The Jewish Journal

40 Pages·2016·11.37 MB·English

HAPPY HANUKKAH! Find out about Hanukkah community events, 30 - 31
The Jewish Journal
of san antonio
KISLEV 5777 - TEVET 5777 Published by The Jewish Federation of San Antonio DECEMBER 2016
Dr. Cunningham, Catholic-
Jewish Relations Expert, to
speak at Hanukkah Celebration
On Thursday, Dec. 15, at 11:30
HANUKKAH LUNCHEON
a.m., members of the San Antonio-
area Roman Catholic and Jewish Thursday, Dec. 15 at 11:30 a.m.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
communities will gather for an San Fernando Cathedral Hall,
The new Pearl Society
231 West Commerce
for young Jewish women interfaith Hanukkah celebration.
in our community The event will be held at San
is growing. Fernando Cathedral Hall, 231 West
Cathedral are the co-sponsors.
PAGE 10 Commerce. Featured speaker was scheduled
WHAT’S HAPPENING This marks the 15th year that to be Father John Pawlikowski,
San Antonio-area Catholics
OSM, a leading figure in the
Wondering what your Jewish
and Jews have jointly celebrated
NEW! KIDDIE Christian-Jewish dialogue. Because
community has been up to?
Hanukkah. The Jewish Federation
KORNER
A sneek peek to a PAGES 18 - 23 of San Antonio and San Fernando See LUNCHEON, page 13
new feature perfect
for the kiddos,
fully launching in ADL leader: US anti-Semitism is at worst since 1930s
the January issue.
PAGE 38
(JTA) — At the opening to
the Anti-Defamation League’s
conference on anti-Semitism,
the organization’s national
director said anti-Jewish
hatred in America is worse
than at any point since the
1930s.
Jonathan Greenblatt (Courtesy of the ADL)
Jonathan Greenblatt,
KABBALAT SHABBAT
speaking November 17 at the He mentioned the platform
EN ESPANOL
opening of the ADL’s Never of the Movement for Black
Federation Innovation
Grant helps bring new Is Now summit in New York, Lives published this year that
Spanish language said currents on both the far accused Israel of genocide.
Shabbat services to right and far left have led to
Anti-Semitic graffiti left on a building near the University of Virginia Campus in
San Antonio. anti-Semitism’s resurgence. See ADL, page 13 Charlottesville, Va. (Courtesy Michaela Brown)
PAGE 15
WHAT’S INSIDE
12500 N. W. NON PROFIT
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CALENDAR 4 HANUKKAH 30
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TEXAS IN THE COMMUNITY 14 ARTS & CULTURE 33
PERMIT NO. 17
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WHAT’S HAPPENING 18 US & WORLD 34
Service Requested Home-
Requested Delivery By SENIOR NEWS 21 MAZAL TOV 38
Dec. 5, 2016
Also read the Journal online at: www.jfsatx.org
PAGE TWO
The Jewish Journal
of san antonio
PUBLISHED BY SUPPORTED BY
The Jewish Federation of San Antonio Grants from the Helen Arronge
12500 N. W. Military Highway, #200 Fund, the Eilenberg Family
San Antonio, TX 78231 Memorial Endowment Fund, the
Charles Atkin Memorial Trust
[phone]
Fund, the Freeman Education
www.jfsatx.org Fund and the Jewish Federation
Annual Campaign.
RONIT SHERWIN, CEO
JONATHAN GURWITZ, Board Chair
LESLIE KOMET AUSBURN, Editor/Director of Marketing & Communication
Now is a good time to have a heartfelt word.
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GRAPHIC DESIGNER Barbara Argo Debbie Linck The opportunity can pop up anywhere and anytime to have a heartfelt word with those
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That’s the idea behind Heartfelt Word. Let our booklet help you organize your thoughts and
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EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS: and your memory of them later, when they’re no longer around to share life’s experiences.
The submission deadline for the JANUARY 2017 issue of the Jewish
Journal is DEC. 12, 2016 at noon.
All materials submitted after this date will be considered for the
following issue.
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To place an advertisement or request ad rates, contact Sandy Leigh
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Ad deadlines for JANUARY 2017 ISSUE:
• Ad space reservations due no later than DEC. 12, 2016 by noon;
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Please include a contact name and phone number with all submissions.
The Jewish Journal is a free publication of the Jewish Federation of
In Elegance
San Antonio, and is published in print and online 11 times a year
as a public service to the community. Donations to offset production
and mailing costs are always welcome. at the
JEWISH JOURNAL EDITORIAL POLICY
Éilan Hotel & Spa

The Jewish Journal of San Antonio is a monthly publication created
and paid for by the Jewish Federation of San Antonio. The Journal's
primary focus is creating awareness and engagement within the local
Jewish community about activities, programs and issues with which
the Jewish Federation is involved.
As a service to the broader Jewish community, area synagogues and
18603 La Cantera Terrace
organizations are invited to submit content relevant to the Jewish
community at large for publication consideration. San Antonio, Texas 78256
Items selected for publication are done so solely at the discretion of
the Journal Editor and the Jewish Federation. Submissions may be
210-598-2900
edited and/or re-written for content and length.
We aim to fairly reflect the breadth and depth of activities and Jewish www.eilanhotel.com
life taking place in the San Antonio Jewish community.
2 DECEMBER 2016 A publication of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio THE JEWISH JOURNAL
JJ_RodfeiFeb2017_B.pdf 1 11/14/16 2:27 PM
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THE JEWISH JOURNAL A publication of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio DECEMBER 2016 3
IN MEMORY, CANDLE LIGHTING YOUR FEDERATION DOLLARS AT WORK
Jewish community leader
CANDLE LIGHTING
Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 Friday, Dec. 23, 2016
Vexler leaves lasting legacy
Light Candles at: 5:16 p.m. Light Candles at: 5:23 p.m.
Shabbat, Dec. 3, 2016 Shabbat, Dec. 24, 2016
Shabbat Ends: 6:13 p.m. Shabbat Ends: 6:20 p.m.
Though in more recent years nio Jewish community and be-
she was known for her devo- yond. From helping to improve Friday, Dec. 9, 2016 Friday, Dec. 30, 2016
tion to yoga, both practicing conditions in poor communi- Light Candles at: 5:17 p.m. Light Candles at: 5:27 p.m.
and teaching it, Esther Scharlack ties to teaching young women Shabbat, Dec. 10, 2016 Shabbat, Dec. 31, 2016
Vexler, who died in November at at the Healy-Murphy Center Shabbat Ends: 6:14 p.m. Shabbat Ends: 6:24 p.m.
the age of 98, also leaves behind a
legacy of service to the San Anto- See VEXLER, page 12 Friday, Dec. 16, 2016 Friday, Jan 6, 2017
Light Candles at: 5:19 p.m. Light Candles at: 5:32 p.m.
Shabbat, Dec. 17, 2016 Shabbat, Jan 7, 2017
IN LOVING MEMORY Shabbat Ends: 6:17 p.m. Shabbat Ends: 6:29 p.m.
Yvette Levine Alterman Kalter Albert Serfaty
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Shirley Betesh Kboudi Evelyn Stern
Fanya Rud Esther Scharlack Vexler
The monthly calendar for the San Antonio Jewish
Community is now available online on the
CORRECTION:
website of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio.
In the November issue, we made an error. Edmund Serfaty was inadvertently listed
Keep up with the most up to date happenings at
on our In Memory page. Please note that he is, thankfully, alive and well. We extend
our condolences to Edmund and his family on the passing of his father, Albert Serfaty. www.jfsatx.org.
The Jewish Federation of San Antonio will
“gift” $1000 to first time Jewish overnight
campers through One Happy Camper grants.

Help your children build community while
being Jewish and having fun!
Contact Lauren Abraham for more information at
[email protected] or [phone]
4 DECEMBER 2016 A publication of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio THE JEWISH JOURNAL
YOUR FEDERATION DOLLARS AT WORK
Story of endurance and fortitude SAVE THE DATE – January 15
Interfaith Service to
Commemorate
When I was in preschool, One thing we can agree on is
Letter from
Martin Luther King, Jr.
I made a hanukkiyah out of a our CEO that we all like a happy ending,
piece of wood, painted in gold and the Maccabees ensured The thirtieth annual Martin Luther
and adorned with screws to be RONIT the sacredness of the Temple King Interfaith Service will be
SHERWIN
used as candle holders.  It was and the survival of their Jewish held on January 15, 2017 at 4
beautiful (through my eyes) and I community.  The narrative of the p.m. at New Creation Christian
loved using it during Hanukkah.  reminder that there is ultimately Maccabees is one of endurance Fellowship, 8700 Fourwinds Dr.
By the time my younger sister light through the darkness and and fortitude.  Therefore, we The guest speaker will be Bishop
was in preschool, our dining goodness can prevail.  The ironic celebrate Hanukkah with light Woodie W. White, Bishop in
room table was aglow with four thing about the story of the (and oil) and the enduring Residence at the Candler School
such hanukkiyot, each created Maccabees is that while it is the symbol of the Hanukkah of Theology at Emory University.
by one of the Sherwin children.  easiest of Jewish narratives to menorah.
“The seven major faith groups will
The room was overwhelmingly relay as the Jewish superheroes Please join us on December be represented during the program,”
bright, particularly in contract tale, the reality of the history 14 as we celebrate the close of said Dr. John Abdo, chairman of the
to the darkest of the Cleveland is nuanced and complex.  The our Federation 2016 annual MLK Interfaith Committee. Following
the service there will be a reception
winter nights.  Maccabees fought the Assyrians campaign with the music of
featuring music, an art exhibit and
We are now entering the season and also fought amongst their Israeli vocal artist David Broza. 
foods prepared by the Baha’i, Turkish,
of darkness, when our days are own Jewish community – that’s His voice and song will lighten and Jewish communities.
short and the nights are longer.  the dirty part I did not learn in our hearts and souls for the
While it is a far stretch from Sunday school.  The Maccabees upcoming Hanukkah season.  I For more information, contact the
Community Relations Office of the
an Ohio winter, the Texas air is rallied against those in the Jewish hope to see many of you there!
Jewish Federation of San Antonio at
cold and chilling.  And yet we community who assimilated into L’shalom,
[phone].
have the lights of Hanukkah, a the Greek culture. Ronit
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THE JEWISH JOURNAL A publication of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio DECEMBER 2016 5
6 DECEMBER 2016 A publication of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio THE JEWISH JOURNAL
YOUR FEDERATION DOLLARS AT WORK
PJ Library celebrates
fall at pumpkin patch
PJ Library families came out
to play, pick pumpkins, hear PJ
Library stories, and create crafts at
the St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Pumpkin Patch. The day featured
a large variety of PJ children of
all ages (6 months to 8 years old),
with great family social time
and beautiful photo opportunities
PJ Library Coordinator Lauren Abraham taught the young readers about the upcoming
that included pumpkins and corn
holiday of Sukkot, as they read the PJ book, Tamar’s Sukkah.
mazes. 
The children heard the PJ PJ Readers Lauren Abramson
Library story, Tamar’s Sukkah and Nora Lerich enjoyed
spending the afternoon in the
and learned blessings for the
corn maze, as they prepared
fall and their sukkot. PJ Library
for fall, picked pumpkins, and
Coordinator Lauren Abraham
played with friends.
stated, “Although the weather
was warm, the welcome from
the St. Thomas Church and the
excitement on the playground was
PJ family Rina, Donovan, and Kevin
second to none.  The PJ kids could Edens enjoyed decorating a pumpkin fall Main Street Properties / 2x1 units (2 units)
not get enough fun!” decoration with corn. Jewish Journal - Sept. 2014
Celebrate with Friends and Help Temple Beth-El Shine
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Thursday, December 15, 2016 • 7:00-10:00 pm
casual dress • dinner by The RK Group • DJ • dancing
beverages compliments of Republic
Table sponsorships (seat 8): Gold $1800, Silver $1200, Bronze $800
Single tickets $72 • Exciting raffle, too!
211 Belknap • www.beth-elsa.org • 733-9135, ext. 208
THE JEWISH JOURNAL A publication of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio DECEMBER 2016 7
YOUR FEDERATION DOLLARS AT WORK
CRC works to combat
impact of BDS
From l-r: Raul Rodriguez, Philip Moss (CRC Chair), Henry Gonzalez,
movement against Israel
and Rabbi Samuel Stahl
Common Roots,
On Wednesday Nov. Common Values
9, guest speaker Rabbi
David Komerofsky of
Temple Chai addressed
By Ellen Ollervidez, panelist offered their San
the Community Relations
Director of the Community Antonio and International
Council, a program of
Relations Council experiences that segued
Jewish Federation, on the
into a discussion of how
topic of BDS: The Facts
On Wednesday, Oct. our communities can build
and Reality. The Boycott,
19, guests Rabbi Sam upon our shared history to
Divestment, and Sanction
Stahl, Raul Rodriguez, enhance our relationship and
(BDS) movement organizes
and Henry Gonzalez understanding.
to delegitimize, demonize,
spoke to the Community Rabbi Stahl spoke of
defame, and isolate Israel
Relations Council (CRC) the complexity of forging
and the Jewish people.
on the topic Catholic- relationships because of the
Noting the strength of the
Jewish Relations: Past,
movement at some U.S. From l-r Maxine Cohen, Susan Blumenthal, Anaelle Nunez, and Rabbi David
Komerofsky. Present, and Future. Each See ROOTS, page 9
universities, Komerofsky
spoke of its impact upon
campus culture and Jewish
students.
He expressed the need
for our community and
children to build a strong,
mature relationship with
Israel and to develop our
Jewish identity in our
homes and communities to
protect ourselves from this
movement.
If you would like to
learn more, contact Ellen
Ollervidez at ollervideze@
jfsatx.org.
John Troy / 1x1 units (1 unit)
Jewish Journal - December 2014
John S. Troy
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
MEMBER A.S.L.A.
222-1355
www.johnstroylandarch.com
8 DECEMBER 2016 A publication of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio THE JEWISH JOURNAL
YOUR FEDERATION DOLLARS AT WORK
ROOTS Raul Rodriguez, Chairman Henry Gonzalez, partner
continued from page 8 of the Board of the U.S.- with the law firm of Gonzalez
Mexico Foundation, spoke Chiscano Angulo & Kasson
view of the Church toward
of the ways in which and grandson of the late
Jews and Judaism. He told how
we could dialogue by Henry B. Gonzalez, discussed
his Catholic friends needed to
examining cultural links, his family’s experience fleeing
obtain a special dispensation
religion, common origins, Mexico a century ago during
in order to attend his Bar
demographics, the Jewish/ the Revolution. His family
Mitzvah. But in San Antonio,
Hispanic link, philanthropy, established roots in San
efforts to unite Jews and
and entrepreneurial spirit. Antonio and became close
Catholics began long before
He believes the Jewish friends with many members
1965’s Vatican II. As early as
community has much to of the Jewish Community. He
1961, St. Mary’s University,
say about and teach about spoke of those relationships as
under the guidance of
the ways of tzedakah and being “an incredible blessing to
President Father Louis Blume, the entrepreneurial spirit our family.” Mr. Gonzalez went Hazzan Jeremy Lipton, Rabbi Sam Stahl, and Henry Gonzalez
asked Father John G. Leies to
including “mindset, ethos, on to talk about the many
convene Catholic, Protestant,
questioning, resilience, opportunities to make current
and Jewish clergy to discuss
chutzpah, and of qualities of connections with the Catholic
interfaith issues.
being a mensch”. community by sharing and
celebrating our commonalities.
Chicago Bagel & Deli He stated he hopes that lay
leaders of both communities
will lead initiatives to enrich
We have Hebrew National the relationship.
Guest of the CRC, Father
Salami, Corned Beef, Pastrami
Tim Eden remarked, “I
believe today gave many a
Wurzbach & Vance Jackson 691-2245
VMicontodary’s-F rJidaagyu 6aamr -/3 p2mx3 • Suatnuirtdsa y( 67a mun-3iptms) • Sunday 7am-2pm perspective of relationship
Jewish Journal - JGan Luikaer yus 2o0n 1F0ac e-b ovo.k1! that can be built upon and
enhanced.  It was very
Council Members and invited guest, Father Tim Eden, discussing Catholic-
uplifting.” Jewish relations in San Antonio
IDF Colonel Marom headlines
Federation’s Campaign Educational Forum
Seventy community
members gathered at the
home of Shari and Randy
Pulman on November 3,
for the Federation’s first
Campaign Educational
Forum, featuring
Israel Defense Forces
(IDF) Colonel Kobi
Marom.  Colonel Marom,
former head of the Hermon
Colonel Kobi Marom (2nd from left) with Randy and Shari Pulman, and
Brigade, and an expert on
Federation Board Chairman, Jonathan Gurwitz (far right)
Hamas, Hezbollah, and other
radical movements operating Annual Campaign.  He around the world.
w Repairs for all years and models in the Middle East, spoke spoke about the various This Campaign
about the situation that Israel programs supported by Educational Forum was
w Upgrades of components for modern
is facings today along the Federation and thanked presented in partnership
technology/performance Northern border and with community members for with the Community
Syria. their generosity.  Gurwitz Relations Council, and all
w Extended Warranty Services for most providers
Federation Board encouraged everyone to community synagogues. 
Chairman, Jonathan participate in the Campaign, To make your donation to
413 West Olmos Dr. San Antonio, Texas Gurwitz, spoke about the as the dollars raised, support the 2016 Annual Campaign,
impact of the dollars raised and “impact” Jews locally, please visit jfsatx.org 
[phone] [email protected]
through the Federation’s in Israel and in 60 countries or call [phone].
THE JEWISH JOURNAL A publication of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio DECEMBER 2016 9
YOUR FEDERATION DOLLARS AT WORK
The Pearl Society brings young, Jewish women together
On Thursday, Nov. 10, her pledge of $365, she will
the Pearl Society hosted have the opportunity to
an event at the home of purchase a simple elegant
Darcy Hoberman. The necklace with a pearl hamsa
Pearl Society, co-chaired hanging sideways for $25.
by Hoberman and Amy The Pearl Society
Lerman, is a Jewish currently has 34 new Pearls,
Federation program that and that number is growing.
provides an opportunity for The next Pearl Society event
women of intention to be is scheduled for March 9.
part of a new movement of Watch for details in the
young women with strong Jewish Journal.
For a dollar-a-day to gathering, Rochel Teldon Chair, shared why being
Jewish values. The group For questions about how
the Jewish Federation of shared a Dvar Torah, involved in Federation has
is open to young Jewish to become a Pearl or to get
San Antonio’s 2016 annual relating the week’s Torah been so rewarding to her
women who share a desire involved, please contact
campaign, individually, portion with accepting and her family.
to pass on Jewish traditions Samantha Mazuz, the Young
Pearl Society women can that we are in our current The chairs have chosen
to their children, make Adult Division Director,
make a difference in our situations because we are a piece of jewelry to
lasting friendships and at [email protected] or
community, in Israel and supposed to be. Dr. Amy commemorate this special
feel that they are making Tracy Morris, the Women’s
around the world together. Benedikt, Federation’s Pearl Society membership.
a greater impact together Philanthropy Associate at
During the November Women’s Philanthropy Once a young woman makes
through their mitzvot. [email protected].
Celebrate Jewish Book Month at the Beldon Library
Jewish Book Month, an annual event was adopted by other books as Hanukkah gifts. 12:45 p.m.; and Wednesdays,
event celebrated the month before communities in the United States. Jewish Book Week became so 2 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Hanukkah, is November 24 During the first fifteen years popular that by 1943 the event was The Mitzvah Project that the
through December 25 this year. of the program, the event was extended to a one-month period. Beldon Library has with the Vilna/
The celebration began in 1925 celebrated during the holidays Celebrate Jewish Book Month! Vilnius Jewish Public Library in
when Fannie Goldstein, a librarian of either Lag B’Omer or Shavout Explore the diverse world of Lithuania is ongoing.
at the West End Branch of the since these holidays were Jewish literature. Contact Beldon librarian, Lynn
Dough / 1x2 units
Boston Public Library, set up considered to be scholars’ festivals. Discover the great books at the Waghalter, at waghalterl@jfsatx.
(2 units)
an exhibit of Jewish books and By 1940, Jewish Book Week was Beldon Library. Beldon Library org for more information on this
Jewish Journal -
created Jewish Book Week. moved to the holiday of Hanukkah hours are: Mondays, 12:30 p.m. humanitarian project.
January 2010 - v.1
Two years later in 1927, the to encourage the sale of Jewish – 5:30 p.m.; Tuesdays, 10 a.m. –
10 DECEMBER 2016 A publication of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio THE JEWISH JOURNAL