Radio Chavura - Exclusive Articles
RADIO CHAVURA FEATURES KOLLEL'S TORAH FOR TYCOONS
Published: September 22, 2013
(Denver, CO) - Radio Chavura is proud to support the Denver Community Kollel and to help showcase its highly regarded business ethics lunch-and-learn series, Torah for Tycoons.
To mark the start of Torah for Tycoon's 10th year of bringing together local business leaders and Torah scholars in a lively discussion of business and personal ethics, Radio Chavura will feature a special broadcast edition of Torah for Tycoons on Sunday evening, September 22nd, as well as an extended online-only bonus version.
Our distinguished guest is Yosh Eisbart, principal and co-founder of NIMBL, winner of this year's Small Business of the Year award, presented by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. Founded in 2009, NIMBL is one of Colorado's most dynamic technology sector companies, recently named by Inc. magazine to its prestigious list of America's fastest-growing private companies.
NIMBL's clients include such globally recognized brands as Pepsi, Nestle, JohnsManville, Newmont, Janus, ExxonMobil, Toms, Crocs, White Wave, and Shane Co. NIMBL is an SAP professional services firm focused on high-value high-impact technical consulting.
The topic for this special broadcast is: "Being a Mentsch and Owning a Business."
Among the ethical questions to be addressed: What does the Torah instruct when it comes to a business owner's treatment of customers and employees? Does a business owner have a right - perhaps an obligation - to earn a profit, even if that means firing under-performing workers? Where is the line between going the extra mile to serve one's customers and maintaining a healthy livelihood?
Leading the conversation and offering Torah insights will be Rabbi Mordechai Fleisher, director of community education at the Kollel. Rabbi Fleisher is a regular Torah for Tycoons moderator, as are Roshei Kollel Rabbi Aron Yehuda Schwab and Rabbi Shachne Sommers.
Since 2003, Torah for Tycoons has attracted the participation of more than 500 men and women from diverse backgrounds to explore the importance of Torah-inspired ethics in business. The series is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Harry H. Beren Trust Z.B.
The first regular Torah for Tycoons lunch-and-learn of the new year will be held on October 2nd at noon at the East Side Kosher Deli. The topic will be: Listening In: The Issues of Tracking and Snooping on Other People. For more information, contact the Kollel at 303-820-2855 or visit its website, www.denverkollel.org.
Published: September 22, 2013
(Denver, CO) - Radio Chavura is proud to support the Denver Community Kollel and to help showcase its highly regarded business ethics lunch-and-learn series, Torah for Tycoons.
To mark the start of Torah for Tycoon's 10th year of bringing together local business leaders and Torah scholars in a lively discussion of business and personal ethics, Radio Chavura will feature a special broadcast edition of Torah for Tycoons on Sunday evening, September 22nd, as well as an extended online-only bonus version.
Our distinguished guest is Yosh Eisbart, principal and co-founder of NIMBL, winner of this year's Small Business of the Year award, presented by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. Founded in 2009, NIMBL is one of Colorado's most dynamic technology sector companies, recently named by Inc. magazine to its prestigious list of America's fastest-growing private companies.
NIMBL's clients include such globally recognized brands as Pepsi, Nestle, JohnsManville, Newmont, Janus, ExxonMobil, Toms, Crocs, White Wave, and Shane Co. NIMBL is an SAP professional services firm focused on high-value high-impact technical consulting.
The topic for this special broadcast is: "Being a Mentsch and Owning a Business."
Among the ethical questions to be addressed: What does the Torah instruct when it comes to a business owner's treatment of customers and employees? Does a business owner have a right - perhaps an obligation - to earn a profit, even if that means firing under-performing workers? Where is the line between going the extra mile to serve one's customers and maintaining a healthy livelihood?
Leading the conversation and offering Torah insights will be Rabbi Mordechai Fleisher, director of community education at the Kollel. Rabbi Fleisher is a regular Torah for Tycoons moderator, as are Roshei Kollel Rabbi Aron Yehuda Schwab and Rabbi Shachne Sommers.
Since 2003, Torah for Tycoons has attracted the participation of more than 500 men and women from diverse backgrounds to explore the importance of Torah-inspired ethics in business. The series is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Harry H. Beren Trust Z.B.
The first regular Torah for Tycoons lunch-and-learn of the new year will be held on October 2nd at noon at the East Side Kosher Deli. The topic will be: Listening In: The Issues of Tracking and Snooping on Other People. For more information, contact the Kollel at 303-820-2855 or visit its website, www.denverkollel.org.
Palestinians Hiding Their Hate Speech from the Western World
Published: August 1, 2013
(Jerusalem, Israel) - The Palestinian Authority continues to hide its true intentions toward Israel from the Western world while consistently pushing an anti-Israel message to the Palestinian people, says the director of an Israeli research institute that monitors the PA.
“When people understand the true Palestinian ideology, they realize that the victimhood [storyline] is a mask,” said Palestinian Media Watch Director Itamar Marcus, an authority on Palestinian ideology and policy, during a recent Radio Chavura exclusive interview.
Radio Chavura, which airs Sundays at 6:30 pm on 990 KRKS AM in Denver regularly highlights Colorado's vibrant Jewish community, but also focuses on issues affecting American and international Jewry. The interview with Mr. Marcus comes at the tail end of a three-part High Holidays series.
Mr. Marcus explains to Radio Chavura's local and national listeners that the PA tailors its message to two completely different audiences - the internal world of the Palestinians and the English-language world.
That internal Palestinian message has three consistent components: First, to deny Israel’s right to exist; second, to demonize Israel and Jews, and third, to promote violence.
Mr. Marcus, who grew up in the U.S. and now lives in Israel, discusses the history of Palestinian hate speech, indicating that the “messaging began in the early days of the Palestinian Authority” and “continues 'till today in one way or another.”
Since 1996, Mr. Marcus's Palestinian Media Watch has monitored and analyzed the PA by translating Palestinian speeches and schoolbooks into Hebrew and English. PMW’s major focus is on the messages that Palestinian leaders (from both Fatah and Hamas) send the Palestinian people. PMW has - over the years - been a key source for news about the Palestinians for outlets such as Fox Network, the Christian Broadcasting Network, and the Daily Beast.
A recent example of the crucial analysis provided by PMW can be seen in its coverage of the current Middle East peace talks begun by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. While all of Israel's messaging indicates that it sees peace as the ultimate goal of the negotiations, Mr. Marcus points out that the Palestinians see the talks as a political tactic: “Meaning, a peace treaty can be something to buy me [the Palestinians] time.”
In an address that was picked up by PMW, the Palestinian Minister of Religious Affairs, Mahmoud Al-Habbash told an Arab audience that the talks “are based on the same concept that Mohammed [used] when he signed the Treaty of Hudaibiya. He had come to conquer Mecca but he wasn’t strong enough. Two years later he did.”
While the global media does report what the Palestinians say, Mr. Marcus comments they often miss a critical aspect of the Palestinians’ messages to their own people - what journalists call “incitement.”
“We say there is no incitement,” Mr. Marcus says. “They’re expressing their honest beliefs and opinions. They’re saying it and we should listen to them and believe them.”
The PMW has a staff of nine translators who read Palestinian newspapers and watch the newscasts of two Palestinian TV stations.
“At the end of each day, we take the best indicators of the materials and we do translations in English and Hebrew and put them on our website as well as release them to the media and to our subscribers,” Mr. Marcus says.
Mr. Marcus believes that when it comes to the Palestinians, “there are times when the bubble pops and you have major changes in [how they are perceived] by countries. For many years the PA was actually ostracized by the international community because we were able to show [PLO leader Yasser] Arafat was the driving force... [After a while] everyone says we have to go back to the peace process and maybe the Palestinians are different today. So I have to constantly show them what [the Palestinians] are saying right now.”
During his interview Mr. Marcus offered the notable example of the influence PMW has in Norway, which is the PA’s most consistent European ally. PMW disclosed that the the Palestinians were using Norwegian aid money to provide salaries to terrorists held in Israeli jails. It was a Norwegian reporter who is on PMW’s distribution list that broke the story that led to investigations of the government for lying to Parliament about the appropriations of the funds they provided to the PA.
“We showed it was Norwegian money and the foreign minister [Espen Barth Eide] was forced to say he gave wrong information to Parliament,” reveals Mr. Marcus. “The investigation is continuing. They have elections coming up in September and opposition parties have said they would change policy on Israel.”
With more resources, Mr. Marcus says PMW could replicate its efforts in Norway in every country in Europe and be more active in the U.S. Congress.
“We believe that a lot of the hatred toward Israel is because of the lack of information,” he says.
Marcus added that government officials are often not aware of PMW's information. “We have had meetings [in Washington] scheduled for 15 minutes and then they went on for an hour because people…had no idea and they wanted to get more information."
Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton “was very supportive or our work when she was senator,” Marcus adds. “At a press conference with us as a senator, she said the Palestinians are profoundly poisoning the minds of their children.” However, as Secretary of State, he continued, Clinton continued to get PMW material through an aide, but never spoke of it.
Mr. Marcus's complete Radio Chavura interview is available at www.chavura.com. The preceding guests in the High Holidays special were Dr. Neil W. Levin of the Milken Archive of Jewish Music, and Rabbi Joseph Black of Colorado's largest congregation, Temple Emanuel.
Published: August 1, 2013
(Jerusalem, Israel) - The Palestinian Authority continues to hide its true intentions toward Israel from the Western world while consistently pushing an anti-Israel message to the Palestinian people, says the director of an Israeli research institute that monitors the PA.
“When people understand the true Palestinian ideology, they realize that the victimhood [storyline] is a mask,” said Palestinian Media Watch Director Itamar Marcus, an authority on Palestinian ideology and policy, during a recent Radio Chavura exclusive interview.
Radio Chavura, which airs Sundays at 6:30 pm on 990 KRKS AM in Denver regularly highlights Colorado's vibrant Jewish community, but also focuses on issues affecting American and international Jewry. The interview with Mr. Marcus comes at the tail end of a three-part High Holidays series.
Mr. Marcus explains to Radio Chavura's local and national listeners that the PA tailors its message to two completely different audiences - the internal world of the Palestinians and the English-language world.
That internal Palestinian message has three consistent components: First, to deny Israel’s right to exist; second, to demonize Israel and Jews, and third, to promote violence.
Mr. Marcus, who grew up in the U.S. and now lives in Israel, discusses the history of Palestinian hate speech, indicating that the “messaging began in the early days of the Palestinian Authority” and “continues 'till today in one way or another.”
Since 1996, Mr. Marcus's Palestinian Media Watch has monitored and analyzed the PA by translating Palestinian speeches and schoolbooks into Hebrew and English. PMW’s major focus is on the messages that Palestinian leaders (from both Fatah and Hamas) send the Palestinian people. PMW has - over the years - been a key source for news about the Palestinians for outlets such as Fox Network, the Christian Broadcasting Network, and the Daily Beast.
A recent example of the crucial analysis provided by PMW can be seen in its coverage of the current Middle East peace talks begun by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. While all of Israel's messaging indicates that it sees peace as the ultimate goal of the negotiations, Mr. Marcus points out that the Palestinians see the talks as a political tactic: “Meaning, a peace treaty can be something to buy me [the Palestinians] time.”
In an address that was picked up by PMW, the Palestinian Minister of Religious Affairs, Mahmoud Al-Habbash told an Arab audience that the talks “are based on the same concept that Mohammed [used] when he signed the Treaty of Hudaibiya. He had come to conquer Mecca but he wasn’t strong enough. Two years later he did.”
While the global media does report what the Palestinians say, Mr. Marcus comments they often miss a critical aspect of the Palestinians’ messages to their own people - what journalists call “incitement.”
“We say there is no incitement,” Mr. Marcus says. “They’re expressing their honest beliefs and opinions. They’re saying it and we should listen to them and believe them.”
The PMW has a staff of nine translators who read Palestinian newspapers and watch the newscasts of two Palestinian TV stations.
“At the end of each day, we take the best indicators of the materials and we do translations in English and Hebrew and put them on our website as well as release them to the media and to our subscribers,” Mr. Marcus says.
Mr. Marcus believes that when it comes to the Palestinians, “there are times when the bubble pops and you have major changes in [how they are perceived] by countries. For many years the PA was actually ostracized by the international community because we were able to show [PLO leader Yasser] Arafat was the driving force... [After a while] everyone says we have to go back to the peace process and maybe the Palestinians are different today. So I have to constantly show them what [the Palestinians] are saying right now.”
During his interview Mr. Marcus offered the notable example of the influence PMW has in Norway, which is the PA’s most consistent European ally. PMW disclosed that the the Palestinians were using Norwegian aid money to provide salaries to terrorists held in Israeli jails. It was a Norwegian reporter who is on PMW’s distribution list that broke the story that led to investigations of the government for lying to Parliament about the appropriations of the funds they provided to the PA.
“We showed it was Norwegian money and the foreign minister [Espen Barth Eide] was forced to say he gave wrong information to Parliament,” reveals Mr. Marcus. “The investigation is continuing. They have elections coming up in September and opposition parties have said they would change policy on Israel.”
With more resources, Mr. Marcus says PMW could replicate its efforts in Norway in every country in Europe and be more active in the U.S. Congress.
“We believe that a lot of the hatred toward Israel is because of the lack of information,” he says.
Marcus added that government officials are often not aware of PMW's information. “We have had meetings [in Washington] scheduled for 15 minutes and then they went on for an hour because people…had no idea and they wanted to get more information."
Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton “was very supportive or our work when she was senator,” Marcus adds. “At a press conference with us as a senator, she said the Palestinians are profoundly poisoning the minds of their children.” However, as Secretary of State, he continued, Clinton continued to get PMW material through an aide, but never spoke of it.
Mr. Marcus's complete Radio Chavura interview is available at www.chavura.com. The preceding guests in the High Holidays special were Dr. Neil W. Levin of the Milken Archive of Jewish Music, and Rabbi Joseph Black of Colorado's largest congregation, Temple Emanuel.
The Secret To Making A Great, Kosher Bagel in Colorado
Published: August 1, 2013
Photo: Beth Ginsberg of Denver's The Bagel Store
(Denver, CO) - There are only 6 all-natural, finest-quality kosher ingredients, including real malt syrup. White sugar and chemicals are personae non gratae. Each parve bonne bouche is boiled a full 2 minutes – never steamed or dry cooked. Next, they are baked on a hearth stone. Wire racks don’t cut it. Finally, they are flipped onto burlap boards, which draw out any remaining water.
Voilá. A hard-on-the-outside, soft-and-chewy-on-the-inside, hot and fresh Colorado kosher bagel, that can stand hole-to-hole with any of New York’s renowned deli machers (big shots).
Oh, yes. To produce these fresh-baked delights each morning, a dutiful crew of bagel makers begins its routine the night before, reporting to work in shifts starting at 8 pm.
“It’s a labor of love,” says Beth Ginsberg, who purchased The Bagel Store four years ago, and is thriving in an industry that, in general, is faltering under the burden of the very costly, laborious and challenging job of turning bagel dough into spendable scratch.
An engineer by training, Ginsberg first became interested in making bagels commercially while living with her family in Singapore. “I didn’t know how to make bagels,” she recalls. Nonetheless, during visits back to Denver, the previous owner of The Bagel Store, which has been in business for 37 years, mentored her on the process.
Ginsberg’s first foray into the bagel business, New York City Bagel Factory, based in Singapore, continues to provide New York-style bagels to Starbucks coffee shops and other outlets in the Asian nation.
In Denver, The Bagel Store, located at 942 S. Monaco Parkway (80224), does its briskest business serving the wholesale marketplace, including major hotels, dozens of local caterers and each and every Ink! Coffee location.
Ginsberg, who is a guest on this week’s edition of Radio Chavura, airing each Sunday at 6:30 pm on 990 KRKS AM in Denver, notes that among her wholesale and retail clients, Jews make up only a tiny fraction.
“Everybody loves a good bagel these days,” she tells Radio Chavura hosts Maxwell andDean Rotbart. “They’re not just for Jews anymore.”
The Bagel Store offers 13 varieties of fresh bagels during the week, expanding by two (Chocolate Chip and Cinnamon Sugar) on Fridays. Moreover, Ginsberg says she and her crew are happy to make custom varieties – such as whole wheat and sesame – for customers who request at least a dozen made-to-order bagels in advance.
Ginsberg says her “everything” bagel remains the most popular of them all, followed closely by plain, poppy and sesame.
For those who live outside of Denver and crave a great kosher, New York-style bagel, Ginsberg says she’s happy to ship bagels anywhere in the state or country. Alternatively, those needing a bagel fix can join the parade of others who regularly make the pilgrimage to The Bagel Store from Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Greeley and as far away as Wyoming and Montana.
Ginsberg says these voyagers come, enjoy bagels fresh from the store, and return home with dozens and dozens of bagels to stock their freezers.
The Bagel Store is open Mon-Wed and Sat-Sun from 6 am to 2 pm. On Thursday and Friday it is open from 6 am to 6 pm. Phone: 303-388-2648.
In addition to its all-star lineup of bagels, The Bagel Store sells a variety of kosher challahs, breads, cakes and pastries. All its products are certified kosher by Vaad HaKashrus of Denver, also known as Scroll K.
The Radio Chavura interview with Ginsberg will also be available to stream or download from the program’s website, www.Chavura.com. Radio Chavura offers a free, weekly program guide, including an extensive calendar of Colorado Jewish events, atwww.SubscribeChavura.com.
Published: August 1, 2013
Photo: Beth Ginsberg of Denver's The Bagel Store
(Denver, CO) - There are only 6 all-natural, finest-quality kosher ingredients, including real malt syrup. White sugar and chemicals are personae non gratae. Each parve bonne bouche is boiled a full 2 minutes – never steamed or dry cooked. Next, they are baked on a hearth stone. Wire racks don’t cut it. Finally, they are flipped onto burlap boards, which draw out any remaining water.
Voilá. A hard-on-the-outside, soft-and-chewy-on-the-inside, hot and fresh Colorado kosher bagel, that can stand hole-to-hole with any of New York’s renowned deli machers (big shots).
Oh, yes. To produce these fresh-baked delights each morning, a dutiful crew of bagel makers begins its routine the night before, reporting to work in shifts starting at 8 pm.
“It’s a labor of love,” says Beth Ginsberg, who purchased The Bagel Store four years ago, and is thriving in an industry that, in general, is faltering under the burden of the very costly, laborious and challenging job of turning bagel dough into spendable scratch.
An engineer by training, Ginsberg first became interested in making bagels commercially while living with her family in Singapore. “I didn’t know how to make bagels,” she recalls. Nonetheless, during visits back to Denver, the previous owner of The Bagel Store, which has been in business for 37 years, mentored her on the process.
Ginsberg’s first foray into the bagel business, New York City Bagel Factory, based in Singapore, continues to provide New York-style bagels to Starbucks coffee shops and other outlets in the Asian nation.
In Denver, The Bagel Store, located at 942 S. Monaco Parkway (80224), does its briskest business serving the wholesale marketplace, including major hotels, dozens of local caterers and each and every Ink! Coffee location.
Ginsberg, who is a guest on this week’s edition of Radio Chavura, airing each Sunday at 6:30 pm on 990 KRKS AM in Denver, notes that among her wholesale and retail clients, Jews make up only a tiny fraction.
“Everybody loves a good bagel these days,” she tells Radio Chavura hosts Maxwell andDean Rotbart. “They’re not just for Jews anymore.”
The Bagel Store offers 13 varieties of fresh bagels during the week, expanding by two (Chocolate Chip and Cinnamon Sugar) on Fridays. Moreover, Ginsberg says she and her crew are happy to make custom varieties – such as whole wheat and sesame – for customers who request at least a dozen made-to-order bagels in advance.
Ginsberg says her “everything” bagel remains the most popular of them all, followed closely by plain, poppy and sesame.
For those who live outside of Denver and crave a great kosher, New York-style bagel, Ginsberg says she’s happy to ship bagels anywhere in the state or country. Alternatively, those needing a bagel fix can join the parade of others who regularly make the pilgrimage to The Bagel Store from Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Greeley and as far away as Wyoming and Montana.
Ginsberg says these voyagers come, enjoy bagels fresh from the store, and return home with dozens and dozens of bagels to stock their freezers.
The Bagel Store is open Mon-Wed and Sat-Sun from 6 am to 2 pm. On Thursday and Friday it is open from 6 am to 6 pm. Phone: 303-388-2648.
In addition to its all-star lineup of bagels, The Bagel Store sells a variety of kosher challahs, breads, cakes and pastries. All its products are certified kosher by Vaad HaKashrus of Denver, also known as Scroll K.
The Radio Chavura interview with Ginsberg will also be available to stream or download from the program’s website, www.Chavura.com. Radio Chavura offers a free, weekly program guide, including an extensive calendar of Colorado Jewish events, atwww.SubscribeChavura.com.
Jewish Travel: Discover Early Israel History in Windswept Missouri
Published: July 19, 2013
Photo: Maxwell Rotbart, at the Truman Presidential Library Research Room, with President Truman's ORIGINAL proclamation recognizing Israeli Independence
(Independence, MO) - Perhaps the greatest center for research into early Israeli history outside of the Jewish state is located in the windswept plains of tiny Independence, MO, located down I-70 from Missouri's second-largest metropolitan area, Kansas City.
Primarily known in American history as the point of commencement for the Oregon Trail, the City of Independence was also the hometown of U.S. President Harry S. Truman and is the site of his Presidential Library and Museum.
Radio Chavura host Maxwell Rotbart was chosen to participate in the Truman Teachers Institute, held this month at the Truman Presidential Library, bringing the Radio Chavura crew to the hometown of our 33rd commander-in-chief.
Maxwell, who teaches geography and psychology at Grandview High School in Aurora, was one of 36 teachers from across the nation selected to participate in this Institute, which focused on the historical role of the United States in the Middle East. Maxwell interviewed five of the guest presenters for an upcoming edition of Radio Chavura:
• Jay Hakes, director, James Earl Carter Presidential Library and Museum
• Michael Benson, president, Eastern Kentucky University
• Malcolm Byrne, director of research, National Security Archive
• James Goode, professor, Grand Valley State University
• Douglas Little, professor, Clark University
He also interviewed with Ray Geselbracht, special assistant to the director at the Truman Library and Museum.
What makes the Kansas City area so unique to Judaic scholars is that, in addition to housing a treasure trove of documents related to the founding of Israel in 1948, it was the location of Westport Men's Wear, a haberdashery on the corner of 39th and Main.
Owned and operated by Eddie Jacobson, an old army acquaintance and business partner of Harry Truman from the late 1910s and early 1920s, Westport Men's Wear was the point of origin of a series of letters from Jacobson to Truman urging the latter to recognize Israel's independence when it would be declared.
Jacobson's position was in stark contrast to many of Truman's closest policy advisors, including Secretary of State George Marshall, who threatened to vote against the President in the November 1948 elections if Truman recognized the independence of the soon-to-be Jewish state.
Historians generally recognize Jacobson as having had a profound influence on the President's decision to acknowledge the government established by Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion on May 14, 1948. The street corner where Jacobson's shop once stood - one of the most important in American Jewish-Presidential history - has no plaque or marker to commemorate its special role. The intersection is now the site of a CVS pharmacy, and H&R Block, a local FM radio station, and non-desrcript law office.
The photo essay that accompanies this article includes a slew of photos captured by our staff photographer, Avital Rotbart, of the Truman Library and Museum, including its exhibit on the Recognition of Israel; the neighborhood where Jacobson's store once stood; an ORIGINAL letter written by Eddie Jacobson to President Truman asking Truman to meet with Dr. Chaim Weizmann about statehood; and other pictures associated with the region [including Overland Park's Hen House, featuring some great kosher products - recommended to us by Sara Michaels and Sara Esrig].
Also included is a photo of Maxwell Rotbart next to the ORIGINAL document signed by President Truman authorizing the recognition of the State of Israel. The document, in full, reads:
"This Government has been informed that a Jewish state has been proclaimed in Palestine, and recognition has been requested of the provisional Government thereof. The United States recognizes the provisional government as the de factor authority of the new State of Israel."
Maxwell was able to access the document, housed in a restricted area of the Truman Library and Museum, thanks to the assistance of Supervisory Archivist Sam Rushay.
Published: July 19, 2013
Photo: Maxwell Rotbart, at the Truman Presidential Library Research Room, with President Truman's ORIGINAL proclamation recognizing Israeli Independence
(Independence, MO) - Perhaps the greatest center for research into early Israeli history outside of the Jewish state is located in the windswept plains of tiny Independence, MO, located down I-70 from Missouri's second-largest metropolitan area, Kansas City.
Primarily known in American history as the point of commencement for the Oregon Trail, the City of Independence was also the hometown of U.S. President Harry S. Truman and is the site of his Presidential Library and Museum.
Radio Chavura host Maxwell Rotbart was chosen to participate in the Truman Teachers Institute, held this month at the Truman Presidential Library, bringing the Radio Chavura crew to the hometown of our 33rd commander-in-chief.
Maxwell, who teaches geography and psychology at Grandview High School in Aurora, was one of 36 teachers from across the nation selected to participate in this Institute, which focused on the historical role of the United States in the Middle East. Maxwell interviewed five of the guest presenters for an upcoming edition of Radio Chavura:
• Jay Hakes, director, James Earl Carter Presidential Library and Museum
• Michael Benson, president, Eastern Kentucky University
• Malcolm Byrne, director of research, National Security Archive
• James Goode, professor, Grand Valley State University
• Douglas Little, professor, Clark University
He also interviewed with Ray Geselbracht, special assistant to the director at the Truman Library and Museum.
What makes the Kansas City area so unique to Judaic scholars is that, in addition to housing a treasure trove of documents related to the founding of Israel in 1948, it was the location of Westport Men's Wear, a haberdashery on the corner of 39th and Main.
Owned and operated by Eddie Jacobson, an old army acquaintance and business partner of Harry Truman from the late 1910s and early 1920s, Westport Men's Wear was the point of origin of a series of letters from Jacobson to Truman urging the latter to recognize Israel's independence when it would be declared.
Jacobson's position was in stark contrast to many of Truman's closest policy advisors, including Secretary of State George Marshall, who threatened to vote against the President in the November 1948 elections if Truman recognized the independence of the soon-to-be Jewish state.
Historians generally recognize Jacobson as having had a profound influence on the President's decision to acknowledge the government established by Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion on May 14, 1948. The street corner where Jacobson's shop once stood - one of the most important in American Jewish-Presidential history - has no plaque or marker to commemorate its special role. The intersection is now the site of a CVS pharmacy, and H&R Block, a local FM radio station, and non-desrcript law office.
The photo essay that accompanies this article includes a slew of photos captured by our staff photographer, Avital Rotbart, of the Truman Library and Museum, including its exhibit on the Recognition of Israel; the neighborhood where Jacobson's store once stood; an ORIGINAL letter written by Eddie Jacobson to President Truman asking Truman to meet with Dr. Chaim Weizmann about statehood; and other pictures associated with the region [including Overland Park's Hen House, featuring some great kosher products - recommended to us by Sara Michaels and Sara Esrig].
Also included is a photo of Maxwell Rotbart next to the ORIGINAL document signed by President Truman authorizing the recognition of the State of Israel. The document, in full, reads:
"This Government has been informed that a Jewish state has been proclaimed in Palestine, and recognition has been requested of the provisional Government thereof. The United States recognizes the provisional government as the de factor authority of the new State of Israel."
Maxwell was able to access the document, housed in a restricted area of the Truman Library and Museum, thanks to the assistance of Supervisory Archivist Sam Rushay.
Denver's Undiscovered Kosher Bake Shop [Listen Now]
Published: July 14, 2013
Photos: The Jacobson Family in the Radio Chavura studios and images from inside the Bake Shop
(Greenwood Village, CO) - Listening to the first segment on this week's edition of Radio Chavura won't cost you a single calorie. But beforewarned, it could have a long-term impact on your diet. (And it's worth every belt and dress size.)
We are treated to an interview with Nancy Jacobson, owner of Denver's "undiscovered" kosher Flourpot Bake Shop, and her daughters, Chelsea and Jamie - who serve as the right and left hands to mom in the store.
While the Flourpot Bake Shop, located in the Aish Denver neighborhood, has been open for nearly three years, it only became kosher in November 2012. Many members of the Jewish community have yet to discover the truly delicious cupcakes, cookies and other baked goods that are Scroll K certified kosher and available both for catering and retail.
With all due respect to King Sooper's, which has a wonderful selection of kosher baked goods in some of its stores, the yummies at the Flourpot Bake Shop are unsurpassed in quality, taste, variety and value.
When friends and other guests (or even the in-laws) are coming over for Shabbos, you'll be proud to serve them delightful desserts from the Flourpot Bake Shop.
Nancy explains her decision to undertake the lengthy and complex transformation to all-kosher, as Maxwell and Dean sample the Flourpot's buttery cookies and cupcakes. All in the name of quality Jewish broadcast journalism.
Visit the Flourpot Bake Shop:
8923 E. Union Avenue
Greenwood Village, 80111
Phone: 303-730-3131
www.DenverCupcakes.net
[Hear the show now]
Published: July 14, 2013
Photos: The Jacobson Family in the Radio Chavura studios and images from inside the Bake Shop
(Greenwood Village, CO) - Listening to the first segment on this week's edition of Radio Chavura won't cost you a single calorie. But beforewarned, it could have a long-term impact on your diet. (And it's worth every belt and dress size.)
We are treated to an interview with Nancy Jacobson, owner of Denver's "undiscovered" kosher Flourpot Bake Shop, and her daughters, Chelsea and Jamie - who serve as the right and left hands to mom in the store.
While the Flourpot Bake Shop, located in the Aish Denver neighborhood, has been open for nearly three years, it only became kosher in November 2012. Many members of the Jewish community have yet to discover the truly delicious cupcakes, cookies and other baked goods that are Scroll K certified kosher and available both for catering and retail.
With all due respect to King Sooper's, which has a wonderful selection of kosher baked goods in some of its stores, the yummies at the Flourpot Bake Shop are unsurpassed in quality, taste, variety and value.
When friends and other guests (or even the in-laws) are coming over for Shabbos, you'll be proud to serve them delightful desserts from the Flourpot Bake Shop.
Nancy explains her decision to undertake the lengthy and complex transformation to all-kosher, as Maxwell and Dean sample the Flourpot's buttery cookies and cupcakes. All in the name of quality Jewish broadcast journalism.
Visit the Flourpot Bake Shop:
8923 E. Union Avenue
Greenwood Village, 80111
Phone: 303-730-3131
www.DenverCupcakes.net
[Hear the show now]
SEASON TWO PREMIERE
U.S. Congressman Doug Lamborn Explains His Unwavering Support for Israel and Its Origins [Listen Now]
Published: July 7, 2013
Photo: Congressman Doug Lamborn accepts award from Radio Chavura host Maxwell Rotbart
(Colorado Springs, CO) - One of Israel's staunchest allies in the U.S. House of Representatives is Congressman Doug Lamborn, representing Colorado's 5th District.
As the co-chair of the bipartisan Israel Allies Caucus, and co-chair of the Republican Israel Caucus, Congressman Lamborn is a consistent and strong supporter of the special strategic, economic and cultural ties that exist between the United States and Israel.
In recognition of his dedication to the welfare of the people of Colorado and his unwavering support for the State of Israel, Congressman Lamborn will receive the "Pillars of the Colorado Jewish Community" award during tonight's special broadcast of Radio Chavura, marking the start of our second year on the air.
Part of what makes Congressman Lamborn's support of Israel so remarkable is that his district - encompassing Colorado Springs and Buena Vista - is anything but a "Jewish" district. Indeed, Congressman Lamborn represents a minuscule Jewish population, estimated at only 500 families,
So why does he stand steadfast with Israel? Congressman Lamborn explains he backs Israel because doing so is the right thing to do morally, is consistent with the best interests of America, and because his strongly held Christian values are closely aligned with a pro-Israel stance.
Congressman Lamborn's actions match up with his rhetoric. Three times since he first took office in 2007, Congressman Lamborn has led the effort to pass legislation that would relocate the United States Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem (the country's lawful capital). He has also been the lead sponsor of a legislative amendment that would prohibit the distribution of taxpayer funds to any individual, private entity or government that does not expressly recognize the right of the State of Israel to exist.
In tonight's exclusive sit-down interview with Congressman Lamborn, taped recently at the studios of 1460 KZNT AM in Colorado Springs, we discuss the roots of the Congressman's awareness of the special role that Israel plays in the world and its friendship with the United States. We also talk about his strong Christian faith and values - shared with his wife, Jeanie - and how they have deepened his respect for the State of Israel.
In particular, Congressman Lamborn notes the Biblical verse, where G-d speaks to Abraham, saying "And I will bless those who bless you and curse him who curses you (Genesis 12:3)."
Among other topics that Congressman Lamborn covers are the reasons why the U.S. and Israel are so often the target of radical Islamic groups and whether America's support of Israel makes it a greater target for terrorists.
Congressman Lamborn also serves on the Congressional Task Force Against Anti-Semitismand the International Religious Freedom Caucus. Those wishing to comment on Congressman Lamborn's support of Israel may visit his website, or call him at 719-520-0055.
[Hear the show now]
U.S. Congressman Doug Lamborn Explains His Unwavering Support for Israel and Its Origins [Listen Now]
Published: July 7, 2013
Photo: Congressman Doug Lamborn accepts award from Radio Chavura host Maxwell Rotbart
(Colorado Springs, CO) - One of Israel's staunchest allies in the U.S. House of Representatives is Congressman Doug Lamborn, representing Colorado's 5th District.
As the co-chair of the bipartisan Israel Allies Caucus, and co-chair of the Republican Israel Caucus, Congressman Lamborn is a consistent and strong supporter of the special strategic, economic and cultural ties that exist between the United States and Israel.
In recognition of his dedication to the welfare of the people of Colorado and his unwavering support for the State of Israel, Congressman Lamborn will receive the "Pillars of the Colorado Jewish Community" award during tonight's special broadcast of Radio Chavura, marking the start of our second year on the air.
Part of what makes Congressman Lamborn's support of Israel so remarkable is that his district - encompassing Colorado Springs and Buena Vista - is anything but a "Jewish" district. Indeed, Congressman Lamborn represents a minuscule Jewish population, estimated at only 500 families,
So why does he stand steadfast with Israel? Congressman Lamborn explains he backs Israel because doing so is the right thing to do morally, is consistent with the best interests of America, and because his strongly held Christian values are closely aligned with a pro-Israel stance.
Congressman Lamborn's actions match up with his rhetoric. Three times since he first took office in 2007, Congressman Lamborn has led the effort to pass legislation that would relocate the United States Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem (the country's lawful capital). He has also been the lead sponsor of a legislative amendment that would prohibit the distribution of taxpayer funds to any individual, private entity or government that does not expressly recognize the right of the State of Israel to exist.
In tonight's exclusive sit-down interview with Congressman Lamborn, taped recently at the studios of 1460 KZNT AM in Colorado Springs, we discuss the roots of the Congressman's awareness of the special role that Israel plays in the world and its friendship with the United States. We also talk about his strong Christian faith and values - shared with his wife, Jeanie - and how they have deepened his respect for the State of Israel.
In particular, Congressman Lamborn notes the Biblical verse, where G-d speaks to Abraham, saying "And I will bless those who bless you and curse him who curses you (Genesis 12:3)."
Among other topics that Congressman Lamborn covers are the reasons why the U.S. and Israel are so often the target of radical Islamic groups and whether America's support of Israel makes it a greater target for terrorists.
Congressman Lamborn also serves on the Congressional Task Force Against Anti-Semitismand the International Religious Freedom Caucus. Those wishing to comment on Congressman Lamborn's support of Israel may visit his website, or call him at 719-520-0055.
[Hear the show now]
Season Two Begins Tonight:
Radio Chavura 2.0 - The Spirit of the Colorado Jewish Community
Published: July 7, 2013
(Denver, CO) - Today marks the successful conclusion of one year on the air and the start of our second broadcast season of Radio Chavura.
Over the course of the past 12 months, we have been privileged to interview more than 100 upstanding members of the Colorado, U.S., and global Jewish communities.
Every week, we welcome new loyal subscribers to our weekly e-newsletter (thank you!) and count a growing number of listeners who stream or download our program online. With our newly redesigned website, also launching today, it is easier than ever to listen to past episodes of our show.
We now enjoy regular listeners in every state and continent (except Antarctica). Colorado, of course, is our largest market, but we also attract a sizable listening audience in California, New York, Washington (state), Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.
Overseas, we have many listeners in Israel and Europe. But we also reach a diverse group of countries, including Japan, Mongolia, Chile, and Morocco. One of our largest foreign markets, go figure, is Beijing, China.
Our exclusive Chavura photographs, most of them taken by Avital Rotbart, have been viewed thousands of times during the past year. Avital is gifted at capturing the bonds forged at Jewish community events - both joyous and tinged with sadness.
Our base of sponsors and donors is also growing. While Radio Chavura is underwritten by the Rotbart Family, the support of area businesses and listeners do allow us to grow and enhance our community.
Our mission remains unchanged as we enter our second year: celebrate the Jewish community and what we share in common. Oh yes, there is also plenty of noshing, kibbitzing and kvelling along the way.
Radio Chavura 2.0 - The Spirit of the Colorado Jewish Community
Published: July 7, 2013
(Denver, CO) - Today marks the successful conclusion of one year on the air and the start of our second broadcast season of Radio Chavura.
Over the course of the past 12 months, we have been privileged to interview more than 100 upstanding members of the Colorado, U.S., and global Jewish communities.
Every week, we welcome new loyal subscribers to our weekly e-newsletter (thank you!) and count a growing number of listeners who stream or download our program online. With our newly redesigned website, also launching today, it is easier than ever to listen to past episodes of our show.
We now enjoy regular listeners in every state and continent (except Antarctica). Colorado, of course, is our largest market, but we also attract a sizable listening audience in California, New York, Washington (state), Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.
Overseas, we have many listeners in Israel and Europe. But we also reach a diverse group of countries, including Japan, Mongolia, Chile, and Morocco. One of our largest foreign markets, go figure, is Beijing, China.
Our exclusive Chavura photographs, most of them taken by Avital Rotbart, have been viewed thousands of times during the past year. Avital is gifted at capturing the bonds forged at Jewish community events - both joyous and tinged with sadness.
Our base of sponsors and donors is also growing. While Radio Chavura is underwritten by the Rotbart Family, the support of area businesses and listeners do allow us to grow and enhance our community.
Our mission remains unchanged as we enter our second year: celebrate the Jewish community and what we share in common. Oh yes, there is also plenty of noshing, kibbitzing and kvelling along the way.
Radio Chavura: Year One's Most Popular Audios
Published: July 7, 2013
(Denver, CO) - These are the ten audios (broadcast and bonus) that have attracted the most online listeners over the past 52 weeks:
1. Studio J at Radio Chavura - February 10, 2013
2. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum - April 7, 2013
3. Boutique Judaica - The Last 'Normal' Day - March 3, 2013
4. Jewish Denver Drama Girls & Denver Academy of Torah - August 19, 2012
5. Exclusive with Jerusalem Post columnist Caroline Glick - August 21, 2012
6. Denver Jewish Students in an Amazing Race - May 19, 2013
7. Exclusive with Jerusalem Post correspondent Herb Keinon - August 5, 2012
8. Evergreen's Rabbi Levi Brackman Helps Teens Identify Their Passions - June 2, 2013
9. Denver's Temple Emanuel: 2,000 Families, 138 years, 1 Susie Sigman - April 21, 2013
10. When Paul Newman Met Golda Meir: A Purim Sketch - February 24, 2013
Published: July 7, 2013
(Denver, CO) - These are the ten audios (broadcast and bonus) that have attracted the most online listeners over the past 52 weeks:
1. Studio J at Radio Chavura - February 10, 2013
2. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum - April 7, 2013
3. Boutique Judaica - The Last 'Normal' Day - March 3, 2013
4. Jewish Denver Drama Girls & Denver Academy of Torah - August 19, 2012
5. Exclusive with Jerusalem Post columnist Caroline Glick - August 21, 2012
6. Denver Jewish Students in an Amazing Race - May 19, 2013
7. Exclusive with Jerusalem Post correspondent Herb Keinon - August 5, 2012
8. Evergreen's Rabbi Levi Brackman Helps Teens Identify Their Passions - June 2, 2013
9. Denver's Temple Emanuel: 2,000 Families, 138 years, 1 Susie Sigman - April 21, 2013
10. When Paul Newman Met Golda Meir: A Purim Sketch - February 24, 2013
Were You There? Who Do You Recognize?
Published: July 7, 2013
Photo: Click to view 48 exclusive photos from last week's Leadville Jewish Cemetery cleanup
(Leadville, CO) - On June 30th, the Radio Chavura crew made the 107-mile drive to Leadville to chronicle the annual "Hebrew Cemetery" cleanup, which attracted more than 50 volunteers from Denver, Buena Vista, Aspen, Vail and surrounding towns.
The cemetery, which has been in active use since 1880 (the most recent funeral held there was that of one-time state historian - and Jewish Leadville descendent - Stanley Oliner in 2012), was neglected for many years, the exact location of many of its grave sites unknown.
That was before Bill Korn, a guest on the May 12th edition of Radio Chavura started investigating and became a driving force behind the annual Leadville Cemetery cleanup, now in its 17th year. The annual event is organized by B'nai B'rith in Denver.
Sponsors of this year's cleanup included The Temple Israel Foundation, B'nai Vail Congregation, Synagogue of the Summit, The Aspen Jewish Congregation, BBYO, Birthright Israel Next Colorado, Chabad of Vail, and JConnect.
Published: July 7, 2013
Photo: Click to view 48 exclusive photos from last week's Leadville Jewish Cemetery cleanup
(Leadville, CO) - On June 30th, the Radio Chavura crew made the 107-mile drive to Leadville to chronicle the annual "Hebrew Cemetery" cleanup, which attracted more than 50 volunteers from Denver, Buena Vista, Aspen, Vail and surrounding towns.
The cemetery, which has been in active use since 1880 (the most recent funeral held there was that of one-time state historian - and Jewish Leadville descendent - Stanley Oliner in 2012), was neglected for many years, the exact location of many of its grave sites unknown.
That was before Bill Korn, a guest on the May 12th edition of Radio Chavura started investigating and became a driving force behind the annual Leadville Cemetery cleanup, now in its 17th year. The annual event is organized by B'nai B'rith in Denver.
Sponsors of this year's cleanup included The Temple Israel Foundation, B'nai Vail Congregation, Synagogue of the Summit, The Aspen Jewish Congregation, BBYO, Birthright Israel Next Colorado, Chabad of Vail, and JConnect.
JNF's Mission Now Includes Water Desalination and Developing Israel's Deserts to Make Them Habitable [Listen Now]
Published: June 30, 2013
Photo: Boaz Meir, JNF
(Denver, CO) - Come October 25, the eyes of the Jewish world will be focused on Denver, as the Mile High City hosts the annual Jewish National Fund national conference.
JNF, which is also known by the initials KKL (for its Hebrew name - Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael), is one of the largest and most prominent Israeli environmental groups, tracing its origins back to the days ofTheodor Herzl and the Zionist Congresses (during which time it was tasked with buying land in Israel).
Today, JNF is mostly often associated with reforestation efforts in Israel (planting 250 million trees in the last 100 years). But JNF is also deeply involved with other missions crucial to Israel and its people.
Boaz Meir, the recently-appointed director of JNF's Mountain States region (encompassing Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho), joins us in the studio to discuss what JNF looks like today; the work of its Mountain States regional office; and what we can expect at the national conference this October.
One of the most exciting endeavors that Boaz discusses with us is the work that the Mountain States office is doing to lend its support to JNF's campaign to populate the desert regions of Israel.
This week's show is the final episode of our first season. We began broadcasting Radio Chavura on Sunday, July 1, 2012. Our program airs weekly on 990 KRKS AM.
For more information on JNF, contact Boaz and the Mountain States offices of JNF at 303-573-7095.
[Hear the show now]
Published: June 30, 2013
Photo: Boaz Meir, JNF
(Denver, CO) - Come October 25, the eyes of the Jewish world will be focused on Denver, as the Mile High City hosts the annual Jewish National Fund national conference.
JNF, which is also known by the initials KKL (for its Hebrew name - Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael), is one of the largest and most prominent Israeli environmental groups, tracing its origins back to the days ofTheodor Herzl and the Zionist Congresses (during which time it was tasked with buying land in Israel).
Today, JNF is mostly often associated with reforestation efforts in Israel (planting 250 million trees in the last 100 years). But JNF is also deeply involved with other missions crucial to Israel and its people.
Boaz Meir, the recently-appointed director of JNF's Mountain States region (encompassing Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho), joins us in the studio to discuss what JNF looks like today; the work of its Mountain States regional office; and what we can expect at the national conference this October.
One of the most exciting endeavors that Boaz discusses with us is the work that the Mountain States office is doing to lend its support to JNF's campaign to populate the desert regions of Israel.
This week's show is the final episode of our first season. We began broadcasting Radio Chavura on Sunday, July 1, 2012. Our program airs weekly on 990 KRKS AM.
For more information on JNF, contact Boaz and the Mountain States offices of JNF at 303-573-7095.
[Hear the show now]
Were You There? Who Do You Recognize?
Exclusive photos from last week's Yeshiva Toras Chaim Graduation
Published: June 30, 2013
Exclusive photos from last week's Yeshiva Toras Chaim Graduation
Published: June 30, 2013