New Haven Independent

Over 20 years ago, the Latino-Jewish Dialogue was established, with simple goals; it was hoped that members of the communities would get to know each other on personal and professional levels and share their knowledge and concerns. Deep and abiding individual friendships emerged and the relationships remained informal and decentralized, but with special collaborations emerging for projects as needed. Something special has been added.

The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven employed a small staff to facilitate its Community Relations Committee. The group decided to recruit volunteers to assist with literacy tutoring in the New Haven Public Schools.

Through sheer serendipity, the first of their 5 assignments was at Roberto Clemente, a stone’s throw from Casa Otonal, a long time favorite of the group. Patricia McCann-Viseppo had been on the original steering committee of the Dialogue along with Linda Kantor, Jim Vlock and Lindy Gold. Ezra Academy children had visited with the elders of Casa and had established their own relationships. Tomas Miranda, formerly with the New Haven Board of Ed, had taken on the responsibility of Associate Director of Casa. The stars were in alignment.

Pictured: Dr.Alan Cooper (Chairman Literacy Project), Laurie Lowell (JCRC Director), Linda Kantor and Attorney Peter Blasini (Casa Otonal Board Members).

The tutors decided to enhance their tutoring skills and communication by trying to learn Spanish; who better to know how and what to teach them than Tomas? Now in its second full academic year, the Spanish language courses at the JCC have enjoyed explosive growth and Jill Savitt (a Jewish teacher of Spanish language at High School in the Community) has taken on a second class of beginners. Although tutors are given priority, class membership has expanded to include many others. There are doctors, lawyers, newly and nearly retired, business and professional people enrolled.

Pictured: Stuart Miller, Brenda Brenner, Lindy Gold (Casa Otonal board member and JCRC member), Dr. Arthur Levy and Attorney Betty Levy (Spanish students).

Expanding the horizons beyond the classroom, cultural exchanges and adventures came naturally to the group. They took their first field trip, joined by Casa Otonal staff and board members and other members of the Latino community. The full day itinerary included docented visits to the Spanish Heritage Museum, the Spanish/Portugese Synagogue and Central Synagogue (for its Moorish architecture).

The New York guides were well supplemented by participant Mariat Miller, a Jewish Puerto Rican who resides, with her husband, in Hamden. We learned about the Jews of Spain and western Europe, the Sephardim. Café Con Leche served an eclectic brunch. All were interested in continuing their joint journeys.

Sometimes ya gotta “Dish,” sometimes you need real Dialogue……ALL FOR THE GREATER GOOD!