What happened locally in 5775?

David Isenberg

Just in case you can’t remember what happened in the Jewish community of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, here are a few reminders.

Major renovations begin

Along with the renovations to the Dwares JCC from a major donation from Donald and Bonnie Dwares in the fall of 2013, David Isenberg’s inspiration began in September of 2014 with a gift of $250,000 to the Alliance toward the renovation of the Early Childhood Center (ECC). “It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to do this,” as it moves toward what Isenberg hopes will be a world-class facility.

Stanley Aronson: Founding dean of medicine at Brown University dies at 92

Dr. Stanley Aronson, whose legacy included co-founding the Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island, died in hospice care in Providence on Jan. 28, 2015. Aronson also wrote a column for the Jewish Voice for 18 years. His first column appeared in 1997. Colleagues and friends remember him as a man who was great in many different ways, but who practiced and preached humility and humanity in everything he did. Aronson’s work to preserve the lives and health of patients and to provide dignified care and comfort to those finally, inevitably dying made him an exalted leader.

Rhode Island’s National Council of Jewish Women disbands

On Dec. 11, 2014, the leadership of the NCJW in Rhode Island notified its membership that after 106 years of advocacy for women, children and families, the board voted to disband the Rhode Island section. In April, a luncheon was held to honor the leaders and take the final vote. The state advocate continues to work on issues important to NCJW in the state legislature.

Mikveh Nachman v’Raizel

dedicated

The refurbished mikveh reopened to the community with a special relevance for the community’s women. It is more than a “ritualarium,” it is a “Spa for the Soul.” As a “body of living water,” mikveh evokes the similarly spelled Hebrew word tikvah which means “hope.”

CRC and JFNA advocate

in Washington for

Jewish community

The Community Relations Council of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island (CRC) and the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) did considerable advocating on behalf of the Jewish community in Rhode Island.  Issues included the IRA Charitable Rollover Extension; The protection and opposition of eliminating the Charitable Tax Deduction; The ABLE Act (Achieving a Better Life Experience), widely viewed as the most important disability legislation to pass Congress since the Americans with Disabilities Act nearly 25 years ago; The Emergency Food and Shelter Program,  which provides funding for R.I. food pantries and shelter programs. Ongoing efforts include advocacy for Medicare, Medicaid, behavioral health, Holocaust survivor benefits and advocacy for Israel.

Rabbi Rosenberg honored by

R.I. State Council of Churches

Rabbi James Rosenberg was honored with the Hebert W. Bolles Life Achievement Award presented by the R.I. State Council of Churches for his deep involvement in state and local interfaith activities.

Rhode Island faith leaders call for commitment to fight poverty

Leaders representing virtually every faith in Rhode Island marched uphill to the beat of drums through Providence to the State House. The march was meant to symbolize the day-to-day struggle faced by many Rhode Islanders. At the State House, the sound of four shofars called the faith community and Rhode Island’s elected officials to work together to fight to reduce poverty.

Jewish Family Service celebrated 85 years of service to the community

Jewish Family Service of R.I. (JFSRI) was established in 1929 to help people of all religions and from all walks of life navigate social services to make their lives safer, healthier and happier. Their mission  – to sustain, nurture and strengthen the emotional and general well-being and stability of families and individuals through the life cycle, within the framework of Jewish tradition and values.

Miriam Plitt inducted into

Pawtucket Hall of Fame

Miriam R. Plitt, along with three other women, became members of the Pawtucket Hall of Fame in October 2014. Nominated by Robert Metivier, former mayor of Pawtucket, Plitt was recognized for her volunteer efforts to improve the lives of Pawtucket residents. Plitt said that acts of kindness are a given, “It’s part of my upbringing, it’s part of our heritage to give back and make the world a better place.”

Model Community

Passover Seder

Buses brought seniors from the community to Congregation Am David to celebrate Passover. Older Rhode Islanders and people with disabilities united for a special seder that was shortened. Round tables beckoned with Passover platters and grape juice. Everyone enjoyed the event.

HaZamir performed

Teen members of HaZamir Providence performed at Lincoln Center’s Avery Hall. The International Jewish High School Choir is a network of choral chapters across the U.S. and Israel that provides Jewish teens with a high-level choral experience in a Jewish environment.

New England Rabbinical College celebrated an anniversary

The New England Rabbinical College hosted a 30th anniversary dinner. The local community and many out-of-town guests attended in support of the school and its honorees.  It was an inspiring and entertaining evening.

Former first ladies of Rhode Island recognized

Citations acknowledging their contributions to Rhode Island were presented to five former first ladies: Dorothy (Dottie) Licht, 1969-1973; Margherite Garrahy, 1977-1985; Marjorie Sundlun, 1991-1995; Marilyn Almond, 1995-2003; Suzanne (Sue) Carcieri, 2003-2011. Together these women have a combined 32 years of experience in the role of first lady, and they all made a significant mark on Rhode Island.

David Kertzer wins Pulitzer

Historian David Kertzer won a Pulitzer Prize for his biography detailing how Benito Mussolini’s secret relationship with Pope Pius XI influenced the Italian dictator’s persecution of his country’s Jews. Kertzer is a professor of anthropology and Italian studies at Brown University and was recognized in the biography-autobiography category for “The Pope and Mussolini: The Secret History of Pius XI and Rise of Fascism in Europe.”

Temple Beth-El honors

Rabbi Gutterman as he retires

Temple Beth-El held a celebratory weekend honoring Rabbi Leslie Yale Gutterman’s 45 years of service as rabbi and his transition to Senior Rabbi Emeritus status in July 2015. Gutterman came to Temple Beth-El in 1970 under then Senior Rabbi William G. Braude. Upon Braude’s retirement in 1974, Gutterman was selected to replace him. He is the longest serving rabbi in Rhode Island. The Jewish Daily Forward recently named him one of the 33 most inspiring rabbis in North America. In July, Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, replaced Gutterman.

Holocaust Memorial

constructed

Ten years of meetings, designs, negotiations, stops and starts all led to a morning with shovels in the ground, handshakes and excitement in the air. Construction on the Holocaust Memorial in Rhode Island began with the start of the warm weather. And by the end of August, it was done. For both the groundbreaking and the dedication, a crowd of dignitaries and community members listened to speeches, accolades and stories. Every speaker reminded the crowd of the importance of this monument to survivors as well as to the victims.

Alice Goldstein honored by Temple Am David

and community

At a gala event, Alice Dreifuss Goldstein, who told the stories of her life in her memoir, “Ordinary People, Turbulent Times,” was honored. Speakers all alluded to her talents as a teacher and the life lessons she imparted by word and by deed. “Alice fit the profile of the Eshet Chayil, a Woman of Valor,” said Gloria Feibish.

 Block Island congregation celebrates its 28th birthday

In 1980 a handful of Jewish residents of Block Island came together to consider a shared idea: hold regular Shabbat and High Holy Day services.  This first simple step eventually led the group to formalize their common vision to create a temple on the island. Congregation Sons and Daughters of Ruth, holds services in a local church.

Lawsuit unfolding in congregational dispute

A high-profile dispute in the Rhode Island and New York Jewish communities went to trial in June.  The lawsuit involves Newport’s Congregation Jeshuat Israel and New York’s Congregation Shearith Israel. The dispute began in 2012 when a set of rimonim dating to the 18th century was sold to Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts. The proceeds from the $7.4 million sale were used to create an endowment to maintain the Touro building and keep a rabbi in residence. Shearith Israel, America’s oldest congregation, objected to the transaction, saying that Jeshuat Israel did not have the right to sell synagogue property. Jeshuat Israel argued that the New York congregation has not been involved in the property for years. Closing arguments were to have been heard at the end of July but as of publication have still not gone forward.

AccessJewishRI.org is here!

AccessJewishRI.org, a new information and referral service, debuted in August. More than a website, there’s a free confidential phone line offering personalized assistance to those who do not use a computer or who can’t find what they are looking for online. AccessJewishRI.org is a simple way to find information most relevant to one’s needs and interests. “Whether for eldercare issues, health assistance, foreclosure, parenting resources or Jewish life, it will help individuals access what they need when they need it,” says Wendy Joering, community concierge. The site is still evolving as more needs are identified.

Baxt gift adds to improvements

Gussie Baxt announced a  gift to help complete the rejuvenation project of the Dwares JCC. At 91, the Providence native knows it’s important to bring young families  into the building. Her gift will go toward the planned renovation of the Social Hall. The end result will be simple and elegant, a room that will welcome the entire community. The Baxt gift is part of a $6 million campaign goal to modernize and make the entire building secure and accessible for all community members.

United Brothers Synagogue welcomes new rabbi

Carolan Glatstein is the new rabbi at United Brothers Synagogue in Bristol. She studied in Jerusalem during the first year of her graduate program at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Her husband is also a rabbi and works at Temple Chayai Shalom in Easton, Mass.

Camp JORI’s Guttin steps down

Ronni Saltzman Guttin is stepping down as director after 20 years of devoted service to begin a new chapter in her camping career. Board president Deborah Salinger said, “the executive committee and entire board will work with Guttin, assistant director Rachel Mersky Woda and JORI’s experienced and committed staff to ensure a smooth transition and conduct a national search for a new director.”

We look forward to a positive, sweet and healthy 5776. See you next year.