November 15, 2024 | 14 Cheshvan 5785
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Candlelighting 4:44 p.m. | Havdalah 5:45 p.m. | Vol. 67, No. 46 | pittsburghjewishchronicle.org
Jewish Pittsburghers react to 2024 general election
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In the heart of Greenfield, Yeshiva Schools is building a future
Antisemitic graffiti case update Et odictiumqui andae amusam Page 2 quistium LOCAL si de net voloritat Page X
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Pitt's efforts to form ad hoc committee
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Photo courtesy of Jeremy Kazzaz
By David Rullo | Senior Staff Writer
Building community through Fodictiumqui aut entis andae asimuss engagement
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Meet the Rosenfelds of Chabad Young Professionals
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A new book by Zoje Stage
Jeremy Kazzaz is the executive director of the Beacon Coalition.
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lifelong Democrat, Rona Kaufman became disenchanted with some of her party’s policies — particularly regarding Israel and antisemitism — following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel. In the last few months before the general election, one could say Kaufman became the face of the disillusioned Jewish voter. The Duquesne University law professor was interviewed by several local and national media outlets, including MSNBC, the New York Post, The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and this paper, where she discussed feeling abandoned by her party and her eventual endorsement of Donald Trump for president. On Nov. 5, Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris to become the 47th president of the United States. Kaufman said she was “pleasantly surprised” by the results. “I hope it will be good for the Jewish community,” she said. “I hope it will be good for America as well.” It wasn’t just the top of the ticket that Kaufman hoped would turn red. While she was unsure that Trump would be elected, she felt more confident about the outcome of the Senate race between incumbent
Democrat Bob Casey and challenger David McCormick, a Republican. “I thought David McCormick had a better shot than Trump,” Kaufman said. “I thought he would likely win the Senate seat and Trump maybe wouldn’t win Pennsylvania. I certainly didn’t expect such a huge win for Trump.” The former president captured 312 electoral votes, winning not only Pennsylvania but the other six swing states considered essential this election cycle: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina and Wisconsin. Kaufman said that despite her lifelong allegiance to the Democratic party, she felt no tension about her vote or the Republican party’s victories — not only in the presidential race, but in the Senate, and possibly the House, as well. “I am not conflicted,” she said. “I wanted the Republicans to win this election because I think it is better for Jews and America, and I really feel strongly about that. I know most people aren’t voting about Israel and Gaza or antisemitism on campus.” Most Americans, Kaufman opined, voted based on the economy and immigration concerns, but she views the Hamas/Israel war Please see Election, page 11
Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh student Tuvia Shollar stands beside a 3-D printer.
Photo by Adam Reinherz
By Adam Reinherz | Senior Staff Writer
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chool in a construction zone has its perks: Progress is easy to see. Since September, boys high school students at Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh have attended classes at 411 Greenfield Ave. The former St. Rosalia site, which includes dormitories with room for nearly 70 individuals, is under construction. Having purchased the 70,000-square-foot site for $1,200,000 in 2021, Yeshiva is transitioning the space into the future home of both its boys high school and boys elementary school. “We’ve spent close to $10 million on purchasing the property and doing the work,” Rabbi Yossi Rosenblum, Yeshiva’s CEO, said. Floors remain unfinished, walls are bare, but the beginnings of a dream are apparent. Walking through the site last week, Janna Unik, Yeshiva’s director of development and communications, pointed to new plumbing, electrical and HVAC work. “We’re using spaces right now as best as they fit,” she said. Please see Yeshiva, page 11
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