Our deepest condolences to EJC executive director Raya Kalenkovoa on the death of her beloved mother Sophie Berchader, who died at home surrounded by her loving family.
![Shin Bet Joins Fight against Corona Shin Bet Joins Fight against Corona](https://www.lzb.lt/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Izrael-600x300.jpg)
Shin Bet Joins Fight against Corona
The internal Israeli security service Shin Bet announced Tuesday they were given authority to collect information on citizens as part of the general fight against the spread of the novel corona virus and said they would take up this assignment “immediately.”
A press release said Shin Bet was authorized to use the latest technology to aid the state in stopping the spread of the virus. Now police will be able to collect information about carriers of the virus and the location of people under quarantine using mobile telephone technology without a court order. Shin Bet will also be able to trace the location of those infected for 14 days prior to positive diagnoses “to determine their routes and the people with whom they had contact,” a leaked copy of the authorization document allegedly said.
Full story in Lithuanian here.
Condolences
Levas Markmanas has passed away. He was born in 1948. Our deepest condolences to Eduardas Pogosovas on the loss of his beloved father.
![The Naked Truth: The Text “Hallelujah to the Communist Party of the Soviet Union” Judged Worthy of Doctorate in Independent Lithuania The Naked Truth: The Text “Hallelujah to the Communist Party of the Soviet Union” Judged Worthy of Doctorate in Independent Lithuania](https://www.lzb.lt/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/foto-1_1.jpg)
The Naked Truth: The Text “Hallelujah to the Communist Party of the Soviet Union” Judged Worthy of Doctorate in Independent Lithuania
by professor Pinchos Fridberg, PhD habil.
Standard Foreword
The text of this article exists in three languages, Lithuanian, English and Russian. None of them has managed to get published in the better-known pages of the democratic Lithuanian press.
If an interested reader asks, “Why not?” I would tell him:
I guess it’s forbidden to publish “the Naked Truth!”
Of course he probably needs an “airbag,” i.e., the word “allegedly” should be added!
Probably if I wrote “the ALLEGED Naked Truth” there would be problem in publishing it.
On February 20 I sent the Lithuanian version of my article to the Lithuanian president, and I called and asked he be made aware of it. They promised me my request would be passed on to the Chancellery and an advisor to the president.
The story described is not the first, a similar thing happened with my article “The Jew Whom Ramanauskas-Vanagas Rescued, WHo Probably Wasn’t a Jew” (in Russian here).
Condolences
Leonid Štarkman passed away on March 15. He was born in 1937. Our deepest condolences go to his daughter Svetlana.
![Roman Abramovich to Plant 25,000 Trees in Israel in Memory of Litvaks Roman Abramovich to Plant 25,000 Trees in Israel in Memory of Litvaks](https://www.lzb.lt/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/лита-670x300.jpg)
Roman Abramovich to Plant 25,000 Trees in Israel in Memory of Litvaks
The Jewish National Fund (Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael) held a ceremony to set aside a memorial site and begin planting a forest in memory of the Lithuanian Jewish community, the Russian-language website www.vesty.co.il reported on March 11. The plan is to plant 25,000 trees as part of a KKL environmental protection project for afforestation in southern Israel. Famous Russian-Israeli businessman and philanthropist Roman Abramovich is providing major financing for the project.
Abramovich’s great-grandparents were Litvaks from the Kovna guberniya in the Russian Empire. In spring of 1941–a year after Lithuania was made part of the Soviet Union–the affluent Abramovich family was exiled to Siberia.
Roman’s grandfather was born in Eržvilkas and his grandmother Toiba Berkover was born in Jurbarkas. His grandfather Nakhman died in a camp in Krasnoyarsk in 1942 and his grandmother raised their three sons on her own, Aaron Arkady being Roman’s father.
![Lithuanian Government Closes Border Lithuanian Government Closes Border](https://www.lzb.lt/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/airport-640x300.jpg)
Lithuanian Government Closes Border
The Lithuanian Government has adopted a resolution closing the national border at midnight, March 16 (going into effect as March 16 turns to March 17). Foreign citizens will not be admitted and Lithuanian citizens will not be allowed to leave. Citizens and legal residents who are admitted back into the country will be required to undergo a 15-day quarantine. Restrictions have also been placed on public gatherings and the number of passengers admitted onto public conveyances will be limited as well. Stores other than grocery stores, bars, clubs, restaurants and beauty salons are to be closed down, according to the Government resolution. A copy of the official translation of the Government resolution containing a number of other restrictions as well can be found below.
![Choral Synagogue Closed for Two Weeks Choral Synagogue Closed for Two Weeks](https://www.lzb.lt/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/LOGOReligine-bendruomene-670x300.jpg)
Choral Synagogue Closed for Two Weeks
The Choral Synagogue in Vilnius will be closed for at least two weeks as of now. Follow this page for more information in the coming days. Vilnius Religious Jewish Community chairman Shmuel (Simas) Levinas reported a majority of minyan members, many of whom are elderly and thus fall into the main risk category for catching the corona virus, agreed it was best to halt temporarily religious activities at the synagogue, in line with recommendations issued by the Lithuanian Government. The synagogue will remain closed for the rest of March, the chairman reported.
![LJC Temporarily Closed as of Friday, March 13 LJC Temporarily Closed as of Friday, March 13](https://www.lzb.lt/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/LŽB-namai.jpg)
LJC Temporarily Closed as of Friday, March 13
Thursday evening Lithuanian prime minister Saulius Skvernelis issued an appeal to the people of Lithuania:
“I appeal to you as the whole world confronts the challenge of the coronavirus pandemic. The time has come for us to take urgent measures. We cannot allow ourselves to be careless and irresponsible.
“We must unite and do what must be done. Each of us. That’s the only way we will put a stop to the potential spread of the virus in our country. There simply is no other way. I ask everyone to be responsible citizens and members of the community.
“We must take care of our health, that of our children, parents and loved ones, of all people of Lithuania. I ask you to do what the health care professionals and experts ask. Let’s not take risks. I assure you the Government and all responsible institutions are directing all requisite efforts so the spread of coronavirus will be decreased to the maximum extent possible. The late response in other countries show the need to take action as soon as possible.”
The Lithuanian Jewish Community is temporarily closed due to the novel corona virus. Access to Community buildings is restricted. Further information will be issued as it becomes available.
![All LJC Events Cancelled, March 17 Concert Included All LJC Events Cancelled, March 17 Concert Included](https://www.lzb.lt/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ConfirmedCoronavirusCases031220_v02_BV_hpEmbed_16x9_992-670x300.jpg)
All LJC Events Cancelled, March 17 Concert Included
Based on the resolutions adopted by the Lithuanian Government and the Vilnius municipality on March 12, beginning 7:00 A.M. on March 13 all public events in enclosed spaces are forbidden.
As a consequence the concert planned at the Lithuanian Jewish Community on March 17 has been canceled.
![Changes in LJC Operations after State of Emergency Changes in LJC Operations after State of Emergency](https://www.lzb.lt/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/P3124429-670x300-1584089776.jpg)
Changes in LJC Operations after State of Emergency
Dear Community members,
Following the announcement of a state of emergency in Lithuania, the daily operations of the Lithuanian Jewish Community has changed as well. We must postpone all planned events and restrict admission of visitors, and some employees are now working from home.
We thank you for your understanding and patience. We are always ready to help you and to answer any questions, and we hope you will take into consideration this unusual situation and that we will overcome these difficult challenges together.
Please note:
• ALL Community events have been canceled, both at the Community building and elsewhere;
• we strongly request that visits to the Community building at Pylimo street no. 4 only be made if there is a serious need to do so;
• if you want to meet a specific LJC employee, please agree on the meeting with that person by telephone beforehand;
• for permission for burials, please call secretary Liuba Šerienė at +37068506900.
IMPORTANT: prepare copies beforehand of death certificates and documents showing family ties, and digital documents are preferred.
Continue to follow the LJC web page where we will announce all changes in the operations of the LJC administration and LJC Social Center.
Condolences
The Lithuanian Jewish Community expresses its deepest condolences to Vytautas Landsbergis and his family on the death of his beloved wife Gražina who passed away March 11.
![Strengthening the Human Rights Coalition in Lithuania in 2020 Strengthening the Human Rights Coalition in Lithuania in 2020](https://www.lzb.lt/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/KoalicijųStiprinimas-2-670x300.png)
Strengthening the Human Rights Coalition in Lithuania in 2020
The Lithuanian Jewish Community, the Roma Community Center and the Lithuanian Human Rights Center are implementing a project called “Strengthening the Human Rights Coalition in Lithuania in 2020.”
The project is aimed at increasing the visibility and participation of the Human Rights Coalition which is constituted of these three organizations in civic initiatives at six regional Lithuanian centers where Jewish communities operate.
This coalition will represent ethnic communities in Lithuania and help fight expressions of hate, Romophobia and anti-Semitism in public life.
![LJC Chairwoman Faina Kukliansky’s Purim Greeting LJC Chairwoman Faina Kukliansky’s Purim Greeting](https://www.lzb.lt/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/PurimA-376x300.jpg)
LJC Chairwoman Faina Kukliansky’s Purim Greeting
Purim is the happiest Jewish holiday. It’s unfortunate the fun is so brief and gives way to everyday reality which isn’t always as happy. Nonetheless I wish everyone as many good, happy days as possible.
Let’s live like Queen Esther, the symbol of the beauty, intelligence and cleverness of Jewish women who gave us victory against our hapless enemies who wanted to destroy the Jewish community and who so shamefully failed in that.
It’s not in vain we read the Book of Esther believing women are in no way weaker than men!
![Lithuanian Government Lists Famous Litvaks Lithuanian Government Lists Famous Litvaks](https://www.lzb.lt/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Vilniaus-žydai.jpg)
Lithuanian Government Lists Famous Litvaks
The web page of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania now features in Lithuanian and English texts about the Vilna Gaon, famous Litvaks and visual materials for celebrating 2020 as the Year of the Vilna Gaon and Litvak History.
§§§
Most Prominent Jewish Personalities in Lithuania
Lithuania has been home to many Jews, who were born in this country, lived and created here leaving an indelible mark in the scholarly and cultural heritage of Lithuania as well as of the world.
Writers
Icchokas Meras (1934-2014). The author of books on the Holocaust (Geltonas lopas (The Yellow Patch), Ant ko laikosi pasaulis (What the World Rests on), Lygiosios trunka akimirką (A Stalemate), and a film script writer for well-known Lithuanian films Kai aš mažas buvau (When I Was a Child), Birželis, vasaros pradžia (June, the Beginning of Summer) and Maža išpažintis (Small Confession).
Chaim Grade (1910-1982). Vilna-born writer, a member of Yung Vilne (Young Vilnius), a group of avant-garde writers and artists. Chaim Grade is considered to be one of the leading Yiddish writers in post-Holocaust period. Nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.
![Miša Jakobas Wins Lithuanian Language Commission Prize Miša Jakobas Wins Lithuanian Language Commission Prize](https://www.lzb.lt/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Jakobasimages-6-670x300.jpg)
Miša Jakobas Wins Lithuanian Language Commission Prize
The Lithuanian Language Commission has awarded Miša Jakobas, the director of the Lithuanian-Israeli Chamber of Commerce and founder and long-time former principal of the SHolem Aleichem ORT Gymnasium, their Snail award in recognition of his work supporting the Lithuanian language.
The Jewish school Jakobas founded was the first ethnic minority school to use Lithuanian as the language of instruction. “What’s unique about us is that we don’t have the official state language of Lithuanian, we have the native Lithuanian language. The students use and learn Lithuanian as their native language, and the exceptions other ethnic minority schools make do not apply to us,” Jakobas commented earlier.
This is the sixth time the Lithuanian Language Commission has issued awards. The awards are given in recognition of significant contributions to creating Lithuanian terminology, maintaining high standards of academic speech and language education. Ten other recipients were also awarded this year.
![Queen Esther, a Hero for Our Time Queen Esther, a Hero for Our Time](https://www.lzb.lt/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/esther_700x350-670x300.jpg)
Queen Esther, a Hero for Our Time
A paradox of Jewish fragility and heroism.
by Meir Soloveichik
Mr. Soloveichik is the rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel and director of Yeshiva University’s Straus Center.
A perplexing paradox lies at the heart of Purim, the holiday celebrated this week by Jews around the world. No day is more associated with Jewish joy; yet, rightly understood, the scriptural source of our celebration, the biblical book of Esther, proclaims a terrifying teaching.
Let us briefly review the plot.
Continue reading here.
![Happy Holidays, Žydelkos Happy Holidays, Žydelkos](https://www.lzb.lt/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Sergejus-Kanovičius-490x300.jpg)
Happy Holidays, Žydelkos
by Sergejus Kanovičius
Once, long ago, I attended a Lithuanian school. Back then there were two Jews, or more accurately, a Jewish boy and a Jewish girl. The boy was in the grade next to her. Dark-skinned speaking without an accent, the Jewish boy always got into fights when others reminded him he was different. Different and therefore not as good. No one tried to break it up. There were always observers. Later they called themselves pals because they didn’t get into fights with him. They didn’t defend him, but they didn’t beat him, either. It’s much safer to stand to the side and keep quiet. That’s been proven historically. The Jewish girl didn’t get into fist fights. She was shy and had curly hair. Whenever someone called her žydelka [Jew-girl], which is now for some reason considered an endearing diminutive term, she used to walk away, sometimes wiping a tear. When I used to hear these “terms of endearment,” unlike the majority of the žydelkos, I had to get into a fight again.
There have always been more apologists for epithets such as žydelka, žydo išpera [Jew-spawn] and others and they have always been stronger. But my family taught me one thing: never to retreat from abuse, to oppose it. I would be lying if I said I had ever been the victor in some fist fight. The combatants were always greater in number and I lost. No matter what, though, they got theirs. Of the many wonderful teachers there were only a few who didn’t give out beatings, they found a pseudo-intellectual way of telling the whole class that this one is different and therefore is worthy of less respect. This kind of intellectual pedagogical encouragement to hate. Like the mark for dictation, when because of one comma the dark kid used to get four [out of ten] with a minus. Just because. So I wouldn’t forget I was different.
Many years later as Lithuania counts her fourth decade of independence, no one dare beat me. Fists have become unpopular. They beat through words. Sometimes rather beautiful ones. The world is free. But it is painful the Lithuanian National Defense Ministry’s magazine Karys [Soldier] has published the lie of a pseudo-historian about the local leader of anti-Semitic ideology (who knows whether another NATO member who sometimes guards our airspace, if the French Defense Ministry would try to tell their soldiers what a great diplomat and patriot Pétain was). Or insistently try to prove “Jew-girl” is a term of endearment (happy International Women’s Day, žydelkos!). Frida Vismant of Šeduva recalls that’s what they called her on the streets in 1940. “You just wait, žydelka padalka, Hitler will come and we’ll show you!” (Out of endearment, I guess, they told her she was a žydelka in the Šiauliai ghetto after they took her firstborn Rachmielis and beat him to death along with 600 child žydelkos).
![Art Workshops Art Workshops](https://www.lzb.lt/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Plenerasimages-1.jpg)
Art Workshops
The Lithuanian Jewish Community and the Savickas Art School invite those who want to experience the joy of creativity to attend a series of art activities. The program includes painting, drawing, the basics of art history, classical color schemes, composition and sketching using pastels, acrylics and oil paints. Classes will also cover still-life, landscape and portrait styles. Raimondas Savickas will teach and classes begin March 8, 2020, staggered in two groups. Meetings will take place on Sundays at the Lithuanian Jewish Community in Vilnius. The cost is 10 euros per workshop or 20 euros advance payment for all four classes. For more information call 867881514 on workdays from 10:00 A.M. till 5:00 P.M. To register, send an e-mail to zanas@sc.lzb.lt
![Panevėžys Jewish Community Prepares to Celebrate Purim and International Women’s Day Panevėžys Jewish Community Prepares to Celebrate Purim and International Women’s Day](https://www.lzb.lt/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tulpės-images-502x300.jpg)
Panevėžys Jewish Community Prepares to Celebrate Purim and International Women’s Day
2:00 P.M., March 8, 2020
The Panevėžys Jewish Community will mark International Women’s Day and celebrate Purim at Community headquarters.
The happy holiday of spring and carnival, Purim, represents Jews being rescued from death.
We look forward to your holiday cheer and carnival costumes. There will be a table of treats and women will receive flowers and children will receive small gifts.
Please report your intention to attend by calling 861120882 or 869846653.