Jewish Federation of Reading Non-Profit Organization Jewish Cultural Center U.S. Postage PAID PO Box 14925, Reading, PA 19612-4925 Permit No. 2 www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org Reading, PA Change Service Requested

Jewish Federation of Reading Non-Profit Organization Jewish Cultural Center U.S. Postage PAID JewishPO Box Federation 14925, Reading, of Reading PA 19612-4925 Non-Profit OrganizationPermit No. 2 Jewishwww.ReadingJewishCommunity.org Cultural Center U.S. PostageReading, PAID PA POChange Box 14925, Service Reading, Requested PA 19612-4925 Permit No. 2 www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org Reading, PA Change Service RequestedShalom The Journal of the Reading Jewish Community Published as a community service by the Jewish Federation of Reading, Pa.

JewishVolume Federation 40 of No.Reading 3 MARCh 2010 Adar-NisanNon-Profit Organization 5770 Jewish Cultural Center U.S. Postage PAID PO Box 14925, Reading, PA 19612-4925 Permit No. 2 www.ReadingJewishCommunity.orgINSIDE Reading, PA Change Service RequestedShalom1100 Berkshire Boulevard The Journal ofShalom the Reading JewishIt’s been Community an Publishedincredible as a community year. service Hope by you’ve the Jewish beenFederation here! of Reading, Pa. TThehe JJournalournal ofof the ReadingIt is hardJewish to believe Community.Community that a year Published Published has gone as as by a a since community community we relocated service service to the by by Jewish the the Jewish Jewish Cultural Federation Federation Center at of1100 of Reading, Reading, Berkshire Pa. Pa. Volume 40 No.Boulevard 5 in Wyomissing. If you haven’tMAY been here,2010 we hope to see you in the very near future.Iyar-Sivan For those of you 5770 who VolumeVolume 45, 40 No. No. 10 5 use the Center regularly or from DECEMBER ‘timeMAY to time’, 2010 we 2015 always appreciate your visits andKISLEV-TEVET encourageIyar-Sivan your feedback. 5770 5776 INSIDE And, thank you all for your support throughout the year! ReflectionsINSIDE on Paul D. Cohn, President, Jewish Federation of Reading Cindy Balchunas, Chair, Jewish Cultural Center Committee Passover ShalomUnityTammy K. Mitgang,highlighted Executive Director, at Jewish Leadership Federation of Reading/Jewish Gifts Cultural event Center The Journal of theBy Reading Amanda JewishJ. Hornberger Communityassimilation Published and theas recenta community public a Q&A service and dessert by the reception. Jewish Federationhusband, Andy of Reading, Wernick, as Pa. well Page 12 ThereJewish unity was is the no theme offree a disagreements lunch between — U.S. andor isMany there? familiar faces enjoyed as their granddaughter Michele Volume 40 No.discussion 3 with Larry Sternberg at Israeli administrations,MARCh Sternberg 2010 catching up and spending the Adar-NisanLeisawitz and her husband, 5770 Ben. this year’s Leadership Gifts event posited that the biggest threat evening together and welcomed 2016 Campaign chairs Dr. Meir heldBy Paul at the D. home Cohn of Vic and Dena is Jewish disunity.County JewsHowever, have gonehe tosome the JCC’sfirst-time preschool attendees to look to this at all andexpenditures, Haia Mazuz making highlighted sure that the we Free Jewish Hammel.Federation More president than 50 people expressed optimism,for its excellent noting that learning the curriculum.Manyannual event. We times were are blessed being goodtheme stewards of “It’s of Good your contributions.to Be Jewish ProgramINSIDE at The 2010 Jewish the preschool is a gateway for Jewish families in We are making progress in all areas of your books for turnedEllen Azrael, out for Larry a conversation Rotenberg and on Hilde openness Gernsheimer that allows arguments is to have three generations of one and It’s Jewish to Be Good” as the FreeAlvernia Jewish to theFederation major challenges Jewish Annual facing the a fundamental1100Berks Jewish Berkshire County, value where that they family can Boulevard meet in attendance and make forFederation. the first eveningWe are nowwrapped in a position up. Overall to focus the kids available Campaign is under way.Photo by Jeremy Drey: Courtesyfriends of with Reading other Eagle Jewish families. In addition, on those programs and services that our A booksdeliciousfocusthrough foron day EllenJewish Azrael, community Larry Rotenberg today and Hildecan Gernsheimer lead to unity by concentrating time at a Leadership Gifts event. evening was a great success and peace This campaign is the since the school is open to everyone, it provides community wants and needs. kidscelebratingFederation available food AlthoughIt’s we facebeenPhoto anti- by Jeremy anon coreDrey: incredible Jewish Courtesy values of Reading shared byEagleyear. us Sid &Hope Esther Bratt you’ve were joined by been a wonderful here! kickoff to our 2016 andthrough culture Semitism,theMakingFederation’s major BDS sure sourcemovement, we all. Thenever discussiona diversity was forget followedexperience by at theiran early daughter age. Corrine andHowever her Campaign. the bottom line is that we are Page 2 of funding, and it helps • Cultural Programs and Services — The asking for, and need your help. And guess FederationPage 3 It is hard to believe that a year has gone by since we relocated to the Jewish Cultural Center at 1100 Berkshire support the many important Federation provides many interesting and what? People do need a free meal every so Page 3 MakingByBoulevard Paul D. Cohn in sureWyomissing. we If andyou never political haven’t context, been forget here,nothing we can hope to see you in the very near future. For those of you who programs and services that requested programs and services.Lectures, often. Seniors do enjoy the company and Page 3 Federation Chairman mask the darkest side of human help Jewsuse inthe our Center community regularly and abroad. or from Most ‘time films, to time’,discussion we groups,always and appreciate holiday events your are visits friendship and encourage that our services your feedback.provide. Parents Federations By PaulAs I D. write Cohn andbehavior.Could political context, one view nothing our ability can Film looks of you are not new to the Campaign, And,and are thank just you a few all examples. for your In supportaddition, the throughout Federation theare year! relieved as they drop their preschooler helping Federationthis column Chairman it maskand responsibility the darkest to side “never of forget” human as atGuitarist American accustomed to why this is such an important allocates funds to local synagogues to help off at our school, knowing that their child is in in Haiti is theAs dayI write after behavior.Couldan obligation? Ione think view so. ourNo matterability Reflectionsto perform on partPaul of your D. Federation.Cohn, President, Others Jewishmay be Federationnew with their of Reading programs. WeCindy offer Balchunas, programs and Chair, excellent Jewish hands. Cultural Jews Center in Israel Committee and around the Guitaristfootball’s thisyour columnFederation it andhow responsibility hard it is to to recall “never the forget” horrific as Passoverat annual to our community.Tammy Here are K. a Mitgang,few points Executivethat I services Director, that bring Jewish our communityFederation together. of Reading/Jewishworld are gratefulCultural for Center the funding we supply. growthto performPage in 4Israel issponsored the day after our anevents obligation? of the Holocaust,I think so. Nothose matter who meeting would like you to consider: Making a pledge to the Campaign is more at annual yourHolocaust Federation howsurvived, hard and it is tothe• recallIsrael generations the and horrific Jewsthat around the world Page 12 — JFS now — Federation has a long and rich history of than the money, at least it should be. It should meetingPage 22 sponsoredRemembrance• Jewish our Family Services eventsfollowed, of the have Holocaust, to remember those who and servesThere all age groupsis no and is free dedicated lunchto helping Israel. — Although or isour worldthere? is rapidly be your way of saying that you believe in and Foes of Israel HolocaustDay, which survived,continue andto put the the generations events of that the maintaining and strengthening the quality changing, Israel is still a young country, and support our local Jewish community. It should start Pagecampaign 2 Remembrancewas held at followed,Holocaust have into modern-day to remember context. and Downtown Reading ofBy individual Paul D. Cohn and family life in the Jewish unfortunately,County Jews have some gone groups to the JCC’sand countriespreschool beto lookyour at way all expenditures, of saying that making you want sure tothat help we to question Day,Kesher which Zion continueSurvivors to need put theto continue events ofto thetalk Celebrating community.Federation presidentJFS runs a monthly food pantry dofor itsnot excellent recognize learning Israel’s curriculum.Many right to peaceful times Jewsare being around good the stewards world. It of should your contributions. be your way tonation’s get a new wasSynagogue. held at I want to thank Holocaustabout their into experiences modern-day and context. educate Photo by Jeremy Drey: Courtesy of Reading Eagle withProgram Ethiopian at openThe to both2010 the JewishJewish and non-Jewish coexistence.the preschool is Given a gateway its forchallenges, Jewish families Jews in ofWe saying are making that you progresshave resources in all areasto help of others your Celebratinglegitimacymenorah KesherKesher Zion Synagogue for SurvivorsJews and neednon-Jews to continue alike. to talk AlverniaJews to communities,Federation Jewish helping Annual all to meet their dietary throughoutBerks County, the where world theyhelp canIsrael meet with and funding make PhotowhoFederation. byare Jeremy less We fortunate, Drey: are nowCourtesy and in aat ofposition times Reading destitute. to Eaglefocus with Ethiopian Synagogue.hosting this event,I want as to wellthank as aboutJews their around experiences the world and continue educate to focus on needs.Campaign Did is you under know way. JFS coordinates andfriends resources with other so sheJewish can families. remain strongIn addition, and Iton should those be programs your way toand say services you care. that our JewsPagePagePage 754 Kesherthank Dr. Zion Minna Synagogue Bromberg forfor Jewsbe victims and non-Jewsof anti-Semitism. alike. In addition, peace transportationThis campaign for the is elderly the and infirmed and vibrant.since the Our school funding is open also to helpseveryone, Jews it providesin other communityFor everyone wants who and hasneeds. already pledged, I hostingher spiritual this event,leadership. as well Tammy as IsraelJews faces around new andthe world existing continue enemies. to providesFederation’s counseling majorHilde Gernsheimer, tosource members Harriet of ourBaskin Jewish and Rosalye countriesa Yashekdiversity who experience want to at move an early to Israel, age.Vic or Hammel who welcomessay However“thank Federation you.” the supporters For bottom those to his line ofhome. you is thatwho arewe stillare Page 4 thankMitgang Dr. didMinna an Brombergexcellent forjob beHowever, victims of with anti-Semitism. each passing In addition, year we Page 2 community?of funding, andIn addition, it helps JFS provides an have• Cultural serious needsPrograms in their and own Services country. — The waitingasking tofor, pledge, and need I am your asking help. for Andyour guess help. ‘Better Together’ herof facilitatingspiritual leadership. the afternoon’s Tammy Israelare losing faces our new Holocaust and existing survivors enemies. and Holocaust outreachsupport the program many andimportant acts as a clearinghouse FederationAs I mentioned provides above, many the interestingfunds raised and by Pleasewhat? Peoplepledge donow. need As ayou free have meal previously every so Jewishprogram Family a hit Mitgangsession. Mydid thanks an excellent also go to Danjob However,their families, with alongeach passingwith the yearvaluable we education forprograms other agencies and services in our that area. As economic therequested Campaign programs represent and the services.Lectures, largest portion of heardoften. meSeniors say, Jewsdo enjoy have thea rich company tradition and of HolocaustService ofTannenbaum, facilitating coordinatorthe afternoon’s of the arestories losing and our memoriesHolocaust survivorsthey have and to withspreadingFederations teenagers in conditionshelp Jews inhave our worsened,community JFSand abroad.has seen Most an thefilms, Federation’s discussion budget.groups, Lastand yearholiday you events helped are leadingfriendship by thatexample. our services All of us, provide. no matter Parents how education session.Holocaust My Library thanks alsoand goResource to Dan theirpass families, to future along generations. with the valuable Venues andhelpingBerks seniors increaseof you are in notpeople new lookingto the Campaign, for help. and are contributejust a few examples. $600,000 In to addition, the Campaign. the Federation A few largeare relieved or small asthe they contribution, drop their have preschooler a chance spreadingPage 8 in Tannenbaum,Center, a partnership coordinator between of the the storiessuch as and the memories United States they Memorialhave to in Haiti accustomed to why this is such an important – JCC’s yearsallocates ago, funds our Campaign to local synagogueswas over $1 million.to help tooff become at our school, leaders. knowing It all adds that up. their All childof us iscan in BerksPagePage 87 HolocaustFederation• Lakin Library Earlyand Albright Educationand Resource College. Center passHolocaust to future Museum, generations. the Holocaust Venues preschoolpart of your and Federation. kindergarten Others have amay long be history new Sowith you their can programs. see that ourWe annual offer Estherprograms campaign Bratt and is changeexcellentLarry theRotenberg hands. world Jews withfor thegrandchildren in Israelbetter. and Talya around and the Eli Center,I also a partnership want to thankbetween Hilde the suchCenter as atthe Albright, United Statesthe Anne Memorial Frank Page 4 Federationofto providingour community. and quality Albright Here education College.are a few in apoints Holocaustnurturing, that I Museum,moreservices important the that Holocaust bring than our ever. community The Federation together. has worldFree are lunch…I grateful don’t for the think funding so. It weis worth supply. its Page 7 Gernsheimer, Ellen Azrael and House in Amsterdam, and the Yad Esther Bratt positivewould like environment. you to consider: Many generations of Berks taken• Israel steps toand help Jews reduce around our expenses the world and weightLarryMaking inRotenberg gold. a pledge with tograndchildren the Campaign Talya is and more Eli JEWISH LarryI also Rotenberg want tofor thank sharing Hilde their CenterVashem at Holocaust Albright, memorialthe Anne inFrank Israel Gernsheimer,• Jewish FamilyEllen Azrael Services and — HouseJFS now in Amsterdam, — Federation and the has Yad a long and rich history of than the money, at least it should be. It should FAMILYFoes of SERVICE: Israel personalservesThree generations: all stories. age Michelle groupsEach and story Ben and Leisawitz, had is itsdedicated Estherserve and Sidas to Bratt, valuablehelping Corrine educational and Israel. Andy Wernick Although and our world is rapidlyAn impressive be crowd your gathers way offor sayinga fascinating that talk. you believe in and Jewish Family Larryown senseRotenberg of sadness, for sharing fear and their (at Vashemhistorical Holocaust repositories. memorial in Israel startFinding campaign ways maintaining and strengthening the quality changing, Israel is still a young country, and support our local Jewish community. It should Service personaltimes) renewed stories. Eachhope storyand resolve. had its serveAll as of valuableus have aeducational responsibility and to toJewishto keep question your Family child ownof individual senseYemin of sadness, and family fearOrde andlife (atin the Educationalhistorical Jewish repositories. unfortunately, some Initiatives groups and countries make be your waya differenceof saying that you want to help nation’s Still,community. it was difficult JFS runs to listen a monthly to and food “never pantry forget” do and not to standrecognize up for ourIsrael’s right to peaceful Jews around the world. It should be your way stiimulatedService times)comprehend renewed their hope stories. and Ifresolve. anyone rightsAll andof us beliefs have asa responsibilityJews. We must to legitimacyPage 6 openIn 2006,to both Israel’s the Jewish Ministry and of non-JewishAs of Septembercoexistence. YOEI Given is itsAmal challenges, Shimshon Jews Technical of saying that you“Yemin have resources Orde Educational to help others Still,has itany was doubt difficult about to listen the Jewishto and “nevercontinue forget” to educateand to stand those up who for our do Page 6 comprehendEducationcommunities, urgedtheir helping stories. Yemin all If toanyone Ordemeet theirworkingrights dietary and beliefs withthroughout 27as Jews.educational the We world must helpSchool Israel (Lower with funding Galilee); who Ashdod are less Initiatives fortunate, andhas at shown times destitute. us the Page 127 Youthpeople’sneeds. Village Didwill toyou survive,to knowexpand one JFS onlyits coordinates communitiesnot believe inand inthe Israel: resourcesHolocaust orso whoshe canAmal remain Technology strong and (Ashdod);It should beimportance your way to ofsay every you care.small detail hasneeds any to doubt study aboutthe Holocaust. the Jewish continueattempt to to twist educate the truth those of what who actually do people’suniquetransportation andwill tosuccessful forsurvive, the elderly one circle andonly infirmednot •believe 10 and Ministry in vibrant.the Holocaust of Our Education funding or who alsoAdivi helps Ashkelon Jews in otherOrt Technology For everyone - the physicalwho has appearance already pledged, of the I ofprovides careAlthough to counseling thousands one can to members studyof other the of ouryouthhappened. Jewish villages: Again,countries Kedma a special who (northern thank want you to move(Ashkelon); to Israel, Mahator who Accosay “thankOrt you.”village, For the those language of you who we are use, still needs to study the Holocaust. attempt to twist the truth of what actually Trudy Katz and Ellen Azrael David, Larry and Alison Rotenberg children-at-riskeventscommunity? leading upIn throughout theaddition, Holocaust IsraelJFS and provides Negev);to Hilde, an Ellen TOM andhave Larry(coastal serious for sharing needs plain their in theirTechnology* own country. (Acco); Tamrawaiting High to pledge,how we I interactam asking with for the your children, help. try Althoughto put these one events can into study historical the happened.thoughts and Again, memories a special with thank us. you Jewish Family eventsand,outreach consequently, leading program up the and HolocaustYemin acts asOrde and a clearinghouse region);to Hilde, Ellen Neveh and LarryAs I mentionedforHadassah sharing their above, School*Trudy the Katz funds –and serving raised EllenPhotos Azrael by146 by PleasestudentsBarbara pledgeDavid,Nazimov cultural Larry now. except codes and As asAlison you ofnoted behavior. haveRotenberg previously I leave Service Educationalfor other agencies Initiatives in (YOEI)our area. was As (Sharoneconomic region); the Campaign Aloney Yitzhak represent from the largestthe Arab portion community of heard and me say,every Jews workshop have a richwith traditionso much of try to put these events into historical thoughts and memories with us. Photos by Barbara Nazimov except as noted 2010 totals launched.conditionsYashek have worsened, lecture JFS has (nearto seen focusCesearea); an the Federation’s Kfaron Hassidim France budget. part Last of year the youArab helped Sector leadingInitiative by example.knowledge All ofand us, newno matter ways how to as ofPage Feb. 8 19 increaseThe Initiatives in people directly looking impact for help. (lower Galillee,contribute near $600,000 Haifa); to ofthe the Campaign. Kennedy ALeigh few Charitablelarge or small think.” the contribution,-COORDINATOR, have a KEDMA chance Israel’sYashek• Lakin struggling Early Education lectureyouth village Center toKetziney – JCC’s focus Yam years Ashdod onago, (southernour France Campaign Trust; was overORT $1 Mitrani million. Holon to become High leaders.Yemin It all Orde adds up.Educational All of us can populationspreschoolThis andyear’s by kindergartenproviding Richard teacher have J. Yashek a longcoastal historyefforts region); So to you Manofbetter can (northernunderstand see that ourSchool; these annual Kfar campaign Manda isHigh change School the Initiativesworld for the is better.ready for the next Jewish lecture will be held Thursday, May terrible events actually accomplished Community training,of providingThis workshops, year’s quality Richard interventionseducation J. Yashekin a region);nurturing, efforts Hadassah moreto better important understand Neurim than ever. servingthese The Federation students hasfrom the FreeArab lunch…I phase don’tof its thinkexpansion. so. It is Its worth Village its andpositive6, otherat environment.8 p.m. special in Memorial Manyprograms. generations Chapel (Mediterranean at of Berkstheir aims?taken Sea stepsOr coast, have to help nearthey reduce actuallycommunity. our expenses and weight in gold.Way methodology has proved Campaign lectureAlbright will College. be held The Thursday, speaker will May be terribledistorted events historical actually understanding accomplished $110,708 YOEI’s6, at 8innovative p.m. in Memorial “Village Way”Chapel Netanya);at their aims? Nahalat Or Yehudahave they (in actually•3 Ministry of Welfare itself an effective and relevant methodologiesRichard J. Golsan, are Ph.D., designed a professor partnership and challenged with Avi Naor’s the Youth notion therapeuticof the residential schools: educational and life skills tool in 20152010 totals Albrightof French College. at Texas The A&M speaker University. will be distorteduniqueness historical of the Holocaust understanding as well as toRichard enhance J. Golsan, the spiritual Ph.D., awell- professorVillage and initiative). challenged the notion ofEden the Therapeutic (community for theory and in practice in a variety asas ofof AprilNov.13 19 being,He is character the author development or editor of more• 14the publicterrible singularityhigh schools: of the fategirls); of its Talpiot (residential and day of settings. YOEI is pursuing the 2010 totals ofthan French a dozen at Texas books. A&M He hasUniversity. been a uniquenessvictims? This of lecturethe Holocaust will explore as well these as as of April 19 andHe leadershipis the author potential or editor of first- of moreBranco-Weiss the terrible singularity Tachkimoni of the fateprograms, of its children 6-14 years possibility of working with an JewishJewish Community generationvisiting professor Israelis at who the Sorbonnecome School in issues (Hadera); through Beit a Sheandiscussion Ort ofold); recent Beit Haboger (community entire town’s education system Community thanParis, a wheredozen hebooks. taught He courses has been on the a victims?works of This literature lecture and will filmexplore as thesewell as CampaignJewish fromvisiting poverty-stricken professor at families the Sorbonne and Technology in issues (Beitthrough Shean); a discussion Marom of recentfor boys. (1,200 children) and is working Campaign brokenmemory homes. of World War II in postwarAcco theOrt 1990’s Technology trials of French(Acco); citizens Since on beginning the program, with a public high school in an Community$433,047 Paris,French where literature he taught and coursesculture. on the workscharges of ofliterature crimes againstand film humanity as well foras Campaign memoryYOEI’s ofmethodologies World War II in are postwar Amal the Yaffo 1990’s School trials of(Tel French Aviv); citizens YOEI on has reached more than 9,000 Israeli-Arab community . from$273,000 203 donors integratedFor more into university-levelthan three decades Beit Ha’aravacomplicity Ortin the Technology Final Solution. children and 1,300 staff members. Yemin Orde is supported by FrenchFrance literature has been and preoccupied culture. with chargesThe oflecture crimes is against held in humanity memory for of *Includes$273,000 transfers from educationFor more courses than three(Oranim decades (Jerusalem); complicity Yadin the Shapira Final Solution. Ort The goal is to reach a total of 53 local dollars through the Israel University,traumatic Haifa) moments and in and Israel’s events Technology of Richard (Tel J. Yashek, Aviv); Daliyat a Holocaust Al survivoreducational communities in Israel Now campaign of the Jewish Donor Advised Funds Franceits recent has past. been Butpreoccupied have national with andThe longtime lecture Berks is held County in memory resident. of publictraumatic school moments system. and events Karmelof Richard Ort TechnologyJ. Yashek, a Holocaust (Haifa); survivorby 2020. Federation of Reading. 2010 totals its recent past. But have national and longtime Berks County resident. as of Feb. 19 Jewish Community Campaign $110,708 Page 2 SHALOM December 2015 Community getting stronger thanks to your enthusiasm, support By Richard Nassau represent Reading’s Jewish community You may have noticed a resurgence in a Jewish Family Service Shabbat or Development Director at the national Federation’s General of energy in our Jewish community. You holiday program. It is confirmed in a Thank you for Assembly in Washington. What I learned can feel it among the 170 participants heartfelt thank-you from the 150 families supporting the 2015 was that even though we are facing serious who attended Federation’s Community receiving groceries each month at no Jewish Community challenges — renewed anti-Semitism, Shabbat this year. You can hear it in the cost through the JFS Food Pantry. It Campaign! It may shifting demographics, increased social anticipation of attendees at the Jewish is present in the animated discussions sound clichéd, but service needs here and in Israel — our Film Series. You can sense it in the hush of 25 teens interacting with their peers every gift you make, community is responding quickly and in of nearly 200 people commemorating weekly at Jewish Community High no matter what many cases more effectively than many Yom Hashoah. You can see it in the 80 School classes. size, actually does cities. For example, there are not many children participating in our PJ Library Energy is contagious. Help us grow make a difference places where the Annual Federation program, in which children receive free with enthusiasm and purpose. Make a in someone’s life — whether it buys Meeting is a picnic designed to include Jewish- themed books and take part monetary gift, or share the gift of your canned goods to be handed out at our entire families. More than 100 people in related monthly activities. And when time and expertise to help us serve busy Food Pantry or increases the attended our event in June, from 7-month- 100 people attend Federation’s Purim others. scholarship award for a deserving young old babies to 90 year olds, because we Carnival, the energy is palpable. If you have any questions about student. cherish every member of our Jewish It is also quiet and unseen. It is felt our services or programs, contact me In November I was honored to family. by the 40 older adults joining together [email protected]. Meir Panim succeeds in helping struggling single mother Ofra, a single mother of four living in restaurant-style soup kitchen. serves some of the most impoverished “We have a holistic approach to one of Israel’s struggling development “It is embarrassing to ask for food,” communities in Israel, including the poverty,” she said. “Though providing towns in the south, finally has a smile Ofra said. “With Meir Panim’s sensitivity, towns of Dimona and Yerucham, where food is essential, we understand that lack on her face. With a new job and a when I came to them for food, they had services are in great demand. of food can be a symptom of many more refurbished apartment, she is breaking me stand in line with caretakers who What was found in Ofra’s home challenges.” out of the cycle of poverty that has pick up food for people like homebound would break even the toughest of Sternbuch recently visited Ofra to plagued her since she left her abusive holocaust survivors. In that way, I looked hearts. The refrigerator was bare. The check how she and her children were husband. like a caretaker rather than a person walls and bathroom were mold infested, doing. She was happy to see that they “I owe so much to Meir Panim,” Ofra struggling to feed my family.” even with Ofra’s attempts to keep the have a new lease on life. Meir Panim’s said. “Their generous help saved my “Seeing a mother with several young place clean and orderly. Worst of all, assistance with dignity gave the family family.”.Ofra is one of the estimated 1.6 children asking for food implies that a family gas canisters were next to and attached the ability to not only feel better about million Israelis who struggle to make needs more than just a meal,” said Goldie to the stove, which could have caused their current condition, but hope for a ends meet while living under the poverty Sternbuch, Director of Overseas Relations an explosion. brighter future. line. Living in an apartment subsidized for Meir Panim. “We asked Nissim, who Meir Panim sent in a team of Meir Panim is supported by local by the state, her situation was dire. Meir runs our southern branch, to visit Ofra’s volunteers to help this struggling family dollars through contributions to the Israel Panim became aware of her plight when apartment to better assess her needs.” with needed improvements to the house, Now campaign of the Jewish Federation she came to the organization’s free Meir Panim’s southern branch Sternbuch explained. of Reading. Film series continues with look at football in Israel By Amanda J. Hornberger receptions following each screening, Arab, Christian, Thai and Palestinian can be purchased at the theater beginning Reading Jewish Film Series 2016 compliments of Sweet Street Desserts. players. New England Patriots owner at 6:30 p.m. the day of the screening, or opened with a great start in November The fun continues Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. Robert Kraft is a large supporter of the series tickets can be bought at the JCC. with a screening of the hilarious British with the documentary “Touchdown league as well. Come out and learn Cash and checks are accepted. comedy “Dough.” The film series, in its Israel.” It follows the fast growth of more about this unique Israeli version of The remaining films for Reading second year, is being held at Fox Berkshire, American football in Israel. The Israeli America’s favorite sport. Jewish Film Series 2016 are: and attendance increased more than 30 Football League has grown to over 600 Admission is $5 per film or $20 for Dec. 2 — “Touchdown Israel” percent from last year! We are thankful players and 10 teams in a nation roughly the series of five films. Showings are on Feb. 10 — “24 Days” for the Rubin Educational Fund and Fox the size of New Jersey. The league is 80 Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Fox Berkshire, March 16 — “Above and Beyond” Theatres for their ongoing support of the percent Israeli with secular and Orthodox 800 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing. Tickets April 20 — “Run Boy Run” series. New this year is the free dessert Jews playing with and against Israeli A program for women on their own Are you an adult woman who the month for a social outing, such is single, never having found a life as dinner. partner or have lost one due to divorce If you think that this group would or death? Tired of being a single in a be of interest to you, please contact couple’s world? either Sari Incledon at the JCC (sarii@ Do MORE with The JCC is looking to start a social jfreading.org or 610-921-0624) or group of women who have found Sheryl Weintraub (member of Reform Fulton Bank’s OptionLine themselves traveling through life Congregation Oheb Sholom) by email on their own. We plan to meet once [email protected]. Home Equity Line of Credit per month on a Sunday morning, We hope to have the first meeting at the JCC or area synagogues, for at the JCC in Wyomissing sometime breakfast and chat. If possible, we in January. We’re looking forward to would also meet another time during hearing from you!

Pay for Make Home Plan a Dream College Improvements Vacation

Visit your local branch or apply online at fultonbank.com today!

Fulton Bank, N.A. is a member FDIC. Member of the Fulton Financial Family. Subject to credit approval. October 2012 SHALOM Page 3 December 2015 SHALOM Page 3 From the President’s Desk Looking forward to a great New Year DON’T MISS OUT By Alvin Katz in need. Providing food, assistance with visit, among other sites, Yemin Orde, and Be sure to pick up the October Chairman expenses and many other aspects of getting Meir Panim, which we support through Doing things right to meet community’sI want to take this those challenges less fortunate back on their feet. your contributions. Yemin Orde is a youth Berks County Living time to wish all of you a Our ܁nance committee has been working village in the Carmel mountains near Haifa magazine featuring a special By William D. Franklin enhancing outreach, growing our Jewish from Allentown, 40-plus Jews from Mess in the Middle East.” He focused very Happy and Sweet overtime ensuring that our funds are well which caters to youth in need, providing President education efforts, increasing community Philadelphia and more than 300 Christians on the history and causes of the current supplement produced by the New Year. cared and accounted for. I also want to them with shelter, emotional support and In mid-November understanding and support for Israel, and at a “Night to Honor Israel” in Quakertown internecine strife throughout the Middle Jewish Federation of Reading. As we enter into the recognize Tammy Mitgang and her entire an excellent education. Meir Panim is, for Haia Mazuz, Tracy expanding interfaith programming. This sponsored by Christians United for Israel East and showed it to be unrelated to the New Year, we reflect Federation/JCC staff who work tirelessly the lack of a better description, similar to Rossi, Richard resonated well with what we learned. (CUFI) and the Morningstar Fellowship Israel-Palestinian conflict. Special thanks to Campaign on what we have for you. what we would call a soup kitchen but with Nassau and I took We have already started on many Church. Israeli Consul General Yaron And just recently we had our first Co-Chairs Howard & Victoria accomplished this past As we enter the New Year, I am happy to a different concept. Here those in need can part in JFNA’s General of these. For example, reaching out Sideman was one of the speakers. All of “Better Together’ session as nine of our year and what challenges lie ahead for us announce that we have a Mission to Israel get hot meals that are SERVED to them, not Hafetz for spearheading the Assembly (GA). We to all elements of our community, the the speakers declared themselves to be community’s seniors met with nine of our in the coming year. Your Federation has this month in conjunction with the Allentown cafeteria style as here in the States, so that project, which raised $19,200 for and 3,000 other Jews Reading Jewish Film Series kicked off eternal friends of Israel, apologized for teens and Rabbi Lerner to study a biblical provided many interesting programs and Federation. With the numbers participating, they don’t feel like they are getting a handout. spent three days its 2015-16 season with the showing their communities’ lack of actions during text, chevruta style, and discuss issues Federation! See Page 7 for a list speakers this past year. We have attended this should be a very worthwhile Mission. In addition, Meir Panim serves thousands discussing innovative of “Dough” at the Fox Berkshire the Holocaust and vowed to stand with raised that have a contemporary context. of advertisers and patrons. to those less fortunate, maintained our state They will be visiting many sites and meeting of hot meals to schoolchildren throughout ways to meet the challenges facing our Theater. More than 70 of us enjoyed Israel against all threats. The next Sunday, The thoughts and perspective put forth by certi܁ed Nursery School. We completed with some well-known names in Israel Israel and maintains a Goodwill-like facility communities. Specialists in key areas the continued support of Fox Theatres Rabbi Abelson, Andi and I joined Elsayed the different generations were exciting to Look for it at local retailers and a very successful Gratz College program politics and military. I feel certain that many to help furnish clothing and furniture to those such as outreach, U.S.-Israel relations and JFR’s Rubin Educational Fund (Steve) Elmarzouky, Tahara Akmal and observe, and everyone is looking forward for our teenagers and a wonderful senior if not all of them will return with a better in need. For both of these organizations and libraries and at the Berks Encore and community building presented their and stayed to discuss the movie while Karima Archie at Immanuel United Church to their monthly meetings. program. Our Jewish Family Service has understanding of Israel and its position in Jews throughout the world who receive your Senior Expo Oct. 23 at BodyZone. experiences and led problem-solving enjoying desserts provided by Sweet of Christ to discuss Abraham’s influence I love seeing that so many of us have again done a wonderful job helping those the world and the Middle East. They will support, I thank you. discussions. The four of us came back Street Desserts. Later in the month on our three religions. Short presentations a desire to come together and laugh, tired but energized, looking forward to we had a wonderful group of all ages Fromby the six the of usPresident’s were followed byDesk a question learn, argue, and schmooze. Continue putting what we learned to work. come to the JCC to enjoy a deli dinner and answer period. your feedback and suggestions — they The good news is we are doing and play Music Trivia. Our Leo Camp speaker, Dr. Adam help us grow and strengthen our Reading things right. The theme of the GA was On the interfaith front, Rabbi Abelson BeingGarfinkle spoke toAlma an audience of 150 at Jewish community. “Think Forward.” Our plans focus on and my wife, Andi, joined a dozen Jews ByAlbright Tammy College K. Mitgang explaining in detail “The EastThank troubled you. her, and she knew that ground in Ethiopia — the Jewish Agency bears their name, and as the ܁rst female President life for Israel — though it is a ܁rst-­world for Israel and the American Jewish Joint President of the Jewish Federation of Alma Lakin would be economy like the USA, was dif܁cult and Distribution Committee (JDC) — feared Reading, she and Dan Tannenbaum, Jewish Food Festival a delithe cornucopia ܁rst to pooh-­pooh complicated. for the Ethiopian Jewish community’s an executive director of the Federation, any notion that she When I interviewed her for a video safety when rebel forces threatened brokered a partnership with her alma By Larry Rotenberg was amazing, special that recognized her and her husband, to overrun Mengistu Haile-Mariam’s mater, Albright College, that would Chairman or that she inspired the Ed’s community service and the Commmunist government. establish the Holocaust Library and The RCOS Jewish extraordinary in others. establishment of the Holocaust Library What followed was one of the most Resource Center on the campus. Food Festival and Petite, big hearted and and Resource Center at Albright College, dramatic rescue operations in Israel’s Being Alma meant tireless service its accompanying deliberate, time spent she did not talk about her efforts to raise history. Over 34 hours and four minutes, and no fanfare — certainly no pictures cultural and social with Alma was never money and resettle Soviet Jews in our 34 Israeli cargo and passenger planes if she was expected to be in them. events have become about her. community. Instead, she spoke of how worked around the clock, airlifting 14,310 Accolades were not her style; but she one of the most She cared about others — strangers, thrilled she was to meet with Natan and Ethiopian Jews to Israel from Addis was not without opinion — thoughtful important occasions family and friends. And she worked to Avital Sharanksy — refuseniks who at Ababa. Alma would have beamed having and at times, determined. But, no matter for both the Jewish and gentile improve the world — here at home, in extraordinary personal risk and sacri܁ce heard MK Sholomo Molla’s incredible life what she put her efforts behind, you could communities in the region. Israel and around the world. When you helped to spark and later ignite a global story that he credits to the work of the be sure that she was right by your side, Last year we sat with a group of were with Alma, it was all about you, it movement to free Soviet Jewry. Between Federation system that saved his life. working hand in hand with you and others people who came from the Lehigh Valley, was you who were front and center and 1990 and 1997, Federation’s Operation (see page 5) to do great things. and have made this pilgrimage an annual made to feel special. Exodus campaign nationally raised $1 Alma shared her excitement and pride Alma considered herself privileged event for their family. Alma believed that we are responsible billion to rapidly rescue and resettle more that helped to raise nearly $1 million to have enjoyed so much of life. One of This year’s festival held Nov. 1 for each other according to the principles than one million Soviet Jews in Israel and locally toward the capital campaign that her favorite memories was crossing over was, if anything, bigger and better. The of chesed (caring and compassion), North America. PS – Alma marched with would build the U.S. Holocaust Memorial into Jordan when the borders with Israel corned beef was lean and ample. The Torah (Jewish learning), tikkun olam others in our community on the National Museum in Washington, America’s were reopened. “To think, she would chicken soup with matzo balls was so (repairing the word) and tzedakah (social Mall in Washington during one of the national institution for the documentation, reminisce; “that we along with other delicious that several people took the justice). And her life was an embodiment largest marches in American history. That study and interpretation of Holocaust Federation mission-goers, met with King largest containers, and several of them of those principles. rally would become a turning point in this history. She reଂected on the mixture of Hussein. Ed and I were so fortunate.” to save for later and for relatives who She believed in the bold collective movement. raindrops and tears that fell the night of Her family was her heart. She were housebound. how he manages after the loss of his of Federation and knew that together She spoke about the unity of the its dedication as she, Ed and others from considered a better world, her Holly Michelson, with some help wife last year. we could mobilize ܁nancial and social Jewish world that resulted in the our community donned their construction responsibility and life — a special reward. from congregants, made more than All of the classes of our society were resources that could rescue Jews, Operation Solomon rescue mission that hats and toured the vast and important I think those of us who knew Alma were 1,000 cheese blintzes, each one of represented at this egalitarian feast. strengthen the Jewish people and took place in May 1991. The state of structure. the truly the fortunate ones. which was more delicious than the next And while Reform Congregation Oheb literally, change the world. Israel, together with Jewish Federation At home in Berks County, the JCC’s Alma Lakin passed away Aug. 27 at and which truly sold like the proverbial Sholom makes a profit from the festival, The ongoing turbulence in the Middle of North America’s major partners on the Lakin Early Education Center preschool the age of 82. hotcakes. Added to these were packages the price of the goodies, was such, that of marmalade and sour cream, which it was equally accessible to everyone. makes my mouth water just as I am Adding to the homey feeling, was writing these lines. Rabbi Brian Michelson, who with his Federation mission to Israel begins Oct. 21 The potato knishes were rich and apron, presented as a welcoming host. crisp. The Jewish Apple Cake remained It was a gorgeous fall day, and a A joint mission composed of chaired by Michael and Susan Fromm and Berks County will be joining the group purpose and heightened appreciation a favorite. And one could go on and on. drive to the Temple was just what the community members from the Reading Victor and Dena Hammel. In addition to on the mission. and connection to Jewish identity. Culturally, Student Cantor Harriet doctor ordered. area and the Lehigh Valley will leave for Mitgang, Jayne Kleinman, Cultural Center The Reading Jewish community has Mission participants will visit Reading’s Dunkerley prepared songs and other Many of us decided to go early, to Israel Oct. 21. program director and Mark Goldstein, bene܁ted from teaming with the seasoned Israel Now projects — two important performances, including some Broadway avoid the after-church crush, and that For the Reading community, it is the Executive Director of Jewish Federation of mission-goers from the Allentown area humanitarian efforts that both save songs. seemed a good strategy. ܁rst mission the Federation has ledin the Lehigh Valley will staff the mission. and Lehigh Valley Federation’s “well- and change lives — Yemin Orde Youth But what made the event unique, is And while in the past, we would take more than 15 years. A goal of Federation Rabbi Brian Michelson from oiled” mission process. Village in the Carmel Mountains and Meir the gathering of Jews from all parts of food home to eat, this time we stayed, President Tammy Mitgang and Federation Congregation Oheb Sholom and Rabbi “Mark Goldstein and his staff have Panim’s new nutrition center in Kiryat our own ethnic and religious background, ate, and socialized. This approach leadership, the Reading mission is co- Yosef Lipsker, Chabad-Lubavitch of created over the years a network of Gat, where the community will dedicate together with all of our neighbors from seemed the most gratifying. resources and processes that have the kitchen that was made possible every other origin. So, anyone, who does not believe, bene܁ted our community — newbies, thanks to the Reading community’s At our temple sat a widower who that the way to a man’s (or a woman’s) if you will, when it comes to mission funding efforts. clearly appreciated the inclusion in the heart is not through the stomach, has not SHALOM planning. And, we are neighbors. The The dedication will be a big thank you conversation, and who told us about been to the wonderful RCOS Festival. A newspaper serving the Jewish community of Reading, Pennsylvania, mission project is just the start of future to our community and a proud moment. andA newspaper published serving monthly, the September Jewish community through June, of Reading, under the Pennsylvania, Jewish joint efforts,” Mitgang said. With two out of every ܁ve children in Federationand published of Reading. monthly, Funded September by the through Reading June, United under Jewish the Jewish Campaign. There are many details that need Israel living below the poverty line, Federation of Reading. Funded by the Reading United Jewish Campaign. to be addressed when moving a group Meir Panim’s network of soup kitchens, General Offices: 1100 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 125 of more than 50 people across Israel. restaurants and feeding centers, ensure General Offices: Wyomissing,1100 Berkshire PA Blvd.,19610 Suite 125 WE WALK Vacation WHILE coverage YOU WORK! Jewish Federation of North America’s warm, nutritious meals for thousands of Phone: 610-921-0624Wyomissing, PA FAX: 19610 610-929-0886 Missions Department and its staff in children and families every day.

 Pet feeding WebPhone: site: www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org610-921-0624 FAX: 610-929-0886 Israel along with Kenes Tours will further At Yemin Orde, the group is anxious to Web site: www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org ensure that each and every day of the see ܁rsthand the progress that has been Jewish Federation of Reading mission is maximized. made at the village since the wild܁res  Houseplant care Chairman:Jewish Federation of ReadingAlvin Katz Federation missions are travel devastated it in 2010. President:Chairman: TammyLarry Rotenberg K. Mitgang  experiences unlike any other. Along The group is honored that Chaim Peri, Free consultation CommunicationsPresident: Director: MarkWilliam Nemirow, D. Franklin Editor with visits to historic and sacred sites, beloved educator and director of Yemin Proofreaders:Communications Director: EstherMark Nemirow, Strauss & Editor Federation staff museums and popular tourist destinations, Orde for 30 years, will personally be hosting Member:Proofreaders: AmericanFederation Jewish staff Press Association [email protected] Federation missions provide exclusive, the group during a tour and lunch. TheMember: opinions expressed in Shalom are Americanof the writers Jewish and not thePress Jewish Association Federation of Reading insider access to residents, community Young people from the village will join Insured & bonded pet care in the comfort & safety of your The opinions expressedDeadline in Shalom for theare of November the writers and notissue the Jewish is Oct. Federation 5 of Reading leaders, area experts, and political the group for the tour and share their own home personalities and provide a sense of experiences. Next deadline, Dec. 5

Page 4 SHALOM December 2015 General Assembly a worthwhile event Attended by nearly 3,000 represented Reading at the GA. representatives from Jewish Federations Attending multiple sessions throughout throughout North America, the theme of the the three day assembly, they heard 2015 JFNA General Assembly was Think presentations on ways Federation Forward. People came together to discuss programs are building stronger issues that are of concern to everyone Jewish communities. They attended and share information about their work sessions on Fedovations — new ways that is advancing the Jewish community. Federations are building stronger Programs at the GA focused on issues Jewish communities through innovative that are having an impact on Jewish life in programs. They heard presentations on many communities. These issues ranged engaging the new generation of Jewish from anti-Semitism to building community leaders; reimagined opportunities to addressing Jewish identity. for connecting with Israel; and how Haia Mazuz, Tracy Rossi, Bill Federations are helping lead the way Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the 2015 Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly Franklin and Richard Nassau in creating a vibrant Jewish future. Federation leader calls for unity in wake of Iran debate Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressing attendees at the 2015 Jewish FederationsThe Jewish of North community America General needs Assembly to heldconcludedNovember a 8,9,10two-hour in Washington, meeting D.C. at the sincerely hope that what comes out of the leaders “is behind us.” unite and heal the wounds after a painful White House, a meeting described as meeting has to do first and foremost with “I think we must go back, we must Attended by nearly 3,000 representatives from Jewish Federations throughout North America, debatethe theme over of the 2015 Iran General nuclear Assembly deal, Jerrywas Thinkproductive Forward. andPeople tensionless. came together to discuss strengthening and fostering Israel’s security.” return to intimate relationships between Silverman,issues that arepresident of concern and to everyone CEO of and The share informationIsrael’s Oppositionabout their work Leader that Issacis advancing Herzog, Herzog expressed hope that the the Oval Office and the Prime Minister’s Jewishthe Jewish Federations community. Programsof North at America, the GA focused who on alsoissues spokethat are at havingthe gathering, an impact onsaid, “I “vociferous debate” between the two Office,” he stressed. saidJewish during life in manya speech communities at the. These General issues ranged from anti-semitism to building Assemblycommunity into Washington.addressing Jewish identity. Haia Mazuz, Tracy Rossi, Bill Franklin and Richard Nassau“Too representedmuch of Readingthe languageat the GA. wasAttend ing multiple sessions throughout the three day viciousassembly and, they beyond heard presentati the pale,ons andon ways has Federation programs are building stronger Jewish nocommunitie place ins .our The ycommunity,” attended sessions Silverman on Fedovations - new ways Federations are building said.stronger “It is Jewish imperative communities as we through think forward innovative programs. They heard presentations on engaging the new generation of Jewish leaders; reimaginedPage 4 opportunities for connecting with SHALOM December 2014 and work to heal the wounds from that This Chanukah, Israel; and how Federations are helping lead the way in creating a vibrant Jewish future. debate.” Going forward, he said, “Let’s reinforce that Jewish Federations DO GOOD EVERYWHERE. FROM ANYWHERE. are places for diversity, evolving and adapting as North American Jews grow and change their perceptions of themselves, of Judaism, and of the world. We don’t need to be It’s Chanukah! You’re in the kitchen frying up latkes. unanimous in our opinions, what Lighting the menorah. Giving out gifts. Good we do need to be is unified as a things you do every year for your family. community. Let’s remember that for all the trauma of the past year, our But while you’re doing them— Jewish Federations and agencies why not do good things for your continued their daily work in local global family as well? Like nurtur- communities educating our children, ing and strengthening Jewish caring for our vulnerable, assisting life. Helping the vulnerable. our elderly and ensuring that our vital work continues in Israel and around Inspiring the young. And the world.” safeguarding our people. The comments were made hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin This Chanukah, change Netanyahu and President Barack Obama Jewish lives for the better everywhere. You can do it fromSERVE anywhere. WARM Even MEALS. Israel commits yourDELIVER own kitchen. MEDICINES. to sustainability Please give generously to the Jewish Federation of Reading. GIVEFEED THE HUGS HUNGRY. TO SENIORS Israel is fully committed to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable GIVE HOPE TO THOUSANDS. Development adopted by the 70th A WORLD AWAY. General Assembly, first secretary at the Israeli Mission to the UN Nizar Amer said. SECURE THE FUTURE. The plan consists of 17 sustainable development goals, and the agenda states the countries’ commitments to work toward fulfilling these targets over the next 15 years. At the top of the list BEFORE is eradicating poverty in all its forms everywhere, ending hunger, promoting BEFORE gender equality and combating climate change. YOUR UN member state leaders will gather in Paris from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 for the 21st YOU annual session of the UN Climate Change Conference, which will strive to achieve a binding and universal agreement on ALARM climate signed by all nations. Amer said Israel considers the 2030 FINISH agenda a historic opportunity to make a decisive push against poverty and * Federation touches more Jewish lives on the planet than any other organization. With programs in 70 GOEScountries OFF. around the world, our work includes: aiding over 70,000 poverty-stricken Jews in war-torn its worse manifestations and that the Ukraine; helping needy Holocaust survivors worldwide; providing Jewish education for children and country has already demonstrated its teens; helping connect young Jewish adults to their religion, culture and to Israel. And so much more. commitment to such issues. It only takes a few minutes to help seniors stay connected to community and continue living in their own homes, Amer also stressed that gender Meanwhile,BREAKFAST.It only takes you’ll a few nurture minutes Jewish to change learning, lives in fund our communityfood banks, and offer around job thetraining world. Food— just banksa few forof the needy,solutions care Fed- equality is a priority for Israel and that erationfor seniors, supports Israel with experiences heart, innovation for the young and — decades these are of just knowing some of what the solutions works. It’sFederation time: Donate. supports Volunteer. with heart, Get involved.innovationYour and link decades to getting of knowing started: what JewishFederations.org works. Seize the moment: Donate. Volunteer. Get involved. the country considers it to be inextricably Your link to getting started: JewishFederations.org linked to sustainable development. “If we fail to empower women and to give them www.readingjewishcommunity.org THETHE STRENGTH STRENGTH OFOF A APEOPLE. PEOPLE . JeJewishwishFederations.org Federation of Reading equal opportunities in their societies,: he THE POWER OF COMMUNITY. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY. PO jfederations Box 14925, @jf ederationsReading PA 19612 said, “we will never accomplish what we 610-921-0624 have set to achieve,” he said. Please detach and return with payment to Jewish Federation, PO Box 14925, Reading PA 19612

I want to help Federation make wishes come true this year. Here’s my tax-deductible gift to support Jewish Federation of Reading’s 2014 Annual Campaign and make a world of difference both near my own home and beyond:

Name______Address______$______amount enclosed Checks payable to Jewish Federation of Reading Credit Card: ___Discover ___Mastercard ___Visa Card #______Exp. date______Security Code_____ Name on Card:______Signature______December 2015 SHALOM Page 5 New menorah to light up downtown Reading thanks to effort

Reading’s revamped holiday display in Penn Square packs up in its own storage case for year after year will feature a new menorah this year thanks to members of use. It was purchased through www.menorah.net, of our community working in cooperation with the which is run under the auspices of Chabad of Essex Reading Downtown Improvement District (DID). County, N.J. Michael Leifer, president and CEO of The Leifer said the group was able to negotiate a Peanut Bar, said the idea came about through special discounted price of $1,699 and is seeking the City of Reading Holiday Planning Committee donations from the community to reimburse the on which he serves along with Marcia Goodman- DID for the cost. As of mid-November the group Hinnershitz, Pier Ignozzi-Shaffer, Evan Siegel, Lori still needed about $1,500 for the menorah and Kaplan and others. was looking for additional funds to set aside for its Leifer said that while he appreciated the efforts of city maintenance. workers to put up a menorah made of PVC pipe in Penn Donations should be made directly to DID at 645 Square each year, he did not believe it represented the Penn St., Suite 505, Reading, PA 19601. Please Jewish community as well as it should. make clear that the donation is in support of the Reading DID was already working on plans for an and it agreed to advance the money to purchase an menorah. Call the DID office at 610-376-6424 with improved holiday display at Fifth and Penn streets, automated 12- by 8-foot Giant Display Menorah that questions. Middle East history focus of 36th Leo Camp Lecture By Amanda J. Hornberger was generous with his time and Before a crowd of more than 100 continued to speak with community people, The American Interest editor members well after the room cleared. Dr. Adam Garfinkle described the For those looking to learn more about current situation in the Middle East this topic you can subscribe to The through the lens of history at the 36th American Interest in print or online at Annual Leo Camp lecture on Nov. 10. www.the-american-interest.com. Explaining the in-depth, deep In a follow-up email regarding rooted cultural and historical issues recommended reading for better throughout the region, Garfinkle held understanding the situation in the the audience captive with his detailed Middle East, Dr. Garfinkle suggested explanations and understanding of the two-part essay “Making Enemies” current problems in the Middle East. by Anna Simons from The American Garfinkle was engaging and Interest. Due to copyright laws it energetic, speaking for more than cannot be distributed, however 75 minutes and then entertaining a copy of the complete essay is numerous audience questions. Even available at the JCC if anyone would after the lecture and Q&A Garfinkle like to read it. Join PJ Library for Chanukah celebration at Barnes & Noble

By Amanda J. Hornberger special Chanukah stories and doing a welcome to attend this fun, FREE event! Amanda at [email protected] for Just in time to celebrate Chanukah, Chanukah-themed craft right before the Please RSVP to Carole by Friday, Dec. sign up instructions. Current PJ Library join your friends from PJ Library and first night of the holiday. 4, at [email protected] or call 610- parents are encouraged to make sure Lakin Preschool at a special PJ Library Carole Robinson will be leading 921-0624. their email address is accurate so that event at Barnes & Noble on Sunday, this event, and the students from Lakin Are you interested in signing up they are receiving the latest in PJ Library Dec. 6, at 1 p.m. We’ll be reading Preschool and all other children are your child for PJ Library? Please email information. Save the Date: Community Night at the Reading Royals Jan. 23 By Amanda J. Hornberger your friends, family and neighbors for our com with the code JFR or by contacting benefit The Four Diamonds Fund which Reading Royals hockey has been Jewish Community Night at the Reading our group representative Derrick at supports childhood cancer research. a staple of Berks County for the past Royals on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. [email protected] or 610- We hope community members of all decade. The team’s winning records, fun The JCC is offering Red Zone tickets 898-7216. ages will join us for this fun evening of and exciting games and family-friendly for a discounted group rate of $17 for the The game on Jan. 23 is also fan great hockey! Questions? Please contact atmosphere make it a great activity for game. Tickets can be purchased online favorite game as it is THON Night. There Amanda at [email protected] or all ages. The JCC invites you to gather under “Group Central” on royalshockey. will be a postgame jersey auction to 610-921-0624.

An interfaith conversation on Abraham Leaders of the Jewish community joined local Muslims and Christians for an interfaith discussion regarding Abraham’s role as the father of the three monotheistic Students help feed faiths. Gathered at Immanuel United Church of Christ, Shillington, are the Rev. Dale Davis (from Immanuel); Karima Archie, Elsayed Elmarzouky and Tahara Akmal (from Opportunity House clients the Islamic Center of Reading), Rabbi Matt Abelson from Kesher Zion Synagogue and Sixth-graders at Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom’s Religious School prepared a Andi and Bill Franklin from the Jewish Federation of Reading. . meal at Opportunity House Nov. 15 as part of the school’s emphasis on community service.. Page 6 SHALOM December 2015 Congregational News Celebrate Chanukah by giving rather than receiving By Rabbi Brian Michelson in helping and giving to others for the second time, she did not funds. Especially with a child of 10 Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom even more than we appreciate want anyone to feel sorry for her or or above, imagine sitting down and All too often the receiving. This Chanukah, I want to to give her gifts. She set out to raise deciding where to loan the money coming of Chanukah challenge you to make and model money for Alex’s Lemonade Stand together. Is there any better way to fills families with giving within your own families. If to help find a cure for pediatric model the behavior of giving than dread. In a misguided you have a favorite charity, instead cancers. To date, Maya has raised this? Once the money is loaned, attempt to keep of one present make a donation more than $184,000 working you can track the repayment of the up with Christmas, instead. Even better, sit down with towards a goal of $250,000. She loan. Once repaid, the money can be we put far too the recipient, especially if they are a was recently chosen as “Stand Host withdrawn or used to make additional much emphasis on child, and give the money together of the Year” and will be honored loans. With just a couple of small $25 receiving gifts. The so you can model the importance of at the annual Lemon Ball. You gifts, I have been able to make 19 idea of exchanging giving for them. If you are not sure of can help Maya reach her goal by loans totaling more than $490. For gifts for Chanukah comes from where to give, let me make a couple going to www.alexslemonade.org/ less than the cost of a night at the the giving of gelt, money, given of suggestions. mypage/1121536 and making a movies, you can make a difference to children to allow them to play Maya Rigler is the 10-year-old donation. in someone else’s life. dreidel. It was never intended to be daughter of two of my colleagues Another great way to give is This year, as we light the a present for every night or anything in the Philadelphia area. Maya through the micro-loan organization Chanukah candles, let us add even extravagant. was diagnosed with cancer at age Kiva (www.kiva.org). Kiva allows more light to the world by giving Recent research shows us that 2 and was successfully treated you to make small loans to help instead of receiving. It will make us one of the most satisfying things and cured. Now the cancer has people start or expand business all feel good and it will help to ensure we can do is not to receive gifts, returned, and she is fighting what over the world. You can read a full that our children and grandchildren but rather to help others. Studies she “affectionately” calls “Bob the profile of each loan requester and understand the importance to have shown that we take pleasure Blob”. When Maya was diagnosed learn what they want to do with the Tzedakah. Holiday gives us an opportunity to contemplate miracles By Rabbi Matthew Abelson Judaism is not founded on miracles, its regularities. Miracles are, by scientific worldview, but we do not Kesher Zion Synagogue but miracles have a critical role in definition, breaks with the regular submit to it. I cannot conceal our Scripture. pattern of nature. Especially when The primary disagreement today my excitement. Sara birthed Isaac even though we try to integrate miracle into our between those who subscribe to a Even though I know she had “stopped having the periods scientific worldview — by describing scientific worldview and those who that Chanukah is of women” (Genesis 18:23). When an extraordinary event such as the subscribe to a religious worldview on the lower end of the Egyptians pursued our people birth of a child or the fantastically is whether the existence of the the Jewish holiday as we fled from slavery “the waters complicated inner workings of our universe itself is a miracle. If what hierarchy — below were split, and Bnei Yisrael went own bodies as miracles — we fail. As differentiates science from miracle the Yamim Noraim into the sea on dry ground” (Exodus amazing as they are, both of these is regularity, then both positions and the three 14:21-22). When the five Amorite are examples of regularity in life, not have what to stand on. To establish festivals of Sukkot, kings battled the people of Israel in breaks with regularity. regularity, something must happen Pesach, and Shavuout — and that eretz Israel, “the sun stood still and Nevertheless, in the Amidah, not only more than once, but a series no book of the 39 in the Tanakh even the moon halted” (Joshua 10:13). which we pray three times a day, we of times. mentions the holiday, I cannot curb Yet one can be a Jew – even a insert a paragraph during Chanukah, To the best of our knowledge, the my enthusiasm for this occasion. believing Jew — and not believe which includes the phrase b’zman existence of the universe is a one- Part of the reason for this is in miracles…most of the time. ha’zeh — in our own time. This time occurrence. That means the obvious. I associate it with presents, Chanukah and Purim are the two inclusion instructs us to search for disagreement between the scientific which I received from my parents as holidays that specifically ask us to miracles in our time. By restricting and religious worldviews has yet a child. consider the reality of the miracle. our search for miracles to an eight- to be adjudicated. For eight days, Perhaps the reason that Chanukah This is not an easy task in a scientific day period at the end of one Jewish we stake our claim firmly with the excites me today is that it gives me age. Science explains the natural month, Kislev, and the beginning of religious worldview that believes in the opportunity to consider miracles. world by exposing its patterns, another, Tevet, we acknowledge a the miracle.

introduce your child to the joy of shabbat! The Tanakh in Ten Weeks

“The Tanakh in Ten Weeks” is a ten week course that provides an Tot introduction to the Tanakh, commonly referred to as the Hebrew Bible. Rabbi Abelson will guide students toward a basic understanding of the Tanakh, empowering them to study this magnificent work of religious literature independently.

Starting November 8, 2015 through January 31, 2016. Shabbatjoin us for tot shabbat, Saturday, 12/12/15 at 10:00 am Each class will be 90 minutes. a musical, story-filled Saturday, 1/16/16 at 10:00 am shabbat morning experience geared towards families with Saturday, 2/20/16 at 10:00 am Recommended: JPS Hebrew - English Tanakh or Tanakh a New Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Please send check for $30.00 payable to Kesher Zion Synagogue if young children through Saturday, 3/19/16 at 10:00 am you would like to purchase either book through the synagogue. grade 2. bring your family Saturday, 4/9/16 at 10:00 am ------and friends to celebrate with rabbi michelson, and Saturday, 5/14/16 at 10:00 am “The Tanakh in Ten Weeks” Schedule There will be two classes per week. One class Monday at 7p.m. and one class stay for a pint-size oneg Tuesday at 1p.m. This is so people can attend either or class with their of juice, challah, and child schedule. The same material will be discussed on both days. friendly treats. Evening Schedule—Mondays at 7:00p.m. Day Schedule—Tuesdays at 1:00p.m. Tot Shabbat services are held Members & non-members are 12/1/15 Saturday mornings at 10:00 am invited! No registration is required. 12/7/15 12/8/15 at Reform Congregation Oheb Please call the Temple office, 12/14/15 12/15/15 Sholom, 555 Warwick Drive, 610.375.6034, with any questions. 1/4/16 1/5/16 Wyomissing, PA 19610 1/11/16 1/12/16 ohebsholom.org 1/25/16 1/26/16 2/1/16 2/2/16 December 2015 SHALOM Page 7 Each of us can bring light to the world during this dark time

By Rabbi Yosef Lipsker ideology, but a war of instability, stability, and those that wish to circumstances allow them to affect Chabad Center of Berks County intimidation and evil. implement merciless horror and just themselves must understand that We are all The question must be asked: primitive instability. each one of us is an integral part of reeling from the What is going on? To understand, And goodness, which is the path the whole world, and, as such, we do senseless horror we can look in to the Torah portion of Jacob, must prevail. affect the world. of what has taken “Toldos,” that ironically was read in But it is not merely a war out The Lubavitcher Rebbe taught place in Paris; Our synagogues the same Shabbat as there in the world. This conflict that we are all players in the global hearts are breaking, Paris was being attacked. The portion also plays itself out within each and war for goodness through personal and the questions begins with the troubling pregnancy every one of us every day. It is a reflection, as well as through efforts — the questions of the matriarch Rebecca. The sages war, a struggle, between choosing for others; and this war can only be are unanswered, of the time explained that she was goodness over evil, between spiritual won by the good guys. unanswerable… not just carrying two children, but pursuits over physical delights, Just last month, more than 4,000 The one question that we can and also hauling representatives of two between self-centeredness and ego, of us gathered together for the annual must answer is, “What are we going diverse incipient nations, two types to cooperation and compromise. And convention of Chabad Rabbis. At to do, how will we react?” of diametrically different lifestyles. here, too, the path of goodness must this convention, the global need for The clear and obvious struggle (Braishis (Genesis) 25:22-23). prevail. good was expressed and the efforts between good and evil, between One of the children, Jacob, would Most of us cannot make global were called into focus as to how the wickedness and the rest of the teach and lead his descendants to decisions. Our actions are, for the winning team can continue to win world, has been a global problem for be associated with study, intellectual most part, concentrated on our for good. Now is the time to wake as long as anyone can remember. development and accepting immediate environment. The truth up and increase our attention to Terrorism, though, is a relatively new spirituality. The other, Esau, would be is, though, even our own personal ourselves and to the world. We need phenomenon. When human beings attracted to idol worship, deception, actions do affect the globe and the to introduce more goodness, light unleash rounds of indiscriminate and a life of succumbing to physical collective whole. For even those and G-dliness to our needy world. murders and coldblooded slaughter pursuits and lusts. whose actions affect the whole May the lights of Chanukah and its against Western interests, sowing Since the time of Jacob and world, they must also take the time timeless message of light prevailing terror and inflicting pain and suffering Esau, the nations have developed and effort to concentrate on their over darkness bring peace and upon innocent men, women and into either the “people of the Book,” personal lives. And even those whose tranquility to the world. children — whether in France, Spain, or people of the sword and war. Turkey, India, England, the United And this dichotomy continues to States, and, of course, in Israel — it this day between those who seek LOCAL CONGREGATIONS AND SERVICE TIMES is not a fight over territory or even to lead a decent life of peace and CHABAD CENTER OF BERKS COUNTY (610) 921-0881 Saturday mornings: 9:30 a.m.; Friday evenings: 6:30 p.m. KESHER ZION SYNAGOGUE (610) 374-1763 Weekly services Saturdays: 9:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. Friday Evening Service – Please call for service information Babysitting available upon request with one week’s notice OUR

DINNER REFORM CONGREGATION OHEB SHOLOM (610) 375-6034

T O Fridays, Dec. 4 and 25: 6 p.m. Shabbat service. SHOLOM Friday, Dec. 11: Chanukah Family Service and Dinner, 6 p.m. AN D TOGETHER AND Friday, Dec. 18: Shabbat service, 7:45 p.m.

BRING Saturday, Nov. 21: Tot Shabbat ,10 a.m. OHE B FAMILY HER E HOME CONGREGATION SHOMREI HABRITH SERVIC E CANDLE S PLEASE YOUR FRO M S O TH E ALMOS T AN D I S LIGH T CHANUKA H CONGREGATIO N YO U BIMAH MENORA H WIL L TH E INVITE S WE REFOR M ANNUA L CHANUKA H O N YOU R

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 BUFFET DINNER INCLUDES 6:00PM SERVICE CHICKEN, LATKES AND 7:00PM DINNER APPLESAUCE, SIDE DISH, FEE PER PERSON: $10 VEGETARIAN OPTION, DESSERT, AND DRINKS. RSVP BY DECEMBER 4TH TO THE TEMPLE OFFICE MEMBERS AND NON MEMBERS WELCOME

REFORM CONGREGATION OHEB SHOLOM 555 WARWICK DRIVE, WYOMISSING, PA 19610 OHEBSHOLOM.ORG 610 375-6034 Page 8 SHALOM December 2015 Youth News ‘Better Together’ off to a successful start Teens from Reading Jewish Community High School and local youth groups gathered with area senior citizens Nov. 15 for the inaugural “Better Together” intergenerational study event. The group, led by Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner, will meet monthly from 5 to 6:15 p.m. The focus is on traditional texts and modern applications of a Jewish perspective on the inter-relationship of generations. Seniors and Teens sat in traditional “hevruta” fashion, each pair discussing the subject facing each other. “It was magic,” said Rabbi Dov, “and the success was exactly what I hoped would be. Across the ages and experiences of two ages they were sharing Torah, literally ‘dor l’dor,’ ‘generation to generation.’” Liberty Region BBYO: Join in the fun! BBYO is the largest pluralistic youth movement and most effective provider of identity-building and leadership development programs for Jewish teens. Our region, Liberty Region #13, was created after Central Region East and Philadelphia Region merged together into a mega-region in 2013. Liberty is comprised of chapters along Eastern Pennsylvania (including Philadelphia), Delaware, and two areas of southern New York: Binghamton and Elmira. Liberty Region Throughout the school year, many meaningful and fun events take place locally, regionally, and even internationally. Liberty hosts five main conventions during the year: Regional Leadership Training Institute (RLTI), Tournies, IT Convention (In 2015-2016 Training - new members convention), WOW Convention, and Spring Convention. BBYO is a youth-lead organization with chapter and regional boards that help make the region run smoothly. Calendar See below for calendar of events **Please watch for the announcement of the date, time and location of Back to BBYO Night in your International Convention (IC) chapter/community! February 11-15 Baltimore, MD Regional Kick-Off Open to ALL members September 12 IC is an opportunity for members to become more familiar Brunswick Zone XL, Feasterville-Trevose, PA with BBYO on the international level, experience innovative Open to ALL Jewish teens in grades 9-12 Shabbat services, take part in community impact projects Come celebrate the official start to an incredible year of and connect with Jewish teens from all around the world. BBYO with bowling, laser tag, arcade games, friends and fun! In Training (IT) New Member Convention March 4-6 Regional Leadership Training Institute (RLTI) JCC of Wyoming Valley, Wilkes-Barre, PA September 18-20 Home Housed Camp Kweebec, Schwenksville, PA Open to ALL NEW members T Open to ALL members New members are invited to spend the weekend getting to This convention focuses on the development of know one another and learning more about BBYO. participantsʼ leadership skills through interactive programming, skills workshops and teen-led training WOW Weekend Convention sessions. This yearʼs RLTI will be extra awesome as April 15-17 we will be joined by our friends from BBYO Keystone Hotel TBD Mountain Region (KMR)! Open to ALL members During WOW Weekend, teens experience “wow Tournies Convention programming” in a variety of topics, such as community November 13-15 service, social action and brotherhood/sisterhood. Harrisburg JCC, Harrisburg, PA Home Housed March of the Living (MOTL) Open to ALL members May 2-16 During this convention weekend, teens compete to Poland and Israel show chapter spirit in many different activities ranging Open to ALL members from water polo to debate – there is an event for MOTL is a two weeks-long program focused on Holocaust everyone! education and remembrance. Teens spend one week in Poland and end their trip with a week-long celebration of the Marathon Madness Jewish peoplehood in Israel. January 17 Location TBD Spring Fling Convention Open to ALL Jewish teens in grades 8-12 May 20-22 BBYOʼs new Movement-wide Stand UP initiative brings Camp Kweebec, Schwenksville, PA Jewish teens together from around the world to support Open to ALL members causes they care about and make a difference through As the culmination of the program year, this convention the power of community, while having a lot of fun! It has allows to teens to listen to State of the Region addresses never been easier, or more fun, to make a difference. from their regional presidents, hear and take part in Life Join us for a dance party bigger than our region has Ceremonies given by outgoing seniors, and elect the ever seen! Regional Board for the following calendar year. BBYO Liberty Region Want to learn more about Jewish youth groups?610-351-2444 [email protected] For BBYO, contact Janine Ure via the Jewish Federation,www.bbyo.org 610-921-0624. For National Federation of Temple Youth, contact Scott Stein via Reform Congregationhttp://bbyo.org/region/liberty/ Oheb Sholom, 610-375-6034

December 2015 SHALOM Page 9 Product labeling plan by Europe deepens Israel’s isolation The European Union’s decision to While Netanyahu has endorsed this “two- start labeling Israeli products made in the state solution,” critics say he has done Former ambassador protests move West Bank delivered a resounding show little to promote it. of international disapproval over Israel’s EU officials described their decision Member of Knesset Michael Oren inciting attacks against Jews. expansion of Jewish settlements and as technical, saying it merely clarified went to a supermarket in Jerusalem The former ambassador to the US raised the pressure on Prime Minister existing policy. and placed blue EU stickers on questioned why the EU would take Benjamin Netanyahu to renew peace Lars Faaborg-Andersen, the EU products from Spain, France, and steps that could result in hundreds of efforts with the Palestinians. ambassador to Israel, said the 28-nation Germany to protest the pending Palestinians losing their jobs. But he Israel condemned the measure as bloc does not recognize lands captured publication of guidelines to enable said the oddest decision was to label unfair and discriminatory, but it appeared in 1967 as Israeli territory. EU member states to place consumer products from the Golan Heights at helpless to stop its growing isolation over The EU has taken other steps to labels on exports from east Jerusalem, a time when there is no functioning the settlement issue and its treatment protest settlement construction. A free- the West Bank and the Golan Heights. Syrian government with which Israel of Palestinians. Relations with the EU trade policy with Israel does not apply “The EU decision to label Israeli could negotiate a peace agreement. in particular have deteriorated in recent to settlement goods, and a landmark products is anti-Semitic,” Oren said. “Do they want us to give the years due to disputes over the settlements. technology-sharing agreement does “There are dozens of border disputes Golan to Isis?” Oren asked. “Israeli “The EU decision is hypocritical not allow EU funds to be spent beyond and ‘occupations’ in the world but the consumers need to know that when and constitutes a double standard,” Israel’s pre-1967 lines. EU decided to single out Israel.” they buy European products, they Netanyahu said, adding that Israel had The economic impact is likely to be Oren complained that the decision are supporting the EU’s anti-Semitic been unfairly singled out. “The EU should minimal. While the EU is Israel’s largest ignored that six Israeli prime ministers policies.” be ashamed.” trade partner, settlement products tried to negotiate a two-state solution Oren noted that European anti- Israel captured the West Bank and account for less than 2 percent of Israel’s but the Palestinian Authority rejected Semitism predates Christianity. He east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war $14 billion in exports to Europe each their offers. He said the EU had not noted that past European labeling of and began settling both areas shortly year. But the move is highly symbolic. taken into account that the PA was Jewish products led to dark days in afterward. The Palestinians claim both Once implemented, European refusing to negotiate with Israel and is Europe. areas as parts of a future state, a position consumers will be able to read on the that has global support. label of most products — including any incentive for the Palestinians to isolate us or differentiate us from the The international community opposes agricultural goods, olive oil, cosmetics return to negotiations. Defense Minister rest of Israel won’t succeed.” He said the settlement construction, saying their and wines — that were produced on Moshe Yaalon called it a “shameful step biggest victims would be the estimated continued growth undermines establishing Israeli settlements. Although such that grants terror a prize.” 80,000 Palestinians who risk losing their an independent Palestine alongside products will not be banned, Israel fears Avi Roeh, chairman of the Yesha jobs if the businesses that employ them Israel. Today, nearly 600,000 Israelis live the labels will be a political stigma and settlers’ council, said “this attempt to in the settlements are hurt. in the two areas, almost 10 percent of the could lead to a fuller boycott. country’s Jewish population. Israeli officials noted the decision Israel’s centrist and dovish opposition came amid a two-month wave of violence, also supports the idea of a Palestinian which has been characterized by dozens Mark Your Calendars Now! state, saying a separation is the only of seemingly random Palestinian way to preserve Israel’s Jewish majority. stabbing attacks, and would weaken World Class conference on the Holocaust and Genocide returns to Millersville University April 6-8 Going away for the winter? Every two years Millersville University hosts the Conference on The Keep up with what’s going on in our Jewish Holocaust and Genocide. The 34th Conference in April will have presentations on the centenary of the Armenian genocide and the 70th community by continuing to receive Shalom and anniversary of the Nuremberg Tribunals. The focus will be on the other mailings from Federation and the JCC. consequences of the Holocaust and genocide, problems of survivors, trials of pepetrators, racism and state and popular anti-Semitism in Please contact the Federation office to be sure postwar Europe. we have your address. The keynote speaker will be Professor Ronald Grigor Suny of the University of Michigan. An international lineup of presenters is expected.. Previous speakers have included Martin Gilbert, Robert J. There’s No Telling How Far Our Lifton, Samantha Power, and Elie Wiesel, among others. Wellness-Focused Lifestyle Will Take You... There is no charge to attend, but contributions are being accepted to establish an endowment to assure the event’s future. For more information go to www.millersville.edu/holocon

Your journey to wellness starts at The Highlands. Residents don’t just

live well, they thrive because we offer numerous fitness classes, nutritious Mark your calendars for a night of menu offerings, stimulating educational programs and a lifestyle that Food, Friends and Fun!! empowers them to actively engage in their own well-being. Each day residents enjoy endless opportunities to make better lifestyle choices. Cooking class dates 2015-­‐16

November 22 -­‐ donuts/sufganiyot December 20 -­‐ Hummus Schedule a personal visit today to see how January 24 -­‐ Cake Decorating Highlands’ residents live February 21 -­‐ Challa bake well … and stay well. March 13 -­‐ Hamantaschen April 10 -­‐ babka 610-775-2300 • www.thehighlands.org 2000 Cambridge Ave • Wyomissing, PA 19610 May 15 – Sweet and Savory Noodle Kugel All classes are located at 2320 Hampden Blvd. A member of Reading Health System call or email Chana Lipsker for more information 610-­‐334-­‐1577 or [email protected] Page 10 SHALOM December 2015 Jewish National Fund’s work addresses crucial global issue One of the important organizations farms is drained and used to irrigate the Reading Jewish community olive orchards. For us, every rap of supports is the JNF— Jewish National water is preserved and used more than Fund. Its charter specifies reclamation just once. of land as its primary purpose. As recently highlighted in The Two decades ago Ron Lauder, JNF New York Times, Israel reuses nearly Board Chairman surveyed the Kinneret- 85 percent of its water. Today, more the Sea of Galilee and was shocked to than 250 reservoirs store more than see that the only freshwater reservoir in 350 million cubic meters of recycled Israel was running dry. He began JNF’s and reusable water and harvested support for solving Israel’s drought and rainwater providing 55 percent of waterPage issues would be solved. the agricultural water for the Shalomland March 2010 JNF took on the challenge and people of Israel. Desalination of mitigating the water crisis and provides the remaining 45 percent. discovering solutions to an issue And more than 50Community million cubic meters News that no other country had yet solved. of water, stored in JNF reservoirs, is Prior to 1995 there were only three made available to Jordan as part of reservoirs in Israel. JNF helped build the peace agreement. Obituaries 200 reservoirs between 1996 and 2005. Israel shares her technology around These reservoirs were desperately the world. Water filtration systems Lucy Suzanne Knoblauch L. (Sulman) Moyer. He is also survived needed to store recycled water and created in Israel are being used in Zeidman, 96, Wyomissing. by his daughters, Aileen D., widow rainwater, which would then be utilized cities across the globe and soon in Surviving are a son, Bruce F., of Neal H. Endy, of Pennside, and E. by Israeli farmers to bring food to Southern California. An African farmer husband of Geraldine L. Zeidman, of Roxanne, wife of Les Walker, of Batavia the markets during the country’s dry puts food on the family table because of Shillington; a brother, Harry Knoblauch, Ohio; sons, Stan B. , husband of Kristine summer season. water advancements created in Israel. husband of Edith Knoblauch, of Reading; K. Moyer, of Sinking Spring and Jay Israel started to recycle water for Israel’s achievements are being used a sister, Ruth Balis of Wyomissing; and H., husband of Margaret R. Moyer, of reuse. Desalinization was the highly in Southeast Asia, and young people several nieces and nephews. Muhlenberg Township. Other survivors recommended solution, but that method from around the world are trained --- are grandchildren: Brett A. Endy, Chad alone was too costly and years way at the Arava International Center for Irene S. Zeidman, 62, Wyomissing. M. Endy and Elizabeth K. Moyer; and from coming to fruition. A stopgap Agricultural Training (AICAT). Project She is survived by her brother Bruce great-grandchildren, Carson N., Logan solution of building recycling plants Wadi Attir,Images one of the largest from Bedouin F., husband of Geraldine L. Zeidman C., Ardyn N. and Ava L. Endy and reservoirs was implemented with projects in Israel, is using every drop of Shillington. --- immediate results. of water forYemin agriculture Ordeand is bringing --- Shirley Robinson of B’nai B’rith Israel now uses recycled water, sourcesArea of environmental resident and recent technologies college Robert Berger, 54, Reading. Apartments. Survived by her Friendship together with brackish water from deep and economicgraduate Jessica development Flamholz sentto over us He was the former spouse of Lea Circle friends. underground, mixed with rainwater, and 10,000these Bedouins. pictures from her recent visit Berger, Reading. He is survived by --- is able to produce tomatoes that have Israelto Yeminis willing Orde, to anshare Israeli its villagesolution two daughters, Molly R. Berger, State Louis Malamud, 95, formerly longer shelf lives and are sweeter than as this challengefor children is and one youth the supportedworld must College, and Bethany S. Berger, of Temple. He is survived by a son, others in the world. Water from fish all face together.by our Federation. Reading; and one brother, Dr. Barry M. Mitchel, husband of Laura Malamud, Page  March 2010 Berger, husband of Kathleen A. Vieweg, of Las Vegas; grandchildren Barry Shalom Boston, Mass. husband of Johna Malamud, Deborah All Around the Town______--- Babbit-Malamud and Sheri Malamud; Jewish Family Service David Moyer, 85, Reading. and great-grandchildren: Jessy Babbit, Please support By MazelJoan G. tov Friedman to Ellen and Don parentsBadal, whoMelissa has and received Aaron the Wernick honor onof He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Carly Malmud and Ian Malamud. AbramsonCongratulations on the marriage to Korey of their Blanck son thebeing birth chosen of baby as Maya the Child Rachel Advocate Wernick. of Discussion of addiction importantJosephand toto toEdith Debra all Blanck Konstadt on inthe New birth York. of the Year for the State*** of Pennsylvania. their new granddaughter*** and great- Mazel tov to Audra*** Nemirow and Plan for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah & Wedding Guests! granddaughter! Best wishes to our Berks County By Sari Incledon,our M. Ed. advertiserswill not be limited to issues dealing with Others)Mazel provided tov to the Paul following and statistics. Ellen ZoeFor Graff every, who haveperson been who cast inhas Berks a *** athletes competing in the 2010 Maccabi We invite the entire adolescents. Drug and alcohol abuse is MitnickAccording on to theDr. Jaybirth Holder, of their Medical twin substanceBallet Theatre’s abuse “The problem, Nutcracker” several Dec. Mazel Tov to the Bluestone Family: Games: community to attend a a problem for all age groups, and we all grandsonsDirector and Oren founder and Heath of the to Exodus Allison others19 and 20are at affected.the Scottish Those Rite Cathedral. affected Shalom Newspaper (Joan Friedman) To David and Marianna on their new Emily & Jared Baksic, swimming program Jewish Family need to know more about it. andTreatment her husband, Center inEben Miami, Wilson. chemical mayWe be love spouses, good news parents, about memberschildren, daughter and to grandparents Eric and Andrew Blickle, basketball 5” (2 col.) x 7” Service is sponsoring: In a recent article, “Overcoming dependency is the*** number one secret siblings,of our community! grandparents Please – all share are ithurt by Marissa. Matthew Eisenberg, swimming “What Every Family Denial” (Na’amat Woman Winter 2009/10) in theMazel Jewish Tov community.to great-grandparents Reportedly, inemailing different [email protected]. ways. What can we as a Questions? *** Hannah and Alexis Glassmire, Needs to Know about Barbara Trainin Blank wrote: “Alcohol and Estherup to 50 and percent Sid ofBratt patient, grandparents populations communal organization do to address Contact Jodi Gibble, Marketing Director Congratulations to Charles and swimmingUntil next time: Shalom! Alcohol and Drug chemical dependency don’t discriminate, Corinnein some residential and Andy treatment Wernick centers and the problem? Awareness is an important Brenda Diamond on the engagement Brandon Missan, soccer The Highlands at Wyomissing Abuse & Addiction: An affecting Jews and non-Jews alike, and are Jews – as are 20 percent of those first step and we invite everyone in the READING of their son Brett and to grandfather Al Shelley Hamsher and her husband, Interactive Dialogue women as much as men. Addiction callingObituaries national drug hot lines (yet Jews community to share questions and 2801 Papermill Road 2000 Cambridge Ave., Wyomissing, PA 1910 Diamond. Jeffrey, of Wyomissing. Other survivors with David Rotenberg.” and alcoholism can be found in every compriseMaxine less R. than (Rosner) 3 percent Henry of the, 88, U.S. of concerns at our above mentioned Wyomissing, Pennsylvania *** include her five grandchildren. 10-288-3405 This program will be held Wednesday, socioeconomic and religious segment of population).Wyomissing. Chemical Maxine dependencywas a member is the of programUntil on next April 28.time: Shalom! Mazel Tov to Rosalind Hyman and [Email all your simcha--- news to joan@ GROUP RATES AVAILABLE April 28 at 7 p.m. at the JCC. the Jewish community”. thirdReform leading Congregation killer in the Oheb U.S. Sholom It is also and an Our program is free, though her daughter, Attorney.Cathy Hyman friedman.net]Goldie (Board) Heisler, 94, of David is the executive director of An article on the JACS Web unreportedwas an active and/or community unknown volunteer contributor for reservations are requested. For more Reading. Goldie was a longtime Call Alice for a Site Tour Adolescent Youth Services at Caron site (Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically tomore deaths than caused 40 years. by car She accidents, is survived heart by information, call Sari at 610-921- member of Shomrei Habrith Synagogue Foundation, however his presentation Dependent Persons and Significant attacks,a daughter, suicides Jill Henry.and strokes. Other survivors 0624. KEEP UP WITH THEand COMMUNITY ran their bus trips to Atlantic City. include her sister Carole Beck, one (610) 736-2082 ✦ www.reading.homewoodsuites.com She was the manager of the former nephewVisit and twoVolunteer www.readingjewishcommunity.org nieces. Opportunities Available – BERKS ENCORE PROVIDES FREE TAX PREPARATION Flemington Outlet. Goldie is survived --- FROM TRAINED VOLUNTEERS Jewish Family Service seeks volunteersby her two to sons help Harry our seniors Ronald Heisler Beverly (Ostroff) Bloom, 81, of with grocery shoppingand and his other partner errands. Linda Baer of Florida Reading. Beverly taught first grade in If you have some time, call Sariand or CaroleAllen Heisler at 610-921-0624 of Reading, .her four Was your household income less than $50,000 in 2009? the Reading School District at the former grandchildren: Samantha, Zachary, Household income may be higher in some cases, 15th and Perkiomen Elementary School. Laine and Abigail Heisler and her great- She also was a Weight Watchers leader. II hadhad nono idea!idea! but call for more details. I had no idea! 610-374-3195 II hadhad nono idea!idea! ou’veJewish worked Family hard to Service accumulategranddaughter thanks your Camilla wealth. Heisler. Other We hear this again and again from residents of The Highlands. Beverly is survived by her husband, Call today to schedule an appointment from now until April 15. survivors include her brother Philip Seymour Bloom andTrust her it two to daughterssomeone who will work even harder to • People are so friendly. Y Dr. Jeffrey BlankKommit D.D.S.of Canada and her niece and Merryl Eisenberg of Sinking Spring and Berks Encore, 40 N. Ninth St., 610-374-3195 forgrow providing your assets professional and providenephew services you with of Reading. topeace our ofclient. mind • There’s so much for me to do. • I love the independence and as you plan for the future. From financial planning and privacy at The Highlands. Enjoy Tax Benefits While Contributing to BERKS ENCORE RECEIVES AWARDS investment management to custom credit solutions, • I don’t worry about my future. Jewishdeposit productsFamily Service and more. Vehicle Clermont Donation Wealth Program Strategies • Dining is like a fine restaurant. • My kids are so glad I’m here. Congratulations to Berks Encore employees Carolyn Krebs – personal, focused and highly confidential. and Martha Sitler for receiving one of the Social Security • I feel like I’m at a resort. Administrations highest awards for their providing the public with Call Sari at 610-921-0624, • This was a smart and valuable Call Sari at financial decision. information covering Social Security issues. e-mail [email protected] • They do things first class. Financial Planning Comprehensive610-921-0624or Investmentgo to Management Berks Encore enables older adults to achieve a better quality of • I wish I’d moved here sooner. Custom Credit Solutions www.charitableautoresources.comBank Deposit & Convenience Products • I love it here! life by providing a comprehensive program of services, referrals, or email Wealth Preservation & Transfer Services Retirement Planning education and advocacy. For more information call Berks Encore [email protected] at 610-374-3195 or visit them at www.Berksencorepa.org Come tour The Highlands. Find out first hand why it is the best place for  LivingCLERMONT WwithEALTH S TRALossTEGIES retirement living.  AT formerly Bereavement Group If you’re exploring options and choices for your retirement years, be sure to call Mondays, March  and 22, 3:00- 4:30 p.m. us for a tour. You too can be a part of this wonderful lifestyle. We have every- 2131_Shalom_ad:Layout 1 9/8/09 11:57 AM Page 1 For more information1.866.332.8393 call Sari at 610-921-0624 thing from a studio apartment to gracious cottages. We would love to meet you clermontwealth.com and answer your questions. A f f i n i t y B a n k P A . c o m Securities and Insurance Products: Not FDIC-Insured • Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency Call for lunch and a tour today. No Financial Institution Guarantee • May lose value • Not a deposit 10-775-2300

EQUAL HOUSING www.thehighlands.org OPPORTUNITY +++++   Banking the Way It Should Be. Now open in Exeter.

Products that make sense, service that makes friends.

WYOMISSING | READING SINKING SPRING | MUHLENBERG | EXETER

610.898.7700 December 2015 SHALOM Page 11 Gardening with Vicky Seek out native alternatives

By Vicky Sokoloff In a time when we are all more aware of the importance of protecting the environment, it would be good to consider native alternatives before planting. The Norway maple is considered invasive. Two native alternatives are the Red Maple (Acer rubrum) and Big-leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum). Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is very invasive in our area. It is also the preferred host for the highly invasive spotted lanternfly. Although this tree can be hard to get rid of, every effort should be made to get it off your property. Native alternatives include Yellowwood Book Club recap: Becoming (Cladrastis kentukea), Pecan (Carya illinoinensis), and Sitka Mountain Ash (Sorbus sitchensis). The book “Native ambassadors for Israel Alternatives to Invasive Plants” is an Two views of the spotted lanternfly By Andi Franklin The Battle for Israel’s Soul.” Join us on excellent resource on this subject. and Amanda J. Hornberger Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. at the As the quarantine area for spotted The Jewish Federation of Reading held JCC for our discussion. lanternfly expands, we will all have its first Israel Book Club discussion Oct, 21. “Menachem Begin: The Battle for to be on the lookout for signs of this We discussed Michael Oren’s book “Ally,” Israel’s Soul” can be found at local insect and do our part to prevent it from a chronicle of his experience as Israeli libraries, Amazon or other major book invading additional areas. Although it ambassador to the United States. retailers. can fly, it is more of a jumper. Much of In sometimes painful detail, Oren If you have questions or would like its spread has come by moving material describes the four points of fracture more information about the JCC Israel infected with insect egg masses. The in the relationship between Israel and Book Club, please contact Amanda at quarantine zone was expanded again in the United States. There is increasing [email protected] or 610-921- November to include Boyertown, South coolness in the U.S.-Israel political 0624. Coventry Township in Chester County alliance. The American Jewish-Israeli One reader’s view and Douglass Township in Montgomery Jewish alliance is also suffering. And Moisey Schneider took part in the County. More information on this pest there is increasing fragmentation within Israel Book Club discussion of “Ally” and can be found at www.agriculture.pa.gov the American Jewish community and offered these thoughts: (click spotted lanternfly under hot topics within the Israeli Jewish community. A I was at the book discussion and on the left side). particularly poignant moment in the book found it very enlightening. “Ally” is well- You have probably read or heard is the description of Oren’s personal written and enormously interesting. about colony collapse in honeybees. fracture when he relinquished his United There is an absolutely devastating There has also been a significant decline States citizenship to serve as Israel’s portrayal of President Barack Obama. in other bee populations, including our Tree of heaven ambassador. Everyone in our group was He is described as always on the side native bumblebee. Pesticides have affected by this event in Oren’s journey. of Israel’s enemies: Mahmoud Abbas, played a part in this problem. But nontoxic down on grass and replacing it with However, this book is more than an the Muslim Brotherhood and Turkish chemicals that disrupt the bee’s sense of more wildlife-friendly alternatives. Lawns account of Oren’s tenure. It is, itself, a President Erdogan. The democratically smell are also a factor since bees use require fertilizer, weed killer, possibly manual of ambassadorship and diplomacy. elected prime minister of Israel was scent to locate their food sources. insect killer, water and mowing. All of It describes how Oren triaged challenging treated shabbily and called names by Research by Dr. Jordanna Sprayberry these things are not only expensive and moments and celebrated joyous ones. It the White House staff. Oren showed at Muhlenberg College showed that even time consuming, they have a negative shows how he successfully reached out that Obama put more daylight between fertilizer applied at the recommended rate effect on the environment. and connected with every ambassador the U.S. and Israel and pressed for a has a negative effect on bees. Setting aside part of your garden for and every political, military, social and full freeze of construction of settlements, For years the typical suburban herbs & vegetables provides you with religious institution. His circle of influence even in places that belong to Israel. In landscape was primarily turf grass. Turf fresh food for your table as well as plants encompassed every age, gender, race the book Obama’s coolness to Israel grass does nothing to sustain pollinators; for pollinators. Adding native plants, and individual he could. Oren and his wife was very visible. rather, it is a vast wasteland they have to ornamental grasses, or even a small Sally did this by embodying in their hearts For Oren more painful were the cross to get to a food source. This is one meadow can make a big difference in a deep love for both the United States and widening gaps between American Jews reason many homeowners are cutting our future. Israel…two countries whose ideas and and Israel. He speculates as to why some ideals of liberty, democracy and social American Jews and journalists such as Jews), invoking the worst anti-Semitic Israel is the highest among Republicans good are older than both countries. Roger Cohen, Paul Kruger, Frank Rich stereotype. at 83 percent and high for Independents We had a wonderful discussion of this and especially Thomas Friedman take The same, Oren says, is true of at 59 percent, but for Democrats it book, agreeing that it is not only a manual the positions they do. His answer is some Jewish-American politicians. is lower than it has ever been at 31 for future ambassadors but also for us. not politics and ideology, but insecurity, The Democratic Party is expected to percent. We are the unofficial ambassadors who fears of anti-Semitism and disloyalty to nominate Hillary Clinton, who served American Jews care deeply about must continue to support and maintain the Democratic Party. After Benjamin as Obama’s secretary of state and has Israel and yet overwhelmingly are the “unbreakable, unshakeable” alliance Netanyahu’s speech in Congress with had, according to “Ally,” her own share of voting for the Democratic Party that has between each other and between the standing ovations from both Democrats dustups with Oren and Netanyahu. Oren become more anti-Israel. We abandoned United States and Israel. and Republicans, Friedman wrote in The asks—is no Israel better for the United the ship “St. Louis” with Jewish men, Book Club meets again in January New York Times that the applause was States than any Israel? women and children and they perished. At our next meeting, we will discuss no surprise because Congress is bought It is interesting to note that according Don’t abandon our ship Israel as she is Daniel Gordis’ book “Menachem Begin: by the Israeli lobby (by that he meant to CNN and Gallup polls sympathy for surrounded by hostile neighbors. Page  12 SHALOMShalom DecemberMay 2015 2010 JewishJewish Family Family ServiceService CarStimulate donation your helps child sustain JFS programs By Sari Incledon, M.Ed. parent talked to a child. In her book Thirty about child development to read Thirty the decades that followed in innovative By Sari Incledon, M. Ed. JFS (and get a tax donation at the same Simon and VeeVee Scott. We could not run Pesadich desserts. Thanks to Jeff Bornstein Many of my Million Words, Dr. Suskind reports, “the Million Words and learn more about what productions in the twenty-first century. A Thank you to Dave time) call me at 610-921-0624 or go to the food bank without them. and Corinne Wernick for their assistance in articles focus on more parents talked to their children, the works and what doesn’t. The first step delightful and entertaining read. Walker for participating www.charitableautoresources.com. On April 2 JFS sponsored a Seder at serving the meal. Generous contributions caregiving for faster the children’s vocabularies grew and in nurturing successful lives is talking to in our car donation Each month our food bank serves more the Manor at Market Square. The Manor’s made in memory of Natalie Adelglass by senior adults. This the higher the children’s I.Q. test scores at children in way that build their brains. program. The proceeds and more people. (In March we served residents were joined by residents of family and friends underwrote the Seder. month I would age three and later.” *** from his auctioned car 182 people in 62 households). We could Providence House and Friendship Circle Finally, thanks to the bakers of the like to focus on a Literacy and studying have always Need a gift for a Broadway show will help support our not provide this important service without seniors. Boscov’s provided a delicious meal, Kesher Zion religious school and Temple different kind of been important to the Jewish people. lover? Or just enjoy reading about pop programs. If you would dedicated volunteers. Thank you to long- enjoyed by all. A big thank you to baker Oheb Sholom’s sisterhood for providing us caregiving – for We are, after all known as “the people culture. Try “Wonder of Wonders a like to learn more about time volunteers Karen Sherman and Norman extraordinaire Sheila Bornstein for furnishing with hamentashen that were distributed to young children and of the book.” Cultural History of Fiddler on the Roof” this easy way to help Wilikofsky and to our new volunteers Jan participants with a vast array of gourmet seniors in long term care residences. how our everyday Our culture encourages learning – by Alisa Solomon, who teaches at the activity of talking so the specific strategies that author Columbia University School of Journalism. Chanukah Special to them can have a recommends may seemLiving obvious towith Solomon Loss traces how and why the story of dramatic impact on some but there importance should not be Tevye the milkman, the creation of the Jewish Family Service Cookbook their brain development. Professor Dana underestimated.Mondays, By developing May literacy 10 and great 24, Yiddish3:00- writer4:30 Sholem-Aleichem, p.m. Suskind, M.D. is the founder and director skills the suggested activities can be an was reborn as blockbuster entertainment A Taste of Our World of the Thirty Million Words Initiative, importantFor part more of enhancing information the parent- callin AmericaSari at and 610-921-0624 around the world. a research program at the University child relationship. Solomon follows Tevye from his $15 each or of Chicago based on the scientifically The Thirty Million Words Initiative is appearance on the New York Yiddish 3 for $40 demonstrated critical importance of early based on the three T’s - Tune In, Talk stage, to his Broadway debut and in language exposure on the developing More, Take Turns. Tune in — can be child. Suskind, a pediatric cochlear done at every opportunity — What is the What happens after implant surgeonDid pursuedyou know this the Hamptonline of childInn Wyomissingfeeling, thinking is newly or doing? Use a research tryingrenovated? to understand It’s whytrue, some when yourrich familyand varied comes vocabulary to town, to talk about a hospitalLiving stay? with Loss of her young transplant recipients were it. Take Turns by encouraging a child’s so much morewhy successful crowd yourthan home?others Wein haveparticipation a heated with indoor open pool, ended questions. JoinMonday, us for this Dec.informative 21, seminar3 - 4:30 presented p.m. by at the JCC acquiring andcomplimentary understanding hot breakfast,language. andA fourtha good “T” night’s is “Turn sleep it onoff” our referring to Dr. Suskindfamous was Cloud inspired 9 bed. by Did the you technology.also know that The we American wash our Academy of For more information, call Sari at 610-921-0624 research of two University of Kansas Pediatrics recommends no television or researchers comforterswho found thatand socioeconomic pillows with everytechnology stay? Wouldn’t for children you wantunder 2. Their Thursday, May 20 • 11:30 am status, race,your gender loved orones birth here order with were us instead recommendation of worrying wherefor children you’ll 2 and up Jewish Family Service Foodat ManorPantry at Collection Market Square NOT the key components in a child’s ability is that parents limit screen time to less to learn language.find Their room? research With thefound Hampton’s than one 100% or two guarantee hours a day and restrict We areSome serving patients more require families additional the essential factor that determinedyou can’t the gocontent wrong. as well. eachcare month! after their Please hospital bring discharge. future learning trajectory of a child was the I encourage everyone who spends Planning ahead will make donations of canned tuna, soup, early language environment:Hampton how much Inn a timeWyomissing with young children and or who cares things easier for you after you leave. fruits and vegetables to 1800 Papermill Road, Wyomissing, PA 19560 Learn about the services available Kesher Zionfor or you the orJCC. a loved one! 610-374-8100 Thank you! The Benefit Bank Please RSVP by calling 610-373-0800. A Jewish Family Service Program We also need plastic and paper grocery bags!

Find out your eligibility and apply for benefits online with a counselor in a confidential setting. Pediatric and Adult Patients  Treating Ear, Nose, Throat Problems  FREE parking in INDEPENDENT AND ASSISTED LIVING Food Stamps Medical Benefits the Berks Encore Thyroidparking lotNodules, NeckMeals • Housekeeping Masses • Activities& Sinusitis • Transportation Cash Assistance LIHEAP and more located at 9th All-Inclusive Monthly Rent • No Buy-ins and Court Street. To find out if TBB can help you, 803Physicians: Penn Street • Reading, PA 19601 call Sari or Carole at 610-921-0624 2347_Shalom_update:Layout 1 3/30/10 12:21 PM Page 1 James www.manoratmarketsquare.com P. Restrepo, M.D., FACS, • 610-373-0800 ECNU Charles K. Lutz, M.D., FACS It’s the right decision...and now Af finiJeffreytyBa S.n Driben,kPA. cM.D.,om FACS, ECNU it’s the right time! Scott J. Cronin, M.D.

Nurse Practitioner:  Rosemarie Montgomery  MS, CRNP, FNP-C Make a deposit, Banking move in by December 31, 2015 and we’ll freeze your rent for a year, plus...include one month rent free! the Way It Found in the heart of downtown Reading, just steps from the new DoubleTree Hotel on Penn Street, MANOR AT MARKET SQUARE Should Be. Audiologists: is the area’s most unique and affordable senior living community Kathleen D. Vivaldi, AuD, FAAA Melanie A. Appler, AuD, FAAA Visit us and find out more! Matthew R. Bonsall, AuD, FAAA Contact Krista today at

Providing diagnostic and rehabilitative services for all types of hearing loss, for any age group. 610-616-5112 Hearing and Balance Disorders to lock in your rate State of the Art Hearing Aid Fittings In House Hearing Aid Repairs for 2016!

ALL-INCLUSIVE MONTHLY RENT • NO BUY-INS 803 Penn Street, Reading, PA 19601 ENT HeadW &YO MNeckISSING |Specialists, READING PC www.manoratms.com • 610-616-5112 985SINK IBerkshireNG SPRING | Blvd., MUHLEN WyomissingBERG | EXETER NOW'S THE TIME TO SCHEDULE A TOUR and see why so many seniors are choosing 610-374-5599 • www.ent-hns.net Manor at Market Square as their new home! 610.898.7700 December 2015 SHALOM Page 13 May 2010 Shalom Page 10 Federation Honorial - Memorial Card Information HonorialsHonorials and and Memorials Memorials ContributionsContributions may may be be made made to to the the following following Funds: Funds: Please mail your payment with complete information to the Jewish FederationUJA-Federation Jewish Campaign Community Campaign $10 $10 Federation, PO Box 14925, Reading, PA 19612-4925 or bring to the Jewish Jewish Family Service $10 Jewish Family Service $10 Cultural Center, 1100 Berkshire Blvd, Suite 125, Wyomissing. You may set up Leo Camp Lecture Fund $10 a “savings account” for the purpose of sending cards. Please contact the JFSLeo FoodCamp Bank Lecture Fund $10 $25 Jewish Federation at 610-921-0624 for further information. JFS TaxiFood Transportation Bank Program $25 $20 Contributions as of Nov. 13 HolocaustJFS Taxi Transportation Library & Resource Program Center $20 $18 Contributions as of April 16 Holocaust Library & Resource Center $18 Holocaust Library & Resource Center Doris Levin Fund $10 UJA-FederationIn memory of: Campaign Doris Levin Fund $10 In honorMaxine of: Henry – Rosalye Yashek Doris Levin Fund SarahJacob Simon’sKrumholz engagement – Amy Schein – Vic Hollowbushand Dena Hammel In memoryMichael Clyminof: (Ellen Abramson’s father) – Susan and Richard D’Angelo – Howard and Vicki Hafetz Alma and Ed Lakin’s new home – Vic and Dena Hammel, Mildred & Ivan FrankMaxine Mehringer Henry – Edith Mendelsohn InGordon honor of: Federation Jewish Community Campaign SamRobert Goodman’s Rudolph’s engagement retirement –– Alma Rosalye and Yashek Ed Lakin In honor of: Alyse Corbin’s marriage – Carol and Bernie Gerber, Alma and Ed Lakin DorisBirth Levin of Jackye Fund and Jim Barrer’s grandson Harrison – Susan and Richard JewishSue Viener’s Family Birthday Service – Yvonne & Rob Oppenheimer D’AngeloIn memory of: In honorBirth of of: Selma Cutler’s great-grandson Jacob - Debbie Goodman and John Dr. Walter Gershenfeld – Stephanie and Dennis Arbige, Carole and Mike MoyerBrooke Gunter’s marriage – Don and Ellen Abramson RobinsonIn memory of: BirthRaquefette of Carol Kilchevsky’s and Gordon marriagePerlmutter’s – Don new and grandson Ellen Abramson – Debbie Goodman and ShoshanaHarriet Zeigerman Tannenbaum (Debbie – Carole Goodman’s and Mike mother) Robinson – Phyllis and Barry Goldberg, JohnBirth Moyer of Jackye and Jim Barrer’s grandson – Barbara and Seth Rosenzweig Penny Golden, Mel and Susan Blum In memory of: HolocaustMaxine Henry Library – Rob and and Resource Yvonne Oppenheimer, Center Dena and Vic Hammel, Mel GetMaxine well: Henry – Ruth Isenberg andIn memory Susan Blum,of: Debbie Goodman and John Moyer, Louise Zeidman, Cheryl and HaroldShirley Leifer Weintraub – Rob –and Louise Yvonne Zeidman Oppenheimer and family EricShoshana Farber Tannenbaum – Ken and Mary Holt, George and Sue Viener, Sue Harriet Zeigerman (Debbie Goodman’s mother) – Barbara and Seth Schlanger,Beverly GordonBloom –and Cheryl Carol and Perlmutter, Eric Farber, Leah George Kanter-Salis, and Marlene Rosemary Weiss, Judy,and John Bob RosenzweigEvelyn Thompson Nursery School Fund Deegan,and Susan Naum Pollack, and Carol Lyudmila and Bernie Ger, Louis Gerber and Katherine Danzico, Florence and In memoryBeverly Bloomof: – Ruth Isenberg, Barbara Nazimov, Debbie Goodman and John Marvin Segal, Vic and Dena Hammel, Emma Holder, Susan Gallagher, Mildred & Moyer,Shoshana Selma TannenbaumCutler – Beth and Bob Caster IvanEvelyn Gordon, Thompson Carrie & Stephen Nursery Latman, School Judy, FundBob & Susan Pollack, Anna & Moisey Schneider,In honor of: Norman & Rita Wilikofsky, Audrey Williams, Alan and Esther Strauss, Jewish Family Service JayBrooke and Evelyn Gunter’s Lipschutz, marriage Carol -and Bob Bernie and Beth Gerber, Caster Barbara and Seth Rosenzweig, InJFS honor Food of: Pantry John Castrege and family, Michael Geraci, Maxine & Dick Henry, Piekara Family, In memoryBirth of Carol of: and Gordon Perlmutter’s new grandson – Sue and George Viener, LauraIn memory Higgins of: BetsyDavid and Hyman Al Katz – Helene and Henry Singer Shirley Weintraub— Bob and Beth Caster Bat Mitzvah of Fran Mendelsohn’s granddaughter – Rosalye Yashek Friendship Circle InHow memory of:to teach kids to support Jewish Getcauses well: Shoshana Tannenbaum – Jill and Gladys Skaist Harold Leifer – Glenn and Gaye Corbin Though it is important that our them, and those Jewish causes will and organizations. Talk to them about the Dance? Give to The Israel Ballet. Horses? next generation of kids want to give go unsupported. Eventually they will work of Federations, community centers, Try the Israel National Therapeutic Riding Holocaustto the wider community, the education flight from die. If only onespreading generation of Jewish inJewish Berks family and career County services. Take Association, which uses horseback riding specifically Jewish concerns comes with kids fails to learn how to support the them to see what those organizations are to help people coping with disability or Continuedworrisome implications.from Page 5 alsoJewish that community, the students the Jewishare genuinely people reallyOn doing. a wider Talk to note, them aboutthere projects have justiceinjury. Thereand Holocaust are other remembrance such opportunities, today. silenceFirst, is itnot accompanies the reason why a survivorsgradual interestedand Israel, in Jewishhearing givingtheir stories. will be I knowover. beenin Israel. many Teach recent them aboutdevelopments what Jewish in Imany am heartened of them containedto hear that in three “The additional Mitzvab arediminishment invited in. in Instead, Jewish ethnicthat factor feeling is myBecause students Jewish were giving,genuinely like interested any kind ofin Holocaustorganizations education are doing inall Berksover the County world. schoolsProject Book,”in Berks by CountyLiz Suneby will beand offering Diane presentand connection because of —the a immense diminishment respect hearingmoral engagement, Hilde’s story is and a muscle many —still if youtalk andMake the it real surrounding for them. areas. Within theseHeiman. courses for their students. studentsthat is part have of forlarger these trends individuals within andthe aboutdon’t developit now, several the muscle, weeks it later. atrophies. theSecond, past month link yourI have child’s met withinterests two ThoughTikkun olamthe fourthis great. quarter But tikkunof the American Jewish community. So what can Jewish parents do to individualsto Jewish causes. who are Your in daughter the process likes schoolha’am year— repairing has begun, the Jewishthere arepeople still Second, if we don’t teach our kids make sure they are keeping the chain ofbaseball? developing There’s a HolocaustJChoice.org, course a group to many— is just additional as important. opportunities We do that when that how to give Jewishly, they will never of Jewish giving intact? First, teach your bethat offered provides at baseballtheir local equipment high school. and remain.we connect I just ourspoke values to an toundergraduate our people, learn. No one else will step up for kids about local Jewish needs, causes Onesupplies gentleman to kids inwas low-income from Lancaster areas. ethicsand to ourclass sense at ofPenn what Statewe believe. Berks County. The other, Gerry Evans, is a regarding the ethical/moral implications Jewish responses to Europe’s refugeeteacher at Hamburg crisis High School. I of the Holocaust. I found the students  have been in contact with two other to be receptive and inquisitive and Budapest was the center of Europe’s Gelleri, 26, saw pictures of refugees in localChristian teachers, and a Muslim. Pete RuckelshausWhen they found at havePrecisely been because asked toof deliverwhat I seea similar as a refugee crisis during the summer. Having need on Facebook . She took clothing and Twinout he Valley was andJewish, Jim Koneckethe Muslim at Wilsonsmiled programconsequence in the ofclasses the Holocaust, that the same you traversed across continents, thousands spent 18 hours volunteering assistance Highand laughingly School. Petecommented, has resurrected ‘Well, then, a professorcannot just also pass teaches by these at Readingpeople on Area the of refugees from Syria and elsewhere at the Keleti station. coursewe are cousins.’”on Holocaust Literature at Twin Communitystreet.” College. found themselves bottlenecked at the András Léderer, 31, saw a large Valley,Gelleri and compared its first the offering reaction of is those during AsThe mentioned refugee crisis above, has, for Kim now, Yashek, passed city’s main railway stations. Muslim family in obviously bad condition, thewho current went to fourth Keleti quarter.station to He the is shock very daughterover Budapest. of the The late flow local of refugees Holocaust has Their ambition was safe passage onto wandering around Budapest. The father excitedof visiting about Auschwitz. offering It made this thecourse tragedy to survivorbeen stemmed Richard and Yashek, diverted. is speaking But those at more open and hospitable countries such showed him a piece of paper, in Hungarian hisunavoidable students andand compelled has even peoplelined upto Twinwho makeValley, it Hamburg to Hungary and still Fleetwood. are to be as Germany and Sweden. But Hungarian and without a map or directions, which severalunderstand, guest to speakers search for including answers, Rabbi and foundRight in nowcamps Albright or processing College is centershosting government policy, or a lack thereof, said the family had to get themselves to Brianto find Michelson, ways to help Kim and Yashek alleviate and humanHilde anerected exhibit at thetitled, border. “Stories Among Us: meant that these refugees became stuck a certain refugee camp within 24 hours. Gernsheimer.suffering. WashingtonAs cold weather State Connectionssets in the refugees to the in Budapest without aid or shelter. Directing them was his first encounter JimLéderer Konecke looks is at teaching the legacy at Wilsonof the Holocaust,are in need Lessons of tents, in Genocide.” warm clothes The Members of Budapest’s Jewish with the refugees and the practicalities of CentralHolocaust Junior in a High different but will way: be “When moving you up exhibitincluding includes winter the jackets, stories andof five shoes. Holocaust The community took action. Though the their ordeal. Subsequently, Léderer found tosee Wilson that the High state School purposefully at the abandonsbeginning survivorsshifting focus and of one the refugeeliberator crisis and fromhas Alliance of the Jewish Communities of out about a group organizing efforts to ofgroups next schoolof people, year. especially He will be extremelyoffering a receivedthe cities goodto the reviews.borders means It is definitely that it is Hungary did not offer a formal response help the refugees at the train stations and coursevulnerable on Nazipeople, Germany. then youHis havestudents an worthharder a tovisit! find It willvolunteers. be at Albright’s Gingrich to the crisis, Aurora, the alternative joined them. He and others bought food willobligation be studying to do something this period about of German it.” Library“It’s through really Maydifficult 10. to find good Jewish community center that is a hub of and tickets for public transport for the history Refugees, in depth, heincluding said, area study the ofmost the volunteers who are*** willing to go to the social activism in Budapest and located refugees and became better acquainted risevulnerable of anti-Semitism, “in the sense the initialthat periodnormally of countrysideJennifer Gossfor days teaches or weeks. social Andstudies it’s near Keleti railway station, used its space with the official documentation with which thethere Holocaust is a state and behind the Final us that Solution. nominally The ina financialthe Fleetwood issue too, School to find District someplace and as temporary housing for refugees, the refugees had to grapple. latterprotects part ofus. the At course the willend look of at a post-war day, a specializesto live down in there. Holocaust The people education. who are among other things. Léderer would go so far as to shelter passport can guarantee us certain rights. typically flexible are students but they are Budapest’s Jews also threw refugees in his own home. Two Syrians “That is not the case for these people in school now,” Gelleri said. “I’m really themselves into the wider effort. Luca who stayed with him turned out to be a —Plan there isfor no yourone to Bar/Bat protect them. Mitzvah… curious to& see W whatedding the future Guests! will be.” Knesset marks International Day for the Eradication of Poverty Knesset members discussed the Alalouf, Ayman Odeh and MK Meir agenda.” Arabs’ needs. plight of poor Israelis and proposed Cohen, a former welfare minister, held Alalouf, who is also chairman of The Knesset Labor, Welfare and related bills as the legislative body a conference in the Knesset. Alalouf, the Knesset Labor, Welfare and Health Health Committee reviewed research marked the International Day for the former chairman of the Welfare Committee, said. “I am embarrassed to conducted by the National Insurance Eradication of Poverty. Ministry’s appointed committee to be a Jew in the State of Israel where the Institute that says poverty will be reduced As MK Yossi Yonah (Zionist Union) fight poverty, said the budget that Arab populationREADING is so poor and the haredi by 6 to 14 percent by 201, due to changes pointed out in a speech, “Poverty Day,” the Knesset is expected to vote on population2801 livesPapermill in poverty.” Road to the state budget. as lawmakers nicknamed it, has become does not dedicate enough money to OdehWyomissing, said two Pennsylvania of every three Arab Among the moves expected to an annual tradition in the Knesset, which the cause. childrenGROUP in RATESIsrael areAVAILABLE poor, and as such, help are increases in supplementary he said showed the government’s failure “I come from a poor family,” Cohen the fight to reduce poverty must also income payments to the elderly and child to help the indigent. said. “I was the ninth of nine children beCall a fight Alice against for a Sitediscrimination Tour and allowances, the opening of government The Caucus to Fight Poverty, with a single mother. I promise that racism. The Joint List chairman accused saving accounts and reducing the value- which consists of MKs Ilan Gilon, Eli poverty will not be taken off the Knesset’s government ministries of ignoring Israeli added tax. (610) 736-2082 ✦ www.reading.homewoodsuites.com Page 14 SHALOM December 2015 weis wishes you a Happy Chanukah!

Elite Milk Chocolate Coins Fresh Kosher Boneless & Fresh Kosher Whole or 0.53 ounce Skinless Chicken Breast U Cut Up Fresh Chickens U 3 $ $ 49 $ 49 per per 1 U 5 pound 2 pound

Streit’s Chanukah Candles U parve Golden 44 count Bake Shop Fresh Potato Pancakes (Sufganyot) Jelly Filled Donuts 10.6 ounce ¢ 6 count 2 $5 99 $299 Manischewitz Kedem Tabatchnick Savion Potato Pancake Sparkling Chicken Fruit Mix Blush Broth Slices 6 ounce 25.4 ounce 32 ounce 6 ounce 2 $ 2 $ 2 $ U parve 2 $ U parve 4 U 6 U 4 5 Fox’s Kedem Lipton Kosher U-Bet Tabatchnick Tea Soup Mixes Syrup Soups Biscuits 1.9 ounce 22 ounce 15 ounce 4.2 ounce $ 49 U parve 2 $ U parve 2 $ 2 $ U 4 U 2 4 1 Weis Proudly Accepts Prices Effective November 26 through December 16, 2015 Weis Markets 2020 North 13th Street, Reading and 27559 Papermill Road, Wyomissing weis We reserve the right to limit quantities. Not responsible for typographical or pictorial errors.