2011 Doubles Team of Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram

Because of the dedication of Israeli Tennis Centers (ITC) scattered throughout Israel, the team of Jonathan Erlich-Andy Ram is helping put Israel – although on a small scale – on the professional tennis map.

ITC, through its 14 centers, teaches tennis skills to children from all walks of life catering to 13,000 children each week, its Website reports.

During the 1970s and ‘80s donations from various Jewish communities from around the world helped bring these centers to every corner of Israel from Jerusalem to Haifa where Ram and Erlich attended, respectively. “It was the dream of Jewish communities around the world then to bring tennis to Israel,” Ram said.

Shahar Peer, Dudi Sela, Ram and Erlich are the country’s current stars, but names such as Amos Mansdorf, Shlomo Glickstein and Gilad Bloom paved the way.

The four current pros have become accustomed to their celebrity status. “There aren’t too many sportsmen or athletes in Israel so people know us,” Ram added. “There are a few Israelis doing well in sports, so if we do something good, the media writes about us.”

Both Ehrlich and Ram, who immigrated to Israel as youngsters, now stand as the nation’s No.1 doubles team. Known at home and around the tour as “AndiYoni” their benchmark moments on the tour thus far came at the 2008 Australian Open when they won the men’s doubles championship in straight sets over Arnaud Clement-Michael Llodra, 7-5, 7-6 (4). The pair also reached the quarterfinals in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

Both highlights stand apart in their careers but neither, they say could’ve taken place without the support of their fans – in Europe but mainly those in the United States. “We see it at every tournament that we play in the states,” said Ram. “It’s a good feeling when we get support.”

Both started in singles play but have since moved over to the quicker pace of doubles competition. “It’s a completely different game,” Ram said. “Doubles is a more serve-volley game. It’s the same game but it’s a different game. You’ve got to believe in yourself; the more you practice the better you are and the better your reactions get.”

“We just decided to focus on our doubles,” said Erlich. “We play well together and we enjoy it.”

While they fared poorly in tour stops in Memphis and Delray Beach, both anticipate and look forward to their June 20 stop at Wimbledon.

Until then they hope their Jewish fans will continue to follow them on the road as they aim to climb the tennis rankings while in America.

“It’s a good feeling when we get support here and we feel like we’re a good representative of Israel as well,” said Ram. “We do it in pride, and we’ll definitely continue to strive for that.”

The "Dreidelettes" pose with Rabbi Shimon and Nadia Dudai at Congregation B'nai Zion's annual Chanukah party on December 25, 2011. B'nai Zion is the oldest and friendliest synagogue in South Florida! The "Dreidelettes" are Francine Kreinces, Karen Grant and Karen Leonard.

The Reiner Family String Band with Dr John Kreinces on violin and Karen Grant, aka Ooo Lala, on spoons.

Entertainment was a family affair that night, juggling by the Grant-Margil family known professionally as "Bounce, Ooo LaLa and Daniel" members of CBZ; and the Reiner Family String Band from Massachusetts.

The event will be held at: Temple Beth Torah, 243 Cantiague Rock Road, Westbury, NY 11590 (as well as in the adjoining park).

The Long Island Kosher BBQ Championship (www.likosherbbq.org) is a new event designed to raise much-needed funds to support several prominent Long Island food banks including “the INN” (Interfaith Nutrition Network), Hatzilu, M’yad l’yad, Long Island Cares and Rock  Can Roll, as well as Temple Beth Torah. The Long Island Kosher BBQ Championship will feature the finest in kosher BBQ preparation and will bring together a broad spectrum of BBQ enthusiasts for a fun- filled day. For more information visit www.likosherbbq.org or contact 516-937-7361.

Conductor Dr. Noreen Green

The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony (LAJS), celebrating its 18th year – its “Chai Year,” presents Istoria Judia, a performance inspired by Sephardic and Mizrahi history starring Moroccan-based Vanessa Paloma, an internationally known singer. The concert, led by LAJS Artistic Director and Conductor Dr. Noreen Green, will take place on Saturday, March 31, 8:00 pm, at Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Boulevard in Encino, CA.

The Istoria Judia concert brings Sephardic and Mizrahi history, music, and poetry to the forefront, providing unique awareness of Sephardic and Mizrahi culture to the people of Los Angeles. “Vanessa Paloma’s magnificent voice, impeccable musicianship and sparkling personality have thrilled audiences all over the world,” according to Dr. Green. Paloma is a scholar specializing in Judeo-Spanish music from the Sephardic Diaspora.

Persian singer Farzaneh Faroush joins the concert, along with guitarist Jordan Charnofsky, ethnic drummer Jamie Papish, and the Valley Beth Shalom Choir. The program spotlights Judeo-Spanish and Judeo-Arabic songs including a set of Moroccan songs in Haketía and Judeo-Arabic. As a special highlight, the LAJS will perform a newly composed piece on the Expulsion and the crypto-Jews, by ASCAP award-winning composer Michelle Green Willner.

“The concert date is a particularly significant anniversary,” says Dr. Green. “On March 31, 1492, Ferdinand and Isabella signed the Edict of Expulsion, launching what would become a worldwide diaspora of Jews from the Iberian peninsula throughout the Levant and the New World.”

General admission is $18.00, a special rate in honor of the LAJS “Chai “year celebrating their 18th Anniversary. Reserved seating in the front section is $36.00 – “double-Chai.” The Symphony is offering a special for students – two tickets for the price of one.

For additional information, please contact Arline Chambers at 818 436-5260 or visit www.lajewishsymphony.org. For Vanessa Paloma bio and pic,: http://bit.ly/zaubK7

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES JEWISH SYMPHONY (LAJS):
The mission of the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony (LAJS), founded by Artistic Director and Conductor Dr. Noreen Green in 1994, is to perform orchestral works of Jewish composers (both known as well as not commonly recognized); establish opportunities for the presentation of new compositions by Jewish artists; serve as a professional resource for aspiring Jewish and non-Jewish musicians; act as an educational medium for Jewish music and composers; and provide educational opportunities for diverse populations of school age children. Since its debut performance in 1994, LAJS has served over 60,000 people through 56 full symphony concerts, 57 community events and fund raising concerts and 28 educational concerts. The Symphony has premiered 33 works by Jewish composers and works never before performed in America, as well as world premieres and Israeli premieres in Israel. LAJS has provided aspiring musicians of all ethnicities and backgrounds an opportunity to play with a full orchestra, and more than 14,000 students have participated in LAJS’ music education programs.

Teaming up, KU Hillel and the KU Alumni Association, the event drew more than 80 students on Friday, January 20, 2012, at the Adams Alumni Center.

“It’s a great event after the long winter break and allows students to catch up with friends in a spiritual way,” says Abby Durham. “With such a great turnout at the first event of the semester, KU Hillel is looking forward to another amazing semester.”

Shabbat Interns, Abby Durham (Memphis), Lindsey Wiertheim (Dallas) and Molly Fargotstein (Memphis)

Ladies of Sigma Delta Tau

Men of Alpha Epsilon Pi

2012 KU Birthright Group

KU Sophomores

KU Sophomores

Apple Pancakes

Makes 8 pancakes

These are small, sweet pancakes served for breakfast or afternoon tea.

My grandmother placed whole apple slices on the batter while it was sizzling in the pan.

2 eggs
12 fl oz milk
2 tablespoons superfine sugar
11 oz self-rising flour
4 small eating apples
2 oz unsalted butter for frying
Powdered sugar for decoration

Whisk the eggs, milk, and sugar together, then fold in the flour. (These pancakes are like pikelets and need to be thick and fluffy so it is best not to use an electric mixer). Add a pinch of salt, cover and put aside for 30 minutes.

Peel the apples, cut into halves, de-core and slice thinly.

Melt a knob of butter in a hot frying pan and add a dollop of the batter mix to form a pancake. Lay one or two slices of apple on top of the batter then fry for a couple of minutes. Turn over and cook the other side. Sprinkle with icing (powdered) sugar and serve hot.

Excerpts from ROSE PETAL JAM: Recipes & Stories from a Summer in Poland By Beata Zatorska and Simon Target © 2011 Tabula Books

Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.

Rose Petal Jam is more than a recipe book with stories. Friends cannot resist picking up the book from my coffee table and browsing through amazing photographs of the Polish countryside, reading about Beata’s childhood and discovering Poland today. – S. Nieman

Beata Zatorska learned to make rose petal jam, pierogi, and other Polish recipes in the kitchen of her grandmother’s farmhouse in a remote village in the foothills of theKarkonosze Mountains where she grew up. When she returned 20 years later her grandmother, a professional chef, was gone but she found her handwritten recipes for preparing traditional Polish dishes and preserves. These recipes, along with Beata’s memories and stories of growing up Poland in the 1960s and 70s are part of one of the most beautiful and unique books to recently be published. Accompanied by her English husband Simon, Beata spent a summer exploring her home country, travelling tiny roads lined with wild rose bushes, finding castles and palaces among meadows and forests. This culinary journey became the basis for Rose Petal Jam, beautifully illustrated with hundreds of full color photographs of the recipes, the countryside, and the main cities of Poland including Warsaw, Gdan´sk and Kraków, as well as many family pictures. This visually stunning book has other unique touches too, including favorite poems, and paintings from the nation’s galleries, providing readers with a wonderful introduction to the food, culture, people and places of Poland.

http://www.jewishscenemagazine.com/?p=6775

Rose Petal Jam (Tabula Books; September 2011; $35.00/Hardcover; ISBN 9780956699206) is a delightful collection of recipes, memories, and locations that celebrates the best of Poland.

Beata Zatorska and Simon Target

ABOUT THE AUTHORS Beata Zatorska was born in Jelenia Góra in southwest Poland and raised and taught to cook by her grandmother. She began her medical studies in Wroclaw, but left for Australia at the age of 19. She finished her medical studies in Australia, graduating from the University of Sydney and now works as a family practice doctor in Sydney. Her fascination with medicine began during long mountain walks she took with her grandmother, who taught her the use of herbs and wildflowers in cooking and healing. Like many Poles who live in other countries, she has kept Poland in her heart over the years. When she finally returned, the first thing she did was leap into a wild rose bush to smell the petals – the scent of her Polish childhood.

Simon Target read English and Music at Cambridge University before studying at Britain’s National Film School. A well-known writer/director, he has directed television chefs and food writers such as Donna Hay, Curtis Stone, Kylie Kwong, and Rick Stein among many others. The son of Australian landscape painter Pat Prentice, Simon lovingly photographed the country where Beata grew up.

Marlee Matlin, Event Co-Chairs Jeffrey and Jill Fenster, Henry Winkler

More than 400 people helped launch the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s 50^th anniversary celebration and kick-off its fundraising season at the Campaign Opening 2012 event, which featured Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin and actor, author, director and producer Henry Winkler.

“This event was a milestone for our community,” said Zelda Mason, chair of Federation’s 50^th Anniversary. “In 50 years, the greater Palm Beaches has grown into one of the largest and most vibrant centers of Jewish life in North America. Throughout the year, we will celebrate that accomplishment, raise the necessary resources to maintain our dynamic community and plan for the next 50 years of continued success.”

The event was highlighted by Matlin and Winkler, who discussed how their enduring friendship began when he was one of the world’s most recognized actors and she was a deaf pre-teenager who was passionate about acting. They also recounted how their Jewish upbringing guided their lives and played a role in their careers.

“Both of them overcame obstacles and adversities in their lives to become successful,” said Jill Fenster, who is chaired the event with her husband, Jeffrey. “Their stories were both humorous and moving. Like most family members, they share a special bond and shared the life lessons they have experienced.”

The Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County serves residents from Boynton Beach to Jupiter and west to Wellington as the central Jewish community-building organization of the greater Palm Beaches. Federation strengthens Jewish identity, energizes the community’s relationship with Israel and meets the human needs of the Jewish community in Palm Beach County, Israel and 70 countries around the world.

Stacey and Federation President Mark Levy

Barbara and Federation Annual Campaign Chair Hal Danenberg

Denise and Bill Meyer

Never underestimate the power of a good book to transform a life. In PJ Library’s case, 95,000 children across North America open their mailboxes each month to discover new Jewish children’s books that they read nightly with their families, opening them up to Judaism’s rich stories and culture.

Started seven years ago by Jewish philanthropist Harold Grinspoon, PJ Library is growing rapidly in North America from its humble origins of sending 200 books a month to the current 95,000 with plans to double in size in the near future. In Israel, another 120,000 preschool students receive books in school through PJ’s sister program, Sifriyat Pijama.

In New York City, a record 10,000 families are now participating, and that number is expected to double this year. Many of the participating families in New York are Russian-speaking Jews who are often disconnected from Jewish life. But the books are tying them into several South Brooklyn Jewish organizations where they are becoming part of the programs and initiatives.

“What a joy it is to see PJ Library resonating so strongly within the Jewish community on many levels but most importantly in the hearts and minds of young children who can come to appreciate our heritage through beautiful books,” Grinspoon said.

Jewish federations, community centers, and synagogues across the US – who partner with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation to fund the books and provide related programming – are discovering that PJ Library plays a vital role in reaching young families. And, many grandparents are getting behind the program because they see it as a way to bridge the generations and keep Jewish life alive and relevant in their families.

In many places, PJ Library books arrive in individual homes but then a wider community connection takes place. Many share their experiences in thank you letters to Mr. Grinspoon and the PJ Library staff.

For Emily Theriot, moving to Knoxville, Tenn., meant moving her interfaith family away from the established PJ Library program in Houston, TX. “While I make great strides to learn about the religion,” wrote Emily, who is not Jewish but is married to a Jewish man. “I am not always able to answer questions.” The books gave her the answers, and her 3-year-old daughter loved the program.

Theriot and her family worked to bring the program to Knoxville by connecting to Knoxville Jewish agencies and day schools. Proudly, she talks about being a person of another faith who brought PJ to a new community. She recently became the PJ professional, helping families sign up. “The PJ Library made a profound impact on my entire family, and, in turn, on my entire community,” she said.

For more information about PJ Library, visit www.pjlibrary.org.

The Cool Nights concert series, featuring local musicians, the Ben Friberg Trio, will take place in a jazz club-style environment at the Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 North Terrace Road, Chattanooga. Tickets are $15 per person and include beverage and hors d’oeuvres. For additional information or to make a reservation, please contact (423) 493-0270 or rsvp@jewishchattanooga.com.

Well-known to the Chattanooga community, the Ben Friberg Trio was the first group of local musicians to perform at the Cultural Center as part of a pilot jazz series in 2011.  Back by popular demand, The Ben Friberg Trio will play original music as well as popular standards. Members of the trio include Ben Friberg on guitar, David Schwab on upright bass and Jim Crumble on drums. For more information about the trio, please visit www.benfriberg.com.

The Jewish Cultural Center, funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga, offers programs, classes, and exhibits; social services; and a preschool—all rooted in Jewish values.  The facility enables the Jewish community to raise its visibility, foster relationships, and strengthen its identity in the Chattanooga area.   All programs are open to everyone regardless of religious affiliation.