Jewish Scene Magazine December 2006

December 2006
In This Issue: A Meanigful Chanukah • Randa Rosenblum & The Blues Ball
Did you know that you can make donations
to all your favorite charities
by writing just one check?
You can with a donor advised fund at the
Jewish Foundation of Memphis.
Call today for more information.
Laura Linder
901.374.0400
901.374.0451 fax
5118 Park Avenue, Suite 308
Memphis,TN 38117
llinder@jewishfoundationofmemphis.org
JLS • December 2006
Table of Contents
True Meaning of Chanukah
Mother Bear Project
MHA/FYOS/Israel Emergency
Campaign
Pension Protection Act 2006
Junior Achievement
L’Chayim
In Fashion
The Switch at MJHS
Prepared for the Ball
Cooking on the Side
BBYO Update
To Your Health
On the Sidelines
Beshert: Stories of Connections
Dollars and Sense
Coming Attractions
Advertiser Listing
Making Sense of
Charitable Giving
4
6
Editor/Publisher
Susan C. Nieman
9
10
12
13
14
15
16
21
24
25
26
27
29
30
31
Art Assistant
David Miller
32
Scrapbooks
Baron Hirsch
BSSS
Memphis Jewish Home
Plough Towers
MHA/FYOS
Congregation Beth Israel
Temple Israel
8
11
20
20
22
24
28
On the Cover
Memphis Charitable Foundation’s Patt
Kerr Tigrett with Blues Ball Operations
Manager, Randa Rosenblum at the 13th
Annual Blues Ball held at the Pyramid.
Photo by Irma C. Idell Photography
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2006
JLS • December 2006
Art Director
Teresa Bullock
Editorial Contributors
Jason Braverman
Gary Burhop
Jennifer Edelson
Shep Fargotstein
Avi Halzel
Harkavy, Shainberg, Kaplan & Dunstan PLC
Mark Hayden
Amy Hertz
Julie Lansky
Laura Linder
Beth Okeon
Jessica Rubin
Harry Samuels
Linda Schlesinger
Sherwin A. Yaffe, M.D.
Shoshana Yaffe
Account Executives
Bob Drake
Bari Eiseman
Larry Nieman
Chief Financial Officer
Don Heitner
Business Manager
Alice Drake
Volume 1, Number 4
December 2006
Kislev/Tevet 5767
Jewish Living of the South magazine must give
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publication of any advertisement in this issue does
not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s
product or services by this publication.
Jewish Living of the South is published monthly by
Jewish Living of the South, Inc. and mailed free to
Jewish households in Memphis and Jackson, MS
and to others across the country. Copies of Jewish
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Dear Readers,
Thank you again for your continued support and
notes of encouragement.
Many of you have requested extra copies to send to
family and friends in Memphis and throughout the
country. If you live in Memphis or Jackson, Miss.,
then you should be on our mailing list. But if you
have moved within the last few years, people living
at your old address may be receiving your copy.
The latest issues can be found at Borders, Davis-Kidd, Arie’s, Memphis Jewish
Community Center, Hillel of Memphis, Memphis libraries including the
main branch, Cordova and Poplar Ave. at the Clark Tower. Several Memphis
synagogues have extra copies as well as other local restaurants. I also hope you
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If you do not receive the magazine at your home or office, or if someone is not
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future issues. Plans are underway to distribute to the entire Jewish population in
Arkansas within the next year.
Charitable giving becomes a hot topic as we reach the end of the 2006 tax year.
If you want to take advantage of the new charitable tax laws or would like to
receive a charitable deduction on your 2006 tax return, then your contributions
must be made by December 31. Take a look at some of the charitable giving
articles in this issue and consult your financial advisor.
Please support our advertisers and tell them that you saw their ad in Jewish
Living of the South.
Happy Chanukah to you all!
Susan
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JLS • December 2006
“The Light in All of Us”
The True Meaning of Chanukah
By Shoshana Yaffe
When you think of Chanukah, ‘The
Festival of Lights,’ what comes
to mind? Lighting candles, latkes,
presents. It seems that Chanukah
has become more about receiving
presents…you might even say the
holiday has become secularized and
commercialized. Contrary to popular
belief, Chanukah is not the Jewish
Christmas.
“There really is no comparison
between the two holidays,” says Rabbi
Levi Klein of Chabad of Tennessee.
“Other than the fact that they fall
around the same time of year.”
And why do people call Chanukah a
minor holiday? It’s far from that. Just
because it is not a biblical holiday, does
not mean it holds less importance. In
fact, Rabbis and scholars thought the
story of Chanukah was so important
with such meaningful messages, that
they instituted it as a holiday. “Calling
it a minor holiday can actually be
offensive to spiritual
people,” says Rabbi
Klein.
Let’s take a quick
refresher course
on the story
of Chanukah.
The
Syrian
King, Antiochus,
ordered all Jews to
reject Hashem, their
beliefs and customs, and
to worship the Greek Gds. But Judah and his four
brothers refused. They formed
an army called the Maccabees.
After three years of fighting, the
Maccabees finally drove the Syrians
out of Israel and reclaimed the
Temple in Jerusalem. They cleaned
the building and removed the hated
Greek symbols and statues. When
Judah and his followers went to light
the eternal light, known as the ‘N’er
Tamid,’ only a tiny jug of oil was
found with just enough for a single
day. The oil lamp was filled and lit.
Then a miracle occurred as the tiny
amount of oil stayed lit not for
one day, but for eight days. On
the 25th day of the month
of Kislev, the Temple was
rededicated.
So, how can we teach
children about the story
of Chanukah and keep
them interested and
wanting to learn more?
There are staples;
singing
Chanukah
songs, playing dreidal,
even decorating your
house can get you in
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JLS • December 2006
the holiday spirit.
Rabbi Joel Finkelstein from Anshei
Sphard Beth El Emeth Congregation
in Memphis has his own family
traditions. “Each child gets a chance
to light their own candles,” he says.
“We sing ‘Hanerot Halalu,’ and we
dance around like wild!”
Or maybe we can follow in our
ancestor’s footsteps. “It’s important
to note that learning Torah is a part
of the story,” says Rabbi Finkelstein.
“Around the time of the Maccabees,
the Jews started to learn more
Torah.”
One aspect of the chag is the idea of
miracles. As the saying goes, ‘Nais
Gadol Haya Sham,’ ‘A great miracle
happened there.’ Through the story of
Chanukah, “we see that G-d has the
ability to perform miracles and make
changes,” says Rabbi Klein. “There
was physically not enough oil to
burn, yet G-d made a miracle and the
oil lasted for eight days.”
Throughout the Chanukah story there
is symbolism we look to for inspiration. When we think
of the menorah, we think of light. And light represents
many things; hope, wisdom, strength…all of which the
Jews needed to succeed against the Greeks.
“Lighting a Menorah is different from all other Mitzvoh’s,”
says Rabbi Klein. Physically and metaphorically, “you are
illuminating the darkness.” And it’s no coincidence that
Chanukah falls during the time of year when night is the
longest. By lighting the Menorah next to a window for
all to see, you are basically advertising that the miracle
happened. “You can’t chase darkness away with a stick,”
says Rabbi Klein. “You light a candle and the darkness
melts away.”
You can also teach the meaning of Chanukah through
tzedakah and sharing. What if your family took one night
off from gift giving and used that night to give tzedakah
instead. Volunteer in your community or make a donation
to a charity. You may not know that the original idea of
Chanukah gelt was that a child would receive a certain
amount of money, and was then taught to give a portion of
that back to tzedakah.
This year while you are enjoying family, friends and good
food, remember what we are celebrating. Take a look at
your own life and find where light is needed. Once you
illuminate parts of your own life, you can then in turn,
shine that light on the people around you.
Now, get your Menorah, grab some Chanukah gelt, and all
together, loud as you can, let’s hear ‘Maoz Tzur!’ Happy
Chanukah and Chag Sameach!
Here are a few ideas of organizations where you can send
donations or get information about volunteering.
• The Memphis Jewish Federation; memjfed.org
• The Jewish National Fund; jnf.org
• The Women’s Zionist Organization of America;
Hadassah.org
• American Friends of Magen David Adom; afmda.org
• Your local synagogue, sisterhood, brotherhood or
a charity of your choice.
Shoshana Yaffe was born and raised in
Memphis. She graduated from White
Station High School in 1998 and from
Indiana University in Bloomington in 2002
with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and a
minor in Hebrew and Jewish Studies. She
studied abroad in Israel for a semester at
Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Shoshana
is currently a news writer/producer for the ABC Affiliate News
Station, WSB TV, in Atlanta.
JLS • December 2006
Mother Bear
Project
By Shoshana Yaffe
While there are so many traditions
to enjoy during the holiday season,
playing dreidal, making latkes,
singing Chanukah zmiros...why not
try incorporating a new tradition into
your family customs. Try giving back
this chag.
One great way to do that is just
around the corner at Temple Israel in
Memphis. Every Thursday a group
of volunteers gathers for The Women
of Reform Judaism Mother Bear
Project. The Mother Bear Project,
which started in Minneapolis in 2003,
is a national grassroots, nonprofit
organization dedicated to providing
comfort and hope to children affected
by HIV/AIDS in African nations
including Zambia, Botswana and
Ethiopia. The Mother Bear Project
has sent more than 13,000 handknitted gifts of love!
Memphian Jenny Baer was headed
to the Mayo Clinic when she read in
an airline magazine a story about the
Mother Bear Project. Jenny mentioned
JoAnn Fusco and Jenny Baer
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JLS • December 2006
the project to JoAnn Fusco, who
proposed the project to the Temple
Israel Sisterhood. And, the rest, as
they say, is history.
Since joining the project in February
2006, WRJ has sent more than 400
bears from Memphis all the way to
Africa...and more bears are on deck
to be shipped out all the time.
The Memphis chapter of the
Mother Bear Project now has 25
regular knitters. At each meeting,
volunteers enjoy knitting bears, good
conversation and sharing this special
Mitzvah.
“I really feel complete when I finish
my bear,” said Natalie Lefkowitz,
who sets a goal to knit one bear a
week. Her husband, Ron helps by
sewing the faces. “He asked me if he
could try. I said ‘sure.’ He really gets
into it and is really good!”
Here’s how the program works.
Everyone begins with the basic bear
pattern. As knitters become more
advanced, the creativity of the bear
designs improves and the possibilities
are endless.
“The people in Minneapolis comment
about how distinct our Memphis bears
have become,” said JoAnn. “Now we
have ballerina bears, a hula bear, even
a bear holding a bear.”
JoAnn knits a University of Tennessee
bear during every road trip she
takes to UT Football games; her son
played on UT’s team until his recent
graduation.
Barbara McKee
Knitters Barbara McKee and Bonnie Cooper have added their own flare to
their bears. Barbara created the first bear with a little pink skirt. While on
a trip through Nova Scotia, Bonnie knitted six bears representing each city
she visited.
Not only do the volunteers have fun knitting for such a good cause, but
they’ve created real friendships. “I’ve made a lot of new best friends,”
said JoAnn. “The project has brought many people together. It touches
our hearts to know what we are doing for the children in Africa who are
affected and infected with AIDS.”
Getting involved is easy, and new volunteers are always welcome. It
doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or more advanced knitter. There
is no charge, but a donation of $3.00 for the pattern is appreciated to help
with shipping costs. The meetings are held Thursday’s at 1:30 p.m. at
Temple Israel. For more information, contact the project chair: Jenny Baer,
901.754.8126 or email jjb8126@aol.com. Or JoAnn Fusco, at fuscojo@
aol.com. And check out motherbearproject.org.
JLS • December 2006
7
Baron Hirsh Family Sukkah Party
Chol HaMoed Youth Day
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JLS • December 2006
MHA/FYOS Student Council Raises
$2,000 for Israel Emergency Fund
By Linda Schlesinger
During the Ten days of Repentance, between Rosh
Hashanah (The Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (The
Day of Atonement), Margolin Hebrew Academy Student
Council members raised $2,000 from the elementary and
junior high school student body to donate to the Memphis
Jewish Federation’s Israel Emergency Fund (IEF).
Student Council President Sam Rapp and board members
Sarah Belz and Shira Osdoba presented the funds to IEF Cochairman Hal Newburger at the Federation board meeting
Wednesday, Oct. 25. They received a warm welcome from
MJF President Laurie Cooper and much praise and gratitude
from Newburger, who briefly explained to the students
how much the children in Northern Israel suffered during
the war with Lebanon last summer and how much their
contribution will help Israelis recover from the devastating
effects of the war.
According to Rapp, before the school year began his
executive board decided to conduct a fundraiser for Israel
during the Ten Days of Repentance “to emphasize the
tzedakah (charity) part of Tshuva (repentance), Tefillah
(prayer) and Tzedakah,” the three activities through which
the Jewish people can secure G-d’s forgiveness.
The majority of the contributions
came from seventh and eighth
graders whom Rapp said he
personally solicited to “to give
a more significant contribution
from some of their bar or bat
mitzvah money.” The original goal was to raise $500 total,
but they collected $1,500 from the seventh and eighth
graders alone. Rapp said he was “amazed” that they were
able to raise so much money. “We’re a bunch of kids. I
thought we might reach $500. I feel like we accomplished
something incredible,” he commented.
MJF President Laurie Cooper and Israel Emergency Campaign
Co-chairman Hal Newburger accepted the donation from MHA
Student Council President Sam Rapp and board members Shira
Osdoba and Sarah Belz.
JLS • December 2006
9
The Pension Protection Act of 2006:
Direct Giving from your IRA for the Benefit of You
and the Charities You Support
By Harkavy Shainberg Kaplan &
Dunstan PLC
Since 1974, Americans have
saved billions of pre-tax dollars in
Individual Retirement Accounts
(IRAs). A federal bill, signed into
law by President Bush on August 17,
2006, now enables older Americans to
make contributions of their retirement
savings by giving directly to charity
without first counting the distributions
from the IRAs as income and paying
income tax.
The Pension Protection Act of 2006
(H.R. 4, Public Law 109-280) allows
people who have reached age 70½
to exclude from their income up to
$100,000 per year in IRA assets if
contributed directly to qualifying
charities. The new “IRA charitable
rollover” will be permitted in 2006
and 2007 only, and must be made
from a traditional or Roth IRA and
not from any other retirement plan.
By giving charitable gifts directly
from one’s IRA, the money is not
included in the donor’s income for
income tax purposes and thus not
taxed, preserving the full amount for
charitable purposes.
Qualified Charitable Distributions
The provisions of The Pension
Protection Act (the “Act”) apply only
to “qualified charitable distribution.”
The IRS has defined this as any
distribution from an IRA made
directly by the IRA administrator to
a qualified charity that would have
been taxable had it been distributed
directly to the plan participant.
Distributions are counted toward the
minimum distribution requirement for
that given year but are not subject to
the deducibility ceiling (50% of AGI)
or the reduction rule for itemized
deductions.
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JLS • December 2006
Under the Act, qualified charities have
been identified as public charities and
private operating foundations, including
scholarship funds, designated nonprofit
funds, field of interest funds and
unrestricted endowment funds; however,
donor-advised
funds,
supporting
organizations, and private non-operating
foundations are not eligible.
IRA Charitable Rollover Summary:
In order to utilize the distribution
benefits of the Act, the following
conditions must be satisfied:
• The charitable giver must be at
least 70½ years of age;
• The charitable giver must be
gifting only from assets held in
IRAs and Roth IRAs;
• The charitable giver must make
the gift within the 2006 and
2007 taxable year;
• A charitable giver may only
transfer up to $100,000 per year
under these provisions;
• Donations may be made only
to public charities or private
operating foundations;
• Donor advised funds and
supporting organizations do not
qualify.
It is important to note that although a
donor will benefit by the direct gift by
not having to report the distribution as
taxable income, the donor will forgo
all claims for income tax deduction
on that charitable gift.
Although the new law does not impact
testamentary gifts of IRA assets to
charities, a bequest of IRA assets
remains an attractive estate planning
strategy, especially for larger estates,
where experts estimate that 75 percent
or more of IRA wealth is exhausted
by estate taxes and income taxes of
beneficiaries when passed through a
decedent’s estate.
Potential donors are encouraged to
consult with their legal and financial
advisors to learn if this new opportunity
is appropriate for them. Or, for more
specific information, please contact
one of Harkavy Shainberg’s estate
planning attorney’s at 901.761.1263.
Harkavy Shainberg Kaplan & Dunstan
PLC is a full service law firm providing
counsel and representation to individuals
and businesses of all sizes in such areas as
Corporate, Financing, Real Estate, Land
Use and Zoning, Environmental, Pensions
& Profit Sharing, Employment and Labor
Relations, Bankruptcy, Franchising Law
and Civil Litigation of all types in State
and Federal courts. Attorneys in the firm
are licensed to practice law in Tennessee,
Mississippi, New York and Massachusetts.
On the Web at www.HarkavyShainberg.
com.
Bornblum Solomon Schechter Students
Celebrate Sukkot
By: Amy Hertz and Avi Halzel
Fifth graders at BSSS celebrated Sukkot in the wilderness
of Chickasaw State Park. Together they built their own
special Sukkah, much like their biblical ancestors, hiked
around the beautiful lake, played sports and settled down
to a fabulous barbeque dinner. After the hard day’s work,
they turned in for the night in cabins. For some, this was
their first camping experience.
After waking early and enjoying a quiet breakfast in the
Sukkah, the students disassembled the hut and packed up
for the return trip just in time to catch afternoon carpools
home and re-enter the real world.
The Chickasaw trip enables students to experience Sukkot
hands-on. Perhaps the most amazing thing was watching
the students embrace spirituality, some for the first time.
It was a truly unique and spiritual experience for all to
daven the Ma’ariv service outdoors at night while sitting
on a bridge in the middle of a lake. All participants felt a
connection with each other, with their biblical ancestors,
and with G-d.
JLS • December 2006
After 50 Years, Junior Achievement
of Memphis Still Going Strong
By Beth Okeon
At the annual meeting of Junior
Achievement of Memphis and the
Mid-South, JA President Ray Darby
noted that, “Over 50 percent of
US employers can’t find qualified
applicants” and that “more people file
bankruptcy every year than graduate
high school.”
Given these startling statistics, JA has
never been in a better position to affect
positive change on the community
through its programs, which educate
youth about financial literacy and
understanding economics. Located in
the heart of downtown Memphis at
307 Madison, JA is home to Exchange
City, a model city run for a day by
area fifth graders.
More than 10,000 Memphis-area
children come through Exchange
City to get a glimpse of the rewards
and responsibilities that come with
being part of a community. The
children hold jobs such as healthcare
professional, newspaper reporter,
banker, judge and even mayor. They
have work hours, lunch breaks, city
rules to follow (enforced by the
Exchange City Police) and get actual
paychecks.
Last year, after preparing in the
classroom for several weeks, students
from La Rose Elementary, Bornblum
Solomon Schechter School and the
Margolin Hebrew Academy took on
the challenge of running Exchange
City for a day. MHA/FYOS is
scheduled to return to Exchange
City in December with St. Ann’s
(Bartlett).
While many schools sign up each
year, spots are still available for
schools wanting to participate.
“We’re always looking to get new
schools involved in Exchange City,”
says Lirah Sabir, Exchange City
Director. “Certainly, any school could
benefit by offering their children the
opportunity to learn about finances
2
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2006
JLS • December 2006
Students from La Rose Elementary, Bornblum Solomon Schechter and Margolin Hebrew
Academy work the Chick-fil-A Snack Shop at Junior Achievement’s Exchange City.
and economics in the engaging,
memorable and fun atmosphere
offered here.”
A testament to the power of JA
Programs, Darby also noted that
studies show JA graduates: have a
better understanding of economics,
perform better academically, are
more likely to attend college and feel
that they’re better prepared to make
decisions.
JAof Memphis’Senior Vice President,
Larry Colbert, gives much credit to
local corporations and volunteers
who have helped JA of Memphis
thrive for more than 50 years. He
notes that, “107 local companies
provided nearly 1,000 volunteers last
year. Through the efforts of those
companies and volunteers, Junior
Achievement of Memphis was able
to educate youth in 215 area schools,
reaching 1,200 classrooms and over
30,000 students.”
At the annual meeting, special
recognition was also given to Frank
Rosenberg for his role in developing
the book ‘Memphis Innovations:’
a book dedicated to entrepreneurs
and innovators who solidified and
have heightened the local business
community. A portion of the profits
from book sales will support Junior
Achievement of Memphis.
Junior Achievement of Memphis
and the Mid-South is a not-for profit
organization financed by businesses,
foundations and individuals. JA’s
purpose is to educate and inspire
young people to value free enterprise,
business and economics to improve
the quality of their lives. Simply,
JA teaches children ‘how business
works.’ For more information about
Junior Achievement or Exchange
City, visit www.jamemphis.org or call
Lirah Sabir at 901.366.7800.
Beth Okeon is the owner
of abo Consulting, a
local public relations
and marketing firm. She
has taught religious
school at Beth Sholom
for more than 10 years
and is a graduate of
Indiana University.
M
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#
Sponsored Section
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L’Chayim
Year-Round Gift Ideas
By Gary Burhop
Whether you engage in year-end gift
giving or not, having a few ideas to
fall back on when an occasion arises,
is always good. So, here are my
suggestions based on a love of wines
and an enjoyment of distilled spirits.
A selection of half bottles
of wines be it a few, 12 or
a full case of 24
Those who have been in Great Wines
& Spirits, may have noticed that we
maintain the largest selection of half
bottles (375 ml) of any store in the city.
This is attributable to a gift I gave my
wife, many years ago. Our children
were small and my job required much
travel. She enjoyed a glass of wine in
the evening but did not want to open
a full size bottle of wine when I was
out of town. I searched high and low
for half bottles and did manage to find
enough to give her a mixed case. She
could open HER bottle; have a glass
one evening and the other glass the
next. It was perfect!
It is perfect in other ways, too. Half
bottles allow you to try something
you’ve never had. They also give
you the option of having both a white
and red without waste or leftovers.
The bottles are also reusable and the
best way to keep red wine after a full
bottle has been opened. Oxygen is the
enemy of wine and by eliminating or
13
JLS • September 2006
reducing the amount of air above the
wine surface; you prolong the wine’s
life – especially with red wine.
A membership in
CorksCrew wine club
Miniatures are a fun
way to experiment
Great Wines & Spirits selects wine
each month for CorksCrew members
that we feel is new, interesting, unusual
and of excellent quality. You set the
parameters - $25, $40, $50 per month
or more. We make the selections,
provide information about each wine
and notify you when each month’s
selection is ready to be picked up.
Miniatures or 50 ml bottles are a
way to try distilled spirits without
investing a fortune in a larger size and
learning that you don’t like it. This is
especially true with cordials. Or, what
a good way to find out whether XO
cognac is really that much better than
VSOP.
You pay only for the wine; there is
no built in shipping charge. Members
receive a 10 percent discount on all
non-sale wine for the duration of the
membership and are admitted free
of charge at each of our Saturday
Tastings. The recipient has a gift that
is a reminder of the donor each and
every month.
Gary Burhop is
the owner of Great
Wines & Spirits
located at 6150
Poplar Avenue in
Regalia, Memphis,
Tenn. Great Wines
& Spirits carry a
large and varied
selection of kosher
wines.
We love the feedback we get – “I would
never have tried that wine on my own,
but now I have a new favorite.” “You
have introduced me to a new world
of wine; I learn something new each
month.”
If there is someone special or difficult
to buy for, CorksCrew membership is
perfect.
JLS • December 2006
13
In Fashion
Just for Kicks….
By Julie Lansky
Sneakers were once considered
outdated and tacky for non-gym
wear, but now they’ve reached chic
and sophisticated heights. One of
the hottest new trends in years is
sweeping through the footwear
industry, but it has absolutely nothing
to do with precision or performance.
Shoe-savvy customers are switching
to a new, transitional category. It’s a
hybrid of athletic construction and
casual styling, which has the fit, feel
and comfort of performance shoes, but
flair and styling of fashion footwear.
A pair of cute lifestyle shoes is
required for the fashion-conscience.
It’s a great change from boots, dress
shoes and heels. Just remember that
under no circumstance should you
have to sacrifice style for comfort.
After all, your shoe selection is a
fashion statement without having to
say anything. By taking a quick peek
at a person’s shoes, it can say a lot
about their personality.
Techno, retro and color are key
words when choosing lifestyle shoes.
Major manufacturers like Nike, Puma
and Adidas dig into their archive
of styles for inspiration. Updated
sneakers styles of 80s and even 50s,
made in every possible color, are
making strong resurgence. Noticed is
European influence in slim lines and
detailing, which is partly due to the
World Cup fever that equally trembles
the fans and sportswear industry.
Fashion may be constantly changing,
but for those of you who prefer
timeless classics, the retro shoe is for
you. Converse Chuck Taylor’s and
Puma seem to be everywhere these
days, and with a range of shades
from bubblegum pink to ribbon
red, they look great with everything
from jeans, active wear, casual pants
and skirts. Shoe companies are also
taking notice of the Converse style.
The company, Ed Hardy, is making
these classics by featuring Ed Hardy’s
tattoo artwork on shoes similar to the
Chuck Taylor’s.
As with any type of casual shoe you
choose, make sure you have the right
color to go with your clothing. Most
likely, you won’t be buying a pair of
shoes for every outfit. So, be sure to
get at least one pair with more neutral
colors to match your other clothing.
Black, gray, beige and white are
usually easy to match with several
variations to your wardrobe. But if
you dare to be bold, choose bright
colors. People will notice your feet,
and they are fun for more casual
occasions.
Whether you’re a sneaker fanatic, or
just looking for some new athletic
shoes, you probably don’t need
me to tell you that Puma shoes are
hot. Combining the coolest styles,
comfortability and functionality,
shoes from Puma consistently top the
wish lists of sneaker fans. And now,
Memphis shoppers will find a very
special collection of Puma shoes
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JLS • December 2006
available in the area only at Lansky
126. The Silo Collection from Puma
consists of a small collection of shoes
that are produced in limited quantities
and have a unique style.
Julie Lansky graduated from University
of Colorado, Boulder with a degree from
the School of Journalism-Advertising.
Julie is a third-generation Lansky in
the family business,
and currently serves
as buyer for Lansky
126 and manages its
Web presence www.
lanskybros.com.
The Switch:
From Maryland To Tennessee
By Jessica Rubin
Upon learning that I was
moving to Memphis,
my first question was
“what school will I be
going to?” The idea of
joining a newly created
school
immediately
appealed to me. And,
now that I’ve been in
school for a while, I can
wholeheartedly say that
the Memphis Jewish
High School is the
most enjoyable school
I have ever attended.
In my old state, Maryland,
I attended a school that
did not embrace the
Harkness method. Now that I have experienced this new
way of teaching, I would not like returning to the other
methods. The Harkness table encourages discussions and
promotes personal growth in all subjects. It also provides
the opportunity for students to converse with their teacher
instead of simply being told what to do.
Such a small school, it is much easier for a new student
like me to make friends. Instead of being surrounded by
hundreds of other adolescents, this small group setting
gives me the opportunity to get to know other students
much better. Since everybody is new at the school, I didn’t
feel as singled out. I wasn’t the “new girl.” I was one of the
students at the “new school.”
Everybody at the school is so friendly. I have never met
teachers who were so genuinely concerned with helping
me and the other students succeed. I am enjoying living in
Memphis and attending the Memphis Jewish High School.
JLS • December 2006
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Prepared For The Ball
By Susan C. Nieman
While most females are shopping for the perfect dress and
shoes to wear to the annual Blues Ball, Randa Rosenblum is
ensuring that stages are ready, banners and signs are hung,
lights and Mylar are strung, tables are set and decorated,
and that there are enough bathrooms for 2500 guests.
As operations manager for the country’s largest fundraising
event of its kind, Randa makes sure every guest enjoys the
ultimate ball experience.
She works year-round to prepare for the evening
extravaganza. But it is during the three weeks leading to
the spectacular event that everything kicks into high gear.
“This is our fourth year at the Pyramid,” said Randa, who
has worked with Pat Kerr Tigrett for 20 years and with
the Memphis Charitable Foundation since its inception 13
years ago.
Established in the early 1990s by Pat Tigrett, Memphis
Charitable Foundation, organizer of the Blues Ball and the
Jingle Bell Ball, has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars
in support of Memphis legendary musicians, children’s
charities and other worthy causes. It also supports an
education component.
“I grew up with Memphis music, assuming when I entered
college everyone my age, all over America, was dancing
and listening to live music of the same caliber…only to
realize how unique Memphis was,” said Pat. “Every night it
was Charlie Rich, Al Green, Willie Mitchell, The BarKays,
The MarKeys and more.
“The Blues Ball has made an amazing difference in the
way our Memphis musicians are accepted in their own
home town! It truly has become a ‘Homecoming’ for them
each year.”
In 1997 the ball outgrew the Peabody Hotel. Since then
they spent two years each at the Central Train Station, the
Gibson Guitar Factory, and the Memphis Cook Convention
Center before moving to the Pyramid.
Transforming a new venue is part of the challenge, fun and
excitement for Randa, Pat and more than 200 volunteers.
It’s what guests from all over the world anxiously await.
“We never know what to expect,” explained Randa. “The
Train Station had no floor, windows or bathrooms. The first
thing we had to do was pour cement. The Gibson Guitar
Factory was also under construction and had no bathrooms.
Next year we don’t know where we will be.”
Jill and Scott Notowich, Judy and Larry Moss, Debbie and
Stuart Lazarov
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JLS • December
Arriving at the Pyramid a week before the decorations
committee, Randa began the massive clean-up, turned
on the water, pressure washed the floors and scheduled
lighting, security, valet, rentals, caterers and hundreds
of volunteers. The team unloaded, unpacked and began
setting the ‘stage.’ She and Pat mapped the building and
decided where to place walls, bars, lounges and the silent
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a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Washington
University in St. Louis and a master’s in psychology from
Memphis State University.
After a two-year stint with the teen travel camp at the
Memphis Jewish Community Center, Randa worked at
the Memphis Publishing Company as a marketing analyst.
She spent the next 12 years at Federal Express where she
traveled the world conducting global marketing research
and developed and introduced two new global products.
“There were times when we held focus groups in three to
four cities a week,” said Randa. “I was in New York once a
month. And one year spent 52 weeks out of town.”
auction.
“Every day of the week is planned,” explained Randa.
After four years, The Pyramid set-up has become a fluid
process. Five storage buildings and a trailer, donated to
the Blues Ball by Crow’s Truck Service, hold thousands of
items the foundation reuses every year. Once at the venue,
volunteers from various charitable recipients, volunteer
groups, friends and anyone “with the right approach and
attitude,” according to Pat, begin measuring, cutting, tying
and stringing Mylar, lights, banners, signs and more.
Visiting countries throughout Europe and Asia, Randa feels
she has been blessed to have lived a full life before she was
40. One of the most exciting was the 1988 Olympics in
Calgary, Canada.
“Federal Express was a sponsor of the Winter Olympics,”
said Randa. “The company was aware of my extensive
volunteer event planning experience and recruited me
to help with the operations. We sponsored the awards
each night and I met most of the athletes. It was a great
On the night of the Blues Ball guests are lost inside the
masked Pyramid as they travel from room to room among
sparkling, colorful canopies and over-sized art. Fifty-foot
tall black curtains hide the arena seating. Netting, lights
and Mylar camouflage the ceiling.
Despite the hard work and long hours, Randa, Pat and all
of their dedicated volunteers enjoy the camaraderie and
friendship developed over the years. In fact, they just have
fun.
“Randa began as a volunteer,” said Pat “and simply grew
into an important part of our team. She is unique, pleasant,
hilarious and has learned with my events…nothing is
impossible. We have come to rely on her accountability,
her consummate professionalism and her ability to work
well with others with a deep respect.
“We all have a blast working on and attending The Blues
Ball. She is truly remarkable and a cherished friend.”
Organization comes naturally to Randa, who is currently the
sales and office administrator for her family’s promotional
products business, Ideas Unlimited. After graduating
from White Station High School in 1974, she received
Randa Rosenblum, Operations Manager of the Blues Ball
JLS • December 2006
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experience.”
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In 1997 after years of such a hectic pace, Randa began
searching for deeper meaning within her life. “I had been
studying meditation for several years and was still looking
for more,” she explained. “I attended an ALEPH Kallah, a
Jewish renewal program designed to rekindle your Jewish
soul. It had an amazing effect upon me.”
Randa soon left Federal Express to rejoin the family
business and her own business, Rosenblum Consulting.
With more free time she was able to step into leadership
positions with the numerous organizations with which she
had been associated throughout the years. She also taught
religious school at Temple Israel for seven years and was a
BBG adviser for nine.
Today she enjoys spending time with her parents, Maureen
and Sam Rosenblum, her brothers and her three nieces.
Volunteerism is just a part of Randa. “It is just part of my
values,” she said, “a core Jewish value.”
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JLS • December 2006
Randa has chaired and served on numerous volunteer
organizations and been honored for her work.
Chaired:
Harrah’s Employee Volunteer Program for Corporate
Headquarters, 1995-1997
Memphis in May Beale Street Music Festival, 19901995
Memphis in May Sanctioned BBQ Contest Network,
1991-1994
Marketing Chair, Memphis Air Show
Memphis Arts Festival Public Relations
Memphis Zoological Society Octoberfest
Memphis in May BBQ Marketing Chair,
1988-1991
Memphis in May Hospitality Committee,
1986-1988
Cochaired Rabbi Micah Greenstein’s installation
ceremony/dinner with the Orgels
Co-chaired Mitzvah Day
United Way Campaign Coordinator, FedEx
Past board member: Memphis in May, Neighborhood
House, Memphis Jewish Home, Jewish Family
Service, Special Kids Advisory Committee
Top 50 Women in Memphis, 2002
Leadership Memphis Graduate, 1992
Point of Light, 1992
Whose Who in Women in Business, 1990
FedEx Award of Excellence
FedEx Marketing Achievement Awards (6)
FedEx Gold Quality Award
Volunteer for but not limited to: Memphis Charitable
Foundation, Memphis in May, Zoo, Mud Island,
Ronald McDonald House, Temple Israel, Ballet,
Leadership Memphis, St. Jude, Special Olympics,
MIFA, National Civil Rights Museum, Hands on
Memphis, Memphis Brooks Museum, Leadership
Memphis, Center for Southern Folklore, Blues
Foundation
...wishes a
Happy
Chanukah
to all!
Randa and Robin Bender
Farmington Centre
Farmington & Exeter
Germantown
901-754-0018
Rudi and Honey Scheidt
JLS • December 2006
9
Memphis Jewish Home
residents enjoy September
birthdays, Sukkat &
a wine tasting
Plough Towers board
members and staff
treated residents and
their families to an
evening of ice cream
sundaes and bingo.
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JLS • December 2006
2006
Cooking On The Side
Chanukah - Festival of Lights
By Jason Braverman
Just what is Chanukah? Sure we light the Chanukiah (Menorah), and our sages tell us that the miracle of Chanukah
is that one day’s worth of oil lasted for eight. Quite miraculous actually.
The actual Menorah used in the Holy Temple was enormous, and I can honestly say, the amount of oil for even
one day was quite a bit more than what our little Menorah’s use in all eight days. However, the real miracle is not
the oil or even the lights themselves; rather Chanukah is
our time to rekindle the Jewish Spirit, a time of renewal.
Having just finished the High Holy days and with G-ds
Judgement written, Jews the world over look forward to
spending time with family and remembering how awesome and spectacular the Jewish Spirit is. Just as we renewed our Holy Temple long ago, so again shall we renew
ourselves and our dedication to the State of Israel.
Latkes
4 Idaho potatoes peeled and grated
1 medium white onion (yellow can be used as well for
a sweeter taste)
2 eggs beaten lightly
1/4 cup milk (plain rice dream if non-dairy)
4 tbsp butter or margarine melted
1/2 cup flour sifted
1 tsp kosher salt
Fresh pepper
First grate the onion into a bowl, then grate the potatoes and mix them. This will prevent the potatoes
from oxidizing and changing color. In a second bowl,
add the eggs, milk, melted butter and mix well. Then
add the flour, salt, pepper; mix very well. Pour this
over the potatoes and stir again.
Put some butter in a pan on medium heat and drop
1/4 cup of potatoes into the pan. Flatten them so they
are round and about 3-4 inches in width. Cook until
golden brown and flip.
This goes very well with Apple Sauce or Sour Cream.
*Olive oil can be substituted for the butter in the pan,
but not the mixture.
I recently returned for a three-week visit to Israel, and I am
happy to report that the country is bustling with activity. In
Jerusalem, development and economic prosperity are seen
everywhere. Israel has accomplished more in its recent
history than most countries have in their entire existence.
Truly, the Jewish people are renewed and plan to stay that
way.
With that said, now let’s move on to the food! My memories of Chanukah are of my family gathering at my Bubby’s
house to eat an enormous dinner and share stories of the
past and the hopeful future. My Bubby was a great cook,
she simply loved to make great food and watch people eat
it. Here are some of her (and my secret) recipes, handed
down from generation to generation:
Super Easy Sweet
and Sour Brisket
I love this and I know you will. Easy, fast and super
tender.
Take a brisket and trim off the fat and any silver skin
that may be on the meat. Wash and dry it. Place it in
a pan and cover with Simmering Secrets Sweet and
Sour sauce. Place it in the oven at 300o for one hour
per pound. Take it out and let rest for 30 minutes.
Fork tender and awesome. Throw some golden Yukon potatoes in during the last 30 minutes and you
have an excellent dish.
Chag Sameach - Happy Holidays
Jason Braverman is president and CEO of
MySimpleBackup.com an online backup and
data protection service. He is an IT Professional with more 20 years of experience in
advanced computer networks and technologies. Jason lives in Memphis with his
wife, Aliza, and daughter Atara. He can be
reached at jason@mysimplebackup.com.
JLS • December 2006
21
Goldie Margolin School for Girls
students Tovah Silbermann and Lea
Epstein hang sukkah decorations at
the Memphis Jewish Home.
Ethan Addess and Mendel Lazaros demonstrate the catapults
they made in physics class to further their understanding of
projectiles during their unit on vectors and motion.
MHA Student Council President Sam Rapp
(on ladder) and council members (l.-r.), Efroni
Schlesinger, Aaron Rubenstein and Yosef Gersten
hang a welcome banner in the ASBEE sukkah.
Elementary school students made and donated sukkah decorations to Anshei
Sphard Beth El Emeth (ASBEE), Baron Hirsch Congregation, Young Israel of
Memphis and the Memphis Jewish Home. First graders Chaya Klein, Hillel
Milevsky, Miles Parker and Batya Bosin show off their colorful foam chains.
Kindergartners visited the Memphis Jewish Home during Chet and
K week. Chet stands for chesed (kindness). Ezra Katz and Ethan
Morris pose with MJH resident Marie Ruffin.
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JLS • December 2006
Led by Kollel Torah MiTzion members, including Efi Avrahami
(back), students in the weekly after school Mishnayot class
learned the laws of building a sukkah and made model sukkot out
of Popsicle sticks. Ethan Cooper, Dylan Cooper, Shmuel Somer
and Benjamin Kampf explain why their sukkot are kosher.
JLS • December 2006
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New Member Weekend 2006
By Jennifer Edelson
Cotton States BBYO recently welcomed newly joined
freshmen into the exciting realm of regional programs
with open arms. Freshmen gathered at Camp Cosby with
coordinators Kimberly Evans and Stephen Grand, and the
Regional Board, for their first taste of the regional order.
MIT/AIT (member-in-training/aleph-in-training) weekend
is a unique program for new members to meet their
sister BBG’s and fellow Aleph’s who will undoubtedly
be some of their life-long friends. Participants learned
the fundamentals of what it means to be in BBYO, and
the history of the international order. Incorporated into
the weekend are leadership-building and Jewish identity
focused activities. Freshman Happie Hoffman of River
New Member Weekend participating in a low ropes course.
City BBG says, “I will never forget MIT/AIT weekend!
I met amazing people and had an amazing time!” New
Member Weekend was a successful catalyst for the 9th
graders’ journey through BBYO.
Jennifer Edelson is a 15-year-old sophomore
at White Station High School. She is the vice
president (a.k.a. S’ganit) of River City BBG
#2054 and a Hebrew teacher at Temple
Israel in Memphis.
Simchat Torah at
Congregation
Beth Israel
Klezmer Band
Consecration
Torah Scroll Unrolled
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JLS • December 2006
To Your Health
So Just What Is Hypnosis Anyway?
(and What Does It Have To Do With Judaism?)
By Sherwin A. Yaffe, M.D.
Hypnosis is a powerful but highly
misunderstood medical treatment
modality. I have used hypnosis with
generally favorable results for both
psychiatric and medical disorders
including
migraine
headaches,
various forms of arthritis, psoriasis,
asthma, inflammatory bowel disease,
gynecological conditions, acute and
chronic pain, and preparation for
surgery, among other conditions.
This article describes what hypnosis
is and isn’t and how it can be used in
medical conditions. A future article
will explain concepts and altered
states in Judaism which appear to have
significant overlap with hypnosis.
Another false belief is that when in a
trance one is unconscious and will not
remember anything which occurred.
In fact, one is always aware of
everything going on around them, but
most people prefer to focus inwards
to deal with the problem at hand.
Most of the time people will be aware
of everything that happened while in
trance when they return to the normal
waking state.
First, let’s look at the most common
myths associated with hypnosis.
It is widely believed that when in a
hypnotic trance one is completely
under the control of the hypnotherapist
and will execute his every command
no matter how unacceptable it might
be. This is absolutely false. In fact, the
therapist has no more control over his
subject in a trance than he does when
the subject is in the normal waking
state.
I never tell my patients that I am
going to hypnotize them as that
connotes that I do something to them.
Instead I teach them how to go into a
trance and help them to learn to use
the resources of the deeper part of
their mind to solve problems.
Another misconception is that one
will reveal secrets in trance. A
subject will not divulge anything
that he or she wants to keep private.
If there is an issue that involves the
basic problem at hand, I will discuss
it with the patient, and can return to
that issue when the patient is more
comfortable dealing with it.
So just what is hypnosis anyway?
There are several fancy technical
definitions, but they are really too
complicated for me. Hypnosis is the
ability that most people have to do
things they did not know they can
do. I teach patients to use the powers
of the deeper parts of their minds
to help them solve problems. Thus,
patients learn how to control pain and
inflammation, control blood pressure
and blood flow, directly influence
the course of a disease or illness,
remember events long forgotten in the
past which have had an effect on the
present illness, and to put the patient
in control of the illness rather than
the illness controlling them. It is this
ability to gain control of the problem
which makes hypnosis so valuable.
I teach self hypnosis to every one I
work with so that they can practice
in any other place when needed.
Hypnosis should be used as an adjunct
to conventional medical treatment.
Is hypnosis dangerous? If the therapist
is well trained, the answer is no. There
are, however, lots of people identifying
themselves as hypnotherapists with
little medical or psychiatric training.
If one is contemplating hypnotherapy,
always ask the therapist where
they received their training and
with whom they have current
accreditation. Three widely accepted
organizations are The American
Society of Clinical Hypnosis, The
Society of Experimental and Clinical
Hypnosis and The International
Society of Hypnosis. Many medical
schools and psychology departments
have excellent training in therapeutic
hypnosis.
In a forthcoming article, I will present
the Jewish connection including
Kavannah,
hisbodedut,
altered
states related to music, kabbalistic
meditation and the first Modziter
Rebbe, Rav Yisroel Taub, ZTL.
Dr. Sherwin Yaffe, a native Memphian,
has practiced psychiatry for 25 years.
He is currently a staff psychiatrist at
Western Mental Health Institute in
Boliver, Tennessee. Prior to Western he
was in full time private practice and also
practiced geriatric psychiatry in nursing
homes across the state of Tennessee. His
main areas of interest
include hypnotherapy
and
treatment
of
depression. His very
special love is laining
Torah.
JLS •• December
December 2006
2006
JLS
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On The Sidelines
With Aaron Krickstein
By Mark Hayden
Life has spun full circle for tennis pro
Aaron Krickstein.
The former 1980-90 ATP player has
returned to competition 13 years after
retirement, and is one of the over30 crowd that sports its own tennis
circuit.
“If golfers can field a tour, why not
tennis players,” said Krickstein, who
joined other golden oldies such as
John McEnroe, Jim Courier and Todd
Martin among others, at the Outback
Champions Series recently held at the
Racquet Club in Memphis.
The Outback Champions Series
features the greatest names in tennis
over the age of 30. To be eligible,
players must have reached at least a
Grand Slam singles final, been ranked
in the top five in the world or played
singles on a championship Davis Cup
team.
“I had fun,” said Krickstein, who
ended the tournament at 1-2 with his
only win against Pat Cash, 6-3, 6-3.
The director of tennis at a country
club in Boca Raton, Fla., Krickstein
finds his practice time limited.
“I can definitely play better,” said
the 39-year-old Michigan native.
“Unfortunately for me I’m the only
guy on the tour who has a real job and
responsibilities that go along with it. I
spend many weeks teaching so I don’t
have a lot of time to practice and train
like the other players.
“I came here and tried to do my best
but I haven’t had the best preparation.
I think I could be more competitive;
more match fit if I could practice a
little more.”
That said; Krickstein enjoys teaching
in Boca, a position he has held for six
years. “We have two or three special
events for club members and I get to
work with people who have a wide
range of abilities,” he explained.
Finishing his career with nine titles
including a 1984 trophy in Tel Aviv,
Krickstein was one of the most
highly decorated junior champions in
American tennis staying around the
top 10 on the ATP tour through the
late ‘80s and early ‘90s.
He found it difficult to return to
competitive play after a 13-year
absence.
“When you’re away from something
for so long you’ve got to find a way
to get back in the swing of things,” he
26
JLS • December 2006
said. “You’ve got to remember how
to play, how to win and how to play
different points. Even though you
know how to play you’ve got to train
yourself to get back in the habit.”
Krickstein has played some charity
events, namely for the Andy Roddick
Foundation. Outside of the tennis
world he made stabs in the investments
field and with his own salt-water
aquarium venture. But eventually he
returned to what he knows the best
– tennis.
The competitive juices that made for
such memorable matches among the
former champs are still there but not
as intense anymore.
“All of us are here to win,” said
Krickstein. “It doesn’t hurt to lose as
much as it did on the regular tour. There
is prize money involved, we have our
pride and competitive spirit and we
really don’t have that many chances to
compete against each other.”
The relationships among the players
have changed as well.
“We try the
entertain and
but at the end
win and play
Krickstein.
best that we can to
put on a good show
of the day we want to
our best tennis,” said
The Outback Champions Series
has had stops in Naples, Boston,
Charlotte, Memphis and Houston.
Mark Hayden has
been writing about
Memphis sports for a
variety of magazines
for more than 10
years. He works at
HYC Logistics. For
story ideas please
contact Mark at
marktn58@aol.com.
Beshert
True Stories of Connections
A monthly selection from the book written
by Harry Samuels
BANKING IN LOS ANGELES
By Maris Frager Berg
After graduating from Washington University in St. Louis,
Missouri, my niece Maris Frager was hired by a hospital
in Los Angeles, California, as an occupational therapist.
She drove to the West Coast, and while on the freeway,
she remembered she had very little cash. Noticing a bank
sign in the distance, she exited the highway and entered
the building. She went into the bank to cash a fifty-dollar
check drawn on her St. Louis bank account. As the lines
became shorter, she moved from one to the other until she
finally stood before a teller.
“Hello, my name is Maris Frager, and I would like to cash
a check for fifty dollars,” she said. “I have just arrived
in Los Angeles and have not yet established a banking
relationship, but I have been hired by a local hospital as an
occupational therapist and can show you a letter confirming
that fact.”
She presented her driver’s license and the letter of
acceptance. The teller looked at her license and confirmed
that she was from St. Louis.
The next question came as a shock: “Do you know Rose or
Al Frager from St. Louis?”
We’re expanding a
Memphis Tradition
For almost 30 years, Trezevant has created
a timeless tradition of distinction.
“Of course,” Maris replied, “they are my parents.”
The bank employee, Mrs. Stern, had known her mother for
many years in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She not only
cashed the check, but she invited Maris for dinner.
Our expansion includes: 24 new
Garden Homes, new apartments
and state of the art facilities.
What were the chances of this interchange occurring in what
was then the second largest city of the United States?
Please call 901-515-2800 to find out how
to plan for your future at Trezevant.
Harry Samuels is a graduate of Washington University. For the
past 50 years he has operated retail stores and a commercial real
estate firm in Memphis. He has spent many years as a volunteer
with numerous social service agencies
and projects including the presidency of
the Memphis Jewish Community Center
and the Memphis Jewish Federation. He
helped establish a Jewish Hospice initiative
for Memphis and is the founder of Chai, a
multi-faceted social support system aiding
families with catastrophically stricken
children. He and his wife Flora are the
parents of Martin, William and the late
David Samuels.
Marketing Department
177 North Highland
Memphis,TN 38111
901.515.2800
trezevantmanor.org
JLS ••• November
December 2006
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8/1/06 9:20:28 AM
Art by Us opening at Temple Israel
featuring Jewish Memphians
Karen Franklin, Hallie Charney, Jody Franklin
Carol Buchman, May Lynn Mansbach, Fannie Notowitz
Brenda Silberman
Temple Israel Sisterhood
Membership brunch with performance
by Shir Harmony
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JLS • December 2006
Sponsored Section
Dollars and Sense
Israeli Economy and Market Outlook for 4th Quarter 2006 and Beyond
Summary of the UBS / Israel “One-on-One New
York Conference October 23, 2006
By Shep Fargotstein
In the view of UBS, the Israeli economy and market has
moved beyond this summer’s conflict in Lebanon. To be
sure, their GDP numbers in the 3rd quarter and 4th quarter
will show the expense of the fighting and the costs to repair
damage. We do not, however, expect that the war had any
real impact on the overall corporate earnings picture for
Israeli companies. This is clearly true for the exporters
and technology companies. We expect it to be the case by
and large for the domestic players as well. Recent surveys
from the manufacturing survey association indicate that
most factories and production facilities that experienced
work stoppages during the month-long conflict have made
up all lost production, or will do so by the year end.
While there was some concern in the market that the
events in Lebanon have raised Israel’s “risk premium”, we
do not agree. In fact, from a quantitative perspective, the
inputs that would affect the multiple that investors would
be willing to pay for Israeli equities have actually become
more favorable. The currency in Israel has strengthened
with the weaker US dollar and the September CPI number
of -0.9% has many in the market looking for at least a
0.25% rate cut from the current 5.5% level.
could yield some short-term profit-taking. Our proprietary
P/E model for the TA-25 indicates that the market is now
trading at a forward 12-month multiple of 12X earnings.
We do not see this multiple as demanding given the growth
prospects for the Israeli economy in 2007 – UBS forecasts
another year of 4% growth.
UBS Investment Research is provided by UBS Securities
LLC.
Statement of risk: In addition to industry and company specific risks, we
point out to investors the potential risks inherent in investing in countries with
significant assets and business operations in global emerging markets (gem).
Potential emerging market-related risks include the volatile nature of currency,
regulatory and socio-political risks, and abrupt potential changes in the cost of
capital and the economic growth outlook. Valuations can also be affected by
“contagion” from developments in other emerging markets. Each of the above
has the potential to significantly impact company/industry performance.
Prior to joining PaineWebber in 1999 - now UBS Financial
Services, Inc. - Shep Fargotstein majored in finance at Bentley
College in Waltham, Massachusetts, and entered the financial
services industry as a financial consultant with Prudential
Securities in 1991. Shep provides comprehensive wealth
management services to a select clientele and strives to solve the
complex needs of his clients on a highly personal level.
Foreign direct investment remains strong in 2006, surpassing levels seen during the tech-boom of 2000/2001.
The main question is whether Israel’s attractiveness for
foreign direct investment will suffer as a result of the
recent hostilities, thus potentially hurting long-term
growth prospects. So far, we are not aware of any negative
reaction of foreign direct investors in Israel. Then again,
such decisions might never become public. Bernard
Avishai, Dean of the Raphael International School at
the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya, Israel, noted
that none of the 36 biggest foreign companies that are
currently active in Israel established their presence during
the second Intifada during 2000-2004, implying that
security concerns matter, at least once a certain level has
been reached.
The market also demonstrated its typical resilience to
geopolitical events. Both the TA-100 and the TA-25 indices
hit bottom on July 13th, the day that Israel responded to
Hezbollah’s incursion into Israel and capture of Israeli
reservists. The market began to stabilize and recover
from the initial shock of the situation and has been in true
recovery mode since mid-September, along with global
markets.
In the view of UBS, the market has resumed trading on
the fundamentals, though the recent upward momentum
JLS • December 2006
29
Coming Attractions
All Year
Every Monday
Noon, Beth Sholom, Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Rubenstein. Bring
dairy lunch; drinks, dessert provided 901.683.3591.
Noon, T.E.A.M., Women’s lunch and learn. Call up to an hour before
to reserve kosher lunch from Arie’s 901.685.8322.
Second Wednesdays
12:00 p.m. Temple Israel Book Club Dec.13: Water for Elephants by
Sara Given, Jan 10: The Good Life by Jay McInery, Eileen Wishnia
685 9820.
Every Wednesday
8:00 p.m. Beth Sholom, Limmud Study with Rabbi Rubinstein” The
Torah of Relationships” 901.683.3591.
1:00 p.m. Temple Israel, Women’s Minyan with Rabbi Tara Feldman
901.761.3130.
Every Thursday
Noon, Lunch and learn with Rabbi Meir Feldman at Lulu Grille 565
Erin Drive, Memphis.
1:30 p.m. Temple Israel, Mother Bear Project. Knit bears for African
children affected by HIV/AIDS 901.761.3130.
Every Saturday
8:45 a.m. Temple Israel, Torah Study 901.761.3130.
8:45 a.m. Temple Israel, Exploring Judaism for those interested
in converting to Judaism, married to or planning to marry Jewish
partners, born Jews and non-Jews seeking to deepen their Jewish
knowledge 901.761.3130.
Every Sunday
10:00 a.m. Beth Sholom, Cantor Julian’s Medical Ethics class
901.683.3591.
11:00 a.m. Beth Sholom, Artful Torah, with Rabbi Rubenstein
901.683.3591.
Dec. 1
6:00 p.m. Baron Hirsch, Family Shabbat Dinner RSVP 901.683.7485
6:15 p.m. Temple Israel, Shabbat Dinner, Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin
“The Role of Jewish Men in American Contemporary Life.”
6:30 p.m. Hillel House, Shabbat Dinner RSVP 901.452.2453.
7:30 p.m Temple Israel Services “Searching for My Brothers: Jewish
Men in a Gentile World.”
Dec. 2
8:45 a.m. Temple Israel, Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin “Outside the Red
Tent: The Truth about Dinah.”
11:00 a.m. Baron Hirsch, Synaplex Shabbat: Three adult classes to
choose from, special sessions for teens and children 901.683.7485.
8:00 p.m. Baron Hirsch, Memphis Area Jewish Young Couples
Shabbat, Rollin’ on the River, Riverboat Ride with cocktails and
entertainment 901.683.7485.
Dec. 3
9:00 a.m. Anshei Sphard Beth-El Emeth, Minyan Breakfast followed
by the Chanukah Institute 901.682.1611.
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Temple Israel, Women of Reform Judaism’s
Chanukah Marketplace in new Temple Judaica Shop.
30
JLS • December 2006
2006
Dec. 3 & 13
9:30 a.m. Temple Israel, Jewish Literature Class with Leo Bearman
901.761.3130.
11:00 a.m. Temple Israel, Sundays with Amos with Dr. Joe Levy
901.761.3130.
Dec. 5
7:00 p.m. Beth Sholom Sisterhood, “Meet Me at the Mikvah.”
Everything you wanted to know about Mikvah rituals with Sharona
Rubinstein, Susan Stein. Marsha Bender 901.755.8154.
Dec. 6
11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Hillel House, Lunch RSVP 901.452.2453
6:45 p.m. Baron Hirsch, Shlock Rock Concert, Tickets $8 advance,
$12 door 901.683.7485.
Dec. 6 & 7
7:00 pm. MHA/FYOS, Goldie Margolin High School for Girls
Presents “Arsenic and Old Lace” 901.682.2400.
Dec. 6 & 10
7:30 p.m. Temple Israel, “What I Want to be When I grow Up” A
fresh look at timeless life questions for ages 40 and over.
Dec.7
12:15 p.m. Anshei Sphard Beth-El Emeth, Lena Katz Study
Circle “Lunch and Learn” with Rabbi Finkelstein, $3.00 lunch
901.682.1611.
Dec. 8
6:15 p.m. Beth Israel Congregation, Shabbat Service, guest speaker
Julian Haber 601.956.6215
Dec. 10
9:30 a.m. Temple Israel, “Beyond the Skinned Knee” with Tabbi Tara
Feldman 901.761.3130.
6:30 p.m. MHA/FYOS, Cooper Yeshiva High School for Boys Annual
Steak Dinner RSVP 901.682.2400.
Dec. 13
Noon, Baron Hirsch, Kol Rena So-Shuls Seniors Luncheon RSVP
Fannie Bredow 901.683.0814.
Dec. 14
8-10 p.m. Beth Sholom, Book Club, Rabbi Rubinstein 901.683-3591.
Dec. 16
Baron Hirsch, Shabbat: Cholent Cook-Off Contest following services.
Dec.17
10:30-12-30 a.m. Beth Sholom, Family Latkes Cooking Class, $25.00
per 2 cooks Sharon Nickol 901.683.3591
6:00 p.m. Anshei Sphard Beth-El Emeth, Sisterhood
Chanukah Dinner
Beth Israel Congregation, Chanukah Dinner 601.956.6215
call for time.
Dec. 19
Advertiser Listing
Belmont Village
901.624.8820
page 11
Comfort Keepers
Cary Rotter
901.752.1515
page 9
Edible Arrangements
901.624.1200
page 1
Fireside Subs
901.755.8633
page 5
Germantown Plantation
901.219.2807
page 3
Jan 5-6
Baron Hirsch, Scholar-in-Residence, Rabbi Jacob J. Schacter.
Great Wines
901.682.1333
page 13
Anshei Sphard Beth-El Emeth Congregation (ASBEE), 120 East
Yates Road North, Memphis, TN, 901.682.1611
Harkavy,Shainberg
Kaplan & Dunstan
6:00 p.m. Baron Hirsch, Annual Chanukah Dinner RSVP
901.683.7485.
Dec. 21
7:30 p.m. Home of Sally Rosenberg, 6729 Corsica Dr., Pirkei Ima-ot,
Wisdom of the Mothers. Rosh Chodesh and Women’s Torah Study,
jeffsal@midsouth.rr.com or 901.753.5168.
Dec. 24
5:00 p.m. Beth Sholom, Hanukah Hoe Down Michele Less
901.682.1711.
Beth Israel Congregation, Dinner and a movie 601.956.6215
inside front cover
Bais Chabad (Chabad Lubavitch), 6629 Massey Lane, Memphis, TN,
38120, 901.766.1800
Jason’s Deli
901.685.3333, 901.844.1840
Jackson, TN; 731.660.0594
Baron Hirsch Synagogue, 400 S. Yates, Memphis, TN, 38120,
901.683.7485
Jewish Foundation of Memphis
901.374.0400
Beth Sholom Synagogue, 6675 Humphreys Boulevard, Memphis,
TN, 38120, 901.683.3591
Lansky at the Peabody
901.529.9070
Lansky 126
901.405.7625
Bornblum Solomon Schechter School, 6641 Humphreys Boulevard,
Memphis, TN 38120, 901.747.2665
page 19
inside back cover
back cover
Barry Less
Crye-Leike Property Management
901.758.5678
901.461.0046 cell
page 15
Relax the Back
901.683.8385
page 7
Seriously Fun
901.754.0018
page 19
Temple Israel Gift Shop
901.761.3130
page 27
The Tower Room
901.767.8776
page 5
Memphis Jewish Home, 36 Bazeberry, Cordova, TN 38016,
901.758.0036
Trezevant Manor
901.515.2800
page 27
TEAM (Torah Education Association of Memphis) 5350 Poplar
Avenue Suite 550, Memphis, TN, 685-8322
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
Shep Fargotstein
901.415.3040
page 29
West Stone Works
901.767.0026
page 23
The Wormser Firm
Harold Wormser
901.767.0265
page 9
Congregation Beth Israel, 5315 Old Canton Rd, Jackson, MS, 39211,
601.956.6215
Hillel House, 3581 Midland, Memphis, TN, 38111, 901.452.2453
Margolin Hebrew Academy/Feinstone Yeshiva of the South, 390 S.
White Station Rd., Memphis, TN, 38117, 901.682.2409
Memphis Jewish Community Center, 6560 Poplar Ave., Memphis,
TN, 38138, 901.761.0810
Memphis Jewish High School, 1203 Ridgeway Road, Park Place
Centre, Suite 203 Memphis, TN 38119, 901.767.4818
Temple Israel, 1376 East Massey Road, Memphis, TN, 38120,
901.761.3130
Young Israel of Memphis, 531 S. Yates, Memphis, TN, 38120,
901.761.6060
JLS • December 2006
Taking the Mystery out
of Charitable Giving
By Laura Linder
CRUT, CLAT, NIMCRUT, CGA – to most of us, when we
see these acronyms we may as well be reading a foreign
language. But to those in the charitable giving world, these
represent just a few of the many gift vehicles available to
philanthropists today.
How can we make sense of all the available charitable gift
options and how do we know what is right for our particular
situation?
First, contact the organizations you wish to support. Many
have professional staff, well-versed in charitable planning.
Second, discuss your goals with your advisor. He/she can
evaluate your needs and determine the best gift vehicle.
Lastly, determine when you want your gift(s) to take place
– during your lifetime (current) or at your death (deferred).
Current gifts may be made with cash, securities and other
readily marketable assets such as real estate, art work and
automobiles.
Most philanthropists are “check-writers.” Most of us
fall within this category. Have you considered utilizing
appreciated securities instead of cash? You can receive a
charitable tax-deduction for the full fair market value of the
stock on the date the gift is made, and you avoid paying
capital gains tax on the increased value. A simple phone
call or email to your broker may be all that is needed to
transfer stock to your favorite charity. But beware, in order
to avoid paying capital gains tax on appreciation, don’t sell
the stock! Transfer the shares to your desired charity first
and allow the shares to be sold in the name of the charity.
Non-cash assets, in the right circumstances, make ideal
charitable gifts. However, you’ll need to secure an appraisal
and, in the case of real estate, an environmental study. Be
sure to discuss your intentions with your advisor in order to
determine the value of your charitable deduction and any
potential pitfalls.
Until recently, the use of IRA assets was only discussed
when dealing with deferred gifts. However, the new Pension
Protection Act of 2006 presents donors with a unique
opportunity to utilize retirement assets for current gifts.
Donors over the age of 70 ½ may make tax-free distributions
up to $100,000 in 2006 and 2007 directly from retirement
accounts to charity.
32
JLS • December 2006
2006
Deferred gifts, or gifts that take place after one’s lifetime,
are a wonderful way to leave a legacy for your favorite
charities.
A bequest is the simplest form of a deferred gift and can
be stated as a specific dollar amount, a percentage or the
residual value of your estate. A donor advised fund at the
Jewish Foundation can serve as the charitable beneficiary.
Through a simple letter, you can inform the Foundation
how the funds are to be disbursed at your death.
Naming a charity as the beneficiary of your retirement assets
is often the most tax-advantaged way to make a deferred
commitment. When left to heirs, these assets are subject
to estate tax and income tax. You can avoid this double
taxation by naming a charitable organization as beneficiary
and directing other assets to your heirs.
Life insurance policies are a popular option for deferred
gifts. In most cases, you can make a significant charitable
gift for a relatively affordable premium. Premiums are
generally deductible and at your death, the funds flow
directly to the organization tax-free.
Other vehicles can provide life-time income and support
your favorite charity(ies) at your death. One example is a
Charitable Remainder Trust or CRT. Donors may receive an
immediate charitable deduction when the CRT is established
and receive income every quarter until his/her death.
Remember, when contemplating a charitable gift, consult
your professional advisor. He/she can help you craft a plan
for current and deferred gifts that helps you meet your
personal and charitable objectives.
The Jewish Foundation of Memphis is not engaged in
rendering legal or tax advisory services. Individuals
considering charitable gifts to the Foundation or to
participating organizations should obtain the services of
a financial advisor, such as an attorney,
certified public accountant, or chartered
life underwriter.
Laura Linder is the executive director of the
Jewish Foundation of Memphis.