Congregation B’nai Harim Children of the Mountains Congregation B’nai Harim, P.O. Box 757, Pocono Pines, PA 18350/ (570) 646-0100 http://www.bnaiharimpoconos.org

NEWSLETTER /DECEMBER 2017/ VOLUME 23, ISSUE 12 RABBI’S MESSAGE - DECEMBER 2017 Chanukah is not only the Festival of Lights, it is the Holiday of Rededication. As a holiday that falls at the darkening of the year, it holds out the hope of the return of light and of its increase in the future. As the holiday of rededication, it turns us back to times of action and gives us a space to rekindle our passions. And, of course, it has become the holiday of the “present” as well! Rabbi Peg In the Talmud there is a debate between Rabbis Shammai and Hillel, the quintessen- Kershenbaum tial sparring partners. Shammai thinks that people should light 8 lamps (they didn’t use candles in those days) on the first night and one fewer each successive night, thus clicking off the days of the holiday until no lights are lit. Hillel believes that we should never decrease in holiness, so he recommends lighting one more lamp each night until the holiday goes out in a blaze of glory. As is mostly the case, we follow Hillel’s opinion. So, when we kindle our chanukiyot (Chanukah menorahs), we look forward to greater illumination each night. Chanukah also marked the time that the Maccabees purified the Temple in Jerusalem and re- consecrated it to the service of Adonai, driving out pagan practices, clearing away unkosher animal remains and tearing down the statue of Zeus. They reclaimed, too, the lost Sukkot holiday of that year, bestowing on the celebration of Chanukat haBayit (the Dedication of the House [of God]) eight days, just like Sukkot (and Pesach in the springtime). This Chanukah at our synagogue celebration, we will dedicate a new gift crafted by Jim Hannan. This is an inlaid tray to be used on Yom haShoah, on Kristallnacht and during Yizkor commemora- tions to hold yahrzeit lamps. Jim has found a way to express his gifts by giving of them to B’nai Harim. While not everyone is an artist, all of you have special talents, skills and traits that can be dedi- cated or re-dedicated to your spiritual home. It is not only that B’nai Harim itself benefits from your giving of yourself; when you give of yourself to something bigger than yourself, you deliberately place yourself in alignment with our people and our mission: to be a light to the nations. In this season of light, I ask you to consider what gifts you can give to elevate yourself spiritually and to enhance the beauty of our synagogue and its mission in our community. As is often the case when one gives, one receives more in return. May you give of your own special lights and receive a feeling of joy in return. Chag Urim Sameach! May the Festival of Lights be a time of happiness!

CALLING ALL WHO LIKE TO SING

Our choir needs you! You don't have to know the words or the music. All you have to know is that your voice is important. We rehearse once a month and sing during the next service. Even if you don't want to sing in a group during services, come sing together at practice! We need you!! Our next rehearsal is Sat., Dec. 9th at 10:30 AM Our next choir Shabbat is Sat., Dec. 16th at 9:30 AM

NEW PROGRAMS PLANNED UPCUPCOMING SHABBAT DINNNERS

Watch for more information December 8, 2017 Janet Wile Lecture series. January 19, 2018

Jews in Sports February 2, 2018

March 9, 2018 - Shabbat Across America

PAGE ONE/B’NAI HARIM 2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - DECEMBER 2017

One of the most important messages of Chanukah is that small and insignificant beginnings can lead to large and significant conclusions. A small beginning can be in the form of lighting Shabbat candles, attending services or doing mitzvahs. At home we light Hanukah lights to remind us of the miracle of the jug of oil. As the lights shine so bright we remember Judah Macabee and his brothers. On Hanukkah we talk Barbara Feman of how “the mighty were vanquished by the weak. Chanukkah teaches us to have faith in the power of small beginnings.

Can you find the different spellings for the festival of lights in the above paragraph?1

As little as about five years ago, the top spelling choice on the Internet was Chanukah. But times are constantly changing; even in the way the holiday of lights is celebrated and un- derstood. The Hanukkah spelling has gone mainstream. So, if you like to slightly buck the trend and go traditional Chanukah is your spelling. With both correct, and about 14 others technically correct too, rest assured that you have an excellent shot at getting the spelling right. However, whether you are in tune with the latest spelling trend will be an entirely differ- ent story.

No matter your choice, I wish you all a Happy Chanukah! Hanukah! Hanukkah! You get the message. Hoping to see you at our Chanukah luncheon.

1 http://time.com/3636698/right-spelling-hanukkah-chanukah-hannukah/

JUDAICIA SHOP by Norma Krasne-Levine The Judaica Shop has been restocked for Jewish Book Month, Thanksgiving and Chanukah. There are gifts for adults and children. Thus far, this year The Judaica Shop has sold over $225.00 worth of merchandise. This year the Chanukah Story Time Parties will be presented at seven differ- ent sites in Monroe County. We have been given a $500.00 grant by Mark Silver- berg from Federation to cover some of the costs of supplies which have previously been donat- ed by me and members of the Maccabee Mavens Committee. SOCIAL ACTION by Steven Levine

Thanks to all the congregants who contributed so generously during our High Holiday Food Campaign. The foods went to the Kosher Food Pantry in Scranton and the Non-Kosher foods went to The Five Loaf House and the CAME Food Pantry. There is a desperate need for warm coats, jackets, sweaters, hats, gloves and scarves. Please NO summer clothes. As an RSVP HUGS Station we have been able to collect from various sites, donations of toiletries, pet food, clean underwear, duffel bags, fleece jackets, and lap robes. These items were distributed to Operation Chill Out: Veterans living in the woods, Valor House, various Food Pantries, and female Veterans in the VA Nursing Home. Working with Pocono Alliance and Operation Chill Out we were able to provide a needy veteran with a handicap van and a motorized wheel chair that was donated by the widow of a deceased veteran. Our congregation joined with St. Max on Sunday Oct. 15th in a “Stop the Hate Program”.

On Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 B’nai Harim will be hosting a “Unity Afternoon” with members of Monroe County United. Step by step B’nai Harim is working to repair the world.

PAGE TWO/B’NAI HARIM FLORIDA LUNCHEON - 2018 The Florida luncheon will be held at 12:30 pm on Friday , January 26th , 2018. at: The Waterway Café, 2300 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, Fl. 33410. Phone # is 561-694-1700 Call Maddy Mogel for reservations at 561-638-3740 TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME by GEORGE NOVICK Growing up in Brooklyn, I cheered the addition to the Dodgers of a Jewish Ball Player, Sandy Koufax, a Brooklyn boy out of Lafayette High School, on a basketball scholarship to Cincinnati, became the Dodger’s premier pitcher. I knew of Hank Greenberg, Al Rosen and Dodger outfielder Cal Abrams but Koofoo was a legitimate current all star. I couldn’t believe that Sandy did not play in the World Series on the Jewish holidays at the behest of Jake Pitler, a Dodger coach. Those were the days. Fast forward to the 2017 World Series. Two Jewish ball players were facing each other, Alex Bregman for Houston and (3 Home Runs in Series) for LA. I, the assimilat- ed Jew, was elated. 2016 and 2017 had so many players who identified as Jews playing and managing. Here is a list of some of them. , Ty Kelly, Jason Kipnis, Kevin Pillar, Ian Kinsler, Ryan Braun, Kevin Youkillis, Brad Ausmus, , Scott Feldman et al. I guess, in some cases, you can’t tell the players without a DNA. I once heard a rendition of Take Me Out To The Ball Game in Yiddish. Maybe it should be played during the 7th inning stretch at the ball park. Before I end, don’t forget about Yankee Moe Berg who was an American spy extraordinaire in the 40’s. CHANUKAH STORY TIME PARTY by Norma Krasne-Levine You are invited to a Chanukah Story Time Party with members from Congregation B’nai Harim! Listen and learn about the Jewish Holiday of Chanukah; play dreidel, eat latkes, sing songs, and create holiday crafts. This free event is shared in friendship with the entire Pocono Community.

Mon. Dec. 4th @ 6:30 PM – The Friendly Community Center 6683 Route 191, Mountainhome, PA

Wed. Dec. 6th @ 1:00 PM – The Western Pocono Community Library 2000 Pilgrim Way, Broadheadsville, PA

Sat. Dec. 9th @ 1:30 PM – The Pocono Mountain Library 5500 Municipal Drive, Tobyhanna, PA Tues. Dec. 12th @ 10:00 AM – The Eastern Monroe Public Library 1002 North 9th St., Stroudsburg, PA

Tues. Dec. 12th @ 6:00 PM – The Clymer Public Library 115 Firehouse Road, Pocono Pines, PA Wed. Dec. 13th @ 10:30 AM – The Barrett Friendly Library 6500 Routes 191 & 390, Cresco, PA Thurs. Dec. 14th @ 10:30AM – Pocono Family YMCA 12:30 PM 809 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA

PAGE THREE/B’NAI HARIM NETTING IT OUT by Honi Gruenberg

So, the Macabees are sitting around celebrating a victory where oil in the lamps lasted 8 nights and we commemorate this event by eating fried foods. Not exactly. This link has videos and other links that discuss the Hanukkah story in more (or less) detail. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-maccabean-revolt/ Interestingly, the famous part of the story about a tiny jar of oil keeping the candles lit, does not appear in any Jewish texts until 600 years after the Maccabean victory as a larger discussion of the importance of Hanukkah. A miracle of the oil lasting eight days seemed a fitting tale to embrace to show G_d’s presence in the victory, celebration and survival. The dedication of our people and the temple is the true miracle of Hanukkah. Generations later our ancestors created the fried food tradi- tion, but fried foods are not traditional throughout the Diaspora. Cheese-based foods are also common, and they represent another tale. Rumor has it that the beautiful Judith saved her village by serving General Holofernes, who was approaching with his army, a tray of salty cheese and a jug of wine. The salty cheese made him drink a great deal and once drunk, Judith cut off his head and placed it on a staff. This discouraged his army from attacking. It also discouraged us from going with the cheesy story and sticking with the latke tale. The recipe for latkes was not introduced in Europe until the end of the 18th century or the early 19th century. Prior to that time potatoes were used for animal or prison food and later for poor people. The real reason for latkes is explained by the traditional activity of slaughtering the geese in early Decem- ber. The French Jews who were influential in the foie gras (chopped liver) trade used their knowledge to get the most from the geese. Feathers were used for warmth, meat was preserved as a confit and the fat was used for cooking oil. Even a poor person could find a potato and an onion and some of the precious goose fat to create the Hanukkah culinary story of Neis gadol hayah sham - A great miracle happened there. This story sustained us both nutritionally and emotionally during a hard life of perse- cution and isolation away from Eretz Yisrael. In warmer climates, Judith's story translates into cheese pancakes, some salty, and others sweet and delicate, like Italian Lemon Ricotta Pancakes https://reformjudaism.org/jewish-life/food-recipes/lemon -ricotta-pancakes. I still go with the traditional 20th century latkes of my ancestors.

4 medium potatoes 1 large onion 2 eggs beaten ½ c. matzoh meal 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper

Shred potatoes and onion in large bowl. Press out excess liquid. Add eggs, mix well. Add matzoh meal, salt and pepper. Mix well. Drop batter by ¼ cup fulls into at least a ½ inch of oil. Flatten with spatula while cooking. I vote for sour cream AND apple sauce!

May you always see the many miracles that abound, Honi and Skip

ONEG HOSTS Onegs are such a delightful part of socializing after a Saturday Morning service. We always welcome hosts for our Onegs. The cost is $65.00 and includes bagels, cream cheese, coffee, tea, orange juice, milk and all needed paper goods. Sponsors are welcome to supplement the oneg. To host an Oneg, call Roberta Pineiro (570) 839-0107.

December 2nd - Stan & Barbara Kapitansky - In honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their Grandson, Mitchell Aaron Kapitansky.

December 16th - Ira & Phyllis Miller - To thank the Congregation for all their kind thoughts when Phyllis’s Mother, Helen Paver, passed away in July.

PAGE FOUR/B’NAI HARIM DONATIONS . YAHRZEIT FUND GENERAL FUND SAVE THE DATE

From: Richard Kelmans From: Gene & Anita Schneider Sat., Dec. 2nd In memory of his Step-Mother, 1. To Susan Dogan - Our thoughts 9:00 AM - Religious School Gertrude Kelmans. and prayers are with you at this 10:00 AM - Services - Rescheduled difficult time. Congregatinal Meeting From: Al Schips 2. To Jim Stine - Wishing you a In memory of his Father, Abraham Following Services. speedy recovery. 1:00 PM - Book Club Schips. From: Norma & Joe Fisch From: David, Amy & Ethan Kane Sat., Dec. 9th 1. To Dotty & Al Schips - Wishes 10:30 AM - Choir Practice In memory of their Mother and for many more wonderful years Grandmother, Hannah Kane. 12:30 PM - Woman’s Torah Study to celebrate your birthdays and From: George & Beverly Novick anniversary. Sun., Dec. 10th In memory of George’s Father, 2. To: Chuck Glazier & Family - In 9:30 AM - Board Meeting Murray Novick. memory of Barbara. 2:00 PM - Getting a Sense of the 3. To Bev & George Novick - Mazel Jewish Year From: Cari & Jack Wasserman Tov to you and your family as 1. In memory of Cari’s Husband, you celebrate Eli becoming a Sat., Dec.16th Jay Allan Olshein. Bar Mitzvah. 9:00 AM - Religious School 2. In memory of Jack’s Wife, 9:30 AM - Choir Practice Sandra Wasserman. 10:15 AM - Services

BEAUTIFICATION FUND From: Lew & Irene Stolzenberg Sun., Dec. 17th In memory of Irene’s Mother, Adele 12:30 PM - Chanukah Luncheon Morrison Ciporen. From: Al & Ellen Kagan Belated congratulations to Beverly Sat., Dec. 30 From: Joe & Norma Fisch and George Novick for Eli’s Bar 9:00 AM - Religious Service In memory of their Uncle, Edward Mitzvah. 10:15 AM - Services Konigsberg. LIGHTING CHANUKAH CANDLES From: Shirley Orgel In memory of her Mother, Anna Wilder. Place the first candle on the right of the chanukiyah. Use

From: Honi Gruenberg & Skip the Shamash to light it. On the second night, put the first Spady candle on the right and the second to its left. Light the In memory of Honi’s Grandmother, newest candle first (left to right) Alice Gruenberg. Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha’olam asher kid’shanu From: Florence Sweifach b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel hanukkah. In memory of her Uncle, Edward Konigsberg. Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has sanctified us with commandments, and commanded us to light Cha- From: Dorothy Jablonka nukah candles. In memory of her Uncle Edward Konigsberg. Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha’olam she’asah nissim la’avoteinu ba’yamim hahem baz’man hazeh. From: Elaine & Jerry Goodstein In memory of Elaine’’s Father, Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who per- Seymour Stevens. formed wonders for our ancestors in those ancient days at this sea- son.

On the First Night of Chanukah Only

Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha’olam sheheheyanu v’kiyi- manu, v’higiyanu laz’man hazeh. Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has giv- en us life, and sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season.

Birthdays/Anniversaries/Yahrzeit This came from https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/blessings-for-shabbat- holidays/#Hanukkah_Candles Rememberances - On page 6

PAGE FIVE/B’NAI HARIM CELEBRATIONS YAHRZEIT NOTIFICATION

Our Yahrzeit list is open not only to those who have plaques, but to the entire congregation. This will allow you to remember your loved ones on their anniversary date. The forms available at the Temple can be completed and Last First Birthday Birthday returned directly to me. With this information, a remind- Name Name Month Day er will be sent to you at the appropriate time, and the name of your loved one will be added to our kaddish list Leybinsky Alla December 4 for that date.

Schips Al December 5 If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Rachlin Tristen December 7 me directly at [email protected], 718-428-2140 or Bedrick Sara December 14 570-646-4668. Sincerely, Stolzenberg Lewis January 2 Stan Kapitansky Mogel Maddy January 4 Yahrzeit Committee Chairperson Mogel Mel January 5 YAHRZEIT REMEMBRANCE Wismer Alan January 5 Emerson Lee January 6 DECEMBER Feman Barbara January 17 1 Cecil Gelbart Levine Norma K January 25 3 Alvin Feldman Spady Robert January 28 ANNIVERSARIES 5 Rose Shapiro 7 Ira Lauscher

8 Annette Feder Minnie Goldfinger 20 KISLEV 9 Ray Horowitz Ron & Lee Emerson December 7 Beatrice Kushner Alan & Ellen Kagan January 28 10 Janet Wile 13 Daniel Grotta 17 Mildred Heymann TREE OF LIFE 18 Ray Goodstein 30 KISLEV Dear friends! Every leaf on our beauti- Sylvia Stern ful Tree of Life is filled with your good 19 Dolly Littman Gavin 1 TEVET news and events. It’s time to order a 20 Beatrice Ehrenberg 2 TEVET new batch! I am ready to take your 23 Joan Feldman orders. Each leaf costs just triple Chai ($54.00) and will be engraved to your specifications. 24 Joseph Goldfinger 6 TEVET Please call Julia Shaykevich at (570) 620-0104 or 25 Edward Bedrick contact her by e-mail at [email protected] to Rae Janet Mustokoff place your order. William Zarfes 7 TEVET 27 Sidney Gwirtzman MEMORIAL Ralph Kagan BOARD 28 Lillian May 29 Michael Schultz 11 TEVET REMEMBER YOUR LOVED ONES BY ADDING THEIR Walter Siegel 11 TEVET NAMES TO OUR MEMORIAL BOARD— 31 Morris Herskowitz The cost for each plaque (one name per plaque) is $236. A minimum of $50 must accompany each request. The balance can be paid over one year for 1 or 2 plaques WEEKLY ONLINE ANNOUNCEMENTS and/or two years for more than 2 plaques. For further information, please contact Stan Kapitansky, (718) 428- In addition to the monthly newsletter, we publish 2140 or e-mail me at [email protected]. Copies of the a weekly online newsletter for all members with e order form will be available at the temple, or you may -mail addresses and Internet access. If you do download a copy directly from the web site. not want to receive email announcements or cannot access the Internet, please call Richard Feman 570- Stan Kapitansky, 355-5124 or 516-481-6114. Yahrzeit Committee Chairperson

PAGE SIX/ B’NAI HARIM PATRONIZE B’NAI HARIM’S ADVERTISERS YOUR PRINT PROJECTS ARE OUR PRIORITY Let The UPS Store print your next project. No job too large or small - Newsletters, flyers, manuals -A variety of finish options-

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JEWISH FAMILYSERVICES Jewish Family Service is in need of Kosher food and toiletries marked with a recognized symbol. Please remember to bring a donation of at least one item when you visit the synagogue. All items must be kosher, unopened and within the expiration date on the packaging. If each one of us brings one can or box of food each time we come to the Temple, it will make a real difference to the needy in our commu- nity. You can also write a check to “Jewish Family Service of Northeast Pennsylvania” and it will be delivered. It is also tax deductible. Thank you and keep up the great work. We hope you will continue to be generous throughout the year. MISHEBEIRACH LIST

Jerry Goodstein When putting a person onto the Mishebeirach List, it should be with person’s permission. Would the person like to be listed with their Eng- lish or Hebrew name? Please include a contact name and telephone number so that Rabbi Peg may follow up with the person or with the member who CONGREGATION B’NAI placed the name on the list. Our policy now states that the HARIM OF THE list will be limited to members and their immediate family POCONOS (parents, grandparents, siblings and their spouses, children IS ON FACEBOOK! and their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses). Con- gregants are strongly encouraged to mention any person aloud at the appropriate time during the service, so we can pray for their improved health. REMEMBER TO HAVE THE PERSON’S NAME REMOVED, IF THE PERSON NO LONGER NEEDS TO BE ON THE LIST.

If you take photos at any Temple function PLEASE send them to my e-mail [email protected] and identify the occasion and the faces. These photos make our publicity more interesting to the community. Thanks, Lee Emerson

PAGE SEVEN/B’NAI HARIM Congregation NEED SOME CHICKEN ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER SOUP B’nai Harim NEED A CALL FROM This is your newsletter, and we want your input. When PO Box 757 RABBI? you have any news to share, please let us know so we Pocono Pines, PA, 18350 KNOW SOMEONE WHO http://www.bnaiharimpoconos.org can publish it. DOES? th PHONE: Deadline is the 20 of the month. News can be sent Message Center (using WORD) to Paula Guenst at [email protected]. (570) 646-0100 The newsletter is published each month. Newsletter The members of B’nai Harim subscriptions are available for $18 per year to non- E-Mail: are a very caring, close group [email protected] but sometimes a member needs members of Congregation B’nai Harim. Please contact

DIRECTIONS a little extra help. If you Barbara Feman. Driving East on Route 940, turn right know of someone who needs a In addition to the monthly newsletter, we distribute at the Pocono Pines traffic light at Route phone call or a visit, please weekly online announcements to all members with 423, continue on Pocono Crest road either encourage them to call (formerly Sullivan Road) about 1&1/2 e-mail addresses and Internet access. If you have not miles. Synagogue on left (before reach- the Rabbi directly or email her ing 940). yourself to let her know one of been receiving this please contact Richard Feman at Driving West on Route 940, turn left at 570-355-5124 or 516-481-6114. intersection of Pocono Crest Road her congregants needs help. (formerly Sullivan Road), and the Syna- gogue will be on the right.(approx. 1/10th of a mile). NEW ADDRESS? If you have recently moved, please send your new information to Honi Rabbi: Peg Kershenbaum Pres.: Barbara Feman Gruenberg at [email protected]. She will update the Membership VP: Meredith Stempel list and generate a new list. Sec.: Abbey Spector Treas.: Steve Bram Editor: Honi Gruenberg DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES FOR THE JAN. NEWSLETTER IS DEC. 20TH. Member of the URJ - Union For Reform Judaism Next Board Meeting date: Sunday, Dec. 10th at 9:30 AM. To be put RECURRING SCHEDULES on the agenda, contact Barbara Feman at [email protected]

Services Sat. 10:15 AM no later than five days prior to the meeting. Shabbat Dinner Fri. 6:30 PM Religious School Sat. 9:00AM

CONGREGATION B’NAI HARIM PO Box 757 Pocono Pines, PA 18350

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

PAGE EIGHT/B’NAI HARIM