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 46, 40 No. No. 2 5 use the Center regularly or from ‘timeFEBRUARYMAY to time’, 2010 we always 2016 appreciate your visits and SHEVAT-ADAR encourageIyar-Sivan your feedback. 1 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 ShalomTammy K. Mitgang,Shabbat Executive Director, Across Jewish Federation America: of Reading/Jewish Cultural Center The Journal of the Reading Jewish Community Published as a community service by the Jewish Federation of Reading, Pa. Page 12 There is no free lunch — or is there? Volume 40 No.Please 3 join us forMARC theh 2010 2016 CommunityAdar-Nisan Shabbat 5770 By Paul D. Cohn County Jews have gone to the JCC’s preschool to look at all expenditures, making sure that we FreeINSIDE Jewish ByFederation Amanda president J. Hornberger year’s Communityfor its excellent Shabbat. learning The curriculum.ManyIncledon at 610-921-0624. times are being goodof all stewards ages! of your contributions. Program at OnThe March 2010 4 our Jewishcommunity will service startsthe at preschool 6 p.m. followed is a gateway forLast Jewish year families more in thanWe are170 making Invitations progress in listingall areas the of yourfull Familiarbooks facefor Ellen Azrael, Larry Rotenberg and Hilde Gernsheimer FreeAlvernia Jewish to gatherFederation for its Jewish annual Annual community by a kosher1100Berks dinner Berkshire County, catered where by they community can Boulevard meet and members make attendedFederation. dinnerWe are nowmenu in awill position be mailed, to focus kids a leader available in new 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 booksfocusthrough foron EllenShabbat Azrael, service Larry and Rotenberg dinner. and This Hilde Boscov’s. Gernsheimer our community Shabbat on a but you can RSVP via post or peace This campaign is the since the school is open to everyone, it provides community wants and needs. LIFEkidsFederation and available LEGACY year our communityIt’s been PhotoShabbat by Jeremy an Drey:The incredible cost Courtesy for the of dinnerReading is Eagleyear. $20 cold Hope February night.you’ve Our hope been by calling here! Brenda at 610-921- throughprogram willMakingFederation’s be part ofmajor Shabbat sure source Across we per adult,never witha diversity children forget experience and youth at isan thatearly evenage. more peopleHowever will 0624. the bottom The RSVP line is deadlinethat we are is FederationPage 23 Americaof funding,It is— hard aand night toit believehelpsof unity thatfor a18 year and hasunder gone eating• Cultural by forsince free. Programs we We relocated join and Servicesus to on the March Jewish— The 4 Cultural askingfor this for, Center Feb.and need 24. at 1100 your Berkshirehelp. 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Parents Federations ByOheb PaulAs SholomI D. write Cohn in Wyomissing needingandbehavior.Could political financial context, one view assistancenothing our ability can this annual event is a special Amanda at amandah@jfreading. Jewish Film 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 Federationwillthis serve column Chairmanas itthe host for this tomaskand attend responsibility the darkestshould to side“nevercontact of forget” human Sari as treat for community members org or 610-921-0624. GuitaristFestival 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. 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Community$141,911 be,Paris,French and wherethe literature knowledge he taught and coursesculture.that the on thewould workslikecharges to see of ofliterature it expandingcrimes againstand beyond film humanity as glasswell for asceiling.” It is a deeply ingrained On Nov. 6, Chaim was honored Campaign$273,000 generationmemoryFor moreof that World thanbrought War three II themin decadespostwar the bordersthecomplicity 1990’s of Israel; trialsin the of makingFinal French Solution. an citizens doubt on that educational processes in New York City with the 2014 *Includes transfers from intoFrenchFrance the world literature has has been not and preoccupiedabandoned culture. withimpact charges on Theeducational oflecture crimes communitiesis against held in humanity memory can for trulyof transform a child’s life. World of Children Alumni Award Donor Advised Funds $273,000 them.”traumaticFor more moments than three and eventsdecadesin of the complicityRichardMiddle East J. inYashek, theand Final throughout a Holocaust Solution. survivorThis state of mind stems from the along with five other extraordinary FranceitsTellingly, recent has once past. been people Butpreoccupied graduatehave national withthe world.”andThe longtime lecture Berks is held County in memory resident.educators’ of personal experience, change makers for children. traumatic moments and events of Richard J. Yashek, a Holocaust survivor 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 February 2016 Introducing the LIFE and LEGACY program By Richard Nassau Jewish future. and small, are helping sustain and significantly increases our capacity to Development Director Legacy gifts have always been part of transform Jewish communities in new assist community leaders, families, The Jewish our culture. Remember the story from the ways. Legacy gifts have been made synagogues, and agencies in creating Federation of Midrash of a man planting a fig tree. His establishing outreach programs for permanent legacy gifts. Reading has been reply when asked if he expected to see young Jewish mothers and their families. LIFE and LEGACY supports the accepted to bring the the fruits of his labor, “As my ancestors Donors have created legacies that will partnership between the donor and the Harold Grinspoon planted for me before I was born, so do I provide camp scholarships for children community. It is not designed to benefit Foundation’s LIFE plant for those who come after me.” to attend Jewish overnight camps for only one organization. Legacy gifts and LEGACY LIFE and LEGACY is about the the first time. Legacy gifts have helped are usually made through a bequest program to Reading/ donor. It focuses on their values and their develop new exchange programs that are in a Will as an after-lifetime gift. Other Berks County. LIFE & beliefs. It is designed to ensure all legacy connecting local professionals with their communities participating in the program LEGACY promotes after-lifetime giving. gifts reflect the donor’s interests. It is a counterparts in Israel. have found that on average, donors are The program is sponsored locally by proven program. From 2012 to 2015, Federation’s mission is dedicated making legacy commitments to multiple the Jewish Community Foundation LIFE and LEGACY has been introduced to the well-being and continuity of the organizations. of Central PA; partnering with the in 21 communities throughout the U.S. Jewish people. One way we accomplish LIFE and LEGACY is transforming Grinspoon Foundation to implement During this period over 5,800 legacy this is through the use of permanent Jewish communities. The results are a this transformative program in our area. commitments have been secured. The funds that provide resources for the stronger Jewish present and a vibrant As a participant, the Jewish Federation estimated value of these commitments entire Jewish community. By participating Jewish future. of Reading will assist donors, along is more than $224 million in future gifts in LIFE and LEGACY, Federation gains For more information about LIFE & with area synagogues and agencies, to for the Jewish community. access to a wealth of legacy resources, LEGACY please contact me at richardn@ develop Jewish legacies and secure our These 5,800 legacies, both large experts, and training. This access jfreading.org. Reading native takes leading role in regional Jewish program Rebecca Robinson, a Reading native, service organizations, schools, and other Pennsylvania community to thrive for “Working in the Central Pennsylvania recently joined the Jewish Community Jewish entities. The Jewish Community years to come is so important to me region has been truly inspiring. The Foundation of Central Pennsylvania in Foundation of Central PA is sponsoring because the Jewish community that I excitement about the LIFE & LEGACY Harrisburg as the Director, Community the program; partnering with the Harold had growing up helped shape me into the Program is contagious. Community and Donor Grinspoon Foundation to implement this person I am today,” she said. “Not only members are buzzing about the Relations, transformative program in our area. did the Jewish Federation in Reading importance of participating. It is so functioning as As a LIFE & LEGACY program aid me with scholarships, they also gave energizing to me to work with such Program Director participant, the Jewish Federation of me the ability to grow and develop into a enthusiastic people. I know that the for the new LIFE Reading will have access to legacy well-rounded person.” LIFE & LEGACY Program is imperative & LEGACY resources, along with increased capacity She understands the importance to Jewish Communities all over the program. to assist local synagogues and agencies of legacy gifts, saying, “Allowing other country. Jewish communities that have Rebecca will in securing legacy gifts. people to experience the love and participated have received millions of work closely Rebecca brings enthusiasm and support of this Jewish community for dollars in commitments by donors who with the Jewish passion for Jewish causes to her work. years to come is what motivates me are now including Jewish causes in their Federation While growing up and as an adult, to work hard and make this program a wills as a result of the program. I feel very of Reading Rebecca worked and volunteered huge success and integrate it into the honored and lucky to be a part of such and 13 other in Reading, Federation and JCC fabric of the community. Joining this an inspiring initiative!” participating Rebecca Robinson environments. She participated in the initiative is truly invigorating. By reaching For more information about LIFE Jewish organizations throughout Central MASA program in Israel for a year. A out to our loyal members who support & LEGACY and about how you Pennsylvania to implement the program graduate of Siena College, Loudonville, our synagogues and agencies now and can be part of creating a secure in each community. N.Y., she is a Presidential Scholar, Kappa asking them to remember those causes Jewish future, please contact Richard LIFE & LEGACY, developed by Delta Pi – International Honor Society. they care about in their wills, we will Nassau at the Jewish Federation of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Rebecca was asked about the secure the Jewish community and ensure Reading [email protected] or promotes after-lifetime giving to benefit influence of the Reading Jewish that it is here for the next generations to Rebecca Robinson at Rebecca@ Jewish agencies, synagogues, social community on her. “Allowing the central enjoy. pajewishendowment.org. Something good is happening in ‘Bomb Shelter Capital’

Israel’s southern city of Sderot, coming from disadvantaged homes, days a week, operating during after- located less than a mile from the Gaza compounded by PTSD, the need for school hours until 10:30 pm. Everyone border, is an experience in contrasts. a nurturing environment is clear. Meir is welcomed with no question asked. Though the city’s motto since electing Panim is investing approximately Once a week, the facilities are used for Mayor Alon Davidi in 2013 has been $296,000 into making the Sderot youth elder programming. “Something good is happening in clubs welcoming and safe. Sandwiches, snacks, fruits and Sderot”, the city is still best-known as The first round of work is due to vegetables are provided. Extra- the “Bomb Shelter Capital of the World” begin on the already active above- curricular activities and coursework after having to reinforce every home, ground center, called TikvaHope. This including music and art, ecology and playground and bus stop against the building houses two bomb shelters on environmental science, computer lab constant barrage of Qassam rockets their lives in order to build a future.” its premises, a kitchen, and a computer training as well homework assistance fired at the town since 2001 from the In contrast to the city’s past “victim” lab. are available. Educational programs on Gaza Strip. attitude, today Sderot focuses on “Youth centers attract children drugs, alcohol and safe sex are run by With a population of about 25,000, helping citizens learn to repair and and parents who cannot afford extra- professionals to limit at-risk behavior. 95 percent are presumed to suffer heal the community and themselves. curricular activities,” shares Berkeley. The volunteer staff come from from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Long-term projects and programs “Without these centers, kids would be the IDF and the local Sapir College. (PTSD), caused by the incessant implemented by Mayor Davidi and the wandering the streets doing nothing The college students create and attacks. However, with relative calm municipality are underway, including or worse.” run educational programs relating settling over Sderot since the end of projects focused on Sderot’s youth. The municipality is funding the to health, fitness, cinema, sports, Israel’s 2014 conflict with Gaza, the “For the nearly 2,000 teenagers costs of Youth Department supervision, and holiday activities. There is also city is taking positive action to create between the ages of 13-18 years old administrative support and rent. The ongoing tutoring help by both the a future for its citizens. living in Sderot running from rocket additional costs of running the program, college students and teen peers. Meir Panim, supported by local fire their entire lives, part of their including meals, comes from donations An ecological vegetable garden is dollars through the Jewish Federation identity is trauma and poverty,” says made to Meir Panim. already growing. Teens at TikvaHope, of Reading’s Israel Now campaign, is Daniel Berkeley, manager of the Sderot During Operation Protective Edge, with the help of their mentors, have one of the city’s partners in the quest to Youth Department. “Everyone needs teens and young adults from the Meir built a working fish pond and animal bring normalcy and stability to the area. healing therapies, healthy distractions, Panim youth organizations volunteered habitats for the purpose of establishing Though the charity organization nutritious food and a safe shelter.” in shelters and with young people to run an animal-therapy program. is best known for its soup kitchens In response to this need, the programs and organize needs. Andi Franklin, the wife of William throughout Israel, in Sderot the needs municipality is providing Meir Panim “These teens ended up going to Franklin, President of the Jewish are even greater than providing food, with two buildings to be used as youth neighboring Beer Sheva to advise, Federation of Reading, comments, “It is notes Goldie Sternbuch, Director of clubs. “A large part of the Meir Panim train, and strengthen peers based on a privilege to help and be connected to Overseas Relations for Meir Panim. budget goes towards funding youth their own experiences. That is the Meir Panim and the great services that She adds that children need the programs to provide hope for a better self-confidence we strive to achieve they provide throughout Israel.” most help saying that “especially future,” Sternbuch explains. “Meir through the TikvaHope youth clubs,” She adds, “I am really impressed to for children from struggling homes Panimpresently funds five youth clubs says Berkeley. see the community working as a team and difficult living situations, they in Israel and we are adding these two The Sderot youth centers are with teens, college students and other need caring mentors and positive to our list.” located just around the corner from the professionals to nurture children and experiences and activities to round out With the majority of Sderot youth city’s high schools. The are open three give them a great future.” October 2012 SHALOM Page 3 February 2016 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 A short but sweet trip to IsraelI want to take this those 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 very Happy and Sweet overtime ensuring that our funds are well which caters to youth in need, providing President supplement produced by the New Year. cared and accounted for. I also want to them with shelter, emotional support and Although it was a Jewish Federation of Reading. As we enter into the recognize Tammy Mitgang and her entire an excellent education. Meir Panim is, for too short eight-day trip New Year, we reflect Federation/JCC staff who work tirelessly the lack of a better description, similar to to Israel, I was able Special thanks to Campaign on what we have for you. what we would call a soup kitchen but with to visit family and 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 friends and provide 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 physical support during 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 the current period of provided many interesting programs and Federation. With the numbers participating, they don’t feel like they are getting a handout. increased terrorist 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 attacks. 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 The highlight was a day trip Andi certi܁ed Nursery School. We completed with some well-known names in Israel Israel and maintains a Goodwill-like facility and I took down to a Golani military 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 base on the Gaza border. Carole 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 Robinson, Beth Caster, and Rabbis 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. Michelson and Lipsker had their again done a wonderful job helping those the world and the Middle East. They will support, I thank you. schoolchildren create Chanukah greeting cards, which Andi had taken From the President’s Desk to the Golani’s 13th Brigade, The Silent Wolves, prior to my arrival. They were greatly touched by their Being Alma connection with our Reading Jewish By Tammy K. Mitgang East troubled her, and she knew that ground in Ethiopia — the Jewish Agency bears their name, and as the ܁rst female community and were still talking about President life for Israel — though it is a ܁rst-­world for Israel and the American Jewish Joint President of the Jewish Federation of Bill and Andi Franklin with members of the Golani 13th Brigade in Israel. it a week later when we brought them Alma Lakin would be economy like the USA, was dif܁cult and Distribution Committee (JDC) — feared Reading, she and Dan Tannenbaum, 36 boxes of chocolate rugalach from the ܁rst to pooh-­pooh complicated. for the Ethiopian Jewish community’s an executive director of the Federation, the Marzipan Bakery in Jerusalem’s I was reminded, while reading Daniel anyIsrael notion and its thatactions; she however, we hope WhenAs per I interviewedmy photo inher last for month’sa video safety when rebel forces threatened brokered a partnership with her alma shuk. The “sweetness” of the moment Gordis’ book on Menachem Begin for our wasthat throughamazing, increased special connections and thatShalom recognized, your JFR her staff and and her I will husband, continue to overrun Mengistu Haile-Mariam’s mater, Albright College, that would was warm and wonderful. Israel Book club, that Israel continues to orinteractions, that she inspired we and the our Israeli family can Ed’sto stand community “on our heads” service to support and theand Commmunist government. establish the Holocaust Library and It is good to be back in Reading be an island of refuge for Jewish people extraordinarycontinue to support in others. the important items establishmentprovide connection of the within Holocaust our Reading Library What followed was one of the most Resource Center on the campus. working with you to further nurture our everywhere in a world of enduring Petite,on which big heartedwe agree and and through open andJewish Resource community Center and at Albright with Israel College, and dramatic rescue operations in Israel’s Being Alma meant tireless service Jewish community and our connections anti-Semitism. We may have different deliberate,dialogue, better time understandspent and work out sheworld did Jewry. not talk about her efforts to raise history. Over 34 hours and four minutes, and no fanfare — certainly no pictures with the Jewish and non-Jewish worlds. opinions on the state (pardon the pun) of withour differences.Alma was never moneyThank and you. resettle Soviet Jews in our 34 Israeli cargo and passenger planes if she was expected to be in them. about her. community. Instead, she spoke of how worked around the clock, airlifting 14,310 Accolades were not her style; but she She cared about others — strangers, thrilled she was to meet with Natan and Ethiopian Jews to Israel from Addis was not without opinion — thoughtful When winter comes, can springfamily and friends. Andbe she workedfar to behind?Avital Sharanksy — refuseniks who at Ababa. Alma would have beamed having and at times, determined. But, no matter By Larry Rotenberg Trees are here to give us shade improveAllow the to vanish world from — this here earthly at plot home, in extraordinary personal risk and sacri܁ce heard MK Sholomo Molla’s incredible life what she put her efforts behind, you could Chairman and fruit Israel and around the world. When you helpedAnd to so spark let’s giveand latera cheer ignite for a trees global story that he credits to the work of the be sure that she was right by your side, (With apologies to And long before we had tree huggers wereTo with plant Alma, a tree it inwas the all Land about of Israelyou, it movementThat truly to freebring Soviet along Jewry. both birdsBetween and Federation system that saved his life. working hand in hand with you and others Shelly) here wasIs you to makewho were the desert front and ever center smaller and 1990bees and 1997, Federation’s Operation (see page 5) to do great things. The geese are We learned to love and cherish every madeWe to then feel special.can hear the songs of the ExodusAnd promisescampaign of nationally better things raised to come $1 Alma shared her excitement and pride Alma considered herself privileged finally flying South root birdsAlma believed that we are responsible billionWhen to rapidly all the rescue snow andand resettlewind is moregone that helped to raise nearly $1 million to have enjoyed so much of life. One of The wind is And hold the produce of the Earth for eachAnd followother according the ibex to theEilat principles than one million Soviet Jews in Israel and locally toward the capital campaign that her favorite memories was crossing over howling coming from forever dear of chesed (caring and compassion), NorthFor America. who cannot PS – Alma love marched the lore with of would build the U.S. Holocaust Memorial into Jordan when the borders with Israel the North TorahPurim (Jewish is a holiday learning), for all, tikkun olam othersPesach in our community on the National Museum in Washington, America’s were reopened. “To think, she would As we prepare the Feast of Tu Tu B’Shvat is the Chag Lailanot (repairingBecause the word) we love and tzedakah to watch (social bad MallWith in Washington its joy and matzo during ball one soup of the national institution for the documentation, reminisce; “that we along with other B’Shvat And we are stewards of this Earth justice).Haman Andfall her life was an embodiment largestAnd marches freedom in from American the slavery history. in Egypt That study and interpretation of Holocaust Federation mission-goers, met with King We yearn to see the trees sprout forth only a while of thoseTu B’Shevat principles. is an orphan holiday. rallyFollowed would become by the a turning birth ofpoint our in newthis history. She reଂected on the mixture of Hussein. Ed and I were so fortunate.” their growth So let us save what we cannot SheThat believednever will in be the final bold on collective Jeopardy movement.group raindrops and tears that fell the night of Her family was her heart. She 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 we could mobilize ܁nancial and social Jewish world that resulted in the our community donned their construction responsibility and life — a special reward. Abraham Lincoln’s Jewish connection:resources that could rescue The Jews, Operationuntold Solomon rescuestory mission that hats and toured the vast and important I think those of us who knew Alma were strengthen the Jewish people and took place in May 1991. The state of structure. the truly the fortunate ones. By Howard Blanck growing up likely never met a Jew and literally,Although change for different the world. reasons, Lincoln Israel,Gen. Williamtogether Mayerwith Jewish and Federationhis troops At home in Berks County, the JCC’s Alma Lakin passed away Aug. 27 at Over the last 150+ years so much had only heard of them through Bible nonethelessThe ongoing ultimately turbulence removed in the Middle him ofhelping North America’sto put down major the worstpartners draft on riots the Lakin Early Education Center preschool the age of 82. has been written about Abraham Lincoln stories. When he began his law practice from command. McClellan is quoted in American history in July 1863 in New that you would think no more could be he began to meet several Jews with the sometime after the war as follows: York City (this was featured in the movie possibly written or said. In spite of this, most notable being Abraham Jonas. “We have Germans and Jews…but “Gangs of New York”). (3) Even the words we still sometimes have trouble telling The two Abrahams had much in Federationfortunately there are enough Christianmission in the Gettysburg to AddressIsrael “this nation begins Oct. 21 fact from fiction. With that said, we do common besides their first names. Both Gentiles to make it pleasant for us and under G-d were carefully worded not to know quite a bit of factual history of our were called Abe, both had family roots a fewA jointothers mission to enable composed us to be quite of chairedexclude by Jews Michael (4). and Susan Fromm and Berks County will be joining the group purpose and heightened appreciation 16th president. We know of his difficult in England, both were postmasters and communityindependent members of the sons from of the Jacob” Reading (2). VictorAbraham and Dena and Hammel. Mary ToddIn addition Lincoln to on the mission. and connection to Jewish identity. childhood and marriage to Mary Todd, in the Illinois Legislature and both were areaOther and thegenerals Lehigh and Valley political will leave leaders for Mitgang,used a Jewish Jayne Kleinman,podiatrist, Culturalprinter, clothierCenter The Reading Jewish community has Mission participants will visit Reading’s his law practice, his depression and his known for their wit as well as being Israelon both Oct. sides 21. were in much the same programand others director for medical and Mark and Goldstein, business bene܁ted from teaming with the seasoned Israel Now projects — two important humor, his kindness and honesty and country lawyers, great orators and campFor including the Reading Northern community, Gens. Sherman it is the Executivepurposes Director but it wentof Jewish far beyondFederation that. of mission-goers from the Allentown area humanitarian efforts that both save of course how he freed the slaves and idolizing Henry Clay. For the only known ܁rstand Butler mission and Southernthe Federation Gen. Robert has ledin theThey Lehigh regarded Valley willthem staff as the friends mission. and and Lehigh Valley Federation’s “well- and change lives — Yemin Orde Youth saved the Union. We know all this and time Lincoln referred to Jonas as “one moreRodes. than 15 years. A goal of Federation associatesRabbi andBrian Lincoln Michelson extended frommany oiled” mission process. Village in the Carmel Mountains and Meir much more, but one area of Lincoln’s of my most valued friends” (1). It’s no President Other Tammy examples Mitgang of positive and Federation Jewish Congregationfavors and pardons Oheb toSholom them. and Rabbi “Mark Goldstein and his staff have Panim’s new nutrition center in Kiryat life that has not received much attention wonder Lincoln felt this way as among leadership,influence in thethe Readingwar would mission include isJewish co- Yosef Lipsker, Chabad-LubavitchContinued on Page of 4 created over the years a network of Gat, where the community will dedicate on any level is his remarkable treatment other things, Jonas had a significant role resources and processes that have the kitchen that was made possible of Jews. in getting Lincoln elected president. bene܁ted our community — newbies, thanks to the Reading community’s In order to try to understand Lincoln It should be made clear there was if you will, when it comes to mission funding efforts. in this regard, it is necessary to look good and bad in both North and South SHALOM planning. And, we are neighbors. The The dedication will be a big thank you at the times in which he lived. In the both in general terms and pertaining AA newspapernewspaper servingserving thethe JewishJewish communitycommunity ofof Reading,Reading, Pennsylvania,Pennsylvania, mission project is just the start of future to our community and a proud moment. mid-19th century there was no such to Jews. Lincoln changed much of andand publishedpublished monthly,monthly, SeptemberSeptember throughthrough June,June, underunder thethe JewishJewish joint efforts,” Mitgang said. With two out of every ܁ve children in thing as political correctness, and in the bad. For example, there was no FederationFederation ofof Reading.Reading. FundedFunded byby thethe ReadingReading UnitedUnited JewishJewish Campaign.Campaign. There are many details that need Israel living below the poverty line, fact the language and thinking of this Jewish clergy in the Army until Lincoln to be addressed when moving a group Meir Panim’s network of soup kitchens, Victorian era identified people with their appointed Michael Allen as the first GeneralGeneral Offices:Offices: 11001100 BerkshireBerkshire Blvd.,Blvd., SuiteSuite 125125 of more than 50 people across Israel. restaurants and feeding centers, ensure national origin and religion, often in an Jewish regimental chaplain. When Gen. Wyomissing,Wyomissing, PAPA 1961019610 Jewish Federation of North America’s warm, nutritious meals for thousands of honorary way. For example, during the Ulysses S. Grant ordered “Jew peddlers” Phone:Phone: 610-921-0624610-921-0624 FAX:FAX: 610-929-0886610-929-0886 Missions Department and its staff in children and families every day. Civil War there was an Irish Brigade, out of his district during the war, Lincoln WebWeb site:site: www.ReadingJewishCommunity.orgwww.ReadingJewishCommunity.org Israel along with Kenes Tours will further At Yemin Orde, the group is anxious to ensure that each and every day of the see ܁rsthand the progress that has been Jewish Regiment, Orphan Brigade and revoked the order. Jewish Federation of Reading Jewish Federation of Reading mission is maximized. made at the village since the wild܁res a schoolteacher regiment. When blacks Lincoln was never known to refer Chairman: Alvin Katz Chairman: Larry Rotenberg Federation missions are travel devastated it in 2010. were finally allowed in the military they to any Jew in a negative manner. President: Tammy K. Mitgang President: William D. Franklin experiences unlike any other. Along The group is honored that Chaim Peri, were referred to as United States Colored They were interchangeably called Communications Director: Mark Nemirow, Editor Communications Director: Mark Nemirow, Editor with visits to historic and sacred sites, beloved educator and director of Yemin Troops and then later Buffalo Soldiers “Israelites”, “Hebrews”, and “Jews,” Proofreaders: Esther Strauss & Federation staff Proofreaders: Federation staff museums and popular tourist destinations, Orde for 30 years, will personally be hosting (an honorary title given to them by Native with the third term sometimes taking Member: American Jewish Press Association Member: American Jewish Press Association Federation missions provide exclusive, the group during a tour and lunch. Americans). anti-semitic tones. Here is an example: The opinions expressed in Shalom are of the writers and not the Jewish Federation of Reading Of course there was also bigotry Early in the war, Lincoln placed George The opinions expressed in Shalom are of the writers and not the Jewish Federation of Reading insider access to residents, community Young people from the village will join along with the slavery question and B. McClellan in command of the army. Deadline for the November issue is Oct. 5 leaders, area experts, and political the group for the tour and share their ultimately the war itself. A good organizer, he was also slow, Next deadline, Feb. 5 personalities and provide a sense of experiences. Lincoln was born in Kentucky and cautious and simply did not like Jews. Page 4 SHALOM February 2016 Anti-Semitism in Europe focus of February film in Reading Jewish Film Series By Amanda J. Hornberger “24 Days” describes the success of Trooper Beohm will explain hostage $5 per film. All films will be shown on Anti-Semitism, immigration, radical the film as it “conveys the emotional situations and police responses to Wednesday evenings at 7 pm at Fox Islam and modern-day Europe are the discord between the family’s increasing situations similar to those depicted in the Berkshire, 800 Berkshire Boulevard in backdrop for “24 Days,” the French despair and the calm methodology of law film and help add context to a film will Wyomissing. Tickets can be purchased drama that is the next film in the 2016 enforcement.” stick with audiences. at the theater beginning at 6:30 p.m. the Reading Jewish Film Series. Based on Our audience will have the added Following the conversation with day of the screening. Cash and checks real-life events, the film depicts the true benefit of hearing from local law Trooper Beohm, there will be a dessert are accepted. story of the kidnapping of Ilan Halimi, a enforcement following the screening reception compliments of Sweet Street The remaining films for the Reading French Jew. Ilan’s story shocked France when Trooper David C. Beohm, Public Desserts. Jewish Film Series 2016 are: and led to a national conversation on Information Officer from the Reading The Reading Jewish Film Series 2016 Feb. 10 — “24 Days” anti-Semitism. Headquarters of the Pennsylvania State is sponsored by the Rubin Educational March 16 — “Above and Beyond” The New York Times review of Police, will join us to discuss the film. Fund and Fox Theatres. Tickets are April 20 — “Run Boy Run” Great Decisions series looks at major issues facing the world By Amanda J. Hornberger series at the JCC. issue will be discussed by the group after for two people sharing one book. The rise of ISIS. The United Nations. Moderated by local professors from reading the Great Decision Briefing Book To register for Great Decisions and Climate Change. Cuba and the U.S. Albright, Alvernia and PSU Berks as well and watching the related DVD. to order a copy of the Great Decision The Koreas. These are just a few of the as community members, Great Decisions Our group will be meeting on Monday Briefing Book please contact Amanda hot-button international topics that will be is the country’s largest discussion group on mornings from 10:30 a.m. until noon at at [email protected] or 610-921- discussed at this year’s Great Decisions world affairs. Each week a different global the JCC. The cost is $35 per book or $40 0624. Welcoming differences at a special PJ Library event

By Amanda J. Hornberger loves to knit and to help people. and do a knitting craft. We will also and we hope to see many of you there! Did you know that February is When her family gives shelter to a be coloring notes to send with mittens The knitting activity is perfect for our Jewish Disability Awareness and deaf woman and her baby, Ruthie and gloves that will be donated to the older PJ Library readers! Inclusion Month? To mark this month realizes there’s a way for her to do local community in need. Community Please RSVP to Amanda at our PJ Library community will be both at once! members are invited to drop off [email protected] or 610-921- reading “The Mitten String,” a book On Feb. 28 at 1 p.m., children donations of mittens and gloves at the 0624 by Friday, Feb. 26. For additional about a deaf woman and her child. through age 8 are welcome to come JCC throughout February. information or any questions please PJ Library describes the book: Ruthie to the JCC to read “The Mitten String” We kindly ask for RSVPs by Feb. 26, also contact Amanda. JCC Israel Book Club: ‘Menachem Begin: The Battle for Israel’s soul’ By Moisey Schneider but no one would have them. Etzel killed so many innocent Arabs, but Israel can hardly stand alone. In this book Daniel Gordis tells the Gordis described Menachem Begin as nobody believed him. Decades later even In The New York Times, columnist story and life of Menachem Begin. It the most Jewish of Israel’s prime ministers. Palestinian historians would corroborate Thomas Friedman called Begin a fascist is very well-written and enormously Begin had a lot of disagreements with Ben- his claims. and said that “his fantasies about power interesting. Begin was born into war and Gurion, especially when the Irgun brought What is striking is that Begin was were combined with a self-perception never gave up the hope for the Jewish the ship “Altalena” with armaments to called a terrorist by many British and of being a victim.” But Begin was not a people, to whom he was deeply devoted. Palestine. But in 1961 Ben-Gurion Americans. This man became prime fascist and strongly supported the rule He changed the image of the “helpless” admitted “perhaps I was mistaken”. Ben- minister of Israel, made peace with of law. He had no fantasies about power, Jew who started to straighten their backs. Gurion also admitted, “If I knew Begin like Israel’s most powerful enemy, Egypt, which he used only when necessary. His legacy was infinitely greater than most I know him now the face of history would and went from the underground to the His perception of being a victim was no of us are able to bequeath. Begin fled the have been different”. Oslo stage to receive the Nobel Peace illusion because he witnessed how many Nazis, suffered under the communists, Abba Silver, a leading American Prize. When Saddam Hussein, as today’s of our people were so easily destroyed. fought the British and defended Israel Reform rabbi, said, “The Irgun will go Iranian Ayatollahs, threatened to drown Begin asked to be and was buried against Arab armies. David Ben Gurion down in in history as a factor without Israel in rivers of blood, Begin understood on the Mount of Olives next to his had accepted partition and declared which Israel would not have come into that a giant clock hangs above Israel and beloved wife Aliza and dear comrades-in- statehood at the right moment. Without being.” It was largely thanks to Begin is ticking. He ordered the destruction arms Feinstein, an Ashkenazi Jew; and him Israel might not be. But getting the that Israel avoided a civil war and did not of Osirak, Iraq’s nuclear reactor, amid Barzani, a Sephardic Jew, who committed British to leave Palestine was Begin’s descend into chaos as did the French. international outcry. Gordis admits that suicide than rather than be executed by accomplishment, which called for armed When Begin was elected prime what would sadden Begin is the Jewish the British. revolt and leading Beitar and Etzel minister he was first and foremost a peoples’ ability to be so intolerant of the The book shows that the future of Israel fighters. warm Jew who loved the Jewish people messiness in its own unfolding history yet and the Jewish people is in our hands, Gordis says the lengths to which Begin like no one else. He was the mastermind so understanding of that messiness in and if there is one eternal truth that flows and his comrades from Beitar and Etzel behind the Aliyah to Israel of Jews from the actions of others. Begin understood through the life of Menachem Begin it is went raised painful and ethical questions. Morocco, Ethiopia, and the Soviet Union, that to love all humanity equally is to love Hillel’s admonition from the Ethics of Our However, after the brutal act of retaliation who dramatically changed Israel. The no one. Fathers; “If I am not for myself, who am I? of hanging British soldiers, there were life and commitment of Begin urges us Anti-Semitism has morphed over time If I am only for myself, what am I? If not no more hangings of Jews in Palestine. to look again at what he did and what he into a deadly virus, anti-Israelism, which now, when?” At the end of the book Gordis At that time millions of Jewish children, stood for and to imagi,ne if we dare, the is prevalent in multicultural Europe and on underlines his fascination of his hero. Begin women, and men were dying in Europe, glory of a Jewish people recommitted to American college campuses and is rising, led a life of selfless devotion to the Jewish and no one, not FDR, not Churchill, not the principles that shaped this Jewish as in pre-war Germany. However, thanks people, his people, and lived a life of great even most American Jews did anything hero who stood in line with Maccabees, to Ben-Gurion, Begin and other Israeli loyalty to the people into which he was born, to help them. The British had sealed the Masada fighters, Simon bar Kokhba and leaders, Jewish people now have their to his wife of many years, and to Israel, the shores of Palestine, the one piece of land Warsaw ghetto fighters. own home where they can come and live. land he loved. that accepted Holocaust victims. Even the Daniel Gordis showed us that Begin For anti-Semites this is not good. Even The Israel Book group will be meeting United States sealed its own shores, and is still the victim of campaigns waged Jewish American leaders are criticizing on Wednesday, March 9, at 7 p.m. to ships filled with desperate Jews roamed against him by many for the Deir Yassin Israeli politics. A false multiculturalism discuss Dennis Ross’ book “Doomed to the globe, searching for a place to stay, massacre. Begin denied that fighters from has permeated Europe and the U.S., but Succeed.” Please plan on joining us. LINCOLN Continued from Page 3 incredible sum especially for the time of Christ and synagogues did much the as a model for many years to come. The numbers tell a story. Lincoln is $200,000,000 in union war bonds that same by comparing him to Moses. In known to have had Jewish friends, 14 literally turned the tide for the north as far fact, several rabbis suspended the 1. Jonathan D. Sarna and Benjamin Jewish supporters and associates, 55 as finances were concerned (6). holiday, and Yom Kippur hymns and Shapell - Lincoln and the Jews A History, Jewish acquaintances and extended 48 President Lincoln was tragically chants were used as a measure of Thomas Dunne Books, An imprint of St. pardons and appointments to Jews all assassinated on April 14, 1865, which mourning and respect. Martin’s Press, New York, NY. 2015 during a time when they made up less was the fifth day of Passover in addition In this season of another political 2. Ibid than 1 percent of the population that to being Good Friday. The age in which election it should be known we have 3. Ibid generally did not like them (5). Lincoln had lived was a deeply religious had several presidents who have been 4. Ibid Stereotypes die hard and one one in which the hand of the Almighty beneficial to Jews. It seems worth 5. Ibid persistent one has been that all the was seen as moving in both North and remembering that in the end Lincoln 6. Bertram W. Korn, Introduction bankers were Jews. Ironically, there South. It is no surprise therefore that really was a uniter, and his acts of just by Allan Nevins - American Jewry and was one Jewish banking firm, the Christian churches all over the country dealings and kindness not only with Jews the Civil War, R.Bemis Publishing, Ltd. Seligman Brothers, who disposed the drew the comparison of Lincoln to but others, will no doubt continue to serve Marietta, Georgia, 1995 February 2016 SHALOM Page 5 A poetry reading at the JCC By Jennifer Hetrick rhyme, so we discussed the presence The Friendship Circle at the JCC of line breaks, which is absent in prose, enjoyed lunch, good conversation, and and the differences between classical a poetry reading featuring volume one of versus contemporary poetry, as well “The Labors of our Fingertips: Poems From as the benefit of not limiting anyone’s Manufacturing History in Berks County. expression of self, since poetry is a form As a nice perk for chatting-minutes in of art. there are more kinds of poetry as the afternoon, several of the seniors are well as styles and approaches to it than also poets of their own varieties. A few are talked about in the larger culture, won honorable mention for poems they and getting to share examples of these recently submitted to the annual Berks and how Berks County’s poets as well Encore poetry contest for seniors. and as those from neighboring counties some of them had great questions about have skills in all different directions literature itself between sharing individual is truly a gift within this project. slam poems about what fellow seniors in Berks poetry served as just one newer genre County remember about the jobs that mentioned. were such a large part of their identities We also discussed internal rhyme, and daily living in the past. which is used in John Heck’s poem in is often accidental and also subtle gives Thank you to Carole Robinson for One woman wanted to know how the very middle of the fourth line in the it a unique and beautiful persuasion in assisting with eye-scooping scenes for words could be poetry if they did not second stanza. The way internal rhyme language throwings. the day, too.

Tasty lesson in making hummus By Marla Baksic Each cooking class has been so The cooking classes have been so innovative and most importantly a interesting this past year at Chabad. great way to socialize with everyone I was truly excited in December when in the community Students perform play I learned to make hummus. I hope some of you can join us In the past, I usually bought at our Loaves of Love community while learning about Food Pantry hummus at the grocery store. I challah bake on Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. Students from RCOS / KZ Religious School take part in a play while learning about the thought it would be so complicated as we make bread to feed our Food Pantry. Thanks to Sari Incledon from Jewish Federation Family Service for the to make but found out that it is really community’s hungry. informative presentation. easy. Hope to see all of you soon. BDS narrative rests on lies; telling the truth can defeat it.

By David Brog been more pro-Israel, this support drops students from campuses facing active causing many jaded friends of Israel Executive Director, dramatically as we move from older to BDS campaigns. The students who to roll their eyes. They’re already Maccabee Task Force younger generations. BDS is hardly participated knew very little about the certain that teaching such history From a purely financial perspective, the only reason for this decline. But it conflict, yet most shared a vague sense will change nothing. They insist that boycott, divestment and sanction contributes to it while thriving in a student that Israel is occupying Palestinian land. the only way to defeat BDS is to campaigns on American college body already softened by biased media, They were therefore often sympathetic first unseat Prime Minister Benjamin campuses have been a bust. No major hostile academia and a progressive to the idea of boycotts and other non- Netanyahu. What they’re saying, American college has withdrawn so much movement that is increasingly embracing violent means of pressuring Israel to end in so many words, is that the BDS as one dollar from the Israeli economy a nihilistic relativism. this occupation. The BDS narrative has narrative is fundamentally correct, as a result of this movement. Campus The good news is that BDS is clearly percolated into their minds. and therefore only a dramatic change divestment resolutions are merely constructing a house of cards. Some But then something interesting in Israeli policy can defeat it. recommendations from a small and often of these cards are outright falsehoods happened. These students were asked Yet such one-sided condemnation marginal group of student legislators. about Israel. Others are merely gross to read a series of statements responding of Israel by her supporters rings just as Thus far, most college administrators oversimplifications of a complex reality. to the BDS narrative. They read, for hollow as that of her detractors. Israel’s have politely declined the advice. Pull out a card or two and the edifice example, that Israel has made some quite conflict with her neighbors is more Yet those who would dismiss BDS falls. Thus we see BDS make lightening serious peace offers to the Palestinians. complex than they care to admit. And as sound and fury miss its startling advances by slandering Israel with the They read that these offers were rejected, our students are far more comfortable significance. right words to the right audiences. But sometimes quite violently. They read with nuance than they seem to realize. It BDS has never been about stopping then the burden shifts. Now they must that Israel’s conflict with her neighbors takes thick ideological blinders to ignore American investment in Israel today. hold their territory of lies. They must hide is a complex one, and that it’s hardly decades of Palestinian rejection, terror, This movement is focused on the far all evidence of Palestinian violence and fair to place all of the blame for it on one and downright hate. Most American more ambitious goal of ending American repeated rejection of peace offers. They side. In case after case, these students students are not that far gone. They just support for Israel tomorrow. BDS must erase all signs of Israeli moderation. volunteered that these facts made them want to do the right thing. And when it supporters are working diligently to turn The soft underbelly of BDS is the truth. less sympathetic to the idea of boycotting comes to what the right thing may be, a generation of Americans against Israel The mission of the Maccabee Task Israel. What many previously perceived they are still moved by facts and logic. and are quite happy to enjoy the fruit of Force is therefore quite clear. To tell the as a righteous stand against oppression The truth we must share is neither their labor when these students run our truth about Israel. To tell it clearly. To tell it suddenly felt more like an extreme effort right-wing nor left-wing. While we in the government, media and corporations. boldly. Most of all, to tell it repeatedly. All to scapegoat Israel. And that’s precisely pro-Israel community are divided on so This goal is far more realistic than it who seek to fight BDS must do the same. what BDS is. many issues, fighting BDS need not be may seem. Repeated polls show that The Maccabee Task Force recently This claim, that the truth about one of them. Let us go forth and tell the while America as a whole has never sponsored a series of focus groups with Israel can defeat BDS, is no doubt truth. And let us tell it together. Page 6 SHALOM February 2016 2015 Jewish community campaign honor roll of donors It’s Good to be Jewish; It’s Jewish to be Good It is with great appreciation that we recognize those who made a difference in our community through their contributions to the Jewish Federation of Reading. Your generosity builds our community! Your gifts changed lives, sponsored programs, and provided services in Reading, in Israel, and around the world. THANK YOU! CAMPAIGN TOTAL: $522,496 from 236 donors (includes transfers from Donor Advised Funds)

ADVANCED LEADERSHIP GIFTS Glenn and Gaye Corbin COMMUNITY GIFTS $25,000 + Scott and Sandy Davis $18 + Albert and Eunice Boscov Jerome and Rhoda Dersh Theodore and Anna Lee Aarons Shirley Boscov Albert Diamond Rabbi Matthew Abelson Irvin and Lois Cohen Kalman and Margaret Feinberg Donald and Ellen Abramson Howard and Victoria Hafetz Steven Finkel Allison Althouse Victor and Dena Hammel Alan and Lory Fleischer Richard and Julie Alweis Edwin Lakin Jeffrey and Deborah Frank Lionel and Mary Jane Asher Sandy Solmon and Doug Messinger Deborah Goodman and John Moyer Marshall and Ellen Azrael Rosalind Hyman Wendy Babitt and Todd Staub LEADERSHIP GIFTS Alvin and Betsy Katz George and Cynthia Balchunas Alan and Marjorie Leisawitz James and Jackye Barrer $10,000 + Elliott and Doris Leisawitz Kenneth and Maralyn Lakin Anneliese Bateman Alan and Lisa Levine Arthur and Mary Ann Becker Jerome Marcus Jack Linton Meir and Haia Mazuz Martin and Norma Beckerman Lee and Karen Meyers David and Barbara Bender Daniel Shaffer and the Irvin G. and Beatrice Jeffrey and Tammy Mitgang Ken and Amy Bloom M. Shaffer Fund of the Berks County Paul and Ellen Mitnick Mel and Susan Blum Community Foundation Kate Mohn Alice Botvin and Ned Littlehales Kenneth Moreau Henry and Helene Singer Robert and Beth Bruck Barbara and David Paul Ivan and Paula Bub Michael and Barbara Perilstein Jeffrey and Adrienne Cardinal MAJOR GIFTS Robert and Judy Pollack Loretta Charnoff $5,000 + Seth and Barbara Rosenzweig Michael and Barbara Charnoff Donald and Tali Fox Roger Schein Brett and Cindy Chronister Hilde Gernsheimer Michael and Janice Schiffman Stanley and Deborah Cieplinski Maxine Henry* Paul and Ellen Schwartz Bruce and Sharyn Cohen Neil Hoffman and Judith Kraines James Rothstein and Sharon Scullin Icy Cohen Neal and Judith Jacobs Eugene and Helen Shaffer Nelson Cohen Jill Skaist Jonathan and Janice Simon C. Harold Cohn Rosalye Yashek Richard and Mindy Small Claire Cooper M. Robert and Kaye Ullman Judith Copeland PACESETTER GIFTS M. Herbert and Susan Wachs Andrew and Corinne Wernick Glenn and Gaye Corbin on behalf of their $2,500 + grandchildren: Harriet Baskin Emanuel and Yvonne Wittels Eric and Deborah Zelnick Claire Marie Corbin Sidney and Esther Bratt Natalie Lucia Corbin Jeffrey and Lynn Driben Irving and Arlene Ehrlich SPONSOR GIFTS Richard and Susan Dangelo Marc and Marcia Filstein $500 + Paul Delfin and Nancy Russo Jeri Deisinger Samuel and Sarah Flamholz Stuart and Carol Cohn Robin and Jess Drezner William and Andrea Franklin Gary Ginsberg Sorrell and Donna Eisenberg David and Debbie Goldberg Carol Greenberg George and Marcia Eligman Michael and Gayle Kastenbaum Ruth Isenberg H. Anderson and Judith Ellsworth Gary and Sheila Lattin Robert and Shirley Kauffman Michael and Sue Farrara Paul Mintz and Solange Israel Mintz David and Jeraldine Kozloff Arthur and Lorayn Fischman Robert and Yvonne Oppenheimer Stephen and Carrie Latman Sandra Fishman Gordon and Carol Perlmutter Igor and Nora Maidansky Gerald and Raie Fogelman Larry and Alison Rotenberg Rabbi Brian and Holly Michelson Miriam Fogelman William Sedlis Jay Moyer Gene and Shirley Friedman Allan and Robin Sodomsky Mark and Geraldine Nemirow Irwin and Joan Friedman George and Sue Viener Philip and Leslie Pomerantz Bernard and Barbara Fromm Susan Pollack-Esposito Davida Fromm SPECIAL GIFTS Robert T. and Mary Ann Ullman Aleksandr Galker $1,000 + Bruce and Janine Ure Barbara Garcia Anonymous Vladimir and Elina Vaysman Elizabeth Gaul Anonymous Jerome and Pamela Weisberg Naum and Lyudmilla Ger Radene Gordon Beck and Hugh Beck Norman and Rita Wilikofsky Jack Gernsheimer and Nancy Wolff Jim and Cindy Boscov Randall and Mara Winn Edward and Ann Golden Stephen and Jan Carlson Louise Zeidman Matthew Goldstan Robert and Beth Caster February 2016 SHALOM Page 7 2015 Jewish community campaign honor roll Harvey and Roberta Goldstein Margaret Levine Paul and Elaine Safir Martin Goldstein Paul Levy and Susan Tobey Jeannette Saft Jane Goodman Shelly Levy Judith Sager Ivan Gordon* Rabbi Yosef and Chana Lipsker Lynn Salpeter Michael Gordon Jeffrey and Robin Lupowitz Michael Schiff Michael and Zina Gorelik Dennis and Karen Lutz Peter and Helaine Schiffman Don and Ann Greth Alan and Rochelle Mann Susan Schlanger Lawrence and Fran Gross Michelle Mart and David Walker Herbert Schneider Marcia Gross Dwight and Mindy McIntosh Moisey Schneider Jacob and Jennifer Gurwitz Joan Mellon Timothy and Cynthia Schuchart Michael and Jill Haas Bernard and Toby Mendelsohn James and Judith Schwank Sarah Harris Frances Mendelsohn Rabbi Rachel Schwartz Nancy Hemmerich Titus and Gertrude Miller Jon and Alva Scott Jeffrey and Elyse Horowitz Anne Missan Harvey and Renee Seidel Kevin Horowitz Kathleen Moffitt Marvin and Florence Segal Mel Horwith Bettina Najer Lila Shapiro David* and Alice Hyman Richard and Elizabeth Nassau Berna Sherman John and Sari Incledon Barbara Nazimov Louis Shucker and Sherry Faust Victor and Kathleen Jacobs Randy and Esta Neugroschel Barbara Silverberg Jeffrey and Chaiah Jacobson Wendy Neuhs Charon Snyder Martin and Karen Jacobson Neal and Sandee Nevitt David and Ruth Spillerman Phyllis Jacoby Michael and Eve Pardo Edwina Stoner Ralph and Frances Joseph John and Linore Pearson Jill Trout Myron and Karen Kabakoff Frank and Kathleen Politzer Andrea Watkins and Jeffrey Sternlieb Luba and Michael Karchevsky Valerian and Svetlana Popov Andrew and Laurie Waxler Janet and Bernard Kaplan Prudence Precourt Alan and Susan Weisberg Herbert and Noel Karasin Jonathan Primack and Pam Charendoff George and Marlene Weiss Nancy Knoblauch Lee and Jodi Radosh Jeffrey and Ilene Weizer KZ Synagogue Sisterhood Michael and Carole Robinson Sylvia Wenger Jennifer Koosed Michael and Linda Roeberg Patricia Wentling Roberta Lawit Tracy and Nicholas Rossi Sanford Youngerman Jack and Teri Lefkowith Leah Rotenberg and Corby Drone Michael and Sharon Zamrin Ben and Michele Leisawitz Elizabeth Rothermel Allen and Amicie Zimmerman Henry Levin Sandra Rowan *Indicates Deceased

March 2, 2016 7:00 pm McGlinn Conference Center On the Campus of Alvernia University

The Afterlife An Inter-Religious Dialogue You are invited to this exciting event featuring interactive dialogue between the Jewish, Muslim and Catholic Christian faith traditions regarding religious afterlife. Presentations will include end-of-life rituals related to the faith communities. After the formal presentations, questions submitted from the audience will be answered. Featured presenters: Rabbi Brian Michelson Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom Rev. Phillip Rodgers St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church Shaykh Yahya Rhodus Islamic teacher and lecturer - Al-Maqasid Institute, Allentown

The Evening’s MC - Jo Painter

Information about the event can be found on our public Facebook page. Simply search for “A Common Heart” or call 610-796-8371 for more information (Holleran Center for Community Engagement - Alvernia University) Program done in partnership with:

IC CEN M T A E L R Reform S

I •

Church of • O Congregation F A P St. Benedict R , Oheb Sholom EADING www.ICORPA.org www.alvernia.edu www.ohebsholom.org www.churchofsaintbenedict.com Page 8 SHALOM February 2016 Congregational News A Jewish leap year

By Rabbi Yosef Lipsker relation to a full year, but its months seven leap years, and the calendars with Adar 1! Chabad Center of Berks County are not. They are randomly selected gradually adjust themselves until Why? In a typical year, to fit in with this yearly cycle. they are once again in perfect sync. There is a tradition that the Purim we would now be A lunar month has just over 29½ The question is: granted, we story took place in a leap year and actively preparing days. Since it would be confusing to require an extra month every three that the miracle happened in the for the arrival of change the date after half a day, we years or so, but why was the month second month of Adar. the exciting and fun combine two months, which gives of Adar, the 12th month, specifically The Megillah (as mentioned festival of Purim. us a figure of 59. We then create designated to be doubled? Why above) relates that the miracle took We would also be one month with 30 days, while the not add a new month at a different place in the 12th month. Since it was casting anxious eyes next one will have 29 days. This juncture in the calendar? in the second month of Adar, we see on the calendar, format is used throughout the year The answer is based on a verse that the second month (ostensibly gearing up for the — one month 30, one month 29. The from the Book of Esther — the number 13) is still considered as “Big Clean” as Passover begins to total number of days in the Jewish Megillah. Recounting the story of number 12. appear on the horizon. calendar year is: 29½ x 12 = 354. Purim, it reminds us that it took place There is one further reason for But this is not a normal year, it is a A full calendar year, however, has “in the 12th month — the month of Adar being chosen to be doubled. leap year in the Jewish calendar. All 365 days. This means the Jewish Adar” [Esther. 3, 7 - and others]. The The zodiac sign for Adar is fish plans are now on hold for one extra calendar year is annually dropping Megillah is emphatic and unequivocal (Pisces). One reason for this is that month. Let’s examine the history behind the solar one by 11 days. It that Adar is the 12th month. the Jewish people are compared to behind it. wouldn’t be such a big deal, except If we introduce the additional fish. Just as fish are dependent on A Jewish calendar year is that we are instructed to ensure the month elsewhere in the year, all water for their survival, so too the primarily lunar based. This provides integrity of the various festivals, the subsequent months would be Jewish nation is dependent on Torah an accurate month, since it is linked particularly Passover, which must bumped forward, and Adar would (compared to water that one can’t live to the reappearance of the moon be observed in the spring. Some not be month number 12. By adding without) to survive. every month. But it does not give adjustment is in order; otherwise the extra month when we do, Adar is Adar alone has a zodiac sign us an accurate year — with all the Passover will be celebrated in the always number 12. which is plural — 2 fish. All other seasons factored in — and we simply middle of the winter! There is something even more months have signs which are single, add up 12 months and declare it as This is where the extra month amazing. Though there are 13 months but Adar has 2. The implication is a complete year. plays a prominent role. By inserting in a leap year, the extra month is not clear — Adar is the month which is The secular calendar, which is its 30 days, we peg back some of considered number 13. Adar 2 is also to be doubled, and which would be a solar based, is more accurate in the deficit. Over 19 years, there are recognized as the 12th month, along harbinger of double blessings. Amen! Local group heading to AIPAC LOCAL CONGREGATIONS AND SERVICE TIMES Kesher Zion’s Rabbi Matt many educational sessions and KESHER ZION SYNAGOGUE (610) 374-1763 Abelson is organizing a delegation more. Weekly services Saturdays: 9:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. from Reading to attend the AIPAC The conference culminates with Friday Evening Service – Please call for service information Policy Conference March 20-22 in the opportunity for delegates to Washington. All members of the lobby members of Congress in REFORM CONGREGATION OHEB SHOLOM (610) 375-6034 Jewish community, affiliated and support of legislation that enhances Friday, Feb. 6: 6 p.m. Shabbat service. unaffiliated, are welcome to join the relationship between the United Fridays, Feb. 13, 20 and 27: Shabbat service, 7:45 p.m. him. States and Israel. Saturday, Feb. 20: Tot Shabbat,10 a.m. The conference is the largest Members of the local delegation CHABAD CENTER OF BERKS COUNTY (610) 921-0881 gathering of America’s pro-Israel will have the opportunity to speak Saturday mornings: 9:30 a.m.; Friday evenings: 6:30 p.m. community. Share with 16,000 other directly with Sens. Bob Casey Jr. pro-Israel activists, three powerful and Pat Toomey, and Reps. Joseph CONGREGATION SHOMREI HABRITH days packed with keynote speeches R. Pitts or Ryan A. Costello or to by American and Israeli leaders, their top aides. demonstrations of ground breaking For more information, contact Israeli innovations, inspiring stories Rabbi Abelson at 610-374-1763 or February ✡Shevat/Adar from families and individuals, and visit www.policyconference.org.

Shabbat Candle Lightings Torah Portions

February 5 February 5/Shevat 26 introduce your child 5:09 p.m. Mishpatim (Exodus 21: 1-24:18) to the joy of shabbat!

February 12 February 12/Adar I 3 5:17 p.m. Terumah (Exodus 25: 1-27:19)

February 19 February 19/Adar I 10 5:26 p.m. Tetzaveh (Exodus 27: 20-30:10) Tot

February 26 February 26/Adar I 17 5:34 p.m. Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35)

Shabbatjoin us for tot shabbat, Saturday, 2/20/16 at 10:00 am a musical, story-filled Saturday, 3/19/16 at 10:00 am SAVE THE DATE shabbat morning experience geared towards families with Saturday, 4/9/16 at 10:00 am REFORM BALIS young children through Saturday, 5/14/16 at 10:00 am CONGREGATION AWARD grade 2. bring your family OHEB SHOLOM DINNER and friends to celebrate Tot Shabbat services are held Saturday mornings at 10:00 am FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THE with rabbi michelson, and at Reform Congregation Oheb FIFTH ANNUAL RUTH & IRVIN BALIS stay for a pint-size oneg VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION AWARD TO: Sholom, 555 Warwick Drive, of juice, challah, and child Wyomissing, PA 19610 JACK GERNSHEIMER & friendly treats. ohebsholom.org JEFF GERNSHEIMER Members & non-members are invited! No registration is required. SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2016 Please call the Temple office, 610.375.6034, with any questions. COCKTAILS AT 6:00 PM DINNER AT 7:00 PM February 2016 SHALOM Page 9 Ancient inscription points to Jewish past for early Christian site The Times of Israel in the New Testament and Talmud expert in ancient inscriptions who studied The fact that it was carved into When Haifa University archaeologist was Jewish. Digs this month at the the slab on site, said the text was a standard expensive stone, rather than embedded Haim Cohen called the head of the Golan previously obscure site yielded a village kind of dedicatory text from a synagogue, in a mosaic floor as was common in that Heights regional council Eli Malka in with a large public building — possibly dismissing as unlikely the possibility that period, was even more remarkable, Cohen December, he said he had a Hanukkah a synagogue — and an enormous inner it was from a Judeo-Christian house of said. present for him. harbor for large ships. worship. “There’s been nothing like this before. “The good news: We’ve found a More impressive, however, were The script used in the text was We didn’t know something like this new 1,600-year-old Jewish settlement seven lines of Hebrew and Aramaic text highly reminiscent of the Trumpeting existed,” he said, calling the discovery on the shores of the Sea of Galilee,” carved into a large slab of imported Greek Place inscription found at the base of of Kursi’s Jewish history“an exceptional the archaeologist recounted in a phone marble. It includes the words “marmaria,” Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, suggesting accomplishment.” interview with The Times of Israel. “The “amen,” “the holy king” and “the merciful,” the preservation of highly skilled Hebrew The site is associated with the account bad news: They haven’t been paying researchers said. masons over the centuries. While it likely in the Gospels of Jesus exorcising the municipal taxes.” Cohen was reluctant to reveal much dates to around the 4th or 5th centuries Gerasene demoniac, casting the demons Cohen’s team recently unearthed about the inscription until experts had a CE, the village probably predates it by into a herd of pigs. Early Christians a monumental Hebrew inscription at chance to study the text more thoroughly. centuries. venerated the place and established a Kursi, on the eastern side of the Sea of He did suggest, however, that “marmaria” Part of a Hebrew and Aramaic inscription monastery there. The remains of the Galilee on the Golan Heights, providing could refer either to a type of marble, or on a marble slab found on the shores of the monastery were found in 1970 during the conclusive evidence that the Roman- — more intriguingly — “the rabbi of Mary.” Sea of Galilee at the Byzantine Jewish site construction of a road, and excavated in and Byzantine-era town mentioned Haggai Misgav, a Hebrew University of Kursi. (University of Haifa) the years following. Nuclear research group appoints 3 Israelis to senior positions Haaretz strengthen Israel’s scientific ties with the committee. Marzel, who is director CERN in December 2013 with wall-to- Two years after Israel became a organization. general of the state comptroller’s office, wall support by the member countries, full member of CERN, the European His appointment at this time is not was appointed a member of CERN’s among other reasons due to behind-the- Organization for Nuclear Research in sealed, because representatives of the oversight committee. scenes diplomacy. It thus became the Switzerland and home to the world’s 21 countries on the council must approve Neither of the latter two positions are 21st member of the council and the first largest particle accelerator, three Israeli the appointment. salaried. one outside Europe. In January 2014, scientists have been appointed to senior “I regard this as recognition of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu CERN held a ceremony at which the positions in the center. scientific importance, especially in congratulated the Foreign Ministry Israeli flag was raised alongside those CERN’s council approved the a period that is not easy for Israel in on his Facebook page for the of the 20 European member countries. appointment of Prof. Eliezer Rabinovici Europe,” Rabinovici told Haaretz. The appointments, saying that the hard work This marked the culmination of efforts as vice president of the institution. two other Israelis appointed to senior of quiet diplomacy had let to the three that began as far back as the early 1980s. Rabinovici, on the faculty of the Racah positions are Prof. Yossi Nir and Eli appointments. The change in Israel’s status costs Institute of the Hebrew University of Marzel. Dozens of Israeli scientists are Israel some 50 million shekels (about Jerusalem, as well as chairman of the Nir, who is dean of the Physics involved in particle acceleration $13 million) but it brings with it quite a few Israeli Academy of Science’s National Faculty and head of the Center for experiments in Israel, but this is the first advantages, from prestige and scientific Committee for High Energy Physics, has Experimental Physics at the Weizmann time Israelis have been appointed to recognition to greater access to the most served for years as Israel’s representative Institute of Science in Rehovot, was official positions at CERN. advanced research facilities and greater to CERN and has worked extensively to appointed a member of CERN’s scientific Israel was accepted as a member of access for Israeli firms. Sowing seeds of success on Ethiopian farms Israel21c.com changes to their traditional practices. his tomatoes at excellent prices,” reports “That was my first IP asset in Fair Ethiopian farmer Nuri Awel was quite Awel was so skeptical, in fact, that at first Fair Planet founder Shoshan Haran. Planet. Then we got other seed partners skeptical about the Israeli project Fair he was lax about following the training “Nuri doubled his annual income from on board to help us choose the right Planet, a nonprofit that gives smallholder recommendations. But once he saw the his 1,000-square-meter plot and is using seeds for the local conditions of the farmers access to cutting-edge seed quality of the new plants, he became an the money to fix his house and send his farmers we work with. We have to technology and shows them how to get enthusiastic follower. son to college. One year later, Nuri has consider soil, climate, plant diseases and the most from these seeds with minimal “His yield was fantastic and he sold tripled his plot, bought more seeds and is local agricultural practices, for example.” implementing everything we taught him.” Haran registered the nonprofit in One organization can have a profound Israel in 2012, taking on Alon Haberfeld There’s No Telling How Far Our effect on the cycle of poverty, says Haran, as Fair Planet’s technology manager. Wellness-Focused Lifestyle Will Take You... whose kibbutz upbringing instilled a He holds a PhD in genetics and an strong sense of social awareness. MBA from the Hebrew University, After earning her first degree in was a research scientist at the agriculture at the Hebrew University’s government’s Volcani Institute and Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, was a plant breeder, product manager Food and Environment in Rehovot, and marketing manager at Hazera she worked the fields on her Negev Genetics. The team also includes kibbutz for 12 years before returning for Chairman Amnon Tamir, production and a doctorate in plant protection followed marketing specialists Erez Gozan and by a Fulbright post-doctoral fellowship at Avi Einstein, and lead adviser Orlando Rutgers University in New Jersey. de Ponti from The Netherlands. “When I came back to Israel in “We all worked on a voluntary basis 1999 I joined Hazera, the largest seed for three years until we raised money,” company in Israel, as head of research says Haran. collaborations and intellectual property,” Fair Planet focused first on famine- she tells ISRAEL21c. Then she headed stricken Ethiopia, in cooperation with the Trait Exploration and Discovery Unit, the universities as well as local experts and after Hazera was bought by the and the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture. French company Limagrain, she led its Vegetables here are grown in open fields Your journey to wellness starts at The Highlands. Residents don’t just Genomic Expert Group. using basic traditional methods. live well, they thrive because we offer numerous fitness classes, nutritious After 11 years of developing seeds “Seed companies develop thousands menu offerings, stimulating educational programs and a lifestyle that for feeding people and livestock, she of varieties every year for different realized that high-quality seeds could go conditions, and they share this empowers them to actively engage in their own well-being. Each day a long way toward increasing agricultural information with Fair Planet so we can residents enjoy endless opportunities to make better lifestyle choices. productivity in developing countries. narrow down to five to 10 varieties from “Their tomatoes used to be small and each company.” soft. Now they are bigger and firmer Ethiopian farmers working with Fair with a longer shelf life… This is a life- Planet can increase productivity more Schedule a personal visit changing opportunity, a tool to exit the than five times and increase income cycle of poverty.” up to eight times. “A bit of knowhow to today to see how She approached Limagrain with an support production helps them do it right Highlands’ residents live idea for a nonprofit to be managed by with better seeds. And the quality of the well … and stay well. seed professionals. “I explained that produce is much better,” says Haran. I wanted access to their seeds and “Their tomatoes used to be small and knowhow, and we’d do the work on the soft. Now they are bigger and firmer with 610-775-2300 • www.thehighlands.org ground with the farmers.” Limagrain a longer shelf life, and can be marketed 2000 Cambridge Ave • Wyomissing, PA 19610 agreed, so next she went to Hazera CEO to a higher-end markets in a wider Rami Dar to hand in her resignation. Dar window of time. This is a life-changing A member of Reading Health System provided Haran with a letter of intent in opportunity, a tool to exit the cycle of support of her new initiative. poverty.” Page 10 SHALOM February 2016 Liberal Arabs developing culture of their own in Haifa The New York Times recently reported feminist and gay-friendly. get out in this city on a steep coastal hill, to escape the constraints of conservative on interesting developments in Haifa, Arabs make up a fifth of Israel’s with Jews tending to live on its heights and Arab communities but also to be among where a hipster Palestinian culture is population of 8 million. Unlike conservative Arabs by the sea. The once working-class their own people. The Times noted that Haifa taking shape. Palestinian populations in other parts of city of 280,000 has several universities provides a refuge for liberal Palestinians who Though similar to Israeli counterparts the country, the Times reported, many in and has embraced its diversity. The want not only to escape the constraints of in Tel Aviv, they have developed a Haifa offer a striking secular counterpoint. 30,000 Arab residents, around 10 percent conservative Arab communities but to be Page  Shalomdistinctly Arab identity that is secular, It is easy for young, singleMarch people 2010 to of the population, include equal numbers among their own people. of Muslims and Christians, and they are For some, the blossoming Palestinian generally wealthier and better educated scene in Haifa is reminiscent of the city Jewish FamilyJerusalem Service discoveries prove than Arabs elsewhere in Israel. during British rule, when a lively Arab cultural This makes Haifa a comfortable place life flourished. Much of that ended in 1948 Discussion of addiction important tocity’s all historic Jewish ties for liberal Palestinians who want not only with the war in which Israel was established. JPost.com the discovery of an unprecedented By Sari Incledon, M. Ed. will not be limited to issues dealing with Others)Challenges provided theto followingthe inexorable statistics. impressionFor every of King person Hezekiah’s who royal has seal a Israeli relief team helps We invite the entire adolescents. Drug and alcohol abuse is connectionAccording to of Dr. Jews Jay Holder,to Jerusalem Medical fromsubstance the First abuseTemple period,problem, dating several back community to attend a a problem for all age groups, and we all haveDirector been and unequivocally founder of the disproved Exodus toothers 727-698 are BCE. affected. Those affected flood victims in Great Britain program Jewish Family need to know more about it. byTreatment archaeological Center in discoveries, Miami, chemical the mayThe be antiquity spouses, was parents, unearthed children, during Service is sponsoring: In a recent article, “Overcoming chairwomandependency is ofthe thenumber US’s one House secret thesiblings, capital’s grandparents noted Ophel excavations,– all are hurt at Jewish Chronicle in the wake of an EF3 tornado that ripped “What Every Family Denial” (Na’amat Woman Winter 2009/10) Subcommitteein the Jewish community.on the Middle Reportedly, East & thein differentfoot of the ways.southern What wall canof the we Temple as a Israeli aid volunteers were welcomed through the state. Needs to Know about Barbara Trainin Blank wrote: “Alcohol and Northup to Africa50 percent said on of the patient floor populations of the U.S. Mount,communal under organization the direction doof the to addressHebrew with open arms upon arrival in the UK The Israel-based humanitarian Alcohol and Drug chemical dependency don’t discriminate, Housein some of Representativesresidential treatment in December. centers Universitythe problem? of Jerusalem’s Awareness Dr. is anEilat important Mazar. in early January to assist flood victims, relief agency has also partaken in US Abuse & Addiction: An affecting Jews and non-Jews alike, and areThe Jews comments, – as are made 20 percent by Rep. of Ileana those first“This step marks and thewe invite first timeeveryone that ain seal the according to an IsraAID statement Heavy disaster relief following floods in Denver, Interactive Dialogue women as much as men. Addiction Ros-Lehtinencalling national (R-Fla.), drug hot representedlines (yet Jews a impressioncommunity of anto Israeliteshare questions or Judean kingand rain and high winds battered England, Wimberley (Texas), and Detroit, hurricanes with David Rotenberg.” and alcoholism can be found in every sharpcomprise rebuke less to than increasing 3 percent international of the U.S. hasconcerns ever been at our discovered above mentionedwithin the Ireland and Scotland, causing devastating in Oklahoma, New York and New Orleans, This program will be held Wednesday, socioeconomic and religious segment of effortspopulation). to delegitimize Chemical Israel’s dependency connection is the contextprogram of onan Aprilarcheological 28. excavation,” damage to many communities. and wild fires in Washington, among other April 28 at 7 p.m. at the JCC. the Jewish community”. tothird Jerusalem leading killer despite in the numerous U.S. It is also relics an Ros-LehtinenOur program said on isthe free, House though floor. “The first team were greeted by locals sites. David is the executive director of An article on the JACS Web recentlyunreported unearthed and/or unknownproving ancontributor ancient reservations“It proves thatare notrequested. only is IsraelFor more the with open hands and are now mapping the “We have responded to 10 floods and Adolescent Youth Services at Caron site (Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Jewishto deaths presence caused there. by car accidents, heart religiousinformation, center call for Sari Jews, at it610-921- is their workloads which would include distribution tornado disasters in the US and when we Foundation, however his presentation Dependent Persons and Significant attacks,“For quitesuicides some and strokes.time, there has ancestral0624. and historic homeland.” of goods and gutting houses helping saw what was happening to the UK in the been an effort at the United Nations Moreover, Ros-Lehtinen said that people repair their homes,” said Shachar news it looked worse than ever before. We BERKS ENCORE PROVIDES FREE TAX PREPARATION to delegitimizeVolunteer the Jewish OpportunitiesState of the recent Available archeological – find, among Zahavi, founding director of IsraAid. wanted to show the community we would FROM TRAINED VOLUNTEERS Israel, andJewish to try Family to whitewash Service seeks the volunteersmany others to help which our have seniors illustrated A team of four IsraAID volunteers be there for them,” Zahavi told the Jewish Jewish peoples’ historicalwith grocery and Biblical shopping Jewish and other heritage errands. in the capital, led the arrived in Leeds to survey the damage Chronicle. connection to Israel,” said Ros-Lehtinen. congresswoman to plan an upcoming visit Was your household income less than $50,000 in 2009? If you have some time, call Sari or Carole at 610-921-0624. there and help residents with home repairs. Zahavi said another team of five Israeli “Denying the historic connection of to Israel to see the discoveries for herself. The Israeli relief team also distributed food volunteers left Israel today for the northern Household income may be higher in some cases, the Jewish people to Jerusalem is false. “I look forward to visiting the and warm blankets to those in need. UK to help map the situation. but call 610-374-3195 for more details. Amazing archaeologicalJewish discoveries Family are ServiceCity of David thanks in the near future, to IsraAID has extensive expertise at “Our volunteers will assist with the Call today to schedule an appointment from now until April 15. frequently made that prove the roots of see firsthand the rich history of the gutting flood-damaged homes and helping current effort being carried out and use the Jewish people areDr. in Israel.” Jeffrey BlankJewish people,”D.D.S. said Ros-Lehtinen, to rebuild them. In July 2015, an Israeli our experience in these disasters to work The impetus for her address reportedly former chairwoman of the House Berks Encore, 40 N. Ninth St., 610-374-3195 for providing professional services to our client. volunteer team helped gut and fix some of out what more we can do and how,” he stemmed from an announcement of Foreign Affairs Committee. the 375 homes in need of repair in Illinois told the JC. Enjoy Tax Benefits While Contributing to BERKS ENCORE RECEIVES AWARDS Israeli biomed’s novel technology Jewish Family Service Vehicle Donation Program Congratulations to Berks Encore employees Carolyn Krebs could provide cure for diabetes and Martha Sitler for receiving one of the Social Security think,” Mitrani tells ISRAEL21c. Administrations highest awards for their providing the public with Call Sari at 610-921-0624, Israel 21c.com Call Sari at In people with type 1 diabetes, “Providing insulin is easy, but information covering Social Security issues. e-mail [email protected] the insulin-producing beta cells of regulating insulin has proven 610-921-0624or go to the pancreas don’t function properly. very difficult because regulation Berks Encore enables older adults to achieve a better quality of www.charitableautoresources.com Daily injections or infusions of insulin requires many different sensors life by providing a comprehensive program of services, referrals, or email are necessary to regulate energy- in the beta cells.” education and advocacy. For more information call Berks Encore [email protected] producing glucose absorption in all Findings from Mitrani’s lab show at 610-374-3195 or visit them at www.Berksencorepa.org the body’s cells. that beta cells derived from EMP- Doctors know how to implant supported islets function similarly to type 1 patients with donor islets freshly dissected pancreatic islets full of healthy beta cells, but they in the lab. They continue to secrete  LivingCHaBad LuB awithVitCH oF Reading Loss B”H cannot keep the transplanted cells insulin in a regulated manner and in  inViteS you to from failing within a matter of days. levels comparable to fresh islets for formerly Bereavement Group Unfortunately, half of all transplanted more than three months, whereas patients are back on insulin injections beta cells not supported by a scaffold Mondays, March  and 22, 3:00- 4:30 p.m. one year later, and 90 percent revert function for about two days. to insulin dependency within five When transplanted into suitable 2131_Shalom_ad:LayoutFor more information1 9/8/09 11:57 AM Pagecall 1 Sari at 610-921-0624 years. hosts, EMPs connect quickly with the Israeli biotech company Betalin body’s vascular system, and because Therapeutics is developing an of their microscopic size they can A f f i n i t y B a n k P A . c o m engineered micro-pancreas (EMP) receive the natural amounts of of that can sustain significant levels of nutrients and gases needed to survive a community-wide mega challa bake glucose-regulated insulin secretion through diffusion. “Connecting to from transplanted beta cells. the network” is essential for proper If this tissue-engineering glucose sensing and efficient insulin breakthrough proves effective in secretion. Loaves human trials, it has the potential to As opposed to artificial pancreases  Memorable cure, rather than only control, type that cannot function to the same  Banking the WaMemorableexperiencey Lovefor mothers & experience 1 and even severe forms of type 2 degree as a natural pancreas, daughters of all for mothers & diabetes. Betalin’s micro-scaffold technology daughtersages! of all ages! The essence of the EMP is a micro enables creating an actual micro- It Should Be. biological scaffold that is added to the pancreas, in all its natural complexity, sunday, february 21, 2016 · 2:00 - 5:30 pm donor islets before implantation. It in the laboratory. Chabad - 2320 Hampden Blvd, Reading uniquely supports the cells’ survival, “We now are doing whatever is Now open in Exeter. leading to long-term functionality, necessary to comply with regulatory says Prof. Eduardo Mitrani, who agencies in the United States and engineered the EMP in the department Canada,” says Mitrani. Make your own Challah Prtheo secretduc tot greats t htastingat the beauty of this of cell and developmental biology at “We are already in conversation and pass on a loaf of love Challah. Chana’s recipe tradition unique to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and submitting data to the FDA, Jointo another (loaves will be mLearnwilla beke given s outen alongse , Discoverwomen. given to the food-bank and other with other ideas. and now chairs Betalin’s scientific which will determine what needs to organizations) serRafflevic drawinge that advisory board. be done to start our first human trials “The main problem we have within a year,” Mitrani added. makeCover:s fr $15iends. in developing new treatments In anticipation of clinical trials, RSVP is a must by February 15 to [email protected] or 610-334-1577 for diabetes is that diabetes is Betalin has begun a financing round far more complicated than we of $2.5 million from private investors.

WYOMISSING | READING SINKING SPRING | MUHLENBERG | EXETER

610.898.7700 Page  Shalom March 2010 Community News Obituaries

Lucy Suzanne Knoblauch L. (Sulman) Moyer. He is also survived Zeidman, 96, Wyomissing. by his daughters, Aileen D., widow Surviving are a son, Bruce F., of Neal H. Endy, of Pennside, and E. husband of Geraldine L. Zeidman, of Roxanne, wife of Les Walker, of Batavia Shillington; a brother, Harry Knoblauch, Ohio; sons, Stan B. , husband of Kristine husband of Edith Knoblauch, of Reading; K. Moyer, of Sinking Spring and Jay a sister, Ruth Balis of Wyomissing; and H., husband of Margaret R. Moyer, of several nieces and nephews. Muhlenberg Township. Other survivors --- are grandchildren: Brett A. Endy, Chad Irene S. Zeidman, 62, Wyomissing. M. Endy and Elizabeth K. Moyer; and She is survived by her brother Bruce great-grandchildren, Carson N., Logan Images from F., husband of Geraldine L. Zeidman C., Ardyn N. and Ava L. Endy of Shillington. --- Yemin Orde --- Shirley Robinson of B’nai B’rith Area resident and recent college Robert Berger, 54, Reading. Apartments. Survived by her Friendship graduate Jessica Flamholz sent us He was the former spouse of Lea Circle friends. these pictures from her recent visit Berger, Reading. He is survived by --- to Yemin Orde, an Israeli village two daughters, Molly R. Berger, State Louis Malamud, 95, formerly for children and youth supported College, and Bethany S. Berger, of Temple. He is survived by a son, February 2016 by our Federation. SHALOMReading; and one brother, Dr. Barry M. Mitchel, husband of Laura PageMalamud, 11 Berger, husband of Kathleen A. Vieweg, of Las Vegas; grandchildren Barry GardeningBoston, Mass. with Vicky husband of Johna Malamud, Deborah All Around the Town______--- Babbit-Malamud and Sheri Malamud; David Moyer,Is 85, Reading. it springand great-grandchildren: yet? Jessy Babbit, By MazelJoan G.Tov Friedman to great grandma Miriam Tucson,Badal, whoAz. andhas daughterreceived theMarnie honor and of He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Carly Malmud and Ian Malamud. FogelmanCongratulations, grandparents to Korey Larry Blanck and Stevebeing chosenStiglitz asof Californiathe Child Advocateon the birth of By Vicky Sokoloff Shelleyand to Edith Fogelman Blanck and on theto parentsbirth of ofthe their Year daughter for the State Yara of Liana. Pennsylvania. Dec. 22 — the shortest day of the Laurentheir new and granddaughter Joshua Valentine and ongreat- the ****** year.Plan I stepped for your outside, Bar/Bat and without Mitzvah & Wedding Guests! birthgranddaughter! of Joseph William Valentine. CongratulationsBest wishes to our to grandparentsBerks County a coat, to see that the iris are putting ****** Franathletes and competing Burt Krieger in the and 2010 parents Maccabi Stef out new growth, the butterfly bushes MazelMazel Tovtov to to the Gaye Bluestone and FamilyGlenn: andGames: Mike Epstein on the birth of Simone Shalom Newspaper (Joan Friedman) are covered with young leaves, the CorbinTo David and and Boris Marianna Corbin on on their the birthnew CamilleEmily in &San Jared Diego. Baksic, swimming jasmine is blooming & the willow tree 5” (2 col.) x 7” ofdaughter their grandson/great-grandson and to grandparents Eric Maxand Andrew Blickle, basketball We love good news about members has new pussys. All these signs of CorbinMarissa. Leybovich, son of Alyse and Rich Matthew Eisenberg, swimming Questions? of our community! Please share it by spring made me wonder, “How do Leybovich of N.J. *** Hannah and Alexis Glassmire, emailing [email protected]. plants know when it’s really spring?” Contact Jodi Gibble, Marketing Director Congratulations*** to Charles and swimming A number of possibilities crossed BrendaCongratulations Diamond on to the grandparents engagement Brandon Missan, soccer READING The Highlands at Wyomissing my mind: temperature, hours of Jasmine blooming on Dec. 22 Ireneof their and son Ellis Brett Friedman and to grandfather, now living Alin Until next time: Shalom! 2801 Papermill Road 2000 Cambridge Ave., Wyomissing, PA 1910 Diamond. daylight,Wyomissing, degree Pennsylvania days, cold followed is said to be dormant. Each plant by warmth, or some type of internal species has its own requirement for10-288-3405 Obituaries*** OttoUntil was an next Army time:veteran, Shalom! and served Mazel Tov to Rosalind Hyman and during[Email World all yourWar simchaII, where news he received to joan@ clock.GROUP Or is RATES the old AVAILABLE saying really true: time spent in the chill period. Once her Leonarddaughter, R. Attorney. Kantor, 82,Cathy of Reading. Hyman thefriedman.net] Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, April showers bring May flowers. the required number of chill hours are Len was an Army veteran of the Korean two Purple Hearts and World War II WhatCall roleAlice does for amoisture Site Tour play? So reached, ABA begins to break down. War. He is survived by his wife Nancy Victory Ribbon. He was the former began my research. Some of what At this point warm temperatures and KEEP UP WITH THE COMMUNITY I found was logical; some quite more hours of sunlight will trigger Irene(Steele) Kantor, his children; owner of Keystone Container Company, (610) 736-2082 ✦ www.reading.homewoodsuites.com SherryVisit Kantor of www.readingjewishcommunity.org Maryland, Philip Kantor Inc. Otto is survived by his wife, Doreen, surprising. spring growth. and his wife Amanda of Massachusetts, a son Gary Lefkowith; a daughter Nancy Because plants depend on bees, For bulbs planted underground, and Eric Kantor of Maryland. Cabrera and two stepdaughters; Robin insects and birds for pollination, it’s this is precisely how it knows to begin Other survivors include his two Riegel and Kelly Witwer. Other survivors vital for flowering to coincide with the inching upward. The growth inhibitor stepchildren Kevin and Scott Hoyt and include two granddaughters, two step- time that pollinators are in the area. is no longer present in a high- six grandchildren. grandsons, step-great-grandchildren, Frost will kill most buds, so trees enough quantity to stop growth. Ever --- his many numerous nieces and nephews don’tII want hadtohad flower too early. nonowonder idea! idea!how a particular perennial Otto S. Lefkowithou’ve, 89,worked of Kenhorst. hard to accumulateand a brother your Dr. Edwin wealth. Lefkowith. WeObservation hear this tellsagain us and that again flowers from could residents emerge of so The quickly Highlands. once the Trust it to someone who will work even harder to and trees usually know when to open frost leaves the ground? The same Y their buds or start flowering. But principle• People applies: are theso friendly. growth inhibitor grow your assets and provide you with peace of mind the exact way that plants recognize is no longer• There’s present. so much for me to do. Take a hike for coexistence • I love the independence and as you plan for the future. From financial planning and spring has led to much speculation To complete the breaking of and now scientific research. dormancy,privacy as at Thethe Highlands. surrounding Israel21c.com sides of the Middle East — the sides of investment management to custom credit solutions, A plant’s dormant cycle begins soil and• I don’tair beginworry aboutto warm, my future. more TEcoPeace Middle East (formerly landscapes, travel and friendship.” in autumn, when daylight hours hormones kick in. Growth hormones Friends of thedeposit Earth productsMiddle East) and – more.an ClermontEcoPeace Wealth leaves theStrategies running of the • Dining is like a fine restaurant. shorten and temperatures drop. are responsible for both stem organization of Jordanian, Palestinian tours to the operators, but will follow up • My kids are so glad I’m here. – personal, focused and highly confidential. It’s believed that during the fall, a elongation and cell division. For all and Israeli environmentalists – brought from its offices in Tel Aviv, Amman and • I feel like I’m at a resort. growth inhibitor hormone called ABA plant material — bulbs, perennials, together tour operators and guides Bethlehem to gauge how they’re going. builds up in the plant as it goes into trees, shrubs• This was and a smartgerminating and valuable seeds from the three populations to create The cost of the tours depends on the dormancy, causing growth to halt. — thesefinancial hormones decision. are crucial for the guided treks that each traverse Israeli, number of people participating. During this slowing-down process, development• They do of things stems, first leaves, class. roots PalestinianFinancial Authority Planning and Jordanian ComprehensiveThe eight-day Investment Cross-Border Management Jordan the food manufactured and housed and flowers.• I wish I’d moved here sooner. territory. Valley Hiking Itinerary begins with a Custom Credit Solutions Bank Deposit & Convenience Products in the leaves during the growing As •the I love motherit here! of a avian The unprecedented tourism Palestinian Arab guide in the Auja Valley Wealth Preservation & Transfer Services Retirement Planning season moves down into the root veterinarian I am used to telling collaboration, seed funded by the United and proceeds to Wadi Qelt, Jericho, Fasail zone, converts to starch and is people that birds are a lot smarter States Agency for Development (USAID), and Wadi Al-Jaheer. An Israel guide will stored for winter. At the same time, than most people give them credit aims to promote cooperative efforts “to take over as the group continues to Come tour The Highlands. physiological changes are occurring for. Now it seems plants are pretty protect our shared environmental heritage” Kibbutz Ashdot Ya’acov, Nahal Tzivon, inside eachFind cell out to first keep hand the plant why itsmart, is the too. best So allplace across for nature there while giving business opportunities to Nahal Dishon and the Druze village of from freezing. retirement areliving. things happening that are vital tourism professionals in CallLERMONT three areas,W EALPeki’in.TH STRA A JordanianTEGIES guide will lead the Once all these stages are complete to our survival and we hardly ever according to the organization. ATfinal leg to the Sharhabil Bin Hassneh and the temperature remains near notice how remarkable it all is until Mira Edelstein, Jordan River Projects Ecopark, climbing and rappelling on the If you’re exploring options and choices freezing for a length of time, the plant something goes wrong. Coordinator for EcoPeace Middle East, tells Dalieh cliff, hiking to the Ziglab Dam and for your retirement years, be sure to call ISRAEL21c that the cross-border tourism trekking in Khirbet Zilmeh and Tibnehs. us for a tour. You too can be a part of project is a unique example of regional The eight-day Eco-Hike of the Holy this wonderful lifestyle. We have every- cooperation.“We involved 150 individual1.866.332.8393 Land ([email protected]) thing from a studio apartment to gracious tour operators and guides on 15 tours begins at Kibbutz Tzuba and goes cottages. We would love to meet you throughout this year, and thenclermontwealth.com we asked to Sataf, Wadi Sorek and Ein Karem and answer your questions. them to sit together and build itineraries for before ascending the hills of Jerusalem sellable tours, incorporating ‘green’ vendors to see the capital city’s Christian sites. Securities and Insurance Products: wherever possible,”Not sheFDIC-Insured says. •“We Not Insured are byThe any Federal hikers Government will go toAgency Wadi Qelt, the Auja Call for lunch and a tour today. proud to reveal the bestNo Financial sides Institution of the Middle Guarantee •Eco May Centerlose value and• Not thea deposit towns of Sanur and 10-775-2300 East — the sides of landscapes, travel and Sebastia before crossing into Jordan to EQUAL HOUSING www.thehighlands.org friendship.”Block quote: visit the Ajloun Castle, Orjan, Petra and OPPORTUNITY +++++ The result of those efforts is two Amman. hiking trails, a biking trail and a walking The 10-day Pedaling Co-Existence tour. Aside from Jerusalem, the guided tour begins in Nazareth and includes tours mostly cover parks and small Mount Tabor, the Jezreel Valley, Lake villages where participants can meet Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), the Jordan local residents. Guides from each sector River, Kibbutz Ma’agan, Beit She’an and will lead the parts of the trips in their own the Gan Hashlosha (Sakhne) spring. In territories. Jordan, the cyclists will pedal through On September 3, representatives of the Jordan Rift Valley, the ancient Roman 25 European tourism agencies joined city of Pella, Madaba, Mount Nebo, the Deputy Regional Cooperation Minister Dead Sea and Petra. Crossing back over Ayoub Kara, a Druze Israeli, for the the Allenby Bridge, they will then join a official launch of the cross-border initiative Palestinian guide to tour the Auja Eco in Tzur Hadassah, 12 miles west of Center, Jericho, Jerusalem, Bethlehem Jerusalem. “I believe that tourism is one and Battir; and then an Israeli guide of the keys to good neighborly relations,” will lead them through the Judean Hills Kara said at the ceremony. “Therefore, andBeit Guvrin National Park before the Regional Cooperation Ministry and I ending in Jerusalem’s Old City. have begun to examine the idea of giving The 10-day Nature and Culture tourists from Arab states the possibility of Itinerary includes Old Jaffa, Bethlehem, passing freely to Israel through Jordan, the Judean Hills, Battir, Machrur, Beit using Jordanian transfer documents.” Guvrin, the Elah Valley, Mount of Olives, EcoPeace Israel director Gidon Wadi Qelt, Ein Prat Nature Reserve, Bromberg said he expects the tours to Jericho, Auja Eco Center, Sakhne, the attract travelers from around the world. Jordan and Yarmouk Rivers, the SHE “We at EcoPeace believe that true peace EcoPark in Jordan, the Soap House in comes through regional cooperation,” he Orjan, Madaba, Wadi Mujib, the Dead said. “We are proud to reveal the best Sea, Petra and Amman. Page  12 SHALOMShalom FebruaryMay 2016 2010 JewishJewish Family Family ServiceService CarWomen donation On Their helps Own sustain an exciting JFS programs new program By Sari Incledon, M.Ed. you know might benefit from being part Berks Encore Tax Preparation 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 and Carole Robinson of a caregiver support group please call Volunteers from Berks Encore’s 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 Women On Sari or Carole at JFS at 610-921-0624. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Walker for participating www.charitableautoresources.com. On April 2 JFS sponsored a Seder at serving the meal. Generous contributions Their Own, a We would like to start this program if Program can assist families and seniors 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 community support there is enough interest in it. with incomes under $49,000. The trained program. The proceeds and more people. (In March we served residents were joined by residents of family and friends underwrote the Seder. group for women Taxi Transportation volunteers can prepare federal, state from his auctioned car 182 people in 62 households). We could Providence House and Friendship Circle Finally, thanks to the bakers of the dealing with the Did you know that JFS runs a and local tax forms as well as property will help support our not provide this important service without seniors. Boscov’s provided a delicious meal, Kesher Zion religious school and Temple unique challenges transportation program that helps tax and rent rebate forms. Please call 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 of living on their seniors and disabled people remain 610-374-3195, ext. 209 to schedule an like to learn more about time volunteers Karen Sherman and Norman extraordinaire Sheila Bornstein for furnishing with hamentashen that were distributed to own, met for the first independent? appointment. Appointments will begin 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. time on Sunday, Our Taxi program has helped hundreds Feb. 1 and continue until April 15. All six Jan. 10 at Reform of people with their transportation needs in Berks Encore locations participate in this Congregation Oheb Living withthe approximately Loss 25 years we have been program. Sholom. running it. JFS sells coupon books to seniors Medicare Mondays The 10 women Mondays, May 10 andand 24, disabled 3:00- people 4:30 who p.m. don’t drive (or limit Are you turning 65 in 2016? Come in attendance their driving). Coupon books sell for $25 and learn the basics of Medicare, how concurred with WomenFor On more Their Own information program debuts. calland Sari provide at $75 610-921-0624 worth of taxi rides. The to enroll, how you can supplement the dual purposes also agreed to create a service directory coupons are used for only one taxi company your Medicare benefits, what Medicare of the group, as for the group. They will share names – Reading Metro Taxi. Coupons can be used coverage will cost and what financial suggested by group of trustworthy handymen, plumbers, for rides to doctor’s appointments, grocery assistance is available. All sessions start organizer Sheryl electricians, landscapers, and snow shopping and attending social events. This at 6:30 p.m. To register call 610-374- Weintraub. Not removal services with each other. programWhat is supported byhappens contributions to the after3195, ext. 208 only will groupDid you know the Hampton InnWomen Wyomissing On Their is newly Own will meet the Jewish Federation and by a grant from the Feb. 22: Keystone Villa – 501 Hoch meetings berenovated? an It’s true, when yourthird family Sunday comes of the to month town, at 10:30 a.m. Uniteda Way. hospital For more information stay? call Sari Road,Blandon opportunity for socialization, members or Carole at 610-921-0624. March 28: Reading Hospital – 5th at RCOS. The next meeting is scheduled Join us for this informative seminar presented by will sustain eachwhy othercrowd with your emotional home? We havefor Sunday, a heated Feb. indoor 20. For pool, more information, Car Donation Program Avenue Conference Center and physicalcomplimentary support. Forhot breakfast,instance, andplease a good contact night’s Sherylsleep on Weintraub our at JFS Reading is part of a nationwide April 25: Rittenhouse Senior Living members canfamous drive Cloudeach other 9 bed. to doctorDid you [email protected] know that we wash (or our call the JCC.) network that accepts cars, trucks, RV’s, – 2900 Lawn Terrace, Laureldale appointments and provide an extra set of Caregiver Support boats and motorcycles for donation. May 12 (This is a Thursday): Penn ears to listencomforters to medical and advice. pillows with every Supportstay? Wouldn’t groups youcan wantprovide a wide When the vehicle is sold JFS getsThursday, State Health/St. May 20 Joseph • 11:30 Medical am Center Many yourof the loved women ones here were with very us instead range of ofworrying benefits where for you’llpeople caring the proceeds and the donor gets the atJune Manor 27: at The Market Highlands Square – 2000 interested in having a companion to go for family members with disabilities. A paperwork required by the IRS to claim Cambridge Avenue, Wyomissing to the theater andfind other room? cultural With events, the Hampton’s group can100% provide guarantee information, tips and a charitable donation. Call JFS at 610- SomeJuly patients 25: Reading require additional Hospital – 5th both locally and out of town. Theyou women can’t goemotional wrong. support. If you or someone 921-0624 for more information. careAvenue after Conference their hospital Center discharge. Planning ahead will make Hampton Inn Wyomissing things easier for you after you leave. JCC1800 PapermillIsrael Road, Wyomissing,Book PA 19560Club Living withLearn about Loss the services available 610-374-8100 for you or a loved one! Monday, Feb. 29, 3 - 4:30Please RSVP p.m. by calling at 610-373-0800.the JCC Wednesday, March 9 at 7 p.m. For more information, call Sari at 610-921-0624 at the JCC Pediatric and Adult Patients  We’ll be reading Treating Ear, Nose, Throat Problems  FREE parking in INDEPENDENT AND ASSISTED LIVING the Berks Encore “Doom to Succeed: The U.S.-Israel Relationship Thyroidparking lotNodules, NeckMeals • Housekeeping Masses • Activities& Sinusitis • Transportation located at 9th All-Inclusive Monthly Rent • No Buy-ins from Truman to Obama” and Court Street. 803Physicians: Penn Street • Reading, PA 19601 by Dennis Ross 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 Af finiJeffreytyBa S.n Driben,kPA. cM.D.,om FACS, ECNU Wearing the right clothing Scott J. Cronin, M.D. Nurse Practitioner: is so Rosemarie Montgomery  EMPOWERING!  BankMS,in CRNP,g FNP-C Help us give someone a fresh start by bringing in PROFESSIONAL CLOTHING the Way It to be donated to BERKS WOMEN IN CRISIS Thurs, Feb 25 • 12 pm Should Be. Complimentary Lunch Audiologists:

Free Mary Kay Make Over Kathleen D. Vivaldi, AuD, FAAA for first 25 attendees Melanie A. Appler, AuD, FAAA Doors Open at 11:45 am Matthew R. Bonsall, AuD, FAAA Free Parking in the Berks Encore Lot at 9th and Court Streets We are Providing diagnostic and rehabilitative services for all types of hearing loss, for any age group. Please RSVP by Feb 22 conveniently located only Hearing and Balance Disorders 1 block* from the new State of the Art Hearing Aid Fittings to Jill at 610-616-5112 DoubleTree® Hotel and In House Hearing Aid Repairs Convention Center on Penn Street!

ALL-INCLUSIVE MONTHLY RENT • NO BUY-INS Call 610-616-5112 today to schedule a tour. ENT HeadW &YO MNeckISSING |Specialists, READING PC See why so many seniors are choosing 985SINK IBerkshireNG SPRING | Blvd., MUHLEN WyomissingBERG | EXETER Manor at Market Square as their new home! 610-374-5599 • www.ent-hns.net 803 Penn Street, Reading, PA 19601 • www.manoratms.com • 610-616-5112 610.898.7700 February 2016 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 Jan. 15 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 honorShirley of: Weintraub – Kate Mohn Federation Jewish Community Campaign Sarah Simon’s engagement – Vic and Dena Hammel In honorMichael of: Clymin (Ellen Abramson’s father) – Susan and Richard D’Angelo – Cheryl and Eric Farber In honorAlma andof: Ed Lakin’s new home – Vic and Dena Hammel, Mildred & Ivan FrankBirth of Mehringer Gaye and – GlennEdith MendelsohnCorbin’s grandson – Cheryl and Eric Farber GordonDorothy Fineblum’s special birthday – Selma Cutler Birth of Ellis and Irene Friedman’s granddaughter – Cheryl and Eric Farber Sam Goodman’s engagement – Alma and Ed Lakin Birth of Fran and Burt Krieger’s granddaughter – Esta and Randy JewishAlyse Corbin’sFamily marriage Service – Carol and Bernie Gerber, Alma and Ed Lakin DorisBirth Levin of Corinne Fund and Andy Wernick’s granddaughter In honor of: Neugroschel Sue Viener’s Birthday – Yvonne & Rob Oppenheimer In memory of: – Elina and Vlad Vaysman – Esta and Randy Birth ofof SelmaJackye Cutler’s and Jim great-grandson Barrer’s grandson Jacob - Debbie Goodman and John Dr.Birth Walter of Robin Gershenfeld and Jess – Stephanie Drezner’s and granddaughter Dennis Arbige, Carole and Mike – Barbara and Seth Neugroschel MoyerBirth of Robin and Jess Drezner’s granddaughter Robinson Rosenzweig, Selma and David Levan Birth of Carol and Gordon Perlmutter’s new grandson – Debbie Goodman and In memoryShoshana of: Tannenbaum – Carole and Mike Robinson Birth of Evelyn Drezner’s great-granddaughter – Selma and David Levan John Moyer Joyce Corbin – Rob and Yvonne Oppenheimer, Susan and Michael Fromm, Birth of Corinne and Andy Wernick’s granddaughter – Barbara and Seth HolocaustCheryl and Eric Library Farber, and George Resource and Marlene Center Weiss, Anzie and Edward Golden, Rosenzweig Get well: InSusan memory and Melof: Blum, Elaine Safir, Marcia and Marc Filstein – Debbie Goodman and HaroldBirth of Leifer Laurie – Rob and and Eitan Yvonne Kilchevsky’s Oppenheimer grandson Shoshana Tannenbaum – Ken and Mary Holt, George and Sue Viener, Sue John Moyer, Barbara Nazimov Schlanger,JFS Taxi GordonTransportation and Carol Perlmutter, Program Leah Kanter-Salis, Rosemary and John Deegan,In memory Naum of: and Lyudmila Ger, Louis and Katherine Danzico, Florence and InEvelyn memory Thompson of: Nursery School Fund MarvinJoyce Segal, Corbin Vic –and Sue Dena and HerbHammel, Wachs Emma Holder, Susan Gallagher, Mildred & In memoryJoyce Corbin of: – Barbara Nazimov, Elina and Vlad Vaysman, Carol and Gordon Perlmutter,Shoshana Betsy Tannenbaum and Al Katz, – Beth Barbara and andBob SethCaster Rosenzweig Ivan Gordon, Carrie & Stephen Latman, Judy, Bob & Susan Pollack, Anna & Moisey Schneider,Evelyn Thompson Norman & Rita Nursery Wilikofsky, School Audrey Fund Williams, Alan and Esther Strauss, Alan Naden – Helene and Henry Singer JayIn honor and Evelyn of: Lipschutz, Carol and Bernie Gerber, Barbara and Seth Rosenzweig, JewishLouis FamilySyret – Berna Service Sherman, Barbara and Seth Rosenzweig JohnJoey Castrege Abramson’s and family, marriage Michael – Beth Geraci, and MaxineBob Caster & Dick Henry, Piekara Family, In honorArthur of: Levy (Eleanor Reyner’s brother) – Barbara and Seth Rosenzweig, Birth of Jackye and Jim Barrer’s grandson – Beth and Bob Caster CorinneBirth ofand Carol Andy and Wernick Gordon Perlmutter’s new grandson – Sue and George Viener, Laura Higgins Betsy and Al Katz In memory of: ChanukahBat Mitzvah Community of Fran Mendelsohn’s Campaign granddaughter – Rosalye Yashek Joyce Corbin – Beth and Bob Caster In honor of: Friendship Circle In memory of: Get well: The many dear friends and happy memories we enjoyed in Reading – Judy We would like to thank everyone for their kind expressions of sympathy andShoshana Ivan Botvin Tannenbaum – Jill and Gladys Skaist Harold Leifer – Glenn and Gaye Corbin In memory of: and generous donations made in memory of our son Louis. HolocaustAndrew Hafetz – Zena and education Harvey Hafetz spreading in Berks County Sharon & Julian Syret FirstContinued fromIsraeli Page 5 universityalso that thein students China are genuinely to focus On a on wider technology note, there have justice and Holocaust remembrance today. silence is not the reason why survivors interested in hearing their stories. I know been many recent developments in I am heartened to hear that three additional Americanare invited Technionin. Instead, Society that factor is education.my students wereThe genuinelycombination interested of the in individualHolocaust education success. in CreativityBerks County is commonschools in Berksaspiration County of will China be offering and presentThe because Technion-Israel of the immense Institute respect innovativehearing Hilde’s and story entrepreneurial and many still spirit talk theand definingthe surrounding centerpiece areas. ofWithin our Israel.these courses GTIIT for will their continue students. the fine ofstudents Technology, have for thesea global individuals leader and in ofabout Israel it now, and several the unbelievable weeks later. scale timethe past — powering month I haveus into met the with future. two traditionThough of the Technion fourth quarter in Shantou, of the science and technology education, and resources of China will result Establishingindividuals who a creative are in theparadigm process is Guangdongschool year hasProvince begun, so there as toare build still has broken ground to launch the in a great partnership… Together notof developing easy to set a Holocaustright, only course through to themany “Silicon additional Valley” opportunities in South China,” that Guangdong Technion Israel Institute we will create a major research educationbe offered andat their the rulelocal of high law canschool. we saidremain. Li IJiange, just spoke inaugural to an undergraduate President of Technology (GTIIT) in Shantou, institute that will help not only China buildOne gentlemana free and wasfair, fromfun and Lancaster fruitful ofethics the GTIIT.class at Penn State Berks China located in Guangdong and Israel, but also mankind in futureCounty. for The all,” other, said Gerry Mr. Li Evans, Ka-shing. is a regardingGTIIT thewill ethical/moral be comprised implications of three Province. general,” said Technion President teacherFor theat Hamburg Technion, High the School. GTIIT I units:of the theHolocaust. College I offound Engineering; the students the GTIIT, a historic partnership Peretz Lavie. meanshave been increased in contact globalwith two reach other Collegeto be receptive of Science; and and inquisitive the College and between the Technion and Shantou At the ceremony, President Peres andlocal stature.teachers, The Pete investment Ruckelshaus in the at ofhave Life been Science. asked to Areas deliver ofa similarstudy University, will offer high-level, said that “the establishment of a collaborationTwin Valley and willJim Koneckealso benefit at Wilson the willprogram eventually in the classes include that chemicalthe same innovative and research-oriented Technion campus in China is more researchHigh School. facilities Pete andhas infrastructureresurrected a engineering,professor also materialsteaches at engineering,Reading Area undergraduate and graduate proof that Israeli innovation is atcourse the onTechnion’s Holocaust LiteratureHaifa campus. at Twin environmentalCommunity College. engineering, education. breaking down geographic borders. ItValley, will also and itsform first an offeringanchor inis the during mechanicalAs mentioned engineering, above, Kim chemistry, Yashek, GTIIT will create not just a new China is one of Israel’s major partners Farthe current East thatfourth complements quarter. He is verythe mathematics,daughter of the physics, late local biotechnology Holocaust academic facility, but a new era of in technology and hi-tech, and there Technion’sexcited about partnership offering this with course Cornell to andsurvivor food Richard engineering, Yashek, isbiology, speaking and at cooperative research between Israel are over 1,000 Israeli companies Universityhis students at andthe hasJacobs even Technion- lined up biochemicalTwin Valley, Hamburg engineering. and Fleetwood. Majors may and China in science, engineering active in China. I hope that the Cornellseveral guest Institute speakers at Cornell including Tech, Rabbi in be Rightadjusted now orAlbright replaced, College depending is hosting and the life sciences. economic cooperation between NewBrian YorkMichelson, City. Finally,Kim Yashek an industrial and Hilde onan theexhibit need titled, of Guangdong “Stories Among and Us:the For the Chinese, the GTIIT brings these two countries will continue parkGernsheimer. planned for the GTIIT campus developmentWashington State of the Connections GTIIT. to the the Technion’s expertise on creating to expand, as both countries have willJim serve Konecke as a isfoothold teaching for at IsraeliWilson Holocaust,The initial Lessons class in Genocide.”of students The is a topnotch technical institute, as well much to share with, and learn from, companiesCentral Junior to High crack but willkey be markets moving upin plannedexhibit includes for this the stories year ofwith five an Holocaust initial as a stimulating dose of Israeli-style one another.” theto Wilson U.S. andHigh China.School at the beginning enrollmentsurvivors and plan one of liberator100 students and has for entrepreneurialism on a strategic “In this day and age, no one has of next “I schoolwant year.to thank He will thebe offering Israeli a chemicalreceived good engineering. reviews. AtIt is full definitely build, level. an iota of doubt that technological Governmentcourse on Nazi andGermany. the partnersHis students at theworth GTIIT a visit! is It expected will be at Albright’s to enroll Gingrich some “Our unprecedented collaboration innovation underpins a country’s Technion,will be studying for facilitating this period the of progress German 5000Library studentsthrough May made 10. up of 4000 will be truly transformational for the ability to create collective wealth, ofhistory human in depth, civilization including through a study science of the undergraduate and*** 1000 graduate Technion, Shantou and Chinese and that it is the key impetus to andrise oftechnology anti-Semitism, that the has initial been period the of students.Jennifer Goss teaches social studies the Holocaust and the Final Solution. The in the Fleetwood School District and latter part of the course will look at post-war specializes in Holocaust education. Plan for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah & Wedding Guests!

READING 2801 Papermill Road Wyomissing, Pennsylvania GROUP RATES AVAILABLE Call Alice for a Site Tour

(610) 736-2082 ✦ www.reading.homewoodsuites.com Page 14 SHALOM February 2016 The secret in the safe in the Muqata

By Benny Begin in September 2008. Its main points: Abbas: Then-U.S. Secretary of State himself: In May 2009 Abbas was The peace initiatives that have establishment of a Palestinian state Condoleezza Rice updated him about asked by The Washington Post why been tossed around here for on an area that is 100 percent it during a meeting in Ramallah, but he had rejected Olmert’s proposal. decades are based on a delusionary equivalent in size to that of “the West he rejected the proposal three times: He didn’t use the excuses offered by expectation that PLO members will Bank and the Gaza Strip”; creation of In September 2008 he refrained from disappointed Israelis, but answered abandon their ideology. a corridor between Gaza and Hebron, replying to Olmert, in November briefly and straight to the point: “The There are very few diplomatic controlled by the PLO; division of of that year he rejected Rice’s gaps were wide.” secrets in our region that remain Jerusalem into two capitals; the request to inform her that he was From that day until this one, undisclosed. One of them, which surrender of Israeli sovereignty on accepting the proposal, and in Abbas’ threshold demand for entering is apparently kept in a safe in the the Temple Mount and the Mount of December he refused the pleas of negotiations with Israel is simple: Palestinian Authority’s headquarters Olives, which will be administered then-U.S. President George W. Bush The starting point of such talks in the Muqata, in Ramallah, is the instead by the United States, Saudi to announce that he had accepted it. would be the Olmert proposal that he secret peace plan of the Palestine Arabia, Jordan, the PLO and Israel; A foreign observer would probably rejected. The “wide gaps” will have Liberation Organization. A foreign and permission for the entry of several assume that Abbas rejected the to be reduced with the help of further observer might assume that this thousand Palestinian refugees into Olmert scheme in 2008 because Israeli concessions. plan is not so different from the Israel over the course of several there was no time left to discuss For his part, Joint Arab List MK one presented by former Prime years. minor differences between it and Ahmad Tibi, who is familiar with the Minister Ehud Olmert to Palestinian As contrast to the legend, the PLO peace plan, but we have secrets of PLO policy, maintained PageAuthority 4 President Mahmoud Abbas Olmert’s proposalSHALOM did not surprise testimony from the interestedDecember party 2014 several years ago that “the maximum that any government in Israel can offer the PLO does not reach the minimum that the PLO can accept.” But to this very day, not a single peace activist among the frequent travelers to Ramallah, Oslo and Geneva has demanded that the PLO reply to the obvious question: YOU CAN RESTORE HOPE What is the minimum the PLO can accept? If Israeli consent to the entry YOU CAN RESTORE HOPE of 5,000 refugees into its territory, YOU CANYOU RESTORE CAN RESTORE HOPE HOPE according to Olmert’s proposal, is not sufficiently generous – would its agreement to 50,000 suffice? Or perhaps 250,000? The answer is known to anyone who wants to know it. PLO leaders declare that they are not authorized to relinquish fulfillment of the right of every refugee who so wishes to return to his home – an individual right according to United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194. Therefore, the PLO is unable to include in a peace agreement with SERVE WARM MEALS. Israel any restriction on the number of refugees who wish to return to their DELIVER MEDICINES. homes. In addition, since the PLO cannot agree to the existence of the FEED THE HUNGRY. nation-state of the Jewish people in GIVE HUGS TO SENIORS any part of Palestine, it cannot agree GIVE HOPE TO THOUSANDS. to any clause in the accord in which it A WORLD AWAY. promises to refrain from making any demands of Israel in future. The peace initiatives that have SECURE THE FUTURE. been tossed around here for over two decades are based on a delusionary expectation that PLO members, Right now, you can reach across the world and touch a life. How? Through Federation. who are considered in Israel to be “secular,” will abandon their ideology. BEFORE If we Jews, pragmatists that we are, You can put food on theRight empty now, table you can of anreach elderly across couple the world in Ukraine, and touch help a life.a single How? Through Federation. Right now, you can reach acrossRight BEFORE now,the world you can and reach touch across a life. How?the world Through and touch Federation. a life. How? Through Federation. are willing to sign an agreement that mother who has lost her job and much more. You can bring hope to Jewish lives at includes giving up Beit El, Nablus and You can put food on the empty table of an elderly couple in Ukraine, help a single You can put foodhome, on the in IsraelemptyYou canand table putin overof food an 70 onelderly countries the emptycouple around table in Ukraine, theof anglobe. elderly help a couplesingle in Ukraine, help a single Hebron, the PLO would probably be YOURmother who has lost her job and much more. You can bring hope to Jewish lives at willing to sign an accord that includes mother who has lost her jobmother and muchwho has more. lost You her can job bringand much hope more.to Jewish You canlives bring at hope to Jewish lives at giving up Beit Guvrin, Ramle and Please give to <>home, today. in Israel and in over 70 countries around the globe. Jaffa. home, in Israel and in overhome, 70 countriesYOU in Israel around and in theover globe. 70 countries around the globe. However, these initiators of peace Please give to <> today. refuse to put their illusion to the test. Please give to <>Please today.ALARM give to <> today. They don’t demand that the PLO reveal its secret and finally present FINISH its conditions for an accord with Israel, because presenting those GOES OFF. conditions would expose the truth: Not only would an extremist Zionist government headed by Zionist Union It only takes a few minutes to help seniors stay connected to community and continue living in their own homes, be unable to sign a peace agreement 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- with the PLO – even a moderate and 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 sane Zionist government headed by involved.innovationYour and link decades to getting of knowing started: what JewishFederations.org works. Seize the moment: Donate. Volunteer. Get involved. Meretz would be unable to do so. Your link to getting started: JewishFederations.org At present that is the test for www.readingjewishcommunity.org anyone who still claims that “the THETHE STRENGTH STRENGTH OFOF A APEOPLE. PEOPLE . JeJewishwishFederations.org Federation of Reading PLO is the solution.” Let him please THE POWER OF COMMUNITY. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY. PO jfederations Box 14925, @jf ederationsReading PA 19612 demand of the PLO, openly and 610-921-0624 consistently, to open the safe in the Please detach and return with payment to Jewish Federation, PO Box 14925, Reading PA 19612 Muqata and present its plan for a peace agreement with Israel, and let I want to help Federation make wishes come true this year. Here’s my tax-deductible gift to support Jewish Federation of Reading’s him draw a courageous conclusion in 2014 Annual Campaign and make a world of difference both near my own home and beyond: public from the stubborn refusal of the PLO to do so. Name______Address______$______amount enclosed Checks payable to Jewish Federation of Reading Credit Card: ___Discover ___Mastercard ___Visa Card #______Exp. date______Security Code_____ Benny Begin is a Likud member Name on Card:______Signature______of the Knesset.