a devoted coffee drinker since high
school, Lydia started @nextcupblog
on Instagram reviewing independent
coffee houses in St. Louis. In June
she will begin her career in advertis-
ing at Ogilvy in Chicago. Bob, Greta
and Kaylen are so proud of her!
I am Leor Daniel Goldstein and I am excited to On May 18, 2019, Samuel Farley celebrated his
have my Bar Mitzvah at Temple Mount Sinai on becoming a Bar Mitzvah. He has put in many
June 1st. I am currently a 7th grader at Lincoln hours with his Bubbe preparing for this day.
Middle School. I have been preparing this year to This last year at religious school, he was in a
lead my service and teach my friends, family and class that taught him the meaning of being a
congregation, and I am doing a teen philanthropy
humanitarian. From there, he wanted his Mitz-
mitzvah project with my Sunday school class.
While I was preparing this year I also have been vah project to involve animals. He is a regis-
busy with my sports, jujitsu, basketball and tered volunteer and plans to be an active volun-
track. I love spending time with my friends, play- teer at the Humane Society this summer. When
ing Fortnight, and being with my awesome ani- Samuel isn’t practicing Hebrew and going to
mals: Bamboo and Roxy are my dogs, Tif and Jay religious school, he has played basketball at
are my turtles and my cool chameleon is Darwin. Hornedo Middle School and for the Wolver-
My brother Elan, and my sister Dora already had ines city league team. He is very academically Benjamin and Ethan Martinez celebrated their Bar Mitzvah on May
their bar and bat mitzvahs and I look forward to driven as he was inducted into the National 12, 2019, at the Chabad of El Paso. Family and friends were in atten-
mine too. My parents, Karen Herman and Randy Junior Honor Society. His mom and dad, Matt dance including their mother Erin Martinez, father Raymond Martinez,
Goldstein, and my grandparents Tova and Peter and JoAnne Farley, and brother Patrick, and
Herman are excited for me too. After my bar mitz- sister Devin Martinez, grandmother Honey Phelps, aunt Kerry Riden,
his grandparents, Simon and Grace Bir, are so and grandparents Tomas and Anita Martinez. Thank you, Rabbi Levi
vah, I get to go back to my summer camp at Camp
Hess Kramer and see all my California friends. I proud of the young man he has become. and Shainy Greenberg and Rabbi Yisrael and Chani Greenberg for your
love going to Jewish summer camp every year. knowledge and for welcoming Ben and Ethan into the community.
BETTER TOGETHER
The Jewish Voice June 2019 | 9
Temple Beth-El News Camp Kadima celebrates 32nd
anniversary
A full house enjoyed Temple Beth-El's concert with Julie Silver, renowned Jewish
Founded in 1987 by Robin Gold, Camp Kadima is a summer camp for special
singer/songwriter/recording artist, funded by a grant from the Jewish Federation of needs children and adults. This year’s session runs from June 17 to July 5 at Congre-
Greater El Paso. gation B’nai Zion. The camp provides a variety of field trips and activities, including
swimming, therapeutic horsemanship, bowling, vocational skills development, sports,
sign language training, dancing, special guest visits, and more.
“We meet the needs of each individual camper,” says Robin, “We are proud to
provide these unique services to the El Paso community and proud to be entering
our 32nd season.” She adds that the staff is experienced in special education and the
campers represent an array of disabilities.
For information and registration, contact Tom Murphy, the camp director, at 915-
449-6473. The cost is $375 for the three-week session. The camp receives funds from
the Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso and individual donors. Donations may be
sent to the Federation for the Camp Kadima Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Julie Silver played guitar and sang with Temple Beth-El’s Rabbi Larry Karol
Temple Beth-
El students
and faculty
gather for a Photo courtesy of National Science Foundation
picture on
the school Mazel Tov to Dr. Larry Lesser and his team for winning a Grand Prize in the 2019
year’s last National Science Foundation’s “We Are Mathematics” Video Competition in Wash-
day of ington, D.C. in May. Professor Lesser, left, joined his team before their Grand Prize-
Religious winning video was screened at the biennial National Math Festival, organized by the
School. Mathematical Sciences Research Institute and attended by some 20,000 people.
915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org
10 | June 2019 The Jewish Voice
Every Other Wednesday: Café Europa
Borderland’s Café Europa invites senior members of our
Letter to the Editor Shuttle
deepest gra titude and app rec iation to the Federation for supplying the Shalom community for a Kosher style/vegetarian lunch and learning
My at the Federation’s offices from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every
to attend phy sical the rapy. Th e company supplied excellent service,
during the times I needed other Wednesday. Come join the fun!
drivers.
were always on time and provided fantastic
hel ped mak e a difficult situ ation better. I urge anyone who needs the service June 12 - Birthdays Celebration
The service June 26 - Dr.Ophra Leyser-Whalen, “How Social
it.”
to take advantage of it. “Try it, you’ll like Sciences View Aging”
Rochelle Saks July 10 - Birthdays Celebration
July 24 - Dragonfly Songs with Alison Westermann
At the El Paso Holocaust
Museum in June
“The Anguish of Liberation as Reflected in Art”
Works created 1945-47 by Holocaust survivors
On loan from Yad Vashem in Jerusalem
Through July 5, 2019
Mazel Tov
Civil Engineering Professor Soheil Nazarian, Ph.D., received the
2019 UTEP Meritorious Service Faculty Award in May at the UTEP
Honors Convocation.
Math Professor Larry Lesser, Ph.D., was elected to the UTEP
Academy of Distinguished Teachers.
BETTER TOGETHERThe Jewish Voice June 2019 | 11
L’Dor V’Dor: Four Generations of Jaffees in El Paso
Joyce Friedman Jaffee is a prolific and Joyce and Richard’s three daughters –
talented artist whose landscapes, portraits, Leslie, Sharon and Laurie – live elsewhere,
and still-lifes fill her beautiful home, bring- but see their mother often. In Austin, Les-
ing color to every corner and hallway. lie and Rick Otis are also grandparents:
Yet when she sits in her study, she has a their daughter Julie and her husband Ben
different view: smiling faces everywhere Waltzer have Joyce’s first two great grand-
you look as these walls are full of family children, Noah and Addison.
pictures with happy children and good The family certainly has its share of
memories. daughters; nine of Joyce’s grandchildren
Although most of her four children, are girls. Joyce was one of Ernest and
eleven grandchildren, and four great- Diane Friedman’s three daughters and
grandchildren are spread out around the like both her sisters, Doris Eisenberg (of
country, she is very glad to have a pair of blessed memory) and Lainy Bookbinder,
great-grandsons here in El Paso. They Joyce had three daughters, and two of
represent the matriarch’s fourth genera- them – Leslie and Laurie – have three
tion of family in her own hometown. daughters! (Of course, Joyce and Doris
Richard (of blessed memory) and each had a son in addition: Mike Jaffee
Joyce’s son Mike has lived in El Paso all and Cliff Eisenberg.)
his life, except while attending University While Joyce is overjoyed and under-
of Texas in Austin. Mike and Susan, who standably proud of each of her family
grew up in Iowa but met Mike during a members, she points out something spe-
visit to El Paso while she was also in school cial that brings her great happiness: each
at UT, have three children. While Lindsay of her four children and four married
is an attorney in Denver, Melissa and Alex grandchildren chose Jewish spouses. That
have returned to El Paso. Melissa and her is a lot of huppahs, horas, and broken
husband Jeff Gelb are the proud parents wine glasses to celebrate!
of the El Paso great-grandchildren, Ken- Cindy Graff Cohen
ny and Cory. Editor, The Jewish Voice
Four generations of Jaffees in El Paso, starting with great-grandson Cory Gelb, grand-
daughter Melissa Gelb, Joyce Jaffee, son Mike Jaffee, and great-grandson Kenny Gelb
Four generations of mothers and daughters: Joyce’s granddaughter Julie Waltzer with
great-grandaughter Addison, Joyce Jaffee, granddaughter Rebecca Leder, daughter
Leslie Otis, and granddaughter Allison Epstein
915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org12 | June 2019 The Jewish Voice
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