Items in today’s column
*Melvin Garb Foundation helps Temple Beth Shalom refurbish
*Igbo people of Nigeria count Jews among them
Melvin Garb Foundation helps Temple Beth Shalom refurbish
CHULA VISTA, California – Thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Melvin Garb Foundation, Temple Beth Shalom has been able to refurbish its event and learning center. Some visitors will get to see the results on Saturday, September 14, following the bat mitzvah in the sanctuary of Ashley Deena Sanders, who is the daughter of Golda Bendah and granddaughter of accomplished Torah reader Joseph Bendah. The kiddush luncheon will be sponsored by the Sanders and Bendah families.
The refurbishing project was overseen by volunteer Edward Fishauf, a long-time congregant. “It would not have happened without him,” commented the Conservative congregation’s president Arlene LaGary. “He knew which contractors to contact, how to get the best price” and he “was on site almost evry day to make sure the work was done to his liking.”
LaGary said thanks to the grant, “we have a new roof, new handicapped accessible restrooms, new carpeting, lighting, fans, and window treatments.” The congregational president offered special thanks to Sue Garwish and Leo Casiple, who wrote the grant application, and to congregant Steve Goldkrantz, who was involved in the whole process.
In addition to b’nai mitzvah receptions, the center will be used by Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel to conduct classes, and “for many other activities,” according to LaGary.
However, she said, a temple’s work is never done. “We still need air conditioning and heating,” LaGary said. “We will be seeking additional funding.”
Temple Beth Shalom is located at 209 Madrona Street in Chula Vista.
*
Igbo people of Nigeria count Jews among them
A press release from Shavei Israel, an organization that reaches out to far-flung Jewish communities all over the world, brought to memory our late contributor Gail (Feurzeig) Umeham and her husband Okoronkwo Umeham, who hails from the Igbo town of Arochukwo in the Abia State in southeastern Nigeria.
Umeham, who retains the status of “elder” in his community notwithstanding his domicile in Southern California, often told me that the Igbo are considered the “Jews of Nigeria” because of their mercantile abilities and what he describes as his tribe’s superior intellect.
But, more than that, he told me many times before moving from San Diego to Orange County, where he lives with his son Arthur Lupsha (by Gail’s first marriage), “you will find gates with big Jewish stars on them at the entrance to many Igbo villages” – a reference to the belief of some Igbos that they are descended from the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel.
The news release from Shavei Israel reported that in the town of Onithsa, approximately 250 Nigerian youth and 20 adults gathered for “a national week-long Jewish leadership and learning seminar co-sponsored by the Nigerian Jewish Youth Movement. The seminar included classes in Hebrew and Torah, lectures, Shabbat activities, singing and dancing.
“There are about 70 igbo Jewish communities in Nigeria, founded at different times and under various circumstances, but the first and biggest community in Lagos has existed for more than 20 years,” the news release said. “Most of the communities have at least one place of study or synagogue where members gather for daily and Shabbat services. The Igbo are one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups, and among them is a minority of some 4,000 people practicing Judaism…”
Michael Freund, the founder and chairman of Shavei Israel, said, “We decided to answer their call and we’re working closely with the growing numbers of Igbo communities that are now flourishing in places such as Lagos, abuja and Anambra state.”
Any wonder why the slogan of San Diego Jewish World is “There is a Jewish Story Everywhere”?
*
Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World. He may be contacted via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com