SPRING ISSUE ~ New Mexico Jewish Journal ~ Vol. 2, No.1 ~ ADAR 5785

With this issue, we are celebrating our 1st birthday, and the beginning of our second year! We have a full range of articles - explore! Be sure to return to keep reading!

And, of course, you can go directly to the website home page here. Not a paid subscriber yet? Up your subscription to paid, at our DONATE TAB here. We exist only with your direct support and contributions here, your
charitable and DAF donations through our 501-c-3 fiscal sponsor, the New Mexico Foundation, and your Community Supporter advertisements.

Rabbi Celia Surget Finds a Home at Congregation Albert

By Norma Libman It seems an unusual path, but when you look at it closely it all makes sense. Born and raised in Geneva, Switzerland, to a Jewish American mother and a Catholic French father, how did Celia Surget find her way to the rabbinate and Congregation Albert in Albuquerque,

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Latino Immigrants Today, Jewish Immigrants Back Then

By Judith Fein Photographs by Paul Ross It started a few weeks ago in Santa Fe. The passport line snaked out the door of the post office and almost everyone on it was Latino or Hispanic and was accompanied by children. The people didn’t necessarily know each other but

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People of the Artichoke: How a Scrubland Thistle Became a Culinary Icon

By Claudette Sutton The Jews of Rome perceive themselves as “the people of the artichoke, not just of the Shoah,” according to their Chief Rabbi, Riccardo Di Segni. I came upon this quote shortly after my husband and I returned from a two-week trip to Italy in December, when we

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Jewish Values: B’Tzelem Elohim “in the image of God”

by Rabbi Min Kantrowitz Each edition of NMJJ highlights one of the many Jewish values that guide our lives. Each of these values underlies our Jewish community, regardless of any individuals’ religious observances or practices. These values form the ethical structure of the community. They are not presented in order

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New Mexico Jewish Journal celebrates our first birthday! And sweeps NM Press Women Communications Contest!

by Diane Joy Schmidt With our Spring 2025 issue, the independent, state-wide New Mexico Jewish Journal marks its one-year anniversary. We have made remarkable strides. Since our first Spring Issue published online March 18th, 2024 we have been warmly embraced by the Jewish community and the larger community. As one

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Meet Juan Dircie

By Ron Duncan Hart I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Juan Dircie recently, the new Director of the Jewish Community Relations Coalition of New Mexico and quickly realized that he brings a rich background of experience in Jewish community non-profit work. His engaging personality and quick smile immediately puts

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The Most Important Election That You Haven’t Heard About….

By Dan Pava, Santa Fe Readers of the New Mexico Jewish Journal may not be aware of an important election that affects Israel and Judaism and is happening now. While New Mexican Jews are preparing for Passover, the holiday celebrating our redemption and freedom, there is a vote happening now

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Generational Trauma in the Age of Fascism

By Didi Rosenthal I remember when I asked my mother about whether she ever felt resentful about the German citizenry not protesting the attacks on Jews during the rise of Hitler and the Holocaust. She responded that she really didn’t blame others because they and their families were at

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Looking for a Protest

From Gershon the Winkler I have some free time coming up next weekend. And in all honesty, I have been feeling quite guilty not having participated in any demonstrations over the years on behalf of human rights and the such, being too busy studying Talmud and watching Netflix. So, I

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and I didn’t speak up...

by Diane Joy Schmidt Another month has passed and the fear of the assault on American democracy has spilled over us while edicts issued from the Oval office a month ago seem like a year ago. Is the coalescence of governing forces today pushing the United States toward rule by

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Harvard expands its definition of antisemitism – when does criticism of Israel cross a line?

Joshua Shanes, College of Charleston As part of Harvard University’s agreement in response to two federal lawsuits filed by Jewish students alleging antisemitic discrimination, it will adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, or IHRA, “working definition” of antisemitism. This is a definition favored by many Jewish community leaders and

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Synagogue Without Walls ~ Into the Wilderness

by Jim Winnerman March 28, 2025 When Rabbi Shavit-Lonstein was a first-year student at Washington University in 1984, he never expected he would be a rabbi conducting Bar and Bat mitzvah ceremonies for a congregation of 340 families with no building, and which only practices Judaism outdoors. “It was Rabbi

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With communal spirit, Nir Oz will rise again

February 23, 2025 By Bonnie Ellinger In the aftermath of October 7th, one place that symbolizes the agony, grief and torment of the massacre is Kibbutz Nir Oz. Twenty-five percent of its 400 members/residents were either brutally murdered or taken hostage, and much of the kibbutz was burned to

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Sarah Winger Joins the Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico as New Executive Director

By Joanna Colangelo February 23, 2025 In January, the Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico (JCFNM) named Sarah Winger as the new Executive Director, assuming the role in March after the retirement of founding Executive Director, Erika Rimson. Sarah joins the JCFNM from UNM Hospital where she was the Director

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The Fifth Question

by Diane Joy Schmidt April 13, 2024 The dangers of a conflagration engulfing the Middle East are high. A thoughtful approach to the annual Passover Seder is critical now. The first night of Passover this year is April 22nd, when the first Seder is held. The Passover Seder retells the

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Cambridge: Where Erasmus Once Tread

by Ron Duncan Hart February 4, 2025 Over the last twenty years my wife Gloria Abella Ballen and I have spent months on end at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge in conversations with faculty members and doing research in their vast libraries. The Bodleian Library at Oxford has an

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AND our COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS!

NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS, CONTRIBUTIONS and DONATIONS

SUBSCRIPTIONS, CONTRIBUTIONS and DONATIONS DIRECT CONTRIBUTIONS of any amount can be made here , portal https://www.nmjewishjournal.com/#/portal/support or mail a check to New Mexico Jewish Journal, PO Box 1293, Corrales, NM 87048. A NEW SUBSCRIPTION Choose a free or a paid subscription at our PORTAL . Every reader

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The JCC of ABQ PASSOVER First Night w Rabbi Min Apr. 12 ~ Lee Matthew Goldberg The Great Gimmelmans: A Novel Apr. 27

We will be videoing the BOOK FEST author events which will be made available to ticket-holders unable to attend a specific event. Return to HOME or Table of Contents Community Supporters of the NM Jewish Journal include: Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico Congregation Albert Jewish Community Center of Greater

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CONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAEL is a Community Supporter! PASSOVER Second Night Apr. 13 RSVP now! ~ Calendar of Events

Welcome to Congregation B’nai Israel Here you will find the many events, services and activities of our 100+ year old community. (505) 266-0155 / 4401 Indian School Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110\ View Complete B’nai Israel Calendar Read also: “Rabbi Hazzan Jonathan Angress: The Cantor is now the Rabbi” by Norma

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20th Anniversary ~ THE SANTA FE DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES is a Community Supporter! ~ Haaretz author Amir Tibon April 6th with Bonnie Ellinger ~ UPCOMING Spring Lecture Series ~ GALA Concert Celebrating 20 Years of Tolerance Studies Jun 11

On April 6th Amir Tibon, “The Gates of Gaza” Haaretz journalist who survived Oct. 7th with his family at kibbutz Nahal Oz, will be interviewed by Bonnie Ellinger. Register at www.distinguishedlectures.com Read Bonnie’s profound article, called “worthy of a wider audience,” about her years on an idealistic kibbutz

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The JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NEW MEXICO is a Community Supporter! ~ MEET Sarah Winger, New Executive Director! ~ Neil Isbin Scholarship Fund for High School graduates

Be sure to read Israel Experience by Ben Bleiman, supported by the JCFNM Scholarship program. Check out the brand new New Mexico Jewish Journal A group of Jewish editors, writers and professionals came together over the last nine months to create a new independent, statewide online Jewish publication – see link

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CAMP DAISY & HARRY STEIN OVERNIGHT CAMP ~ Prescott, AZ ~ Inviting NM kids to register!

Camp Stein is Arizona Congregation Beth Israel’s Jewish “sleep-away” camp, located in Prescott, Arizona, and is listed by the Foundation for Jewish Camp and accredited by the American Camp Association. They have discounts and funding available for new campers from New Mexico – up to $1000 off! Campers from New Mexico

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TEMPLE BETH SHALOM is a Community Supporter ~ PASSOVER 2ND NIGHT Apr. 22

Welcome to Temple Beth Shalom, Come As You Are. Temple Beth Shalom is a welcoming Jewish home. Be sure to read “Rabbi Neil Amswych, Facing Challenges for Santa Fe’s Jewish Community” by Brian Serle here. Return to HOME or Table of Contents Community Supporters of the NM Jewish Journal include:

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NM Jewish Historical Society ~ “Jewish Military History 1846 to 1946” NAOMI SANDWEISS WILLIE April 8th 7pm by Zoom

NEW MEXICO JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY Return to HOME or Table of Contents Community Supporters of the NM Jewish Journal include: Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico Congregation Albert Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque The Institute for Tolerance Studies Jewish Federation of El Paso and Las Cruces Temple Beth Shalom

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CONGREGATION ALBERT is a Community Supporter! ~ Passover 2nd Night Seder Apr. 13th ~ tickets available til Apr. 4.

Welcome to Congregation Albert, your center for Jewish life in Albuquerque! Return to HOME or Table of Contents Community Supporters of the NM Jewish Journal include: Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico Congregation Albert Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque The Institute for Tolerance Studies Jewish Federation of El Paso

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SHABBAT WITH FRIENDS is a Community Supporter! SHABBAT FEASTS ~ Exploring the Jewish Experience in-person in Santa Fe and online with Rabbis Dov Gartenberg and Jack Schlachter ~ Greatest Jewish Texts ~ SPIRITUALITY LAB new!

Shabbat with Friends: Recapturing Together the Joy of Shabbat. Learn about our Shabbat Gatherings in Santa Fe and Albuquerque at https://shabbatwithfriends.org. The mission of Shabbat with Friends is to recapture together the joy of Shabbat (Oneg Shabbat): CHECK OUT Shabbat with Friends through these easy links: Schedule of

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The JEWISH FEDERATION of EL PASO and LAS CRUCES is a Community Supporter! ~ CELEBRATE ISRAEL! Yom Ha’atzmaut APRIL 27th Elmont Swim Club El Paso ~

Jewish Federation of El Paso and Las Cruces OUR MISSION Serving the Jewish Community by engaging, connecting, supporting and celebrating Jewish life, values and culture in the greater El Paso and Las Cruces area, Israel and beyond. JEWISH HISTORY IN EL PASO & LAS CRUCES: Our Beginnings The history of Jews

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ABQJew, and all New Mexico

Resources and Community Calendar. Click here for the most complete Jewish event and class calendar in the Land of Enchantment, with upcoming events and classes. CLICK here for list of New Mexico synagogues with individual links to their websites for more High Holiday information: https://www.abqjew.com/pray.php

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NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS, CONTRIBUTIONS and DONATIONS

SUBSCRIPTIONS, CONTRIBUTIONS and DONATIONS DIRECT CONTRIBUTIONS of any amount can be made here , portal https://www.nmjewishjournal.com/#/portal/support or mail a check to New Mexico Jewish Journal, PO Box 1293, Corrales, NM 87048. A NEW SUBSCRIPTION Choose a free or a paid subscription at our PORTAL . Every reader

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Return to HOME 

Community Supporters of the NM Jewish Journal include:
Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico
Congregation Albert
Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque
The Institute for Tolerance Studies
Jewish Federation of El Paso and Las Cruces
Temple Beth Shalom
Congregation B'nai Israel
Shabbat with Friends: Recapturing Together the Joy of Shabbat
New Mexico Jewish Historical Society

Single Event Announcement:
Save our Jewish Cemetery
Camp Daisy & Harry Stein Overnight Camp

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