.
. . . of the American Jewish World Service.
This is very apatow
and when you are done laughing, don't forget to do something about it!
*
and btw, here is a brief history of AJWS
*
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
New poll on Healthcare Reform
*
Never mind what you all thought the electorate said in the midterms, here is a report of a recent poll about what to do next for the nation's healthcare, from AOL's contributing editor, Bruce Drake.
Poll: Majority of Americans Say Health Care Law Should Stand or be Expanded
*
As usual, the politicians are having some difficulty doing what most US citizens want. Now that's a disconnect we should not let stand.
*
Never mind what you all thought the electorate said in the midterms, here is a report of a recent poll about what to do next for the nation's healthcare, from AOL's contributing editor, Bruce Drake.
Poll: Majority of Americans Say Health Care Law Should Stand or be Expanded
*
Marist's Lee Miringoff told McClatchy, "The political give-and-take is very different than public opinion. On health care, there is a wide gap between public opinion and the political community."
As usual, the politicians are having some difficulty doing what most US citizens want. Now that's a disconnect we should not let stand.
*
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Post-election Polical Highlights
*
So, you know how it goes, politicians are "all the same . . . "
Let's see how that pans out in a report on earmarks.
Here is an article, "Banning earmarks symbolic" from the Post and Courier by Alan Fram of the Associated Press. (You can see the original by clicking on the author's name here.)
But I will render the full article word-for-word below with the following highlights:
Red will be used to designate Republican-linked actions (e.g. in 2006, they held congress and the White House, so they were in control of earmarks)
Blue will be for the Dem-linked actions.
And Green will be factual, neutral, and fair and balanced! (Really! No kidding.)
Here we go . . .
_______________
Banning earmarks symbolic
Lawmakers can use other avenues for pet projects
BY ALAN FRAM, Associated Press
Saturday, November 20, 2010
WASHINGTON -- Despite their claims, the Republicans' ban on earmarks won't stop lawmakers from steering taxpayers' dollars to pet projects. And it will have little if any effect on Washington's far graver problem -- the gigantic budget deficit.
Saying Election Day victories gave them a mandate to curb spending, Republicans formally agreed last week to a two-year prohibition of earmarks, legislative provisions that funnel money to lawmakers' favorite projects. President Barack Obama has said he too wants to restrict earmarks, though he defended some as helping communities.
"I am proud that House and Senate Republicans have united to end the earmark favor factory," said Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., a leader in the drive to stop the practice.
While the ban will make it harder for lawmakers to bring pork-barrel spending back home, it is far from airtight. Savvy members of Congress have options such as "phone-marking," picking up the telephone and pressuring agency officials to spend money on specific projects. Lawmakers are sure to exploit uncertainty over exactly how the ban will be applied, such as whether it will bar money for projects already in the works. And Democrats, who still will run the Senate next year, have not agreed to the restrictions. Neither have some Republicans.
"There's no way you can stamp out every effort" by lawmakers to bring home the bacon, said Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., another leading earmark foe. "But you can marginalize it."
Even eliminating earmarks hardly would ensure that spending decisions will be objective and divorced from politics. Presidents and agency officials control where many federal dollars go, and always have used that power to reward allies. And formulas that automatically disburse other funds to states are themselves products of past political compromises with their own sets of winners and losers.
"It makes those who ranted and raved against earmarks feel good," Robert Reischauer, the Urban Institute president and former chief of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, said of the GOP ban. "But it is largely cosmetic."
Spending for earmarks peaked in 2006, when lawmakers diverted $29 billion to hometown projects, according to Citizens Against Government Waste. The numbers dipped to about $16 billion last year for 9,000 earmarks, thanks to public pressure and the infamy of influence-seekers such as convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
That $16 billion* is undeniably real money, but it amounts to just half of 1 percent of the $3.5 trillion federal budget. Lawmakers carve most earmarks from within agency budgets, so eliminating them would not save money but simply mean it would be spent on something else.
Even if the ban somehow did save $16 billion, it would not make a noticeable dent in the federal deficit, which hit a near record $1.3 trillion last year and threatens to remain huge. The shortfalls are being chiefly driven by growing, automatically paid benefit programs such as Medicare**, a problem that lawmakers have yet to seriously tackle.
Bob Livingston, a lobbyist and former GOP congressman from Louisiana who doled out many earmarks as chairman of one of Congress' spending committees, said he thinks the ban will reduce earmarks but have no real budgetary impact.
"It's a symbol, and my friends and former colleagues have chosen to bow to a symbol," he said.
Critics of earmarks say they generally go to senior lawmakers, divert funds from worthier projects and are doled out by leaders in exchange for votes on other bills that drive up spending even further. They are a favorite target of conservatives such as tea party supporters, and the GOP's effort to eliminate them is a way to please those voters and signal that the party will rein in a bloated government.***
"This earmark ban shows the American people we are listening and we are dead serious about ending business as usual in Washington," Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, in line to be House speaker next year, said Thursday.
Yet earmarks remain popular with many lawmakers who consider it part of their jobs to win money for deserving projects back home and view the projects as a way to please voters.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, was just re-elected over a tea party rival in a campaign where she championed earmarks. She opposes the ban and said Tuesday she "will always fight hard to ensure that Alaska receives its fair share."
James Walsh, a former GOP congressman from upstate New York and now a lobbyist, said two earmarks he won for his district became important in Iraq for electronically jamming hidden bombs and locating the source of incoming fire.
My footnotes:
* and $29 billion is just under 1 %
** Medicare - originally passed when Dems controlled Congress and the White House under LBJ, while the younger George Bush pushed through unfunded Medicare prescription benefits, adding hugely to the Deficit
*** The GOP are 0 for 2 on balancing the budget, so signaling is all they do on the issue. See Fareed Zakaria in Time
So, you know how it goes, politicians are "all the same . . . "
Let's see how that pans out in a report on earmarks.
Here is an article, "Banning earmarks symbolic" from the Post and Courier by Alan Fram of the Associated Press. (You can see the original by clicking on the author's name here.)
But I will render the full article word-for-word below with the following highlights:
Red will be used to designate Republican-linked actions (e.g. in 2006, they held congress and the White House, so they were in control of earmarks)
Blue will be for the Dem-linked actions.
And Green will be factual, neutral, and fair and balanced! (Really! No kidding.)
Here we go . . .
_______________
Banning earmarks symbolic
Lawmakers can use other avenues for pet projects
BY ALAN FRAM, Associated Press
Saturday, November 20, 2010
WASHINGTON -- Despite their claims, the Republicans' ban on earmarks won't stop lawmakers from steering taxpayers' dollars to pet projects. And it will have little if any effect on Washington's far graver problem -- the gigantic budget deficit.
Saying Election Day victories gave them a mandate to curb spending, Republicans formally agreed last week to a two-year prohibition of earmarks, legislative provisions that funnel money to lawmakers' favorite projects. President Barack Obama has said he too wants to restrict earmarks, though he defended some as helping communities.
"I am proud that House and Senate Republicans have united to end the earmark favor factory," said Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., a leader in the drive to stop the practice.
While the ban will make it harder for lawmakers to bring pork-barrel spending back home, it is far from airtight. Savvy members of Congress have options such as "phone-marking," picking up the telephone and pressuring agency officials to spend money on specific projects. Lawmakers are sure to exploit uncertainty over exactly how the ban will be applied, such as whether it will bar money for projects already in the works. And Democrats, who still will run the Senate next year, have not agreed to the restrictions. Neither have some Republicans.
"There's no way you can stamp out every effort" by lawmakers to bring home the bacon, said Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., another leading earmark foe. "But you can marginalize it."
Even eliminating earmarks hardly would ensure that spending decisions will be objective and divorced from politics. Presidents and agency officials control where many federal dollars go, and always have used that power to reward allies. And formulas that automatically disburse other funds to states are themselves products of past political compromises with their own sets of winners and losers.
"It makes those who ranted and raved against earmarks feel good," Robert Reischauer, the Urban Institute president and former chief of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, said of the GOP ban. "But it is largely cosmetic."
Spending for earmarks peaked in 2006, when lawmakers diverted $29 billion to hometown projects, according to Citizens Against Government Waste. The numbers dipped to about $16 billion last year for 9,000 earmarks, thanks to public pressure and the infamy of influence-seekers such as convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
That $16 billion* is undeniably real money, but it amounts to just half of 1 percent of the $3.5 trillion federal budget. Lawmakers carve most earmarks from within agency budgets, so eliminating them would not save money but simply mean it would be spent on something else.
Even if the ban somehow did save $16 billion, it would not make a noticeable dent in the federal deficit, which hit a near record $1.3 trillion last year and threatens to remain huge. The shortfalls are being chiefly driven by growing, automatically paid benefit programs such as Medicare**, a problem that lawmakers have yet to seriously tackle.
Bob Livingston, a lobbyist and former GOP congressman from Louisiana who doled out many earmarks as chairman of one of Congress' spending committees, said he thinks the ban will reduce earmarks but have no real budgetary impact.
"It's a symbol, and my friends and former colleagues have chosen to bow to a symbol," he said.
Critics of earmarks say they generally go to senior lawmakers, divert funds from worthier projects and are doled out by leaders in exchange for votes on other bills that drive up spending even further. They are a favorite target of conservatives such as tea party supporters, and the GOP's effort to eliminate them is a way to please those voters and signal that the party will rein in a bloated government.***
"This earmark ban shows the American people we are listening and we are dead serious about ending business as usual in Washington," Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, in line to be House speaker next year, said Thursday.
Yet earmarks remain popular with many lawmakers who consider it part of their jobs to win money for deserving projects back home and view the projects as a way to please voters.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, was just re-elected over a tea party rival in a campaign where she championed earmarks. She opposes the ban and said Tuesday she "will always fight hard to ensure that Alaska receives its fair share."
James Walsh, a former GOP congressman from upstate New York and now a lobbyist, said two earmarks he won for his district became important in Iraq for electronically jamming hidden bombs and locating the source of incoming fire.
My footnotes:
* and $29 billion is just under 1 %
** Medicare - originally passed when Dems controlled Congress and the White House under LBJ, while the younger George Bush pushed through unfunded Medicare prescription benefits, adding hugely to the Deficit
*** The GOP are 0 for 2 on balancing the budget, so signaling is all they do on the issue. See Fareed Zakaria in Time
Monday, November 15, 2010
Meet Rabbi Gil Perl
Melava Malka
Saturday Nov 20, 8 pm
Linda and Nathan Kirshstein invite everyone from WAM to a Melava Malka Saturday night at 8:00 pm at their home. Rabbi Gil Perl from Memphis, TN, will be in Charleston for Shabbos and joining us for the Melava Malka. Adults only, please.
Contact Nathan for further information:
Thursday, November 11, 2010
the current state of SA Jewry
*
Here is a concise article about most important issues facing SA Jewry from the Jerusalem Post by Caroline Glick.
Read it for the facts, and note that I am not endorsing Glick's opinions on everything in the article, such as how many "Muslims live in Cape Town".
South Africa presents significant dilemmas for Jews, specifically regarding mixed loyalties and the perceived similarities between SA's history of apartheid and Israel's relationship to it's Arab citizens and neighbors. I am not sure there is a happy middle ground to this question.
On the flip side, now that SA is a legitimate democracy, it should not get a free pass just because of its context and history e.g. silence on Zimbabwe and vocal support for divestment from Israel is simply hypocritical.
Here is a concise article about most important issues facing SA Jewry from the Jerusalem Post by Caroline Glick.
Read it for the facts, and note that I am not endorsing Glick's opinions on everything in the article, such as how many "Muslims live in Cape Town".
South Africa presents significant dilemmas for Jews, specifically regarding mixed loyalties and the perceived similarities between SA's history of apartheid and Israel's relationship to it's Arab citizens and neighbors. I am not sure there is a happy middle ground to this question.
On the flip side, now that SA is a legitimate democracy, it should not get a free pass just because of its context and history e.g. silence on Zimbabwe and vocal support for divestment from Israel is simply hypocritical.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Lincoln vs the Tea Party
CAN'T BUY ME LOVE . . .
For weeks, if not months, the media have been harping on the drubbing the Dems are about to get in the mid-term elections. The drumbeat has been incessant. Strange how tribal the world's leading democracy can be?
So, what's a liberal to do? First, stay in touch with your inner Stewart and Colbert. Let's rework Freud's formulation, of Ego, Super-ego and Id. Stewart is our Id - trashing anyone who leaves themselves vulnerable with the abandon of a three-year-old on sugar. Colbert is our Super-ego - the know-it-all confidence of Beck and UnRuly (aka O'Reilly) rolled into one.
So who is the Ego? How about Obama - as in cool, no-drama, no-panic, do-what's-right Obama. If you don't want to wait up for the live shows at 11pm on Comedy Central, catch the reruns at 7 pm the next day, or watch it online, and be sure to stay tuned to CC for coverage of the "Rally to Restore Sanity" today. As for sanity, mine's already restored.
There's great material to review from their shows this last week, with Stewart taping in Washington. There was a break a week back while the teams got ready for this week and the rally, but the week before that also had some gems. (Here are the links again: Stewart and Colbert)
Right now, have a look at Garry Wills on Colbert - spiking the Tea Party on the issue of racism. As Wills says, "Of course!"
The last few national elections have been interesting tests of Lincoln's wisdom, that you can "fool some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all the people all the time." In 2006, Rove's playbook of banning abortion and gay-bashing to get out the conservative vote was drubbed by the collective wisdom of the people, returning Democratic majorities to the House and Senate, with Bush still in office. So how will it go this time?
First, Tea Party Darling O'Donnell appears to have saved Biden's old Delaware senate seat for the Democrats - which you might call "magic"? No? And then there are fine women stepping up for the Republicans all over the place, causing the media to carp that the Dems are not empowering women in their own ranks. Spare me, ok, the Dems women are already in office, on the job, or had the job. (How about Clinton, Boxer, Feinstein and Albright?) Fresh faces are fine, but beauty is skin deep!
But let's be serious about this now (even if it really is serious all the time). California is providing an interesting lesson regarding the future of the Republican Party. Two substantial Republican women are running for major office in the nation's bell-weather state - Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina. Surely this is the next wave, and the country should be ready? California is historically a Dem supporting state, but has elected Republicans like Reagan and Schwartzenager, and if ever there was a time to defeat Democrats because of the economy, you would think it would be now. Both the current candidates have run well-funded and well-presented campaigns, but both are lagging. Why is that?
I am sure there are many reasons. For one, funding isn't everything. We know of course that politics is big business, and thanks to the recent Supreme Court ruling, Big Business can now spend freely in political campaigns. Further, both these candidates have spent chunks of their own money on their campaigns. If money was everything, they would be winning, no? Then again, not if you believe that silly love song, "Can't buy me love", which seems to have as much wisdom and power as the Biblical Proverbs. (Who would have thought that the Beatles would trump the venerable Supremes?) Politics may be big business, but being big in business does not necessarily qualify you to lead in politics, especially when you try to play the game for the Party of "No!".
The Dems may not be popular, but the Repudicans haven't got a clue. Tea and sandwitches, anyone?
For weeks, if not months, the media have been harping on the drubbing the Dems are about to get in the mid-term elections. The drumbeat has been incessant. Strange how tribal the world's leading democracy can be?
So, what's a liberal to do? First, stay in touch with your inner Stewart and Colbert. Let's rework Freud's formulation, of Ego, Super-ego and Id. Stewart is our Id - trashing anyone who leaves themselves vulnerable with the abandon of a three-year-old on sugar. Colbert is our Super-ego - the know-it-all confidence of Beck and UnRuly (aka O'Reilly) rolled into one.
So who is the Ego? How about Obama - as in cool, no-drama, no-panic, do-what's-right Obama. If you don't want to wait up for the live shows at 11pm on Comedy Central, catch the reruns at 7 pm the next day, or watch it online, and be sure to stay tuned to CC for coverage of the "Rally to Restore Sanity" today. As for sanity, mine's already restored.
There's great material to review from their shows this last week, with Stewart taping in Washington. There was a break a week back while the teams got ready for this week and the rally, but the week before that also had some gems. (Here are the links again: Stewart and Colbert)
Right now, have a look at Garry Wills on Colbert - spiking the Tea Party on the issue of racism. As Wills says, "Of course!"
The last few national elections have been interesting tests of Lincoln's wisdom, that you can "fool some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all the people all the time." In 2006, Rove's playbook of banning abortion and gay-bashing to get out the conservative vote was drubbed by the collective wisdom of the people, returning Democratic majorities to the House and Senate, with Bush still in office. So how will it go this time?
First, Tea Party Darling O'Donnell appears to have saved Biden's old Delaware senate seat for the Democrats - which you might call "magic"? No? And then there are fine women stepping up for the Republicans all over the place, causing the media to carp that the Dems are not empowering women in their own ranks. Spare me, ok, the Dems women are already in office, on the job, or had the job. (How about Clinton, Boxer, Feinstein and Albright?) Fresh faces are fine, but beauty is skin deep!
But let's be serious about this now (even if it really is serious all the time). California is providing an interesting lesson regarding the future of the Republican Party. Two substantial Republican women are running for major office in the nation's bell-weather state - Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina. Surely this is the next wave, and the country should be ready? California is historically a Dem supporting state, but has elected Republicans like Reagan and Schwartzenager, and if ever there was a time to defeat Democrats because of the economy, you would think it would be now. Both the current candidates have run well-funded and well-presented campaigns, but both are lagging. Why is that?
I am sure there are many reasons. For one, funding isn't everything. We know of course that politics is big business, and thanks to the recent Supreme Court ruling, Big Business can now spend freely in political campaigns. Further, both these candidates have spent chunks of their own money on their campaigns. If money was everything, they would be winning, no? Then again, not if you believe that silly love song, "Can't buy me love", which seems to have as much wisdom and power as the Biblical Proverbs. (Who would have thought that the Beatles would trump the venerable Supremes?) Politics may be big business, but being big in business does not necessarily qualify you to lead in politics, especially when you try to play the game for the Party of "No!".
The Dems may not be popular, but the Repudicans haven't got a clue. Tea and sandwitches, anyone?
Monday, October 11, 2010
Renovations at JCC
Due to renovation of the JCC auditorium, until further notice, all Saturday WAM services will take place in the Addlestone Library/Celia and Sol Cohen Media Center at AHA.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
l'shanah tova
As the time for Rosh HaShanah comes around again, many of us who have not been in shul all year may find ourselves attending services again. Or we may attend a dinner with family or friends to mark the start of another Jewish year. It's a special time for most, for some perhaps, an obligation, borne with a sense of patience and a tinge of guilt, and all-the-while looking forward to "getting it over with".
Even so, there will be things to think about - will the rabbi make a good sermon, or will it be tedious and long like last year? Will the choir sing anything new, and is the chazzan looking at the ladies again? Are the ladies dressed fashionably, with taste or without it? Has Reeva put on weight and has Herb gone gray? Will there be a good crowd and who will stay to the end? Is that a real tan? Are the Steins and the Grossmans still not talking? How many kids does the assistant rabbi have already? What are all these prayers about . . . and who cares about all this stuff anyway?
And later, at dinner - "look at all this FOOD! This is simply too much!"
With all these things to think about, there is at least one further question to consider: can one break through all these distractions and connect with something deeper? Well, it may just be possible. Possible, but still a long shot? Now, I hear some of you saying, "Yes, sir, a very, very long shot." But with a bit of luck, maybe not.
Getting into the zone for prayer and meditation more than likely takes some effort and preparation. Brain plasticity is all very well, but if you haven't been practicing this stuff, it's not going to materialize out of the blue, now is it?
Well, getting it going may not be all that difficult. Firstly, you're doing all that thinking, right? All those thoughts knocking about in your head? You're day-dreaming already, just give your mind some quiet, some space, to think about something. Who has "kept you and sustained you"? Now, or sometime in the past. You don't have to stretch the answer to include G-d from the get-go. But you should be able to fill in some names that begin to answer the question. Who are those who have done something for you, this last week? . . . this month, or this year or way further back? Think this over, and appreciate it. Breath deeply and begin to count your blessings. As you do this, you should begin to feel a little different - that's a start.
Now it is true that you don't have to go to shul to do this, but the Jewish way is to do this communally - it is not good for us to be alone. And don't just consider who has done something for you, but what have you done for someone else? Such reflections may be a way for you to begin to connect with the notions of meditation or prayer, and feelings of gratitude and peace.
Shanah Tovah
___________________
Other sources:
The full blessing of Shehecheyanu : (which can be found in prayer books as part of Kiddush for festivals and Rosh HaShanah)
" . . . who has kept us and sustained us, and brought us to this time."
Turn, turn, turn - wikipedia
(play the song and slide show)
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time to build up,a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late
Monday, September 06, 2010
10 minutes of essential reading . . .
. . . as we approach Rosh HaShanah 2010
It is customary to reflect on things as we approach the new year. Traditional Judaism follows an intricate process leading up to the holidays. The shofar is sounded at morning services and extra prayers and services are added to prepare us for the "Days of Awe".
At this moment in our history, we should also reflect on the societal implications of the "Jewish experience". A recent endowment to the Jewish Studies Program at the College of Charleston has helped establish a Holocaust Studies program (the Zucker/Goldberg Holocaust Education Initiative) that will serve as a model for teaching tolerance. We must be mindful of what that means in our world today.
Here is a short opinion piece that is essential reading for right here, and right now. In the midst of all the babble in the media, on the internet, and in our e-mails, here are some crisp and rational thoughts to reflect upon.
America's History of Fear - Nicholas D Kristof
Wishing you all, Shanah Tovah
*
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Under the sea . . .
Here is a list of someone's
top 10 underwater travel spots
- two of which are in Israel; one in Eilat, and one in Caesaria.
as they sang in the Little Mermaid,
"Life is much better, down where it's wetter, take it from me . . ."
Be cool, later . . .
*
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Concert and Selichot Sept 4
Selichot Concert
Saturday, September 4
9:00 pm at the Recital Hall,Simons Center for the Arts (St. Philip Street between Calhoun & George Streets).
BSBI, Chabad, the CJF, KKBE, Synagogue Emanu-El, and the Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program at the CofC are joining together to present a Selichot Concert to welcome the High Holiday season.
Tickets are $10 each and are available at BSBI. A free reception will be held after the concert. The concert will feature violinist Neil Weintrob and pianist Robin Zemp as they perform such works as Nigun from the Baal Shem Suite by Ernest Bloch and the Sonata for Violin and Piano by Cesar Franck.
BSBI's selichot services will be held at midnight.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Introducing Rabbi Beni Krohn
Rabbi Beni Krohn (the director of JROC, Jewish Renaissance of Charleston) and his wife Chani will be joining WAM next Shabbat, August 27-28.
Over Shabbat, the Krohns look forward to meeting each and every one of us at WAM. Additionally, Rabbi Krohn will deliver the drasha and give a shiur before mincha. Chani will lead a women's learning group on Shabbat afternoon.
Rabbi Krohn hails from Newton, Mass. He studied in Yeshivat Shaalvim in Israel before receiving a BA in Psychology from Yeshiva College at YU. Last year he graduated from RIETS (Rabbi Isaac Elchana Theological Seminary) at YU, while working both as a Judaic Studies teacher at the Bat Torah Academy as well as serving as the Rabbinic Intern at Cong. Beth Aaron in Teaneck, NJ.
Chani comes from Teaneck, NJ. She attended Midreshet Mevaseret Yerushalayim in Israel before receiving her BS in Biology from Stern College. She has a BSN from NYU College of Nursing and worked as a Home Care Nurse for the Valley Hospital.
The Krohns have two children, Sarah, who will be three in September, and Moshe who is 11 months. Sarah will attend Addlestone in the Fall.
A message from Rabbi Krohn about JROC:
JROC was formed with the vision of bringing Torah education to as many Jews in Charleston as possible. The greatest challenge that JROC faces is to reach all members of our diverse community, as every single Neshama is equally important in G-d's eyes. Therefore, in addition to our work with BSBI, the College of Charleston, and the general Charleston Jewish Community, a major focus of JROC is to revamp and increase the educational opportunities that presently exist. Together with Rabbi Sytner, JROC will be presenting a brand new schedule of Shiurim - with classes meeting almost every night and in every location. There will be introductory classes for beginners, as well as in-depth classes for the more advanced learners. I will also be available for one-on-one learning for anyone that is interested. Together with my wife Chani, and our children Sarah and Moshe, we will be visiting all of the locations for Shabbat, in order to allow us to connect with everyone on a personal level. Whether we are visiting your home for Shabbat, or studying in a different location during the week, we look forward to forging strong personal connections with you and your families. Please feel free to schedule a study session, or suggest a topic for study by emailing me at: bykrohn@gmail.com
Best wishes to Rabbi Krohn and his family
Over Shabbat, the Krohns look forward to meeting each and every one of us at WAM. Additionally, Rabbi Krohn will deliver the drasha and give a shiur before mincha. Chani will lead a women's learning group on Shabbat afternoon.
Rabbi Krohn hails from Newton, Mass. He studied in Yeshivat Shaalvim in Israel before receiving a BA in Psychology from Yeshiva College at YU. Last year he graduated from RIETS (Rabbi Isaac Elchana Theological Seminary) at YU, while working both as a Judaic Studies teacher at the Bat Torah Academy as well as serving as the Rabbinic Intern at Cong. Beth Aaron in Teaneck, NJ.
Chani comes from Teaneck, NJ. She attended Midreshet Mevaseret Yerushalayim in Israel before receiving her BS in Biology from Stern College. She has a BSN from NYU College of Nursing and worked as a Home Care Nurse for the Valley Hospital.
The Krohns have two children, Sarah, who will be three in September, and Moshe who is 11 months. Sarah will attend Addlestone in the Fall.
A message from Rabbi Krohn about JROC:
JROC was formed with the vision of bringing Torah education to as many Jews in Charleston as possible. The greatest challenge that JROC faces is to reach all members of our diverse community, as every single Neshama is equally important in G-d's eyes. Therefore, in addition to our work with BSBI, the College of Charleston, and the general Charleston Jewish Community, a major focus of JROC is to revamp and increase the educational opportunities that presently exist. Together with Rabbi Sytner, JROC will be presenting a brand new schedule of Shiurim - with classes meeting almost every night and in every location. There will be introductory classes for beginners, as well as in-depth classes for the more advanced learners. I will also be available for one-on-one learning for anyone that is interested. Together with my wife Chani, and our children Sarah and Moshe, we will be visiting all of the locations for Shabbat, in order to allow us to connect with everyone on a personal level. Whether we are visiting your home for Shabbat, or studying in a different location during the week, we look forward to forging strong personal connections with you and your families. Please feel free to schedule a study session, or suggest a topic for study by emailing me at: bykrohn@gmail.com
Best wishes to Rabbi Krohn and his family
Thursday, August 12, 2010
New Eatery in Charleston
"The Black Bean Company, a vegan-friendly restaurant owned by Culinary Institute of Charleston poster boy Ellis Grossman, will open at 116 Spring St. on Sept. 1 and his concept is a big, appealing one: energy food."
See article at: Charleston City Paper
Best wishes, Ellis! See you on Spring Street!
See article at: Charleston City Paper
Best wishes, Ellis! See you on Spring Street!
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Paul wins Gershwin prize . . . .
For all you aging boomers, here is a real treat, and one promise of the 60s that did come through!
That music that all those wise people said we wouldn't be listening to 40 years from then. . .
In performance at the White House - yes, we can!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Jared wins essay competition
*
Mazel tov to Jared and his family. They went up to NYC for the week-end and attended the luncheon at the museum. Jared was the winner o
f the competition for 7 th through 9 th grade, and read his essay at the event.
Here's a link to the AHA website.
The article about Jared being named a finalist is on page 3 and his essay is on page 10.
In addition, you will see lots more going on at AHA and at the JCC.
Mazel tov to Jared and his family. They went up to NYC for the week-end and attended the luncheon at the museum. Jared was the winner o
f the competition for 7 th through 9 th grade, and read his essay at the event.
Here's a link to the AHA website.
The article about Jared being named a finalist is on page 3 and his essay is on page 10.
In addition, you will see lots more going on at AHA and at the JCC.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
A picnic and farewell . . .
'
Tzetchem l'Shalom Boachem l'Shalom to the Karavani and Lawrence families. Click here to see slide show of the farewell picnic.
Tzetchem l'Shalom Boachem l'Shalom to the Karavani and Lawrence families. Click here to see slide show of the farewell picnic.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Costner's play from "left" field
15 years ago, according to this article, Kevin Costner invested in Oil-spill Clean-up technology.
Hope it works, but a valiant effort even if it doesn't. Maybe those Hollywood types aren't so dumb and selfish after all?
Hope it works, but a valiant effort even if it doesn't. Maybe those Hollywood types aren't so dumb and selfish after all?
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Jewish jitters about Obama and Israel
The secular anniversary of Israel's independence took place towards the end of this week, on May 14th 2010. Israel is 62 years young, and we pray for her continued safety and that she may achieve peace with her neighbors as soon as feasible.
Back in the US, on the web and in emails circulating among our brethren, there have been rumors that Obama is about to abandon Israel.
In response, a group of rabbis was invited for close meetings with the administration, as you can read in this article from the JTA.
I wrote a brief response to someone who emailed me saying that these rabbis were selected for their moderate views. I am not sure this should be a criticism, but that was how it seemed it was intended. What would be wrong with limiting the selection to moderate individuals? Moderates are in the center, and it is the center and moderation that must hold. The extremes only tear us all apart, and frankly, the right is more dangerous now than the left, and getting more so.
Here is my take on the article excerpted from my response to the sender of the email:
Back in the US, on the web and in emails circulating among our brethren, there have been rumors that Obama is about to abandon Israel.
In response, a group of rabbis was invited for close meetings with the administration, as you can read in this article from the JTA.
I wrote a brief response to someone who emailed me saying that these rabbis were selected for their moderate views. I am not sure this should be a criticism, but that was how it seemed it was intended. What would be wrong with limiting the selection to moderate individuals? Moderates are in the center, and it is the center and moderation that must hold. The extremes only tear us all apart, and frankly, the right is more dangerous now than the left, and getting more so.
Here is my take on the article excerpted from my response to the sender of the email:
Thanks for referring this article to me. Please note the segment I have copied back to you, emphasizing that much material circulating on the internet and in emails is rumor mongering. Rumor mongering is not Obama's responsibility, but it is our collective responsibility. Sadly, I think too many Jews are unable to detach themselves enough from the rumor mill, and from their own longheld prejudices, including those based on race.
Obama has in his administration, Rahm Emanuel, a son of Israel, and Dennis Ross, who has a long record of peace-making on behalf of the US. These are good people.
On the flip side, we have a right wing government in Israel that is unwilling to deliver what the majority of Israelis believe is fair, that we work towards a 2 state solution, meaningfully.
Just as it was the case that most people wanted health care reform, but the senate could not bring itself to serve the will of the people, so it is in Israel - people in government block progress whenever they can.
You may not trust our president, while I do. I do not trust Nethanyahu, and this is based on his record. Too bad Ariel Sharon was struck down by a stroke at such a critical time for Israel. Sharon grew up and lived his entire life on the political far-right, before he came to grips with Israel's realities and turned to become a visionary for peace. Nethanyahu cannot fit into one of his shoes, never mind be the leader that Israel really needs.
So look at this quote from the article - it points to a big problem, and it is not a problem in the White house.
(From the article above)
Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt of B'nai Tzedek, a Conservative congregation in suburban Potomac, Md., said he felt it was especially incumbent upon the administration to explain its actions given the misgivings about Obama that had circulated in the Jewish community prior to his election, in an email-driven rumor campaign that described him as anti-Israel and sympathetic to Muslims.
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Yom Hashoah Program - Apr 11, 2010
Yom Hashoah Program
65 Years Since Liberation
Sunday, April 11, 2010, 3:00 pm,
Charleston Music Hall, 37 John Street
Keynote Speaker: Inge Auerbacher
Holocaust Survivor, Author and Speaker
Concludes with a silent march to the Holocaust Memorial
led by Dr. Monique Saigal
Friday, February 26, 2010
Purim Sameach 2010
*Check out this purim rap video.
And here's how to make your very own Hamantashen!
Have fun
Tarramti dum!
ps did you hear about the "Great Hammantashen Disaster of 2010'?
*
Sunday, February 21, 2010
March Scholar in Residence
This weekend, March 5-6:
Scholar in Residence program is being sponsored by Sandra Schwartz and Family in loving memory of Yonni, OBM, who was such a big part of the beginning of WAM.
Unveiling of the stone for Yonni will be Sunday, March 7, 10:00 am at the BSBI cemetery in Maryville.
Etan Ehrenfeld will be the visiting Scholar in Residence.
He is currently a third year rabbinical student at RIETS. He grew up in Teaneck, NJ and attended Torah Acadamy of Bergen County. He continued his studies for two years at Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh in Jerusalem before attending Yeshiva University where he majored in mathematics. In addition to his studies at RIETS, Etan is currently completing his Masters at the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education. In addition to his studies, Etan teaches at RAMAZ, and gives a class at the Jewish Center in New York City. He resides in Washington Heights with his wife, Tamar
Scholar in Residence program is being sponsored by Sandra Schwartz and Family in loving memory of Yonni, OBM, who was such a big part of the beginning of WAM.
Unveiling of the stone for Yonni will be Sunday, March 7, 10:00 am at the BSBI cemetery in Maryville.
Etan Ehrenfeld will be the visiting Scholar in Residence.
He is currently a third year rabbinical student at RIETS. He grew up in Teaneck, NJ and attended Torah Acadamy of Bergen County. He continued his studies for two years at Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh in Jerusalem before attending Yeshiva University where he majored in mathematics. In addition to his studies at RIETS, Etan is currently completing his Masters at the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education. In addition to his studies, Etan teaches at RAMAZ, and gives a class at the Jewish Center in New York City. He resides in Washington Heights with his wife, Tamar
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Scholar-in-Residence Shabbat
All events
at the JCC
at the JCC
Fri, Feb 12, Erev Shabbat
5:44 pm Candlelighting
5:45 pm Mincha-Kabbalat Shabbat-Maariv
7:00 pm Shabbos Dinner
8:15 pm Keynote address by Matt Rosenberg
Sat, Feb 13, Parshat Mishpatim & Shabbat Shekalim
9:00 am Shacharit
4:30 pm Study session
5:30 pm Mincha followed by Shalosh Seudos
6:48 pm Shabbos ends
7:00 pm Havdalah
Please join us as Matt Rosenberg will be delivering a Dvar Torah at Shalosh Seudos and concluding remarks at Havadalah
Kiddush/Seudah Shlishit Sponsor:
Kiddush is lovingly sponsored by the family of B.Jay Novit in honor of B.Jay's Aufruf. We join them in wishing B.Jay and Ricky all the mazel in the world. It will be a meat kiddush per request of the groom. Mazel Tov!
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Friday night dinner reservationsFor February 12, Friday dinner reservations: $12 for adults, $4 for children 4-11 years old, (maximum of $35 per household). Group tables may be reserved, at up to 10 places per table. Please let Arlene know. Checks should be made out to Arlene Rosenthal and mailed to her at 2221 Portside Way, Charleston, SC 29407. (You can RSVP in the meantime by email to her at arleneshawinsky@yahoo.com.)
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Next Scholar in Residence Feb 12 - 13
Matt and Sabrina Rosenberg will be WAM's guests for the next Shabbat in the "Climbing the Ladder" series.
Matt grew up in rainy Portland, Oregon, where helped found the local chapter of NCSY. Following high school, he attended Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh in Israel before continuing on to Yeshiva University, where he graduated with a BA in Psychology, magna cum laude. He received his Master's in Talmudic Law from Ner Israel Rabbinical College in Baltimore, Maryland, where he is a candidate for s'micha. He has taught Torah on five continents (including Africa) and in many communities across the United States. Matt is a talented musician and singer, and a terrible athlete. He enjoys travel, cooking for Shabbos with his wife Sabrina, and scouring Wikipedia for random facts.
Sabrina hails from sunny Los Angeles (yes, she knows celebrities). After high school she spent a year learning at Michlelet Esther on the Neve Yerushalayim campus in Jerusalem. She studied Communications and Social Work at New York University, and is now completing her BA in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Maryland. She hopes to pursue a MSW (Must Save World) and to work subsequently within the Jewish Community. Sabrina is an avid snowboarder, aspiring photographer, and world traveler. She has even gone skydiving and is much more adventurous than her husband.
The Rosenbergs reside in Baltimore, where they are Jewish Learning Initiative Fellows at Johns Hopkins University. They love having Shabbos guests - so let them know if plan to be in the Baltimore area!
Matt grew up in rainy Portland, Oregon, where helped found the local chapter of NCSY. Following high school, he attended Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh in Israel before continuing on to Yeshiva University, where he graduated with a BA in Psychology, magna cum laude. He received his Master's in Talmudic Law from Ner Israel Rabbinical College in Baltimore, Maryland, where he is a candidate for s'micha. He has taught Torah on five continents (including Africa) and in many communities across the United States. Matt is a talented musician and singer, and a terrible athlete. He enjoys travel, cooking for Shabbos with his wife Sabrina, and scouring Wikipedia for random facts.
Sabrina hails from sunny Los Angeles (yes, she knows celebrities). After high school she spent a year learning at Michlelet Esther on the Neve Yerushalayim campus in Jerusalem. She studied Communications and Social Work at New York University, and is now completing her BA in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Maryland. She hopes to pursue a MSW (Must Save World) and to work subsequently within the Jewish Community. Sabrina is an avid snowboarder, aspiring photographer, and world traveler. She has even gone skydiving and is much more adventurous than her husband.
The Rosenbergs reside in Baltimore, where they are Jewish Learning Initiative Fellows at Johns Hopkins University. They love having Shabbos guests - so let them know if plan to be in the Baltimore area!
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