The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Just Between Us

How ‘JewBelong’ Billboard Messages Inspire Hope and Gratitude in the Battle Against Antisemitism

by

The first time I noticed the signature JewBelong hot pink billboard with a message advocating for not only Jewish safety, but also for Jewish understanding, I thought: how clever!  It felt like a gift ‘from above’, and in these treacherous times of skyrocketing antisemitism, particularly since October 7, each one feels like a gift–but so much more.

Each billboard ‘sighting’, including the ones that travel on trucks, and recently on water too, instill a sense of relief and comfort that someone ‘out there’ understands the threats looming and is taking concrete steps to influence hearts and minds far and wide, and not just Jewish ones. In short, they are not just singing to the choir, but trying to reach as its founder puts it, “the mushy middle.”

I was thrilled for the opportunity to meet the ‘brains’ behind these messages, JewBelong’s cofounder Archie Gottesman, at a recent fundraiser for UJA Federation of New York. Visit: ujafedny.org

On June 6, 100s gathered at the Brae Burn Country Club in Harrison, NY, for a presentation by Gottesman about the billboards’ vital messaging and the need for as many as possible out there too.

Archie Gottesman, co-founder, JewBelong

To date, the billboards have appeared in 32 states. They very much require charitable contributions to launch and sustain, so do visit JewBelong.com 

“Any amount matters,” Gottesman said.

“I don’t care where you are in your Jewish journey,” Gottesman stated. “We have a message for everyone. It’s an expensive battle – 200 billboards cost approximately one million dollars– (and they have to battle graffiti too) but it is so worthwhile and so important.”  

More of what Gottesman conveyed during her talk:

“Every billboard starts a conversation. I want the world to be talking about antisemitsm.  It’s not fair that we have been talking about everyone else’s rights and leaving antisemitism off the table. That’s how change is made in this country.”

“When you think about social issues the country talks about, such as Black Lives Matter or Me Too, they had to become aware of the issue first.  Message matters.”

“I’m going for the ‘mushy middle’; those people who can still be swayed by the messaging. Too many are getting swayed by the other side.”

The information below is courtesy of/direct from JewBelong:  

About JewBelong

JewBelong is a non-profit group supporting Joyous Judaism and fighting antisemitism through a national outdoor campaign that includes traditional billboards as well as billboard trucks. JewBelong has run over 600 billboards across the country reaching over 250 million people. Our trucks have crossed the country and reached many millions more! Through a library of free resources, JewBelong also offers education and meaningful DIY rituals for Jews, allies, and anyone who has felt like a Jewish outsider or feels disengaged from the religion.

About JewBelong co-founder Archie Gottesman

Prior to founding JewBelong, Archie served for more than 30 years as executive vice-president/chief branding officer of Edison Properties and its multiple entities. Gottesman was the voice behind Manhattan Mini Storage’s iconic billboards, which became a viral sensation with a mix of edgy humor and common-sense advice.

 

 

This Wild and Precious Life

by

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

Mary Oliver, The Summer Day

Grace Bennett
PHOTO BY DONNA MUELLER

Many ponder that question as time marches on. As goals and desires unrealized gnaw at me, I’m taking Oliver’s challenge to heart. On our home page, you will find a genealogy story, a real-life cousin who found me doing research of family lost in the Holocaust! The revelation further inspired me to revisit yellowing documents from my dad’s horrific experiences surviving Auschwitz, and to hopefully undertake translating my grandfather’s manuscript of surviving that horrendous war in hiding, and reuniting with my dad in Israel, after the rest of his family was killed. And about growing up ‘in the shadow’. I may have a memoir in the making if I can do my best to stay focused.

In time for Mother’s and Father’s Day and graduations, enjoy stories about new & expectant families, a second ‘Portraits and Profiles’ column sharing peace-enhancing practices plus a lovely essay about a special mother/daughter bond.

Here too are spotlights on two great County leaders. A cover story by Alexa Troob emphasizes Vedat Gashi’s focus on cooperation and collaboration. Via Deborah Notis’s interview with Westchester County Executive George Latimer, we learn about a hardworking, results-achieving leader! Other stories include ones about a local rock band, The Station Agents, and another, about a humble World War II vet, Sargent Dan Santagata.

A second cover story (by yours truly!) is about a local dad who just happens to also be a two-time Grammy winner and mastering engineer — Joe LaPorta! Joe’s latest Grammy was for Miley Cyrus’s FLOWERS! I had fun learning how LaPorta, and those in his field of expertise, enhance a song’s sound so that its melody really sticks!

I’m particularly excited to present the indomitable Benjamin Cheever’s engaging cover story about the globe-trotting adventures of award-winning documentary team Susan Todd and Andrew Young. We also think you will appreciate a close-up of Pleasantville High School’s beloved Principal Joseph Palumbo. Two articles by Christine Pasqueralle are one about the Briarcliff Manor Library’s Poetry Café, and a second about the much beloved Briarcliff Manor fundraiser – affectionately called Mezzapalooza. Please also don’t miss our update about the upcoming lineup at the ever-beautiful Caramoor, or the breaking news about the Jacob Burns Film Center’s opening of Take 3, a new Wine Bar and Cafe! Here too is an announcement of the lineup of the Pleasantville Music Festival which we are lending a helping hand to this year, too, as a media sponsor.

Plus, as always, there’s ‘much more’.  Just take a look!

If I’ve missed anyone or anything, we will surely catch up with you one day, as we love to do!

I’m forever grateful to all our contributors and advertisers — I’d like you to know that advertising revenue remains vital for bringing these independently-produced editions to a wide swath of Northern Westchester ‘and beyond’  (to some 75,000 readers not even counting the internet reach of many thousands more with each publishing cycle), so in our 21st year of publishing that includes some true milestones including a recent 20-year anniversary or Inside Chappaqua, a current 10-year anniversary for Inside Armonk and five-year one for Inside Briarcliff Manor & Pleasantville, please contact us ‘for the first time’ if you have ever contemplated a print plus online (a powerful combo!) sponsorship, or ‘revisit’ us if you have in the past! 

We’re still cooking, but make no mistake about it, we need you!

More than ever, in fact, we also appreciate reader support. Another way to help us keep the issues coming is a digital subscription that opens up a decade of content to you (ask us how to unlock a story permanently too, or over the long term): https://www.theinsidepress.com/subscriptions/

It’s truly a privilege producing well regarded magazines in the beautiful hills of Northern Westchester. So, as I retreat to behind-the-scenes projects and pursuits, please know I’m still very much here, and confident that our magazines’ ‘day to day’ responsibilities are in capable hands with associate publisher/editor, Elise Trainor. Elise will be giving you The Inside Scoop each issue.

Here’s wishing you warm, bright days ahead in your own precious lives.  

 

Fresh Beginnings

by

Grace Bennett
PHOTO BY DONNA MUELLER
When I conjured up the theme of “fresh beginnings,” I had hoped we’d see the hostages come home… with that, a new peace in a troubled region, and a collective sigh of relief everywhere! I’m sad that wasn’t the case, at least not at press time, but I remain, I know we all remain, ever hopeful.

Holding onto hope in the battle against cancer is the reigning sentiment for all the participants of Chappaqua’s always amazing Relay for Life, our Inside Chappaqua cover story by Mia Brown. Kudos to all the Greeley volunteers!

The historic inaugurations in January seemed to promise a bright, new future for our residents, with Victoria Bayard Tipp now at the helm as the Town of New Castle’s first BIPOC Town Supervisor. We are proud to present Zoya Nabeel’s poignant coverage, and my own report of all the newly sworn in public officials, in our first 2024 edition, kicking off a 21st year of publishing.

Elise Trainor
In the meantime, some fresh beginnings have taken place Inside the Inside Press. In December, we extended a warm welcome to our new Associate Publisher and Editor Elise Trainor, a consummate media pro who has been busy gearing up to assume many of my current responsibilities (my goal is to pursue special projects long put on hold!). Elise, an Armonk resident who has raised her family in North Castle together with her husband John, rolled up her sleeves right away getting to know our present sponsors and securing new ones in our vital print/online market. She is also already bringing us great stories including the Inside Armonk cover story written by Stacey Pfeffer about Stayin’ Alive, a gift to First Responders and the residents in Armonk, but also in nearby towns. To reach Elise, write to elise@insidepress.com.

Speaking of gifts, we celebrate spring in a debut of Ronni Diamondstein and Naava Katz’s fun new column, Portraits & Profiles. We hope you enjoy it.

Ella Ilan’s article about newly elected Town Supervisor Joseph Rende offers our readers an opportunity to ‘get to know’ him a little better, and offers some insight into his priorities for North Castle. As a prime example, look for a remounting of the Armonk Eagle with details to follow about the beloved landmark. 

We are also thrilled to hear that the Byram Hills Varley Players are gearing up to present Mamma Mia!, a personal Broadway favorite. So, mark your calendar for an event the entire community will surely enjoy.

Music is always a great salve during challenging times, so we are very proud to bring you Marco Lamberti’s story, the Inside Pleasantville and Briarcliff Manor cover story, as told by Christine Pasqueralle. A 10-year-old drummer rocking venues around the county felt inspiring to us, and we’d like our readers to perhaps one day say ‘they knew him when’ as they recall Marco’s ‘beginning’ 15 minutes of fame in their favorite local magazine.

In entirely different arenas, Michael Gold continues to bring stories to local presses intended to protect our precious planet, this time in a conversation with Nicole Asquith on the future of renewable energy. Fran Goldstein’s interview with Briarcliff Manor’s Audrey Birnbaum about her extraordinary new Holocaust memoir is a must read, and we wish Audrey well on her publishing journey. You’ll also find sage ‘midlife’ advice from the one and only René Syler. Also, if winter sniffles strike again, check out our new roving food reviewer interns who sampled hot soups in the area, and report their favorite to take out.

Please take time to check out all our new stories. Wishing you all fresh beginnings!

‘Inside’ I’m Ok, but Not Ok

by

For all of us similarly afflicted, perhaps as I dreamed, I thought of some words to describe the feeling of  ‘I’m ok, but not ok.’

The worry we carry feels like a metaphorical bullet lodged in our hearts, affecting our breathing, our circulation, bringing on phantom pains that won’t dissipate until the hostages are released. And that’s just the feeling I imagine among us diaspora Jews, and our allies, who I so appreciate.

Last night, after the devastating news of 21 Israeli ‘chayalim’ lost to this damn war, I sent a message to Jerusalem to check up on a very old friend whose two sons are on the ground.

She is ok too, you know, but not ok?

“There are no words,” she told me to describe her state of mind when the news struck hard (in earlier days she described the dread of any parent of a soldier about the potential knock on their door). Her ‘there are no words” only somewhat mirrored the daily feeling about the news on our feeds or in watching or reading the news about Memorials of lost innocent and beautiful souls taken so cruelly on October 7, or of the images of the toll on all innocent civilians in Gaza, who have been used ever so diabolically as human shields. But her “there are no words” was a reminder that any of our “there are no words” can always carry ever more profound anguish and pain than our own. Each ‘I’m Ok, but not ok,’ tells a different story and is a window to a whole different level of pain. 

Saturday night. When I attended a (terrific) Chappaqua Performing Arts Center event with a couple gal friends, before it started, we were sharing stories that made me laugh out loud (that’s the ‘I’m OK part’ in motion). A lovely member of the community (you know who you are) caught that, and came up to me, and said, “It’s good to see you laugh.” I was startled. (I must come off as so maudlin in my social media postings!) I offered a broad smile in some way to reassure her. I also said, “Thank you, I’m ok. A little broken, you know?” hoping to share that feeling of, “I’m ok, but not ok, you know?” “I know,” she answered, with her expression conveying empathy — so appreciated.

Earlier in the week, a second lovely member of the community who had come by my home for a signature on a petition for a seat on her city council (done!) told me that she was worried about me. I felt badly about that, reassured her too, but maybe I wasn’t quite convincing enough, ’cause she persisted on recommending self care. Good idea, I said. I will. I promise, I told her, to reassure her too.

Another friend who had called to talk: “Hi, it’s me. Can you talk? Or are you still too busy sharing your anguish?” he offered, in his usual kidding way. Receiving humor right now is such a gift. I told him, “I can talk for a little bit,” eager to get back to yeah, I suppose, ‘sharing my anguish.’ Because you know, I’m ok, but not ok?

Perhaps the best text came last night from a friend who urged me to see Harmony on Broadway before it closes (Feb. 4). “I thought of you during the show.” It’s a show about Holocaust survivors, and a must see.” I told her the timing wasn’t great on account of my closing on three mags, but I would try to get there especially with International Holocaust Remembrance Day approaching.

And yes, I will try.

With a heavy heart but not without holding on fast to the joy of living (I do get that if I don’t, that’s where ‘they’ begin to win.) So presenting, a bit of the reverse, I’m not OK, but damn it, I’m going to do things that make each day ok, too.

Perhaps you have your own stories of ‘I’m OK, but not OK’. I’d love to hear them. Write to grace@insidepress.com

I’ll conclude this with: May we all be OK and NOT ‘but not ok’ one day again. Just really ok. I have to believe that day will come.

Ever Grateful

by

Photo by Donna Mueller

What can I say? Like so many, my heart felt shattered at the same time I was assembling these issues. But publishing a community magazine also offers an outlet for my own feelings regarding the stricken communities abroad, and here. Ever grateful for that and the support at home.

True to ‘sharing the heart of our community’, I heard from several local parents getting involved and from area business owners who wasted no time launching fundraisers, earmarking a portion of their proceeds, to help vital organizations get critically needed help and supplies to those most impacted. Children wrote cards, created bracelets, and more.

Before all the carnage took place, it’s perhaps fortuitous that I had already planned articles on coping with grief and sadness during the holidays; I’m glad for the valuable resources to consider in these editions.

Also, grateful to mindfulness expert Jodi Baretz who led an apolitical and humanitarian-oriented open women’s group with coping and stress relieving strategies to help anyone struggling with the psychological ramifications of a war from sadness to personal fears, and for leading the group in a loving/kindness meditation.

“Community is one of the most important things we have when we are going through this,” she said, and that could not be more true. I’ve assembled some poignant quotes from a vigil I attended, including from President Bill Clinton. See more below.

I attended other equally wonderful gatherings at press time, including a #BringThemHomeNow rally and vigil at the Anne Frank Garden of Remembrance in White Plains, and missed others in the interest of producing coherent publications during such a busy and stress-filled period. Janine Crowley Haynes weighs in with an abundance of sensitivity.

Also inside: stories which simply celebrate life and about those who cherish and protect lives, such as at the Mount Kisco Child Care Center, ARC Westchester, and Do Something… stories about those who touch hearts; you’ll find that in Adam Kaufman’s interview with Amy Ferris, author of Mighty Gorgeous, A Little Book About Messy Love.

I’m super proud of Armonk native Lisa Salko who relayed the inspiring tale of the 13 Driver’s Licenses to Stacey Pfeffer–Lisa’s role as Ambassador on this project comes at a time when the need for Holocaust and anti-hate education is an imperative.

The efforts in Briarcliff Manor toward greening, beautifying and sustainability could not be more community driven, so thrilled Michael Gold had a chance to catch up with the chair of the committee to get the scoop.

We also haven’t forgotten the arts. Nolan Thornton shares the inspiring ‘Westchester success’ story of country music superstar Jessica Lynn. We also have Pamela Brown’s profile of ‘Anatomy of Murder’ podcast co-host, Chappaqua’s Scott Weinberger. From the Jacob Burns Film Center, we spotlighted the joy of movies this holiday season, and membership.

And, there’s more.  The usual eclectic ‘mix’, so enjoy.

Please take good care of yourselves and families during this difficult time but also don’t forget to embrace the joy of the season; a holiday train show at the Greeley House may be just the ticket. And per Elisa Bremner, be food waste conscious. On that final note, happy Thanksgiving and happy holidays to you and yours.

 

 

A Community Vigil to Stand with Israel Drew Wide Support

Public officials, including former President Bill Clinton, clergy, and students of Greeley’s Club E.N.O.U.G.H and Student Union conveyed powerful messages of solidarity, comfort, and support to the thousand plus who gathered one week following the horrific October 7 massacre in Israel. As one student stated: “Our fear of having Jewish lives being lost just because of their beliefs is a reality we are forced to believe in. Never again is now.”

New Castle Town Supervisor Lisa Katz: “Tonight, in the face of darkness, let our unity be a beacon of hope as we stand together in solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people in our hearts, in our words, and most importantly, in our actions…

Rev. Dr. Martha Jacobs: “I join with my colleagues in crying and stand as a witness to their anger, rage and deep, deep sadness… but also their hope.” “You know what? Hatred can never win. It only brings more pain and more devastation.”

Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe expressing gratitude to interfaith allies: “In dark and anxious times you have provided us lift and light. I cannot tell you how much we appreciate it.” “May we respond to Hamas inhumanity with our own acts of humanity, with acts of love and kindness and charity.”

Congressman Michael Lawlor addressing the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust: “Today we affirm that we will always be Israel’s greatest friends and ally… we will never turn our backs on them.”

President Bill Clinton offered: “I hope all over America and the world people who believe in peace and freedom and fairness for everybody will be gathering like this. It made me proud to see all of you and proud to be a part of this community.”

County Legislator Vedat Gashi affirmed: “Hamas and their co-conspirators have nothing to do with Islam. That barbarism is antithetical to Islam and to any other faith.”

Additional poignant remarks were offered by state Senator Peter Harckham, state assemblyman Chris Burdick, and Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins. Concluding the vigil were closing remarks from members of the town’s Holocaust and Human Rights committee, the reciting of the Mourners Kaddish, a Memorial Candle lighting, and additional songs and prayers for Israel.