April 4, 2025 | 6 Nissan 5785
Candlelighting 7:30 p.m. | Havdalah 8:30 p.m. | Vol. 68, No. 14 | pittsburghjewishchronicle.org
Pittsburghers rally with free kits, food and seder options for those in need
NOTEWORTHY LOCAL Strengthening a partnership
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Pitt’s Antisemitism Working Group begins to take shape By David Rullo | Senior Staff Writer
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Misgav mayor comes to Pittsburgh
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan research and policy institute. “Pesach has always been a stretch for families in the Jewish community,” Rosenfeld said. “Especially now with prices being more astronomical, it’s important to help out those in need.” More information about Our Giving Kitchen can be found at ogkpgh.com. GIFT, another Pittsburgh-based organization, is offering free Passover-to-go kits. Eligible recipients include older adults, immunocompromised individuals and people with special needs. The packages, which can be ordered for loved ones, include “everything you need for a seder and kosher meal,” according to organizers. Additional information, including delivery details, is available at giftpgh.org/passover. Cindy Goodman-Leib, executive director of Jewish Assistance Fund, encouraged Pittsburghers to consider JAF as the holiday approaches.
he University of Pittsburgh’s Antisemitism Working Group has a clear focus, according to the group’s new chair, Kathleen Blee. “It’s going to be a great, forward-looking committee, looking at how to make our campus safe and inclusive, and a place where all of our students can participate in student life fully and participate in education opportunities at the university fully,” she said. Blee is the former dean of Pitt’s Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences. Paul Wallach, vice chancellor for health sciences education, and Jennifer Murtazashvili will serve as vice chairs. Murtazashvili is the founding director of the Center for Governance and Markets and a professor at Pitt’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. She was named as the co-chair of the working group when it was created in December 2024, and was believed to hold that role until university Chancellor Joan Gabel announced Blee’s appointment during a March 20 Senate Council meeting. Blee said the change in leadership was due to the addition of Wallach, who will oversee what is commonly referred to as the “upper” campus and includes the medical school. Murtazashvili is now responsible for the “lower,” or non-medical, part of the campus. Blee said she’ll serve as a coordinator. “It’s a good structure,” she said. “It gives us real breadth across the campus and a real diversity. The rest of the committee also provides a lot of diversity. It’s a good team.” The remaining members of the group represent a cross section of Jewish life, on and off campus: Victoria Kotlyar, president
Please see Passover, page 10
Please see Working Group, page 10
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LOCAL
A man of innovation and integrity
Irving Halpern dies at 98
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LOCAL Seeking seats on the bench
Community Day School students hold boxes of matzah delivered by Rabbi Yisroel Altein on March 25. Photo courtesy of Community Day School By Adam Reinherz | Senior Staff Writer
P Meet two Jewish candidates for judge
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FOOD A versatile recipe for Passover
Matzah grilled cheese
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assover preparers are eyeing exorbitant expenses again this year. With eggs costing nearly $5 a dozen, many will need assistance in the weeks ahead. As the holiday approaches, several organizations and individuals across Pittsburgh are offering help. Rabbi Chezky Rosenfeld, director of Our Giving Kitchen, encourages community members to visit the organization’s pre-Pesach store. “Open to the entire community,” the pop-up shop will be held at Shaare Torah Congregation on April 7 and feature fruit, vegetables and eggs for purchase at little to no cost, he said. Rosenfeld, who has run other holiday-related temporary food stores, acknowledged the financial strain families face this year may be greater than ever. Even those whose incomes exceed the poverty line (approximately $32,000 for a family of four in Pennsylvania) “often struggle to pay the bills,” according to the
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