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VOLUME X, NUMBER 13 JUNE 29, 2017 Celebrate Israel Parade 2017– Israel Together Close to 40 members of the Jewish and the theme, “Israel Together.” The for underwriting the cost of the trip, Minarchik, Charlene Scott, Dr. Joel Federation of Northeastern Pennsylva- banner was a tribute to the 50th anniver- which many in NEPA consider a high- and Leah Laury, Rachel and Shira and nia walked down Fifth Avenue in New sary of the Reunification of Jerusalem. light. They also thanked the partici- Dassy Laury. From the Poconos there York City on June 4, joining more than Federation representatives bore flags, pants. From Scranton there was Dan was Bernie and Lois Driller, Jane and 40,000 other Jewish schools, syna- streamers and the parade T-shirt. After Cardonik, Rika Shaffer, Joe and Marge Veronica Kupselaitis, Martin Weiss, gogues and organizations celebrating the parade the Federation contingent Hartnett and friends, Marion Macinek, Gene Schneider, Irene Stolzenberg, the state of Israel’s 69th birthday. traveled to Teaneck, NJ, for shopping Miriam Litvak, Gilda Franceze, Brian Esther Clarke, Shirley Golphin, Lucas Members of the group carried ban- and dinner. Masters, Hannah Minarchik, Paula and Michelle Gonzales. ners announcing the Jewish Federation, Organizers of the trip thanked Mark the Scranton Jewish Community Center Silverberg and the Jewish Federation

Scranton and Pocono community L-r: Hannah Minarchik carried the members carried the Federation banners full size Israel flag while Rika Shaffer Scranton and Pocono community members carried the Federation banners for for the Celebrate Israel Parade. looked on. the Celebrate Israel Parade. Bais Yaakov to hold annual tribute dinner The Bais Yaakov of Scranton annual also been praised for giving of his time in She is said to be “beloved by her students” with the students, who are said to have tribute dinner will be held on Wednesday, many ways other than teaching Chumash for her “down-to-earth” lessons and the taken pride in their accomplishments July 12, at 6 pm, in the social hall at Beth to his students. extra time she dedicates to the students because of what Cangemi did. Hours of Shalom, 1025 Vine St., Scranton. Goldstein, last year’s guest of honor, is both in and out of school. work went into the scenery he produced This year’s honorees are the staff, now being recognized as an outstanding Kim, a teacher of English and English for the play, and he was known for being both Judaic and secular, of Bais Yaakov: speaker and teacher of philosophy and as a second language, teaches grammar always patient in spite of last minute Rabbi Avrohom and Dvorah Turin, Rab- fundamentals in Jewish belief. He is a and vocabulary, and also holds ESL changes. He would come to school with bi Mordechai Dov Fine, Rabbi Yaakov mentor to the families from the Toras classes for adults in the community. She, posters during holiday time saying, “I Bilus, Rabbi Doniel Goldstein, Dr. Neill Chesed community. too has voluntarily taught ESL during thought you might like this. Always Ackerman, Dr. Murray Small, Leah Gans, Ackerman, a math teacher presently the summer. thinking of extras to do.” Lae-Un Kim, Leah Pion, Maya Polatsek at the University of Scranton, is said Pion supervises prayers in school and “The news of his passing shocked and Chavy Schwartz. to be the force behind Bais Yaakov’s on weekends. Her knowledge of Spanish and saddened all of us,” noted a Baid The event will also be in memory of “outstanding” math curriculum. Students has been called “very useful.” Yaakov representative, “His students teacher Gary Cangemi. have received college credits from re- Polatsek, who teaches sewing, has and his many clients and friends. He Both the Turins have been on staff at portedly being “very well prepared and taught the girls to make clothing that can never be replaced and is sorely Bais Yaakov for many years. Avrohom has advanced” by Ackerman. He is credited they can actually wear and takes care of missed. We hope his family is com- been teaching halachah (Jewish law) and with working “very actively” on behalf the costumes for the annual plays. She forted with the memory of all he did hashkafah (philoshophy) at Bais Yaakov. of Bais Yaakov, volunteering extra time is said to be always available to lend a for so many people.” He also serves as the mashgiach at Yeshiva to teach even in summers. helping hand. Bais Moshe. Small, who has been called a “very Schwartz teaches physical education. Dvorah is currently teaching parashas devoted” teacher and chemist, always Known for her expertise in aerobics and hashavua while also teaching in the Scran- looks for ways to enhance the science dance, Schwartz gives the girls a workout Federation ton Hebrew Day School. She has been curriculum. This year, teaching advanced each week. She also conducts classes at called “very devoted” to the students and physical science. Small has set up tours the JCC and choreographs the dances for “a beloved teacher.” for the students with the University of the Bais Yaakov play. on Facebook Fine, the Rav of Machzikeh Hadas, Scranton, using their advanced micro- In memory of Gary The Jewish Federation of Northeast- is known as a master of dikduk, Hebrew scopes in their laboratory. The students Cangemi ern Pennsylvania now has a page on grammar, and has been teaching at Bais have also visited the medical college and Facebook to let community members Yaakov for many years. Fine also speaks learned about what is taught there. Most Gary Cangemi has been called “a know about upcoming events and keep regularly on different topics throughout recently, Small arranged for a class with beloved, dedicated teacher,” for whom connected. the year. Dr. Darina Lasarova, a professor at the “no project was too big or too small.” He Bilus, once honored with his wife, medical college. taught the students computer graphics, Rivka Penina Bilus, as parents of the year, Gans, a past guest of honor, is the beiur and was considered a very talented artist. Candle lighting now serves as Chumash teacher. He has tefillah (understanding prayer) teacher. He shared his talents and encouragement June 30...... 8:22 pm July 7...... 8:20 pm INSIDE THIS ISSUE July 14...... 8:17 pm July 21...... 8:12 pm Jewish Food Fest International aid Let the Games begin July 28...... 8:06 pm The annual Jewish Food Festival A look at the $125 million Jewish The 20th Maccabiah Games in Scranton will be held from July aid industry that provides the coincide with the 50th anniversary PLUS 2-4 at PNC Field. developing world with assistance. of the reunification of Jerusalem. Opinion...... 2 Story on page 3 Story on page 4 Story on page 9 D’var Torah...... 8 2 THE REPORTER ■ JUNE 29, 2017 A MATTER OF OPINION Tribute paid to Seymour and Kathy Brotman in honor of their 60th wedding anniversary Since their move to Scranton from Center Association. In 1991, B’nai B’rith Chairwoman and two years as Super Plainfield, NJ, in 1970, Seymour and Amos Lodge 136 named him their Man Sunday Chairwoman, leading the Wom- Kathy Brotman have served the Jewish of the Year. en’s Division Campaign to contributions and Scranton communities for nearly After retirement, he began a lifestyle exceeding $400,000. three decades. They were instrumental as stand-up comic, producer/director In 2013, both Seymour and Kathy in the relocation of Ethiopian and Soviet of a summer entertainment showcase were honored by the Holocaust Education Jews to the United States and Israel and and, together with his wife, organized Resource Center of the Federation and in creating a thriving Jewish community a 300-member Florida social club now Marywood for their visionary commit- within the Greater Scranton area. entering its 19th year. ment to and partnership in successful Now executive director emeritus of From September 1970-August 1999, Youth Holocaust Education. the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Kathy served the Scranton community as Upon retirement, Kathy joined a large Pennsylvania, Seymour is a social president of the Temple Israel (Scranton) choral group, where she often presents worker who began his career in 1957, Sisterhood and 13 years as campaign as- solos, as well as performing before many Kathy and Seymour Brotman including assistant executive director of sociate of the Federation, including young social clubs, while continuing to work the Plainfield YMHA. In Scranton since leadership development coordinator. Pre- with homebound seniors through visits 1970, he continued to advance and ex- with inmates as a Public Defender’s viously, she served as program director at and calls. A number of scrap books con- pand the goals of the Jewish Community Office liaison, and sat on the boards of the Day Nursery Association. She was also taining photos and history spanning their Center (established in 1909), serving several community organizations, includ- a speaker for the United Way Campaign, work with the JCC and Federation are the entire Jewish community and its ing St. Francis of Assisi Soup Kitchen American Cancer Society and Make-A- located in the archives of the University social, physical and cultural needs with and the Diversity Coalition of Lackawa- Wish Foundation. Her leadership resulted of Scranton Library. a strong focus on its Judaic objectives. nna County. He was also involved with in board appointments, officerships and a In honor of their 60th wedding anni- He served as executive director from the University of Scranton’s Weinberg number of awards, including the 1982 JCC versary, their son and daughter-in-law, 1970-91, as well as executive director Judaic Studies Institute, local Jewish Woman of the Year Award. She instituted Jeff and Michele Brotman, of Gladwyne, of the Jewish Federation from 1978-99, agencies, Lackawanna County CETA the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter donated $1,080 to the Federation’s 2018 including both agencies simultaneously Planning Board, Interfaith Foundation of of the National Association for the Edu- UJA Campaign. The Jewish Federation from 1978-91. Northeastern Pennsylvania, Transporta- cation of Young Children while earning wished Seymour and Kathy many more During his 29-year tenure of both tion’s Task Force to “Keep Pennsylvania her master’s degree at then Marywood years of good health, and extended its agencies, he oversaw the development of Beautiful” and Ethics Institute of NEPA. College, where she later taught early sincerest congratulations to both of them the Holocaust Education Resource Cen- He was founder and first president of education classes. in honor of this special occasion. ter, leadership development programs, the United Way Officers Association For many years, she was a volunteer Mark Silverberg, executive director, endowment funds and other projects. and received the Man of the Year Award for the annual UJA Campaign and for Jewish Federation of Northeastern He also dedicated several hours a week from the national Jewish Community three years served as Women’s Division Pennsylvania, Scranton, PA to pastoral companionship at Mercy Hospital to patients who were seriously ill or dying. He spent time each week at the Lackawanna County Prison, meeting My special-needs daughter’s tallit is her superhero cape BY ELISSA EINHORN beyond sixth grade). And on and on and superheroes, from the television show “ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the on... “Supernatural” to the classic franchises. Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson (Kveller via JTA) – Being the parent of Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. a child with a disability can be lonely. Be- But thank goodness, one area where She holds her own while debating the Kate’s light has always managed to shine merits of Marvel vs. DC with her uncle President: David Malinov ing the single parent of a child with a rare Executive Director: Mark Silverberg disability that is estimated to affect a mere bright is through her Judaism. I’ve always (Marvel, for sure) and writing a college 1 percent of the population can feel like said I could put her on a desert island term paper about the anthropological and Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman being sentenced to solitary confinement. and she would find a way to be Jewish. spiritual undertones of television brothers Layout Editor: Diana Sochor In preschool, she learned Hebrew words Dean and Sam Winchester. They, along Assistant Editor: Michael Nassberg Beginning in toddlerhood, my daugh- Production Coordinator: Jenn DePersis ter Kate embarked on a lifetime of being from a native Israeli who did not speak with Captain America, Spiderman, Super Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen poked and prodded, assessed and reas- English and therefore also was ignored Girl, “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and many Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown sessed, and being escorted to multiple by the other kids. others are her friends and her inspiration. therapy appointments to address both a At 8, she read Torah for the first time at My daughter relates to misfit characters OPINIONS The views expressed in body and mind that who have over- editorials and opinion pieces are those were out of sync with come their stations of each author and not necessarily everyone else. I felt I think some days, she feels as if having fictitious superheroes in life, whether they the views of the Jewish Federation of helpless, like a failure as role models isn’t enough. It is on those days that I remind are from Krypton Northeastern Pennsylvania. and utterly alone. her that she, too, has a special cape – her tallit .... She doesn’t or Kansas, because LETTERS The Reporter welcomes Still, my loneliness need an occasion to wrap it around herself. She can put it on, that is what she has letters on subjects of interest to the done for two de- Jewish community. All letters must be doesn’t compare to sit quietly, and be enveloped in her Judaism and the power of Kate’s. Now almost cades and counting signed and include a phone number. faith. She can realize that she is not invisible, but an authentic The editor may withhold the name 21, she still has no – she’s overcome. upon request. friends and remains superhero in her own way. These stories ADS The Reporter does not necessar- misunderstood by show her that she ily endorse any advertised products peers and adults. As a child, she was that same Jewish day school, and at 11 did can save herself by persevering and con- and services. In addition, the paper constantly described as “quirky.” Reject- so in front of her congregation. When she tinuing to be the resilient young woman is not responsible for the kashruth of ing that label, she now just seems to be was 15, Kate participated in a pilgrimage that she is. But some days it’s hard. any advertiser’s product or establish- invisible and I am resentful of systems and trip to Israel, where she described being I think some days, she feels as if having ment. schools and professionals who failed us. the “shaliach tzibur,” the prayer service fictitious superheroes as role models isn’t DEADLINE Regular deadline is two When she was 15 months old, a doc- leader, atop Masada as the highlight of enough. It is on those days that I remind weeks prior to the publication date. tor told me I was an overbearing Jewish her monthlong tour. And by 19, she was her that she, too, has a special cape – her FEDERATION WEBSITE: mother after I expressed concern about serving as “gabbai rishon,” a volunteer tallit that patiently waited for her in a www.jewishnepa.org Kate’s development (or lack thereof). At who runs the service, of our shul. Even drawer from the time she was 7 until she age 7, I watched with shock when her today, I’m sure she is the only one at her took her rightful place as a bat mitzvah. HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: teacher did nothing after a classmate at state university that lights Shabbat candles She doesn’t need an occasion to wrap it Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA our Jewish day school announced in front in her room. around herself. She can put it on, sit quietly, 18510 of everybody, “Kate, no one would want My daughter loves to be Jewish. For and be enveloped in her Judaism and the [email protected] E-mail: years I’ve listened to her mumble the power of faith. She can realize that she is Fax: (570) 346-6147 to be your friend.” Phone: (570) 961-2300 I was told “No thank you” by anoth- prayer before draping her tallit around not invisible, but an authentic superhero er teacher at the school when I offered her shoulders, and observed her as she in her own way. HOW TO REACH resources and access to my daughter’s carefully wrapped its fringes around her Elissa Einhorn is a freelance writer THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: therapists (on my dime) so they could fingers before holding them to her fore- and the mother of twin daughters. Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 have a better understanding of her specific head while reciting the Shema, or leading Kveller is a community of women E-mail: [email protected] needs. Add to the list her middle school the congregation during one of the day’s and parents who convene online to services. She likes being counted as part share, celebrate and commiserate their SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: experience in public school and at an all- Phone: (570) 961-2300 girls’ Catholic high school (unfortunately, of the minyan. Her presence matters. experiences of raising kids through a no Jewish options exist in our community There’s another thing that Kate loves: Jewish lens. Visit Kveller.com. JUNE 29, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 3 COMMUNITY NEWS Three-Day “Jewish Food Fest” at PNC Field in Scranton BY CHAIM DAVIDSON The annual Jewish Food Festival in Scranton will be held from Sunday-Tuesday, July 2-4, at PNC Field, 235 Montage Mountain Rd., Moosic, home of the Scran- ton/W-B RailRiders, the New York Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate. Organized by the Jewish Discovery Center, the free-ad- mission event will feature kosher food concessions, a kids’ zone, vendors and free live performances. It will be located outside the main entrance of the RailRiders’ ballpark in Scranton. Concessions will accept cash, credit and debit cards, and will be open from 11 am-7 pm on July 2 and 4, and from 3-7 pm on Monday, July 3. The menu PNC Field, home of the Scranton/W-B RailRiders, will feature an assortment of traditional Jewish foods Kosher food vendors prepared an order to go at a the New York Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate team, will be such as corned beef on rye, stuffed cabbage, potato previous food festival. the site of the Jewish Food Festival in Scranton from knishes and more. Among the Israeli choices available Sunday-Tuesday, July 2-4. will be falafel and shawarma made fresh on-site, as well as “schnitzel” sandwich served on a Kaiser roll “vast and unique,” spanning across generations of both with pesto dressing. An American-style grill will Jewish and American music. offer 100 percent all-beef hot-dogs, barbecue ribs, A concert by Simply Tsfat, live from Israel, will Moroccan burgers and more, while a dessert station be presented on July 4. The group’s klezmer and DEADLINES will offer warm chocolate babka, apple-strudel and Chasidic music is said to “uplift their audience” funnel-cakes. with songs from the group members’ home town, The following are deadlines for all articles and The RailRiders will play the Buffalo Bisons, the To- the city of Tsfat. photos for upcoming Reporter issues. ronto Blue Jays’ affiliate, on July 4. The game will begin Outside the stadium, the area has a variety of attrac- DEADLINE ISSUE at 7:05 pm, followed by a fireworks show. tions for both locals and visitors. Shoppes at Montage Thursday, July 13...... July 27 Jewish singer, songwriter and musician Tali Yess outdoor mall, which overlooks the ballpark, has more Thursday, July 27...... August 10 will perform on July 2. Yess’ music is said to be than 50 retailers. There is also Montage Mountain Ski “strongly influenced” by his father, Moshe Yess, of Resort and Waterpark, with year-round outdoor recre- Thursday, August 10...... August 24 Megama fame, as well as artists like Abie Rotenberg ation, including a 3,000-foot zip line. There will also be Thursday, August 24...... September 7 and Destiny. His style and repertoire have been called an eight-kilometer run on July 2. For those who wish to tour the area, there is an au- thentic 1932 trolley that offers a 50-minute trip through Visit the the countryside and into the city of Scranton. The trolley Jewish Federation will leave directly from the Jewish Food Fest daily at 3:30 pm. Tickets are limited; children ages 3 and younger on Facebook! will be admitted for free. The newly-renovated stadium sits nestled at the foot of Mulberry Medical Center is pleased to Montage Mountain just off Interstate 81, and has attracted welcome Dr. Samuel Ganz to our practice thousands since its complete redesign in 2013. Originally built in 1989, the multi-purpose stadium underwent a Dr. Ganz, a third generation $40 million renovation. The upper-deck was removed, Scrantonian, is a graduate of Touro while the concourse and stands were redesigned to offer College of Osteopathic Medicine. He patrons a variety family-friendly seating options, such completed his residency at The as tiered picnic areas and lawn seating, all of which are Wright Center in Scranton, where he also served as chief resident and feet away from the field. managed 100 residents. He brings to For more information or to purchase advance dis- our practice excellence in medicine A zip line is available at Montage Mountain Ski Resort counted packages, visit www.JewishFoodFest.com or and superb personality. He is available to see patients and Waterpark. call 570-587-3300. at all our locations and is accepting new patients. Most insurance accepted. Mulberry Medical Center 1405 Mulberry Street, Scranton, PA 18510 AllOne Charities supports growth 570-342-8199 Greentown Medical Center of JFS programs and services 1623 Route 507, Greentown, PA 18426 570-676-5660 Jewish Family Service was recently presented with a $25,000 check for a grant received by AllOne Charities Mt Cobb Medical Center for the fall 2016 grant cycle. The grant to JFS was part 1434 Mt Cobb Road, Lake Ariel, PA 18436 of $2.3 million in grants to 36 non-profit organizations 570-689-2673 serving Northeastern and North Central Pennsylvania. The focus of the grant was to assist expansion of out- patient behavioral/mental health counseling services to Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Wayne, Pike, Wyoming, Susquehanna and Bradford Counties. Each year, JFS licensed clinical social workers provide mental health services to more than 250 individuals, couples and families experiencing challenges in their daily living. Established in 1915, JFS is a human service orga- nization, which aims to reflect the Jewish tradition of caring and compassion for all people in need. Through professional counseling, advocacy and educational pro- L-r: John Cosgrove, AllOne Foundation and gramming, its services seek to “enhance and strengthen” Charities executive director; Frank E. Apostolico, the quality of individual, family and community life. This AllOne Board of Directors; Sheila Nudelman Abdo, agency mission is said to drive all services and activities JFS executive director; and Eric Weinberg, JFS of Jewish Family Service. board president. Please support our advertisers... tell them you saw ave e Dae their ad ! here in The Bais Yaakov of Scranton Dinner Wednesday, July 12 ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER ■ JUNE 29, 2017 Inside the $125 million Jewish international aid industry BY BEN SALES world has ballooned in recent years due NEW YORK (JTA) – Eighty percent to Israelis’ increased affluence. Also, she of Jews live in two countries – Israel and adds, Israeli groups can focus on specific the United States – but Jewish organiza- At left: volunteer with the areas of international development with- tions are spending more and more of their organization World Jewish out having to worry about being their country’s “Jewish” representative in the money elsewhere. Relief worked with refugees Jewish aid to the developing world – field, like the American Jewish World in Greece. (Photo by Minos Service or Australia’s StandUp. the impoverished set of countries your Alchanati) zayde called the “third world” – has grown “There’s this general sense at least quickly in the past couple of decades. What among some that Israel is in a place where used to be a handful of groups has grown it can not just think of meeting its own to become a constellation of organizations needs, but [can] share some of that with working on anything from solar power in others,” she said. “Many of those are niche Rwanda to agricultural sustainability in organizations with specific areas of exper- Nepal. Together, the groups aid millions dedicates a small but still sizable portion But some of the nonprofits’ most visible tise, in agriculture, in clean tech, in health of people. of its $300 million budget to international work is through volunteer programs that care, education, et cetera, so they don’t see Jewish global service efforts come development. send young Jews to work on the ground themselves as the Israeli or Jewish voice.” from across the Jewish world, and provide The reported budgets range from in the developing world. In total, 19 of the ‹‹ South Asia and East Africa attract the funding and personnel to a range of causes $60,000 to $45 million – the median groups surveyed send 1,850 volunteers to most groups and places. Now, for the first time, a survey budget is just shy of $1 million. Some of do aid work. Of those volunteers, most of Jewish service efforts span what- ac has quantified the industry’s basics: where the largest are the American Jewish World them went on short-term programs lasting tivists sometimes call the “global south,” it works, how many people it helps and Service and the refugee aid group HIAS, a week or two, most were college students where much of the world’s poverty is how much money it spends. The survey each of which has a budget of approxi- and nearly all were Jewish. Like the overall found. In total, the groups provide services was conducted in March by Olam, an mately $40 million. Jewish population, nearly four-fifths came or aid in 69 countries. But two regions are umbrella organization for Jewish global ‹‹ The groups reach three million people... from North America or Israel. especially popular aid destinations: South service groups, and was shared with JTA The Jewish global service world spans a The survey found that organizations Asia and East Africa. on June 12. wide range of causes. Many of the groups also use the volunteer trips to reinforce A dozen groups are active in India, Here are five indicators that explain work on some form of women’s empower- Jewish identity. Eighty-one percent of with its vast geography and massive pop- this booming sector. ment and education, while a handful focus volunteer experiences had some form of ulation, while eight are active in Nepal, ‹‹ Jewish groups spend at least $125 directly on goals like alleviating hunger or Jewish curriculum, as well as a structured four in Myanmar and three in Sri Lanka. million in the developing world. expanding access to technology. way to observe Shabbat. East Africa’s countries also attract the While it doesn’t compare to the billions Altogether, through seminars, direct “The [Diaspora] Jewish organizations – attention of a range of groups, from 11 Jews give every year to Israel, the amount aid, education or employment programs, many of them were started with a Jewish that are active in Uganda to nine in Kenya Jews give in this sector tops well over the groups help three million people. As identity experience or a Jewish education and six in Rwanda. $100 million annually. Of the 47 groups with the budget figures, five of the groups piece,” said Dyonna Ginsburg, Olam’s Notably, both regions have remote Jew- Olam covers, 26 reported operating bud- dominate the field, accounting for 92 per- executive director. “You have a tendency ish communities. The Abayudaya Jewish gets that total $125 million in funding for cent of the people reached. Because the among the non-Israeli organizations to be community lives in the hills of central international development. individual data of the groups has been kept more focused on the volunteer aspect, and Uganda, and the B’nei Menashe hail from Some of those groups are small ini- confidential, the survey does not indicate among the Israeli organizations to be more the eastern Indian province of Manipur. tiatives, each with a budget of under which five groups these are. focused on professional areas of expertise.” $100,000 – all of which goes to the ‹‹ ...and enlist nearly 2,000 volunteers. ‹‹ The field has expanded rapidly since developing world. Others are sprawling Much Jewish international aid work is 2000 and is increasingly centered in Israel. organizations like the American Jewish done either by funding local nonprofits or Some Jewish global service groups are Joint Distribution Committee, which sending professionals to coordinate aid. more than a century old. But two-thirds – 20 of the 30 that responded to the survey – were founded in the 21st century. In addition to Chagall exhibit in FL Effective please helping countries across the globe, the The exhibit “Marc Chagall, immediately, send organizations also come from countries Flowers, and the French Riviera: note! the world over. While many are based in The Color of Dreams” will be the first all articles and ads to the U.S. and Canada, others are found in to show his nature-inspired artwork in our new E-mail address, South Africa, Australia or Mexico. the context of a garden setting. It will jfnepareporter@ But the plurality of the groups come take place at the Marie Selby Botanical from the country that’s also the biggest Gardens in Sarasota, FL, until July 31. jewishnepa.org. beneficiary of Jewish charity: Israel. The The paintings will be accompanied by Jewish state is home to 27 of Olam’s 46 the artist’s personal effects, including member groups, ranging from Brit Olam, vases from his private home, along with an international volunteering group, to In- a collection of archival photographs that novation: Africa, which provides solar and chronicle Chagall’s life. agricultural technology to African villages. For more information, visit www.selby. To getEffective Federation immediately, updates via email, Ginsburg says the Israeli global service org or call 941-366-5731. please send rregisterall articles on our & websiteads to our new E-mail address, Jewish Federation of NEPA [email protected]. www.jewishnepa.org Pledge or Donate online at www.jewishnepa.org/donate Facebook ® is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc

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Send Dassy Ganz an email if you would like to join the list. [email protected] JUNE 29, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 5 NEWS IN BRIEF Scranton Reporter 5 x 15 7/8 From JNS.org Wyoming Valley 5 x 15 7/8 Hezbollah operating on Lebanon border as fake environmental group, Israel says The IDF has accused the Hezbollah terror group of operating several outposts along the Israel-Lebanon border to spy on the Jewish state under the guise of a fake environmental organization known as “Green Without Borders.” A video released by the IDF shows the outposts allegedly erected by the fake environmental group. IDF intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Hertzl Halevi, speaking at the Herzliya Conference, said Hezbollah “is using an environmental organization as a cover for activities along the border with Israel.” Halevi added that Hezbollah “blatantly violates U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. We call on UNIFIL to undertake its responsibilities – not only in keeping the peace, but in removing the possibility of war.” Resolution 1701 calls for “the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon, so that… there will be no weapons or authority in Lebanon other than that of the Lebanese state.” Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon wrote a letter to the president of the U.N. Security Council stating that Hezbollah’s ac- tions violate Security Council Resolutions 1701 and 1559. “Over the past few months, Hezbollah established observation posts near the Blue Line,” Danon said, referring to Featuring the largest kosher selection of fresh meat, poultry, the Israeli-Lebanese border line demarcated by the U.N. in 2000. Danon noted how dairy, frozen, grocery & baked goods! the observation posts were disguised as belonging to the fake environmental group. He called on the Security Council to “demand that the government of Lebanon dismantle these observation posts immediately, and prevent any future activity of Hezbollah and –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– its affiliates in southern Lebanon, particularly near the Blue Line.” b Including a large selection of Kosher Dairy & Frozen items. Israel continues to lead in global innovation, U.N. index finds Grocery b (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) – Israel continues to cement its status as a ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––9.5 oz. 10 oz.•Italian or California leader of global innovation, the United Nations’s Global Innovation Index for 2017 Where Available Style•Where Available has found. For the seventh consecutive year, Israel topped the innovation index’s Jane’s Krazy Dr. Praeger’s category for northern Africa and western Asia category. The Jewish state ranked 17th Mixed-Up Salt Veggie Burgers overall in the report’s group of high-income countries, improving its standing by four places from 2016. “Israel has shown improvement in gross expenditure on R&D and 2 $ 2 $ ICT (information and communication technology) exports, while keeping its top spots /

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Prices effective Sunday, July 2 thru Saturday, July 29, 2017. 6 THE REPORTER ■ JUNE 29, 2017 Discovery of hidden text prompts new approach to biblical digs in Israel BY ADAM ABRAMS he said. “It’s not as if there are millions JNS.org of inscriptions, like in Mesopotamia or The recent discovery of a previously in Egypt. Only a few hundred inscrip- invisible inscription on the back of an tions exist in Israel. So it’s doable.” ancient pottery shard, that was on dis- While the main focus of the research play at Jerusalem’s Israel Museum for is to enhance existing inscriptions, more than 50 years, has prompted Tel the idea to scan the back of the pot- Aviv University researchers to consider tery shard in the Israel Museum was what other hidden inscriptions may prompted when Tel Aviv University have been discarded during archaeo- technician Michael Cordonsky sus- logical digs, before the availability of pected there may have been additional high-tech imaging. writing on the back. “We scanned the The ancient shard was uncovered in back and we were astounded with what poor condition at the desert fortress of we discovered. It looked terrific using Arad in 1965 and dates back to 600 B.C., this technique, and it had not been vis- before Judah’s kingdom was destroyed Images on the back of the ancient pottery shard were discovered by using ible to anyone for 2,600 years,” Shaus by Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar, multispectral imaging, revealing text dating from 600 B.C. (Photo courtesy of Tel said. “It is incredible, and we were adding to knowledge about the First Aviv University/PLOS.org) extremely excited to have discovered Temple period in Israel. Arie Shaus, this kind of material, but it’s also a bit of Tel Aviv University’s Department years ago, which revealed previously to a man called El-Yashiv, who was a tragic because now we think about all of Applied Mathematics, one of the unseen markings on the backside of quartermaster of the Arad fort. “He had of the inscriptions that we may have principal researchers who studied the the shard. The imaging process adds some sort of large storage facility and lost,” as during archaeological exca- artifact, told JNS.org, “The front side additional filters, specifically to scan people brought him wine, olive oil and vations, lots of pottery is found and of the shard was thoroughly studied, pottery shards, or pieces of stone with flour, and he was corresponding with later discarded. and it begins with some kind of stan- inscriptions called ostraca, and uses neighboring forts and armies around As a result of the new discovery, dard letter opening, with one person algorithms to produce an optimal im- the fort,” he explained. researchers will approach how they blessing another using the name of age. After deciphering 50 characters A man named Hananyahu, who may handle pottery shards found during God, ‘Y-H-W-H.’” on the back, researchers understood have been a quartermaster in a neigh- archaeological digs differently. “Maybe Shaus explained this use of sacred the previously hidden inscription was boring fort in Be’er Sheva, wrote the they should just image everything,” language, although a “small detail,” a continuation of the text on the front. inscription and “had quite a friendly Shaus said. “Using low-cost equipment is “interesting and important” because The newly discovered text begins with correspondence” with El-Yashiv, Shaus like the camera used in this discovery it shows the Jewish religion and laws a request for wine and a guarantee for said. “Sometimes with these texts, the would allow each excavation to buy currently used by modern Jews “are a assistance if the addressee has any of opening will show that the person is or construct one… or at least create a bit different to what was practiced back his own requests. “It seems that these subordinate or superior, but this one is filtering system whereby only samples then.” The fact that Jews living in Israel guys drank quite a lot, or maybe the quite friendly. So it seems like they are of pottery, which could have been used 2,600 years ago could “freely” write wine was used for antiseptic reasons,” colleagues, or the same rank.” for writing, are saved and scanned. the full spelling of God’s name differs Shaus observed. The new discovery is part of sev- Maybe we have lost more inscriptions from modern Jewish law forbidding The multispectral imaging also im- eral large research projects currently than we have found, but didn’t figure the practice. proved the reading of the front side, underway in Israel to obtain imagery it out until now. It’s tragic, but we are Researchers used high-tech mul- adding four new lines of text. According of all available ostraca. “We had this also optimistic, because now we have tispectral imaging, unavailable 50 to Shaus, the message was addressed advanced camera, so we said why not?” the technology to do this.” P A C E Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment Your gift to the Annual Campaign DOES A WORLD OF GOOD. Endowing your gift allows you to be there for the Jewish community of NEPA forever. A Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) is a permanent fund that endows your Jewish community Annual Campaign gift as a lasting legacy. A PACE fund will continue to make an annual gift in perpetuity on your behalf. To determine the amount you need to endow your entire campaign gift, multiply your current annual gift by 20. You can fund your PACE by adding the JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA to your will, or by making the Federation a beneficiary of your IRA. All contributions to establish a PACE are tax deductible. Let your name be remembered as a blessing. Endowments can be created through a variety of vehicles, some of which do not necessitate funding during your lifetime yet still provide your estate with considerable tax benefits. They also enable you to perpetuate your commitment to the Annual Campaign in a way that best achieves your own personal financial and estate planning goals. Examples Of Ways To Fund Your Pace Gift Are: * outright contribution of cash, appreciated securities or other long-term capital gain property such as real estate * charitable remainder trust * gift of life insurance Using appreciated property, such as securities or real estate, * charitable lead trust affords you the opportunity to eliminate the income tax on the * gift of IRA or pension plan assets long-term capital gain, will in some instances generate a full * grant from your foundation income tax charitable deduction and will remove those assets * reserved life estate in your residence from your estate for estate tax purposes. * bequest

For more information contact Mark Silverberg at [email protected] or call 570-961-2300, ext. 1. JUNE 29, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 7 Thanks to everyone that helped make the Federation Annual Meeting on June 8 a big success! 8 THE REPORTER ■ JUNE 29, 2017 D’VAR TORAH A momentary flash of anger BY RABBI SCOTT L. GLASS, TEMPLE BETH-EL and somehow, by striking the rock, they demonstrated OF ITHACA a lack of faith and failed to sanctify God in the eyes of Chukkat, Numbers 19:1-22:1 the people. And for that these usually devoted, patient, I read somewhere that Mark Twain said, “Man is a concerned leaders will be denied the privilege of leading creature made at the end of the week’s work when God the people into the Promised Land. was tired.” Of course, this is a reflection on the poor For a moment, let us set aside our outrage or, at the nature of human character, but I wonder if it isn’t also very least, our puzzlement. I would like to go back for an indirect indictment of God’s poor judgment. Perhaps a moment and look once more at the text. Something you will consider that possibility to be a sacrilege, but it’s happened here that the sages of old tangentially connect worth thinking about in view of the scriptural readings to this whole incident. Please notice, Miriam dies in these past few weeks. Re-reading this week’s portion, the first verse and the rabbis say that the drought was Chukkat, there is a text that always jumps out at me, a result of her death because God provided Israel with demanding to be interpreted. For those of you familiar water only because of Miriam’s righteous devotion. The with the reading, you may be relieved to discover that I result of the drought is the lodging of the complaint and am not speaking of the chapter dealing with the red heifer. Moses’ response. One might rightly ask, what is it about While the description of the red heifer is mysterious, the this situation that differs from all others? Why does text about Moses striking the rock is of far greater con- Moses respond as he does? Is it only as a result of his sequence and much more disturbing. Reading it again, exasperation from the whining, carping, crying Children I’ve come to see it as a cautionary tale, but also as a text of Israel? Certainly, a person can only be expected to that demands much greater understanding on our part. take so much without breaking down, without losing The text to which I refer is Numbers 20, verses 1-13. his cool. I would like to suggest that there’s something What happened here? There’s no water. The people else going on here. complain yet again. Moses and Aaron pray, and God tells If we read further along in the chapter, we find six them to go out, with staff in hand, gather the people and or seven verses that deal with the death of Aaron. The speak to the rock in order to bring forth water for the last verse says, “And when all the congregation saw people and the flocks. Moses and Aaron go out to the that Aaron was dead, they wept for Aaron thirty days, people who, we should remember, are the same people even all the house of Israel.” Compare this with the text who have repeatedly hounded them from the shore of when Miriam dies. “And the people abode in Kadesh; the Red Sea, to the point when they no longer appreciate and Miriam died there, and was buried there.” And, in the manna and challenge the leaders’ authority. After the next verse the people are already complaining. haranguing and tirades – “Why did you ever take us Let us remember, Miriam was not merely a wilderness out of Egypt? The food was so good, there was plenty leader of the people, she was Moses’ sister: the sister who of water, we weren’t on the verge of death,” and so on saved his life, who saw to his care as an infant and who and so forth – each time, Moses would consult with stood by him in adulthood. Not a moment of mourning the Almighty, often calming God’s anger at the people, is recorded here. Not a single day given to Moses (or and a solution would be forthcoming. Usually, but not Aaron, for that matter) to mourn the death of a sister. always, a punishment was involved. And one can only What must it have felt like for them, at this moment of attribute this to God’s anger, mostly because the Torah deep grief, not only to hear the complaining of the people, tells us just that. but to come to terms with the fact that this people, who So, here we have another case of the Israelites lodging they have herded through the wilderness, have so little a complaint and this time there is no indication of God’s compassion for them, cares so little for their loss and impatience with the rebels. The Almighty outlines what only about their own problems? Who wouldn’t be angry, the leaders should do, but Moses takes matters into his exasperated and annoyed? Who among us wouldn’t have own hands and, in what seems to be a momentary flash of taken that staff and hit that rock? Listen, he hit the rock. anger, he berates the people as rebels and strikes the rock He didn’t hurt a person. twice with his staff (what else would he have needed it I have known, on countless occasions, that though I for?) and water comes forth. But God is angry at Moses had every right and reason to be upset about one thing and Aaron. They didn’t do what they were supposed to See “Anger” on page 9

Back to School Backpack Project your The Temple Hesed Social Action Committee is gearing up for its annual back to school backpack project for 2017. Lackawanna County children in need, identified by local social service agencies, are provided with new clothing and a ad backpack filled with supplies for the first day of school. Please consider support- ing this very worthwhile project. You can be matched with a child (grades Pre-K to 6th) to provide all or some could of the needed items, or you can make a cash donation and we will purchase the items for you. Any monetary donation would be greatly appreciated, and the be following guidelines will help you see what your donation will provide. Sponsor a child (backpack with clothes & supplies) $100 here! Backpack with school supplies $50 Backpack or school supplies $25 For information Please contact Temple Hesed at 570-344-7201 if you wish to sponsor a child, and on advertising, provide an email address where we can send you the child’s information. Checks should be made out to Temple Hesed, with “Back to School” designated in the memo contact line. If you want to purchase the needed supplies, the Temple onnie Roen at will provide a list of what is needed for each child. Donations of backpacks and school supplies can be dropped off at Temple 1-00-779-796, Hesed or the JCC reception area during normal business hours ext. 2 through August 18th, but earlier is much appreciated. Your contribution will help ensure that children start the or bonnie@ school year with the confidence and tools they need to succeed. Thank you in advance for your participation. “It thereportergroup.org takes a community to raise a child.” Temple Hesed, Social Action Committee, 1 Knox Rd., Scranton, PA 18505 JUNE 29, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 9 International Jewish athletes “return” to Jerusalem for 20th Maccabiah Games BY ADAM ABRAMS Gerbi, Israeli Paralympics rower Moran Samuel, Israeli JNS.org rhythmic gymnast Neta Rivkin, Israeli NBA star Omri During the 20th Maccabiah Games next month, about Casspi, American Olympic gold medalist swimmer An- 7,000 Jewish athletes from 80 countries will descend thony Ervin, and French Olympic gold medalist swimmer upon the Holy Land to join 2,500 Israeli athletes in the Fabien Gilot. Olympic-style competition. Held every four years, the Commenting on the significance of Diaspora Jews’ Jewish multi-sport competition is the world’s third-largest participation in the Maccabiah Games alongside Israeli sporting event. From July 4-18, the Maccabiah Games athletes, Jeffrey Gurock, a professor of Jewish history at will have the added significance of coinciding with the Yeshiva University, told JNS.org, “In the 1930s, when 50th anniversary of the reunification of this year’s host the Jews were vulnerable, the Maccabiah provided an city, Jerusalem. opportunity for Jewish athletes to project strength and “Fifty years after unification, we have finally returned pride to the world. the Maccabiah to its rightful place, Jerusalem – the capital “Today it is no less important for American Jewish of Israel,” Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat told reporters sportspeople to affirm through participation in these games on June 13. their solidarity with a strong Israel, even as the Jewish Tamir Goodman, an entrepreneur and motivational Balloons representing participant countries at the 2013 state faces foes in so many world arenas,” Gurock added. speaker who gained fame during his high school bas- Maccabiah Games. (Photo by Maor X via Wikimedia During the 2017 games, contestants will compete in ketball career in 1999, when Sports Illustrated magazine Commons) See “Games” on page 11 nicknamed him the “Jewish Jordan,” noted that some of the most successful Jewish athletes are “deeply rooted” in their spiritual connection to Judaism or their connection Anger Continued from page 8 to Israel. Goodman, who in his playing days was known or another, it wasn’t seemly, pleasant or fair, for me to to them, let alone what she meant to her family.” for balancing a busy secular game schedule with his allow my anger or frustration to show. Haven’t you? So how to read this text? Can it be saying that a leader observance of Orthodox rituals, was given the honor of Most of the commentaries will indicate that Moses’ should not allow his personal life to interfere with his lighting the torch at the opening ceremonies of the 2001 sin was not talking to the rock, as God had instructed. public responsibilities? Is it meant to say that leaders are Maccabiah Games in Atlanta. “It’s very exciting that this Some go further to point out that the problem was expected always to be exemplary and never publicly vent year’s athletes will be able to showcase their skills in that Moses and Aaron made it seem as if they were their anger? Does it mean to tell us that one must always Jerusalem, especially now during the 50th reunification the source of the miracle, for nowhere do they say follow instructions? Probably, the answer is “yes” on all year,” Goodman told JNS.org. “Hopefully the experience anything like, “See, God brings forth water from this counts. And these wouldn’t be bad things for all of us will further their connection to Israel and their Jewish rock”; hence God’s complaint that they did not sanctify to draw from the text. identity, and also enhance their skill level.” God in the eyes of the people. If those are Moses’ real As to the punishment meted out to Moses and Aaron, Basketball player and coach Larry Brown, swimmers sins, then the cause of those transgressions are rooted this is one of those cases when one can answer one of Jason Lezak and Mark Spitz, and gymnast Mitch Gaylord in the rage that rose up inside of him, not just at the two ways. The standard response is that God’s ways are are among the many Jewish athletes who have competed complaints of the people, but at their insensitivity and unfathomable to humankind. Or one can hold with the in the Maccabiah Games before going on to achieve fame complete lack of concern for him and for Aaron at the Torah literally and see this as a reflection of a vengeful in the broader international sports arena. time of Miriam’s death. One can only imagine that God who, at least biblically, has a very human side and, A mix of modern-day Israeli and international Jew- Moses must have been thinking, “Here my sister has as Mark Twain indicates, has less than perfect days. ish sports stars will compete in the 2017 games and died, and one could say she was the person ultimately This is God so anthropomorphic as to challenge us and participate in the opening ceremonies, including Israeli responsible for the Exodus, and these people don’t make us question. But, it is also God so close to us, so Olympic judo bronze medalists Ori Sasson and Yarden even take a moment to acknowledge what she meant accessible, so reachable.

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 10 THE REPORTER ■ JUNE 29, 2017

Feature Films (as of September 2016) NEW Dough - An old Jewish baker (Jonathan Pryce) takes on a young Muslim apprentice to save his failing kosher bakery. When TO THE his apprentice’s marijuana stash accidentally falls in the mixing dough, the challah starts flying off the shelves! DOUGH is a warmhearted and humorous story about overcoming prejudice and finding redemption in unexpected places. (Shown at the LIBRARY! 2017 UJA campaign opening event) Everything is Illuminated - “Everything is Illuminated” tells the story of a young man’s quest to find the woman who saved his grandfather in a small Ukrainian town that was wiped off the map by the Nazi invasion. What starts out as a journey to piece together one family’s story under absurd circumstances turns into a meaningful journey with a powerful series of revelations -- the importance of remembrance, the perilous nature of secrets, the legacy of the Holocaust, and the meaning of friendship. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Europa Europa - Based on the autobiography of Solomon Perel, this movie recounts the severe actions a young boy must take in order to survive the Holocaust. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Hidden in Silence - Przemysl, Poland, WWII. Germany emerges victorious over the Russians and the city comes under Nazi control. The Jews are sent to the ghettos. While some stand silent, Catholic teenager, Stefania Podgorska, choose the role of a savior and sneaks 13 Jews into her attic. Music Box - In this intense courtroom thriller, Chicago attorney Ann Talbot (Jessica Lange) agres to defend her Hungarian immigrant father against accusations of heinous war crimes committed 50 years earlier. Remember - With the aid of a fellow Auschwitz survivor and a hand-written letter, an elderly man with demntia goes in search of the person responsible for the death of his family. (shown at the 2017 UJA campaign opening event) Munich - Inspired by real events, Munich reveals the intense story of the secret Israeli squad assigned to track down and assassinate the 11 Palestinians believed to have planned the 1972 Munich massacre of 11 Israeli athletes - and the personal toll this mission of revenge takes on the team and the man who led it. Son of Saul - October 1944, Auschwitz-Birkenau. Saul (Géza Röhrig) is a Hungarian member of the Sonderkommando, the group of Jewish prisoners forced to assist the Nazis. While working, Saul discovers the body of a boy he takes for his son. As the Sonderkommando plans a rebellion, Saul decides to carry out an impossible task: save the child’s body, find a rabbi to recite the mourner’s Kaddish and offer the boy a proper burial. (shown at the 2017 UJA campaign opening event) The Book Thief - THE BOOK THIEF tells the inspirational story of a spirited and courageous young girl who transforms the lives of everyone around her when she is sent to live with a new family in World War II Germany. The Jolson Story - THE JOLSON STORY is classic Hollywood biography at its best; a fast-paced, tune-filled extravaganza following the meteoric rise of legendary performer Al Jolson. THE JOLSON STORY was nominated for six 1946 Academy Awards , winning two, (Best Musical Scoring and Best Sound Recording). The Other Son - As he is preparing to join the Israeli army for his national service, Joseph discovers he is not his parents’ biological son and that he was inadvertently switched at birth with Yacine, the son of a Palestinian family from the West Bank. This revelation turns the lives of these two families upside-down, forcing them to reassess their respective identities, their values and beliefs. Woman in Gold - Based on the true story of Maria Altman, played by Helen Mirren, who sought to regain a world famous painting of her aunt plundered by the Nazis during World War II. She did so not just to regain what was rightfully hers but also to obtain some measure of justice for the death, destruction and massive art theft perpetrated by the Nazis. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Non-Feature Films 2016 Above and Beyond - In 1948, just three years after the liberation of Nazi death camps, a ragtag group of skilled American pilots - both Jewish and non-Jewish, answered a call for help. In secret and at great personal risk, they smuggled planes out of the U.S., trained behind the Iron Curtain and flew for Israel in its War of Independence. This band of brothers not only turned the tide of the war, they also embarked on personal journeys of discovery and pride. (Shown at the 2016 UJA campaign opening event) Everything is a Present: The Wonder and Grace of Alice Sommer Hertz - This is the uplifting true story of the gifted pianist Alice Sommer Hertz who survived the Theresienstat concentration camp by playing classical piano concerts for Nazi dignitaries. Alice Sommer Hertz lived to the age of 106. Her story is an inspiration. Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story - Yoni Netanyahu was a complex, passionate individual thrust into defending his country in a time of war and violence. The older brother of Benjamin Natanyahu, the current Israel Prime Minister, Yoni led the miraculous raid on Entebbe in 1976. Although almost all of the Entebbe hostages were saved, Yoni was the lone military fatality. Featuring three Israeli Prime Ministers and recently released audio from the Entebbe raid itself. Hava Nagila (The Movie) - A documentary romp through the history, mystery and meaning of the great Jewish standard. Featuring interviews with Harry Belafonte, Leonard Nimoy and more, the film follows the ubiquitous party song on its fascinating journey from the shtetls of Eastern Europe to the kibbutzim of Palestine to the cul-de-sacs of America. If These Knishes Could Talk tells the story of the New York accent: what it is, how it’s evolved, and the love/hate relationship New Yorkers have with it. It features writer Pete Hamill, director Penny Marshall, attorney Alan Dershowitz and screenwriter James McBride, along with a cast of characters from Canarsie to Tottenville. In between, it explores why New Yorkers eat chawclate and drink cawfee, and how the accent became the vibrant soundtrack of a charming, unforgiving and enduring city. Israel: The Royal Tour - Travel editor Peter Greenberg (CBS News) takes us on magnificent tour of the Jewish homeland, Israel. The tour guide is none other than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The viewer gets a chance to visit the land of Israel from his own home! Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story (narrated by Dustin Hoffman)- This documentary portrays the contributions of Jewish major leaguers and the special meaning that baseball has had in the lives of American Jews. More than a film about sports, this is a story of immigration, assimilation, bigotry, heroism, the passing on of traditions, the shattering of stereotypes and, most of all, the greatest American pastime. Nicky’s Family - An enthralling documentary that artfully tells the story of how Sir Nicholas Winton, now 104, a British stockbroker, gave up a 1938 skiing holiday to answer a friend’s request for help in Prague and didn’t stop helping until the war’s beginning stopped him. He had saved the lives of 669 children in his own personal Kindertransport. The Case for Israel - Democracy’s Outpost - This documentary presents a vigorous case for Israel- for its basic right to exist, to protect its citizens from terrorism, and to defend its borders from hostile enemies. The Israel Course - A 7-part Israel education series that sheds light on the Holy Land through the ages. Featuring biblical scholars and Middle East experts, including Harvard professor Alan Dershowitz, Emeritus Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Ambassador Dore Gold, Princeton professor Bernard Lewis and many others. The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg - As baseball’s first Jewish star, Hammerin’ Hank Greenberg’s career contains all the makings of a true American success story. Unmasked: Judaophobia - the Threat to Civilization – This documentary exposes the current political assault against the State of Israel fundamentally as a war against the Jewish people and their right to self-determination. JUNE 29, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 11 NEWS IN BRIEF FROM THE U.S. From JTA Islamic group salutes a Jewish agency for fighting Trump’s State Dept.’s antisemitism monitoring office to be unstaffed refugee ban as of July 1 HIAS, a Jewish agency that resettles refugees in the United States, was honored by The U.S. State Department’s office to monitor and combat antisemitism will be unstaffed the humanitarian organization Islamic Relief USA for its “tireless work assisting refu- as of July 1. A source familiar with the office’s workings told JTA that its remaining two gees and for standing up against the refugee ban in the court of law.” HIAS was among staffers, each working half-time or less, would be reassigned as of that date. The Trump three organizations and six individuals who spearheaded the litigation against President administration, which has yet to name an envoy to head the office, would not comment on Donald Trump’s executive orders temporarily banning refugees and travelers from six the staffing change. At full staffing, the office employs a full-time envoy and the equivalent Muslim-majority countries. The orders, one in January and an amended one in March, of three full-time staffers. The State Department told JTA in a statement that it remained triggered large protests, some organized by HIAS and other immigration advocacy committed to combating antisemitism – and cited as evidence the tools, including the groups. Islamic Relief USA was one of the many organizations to join an amicus brief department’s annual reports on human rights and religious freedom, that existed before by religious organizations supporting HIAS’ litigation in opposition to the ban. HIAS Congress mandated the creation of the envoy office in 2004. “We want to ensure the -De was honored on June 21 with the Courage Award at an interfaith iftar, the meal marking partment is addressing antisemitism in the most effective and efficient method possible the end of the day’s Ramadan fast, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in and will continue to endeavor to do so,” the statement said. “The Department of State Washington, DC. Its president, Mark Hetfield, accepted the award presented by the CEO condemns attacks on Jewish communities and individuals. We consistently urge govern- of Islamic Relief USA, Anwar Khan. Hetfield noted that both HIAS and Islamic Relief ments around the world to address and condemn antisemitism and work with vulnerable USA help people based on need, even as they are both driven by their faiths to do such Jewish communities to assess and provide appropriate levels of security. The Department, work. “All the Abrahamic faiths are united by the value of hospitality and welcoming the our Embassies, and our Consulates support extensive bilateral, multilateral, and civil so- stranger as ourselves, for we were all once strangers in a strange land,” he said. “When ciety outreach to Jewish communities,” the statement continued. “Additionally, the State we welcome refugees to the United States, we consider them to be part of our family Department continues to devote resources towards programs combating antisemitism and our community, no matter what their faith is. This is because Jewish Americans are online and off, as well as building NGO coalitions in Europe. We also closely monitor a refugee people – there would be no American Jewish community had America not had global antisemitism and report on it in our Country Reports on Human Rights Practices the courage to open its doors to refugees.” and International Religious Freedom Report, which document global antisemitism in Ku Klux Klan still a threat in America, ADL says 199 countries.” Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told Congress in testimony earlier in The Ku Klux Klan still “poses a threat to society,” though it is relatively unstable June that he believed special envoys were counterproductive because they provided an and unorganized, according to the Anti-Defamation League. The findings of an ADL excuse to the rest of the department to ignore the specific issue addressed by the envoy. report released the week of June 22 found that 42 KKK groups are active in 33 states, Congressional lawmakers from both parties have pressed the Trump administration, in with an estimate of some 3,000 members. More than half the groups were either formed letters and proposed bills, to name an envoy and to enhance the office’s status. They have or restarted in the past three years. Most of the groups are concentrated in the South noted that unlike other envoys, whose positions were created by Trump’s predecessors, and the East, with a slight increase since early 2016. The report showed that some the office of the envoy on antisemitism is a statute and requires filling. “As the author of groups not only are still involved in criminal activity and violence, but have formed the amendment that created the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, I alliances with other white supremacist groups in hopes of restoring their continuity. remain hopeful that these critical positions will be filled,” Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), who authorized the 2004 law, said in a statement to JTA. Jewish groups have lobbied President Donald Trump to name an envoy, saying that despite Tillerson’s testimony, the position has been key to encouraging diplomats and officials throughout the department to focus Games Continued from page 9 on antisemitism. Hannah Rosenthal, a special envoy on antisemitism in the Obama ad- 43 different sports in the categories of man of the Maccabiah Games, told JNS.org. ministration, instituted department-wide training on identifying antisemitism. “The idea Youth, Open, Masters and Paralympics. “The Maccabiah is the essence of the values of having a dedicated envoy who can travel around the world to raise awareness on this In the host city, some 3,000 athletes will I believe in: Zionism, Judaism, brotherhood, issue is critical,” the Anti-Defamation League CEO, Jonathan Greenblatt, told JTA in an participate in 14 sports at Jerusalem’s peoplehood and sports. The Maccabiah is the interview. “That doesn’t mean there isn’t value for all ambassadors and every embassy in Pais Arena and other venues. Additional one place that Jews from all over the world addressing issues of antisemitism and bigotry in countries they operate,” he said. “But if competitions will be held at 68 sports can come together and bond, and there’s no the administration is truly committed” to combating antisemitism, “maintaining the special complexes throughout Israel. Soccer better place to do so than Jerusalem.” envoy for antisemitism seems like a no-brainer.” The ADL, coincidentally, launched an is the largest contest in the Maccabiah Yossi Sharabi, director general of the online petition on June 22 to the White House to fill the position. Officials of the Simon Games, with more than 1,400 athletes Israeli Ministry of Culture and Sport, said Wiesenthal Center, which has enjoyed a good relationship with the Trump administration, from 20 countries participating. In ad- the athletic competition “strengthens the said that if the unstaffing was coming ahead of a reorganization of the office, that was dition to the athletes, as many as 20,000 connection between the Jewish communities understandable. But positions remain unfilled in all of the major federal departments and international fans are expected to attend around the world.” He told JNS.org, “It is agencies since Trump took office. “However, we are almost in July and there is still no the games, injecting around $100 million only natural that in the 50th year of the reuni- one of proper rank at the State Department whom the Wiesenthal Center and others can into Israel’s economy. fication of Jerusalem, a significant milestone work with to re-activate U.S. leadership in the struggle against antisemitism at a time when “I am ecstatic that on the 50th year of the for the Jews of the world wherever they are, global antisemitism is rising,” said an email from Rabbi Abraham Cooper, the associate unification of Jerusalem, we are opening the the celebrations will be united and will take dean of the center, and Mark Weitzman, its director of government affairs. Jason Isaacson, biggest Maccabiah yet,” Amir Peled, chair- place in the city of Jerusalem.” the American Jewish Committee’s director of government and international affairs, said the position was essential. “It’s not as though the need for a special envoy has diminished,” he told JTA in an interview. “If anything it has increased.”

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12 THE REPORTER ■ JUNE 29, 2017 NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org for anyone who supports it,” she said, without naming specific countries supporting Foreign representatives meet in Israel to prepare for massive Hamas. Haley’s comments come amid a dispute between Arab states (led by Saudi Arabia) and Qatar, which funds terror groups. In recent years, Qatar has been criticized air force exercise for supporting Hamas and allowing the Palestinian group’s leadership to reside in Representatives from several foreign air forces convened the week of June 22 at the country. The U.S. envoy also noted Hamas’s disregard for Palestinian civilians’ the Ovda Air Base in southern Israel to prepare for the biennial “Blue Flag” exercise, lives during wartime. “This is the way Hamas does business. Hamas hides military which is set for November. The two-week combat rehearsal will be the largest and infrastructure in and around hospitals. It plots and plans to attack civilians while most complex air exercise conducted in Israel’s history. Some 100 fighter pilots and using civilian buildings as cover,” Haley said, adding that Hamas is “squandering” support crews from seven countries – the U.S., Greece, Poland, France, Germany, India its control over Gaza. “Israel did not cause the problems in Gaza, no single Israeli and Italy – will participate in the drill. This year’s involvement of France, Germany, settler has lived in Gaza for 10 years,” she said. “We all would like to see Palestinians India and Italy marks the most significant change to the Blue Flag program since in Gaza receive the aid they need. But the responsibility rests squarely with the one its inception in 2013. For the first time, Germany will send multiple aircraft, pilots group that actually controls Gaza - Hamas.” and senior military officials to participate. “They are coming to Ovda to train with Saudi king appoints son as crown prince in move with us and learn from us. When a German combat aircraft and refueling plane arrive, it is an emotional event,” a senior Israeli Air Force officer said, HAARETZ reported. possible implications for Israel Support for Israel plummeting among U.S. Jewish college Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has promoted his 31-year-old son, Mohammed bin Salman, to crown prince, making him next in line to be king. The move reportedly students, study says may have implications for Israeli-Saudi ties and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Support for Israel is significantly declining among American Jewish college stu- Prince Salman, who had been serving as defense minister, replaces the previous crown dents, according to a research study released by the Brand Israel Group at the Herzliya prince, Mohammed bin Nayef, a nephew of King Salman. The move comes as Saudi Conference, held the week of June 22. Eighty-four percent of Jewish college students Arabia is dealing with low oil prices, its rivalry with Iran, a dispute with Qatar, and in the U.S. supported Israel in its conflict with the Palestinians in 2010, but by 2016 civil wars in Yemen and Syria. As defense minister, Prince Salman sought to boost the figure plummeted to 57 percent, the study states. Additionally, the study recorded ties with the U.S. as well as to overhaul and diversify the Saudi economy, which is an increase in Jewish college students’ support for the Palestinians from 2 percent in heavily dependent on oil. Israel, meanwhile, is in talks to establish economic ties with 2010 to 13 percent in 2016. Further, among the general college student population, Saudi Arabia. According to Arab and American sources, the two sides are discussing favoring Israel over the Palestinians decreased from 73 percent in 2010 to 54 percent allowing Israeli businesses to operate in the Arab Gulf as well as letting Israel’s El in 2016. The Brand Israel Group’s new study was prompted by policy changes and Al airline to fly over Saudi airspace, the London Times reported. Prince Salman has political disputes between the U.S. and Israel that occurred since the initial 2010 been in talks with Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior survey was conducted. The 2016 study surveyed some 2,600 Americans, including adviser, about improving Saudi ties with Israel as a step toward Israeli-Palestinian 1,000 respondents from the general population and 1,600 from key demographic peace, the report added. groups such as Hispanics, blacks, Jews, Jewish college students and non-Jewish col- Egypt supplies fuel for Gaza to ease electricity crisis lege students. The report cautions that Israel may lose the support of “at-risk groups” such as college students, Jewish college students and minority groups, but still enjoys Egypt has supplied the Gaza Strip with 1 million liters (220,000 gallons) of diesel a strong base of core support among Jews, evangelicals, senior citizens and political fuel to address a growing electricity crisis amid a dispute between the West Bank- conservatives. “Current communications approaches are not stemming the negative based Palestinian Authority and the Gaza-ruling terror group Hamas. “There will still trends,” the Brand Israel Group’s researchers stated. “We need to reach out to at-risk be troubles, but not the maximum troubles. Re-running the power plant is better than groups… [and] address their concerns.” keeping it shut down,” said Fathi Sheikh Khalil, who heads the Hamas-run energy authority, the Associated Press reported. Egypt’s delivery came after Israel, at the Nikki Haley tells U.N. that states supporting Hamas should request of P.A. President Mahmoud Abbas, began reducing the electricity it supplies face “consequences” to Gaza to 88 megawatts of power per day, down from 120 earlier the week of June U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told fellow members of the 21. The Egyptian fuel is expected to provide 50 megawatts of power per day to make U.N. Security Council that states supporting the Palestinian terror group Hamas should up for the recent shortfall, but will only represent a temporarily fix, since Gaza needs face “consequences.” “We need to pressure Hamas to end its tyranny over the people roughly 400 megawatts to meet its daily energy needs. The deal to provide the diesel of Gaza. We should name Hamas as the group responsible when rockets are fired fuel to Gaza was brokered by Mohammed Dahlan, the P.A.’s former Gaza chief, who from Gaza, and designate it as a terror organization in a resolution with consequences had a rupture with Abbas in 2011 and is seeking a comeback in Palestinian politics.

Each year at this time the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania calls upon members of our community to assist in defraying the expense of issuing our regional Jewish newspaper, The Reporter. The newspaper is delivered twice of month (except for December and July which are single issue months) to each and every identifiable Jewish home in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As the primary Jewish newspaper of our region, we have tried to produce a quality publication for you that offers our readership something on everythingfrom opinions and columns on controversial issues that affect our people and our times, to publicity for the events of our affiliated agencies and organizations to life cycle events, teen columns, personality profiles, letters to the editor, the Jewish community calendar and other columns that cover everything from food to entertainment. The Federation assumes the financial responsibility for funding the enterprise at a cost of $26,400 per year and asks only that we undertake a small letter writing mail campaign to our recipients in the hope of raising $10,000 from our readership to alleviate a share of that responsibility. We would be grateful if you would care enough to take the time to make a donation for our efforts in bringing The Reporter to your door.

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With best wishes, Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of NE Pennsylvania 601 Jefferson Avenue Scranton, PA 18510