Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By richards on February 21, 2017

U.S. President Donald Trump visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington on Tuesday, calling it a beautiful tribute to so many American heroes.

The new president read the names of several prominent black figures from American history, saying, I'm deeply proud that we now have a museum that honors the millions of African American men and women who built our national heritage, especially when it comes to faith, culture and the unbreakable American spirit."

He pledged to do everything I can to continue that promise of freedom for African Americans and for every American. So important, nothing more important. His visit came as the U.S. celebrates its annual Black History Month during February.

Trump said the fight for racial equality in the United States depicted at the museum is a meaningful reminder of why we have to fight bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms. He condemned recent threats against Jewish centers in the U.S., calling them horrible and painful.

But he promised, as he has numerous occasions, Were going to bring this country together, maybe bring some of the world together.

WATCH: Trump visits museum

Popular tourist attraction

The museum, on the National Mall not far from the White House, opened last year and has drawn large crowds and wide critical acclaim. It has nearly 37,000 objects in its collection tracing the history of blacks in America, from their arrival on slave ships from Africa, to the mid-19th century Civil War fought over slavery, to the advances toward racial equality at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

There are exhibits about black communities, their families, the visual and performing arts, religion, civil rights, slavery, and legalized racial segregation that existed in the United States as recently as 50 years ago.

In his upset presidential election victory last November, Trump won just 8 percent of the black vote compared to 88 percent for his Democratic rival, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Trump was accompanied on his museum visit by the only African-American in his Cabinet, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, who is awaiting confirmation as the presidents housing chief. The president promised to work closely with Carson to do great things in our African-American communities together.

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Trump: Black History Museum a Tribute to 'American Heroes' - Voice of America

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Posted By admin on February 20, 2017

From staff reports , pnj.com 3:41 p.m. CT Feb. 20, 2017

The Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick-off Parade happens at 5:30 on Jan. 6.(Photo: Special to The Bacon)

Sunday

Pensacon 2017

Sunday. The fourth Pensacon will take place at the Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St.; Pensacola Grand Hotel, 200 E. Gregory St.; Rex Theatre, 18 N. Palafox St.; Saenger Theatre, 118 Palafox Place; and Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. World-class celebrities will be on hand all weekend long to interact with fans, sign autographs and take photos, including Henry Winkler ("Happy Days," "Arrested Development'), David Bradley ("Game of Thrones," "Harry Potter"), Sean Astin ("Lord of the Rings," "The Goonies"), John Wesley Shipp ("The Flash") and multiple cast members from "Star Trek," "Star Wars" and "The X-Files," among more than 100 guests. http://www.pensacon.com.

'Evita'

University of West Florida Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 11000 University Parkway, Building 82. 2:30 p.m. Sunday and Feb. 26; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. This multiple Tony Award-winning musical drama is based on the true story of Eva Peron, who leaves her small hometown as a teenager to seek fame and fortune in Buenos Aires. There she becomes a celebrated actress and, eventually, the second wife of Juan Peron, helping him become elected president of Argentina. Ultimately, she becomes a true voice for the people of Argentina before her death. The show features popular hits Dont Cry for Me, Argentina, Another Suitcase in Another Hall and You Must Love Me. Tickets: $16; $12 for senior citizens and active military; $10 for non-UWF students and UWF faculty and staff; $5 for high school students; free for UWF students with valid Nautilus cards. 857-6285, http://www.uwf.edu/tickets.

Penny & Sparrow in concert

Vinyl Music Hall, 2 Palafox Place. 7 p.m. Sunday. "Let a Lover Drown You," the new album from Penny & Sparrow, is set for a March 11 release on Single Lock Records/Thirty Tigers. Andy Baxter and Kyle Jahnke began making music together in 2010 while roommates at the University of Texas in Austin. The duo built a reputation for creating strikingly honest, bare-boned acoustic music that resonated deeply with those who heard their songs and saw their performances. Tickets: $12 for general admission standing; $20 for general admission seated at the Vinyl Music Hall box office or online at http://www.vinylmusichall.com or http://www.ticketfly.com. All ages are welcome, but there is a $5 surcharge for those younger than 21. http://www.vinylmusichall.com.

Bruce Katz Band in concert

Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via de Luna, Pensacola Beach. 3 p.m. Sunday. Bruce Katz is a four-time nominee for the Blues Music Award for "Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year," selected by the Blues Foundation of Memphis. Besides leading the Bruce Katz Band, Katz performs regularly with the Delbert McClinton Band, Jaimoe's Jasssz Band, John Hammond and other artists, and was a member of the Gregg Allman Band from 2007-13. He had also been touring with legendary Allman Brothers drummer Butch Trucks and the Freight Train (until Trucks' recent sudden death), as well Allman Brothers spinoff band, Les Brers. http://www.paradisebar-grill.com.

Divas Galore at Super Jazz Gumbo Fundraiser

Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 5:30 p.m. doors; 6:30 to 9 p.m. event, Monday. Show your love for jazz at Jazz Pensacolas fundraiser. The Big Band of Misfits presents Divas Galore talented female vocalists Saundra Daggs, Angie Powers Bartlett, Sharon Carroll, Joanna Hayes, Holly Shelton, Cynthia Domulot, Crystal Joy Albert and Kathy Lyon. The evening of big band music serves as a fundraiser for the free Pensacola JazzFest, scheduled for April 1-2 in historic downtown Seville Square. Tickets: $20. Admission includes a cup of seafood gumbo, and you can order from the menu and cash bar. Hold onto your admission tickets for door prize drawings. Attendees can also purchase 50/50 tickets for a cash drawing. 433-8382.

Agent Orange, Guttermouth and The Queers in concert

Vinyl Music Hall, 2 Palafox Place. Enjoy a triple bill of classic punk rock as Agent Orange, Guttermouth and the Queers share the Vinyl Music Hall stage. Scars & Stripes will open the show. Tickets: $15 at the Vinyl Music Hall box office or online at http://www.vinylmusichall.com or http://www.ticketfly.com. All ages are welcome, but there is a $5 surcharge for those younger than 21, and those younger than 16 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult guardian. http://www.vinylmusichall.com.

Selwyn Birchwood in concert

Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via de Luna, Pensacola Beach. 6 p.m. Tuesday. Florida's rising young blues star Selwyn Birchwood received the Blues Music Award and Living Blues Critics' Award for Best Debut Album of 2014 for his Alligator Records debut, "Don't Call No Ambulance." Birchwood is a guitar and lap-steel-playing bundle of pure energy who delivers his original songs with a revival tent preacher's fervor and a natural storyteller's charisma. Free. 916-5087, http://www.paradisebar-grill.com.

'The Arch of Titus Menorah Panel: Adding Color to the Jewish War'

University of West Florida Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 11000 University Parkway. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Join Dr. Steven Fine, professor of Talmudic history at Yeshiva University in New York, on an exploration of his recent research into the relief sculptures of the Arch of Titus, in cooperation with the Institute for the Visualization of History. Standing uniquely at the matrix of Roman, Jewish and Christian literary and visual sources, the menorah panel of the Arch of Titus (circa 81 CE) is a unique artifact of Roman imperial propaganda. This presentation builds upon the discovery of the original yellow ochre pigment of the Arch menorah relief by the Arch of Titus Project and the implications of this discovery for the experience of Roman art and for our understanding of the Jewish War (66-74 CE). Free. 474-2658.

WSRE Public Square Speakers Series presents Ellen Prager

WSRE Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd. 6:30 p.m. doors; 7 p.m. event, Thursday. The WSRE Public Square Speakers Series will present Ellen Prager for a free evening lecture based on her book, Sex, Drugs and Sea Slime. With her ability to make science fun and understandable for people of all ages, Prager has built a national reputation as a spokesperson on earth and ocean science issues. She has appeared on "The Today Show," "Good Morning America," CNN, CBS, NPR, The Discovery Channel and more. She has participated in research expeditions to locations such as the Galapagos Islands, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and throughout the Caribbean. Formerly the chief scientist at the worlds only undersea research station in the Florida Keys, she now acts as the science adviser to the Celebrity Cruise ship Xpedition in the Galapagos. Free, but registration is requested at wsre.org/speakers.

Black History Month celebration with Clint Smith

University of West Florida Commons Auditorium, 11000 University Parkway, Building 22. 6 p.m. Thursday. The UWF Office of Equity and Diversity will welcome renowned poet Clint Smith as the keynote speaker for Black History Month. Smith is a writer, acclaimed spoken word poet, award-winning teacher and doctoral candidate in education at Harvard University. His two TED Talks, The Danger of Silence and How to Raise a Black Son in America, have been viewed more than four million times. In 2014, he earned the spotlight as the National Poetry Slam champion and Individual World Poetry Slam finalist. A book signing will follow Smith's speech. Free. http://www.uwf.edu/respect.

Kountry Wayne and Friends

Saenger Theatre, 118 Palafox Place. Up and coming comedian Wayne Colley, known online as King Kountry Wayne, has a following on social media of more than 3.5 million fans who support his comedic ventures. Tickets: $40, $35 and $28 at the Saenger Theatre box office, Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000. Additional fees may apply. 595-3880; http://www.pensacolasaenger.com.

2017 Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Mardi Gras Parade

Downtown Pensacola. 7:30 p.m. Friday. Celebrate the Krewe of Lafittes 62nd year at the Illuminated Night Parade. The Grand Marshall for the parade will be Buck Lee, formerly of the Santa Rosa Island Authority. Line the parade route along Garden and Palafox streets to catch beads and throws from the lighted Krewe of Lafitte floats and their band of pirates, who will be leading the way for more than 70 parade entrants, including floats from many of the local krewes, marching bands, local celebrities and area dance groups. http://www.kreweoflafitte.com.

African American Memorial Endowment Scholarship Banquet

WSRE Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd. 6:30 p.m. Friday. Pensacola State College is celebrating black history and heritage with an annual scholarship event. Nine students will receive scholarships at the African American Memorial Endowment Scholarship (AAMES) Banquet and Dr. Garrett T. Wiggins Live Your Dream Scholarship program. The public is invited to join scholarship recipients and community leaders for this evening of entertainment, inspiration, student recognition and dinner. The guest speaker is Verdell Hawkins, executive director, Gulf Power Foundation/ Community Relations Manager. Tickets: $12; must be purchased by Feb. 17. 484-1759.

Eric Lindell in concert

Vinyl Music Hall, 2 Palafox Place. 8 p.m. Friday. Eric Lindell is accomplished on guitar, harmonica, keyboards and bass, and has performed with many of New Orleans' top musicians since bursting on the scene in 2005, when he first appeared at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. His live shows draw as much attention as his material, and his combination of sweet, blue-eyed soul with foot-stomping R&B, swamp pop, funk and blues has won him critical and popular acclaim across the country. Vintage Pistol will open the show. Tickets: $15 at the Vinyl Music Hall box office or online at http://www.vinylmusichall.com or http://www.ticketfly.com. All ages are welcome, but there is a $5 surcharge for those younger than 21. http://www.vinylmusichall.com.

Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade

Downtown Pensacola. 10 a.m. line-up; 2 p.m. parade, Saturday. Pensacola Mardi Gras Inc. presents the Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade. In the past, more than 225 parade entries and 6,000 people have participated in the parade. http://www.pensacolamardigras.com.

Arsonwave CD Release Party

Vinyl Music Hall, 2 Palafox Place. 7 p.m. Saturday. Popular metalcore band and Pensacola natives Arsonwave will release their debut self-titled album, "Embrace Reality," at Vinyl Music Hall. The first 200 people in line will receive a free copy of the CD. Limbs, Brave New World and Rise Up Lights will open the show. Tickets: $15 at the Vinyl Music Hall box office or online at http://www.vinylmusichall.com or http://www.ticketfly.com. All ages are welcome, but there is a $5 surcharge for those younger than 21, and those younger than 16 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult guardian. http://www.vinylmusichall.com.

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Do it this week: Feb. 20-26, 2017 - Pensacola News Journal

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Posted By simmons on February 20, 2017

Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt criticized the Trump administration's handling of recent threats. | Getty

Ivanka Trump later lends her support via Twitter.

By Cristiano Lima

02/20/17 06:45 PM EST

Updated 02/20/17 07:20 PM EST

The Anti-Defamation League has again called on the Trump administration to act in light of numerous reported threats against Jewish Community Centers across the U.S. on Monday.

"The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is deeply disturbed by additional bomb threats directed against Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) in multiple states across the United States today the fourth series of such threats since the start of the year," the group said in a statement.

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As of Monday evening, bombing threats had been received in at least 10 Jewish community centers, including Buffalo; Birmingham, Ala.; St. Paul, Minn.; Houston; Whitefish Bay, Wis.; Chicago; Nashville; and Albuquerque, N.M. Many of the centers have since been cleared, and the ADL has deemed the reported threats "not credible."

"While ADL does not have any information at this time to indicate the presence of any actual bombs at any of the institutions threatened, the threats themselves are alarming, disruptive, and must always been taken seriously," the organization said.

The group, however, reiterated their call for President Donald Trump and his administration to outline how they planned to deal with the issue.

"We are still waiting to hear what administration will do to address ongoing threats to Jewish communities #answerthequestion," the group tweeted Monday.

Just over an hour after the ADL's call to action, first daughter Ivanka Trump, who is Jewish, tweeted in support of the threatened Jewish community centers.

"America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance," she tweeted Monday evening. "We must protect our houses of worship & religious centers. #JCC"

According to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, threats were also received on Jan. 9, Jan. 18 and Jan. 31, with 30 JCCs threatened in 17 states on Jan. 18.

The ADL's comments also served as a rebuke of President Trump's refusal to answer a question about the recent rash of antisemitic threats leveled against Jews across the United States during his press conference at the White House last Thursday, as well as a similar one during his appearance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Asked Thursday by Jake Turx of the Jewish publication Ami Magazine how he planned to counter the uptick in anti-Semitic threats, Trump claimed to be the least anti-Semitic person that youve ever seen in your entire life, and accused the reporter of asking him a "very insulting question." Trump then proceeded to tell the reporter to "sit down" and call himself "the least racist person."

The ADL came out strongly against the president's response, calling it "mind-boggling."

"On two separate occasions over the past two days, President Trump has refused to say what he is going to do about rising anti-Semitism or to even condemn it," said ADL's national chair, Marvin Nathan, and CEO, Jonathan Greenblatt. "It is mind-boggling why President Trump prefers to shout down a reporter or brush this off as a political distraction."

The Trump administration previously came under heavy fire for failing to mention the Jewish people in a statement in remembrance of those slain during the Holocaust.

In recent months, there has also been an uptick in other anti-Semitic incidents unrelated to the bomb threats. In University City, Mo., on Monday, more than 100 headstones were toppled and/or damaged at a Jewish cemetery.

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After wave of threats on Jewish centers, ADL calls for action - Politico

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Posted By richards on February 20, 2017

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On Shabbos morning, January 21, the congregants of Young Israel of Memphis (YIOM) was excited to celebrate with Michael and Alison Novich, as Michael marked his second cycle of completing the study of the entire Babylonian Talmud with a joy-filled Siyum HaShas and gala Kiddush. YIOM President Jonathan Kaplan commented, Our community is incredibly impressed with Michaels monumental accomplishment. His commitment to consistently study Torah on a daily basis inspires each of us to carve out time in our own busy lives for daily Torah study.

Michael and Alison also arranged for their former rabbi Rabbi Allen Schwartz (together with his wife Alisa and two of their children) of New York Citys Congregation Ohab Zedek to join them for this special weekend. During his stay in Memphis, Rabbi Schwartz shared six well-attended intriguing Torah presentations with the community.

Rabbi Schwartz was as impressed with our Memphis Jewish community as we were with him. At several points over the course of Shabbos he remarked how important it was for him and his wife to see and experience our terrific community first-hand. Many young couples they interact with are looking for more affordable Jewish communities. Rabbi Schwartz told us he would readily suggest Memphis as an option for those interested in relocating.

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Young Israel Of Memphis Celebrates Talmud And Torah - The Jewish Press - JewishPress.com

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Posted By richards on February 20, 2017

Binyamin Netanyahu with Lee Hsien Loong

Haim Tzach/ La'am

Speaking on Monday at a synagogue in Singapore during his first official visit to the country, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu emphasized the close relationship between the two nations and his hopes for a better world in the future.

"I feel that Singapore and Israel are kindred nations, and I find it's a special privilege - and an honor - to be the first Israeli Prime Minister to make an official visit to Singapore," Netanyahu said. "I think there is something special about our two nations.

"These are two small countries, two small nations, that defied the laws of political gravity, defied their small size, and achieved global predominance. This is what is happening. It happened because of leadership, vision, the talent and passion of the people.

"It's not accidental that our two nations formed this bond between us. Because we are both inspired to do things...we're both entrepreneurial sectors, we have innate talent and we have a great drive to succeed.

"What happened in the founding of Singapore is that Israel and Singapore bonded - we bonded for Singapore's defense, but we've expanded that to include many, many areas since... I believe that great powers around the world look at Israel and Singapore today and see tremendous economic opportunities...one reason that is the case is that we have an unrivaled spirit.

"The Jewish people have passed learning from one generation to the other, a desire to learn and an inquisitive mindset, and the ability to produce new things... You've been here for almost two centuries, and you had that entrepreneurial quest for many many decades. I think you serve as a human bridge between Singapore and Israel.

"We are committed to a better world, a world of diversity, a world that follows the values that we as a people have held for so many years, for so many decades, in fact - for millennia.

"It is therefore, for me, a tremendous pleasure to be here. I look forward to greeting you in Jerusalem."

After Netanyahu finished speaking, Singapore Rabbi Mordechai Abergel community recited the Prayer for Israel in both Hebrew and English, followed by the Israeli national anthem "Hatikva."

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Netanyahu visits Singapore synagogue - Arutz Sheva

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Posted By richards on February 20, 2017

For many Jews, Passover is the most important of all Jewish holidays. In fact, more Jewish Americans observe Passover than any other Jewish holiday. Passover is considered a big deal because many families come together to share a special ceremonial festive meal called a seder.

The staff at InterfaithFamily/Chicago has come up with five tips to help you plan your best Passover seder.

Most people use a book called a Haggadah to guide their Passover seder. There are just short of a million different versions of a Haggadah, and while there are many similarities among them, each one is very different. You can search Passover Haggadah to find some hard copy options as well as many online, such as Haggadot.com, where you can download and/or personalize. Some focus on a theme such as Israel, women, interfaith families, cartoons or music. There are so many ways to tell the story, songs to sing, ideas to decorate your table and the room, special readings to include, that each seder (Passover service in the home) is unique, so be creative!

Yes, there is beauty and joy in tradition and repetition. You can use the same Haggadah that you have used for the last 100 years with notes and wine stains all over it. There is nothing wrong with that. However, its also fun to add a new element a new reading, recipe, song, poem, craft, etc. Ask your friends to suggest something fun and unique they do at their seder and you are likely to hear many great ideas. One of our favorites is a Sephardic (Spanish/Italian Jews) tradition of hitting each other with green onions during the singing of Dayenu, (meaning, It would have been enough! a traditional Passover song about many of Gods gifts during the exodus from Egypt. The green onions represent the whips the Egyptians used on the Israelite slaves.

Passover is meant to be experienced with all our senses. You will taste many wonderful (and some not so wonderful) foods, and each will bring a distinct smell to the room especially the horseradish! Make the seder table and the room a beautiful sight by decorating for the occasion using the theme of freedom, the Red Sea, spring, plagues or the number four (there are many fours as part of a seder). Everyone present will be listening to the stories and songs you decide to include in your seder. Feel free to use clapping and tambourines as well. There are so many things on a seder table that everyone can touch. It is a custom to lean on a soft pillow during a seder since only a free person can lean during a meal.

There are many pieces to hosting a seder, including planning, shopping, cooking, cleaning, picking out a Haggadah, leading the seder, etc. You do not need to do it all yourself. It is common to ask family and friends to bring a dish to a dinner party, and you can certainly make this request for your Passover dinner, too. Passover is a time where we are encouraged to welcome the stranger. This would be a good time to invite your spouse or other relatives of another faith to take part. Each guest will enjoy being a bigger part of the seder and you will enjoy having less on your proverbial plate.

If you went into 100 homes on Passover and observed 100 seders, each one would look and feel a little different. While there are usually some common elements, part of what families tend to love about Passover is that we can each make it our own. The way you choose to do your seder is the right way; dont compare your Passover and your seder with anyone elses. What is right and meaningful for you and your family is up to you. Dont be surprised that no matter how great your seder is this year, you may decide to do things differently next yearand that seder will be the right way, also.

Want to learn more? InterfaithFamily/Chicago is hosting two free model seders on March 12 and March 19. Participants will receive a binder of recipes, readings, songs and information, taste some Passover foods and participate in a short seder.

For more information or to sign up, email JudyJ@interfaithfamily.com.

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Posted By richards on February 20, 2017

Photo Credit: Maggid Books

Title: With Might And Strength: An Autobiography Author: Rabbi Shlomo Goren Publisher: Maggid Books

For Americans under 50, mentioning the name Rabbi Shlomo Goren will often engender the response whos that? Sadly, the first Chief Rabbi of the Israel Defense Forces and then the 3rd Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi is somewhat of an unknown here.

In With Might and Strength: An Autobiography, Rabbi Goren tells his story, and an absolutely spellbinding one at that. In the book, one gets a glimpse into the mind of one of the most influential Israeli rabbis. Written in somewhat of a raw, clipped style, Goren holds no punches for those whom he admired, and those whom he scorned.

Goren led a fascinating life. Born in Poland into a family with Hasidic roots, they them moved to Kfar Hasidim in his youth. He entered the prestigious Hebron yeshiva and published his first scholarly work at 17. While in his early 30s, he becomes the first military Chief Rabbi.

The book achieves what a good autobiography is meant to, in that one comes out with a good understanding the character. Goren takes us through his many challenges, trials and tribulations, including those of his family during the extremely difficult years when they first arrived to Israel. Goren writes in a very open, raw style, and is not hesitant to criticize those who he felt were in the wrong.

He was a witness to a great deal of history which he shares here; from the founding of the State, various wars, struggles in developing the military rabbinate, and more. The book ends with two brief chapters about the Langer affair and the Yom Kippur War. Each subject alone could fill an entire book.

Goren writes extensively that during the wars, he recovered the bodies (and often only bones) of soldiers who died in battle and never received proper burial.

He writes of his struggles in how to create a code of Jewish Law for a modern army, that would simultaneously meet the needs of a modern army, while not compromising on Jewish tradition.

Goren heaps significant high praise on David Ben-Gurion (who was the one who suggested he change his surname from Goronchik). While never sharing any of Gorens appreciation for religious life, Ben-Gurion fully supported Goren in most of his endeavors as military rabbi. Goren writes that Ben-Gurion understood the importance of kashrut and Shabbos observance for the army.

Being both a Chief Rabbi and Brigadier-General is a feat achieved but once and likely never to occur again. Goren was a fascinating personality and the book is an equally captivating read.

Complex and controversial are terms often associated with Goren. While true, he was also a fascinating and multifaceted individual, whose dedication to Torah and Israel was exceptional.

This is a unique book written by an insider to some of the most historical events in Israeli history, both from a political and religious perspective. It a hard book to put down, and most definitely worth a read.

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Posted By admin on February 19, 2017

Lets be clear at the outset: I do not believe that President Trump is an anti-Semite. When he talks lovingly about his Jewish daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren; when he refers to his many lifelong Jewish associates and friends and to the Jewish individuals he has appointed, there is no reason to question his sincerity. These facts reflect of a genuine comfortableness with Jews.

That is his why his silence on the issue of anti-Semitism is so stunning.

We have seen this again and again. During the campaign, he derided those who questioned his tweets of anti-Semitic memes or his use of language that evoked age-old stereotypes. And yet, during the campaign a tsunami of anti-Semitic tweets and threats surfaced on social media directed at Jewish journalists. Haters who may have long held anti-Semitic beliefs suddenly seemed to be emboldened and empowered to act on those beliefs.

And that disturbing trend has continued since the election and inauguration.

There have been more than 50 bomb threats called in to synagogues and Jewish institutions across the nation. Vandalism of Jewish institutions has significantly increased. Reports of bullying of Jewish students in schools are surging.

And we have far more to worry about. ADL polls on anti-Semitic attitudes in America report over and over again that despite the remarkable diminution of anti-Semitic attitudes in America over the decades, there still are 30 million to 40 million Americans who harbor anti-Semitism.

In the past, we were not overly worried about such numbers, because inhibitions largely deterred those people from acting out their beliefs. In the current environment, however, there is reason to be much more troubled by those numbers, as some haters are feeling freer to commit anti-Semitic acts of one kind or another. Just this week, a South Carolina man sought to attack a synagogue and emulate his hero, Dylann Roof, who murdered nine parishioners in a black church in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015. He was apprehended by the FBI and was arraigned in court on charges.

All of which brings us to the last two days of public appearances by the president: the first in a joint press briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the second his press conference to announce a new nominee for secretary of labor.

The subject of anti-Semitism was raised in both sessions, first by an Israeli journalist and in the second instance by a reporter for an ultra-Orthodox media outlet. Both questioners were respectful and hardly accusatory. Indeed, the Hasidic reporter began his question by making it clear that no one thought the president was anti-Semitic.

Both opportunities offered the president a perfect opportunity to state clearly: I am concerned about the rise in anti-Semitism; I think it is abominable and un-American. If, in any way, the language I have used has encouraged such people to act, then I must be clear: Hatred is not what America is about. The anti-Semites and bigots are not good Americans. And I will do everything in my power, by word and action, to fight that hatred and make sure it is unacceptable in the land of the free.

And he could have spelled out specifically what steps he will take to demonstrate that he takes this threat seriously.

But once again, President Trump failed to meet this basic test of presidential leadership. It is long overdue for him to clearly and cogently put the doubts to rest. And at this point, he needs to shift from rhetoric to real action and explain how his administration will combat hate. As the leader of all Americans, he must speak out but also step forward and present a plan to assuage those Americans who are concerned.

The issue is not whether Trump is anti-Semitic. The issue is whether he will stand up to anti-Semitism, let alone other forms of bigotry. And, as president, he will face far more difficult and daunting challenges in the years ahead, but speaking out against intolerance should be a no-brainer.

We urge the president to find an occasion sooner rather than later to use his bully pulpit to reverse the trend and stem the dangerous tide that has seeped into our society over the past year.

Jonathan Greenblatt is CEO and national director of the Anti-Defamation League

The views and opinions expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Forward.

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Breaking: ADL Head Tells Trump What To Say About Anti-Semitism - Forward

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Posted By simmons on February 19, 2017

The Anti-Defamation League today welcomed the decision by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Aziz v. Trump, a challenge to President Trumps Executive Order (EO) on immigration and refugees. The Court issued a preliminary injunction, barring the implementation of portions of the EO in Virginia.

In its decision, the Court held that implementation of the Executive Order would cause irreparable harm to the Commonwealth and its Universities. In addition, the Court explicitly recognized direct evidence presented by the Commonwealth of anti-Muslim animus through the Orders singling out of seven majority-Muslim nations for additional scrutiny and statements indicating an intent to discriminate based on religion.

Doron Ezickson, ADL Washington DC Regional Director issued the following statement:

We strongly agree with the Court that implementation of this Executive Order will cause irreparable harm to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Throughout U.S. history, we have too often faltered when we have let prejudice and fear predominate over reason and compassion, shutting the door on refugees and immigrants. When we strayed from core principles of equality and religious freedom there have been devastating consequences for which the US has later apologized and looked back in shame. History will reflect on the Executive Order as a sad point in the American story, but the Courts decision will shine through as an example of the best of our system: checks and balances at work. We welcome the Courts decision to grant a preliminary injunction in this case to bar further harm to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

ADL filed an amicus brief in the case supporting the Commonwealth of Virginias challenge to the Executive Order. The brief traces Americas history as a nation dedicated to ideals of equality, liberty and justice, and warns against repeating the shameful times in our past when America has turned against its core ideals of equality, liberty, and justice. The law firm Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, PC prepared the brief on behalf of ADL and the law firm McDermott Will & Emery LLP served as local counsel in Virginia.

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ADL Welcomes Virginia Court Decision Enjoining Parts Of The ... - Alexandrianews.org

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Posted By admin on February 19, 2017

Steven Spearie Correspondent

Les Eastep got a "gift membership" to the Springfield B'nai B'rith lodge in 1990.

He's stayed with it ever since.

"It's about being part of a large group and appreciating what they do on a national and international level," said Eastep. "B'nai B'rith touches Jewish lives around the world."

Closer to home, about 100 group members hold an annual chilli dinner fundraiser, provide a monthly meal Chaverim, literally, "friends" for senior citizens and support local causes, like the Jewish School of Religion, a combined effort between Temple B'rith Sholom and Temple Israel.

The Emes Lodge No. 67 (Emes is Yiddish for "true" or "truth") celebrated the 150th anniversary of its founding with a dinner in December. That makes it one of the oldest B'nai B'rith lodges in central Illinois, the founding dating to a time shortly after Jews started arriving in Springfield.

Lodge histories point out that B'nai B'rith members here were involved in everything from responding to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 to organizing war bond sales during World War II to assisting Russian immigrants in the 1980s and 1990s.

Numbers and activities have declined in more recent times, admitted Patrick Chesley, but, noting the anniversary, "there is certainly an obligation to keep the organization operating because it does a number of good things for the Springfield community and the Jewish community."

The 19th century was big on lodges, like the Masons, the Loyal Order of Moose and the Elks, said Rabbi Barry Marks of Temple Israel, but some excluded Jews, leading to B'nai B'rith's international founding in 1843 in New York City.

"This was a fraternal organization," added Marks, who became a member of the local lodge when he arrived in Springfield in 1973. Auxiliary groups for women, young men and young women eventually developed but faded, added Marks.

Both temples have sisterhood groups and there is a local chapter of Hadassah, an American Jewish volunteer women's organization that raises funds for community programs and health initiatives in Israel.

While many other B'nai B'rith lodges have allowed women, Chesley pointed out that locally there wasn't an organization for men at the time of its founding. Chesley said while he isn't personally opposed to allowing women in the lodge, most other Jewish organizations are facing the same membership decline and "aging out" as B'nai B'rith.

"Most of the Jewish children born in Springfield move out of the city," said Chesley, a former federal prosecutor. "My wife (Nancy) and I have three children and none of them live in Springfield. Some of the kids stayed, but it's a fairly small percentage.

"Many (young) Jewish professionals want more of a Jewish community than what we have here (about 1,000 Jews.) The generations that have followed us aren't joiners. They don't seem to have the same interests getting involved in groups and providing the next set of leaders. They have their own sets of interests.

"They don't necessarily want to do what their parents did or be as committed (to these types of groups.)"

Eastep, who lives in Rochester, was part of a congress that looked at the decline fraternal organizations in Illinois.

"The demand that culture puts on people's time," said Eastep. "The first thing I do in the morning is look at the calendar. What am I doing today?"

Fraternal organizations, added Eastep, "will never go away entirely." Some organizations that may be forced to merge may lose part of their identity, he added.

"To be honest and fair, B'nai B'rith is going through what every organization is going through (in terms of membership)," said Jeri Schwarz Atleson, vice-chairman of B'nai B'rith's Midwest Board, who spoke to the Springfield group at its anniversary dinner. "It's a big topic of conversation, how to recruit new members.

"Given the current environment, I hope we become as well known as we once were and people can go to in times of need."

It was B'nai B'rith, pointed out Atleson, that gave birth to the Anti-Defamation League which sought to "stop the defamation of Jewish people," according to its original 1913 charter.

Any issues of anti-Semitism locally, said Chesley, would be taken up by the Jewish Community Relations Council which is comprised of representatives from all the Springfield Jewish organizations: the Jewish Federation of Springfield; Temple B'rith Sholom and Temple Israel and their sisterhoods and the Springfield Chapter of Hadassah in addition to B'nai B'rith.

Chesley said that one of the activities the local lodge was known for was its Christmas Substitution program. Members would staff especially social service organizations, like the Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery and Sojourn Shelter, so workers could spend Christmas Day with their families.

Eastep said B'nai B'rith helped Russian immigrants who came to Springfield in the late 1980s and early 1990s find housing, jobs and education.

"It was done quietly," he said. "It was like taking care of family and B'nai B'rith is a big family."

Atleson, who lives in Lake County, near the Wisconsin border, said she was happy to spend time in Springfield helping the lodge celebrated such an important milestone.

"It is remarkable that any organization survives that long," said Atleson. "What I know about this local lodge is that their generosity, time, money, spirit, service to the community and commitment to the organization is tremendous.

"I hope they don't change the spirit of who they are."

Chesley said the purpose of the anniversary wasn't necessarily to get new members, but several people did ask for applications.

"I get a lot of self-satisfaction from being able to help other people and keep a tradition like B'nai B'rith going here in Springfield," he said. "I find it fulfilling and worthwhile."

For more information on the Emes Lodge No. 67 of the B'nai B'rith, contact Patrick Chesley at 210-1920.

--Steven Spearie contact: spearie@hotmail.com or follow on Facebook or Twitter (@StevenSpearie)

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Springfield chapter of B'nai B'rith marks 150 years - The State Journal-Register

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