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Greetings
We are overjoyed to tell you that thanks to our
generous supporters, the first stage of the restoration of Kehila
Kedosha Janina Synagogue and Museum is complete. The façade has been
restored to its original beauty and we are now the pride of the
neighborhood! The roof has been repaired (no more leaks!) and
reproductions of the original stained glass windows now adorn our
synagogue. Stop by and admire your Kehila!
Phase Two
Now, the next stage, the restoration and refurbishing
of the interior, can begin. Hundreds of thousands of dollars will be
necessary to complete the project: repair of damage from leaks;
re-plastering; repair of interior structural damage due to wear and
tear over the years; electrical updating and air conditioning;
painting and carpeting. We also hope to provide additional
exhibition space in our museum to enable the display of many items
that are now in storage. In addition, refurbishing will take place
in our “kafenion”, with the hope to provide more modern facilities
for our ever-growing events. While we will be modernizing (when
necessary) we will be preserving the essence of the original
interior lovingly built with the hands of our original congregants.
For example, rather than replacing the hand-made benches or bema, we
will be restoring them. Often restoration can be more costly than
replacement but the results will be more meaningful.
This is
your Kehila and we wish to give you the opportunity to be a part of
this project. There are many ways that you can give: donate in
memory of a departed loved one or in honor of your children or
grandchildren. You can even specify which part of the Kehila you
wish to have you donation applied to. Donations of $10,000 or more
will be honored with a plaque acknowledging their benevolence. |
Message
From Our President
Phase One of the Restoration of our Kehila is
complete. The façade has been steam cleaned to its original
buff-colored bricks; brand new stained glass windows, new doors and
lanterns, along with a new roof and skylight are now in place. Isn’t
that wonderful! But, the most important element has not yet been
restored. The spirit of our Kehila is at a low. We need you to help
fill our benches. We need your physical presence, as well as your
financial help. Come join us in prayer on Shabbat or any of our
festive holidays.
Looking
forward to greeting you in the Kehila.
Hy Genee
President |
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A Message
From The Association of Friends of Greek Jewry
The Association has always
been proud of our close alliance with Kehila Kedosha Janina. While
the Association has acted as the representative of Greek Jewry in the Diaspora,
KKJ has truly become the center for Greek Jewry in the New York
area. We recently jointly hosted a delegation of representatives of
the Greek government, and have now established a travel center to
Jewish Greece within the synagogue. As we jointly work to reinforce
the small Jewish presence in Greece, and run annual tours to Jewish
Greece, we realize just how important our presence is. This past
October, 150 Yanniote Jews from within Greece and around the world
gathered in Ioannina to celebrate Sukkoth with the Jews of the city,
an event that would not have taken place without our presence. Join
us on one of our tours in 2004. Your presence makes a difference.
This year you will be able to plan your own itinerary. Cities of
Jewish interest in our tours for 2004 include Ioannina, Athens,
Chalkis, Salonika, Volos and Zakynthos. Support the Jews of Greece.
Support the Association of Friends of Greek Jewry. Support the Kehila.
Marcia
Haddad Ikonomopoulos
President |
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Message
from the Museum Director
As reported in the last newsletter, Isaac Dostis, the
creator and first Director of the Museum at Kehila Kedosha, retired
from the position last year. He passed the torch on to me, a
responsibility I take very seriously. I am happy to report that our
attendance at the museum has increased over last year and programs
have been very well received. We are very much a part of the life of
the Lower East Side and, in addition to the support we receive from
the Lower East Side Conservancy and the groups they constantly bring
us, we are on the “must see” list of those visiting the Tenement
Museum and other synagogues in the area. We are very special, with a
special story to tell. We’ve always known this. Now, more and more
other people are also discovering “the only Romaniote synagogue in
the Western Hemisphere”.
This
year, 2004, will mark the 60th anniversary of the
deportations of the Jewish Community of Ioannina and Kehila Kedosha
Janina Museum will be opening a special memorial exhibit (on April
4, 2004) called Out of the Ashes. We will pay our
respects to those lost and applaud those who “rose from the ashes”
to contribute to the world, in general, and specifically, to Greek
Jewry and Romaniote Culture. The exhibit will include the story of
the deportations accompanied by photographs and artwork. It will be
the largest and most important exhibit to date, and I am honored and
grateful that Isaac will be working with me on this exhibit.
As part
of the exhibit, there will be the release of a new book,
Yannina-Journey To the Past by Eftihia Nachmias Nachman.
Taking off where Rae Dalvin left off in her monumental work,
The Jews Of Ioannina, Eftihia recorded what life was like in
Ioannina before the destruction in the Holocaust: how the holidays
were celebrated, the specifics customs and the dialect spoken by the
Jews in the city. This book should be part of your library.
In
addition, Kehila Kedosha Janina will be publishing a Memorial Book,
In Memory of the Jewish Community of Ioannina, listing
the names, ages, and occupations of those lost in the Holocaust (see
article on Archival Records). It is our responsibility to those lost
in the Holocaust from Ioannina, so that their names shall be
remembered for eternity |
Update on Ioannina Cemetery
Great
strides have been made in the cleanup of the Jewish cemetery in
Ioannina. Although there was two unfortunate instances of
anti-Semitic desecrations in the cemetery this past year,
fortunately no serious damage was done and, as a way of showing
support for the small Jewish community of the city, the new Mayor of
Ioannina has supplied two municipal workers to help in the cleanup.
The cement walkway now extends to the rear of the cemetery and trees
and overgrowth has been cleared away. Many formerly hidden
tombstones are now uncovered and funds have been raised (through the
gathering for Sukkoth and contributions from the Brotherhood of
Janina, Kehila Kedosha Janina and The Association of Friends of
Greek Jewry) to continue the cleanup and
start on documentation and restoration of the tombstones. Of course,
additional funds will be needed. The community is so grateful for
our support and hopes that it will continue.
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Archival
Records
KKJ has come into possession of two very important
sets of archival records: the community archives of the Jewish
Community of Ioannina based on entries of births and deaths in the
municipal registers, and the lists of both those who perished in the
Holocaust, and those who survived. All information is now being
translated from Greek to English (with the help of Nina Kaplanides
and Marcia Haddad Ikonomopoulos) and entered into a database.
The
Holocaust records will become part of a Memorial Book (In Memory of
the Jewish Community of Ioannina), available free to those attending
the opening of the memorial exhibit in April (see article on Museum
and “Out of the Ashes”), and, afterwards, for a small charge. In
addition to the names, ages and occupations of the victims, the book
will include an introduction by Marcia Haddad Ikonomopoulos and
inserts on life in Ioannina at the time of the deportations.
Fascinating information has been revealed in the archives. There was
a worldwide flu epidemic in 1918 and it took its toll in Ioannina.
There were also a number of young men who gave their lives for their
country: in the Balkan Wars, the Asia Minor Conflict of 1922 and on
the Albanian Front (Greece’s entry into WWII). While men are listed
in detail, giving their father’s first name as reference, women are
listed as “the daughter” or “the wife” of the male head of the
family and, with the exception of those lost in the Holocaust, their
deaths are not recorded. Even in the list of victims of the
Holocaust, the conservative, male dominated nature of the community
is revealed: only a small fraction of the women worked-most were
listed as “housewives”, even those unmarried women who still resided
at home. Also, in the list of victims, along with the family
connections, year of birth and, in many instances, the street they
lived on, occupations were listed. Therefore, we can see the
economic composition of the community in 1944: most men were listed
as “merchants” and only a hand full of women held occupations (4
seamstresses, two women who worked with their husbands as taverna
owners, and one teacher). Most young men went to work at an early
age (education rarely went past age 16) and joined their fathers in
business. There was very little room for upward mobility. It is easy
to understand why so many Yanniotes immigrated for better
opportunities. This is why the founders of our Kehila came to the
United States.
With
every $100 donation towards the restoration of Kehila Kedosha Janina,
you will be able to receive a personal computer print out of
everyplace your family name appears in the archives. Although the
records are not complete (there are certain gaps which we hope to
correct in the future), this information will be priceless for those
wishing to research their roots in Ioannina and complete family
trees. |
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Highlighted Book of the Year
Sites and
Synagogue of Jewish Greece
by Nikos Stavroulakis is still the definitive book on Jewish Greece,
complete with histories of all the Jewish communities and photos of
synagogues past and present. Whether you are an armchair traveler or
plan a trip to Greece, this book is a must read. If it is not part
of your library, make sure it is! One of the few places you can get
this book outside of Greece is through Kehila Kedosha Janina: price
$25 plus shipping and handling. |
Meet the
Board
As promised in our last newsletter, we will continue
to highlight members of our dynamic Board established to assure the
continuance of Kehila Kedosha Janina. All of our Board Members have
made an emotional and spiritual commitment to work for the Kehila,
to assure its permanence as a Romaniote synagogue, and to support
the Museum, often acting as volunteers and docents. No one better
exemplifies the spirit of our Board than Rose Eskononts, who is also
the President of the Sisterhood of Janina (see article on
Sisterhood). Rose, although not a Yanniote herself (her parents,
Solomon and Dora Capon, came from Salonika), was born on the Lower
East Side (109 Ludlow Street) and has played a continual role in
support of Kehila Kedosha Janina. Rose’s late husband, Murray, was a
driving force in the Brotherhood of Janina and First Vice President
of the synagogue until his passing in 2000. Rose is now
carrying on the family tradition of selfless dedication and, because
of her extensive experience in the business world as an Office
Manager at Forbes Magazine, now handles the bank accounts, and
receipts and payments, for the Kehila. Rose is tireless in her
dedication. Thank you, Rose Eskononts. We are truly lucky to have
you. |
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The
Sisterhood of Janina
The Sisterhood of Janina was established in 1932,
just 5 years after the building of Kehila Kedosha Janina Synagogue.
From its very creation, by the late Leon Colchamiro, the Sisterhood
has acted as a benevolent charitable organization, serving Jews
throughout the world. The Sisterhood is a living testimony to the
success of the first experiment in America of an organization of
Judeo/Greek women, of Janina parentage and, although always small in
number, has been able to perform great feats. In 1991, the
Sisterhood sponsored 37 Albanian Jews (whose parentage was from
Janina) to the shores of the United States. In June of 2003, the
Sisterhood purchased a fully, cardiac-equipped ambulance for Israel,
through the auspices of ARMDI (American Red Magen David for Israel).
The Sisterhood is a charter member of the Sephardic Home for the
Aged, and every year spends “Monday After Mothers’ Day” at The Home,
bringing personal gifts to the female residents, and making a
substantial donation. Throughout the years, the Sisterhood has
raised funds to support the Jewish Community of Ioannina, and
continues to act as a loving network of support for the Kehila.
Support the Sisterhood. Become a member. |
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What better way to perpetuate your Yanniote heritage
than by cooking a traditional dish from Ioannina. Of course, getting
these recipes are never easy. Our nonas and mothers never wrote them
down. When asked about the measurements for ingredients, the answer
was: when it tastes right, or a pinch of this and a handful of that!
How long should we cook something? Until it’s done, of course!
Thanks to Rose Eskononts, we print a recipe for Patrijan, a
traditional eggplant dish from Ioannina. Note; This recipe can be
used for Pessach.
Patrijan
1
Eggplant or more depending on how much you want to make.
For each medium, boiled whole eggplant:
8 ozs. Farmer cheese (some people use ricotta), a
nice chunk of Feta, and a generous amount of grated Kaskaval or
Kasseri cheese
2-3 eggs eggs
a bit of salt
at least a quarter-cupful of matzah meal
Eggplants are cut up and boiled in salted water until
tender. Rinse under cold water and remove pulp from skin (without
breaking skin). Mash pulp and add to cheese/egg mixture. Add matzah
meal to bind.
Line greased pan with eggplant skins (shiny side down) and pour
cheese mixture on top.
Bake in 350 degree until nicely golden brown (30 minutes at the
very least, more, depending on individual ovens until golden brown.
Serve warm or cold. Can be an appetizer, side dish or main dish. |
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Upcoming
Events
From October 2004 To April 2005
October
Sunday, October 3, 1:00 pm
Celebrate Sukkoth in the traditional style of the
Romaniotes.
Sunday, October 17, 1:00 pm
Slide presentation on the Acropolis,
with lecture by Marcia Haddad Ikonomopoulos.
Visit the wonders of the ancient Greek world.
No charge: contribution to Kehila is appreciated.
November
November 14, 1:00
Koula’s Kitchen: learn how to cook eggplant Yanniote style. $10 admission.
December
December 5, 1:00 pm
Hanukah Party.
2005
January
Sunday, January 16th 1:00 pm
Third Annual Greek-Jewish Film Festival.
Films to be announced. Admission $10.
March
Sunday, March 13th 1:00 pm
Book presentation: Isaac Dostis will present his acclaimed children’s book,
Ten Gold Medals: Freedom or Glory, a children’s book on the Holocaust
in Greece.
Sunday, March 20th 1:00 pm
Greek dancing at Kehila Kedosha Janina. $10 admission.
Sunday, March 27th 1:00 pm
Purim Party. Come in costumes! Join the fun.
April
Sunday, April 17th 1:00 pm
Lecture on celebrating Pessach Yanniote style accompanied by excerpts
on the Romaniote liturgy for Pessach. A great way to prepare for the
upcoming holiday. $5 admission.
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