San Diego Jewish World

                                           Saturday Evening, June 30, 2007    

                                                                      Vol. 1, Number 61
 

Bachelet’s research has focused on mechanisms that regulate the function of mast cells – the “villains” in triggering allergic reactions. When exposed to allergens, mast cells react violently and release an enormous array of pro-inflammatory substances, of which histamine is a well known example. These substances lead to acute symptoms ranging from stuffy nose, rash, and airway constriction to the lethal shock known from food or venom allergies. Later on, they attract inflammatory cells that will maintain the response, which often persists as a chronic disease.

Although allergies are usually not perceived as lethal, reality is different. In 2005, over 250,000 people died from asthma worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that this rate will increase by 20 percent within the next decade if urgent action is not taken. Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children.

Bachelet has identified a receptor protein on mast cells, termed CD300a. This receptor has a prominent negative effect on mast cell activity, virtually shutting down the cell from unleashing allergic responses. Unfortunately, CD300a is widely found throughout the immune system, and simply targeting it could result in undesired, overall immune suppression with serious consequences, as can happen with steroids. 

In order to overcome this problem, Bachelet and his research colleague, Ariel Munitz, have designed a small, synthetic, antibody fragment that has the unusual ability of recognizing two targets simultaneously -- the receptor CD300a and a mast cell-specific marker. Thus, the antibody targets CD300a only on the surface of mast cells, avoiding suppression of other immune cells. This antibody potently eliminated four different types of allergic diseases in mice. Moreover, when mice suffering from severe chronic asthma received the antibody in nose drops, they completely reverted to normal, healthy mice in less than two months.

This pioneering project, termed RECEPTRA, presents a novel therapeutic strategy for acute and chronic allergic diseases, and is currently being licensed through Yissum, the Hebrew University’s technology transfer company, to pharmaceutical companies for further development and eventual clinical trials.

Based on its enormous potential, Bachelet and his team predict that with further development, their technology will become the first line of allergy therapy in the near  future.

The preceding story was provided by Hebrew University
 

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Technion dedicates sculpture celebrating reading

HAIFA (Press Release)—A giant sculpture, weighing 4 tons, which depicts a book out of which emerge letters in various languages, was dedicated at the Technion last week, in the presence of the donor, Leonid Raiz, his wife Alexandra, the sculptor Boris Zaborov, architects Shaul Kenner and Michael Seltzer, and the heads of the Technion.

The bronze sculpture is 2.80 meters high, 2.60 meters long and half a meter wide. Platinum has been delicately mixed with the bronze, giving it additional color nuances. The architects created a concrete base that connects the sculpture with the ground. The base is made up of two elements – an elliptic element and one that look like a narrow, long shelf. The concrete shelf is 15 meters long. The elliptic base is 10 meters long. The shelf is solid concrete with white pigment while the ellipse has a gray pigment.

Leonid Raiz immigrated to the US from the former Soviet Union in 1980. He developed highly successful computerized software for architectural design that is now used in most architectural offices around the world. In 1997, Leonid Raiz established another company – Revit Technologies – that also develops software for architectural offices.

The preceding story was provided by the Technion

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Nancy Harrison of Anderson Travel presents: Adventures in Cruising Watch this ad for a different cruising photo each day. The adventure can be yours! My thanks to Abe & Bea Goldberg and Ruth Kropveld for sharing photos of their family cruise on Holland America's Ryndam. Call Nancy Harrison at (619) 265-0808 to help you book a cruise from San Diego or anywhere. Or click this ad to go right to her email.

Aboard Holland America Ryndam San Diego  to Mexico cruising Bea Goldberg, left, and mother Ruth Kropveld enjoy a sea breeze aboard the Ryndam

 
 Knesset taps 80-year-old at U of Haifa as 'top student'

HAIFA (Press Release)—Ruth Almon, an 80-year-old woman who never had the chance to finish second grade due to Hitler's rise to power, but who submitted her M.Sc. thesis in the Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology at the University of Haifa a few months ago, was chosen as a recipient of the Outstanding Student Award by the Knesset Committee for Education, Culture and Sports and the Heads of University Committee. Nine other University of Haifa students will also receive the prestigious award.

Ruth Almon was born in Germany in 1927 into a family of German Jewish academics. Both of her parents earned Ph.D.s in chemistry and studied under Albert Einstein and Max Planck. When Hitler rose to power in 1933, both of them were fired from their jobs. "A few months later my father died. He probably understood what was happening and didn't want to live anymore," explained Almon sadly. Shortly thereafter, Almon immigrated to Israel with her mother and brother where she repeated first grade, spending only two months in second grade before leaving school. She returned to her studies only 35 years later.

"At that time, those who didn't have money weren't able to send their children to school and since there wasn't much demand here for doctors of inorganic chemistry, I had to start working on our farm in Kiryat Bialik." At age 56 when she was already the mother of three grown children, Almon, after being pressured by her children, decided to continue the family tradition and return to academia. "Because I could barely read and write, I began to study at the Open University, the only place that could accept me. It wasn't easy for someone what didn't know that minus times minus equals plus, but it seems that I did inherit my parent's scientific genes. I worked slowly, and completed my undergraduate degree in nine years."

Almon met Prof. Gad Katzir when she began volunteering at the University of Haifa's Department of Biology at Oranim. As a volunteer she researched the behavior patterns of cormorn birds. In 2002, Almon began graduate studies in the Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology at the University of Haifa. 

"At age 76 I decided that I had worked hard enough and that the time had come to register for graduate school. Once again I encountered difficulties; for example, I didn't know anything about working with computers. But the children helped me and the strong support of the faculty at the University enabled me to complete my degree. I still can't believe that I finished my bachelor's degree. For sure, I can't believe I finished my master's. I didn't have an easy life, and instead of studying, I worked from the age of eight. But now I can tell Hitler that he didn't defeat me," she said.

She won't be going on for a doctorate, but Mrs. Almon works almost every day with cormorn birds while helping younger students research their behavioral patterns. "I only have one message for young students: you don't know how to appreciate the fact that you can study and complete your degrees at a young age."

The preceding story was provided by the University of Haifa 

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A Herald in Zion....           Notes from Mevasseret Zion                                            Dorothea Shefer-Vanson

  Is 'land-for-peace' formula now planned for Syria?  
 

MEVASSERET ZION, Israel—A recent visit of an unofficial Syrian intermediary combined with repeated declarations by Prime Minister Olmert that Israel has no intention of attacking that country has prompted speculation in Israel that some kind of agreement is in the pipeline.

No-one disputes the fact that any agreement with Syria would involve returning the Golan Heights, the strategic plateau that dominates Israel’s fertile Jordan Valley, Lake Tiberias and many northern towns and settlements.

In the Second Lebanon War last summer rockets were fired into Israel from Lebanon, causing damage to Israeli life, limb and property, but not a single shot was fired from Syria. Lebanon paid a heavy price for its failure to restrain terrorists, while Syria did not suffer in any way.

The Golan Heights region is dear to the hearts of many Israelis, whether as a buffer zone, an area of agricultural settlement whose rich archaeological remains attest to ancient Jewish life, or an area for tourism. Under Israeli hands the volcanic soil has yielded good harvests, and the terrain and climate have been found to be ideal for viticulture. Today no connoisseur can ignore the excellent Golan wines, some of which are considered to equal those of France.

But if that is the price that has to be paid, the question arises whether Israelis will be able to see beyond the immediate loss to the ultimate benefit. The hardliners will doubtless oppose the idea with every fibre of their being, but there also seems to be a growing groundswell of voices advocatong peace at almost any price.

If real peace can be guaranteed, then perhaps it is worth exchanging real estate for the lives of our sons and grandsons. Perhaps we should consider that each Remembrance Day, when we hear about yet another family devastated by loss.

The foregoing article was reprinted from the AJR Journal (Association of Jewish Refugees) in England.

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Israel has its answer to U.S. 'Blue Angels' team


Photos by Abir Sultan, IDF Spokesperson's office

By Eliyahu Sigel

SOMEWHERE IN SOUTHERN ISRAEL (Press Release)—It is late in the afternoon, on an airstrip in the southern part of Israel, tucked away from prying eyes. Suddenly, the sound of jet engines screaming can be heard. The reason becomes quickly apparent; an aircraft, painted white and red is hurtling across the strip at dizzying speeds. But the engines' thunder can be heard from another source as well. An identical aircraft, coming from the opposite direction seems to be headed on a collision course-straight for the other. In a matter of seconds, what could have resulted in disaster comes to a relieving conclusion. Although they seem locked in a trajectory which could only lead to impact , the planes manage to break away from each other at the last second. They pass with nothing but a few feet separating them in mid-air.

With a roar of approval from parents and friends in the background- the pilots toss their hats into the air, as the aerobatic crew breaks out of formation for dramatic effect above. With the sun setting, the perfect image is complete. Lieutenant General Ashkenazi concluded by explaining what awaits the new graduates.  "You, the young male and female pilots and navigators have more than just the burden of your flight suits placed on your shoulders. Remember, the burden of responsibility for the safety and peace of the nation is yours as well." That may prove difficult to forget.

The preceding story was provided by the Israel Defense Forces

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Jews in the News            ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Like you, we're pleased when members of our community are praiseworthy, and are disappointed when they are blameworthy. Whether it's good news or bad news, we'll try to keep track of what's being said in general media about our fellow Jews. Our news spotters are Dan Brin in Los Angeles, Donald H. Harrison in San Diego, and you. Wherever you are,  if you see a story of interest, please send a summary and link to us at sdheritage@cox.net and we'll acknowledge your tip at the end of the column. To see a source story click on the link within the respective paragraph.

*Palestinian Prime Minister Salem Fayyad's decree that Muslim imams top preaching violence in the mosques was mostly observed Friday, although one Hamas affiliated clergyman, Maher Kharas, defied it in Nablus.  He railed against Israel, Palestinian moderates and the United States. An Associated Press story by Ali Daragmeh is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.  In a related Associated Press story, Farfour, the Mickey Mouse-knock off character used by Hamas to teach children to hate Israel, was taken off the air following a final episode in which the fictional character was murdered by an Israeli. 

*Teens unrelated to saxophonist Kenny G (for Gorelick)  threw an object from his bluff top house to the beach below in Malibu, hitting a 9-year-old girl in the head.  The injury required stitches.  Kenny G's wife paid for the hospital visit.  The story by Richard Winton is in today's Los Angeles Times. 

*San Diego County Sheriff Bill Kolender's willingness to have an independent review panel look into three deputy-involved shootings in Vista last year—and to implement most of their recommendations—won plaudits from the San Diego Union-Tribune in an editorial today.

*Joel Siegel, 63, longtime film critic for ABC's "Good Morning America," has died of colon cancer.  The obituary by Dennis McLellan is in today's Los Angeles Times.

*Sol Teichman, 79, of Los Angeles  attended the interfaith conference in Indonesia earlier this month, where he gave testimony to his experiences in the Holocaust.  But since then, he said, he's had a happy productive life in the United States.  His experiences taught him never to give up hope.  He was touched when two Muslim students asked for permission to be photographed with him.  The story by K. Connie Kang is in today's Los Angeles Times.

*U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (Democrat, California) has released 71 pages of Department of Transportation emails and memos as germane to his House Oversight and Government Operations Committee's inquiry into whether the agency had attempted to influence Congress to oppose adoption by California of tougher-than-national standards for air pollution.  The story by Erica Werner of the Associated Press is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.

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The Jewish Grapevine

ART'S SAKE—There will be a new wrinkle at the 9th annual juried members show of the Art Alliance of Idyllwild. In addition to major and higher priced pieces that will be submitted for the competition, the July 6-8 art show will also include an area for art valued at "under $100" to be sold.  Artist Judy Schonebaum is credited with suggesting the idea as a way to encourage experimentation, both by artists and by buyers.  "This is a way for people to show things that are more intimate pieces," she explained. "They can either try something new or they can try something that is not considered as weighty as something they try to enter into the juried show. "  For example, she said she will place a miniature rice paper collage in the Under $100 section.  "It's not that easy for people to buy an expensive piece of artwork but with items under $100, people can start to become collectors."  Information on the show can be found at the Alliance website.

DEAD SEA SCROLLS—Sandy Dolbee, religion and ethics writer, said in her story in today's San Diego Union-Tribune that first-day visitors  to the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at the San Diego Natural History Museum came away impressed on Friday. Among those she quoted was George Anderson of Tucson, who said at age 68, he thinks of himself as old. But seeing scrolls that have lasted 2,000 years gives me hope. 
 

U.S.-KOREA TRADE—The White House announced today that U.S. Trade Ambassador Susan Schwab and Korea's Trade Minister Kim Hyun-chong signed the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement. "This Agreement will generate export opportunities for U.S. farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and service suppliers, promote economic growth and the creation of better paying jobs in the United States, and help American consumers save money while offering them greater choices," President Bush said. "The Agreement will also further enhance the strong United States-Korea partnership, which has served as a force for stability and prosperity in Asia. I call on Congress to ratify this landmark Agreement, to the considerable benefit of the American people."

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Regional and Local

____________________ The Jewish Citizen              by Donald H. Harrison

Dead Sea Scrolls scholar's first career wasn't in the stars

SAN DIEGO—It was a matter of chance—or perhaps divine plan—that University of San Diego Prof. Russell Fuller became a Dead Seas Scrolls scholar and not a stargazer.  He had been enrolled in the astronomy program at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany when "financially the state system was going through some cutbacks," he recalled as we stood inside the temperature- and light-controlled room where a dozen samples of the Dead Sea Scrolls are being exhibited.

"They cut the astronomy program and at exactly the same time a friend took me to a Jewish studies class, and I just fell in love with the study of the Bible from an historical perspective," said Fuller.




FRAGMENTS—USD Prof. Russell Fuller stands by fragments of a passage of Deuteronomy that
scholars of the Israel Antiquities Authority pieced together. The actual parchment is in the case under
protective glass with a photographic blowup helping visitors better see the text. 

Today, Fuller is a walking embodiment of the kind of inter-religious excitement that has been generated by the exhibition at the San Diego Natural History Museum which includes scrolls on loan from Israel and Jordan supplemented by more contemporary biblical artifacts. Fuller is a professor of Hebrew Bible.  He is a Protestant, a Methodist.  He teaches at a private Roman Catholic University and he is a friend and advisor to the exhibit's Jewish curator, San Diego State University Prof. Risa Levitt Kohn.

As we stood among a phalanx of reporters and photographers at a June 28 media preview of the exhibition, Fuller commented that each of the anticipated 450,000 visitors who will see the Dead Sea Scrolls during the balance of 2007 is liable to go home with a unique impression.

For some of his fellow Christians, he said, there may be considerable interest in "those texts that share aspects in common with later Christian belief or practice."  For example, he said, some of the parchments on display deal with eschatology—the idea that there will be an end of time.  This concept "in early Christianity is extraordinarily important; it is kind of central; the idea that God will intervene...and set things straight," an idea "that by the time we get to rabbinic Judaism has been significantly downplayed."

Fuller speculated that for Jewish visitors an attraction might be "seeing the antiquity and importance of Torah in this community. Starting the third century BCE, most of the manuscripts are Torah scrolls of various sorts—over 40 percent.  There is an obvious focus and interest in Torah and proper observance of Torah, and I think that was a definite focus for that community" which was located near the Dead Sea, in Qumram, where the scrolls were found stored inside pottery jars hidden away in caves.

Theology is outside the scope of the Natural History Museum, so it leaves such issues to various religious groups that have arranged tours coupled with their own lecture series.  The museum instead focuses on issues more germane to its mission: Who were the people who lived at Qumram?  What were their lives like? How does the climate and topography of the Dead Sea area differ from that of San Diego and environs?  By what process were fragmentary scrolls restored? How has the presentation of the written Bible evolved? 

In Fuller's view, Qumram's residents were Essenes, a Torah-conscious Jewish sect that collected many of the scrolls from elsewhere and produced some of the scrolls themselves.  Their lives were not easy because Qumram, near the lowest place on the earth, sometimes experiences extraordinarily high temperatures, "sort of like Palm Springs at the height of summer without air conditioning," the professor said.  In addition to studying Torah, "they were working and supporting themselves with agriculture of various sorts as well as making pottery."  They grew dates, and they developed an extensive irrigation system, both for their crops and to comply with Jewish laws of purity.

They had "an extensive water system, an aqueduct system for transfer and storage of water  and mikvaot for ritual immersion.  So purity and prayer and the study of Torah were regular priorities of their lives."

A photography exhibit showing the topography of Israel—and showing how similar it is to portions of Southern California—is the scene-setter for visitors before they descend to the Dead Sea Scrolls area.  In one section, there are some side-by-side photographs of similar scenes inviting you to guess which is in Israel, which is in Southern California.  Sliding panels reveal the answers. It was the dryness of the Dead Sea area that permitted the scrolls to be preserved for approximately two millennia—the same kind of arid conditions with which people who live in San Diego County and its eastern environs are familiar.


 WHICH IS WHICH?—Photos of Israel and San Diego are side by side to demonstrate the similarity of the
  topography.  The answer (should you choose to know) is below.

Not all the scrolls survived intact; handling by humans after their discovery taking its toll. In some cases experts had to assemble the scrolls from fragments, aided by their knowledge of ancient biblical texts and by handwriting comparisons. Some of the scrolls on exhibit, especially one from Deuteronomy, are "the end product of a lot of work—hours and hours of work."

As we walked from the Dead Sea Scrolls to Russian manuscripts of the 11th century CE, I asked Fuller if it were true that the Torah has remained unchanged from the time of the Dead Sea Scrolls to the present.

He responded that to the contrary scholars have found numerous small changes, and deciding whether those changes are accidental or deliberate is an important area of study within the larger academic concentration of Hebrew Bible studies.

Does he know the Torah by heart?

"Well," he said, with a shy smile, "I wouldn't want to stand up and read it, that's for sure—especially with a whole congregation yelling out corrections at me" if a word were mispronounced. 

Fuller's college studies included a year at Hebrew University and he has been back to the Middle East as a biblical researcher. His familiarity with the scrolls and with Judaism make it easy for him to entertain almost any kind of a question from a visitor, and his lecture at the museum at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Monday evening, July 23, on "Who Wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls?" should prove interesting to Jews and non-Jews alike.

San Diego County is at the right.

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