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

Enriching Lives Volume 51, No. 3 March 2021 Adar - Nissan 5781

ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by0 the Jewish3 Federation2 of Reading/Berks1

Your Federation Supports: Reimagining Community Shabbat Jewish Education

Food Pantry By Amanda J. Hornberger and will be available for pickup Friday, free of charge) when ordering your Shabbat Pivot. It’s one of the most common March 6, from 3-6 p.m. at RCOS/KZ (555 meals. Rabbi Lipsker and Rabbi Michelson Friendship Circle words used in 2020 and one many have Warwick Drive, Wyomissing). will join together at a park at 7 p.m. to mark Chevra come to hate. But it has been something There are three options for adult meals, the end of Shabbat with a Havdalah service. that Jewish Federation has been doing well each costing $15. Youth age 13 and Watch for details. Afterwards we will enjoy Community Shabbat since the pandemic started. under are free again courtesy of Jewish an outdoor walk together. Masks and social Instead of Friendship Circle meeting Federation of Reading/Berks. JFR is also distancing measures will be required at this Reading Jewish Film Series we have been delivering meals to seniors. providing Shabbat items such as grape outdoor gathering. PJ Library Programs have switched to virtual formats juice, challah and candles to each family If you are unable to join us outdoors, the and we have created activity kits for youth who registers. Havdalah service will be streamed via Zoom, Jewish Family Service events. Now we are once again pivoting to If you are unable to pick up your meal followed by a concert featuring Nefesh reimagine one of our favorite community please call Jewish Family Service at 610- Mountain, a Jewish bluegrass group, as Jewish Cultural Center events. 921-0624 to coordinate a meal delivery. another way to gather the community for this Lakin Holocaust Library Join us for Community Shabbat on Shabbat candle lighting and blessings reimagined Community Shabbat. March 5-6. While we cannot gather together will be held Friday at 5:15 p.m. on Zoom I hope you will be able to join us & Resource Center to worship and share a meal, we can still with Rabbi Lipsker and Rabbi Michelson. for this annual gathering of community recreate parts of Community Shabbat and New this year we will be gathering to togetherness. Israel & Overseas gather in new ways. mark the end of Shabbat with two Havdalah Questions? Please contact Amanda at Camp Scholarships Kosher meals by Boscov’s can be ordered offerings on Saturday, March 6. [email protected] or call 610-921- online at ReadingJewishCommunity.org Havdalah kits can be requested (also 0624. Israel Trips

Jewish Community High School Great Passover programs for kids

Emergency Support By Amanda J. Hornberger never seen a Passover Seder like this one! Each kit will include a signed copy of Lakin Preschool The Jewish Federation of Reading- Brianna Caplan Sayres is living her “Asteroid Goldberg: Passover in Outer Berks is providing some great opportunities childhood dream of being a children’s book Space,” as well as crafts, snacks and other Richard J. Yashek Lecture for families to celebrate Passover with a author. She is the author of many picture Passover treats. sense of community this year. books including the bestselling “Where Do Kits will be available March 19-26 for Transportation Interactive story time Diggers Sleep at Night?” series. Caplan pickup at the JCC. Register for the kit on Maimonides Society Ready to journey to outer space this Sayres is the founder of Intergalactic our website (ReadingJewishCommunity. Pesach? Then join us on Sunday, March 21, Afikoman, a new publisher of Jewish org), by email ([email protected]) or call Your Jewish Legacy at 4 p.m. for a pre-Passover interactive story children’s books whose goal is to publish 610-921-0624. time with author Brianna Caplan Sayres. “out-of-this-world Jewish books for today’s JKids Radio All-Star Seder 92ND ST Y Programs Her brand new book, “Asteroid Goldberg: Jewish kids.” Finally, save the date for a JKids Radio Joint Distribution Committee Passover in Outer Space,” is an out-of this- You can register for this interactive All-Star Passover Seder concert featuring world adventure! story time by visiting our website: https:// some of your favorite Jewish children’s Meir Panim When Asteroid Goldberg and her readingjewishcommunity.org/home/ musicians. Join Rick Recht, Shira Klein, parents get stuck in outer space for literatour Nefesh Mountain and many more for this Annual Campaign Passover, Asteroid plans a Passover Seder Free Passover kits for children interactive concert on Thursday, April 1, Jewish Agency for Israel for herself and her family that is truly out-of- For more Passover fun you can sign at 6:30 p.m. this-world. With Jupiter’s moons for matzoh up for a free Passover kit courtesy of PJ Register at ReadingJewishCommunity. Yemin Orde balls and the Big Dipper for a ladle, you’ve Library of Reading. org School Education Programs Interfaith Unity Council Feeding our Israel Advocacy Youth Events community Great Decisions Series At left, volunteer Sid Lempiner Jewish Community stands ready to distribute food at Relations Council a Jewish Family Service pantry at Hampden Heights Seventh Day Community Holiday Programs Adventist Church. That pantry and Women’s Philanthropy a second JFS food distribution

Jewish Federations program at the Olivet Boys and Girls Club in east Reading distribute of North America more than 9,000 pounds of food to Counseling Services 600+ families each month with the support of Helping Harvest. Leo Camp Lecture This vital work takes place Shabbat B’Yachad thanks to dozens of dedicated volunteers who make sure that people don’t go hungry in this challenging time. Page 2 SHALOM March 2021 Donor advised funds prove very effective

From Federation staff choice at a later date. estate planning tool. Unlike a bequest, The Jewish Federation of Reading/ Federation owns the assets of a donor’s these funds are established during a donor’s Berks is fortunate to have a number of funds fund. While accounted for separately, these lifetime. They can help carry forward the that are donor designated or donor advised. assets are pooled and invested with other donor’s legacy of philanthropy since upon Programs and services in our community Federation assets based on Federation’s the donor’s death they are converted to benefit directly from these funds. investment policies. The result is that any restricted or field of interest funds named Named for the donor(s) who established increase in assets remains in the donor’s for the donor. This allows the donor’s them, these funds allow you to recommend fund tax-free. You now have additional tax- charitable dollars to continue supporting the distributions to charitable organizations you free dollars that can be distributed. organizations they generously cared about wish to support. Donors create their named The IRS requires distributions from during their lifetime. n t fund using cash or securities. They receive advised funds to be for charitable If you wish to receive more information an immediate tax deduction, but do not need organizations. This includes public about creating your own named fund, to make an immediate distribution from their charities in both the Jewish and non-Jewish contact Federation at 610-921-0624 or fund. They can wait and recommend fund community. [email protected]. e distributions to qualified charities of their Donor advised funds are an effective Reflecting on miracles during Passover m "נִסִ " ים / יהודה עמיחי Amichai Yehuda / Miracles”“

"מְרָ חוֹק כָּל דָּ בָ ר נִ רְ אָ ה נֵס miracle a like looks everything distance a p “From אֲ בָ ל מִ קָּ רוֹב גַּם נֵס ֹלא נִ רְ אֶ ה כְָּך. . that like look not does miracle a even close up but אֲ פִ לּוּ מִ י שֶׁ עָבָר בְּיָם סוֹף בִּבְקִ יעַת הַיָּם split it when Sea Red the crossed who someone Even ‐­-

רָ אָ ה רַ ק אֶ ת הַגַּב הַמַּ זִּיעַ שֶׁ ל הַהוֹלְֵך לְפָנָיו back sweating the only o saw וְ אֶ ת נוֹעַ יְ רֵ ָכ י ו הַגְּדוֹלוֹת". ”. thighs big his of swaying the and him of front in man the of l

By Adi Shalev epic moment that would be talked about On Passover, we celebrate all the In his poemIn “Miracles”, his poem Yehuda "Miracles", forever? Yehuda Amichai wants to look at the individual miracles that rather God did than for the the Children of e Amichai wants tocollective look at . the Amichai individual returns Amichai to tells those us in a few who crossed the words great that Red there Sea, Israel. those who witnessed this rather than themiracle collective. closely: Amichai are things that need distance, distance of After reading Yehuda Amichai’s poem returns to those who crossed the great time and distance of place. Because even and before we celebrate God’s miracles, let v Red Sea, those who• What witnessed did this they the see? most formative stories in the history of us think about the miracles in our lives. We miracle closely: • How did they feel? a people happened to individuals who tried may not see them because we are focusing • What did they• see?Did they know to peek they through were the part of an sweaty epic backs momentof that those would on the sweating be talked back about foreverof the person? in front • How did they feel? who went in front of them and wondered how of us, but the miracles are there. e • Did they know they were part of an it would all end? Chag Pesach Sameach Amichai tells us in a few words that there are things that need distance, distance of time and distance of place. Because even the most formative stories in the history of a people happened

D to individuals who tried to peek through the sweaty backs of those who went in front of them and wondered how it would all end? Annual Campaign

Women’s Philanthropy On Passover, we celebrate all the miracles that God did for the Children of Israel. After reading Yehuda Amichai’s poem and before we celebrate God’s miracles, let us think Maimonides Society about the miracles in our lives. We may not see them because we are focusing on the sweating Your Jewish Legacy back of the person in front of us, but the miracles are there. Chai Circle

L’Chaim Society Chag Pesach Sameach

Book of Life

Letter of Intent

DONATE NOW TO OUR JEWISH COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN Please visit ReadingJewishCommunity. org Make your gift today! March 2021 SHALOM Page 3 From the President’s Desk Bringing out the best in us during the worst of times

By William D. Franklin in the four-key areas: second food pantry, collaborating with the services. Further, we initiated monthly President • Education: early care and school Hampden Heights Seventh Day Adventist meal deliveries and numerous holiday From mid-January readiness, school success and positive church. Monthly, our two food pantries packages along with brief in-person through mid-February youth development distribute more than 9,000 pounds of visits. Our seniors know that they are Carole, Sari and I • Financial stability: supportive food to 600+ families. We thank the 50 remembered and appreciated. were busy preparing housing programs and promoting volunteers who helped distribute the Reviewing our challenges and our annual request for personal financial management meat and produce supplied to us by accomplishments, I remembered the United Way funding. • Health: addressing the preventative Helping Harvest. phrase from Charles Dickens’ “A Tale Although it requires aspect of health issues and interventional Last year, JFS’ supportive services of Two Cities”: It was the best of times, many hours of data needs programs provided more than 900 hours it was the worst of times … it was the summarization and • Safety net services: providing of counseling and visits, when possible, spring of hope, it was the winter of analysis, the effort results in my great a crucial safety net for vulnerable to 274 of our community members. 83.5% despair.” appreciation for our Jewish Family populations. are seniors and 29% of those served Clearly, the worst we faced in 2020 Service (JFS) and the United Way of We apply for funds from the safety net were at or below 150 % of the published brought out our best. Our best is you, Berks and activities it helps support. services area. local Federal Poverty Levels. Although our donors and volunteers, our other JFS is one of more than 80 local Your support and the United Way’s travel was restricted, JFS provided 39 partners, the JFR staff and the United programs the United Way supports, support help JFS aid the at-risk members rides per month for medical purposes Way. Together we will bring back a spring distributing more than $10 million of our Reading Jewish and non-Jewish and shopping, and JFS volunteers of hope. annually. United Way provides funding communities. In 2020, we opened a provided grocery shopping and delivery Thank you. Decades-old Shalom describes vital community By Judith Botvin the desert bloom,” accompanied by the Tay-Sachs testing, funded by national Cohen. Reminiscing has always been a development of superior military capacity organizations, was being performed by An article described a series of human pastime. (Some say that after and the emergence of Israel as a major the Lehigh Valley Screening program. discussions for Jewish high school Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden, player in the tourist industry. With sufficient testing, the disease children. In the first, Dr. Larry Rotenberg Eve looked with nostalgia at the days As I unfold the fragile paper, it softly becomes virtually avoidable. It was of Reading Hospital discussed with 20 when she did not have to worry about tears across the horizontal centerfold, recommended that all adults in a family students his experience as a Romanian laundry!) During this time of COVID-19 reminding me to act quickly to preserve should be tested to help make predictions Jew who survived the Holocaust. pandemic, with its related uncertainty, this precious artifact. The masthead and institute preventions. Among the Although the death of 6 million Jews many of us are taking more time to records that Eric D. Gerst is the editor- Reading volunteers assisting with the was hard for some to grasp, a touching explore the past. Knowing our history in-chief, with Selma Cutler and Judy testing program were Jane Blumberg discussion of anti-Semitism ensued. helps us to better understand our present Botvin as executive editors. Debbie and and Sharon Syret. Another program in the series was and future. Dr. Gerald Goodman provide summaries Note: Through our quick research we “The Jewish I.Q. (Identity Quotient)” led In 1997, when my husband, Ivan, and of international news while Neal Jacobs could not find the number of Tay-Sachs by Rabbi Mitchell Kornspan. This session I moved from Pennsylvania to my “home” covers local news. Jack Gernsheimer births today. However, we can assume attracted 15 youngsters. Wayne Davis, in Denver Colo., I brought along a cache is art director, Ellis Schein is editorial that the increasing number of interfaith the teenage author of the article, came of Shalom newspapers, dating back to assistant and Harry S. Sack, executive marriages among today’s non-Orthodox to this conclusion: “There was general 1972. Today they yield a rich harvest of director of The Jewish Community of Jews results in fewer Tay-Sachs babies. agreement that parents accomplish very memories — both of the world at large Reading, oversees the entire production. The issue of Shalom featured many little by sending their children to Hebrew and our own Jewish community in Berks In this issue, photographs are stories and pictures of Reading’s Jewish School if they don’t follow it up at home.” County. provided by William Meyers and Harry children, including the approval for He also pointed out that after 7 hours in The 12-page, tabloid-size Shalom in Elias. They would later be joined by the Federation to hire a youth worker. public school, students were not at their my hands is dated May 1972. Published Joanie Greenberg Friedman. Emanuel Another story listed 19 students who peak mental capacity when attending in the newspaper’s second year, it is the “Bud” Blumberg, publisher of a local represented Kesher Zion Hebrew School Hebrew School. color of café au lait, and its once-crisp weekly, the Reading Record, serves in a Philadelphia parade celebrating A lively discussion followed about surface now feels like tissue paper. On as technical advisor and oversees the Israel’s 25th anniversary. The Drama the idea of a permanent community the front page is the inch-high headline entire publication of each monthly issue. and Arts Festival, held at the Reading Hebrew High School. With most people “WE REJOICE ON ISRAEL’S 25TH Twenty people, ranging from teens to JCC, saw our kids performing with peers participating, many questions were ANNIVERSARY” and a 7-inch wide seniors, are listed as Shalom staff, and from Allentown, Harrisburg, Somerville, explored, but not all could be answered. headshot of Golda Meir, Israel’s prime most contribute material for every issue. Cherry Hill and York. Still another article focused on a minister. Several articles cover Israel’s The staff list includes Victor Hammel, The busy sports program at the JCC community discussion about marijuana, anniversary, including the lead story Alma Lakin, Betty Sodomsky and George was popular with the youngsters. In featuring a panel of five professional about the community’s “Passport to Viener. Wayne Davis and Karen Vogel one photo, the winners of Reading JCC experts. It examined the effects and Freedom” dinner, held at the JCC. covered teen events. sports awards included Jan Schein, Sam attitudes of the controversial illegal Dinner attendees paid $1,250 Tay-Sachs disease, a major health Cohen, Mark Rachman, Robert Vogel, substance, especially its new popularity each, which was described as the issue in the Jewish community, was Greg Bonda, David Zeidman, Drew with youngsters in the community. The cost for one Jew to obtain a visa and featured on page 1. Described as a Shapiro, Todd Schreiber, Gary Weiss, consensus was that “weed,” being non- Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks Non-Profit Organization leave Russia to emigrate to another “genetic disorder causing destruction of Jim Linton, Frank Friedman, BrianJewish Cultural Erkes, Center, PO Box 14925 addictive, was not as seriousU.S. Postage PAID a problem Reading, PA 19612-4925 Permit No. 2 readingjewishcommunity.org Reading, PA country. The guest speaker was David the nervous system,” it was said to be Mike Fromm, Jerrold SchneeChange and Service RequestedBudd among teenagers as alcohol.

Schoenbrun, chief correspondent for carried by one in 30 Jewish individuals Enriching Lives Volume 47, No. 9 September 2017 Elul 5777-Tishri 5778 CBS news. He called the miracles of in contrast to one in 300 in the general modern Israel “more astounding than population. The disease was and still the biblical accounts of Moses leading is incurable, and its victims die by the ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by0 the Jewish9 Federation1 of Reading/Berks7 Jews out of Egypt. age of 5 years. The hopeful part of the “In its first 25 years, he said, modern story is that Tay-Sachs affects only those Your Federation Supports: A newspaper servingJewish Education the Jewish community of Berks County, Israel attracted 1 million people from children whose parents both carried the Food Pantry Pennsylvania, andFriendship published Circle monthly, September through June, under more than 100 lands. Moses’ parting gene, and the gene can be detected by Chevra the Jewish FederationCommunity Shabbat of Reading/Berks. Funded by the Annual Jewish the Red Sea, Schoenbrun claimed, has a simple blood test. Reading Jewish Film Series Community Campaign. been topped by “the miracle of making A related story in Shalom said PJ Library Jewish Family Service

Jewish Cultural Center General Offices: Lakin Holocaust Library 1100 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 125 & Resource Center Israel & Overseas Wyomissing, PA 19610 Camp Scholarships

Phone: Israel Trips 610-921-0624 FAX: 610-929-0886 March Adar-Nissan Web site: Jewish Community www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org ✡ High School Emergency Support Jewish Federation Lakinof Preschool Reading Richard J. Yashek Lecture Chair: Transportation Robert M. Caster, CPA Shabbat Candle Lightings Torah Portions Maimonides Society President: Your Jewish Legacy William D. Franklin  92ND ST Y Programs CommunicationsJoint Distribution Director: Committee Mark Nemirow, Editor Meir Panim

March 5 March 6/22 Adar Proofreaders: Annual Campaign Federation staff 5:42 p.m. Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35) Jewish Agency for Israel The opinions expressed in ShalomYemin Orde are of the writers and not the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks School Education Programs

March 12 March 13/29 Adar Interfaith Unity Council 5:50 p.m. Vayak’Hel/Pekudel (Exodus 35:1-40:38) Israel Advocacy Youth Events

Great Decisions Series March 19 March 20/7 Nissan Jewish Community Relations Council

6:57 p.m. Vayikra (Isaiah 43:21-44:23) Community Holiday Programs Women’s Philanthropy March 26 March 27 / 14 Nissan Jewish Federations of North America 7:05 p.m. Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36) Counseling Services Leo Camp Lecture Shabbat B’Yachad

 Page 4 SHALOM March 2021 New York Times bestselling author to speak at Literatour Berks brunch

By Amanda J. Hornberger Near the end of her battle with cancer, New York Times bestselling children’s book author

Amy Krause Rosenthal wrote an essay for

The New York Times titled “You May Want to Marry My Husband”. Her essay went viral and

has been read by millions around the globe. After her death, her husband, Jason, a

lawyer, began to reevaluate his life’s work and

his journey with grief. Now himself a New York and event access, the cost is $50. Registration

Times bestselling author andMonday, public September speaker, 9, 2019 at 7 isp.m. available JCC and Exeter at Community ReadingJewishCommunity.org Library Literatour Berks Preview Night famous for his TED talk on grief, Jason B. or call 610-921-0624. Come learn more about the 18 authors visiting Berks this year! Rosenthal wrote a memoir, “My Wife Said Throughout this second season of ______You May Want to Marry Me”. Literatour Berks more than 30 authors have Monday, October 7, 2019 at 7 p.m. Exeter Community Library Rosenthal will be the speaker for our E.R.come Ramzipoor into your homes through our virtual The Ventriloquists annual Literatour Berks brunch. His inspiring events. Presented in partnership with the LGBT Center of Greater Reading.

story on finding hope and joy amongst the pain This brunch event is a fundraiser for the and learning that his future is a blank space Jewish Federation of Reading’s Literatour Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at 7 p.m. Location Provided Upon Registration waiting to be filled, is a lesson for all of us. AngelaBerks, Himsel and proceeds will be used to help A River be a Tree Join us on Sunday, March 14, at 11 a.m. offset costs of the entire series of programs Jason B. Rosenthal A program of Women’s Philanthropy of Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks.

for this virtual brunch event. and help allow the series to continue to its Access to the event______is $36 per household third season. ______Community Library and our sponsor and

and includes a brunch basket.Wednesday, If you November would 20, like 2019 at 7:30 p.m.Literatour Wachovia Theatre, Berks Albright would College not be possible patrons. Thank you for your continued Thomas Wolf a signed copy of “My Wife Said You May WantThe Nightingale’swithout Sonata: the support of the Jewish Federation support of bringing Jewish books and authors The Musical Odyssey of Lea Luboshutz to Marry Me” in addition to the brunch 40basketth Annual Leoof Camp Reading, Memorial Lecture Jewish Book Council, Exeter to Berks County!

Program includes Curtis Institute musicians performing César Franck’s “Sonata for Violin and Piano”.

Presented in partnership with the Camp family and Albright College. Journey______through Jewish ______South with Literatour Berks

Monday, December 2, 2019 at 7 p.m. Exeter Community Library Tiffany Shlain By Amanda J. Hornberger 24/6: The Power of Unpluggingearly Southern One Day a Jews’Week participation in slavery. Her

Sue Eisenfeld is a Yankee by birth, a travels become a journey of revelation about

Virginian by choice, an urbanite who came to our nation’s fraught history, and a personal

love the rural South, a Civil War buff, and a non- reckoning with the true nature of America. Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 7 p.m. Location Provided Upon Registration observant Jewish woman. In “Wandering Dixie,” Dawn RaffelLearn more about this fascinating American The Strange Case of Dr. Couney: she travels to nine states, uncovering How a Mysterious how European the Showman Jewish Saved historyThousands when of American Eisenfeld Babies joins Literatour

history of Jewish SouthernersA program converges of Maimonides SocietyBerks of Je forwish Federationa discussion of Reading/Berks. on Monday, March 1, with her personal story and the region’s at 7 p.m. on Zoom. complex, conflicted present. In the process, Sue Eisenfeld is the author of “Wandering Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 4 p.m. Exeter Community Library she discovers the unexpected ways thatJoni race, Klein-Higger Dixie: and Barbara Dispatches Sharf from the Lost Jewish religion, and hidden histories intertwine. Barnyard South”Bubbe’s Hanukkah as well as “Shenandoah: A Story From South Carolina Presentedto Arkansas, by PJ Library ofshe Reading ofwith supporConservationt from the Sue B. Viener and Memorial Betrayal.” Fund of She is a Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks.

Center Jewish Cultural explores the small towns where ______Jewish people______contributing______author______to “Disunion: A History of

92nd St. Y Programs once lived and thrived. She visits the site the Civil War.” of her distant cousin and civil rightsFor activist More Information You - 610-921-0624can register at readingjewishcommunity. Game Nights Andrew Goodman’s murderTo Register during - ReadingJewishCo1964’s org/home/literatourmmunity.org/home/literatour Signed copies of the book Freedom Summer. She talks with the only Jews will be available for purchase through the Community Shabbat remaining in some of the “lost” places, from Literatour Berks official book vendor, Reads Reading Jewish Film Series Selma to the Mississippi Delta to Natchitoches. & Company of Phoenixville. Eisenfeld follows her curiosity about Jewish Thank you to the sponsors and patrons of Great Decisions Confederates and casts an unflinching eye on Literatour Berks for making this event possible.

Interfaith Mitzvah Day

Yom Ha’atzmaut

PJ Library

PJ Our Way

Leo Camp Lecture

Tech Tuesday

Yom Hazikaron

Art Exhibits

Yom Hashoah

Annual Meeting and Picnic

Purim Carnival

Richard J. Yashek

Memorial Lecture

Kristallnacht Remembrance

Youth Events

Purim Masquerade Party

Bridge

Chevra

Mahjong

Trips to NYC/Philadelphia

Lakin Holocaust Library

& Resource Center

Shabbat B’yachad

Community Calendar March 2021 SHALOM Page 5 Local leader moderates program with Times columnist From Federation staff pluralistic American society, Israel’s Reading’s Michael Fromm, Chair quest for peace and security, and human of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs rights around the world in common cause (JCPA), recently moderated a JCPA with other civic, racial, ethnic, and faith- program, ‘The Biden Administration and based leaders. Its motto is to “educate, the Middle East with Bret Stephens.’ advocate, and mobilize.” Bret Stephens is a Pulitzer Prize- Michael Fromm is president and winning American conservative CEO of Fromm Electric Supply of journalist, editor, and columnist, who Reading. In addition to his work began working as an opinion columnist for JCPA, he has a long history of for The New York Times in April 2017, community involvement including as and from 2002 to 2004, was editor-in- a past chair of the Jewish Federation chief of The Jerusalem Post. He won of Reading and chair of the Alvernia the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in University Board of Trustees. 2013. You can watch Michael interview Mr. JCPA and its member Jewish Stephens on a YouTube video. The link Federations advocate for a just and is: https://youtu.be/uV0h8Beg39E. Bret Stephens Michael Fromm Program features stars of Israeli TV series ‘Fauda’

By Adi Shalev a commander in the Mista’arvim Fauda presents humanity in the I invite you to join us on Sunday, We all know and are aware of unit, as he and his team pursue a most difficult situations, showing March 7, at 1 p.m. to meet Boaz Konforty the complex reality of life in Israel Hamas arch-terrorist known as “The us the challenges and difficulties of and Yaakov Zada Daniel, two of the main in terms of security, and the tv show Panther.” each of the characters and the way actors on the show. “Fauda” was born and created out of I think the special thing about of making decisions and choices The two will take part in a talk about this reality. this series, and the reason so many in stressful situations, which for their unique journeys of becoming actors, For those of you who are not familiar people in Israel and around the world the most part, we cannot really the significance of Jews and Arabs with “Fauda,” it is an Israeli television have loved and connected with it, understand. collaborating in the name of the art and series developed by Lior Raz and Avi is the fact that “Fauda” depicts and One of the main things the series the impact of the TV series on Arabs, Issacharoff drawing on their experiences presents all the complexities and teaches us is not to judge and to Israelis, and Jews. in Israel Defense Forces’ undercover unit the reality of the different characters understand that there are lots of sides, Need to catch up with the show? in Palestinian territories. from both sides of the conflict in the even to things that look black or white Three 12-episode seasons of “Fauda” “Fauda” tells the story of Doron, Middle East. to us. are available on Netflix.

Special thanks to East Penn Manufacturing Co. for Sponsoring Literatour Berks

To register, email [email protected] or call 610-406-9431 Page 6 SHALOM March 2021 2020 Jewish community campaign honor roll of donors CAMPAIGN TOTAL: $455,000 as of Dec. 31

ADVANCED LEADERSHIP GIFTS SPECIAL GIFTS Anneliese Bateman $25,000 + $1,000 + Martin and Norma Beckerman Shirley Boscov Anonymous Barbara and David Bender Irvin* and Lois Cohen Anonymous Lee and Amy Berger Howard and Victoria Hafetz Marshall and Ellen Azrael Linda and Jonathon Bloom Vic and Dena Hammel James Boscov Eric and Marissa Bluestone Jill Henry Stephen and Jan Carlson Susan and Mel K. Blum Paul and Roberta Kozloff Robert and Beth Caster Sheila and Jeff Bornstein Eugene and Daniel Shaffer / The Irvin G. Glenn and Gaye Corbin Linda and Scott Bram and Beatrice M. Shaffer Fund of the Steven and Roseann Finkel Lisa and Robert Brown Berks County Community Foundation Samuel and Sarah Flamholz Beth and Robert Bruck Sandy Solmon and Douglas Messinger Deborah Frank Stephen Carpey Radene Gordon-Beck and Hugh Beck Cindy and Brett Chronister Carol Greenberg Nic Cohen LEADERSHIP GIFTS Elliott and Doris Leisawitz C. Harold Cohn* $10,000 + Paul and Ellen Mitnick Steve and Aleta Cohn Eunice Boscov Roger S. Schein Claire Cooper Irving and Arlene Ehrlich Judith and James Schwank Judith Copeland The Richard L. Henry Memorial Fund Eugene and Helen Shaffer Susan and Richard D’Angelo of the Berks County Community M. Robert and Kaye Ullman Joan Darlington Foundation George Viener Paul Delfin and Nancy Russo Neil Hoffman and Judith Kraines Andrew and Corinne Wernick Phyllis Dessel Haia and Meir Mazuz Temmie and Sam Drucker Henry and Helene Singer SPONSOR GIFTS Judith and H Anderson Ellsworth Jill Skaist $500 + Carol and Robert Erkes Anonymous Oleg and Tatyana Erlikh MAJOR GIFTS Stuart and Carol Cohn Jana Estep $5,000 + Scott Alan and Sandy Davis Cheryl and Eric Faber Jeffrey and Lynn Driben Ethel Engel Sue and Michael Farrara Julie Gabriel and Don Fox Jack Gernsheimer and Nancy Wolff Kalman and Margaret Feinberg Neal and Judith Jacobs Jeffry and Janet Gernsheimer Arthur Fischman Alan and Lisa Levine Sari and John Incledon Barbara and Bernard Fromm Larry Rotenberg Al and Betsy Katz Michael and Susan Fromm William and Anne Sedlis David Kozloff Thomas and Miriam Gavigan Rosalye Yashek Carrie and Stephen Latman Lyudmilla and Naum Ger Michele and Benjamin Leisawitz Ann and Edward Golden PACESETTER GIFTS Brian and Holly Michelson Matthew Goldstan $2,400 + Debra Montanino and Karen Sherman Nancy Goldstein Anonymous Mark and Geraldine Nemirow Jane Goodman Harriet Baskin Seth and Barbara Rosenzweig Lawrence and Fran Gross Sidney and Esther Bratt Linda and Robert Rudolph Jennifer and Jacob Gurwitz Marc and Marcia Filstein Albert and Nancy Sack Michael and Jill Haas William and Andrea Franklin Susan Schlanger Ruth Isenberg David and Debbie Goldberg Jeffrey Sternlieb and Andrea Watkins Marc Jacobs Deborah Goodman and John Moyer Susan Wachs Mariette Jacobson Michael and Luba Karchevsky Alan and Susan Weisberg Martin and Karen Jacobson Michael Kastenbaum Norman and Rita* Wilikofsky Rachel Jacobson Michael Krumholz Louise Zeidman Myron and Karen Kabakoff Brett Kutscher Herbert and Noel Karasin Harlan and Carole Kutscher COMMUNITY GIFTS Shirley and Robert Kauffman Paul and Solange Mintz $118 + Nancy Knoblauch Robert and Yvonne Oppenheimer Anonymous Jennifer Koosed and Rob Seesengood Gordon and Carol Perlmutter Anonymous Roberta Lawit James Rothstein and Sharon Scullin Linda and Gary Adlestein Jessica and Jesse Leisawitz Paul and Ellen Schwartz Wendy Babitt and Todd Staub Henry Levin Jonathan and Janice Simon Cynthia and George Balchunas Margo and Adam Levin Allan and Robin Sodomsky James and Jackye Barrer Yosef and Chana Lipsker March 2021 SHALOM Page 7 2020 Jewish community campaign honor roll William and Beth Litvin Ingrid Soltysik Claire Fruchter Rochelle Mann Margaret and Semyon Soyferman Carol and Bernard Gerber Michelle Mart and David Walker Marc Tannenbaum Harvey and Roberta Goldstein Paul and Sheina Missan Robert T and Mary Ann Ullman Michael and Patricia Gordon Richard and Elizabeth Nassau Carolyn Vella and John McGonagle Michael and Zina Gorelik Barbara Nazimov* Andi Wallach Jason and Amanda Hornberger Esta and Randy Neugroschel Laurie and Andrew Waxler Lisa Jacobson Michael and Eve Pardo Jerome and Pamela Weisberg Virginia Jones Barbara and David Paul Susan Weiser Bernard and Janet Kaplan Annette and Sean Peppard Dorothy Williamson Sheila and Gary Lattin Jesse Pleet Emanuel and Yvonne Wittels Gladys Lewis Leslie and Philip Pomerantz Dick and Raquel Yiengst Jay Moyer Valerian and Svetlana Popov Hank Youngerman Evelyn and Jay Lipschutz Carole and Michael Robinson Amicie and Allen Zimmerman Sue Loewenstein and Ernst Harting Baruh Salinas Rodriguez and Margo Thomas Jeffry and Robin Lupowitz Michael and Linda Roeberg SUPPORTING GIFTS Majorie Moyer Richard and Kathleen Roeberg Anonymous Sandee and Neal Nevitt Tracy and Nicholas Rossi Ellen and Donald Abramson Barbara and Michael Perilstein David Sacks Judith and Ivan Botvin Michael and Linda Roeberg Elaine Safir Stephanie Brok and Phil Yoder Cynthia and Timothy Schuchart Michael and Janice Schiffman Paula and Ivan Bub Irene and John Sileski Boris and Tatiana Schneider Michael and Barbara Charnoff Barbara Silverberg Moisey Schneider Deborah Cieplinski Frederick and Julie Singer Lila Shapiro Karen and Steven Conover Charon Snyder Louis Shucker and Sherry Faust Mindy and Robert Coopersmith Cheryl Spillerman Melvin Singer Sol and Rachel Deutsch Sharon and Julian Syret Stella and Michael Sinitsa Christine DiMaria Jill Trout Richard and Mindy Small Marcia and George Eligman Sylvia Wenger Betty and Kenneth Sodomsky Sandra Fishman *deceased

Thank you to everyone who supported Legacy donors Jewish Family Service special campaigns Federation gratefully acknowledges to Feed the Hungry members of our community whose & Holiday Meals for Seniors commitment to creating their Jewish legacy benefits our future generations.

Ian Bachrach Lisa Jacobson Anonymous (8) Wendy Babitt and Todd Staub Bernard and Janet Kaplan Cynthia Balchunas Cynthia and George Balchunas Herbert and Noel Karasin Jeff & Sheila Bornstein Harriet Baskin Kenneth and Maralyn Lakin Robert & Beth Caster Radene Gordon-Beck and Hugh Beck Alan P. and Lisa Levine Loretta Charnoff* Martin and Norma Beckerman Gladys Lewis Albert Diamond* Lee and Amy Berger Brian and Holly Michelson Jeffrey & Lynn Driben Susan and Mel K. Blum Paul and Solange Israel Mintz William & Andi Franklin Randi Brandt Paul and Sheina Missan Hilde Gernsheimer* Stephanie Brok and Phil Yoder Paul and Ellen Mitnick Radene Gordon-Beck Mindy and Robert Coopersmith Jay Moyer Victor & Dena Hammel Judith Copeland Robert and Yvonne Oppenheimer Jill Henry Lynn and Jeffrey Driben Michael and Eve Pardo Jason Hornberger Ethel Engel Jesse Pleet Alvin & Betsy Katz Sue and Michael Farrara Leslie and Philip Pomerantz Kenneth Lakin Kalmen and Margaret Feinberg Baruh Salinas Rodriguez and Mar- Ed Lakin* Marc and Marcia Filstein go Thomas Margo Levin Steven and Roseann Finkel Seth and Barbara Rosenzweig Haia & Meir Mazuz Sandra Fishman James Rothstein and Sharon Scullin Richard Nassau Samuel and Sarah Flamholz Linda and Robert Rudolph Yvonne & Robert Oppenheimer Thomas and Miriam Gavigan Roger S. Schein Gordon Perlmutter Jeffry and Janet Gernsheimer Michael and Janice Schiffman Rebecca Robinson Debbie and David Goldberg Tatiana and Boris Schneider Carole Robinson Ann and Edward Golden Judith and James Schwank Larry Rotenberg Harvey and Roberta Goldstein Irene and John Sileski Howard Saidman Deborah Goodman and John Moyer Janice and Jonathan Simon Roger Schein Lawrence and Fran Gross Jill Skaist Jill Skaist Howard and Victoria Hafetz Richard and Mindy Small George Viener Neil Hoffman and Judith Kraines Norman Wilikofsky Norman Wilikofsky Karen and Martin Jacobson Emanuel and Yvonne Wittels Emanuel Wittels Louise Zeidman Page 8 SHALOM March 2021 Reconnecting with our roots helps us find our way

By Rabbi Yosef Lipsker overwhelming, and the distance to our way of turning the negative environment Without a guiding compass, without our Chabad Center of Berks County destination seems impractical to achieve, of thePage desert  into a place where they could true north, we can find ourselves floating March 2010 A few years back I that the answer might lie within us, and not connect with their spiritual side and focus aimlessly through life, like a discarded leafShalom took a trip to California in the journey itself? on serving G-d. apon the water. for a family simcha. After Can our perspective, and approach They concluded that it was not their A feeling of freedom does not come picking up my rental redefine the obstacle? physical environment that should be from allowing yourselfCommunity unlimited space to News car, as I was hurriedly As we approach Passover, we recall the dictating their state of mind, but rather their indulge in the physicality of this world. placing the destination story of how the Jewish People were freed state of mind would dictate its effect on their True freedom is achieved by recognizing Obituaries into my phone’s GPS from their bondage in Egypt — redeemed physical environment. your incredible power of self-discipline; so that I would not be from their shackles and hard physical labor, This experience was essential to their adapting the physical world around you to Lucy Suzanne Knoblauch L. (Sulman) Moyer. He is also survived late for the event, for a only to be brought into the dry and sullen formation as a people. It infused their DNA spread positivity. Zeidman, 96, Wyomissing. by his daughters, Aileen D., widow moment my heart sank. desert. with a spirit of resilience that would see When the lockdowns feel burdensome, Surviving are a son, Bruce F., of Neal H. Endy, of Pennside, and E. A 40 hour drive?? How would I make it on They were taken out from one challenge them through the thousands of years of and the loneliness and anxieties kick in, husband of Geraldine L. Zeidman, of Roxanne, wife of Les Walker, of Batavia time? How can that be possible? Did I land and were seemingly plunged into another. adversity that lay ahead. I remember the phone that needed to Shillington; a brother, Harry Knoblauch, Ohio; sons, Stan B. , husband of Kristine at the wrong airport? And then it hit me: my The Jews themselves voiced this No matter the challenge, and even reconnect with its source to find its way. I husband of Edith Knoblauch, of Reading; K. Moyer, of Sinking Spring and Jay GPS still thought I was in Philadelphia — complaint to G-d on multiple occasions: when all hope seemed lost, their inner double down and reconnect with my own a sister, Ruth Balis of Wyomissing; and H., husband of Margaret R. Moyer, of from where I had taken off. “Have you set us free from Egypt, only to compass gave them meaning. roots. several nieces and nephews. Muhlenberg Township. Other survivors Once I restarted my phone, it recalibrated lead us into the desert to die?” This is who we are. We are a people For I’ve found, as our forebears in the --- are grandchildren: Brett A. Endy, Chad its location, and I was on my way — a What was this journey about? who experience the tumultuous world desert had: Irene S. Zeidman, 62, Wyomissing. M. Endy and Elizabeth K. Moyer; and comparably measly 2.5 hour drive. It was precisely aimless wandering that around us and internalize it according to When joy won’t find us, we must find She is survived by her brother Bruce great-grandchildren, Carson N., Logan This experience got me thinking: forced them to recalibrate and discover that its wonderful potential. joy — and withinImages ourselves isfrom where it’s F., husband of Geraldine L. Zeidman C., Ardyn N. and Ava L. Endy What if in our own lives, in the no wandering is aimless when purpose We will never lose hope that we can be often found. of Shillington. --- moments when we feel lost, and that the itself is found within you. the catalyst to the change that we wish to When you findYemin inner purpose, Orde you’ll find --- Shirley Robinson of B’nai B’rith journey ahead seems too winding and When your entire being is infused with see in the world. inner joy. Area resident and recent college Robert Berger, 54, Reading. Apartments. Survived by her Friendship cumbersome to overcome, that there was a mission, when your whole world is lit up Just as a GPS cannot possibly provide May Passovergraduate Jessica this year Flamholz truly sentbe usa He was the former spouse of Lea Circle friends. a way to recalibrate? by its potential, you can find joy, and peace, accurate directions without first determining holiday ofthese freedom pictures and from joy herfor eachrecent and visit Berger, Reading. He is survived by --- Could it be that when the challenges even in an arid desert. its point of origin, we cannot find our path in every one ofto us.Yemin Orde, an Israeli village two daughters, Molly R. Berger, State Louis Malamud, 95, formerly that we find in the world around us feel It took some time, but they found a life without first coming to terms with our roots. Chag Sameach!for children and youth supported College, and Bethany S. Berger, of Temple. He is survived by a son, by our Federation. Reading; and one brother, Dr. Barry M. Mitchel, husband of Laura Malamud, Berger, husband of Kathleen A. Vieweg, of Las Vegas; grandchildren Barry Obituaries great-grandchildren and her sister Boston, Mass. husband of Johna Malamud, Deborah Marlyn Rothstein. --- Babbit-Malamud and Sheri Malamud; Jeffrey Brok of Florida and formerly --- All Around the Town______David Moyer, 85, Reading. and great-grandchildren: Jessy Babbit, By Joan G. Friedman Badal, who has received the honor of He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Carly Malmud and Ian Malamud. of Reading. Jeff was a graduate of Dr. C. Harold Cohn, 97. He was a Mazel tov to Sharon and Ron Berman We love good news about Congratulations to Korey Blanck being chosen as the Child Advocate of Reading High School and York College graduate of Reading High School and on the birth of their grandson Miles Avery members of our community! Please and to Edith Blanck on the birth of the Year for the State of Pennsylvania. with a degree in accounting. He played Bucknell University. He was drafted into Frank to daughter Kate Berman and her share it by emailing Marknem@aol. their new granddaughter and great- *** on the Reading JCC basketball team the Army in 1943, served over eight husband, Adam Frank. com or calling 610-921-0624. Plan for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah & Wedding Guests! and was an avid Philadelphia sports years and achieved the rank of captain. granddaughter! Best wishes to our Berks County fan. After graduation he worked with He graduated from Jefferson Medical *** athletes competing in the 2010 Maccabi his father, Ralph, and his Uncle Bob College in Philadelphia in 1948. After Mazel Tov to the Bluestone Family: Games: Shalom Newspaper (Joan Friedman) in their business, Brok Housewares his discharge from the Army, he returned To David and Marianna on their new Emily & Jared Baksic, swimming 5” (2 col.) x 7” Inc. Jeff moved to Florida in 2014 and to Jefferson, where he contributed to daughter and to grandparents Eric and Andrew Blickle, basketball worked at Merrill Lynch. He is survived medical history as one of the operators VirtualMarissa. CommunityMatthew Eisenberg Seder, swimming Questions? by his wife, Jill, and his two children; of the heart lung-machine for the first *** Hannah and Alexis Glassmire, Contact Jodi Gibble, Marketing Director son Connor and daughter Erica. Other open-heart surgery in 1953. Hal was on Congratulations to Charles and swimming survivors include his sister Cynthia and the staff and later appointed the chief of Brenda Diamondhosted on the engagement by BrandonRCOS Missan, soccer READING The Highlands at Wyomissing her husband, Eric, along with nieces, thoracic surgery at Reading Hospital, of their son Brett and to grandfather Al 2801 Papermill Road 2000 Cambridge Ave., Wyomissing, PA 1910 nephews and cousins. St. Joseph’s Hospital and Community Diamond. Wyomissing, Pennsylvania 10-288-3405 --- General Hospital. He retired from Saturday,*** MarchUntil 27, next 6 time: p.m. Shalom! Barbara (Bobbi) Picker, 93, his full-time surgical practice in 1989 Mazel Tov to Rosalind Hyman and [Email all your simcha news to joan@ GROUP RATES AVAILABLE of Reading. Barbara was born in but continued his medical work. He herRegistration daughter, Attorney. required!Cathy Hyman To register friedman.net] follow this link: Philadelphia. She was a charter was a lifelong member first at Kesher Call Alice for a Site Tour member of B’nai B’rith Women’s; Zion Synagogue and later at Reform https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/KEEP UP WITH THE COMMUNITY Veterans Hospital; Red Cross; Congregation Oheb Sholom. He was (610) 736-2082 ✦ www.reading.homewoodsuites.com Jewish Welfare Board and other preceded in death by Ruth K. Cohn, his VisittZAtfuCgqD4vHtdXiqt70WeMBppBIc3dFAoO www.readingjewishcommunity.org organizations. She is survived by her wife of 59 years, and is survived by his children; daughter Jill Greene and children, David L. Cohn (Carol Borloff), After registering, you will receive a confirmation email her husband, James Greene II, of Paul D. Cohn (Jo Ann Kisling) and Reading; and her son Glenn Welsh Susan C. Evans; and granddaughters with information about joining the seder. An electronic and his wife, Deborah. Other survivors Abigail Wargo (Matt), Tessa Cohn, version of the Haggadah will be sent to all who register. include her four grandchildren, four Sarah Evans, and Andrea Evans. II hadhad nono idea!idea! ou’ve worked hard to accumulate your wealth. We hear this again and again from residents of The Highlands. YTrust it to someone who will work even harder to • People are so friendly. grow your assets and provide you with peace of mind • There’s so much for me to do. • I love the independence and as you plan for the future. 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EQUAL HOUSING www.thehighlands.org OPPORTUNITY +++++ March 2021 SHALOM Page 9 Reasons to be grateful during this difficult Pesach By Rabbi Brian Michelson for the 10th plague — the death of the warmth when the world seems so cold Jerusalem.” While that would be ideal, Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom firstborn — dashed lamb’s blood against and lonely. I would settle for “Next Year let’s all One of the standout their doorposts and shut themselves in We conclude our Seders with the celebrate together again.” moments of the their homes hoping to be protected from famous declaration “Next Year in Dayenu. That would be enough! Passover Seder is the angel of death. I think we can gain the asking of the Four new insight and appreciation for what Questions. Students that first Passover might have been like practice and families for our ancestors in Egypt. kvell over the ability As challenging as this time is, I think of their children and it is also a time for us to be grateful grandchildren to ask and awed by the opportunities and these questions. technologies that we have. Who could Last year, a colleague of mine Rabbi have imagined the ways we have been Arthur Lavinsky, rewrote the questions for able to reinterpret the community with the time we are living through. He said the help of Zoom, Facetime, and Skype? Special thanks to our 2020-2021 Patrons! that children might ask: We have the chance to have seder with 1. Why is this Passover different relatives all over the world thanks to in that we only have our immediate technology. Gold Patrons family with us? Usually, we have many We have had the opportunity to be Paul Delfin & Nancy Russo guests including friends and out-of-town “together” in ways that our ancestors relatives. could never have imagined and for all Radene Gordon-Beck 2. Usually, we put our cellphones of these, I am profoundly grateful. Is it and tablets away during the Seder. Why the same as being together in person? Silver Patrons is everyone using Facetime, Facebook, Of course not, but it is far better than we Zoom, and Skype with people who live might have been able to do even five Cynthia Balchunas so far away? short years ago. Arlene & Irving Ehrlich 3. Why aren’t we going to My family gathers about every two Sue & Michael Farrara synagogue during the Passover holiday weeks for a Zoom check-in. My parents, as we usually do? sister, aunt, uncle, cousins and their Judith Kraines & Neil Hoffman 4. Why isn’t everyone happy during families join us for an hour of usually Paul & Solange Mintz Passover? Aren’t we commanded to be very loud conversation. Just like when Dr. & Mrs. John F. Russo joyful during our festivals? we are together, people are talking We have been dealing with this global over each other and family stories get pandemic for more than a year. This is repeated. We have probably spoken and Friends our second Pesach separated from loved seen each other more during this year Harriet Baskin ones and our communities. It has been a of the pandemic than many other years very long 12 months. We know that this combined. As frustrated as I am at the Janis Edwards Passover will be different, and not in a situation, I am also grateful. Alan & Lisa Levine good way, from most of the others we This Passover I cannot stress enough have celebrated. We know that we need that reaching out to others, expressing to isolate ourselves so as not to contract love, care and concern is something we or spread the virus. can all do. Everyone has the power to As strange as this separated Passover make a phone call, send an e-mail, or may be for us, it is interesting to note that reach out in any way that he or she can. the very first Passover was celebrated in In so doing, you will bring light to the same way. The Israelites preparing someone experiencing darkness, and Page 10 SHALOM March 2021 15 Israeli dishes you must try in 2021 Israel21c.org Israelis have decided to turn still being stuck at Treat yourself to Israel’s most popular winter drink – Sachlav home from lemons into lemonade. Or rather, limonarak, the ultimate Israeli drink made of potent arak liquor With most of us still stuck at home, now is the and the aforementioned fruit. In other words, we are ideal time to make sachlav, a blend of hot milk, going to be utilizing the fact that we have more time vanilla and coconut. It’s Israel’s most popular on our hands, and fewer places to go, to get into the wintertime drink. kitchen and try making the ultimate Israeli foods. We This winter we all need some treats to give recommend you do the same. Most of these items do us a taste of foreign climes, and what could be originate elsewhere. But that’s the beauty of Israeli better than Israel’s most popular wintertime drink cuisine – the diverse population means that foods – sachlav. from all over the world have become absolute staples Made from hot milk, vanilla, cinnamon and in Israel. coconut, sachlav offers a real flavor of the Middle Zhoug East. A fiery condiment originating in Yemen, zhoug comes in either green or red – depending on the type of hot Ingredients peppers that are used to make it. These hot peppers 1 liter (4½ cups) milk are complemented by garlic, salt and cilantro, which are 4 heaped tablespoons cornstarch pounded together to make a breathtakingly hot paste. 1/3 cup sugar Labaneh 1 ¼ teaspoons vanilla A perfect partner for zhoug is labaneh, or strained Large pinch salt yogurt. Popular across the Middle East, labaneh is Top with a sprinkling of cinnamon/chopped served in a similar way or in addition to hummus as walnuts/coconut part of a mezze table. Sometimes the dip is shaped into Directions: little balls covered in olive oil and spices that are sold 1. Mix the cornstarch into the milk when cold. in jars and can make a wonderful gift. But while this 2. Mix in the sugar version requires certain skills and patience, the basic dip 3. Bring up to a light boil, stirring the whole could not be easier to make. Just place yogurt of your time until frothy and thick, but still pourable (about five minutes total). choosing in a clean piece of cloth, tie it up and leave 4. Pour into the cup and garnish with cinnamon, walnuts and coconut. it hanging off the tap in the kitchen sink. By morning, you’ll be left with a creamy strained substance that’s just waiting to be devoured. Sabich Ptitim Jachnun The origins of sabich lie in the traditional Shabbat This was invented in the early days of Israel when This is sweetish, thick dough covered in mounds of breakfast enjoyed by the Jews of Iraq. When they Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion asked food company butter and left to bake overnight in a designated round immigrated to Israel, they brought along this delicacy Osem to create a readily available substitute for rice. pot. Come morning, it’s served warm with a chopped and it took off in the country as a fast-food lunchtime From its humble beginnings, this orzo-like pasta rose to tomato sauce, hard-boiled eggs and zhoug. favorite. Originally, sabich included potatoes, hard- its prominent place in every household larder. Abroad, Silan boiled eggs, fried eggplant, tahini, pickles and chopped it’s known as “Israeli couscous.” Silan, or date honey, is a staple of Middle Eastern parsley, but in Israel it got stuffed into pita bread Amba and Persian cuisines. Its complex yet sweet flavor (obviously). Amba is a condiment made of pickled mangoes, makes it great for drizzling over yogurt, adding to savory Chopped salad vinegar, salt and spices. It’s somewhat similar to Indian marinades and mixing with tahini and spreading over If you, like us, are trying to lose some of that mango chutneys but is more savory, has a saucier toast. quarantine weight, may we recommend that you texture and is usually spooned over breads, falafel, the Arak give a simple Israeli chopped salad a chance. Called said sabich or shawarma. This is an aniseed-flavored spirit that people either “Arab salad” in Israel, it’s usually made of thinly Bourekas love or hate. Fans mix it with a little water and ice, use diced cucumbers, tomatoes and onions. Sometimes Bourekas are ubiquitous in Israeli bakeries in many it to make fresh cocktails such as limonarak or even peppers, parsley and radishes are also added, and shapes, sizes and varieties – think potato, cheese, drink it straight up in shot form. Proceed with caution. it’s always served with a fresh lemon-and-olive-oil spinach, mushrooms and even pizza. Sachlav dressing. Absolutely delicious, and really simple to Shakshuka Sachlav is a frothy milk drink that’s warm, thick and make. Most Israelis eat this regularly. It traditionally involves eggs sweet. It is delicious and very simple to make. Matbucha nestled in a spicy tomato sauce, cooked on the stovetop until Krembo Matbucha is made of tomatoes, roasted red peppers just set. However, you can also get “green” shakshuka based This is the ultimate Israeli winter snack. A round and garlic. It immigrated to Israel together with Jews on leafy greens and cheeses, or even vegan ones with egg biscuit base is topped with a white chewy meringue nest from northern Africa. Each community has a different substitutes. Don’t forget bread to mop up all the sauce. that’s in turn covered in a thin coating of dark chocolate. name for the salad and slightly different preparation, Jerusalem pretzel It is as yummy as it sounds. The traditional Krembo is but the result is always fabulous — a rich and fragrant Jerusalem pretzels have little to do with their New mass-produced and appears on supermarket shelves salad or dip that can be slathered on bread, added to York counterparts. They’re larger, thinner, chewier only in winter months. But recent years have seen stews or enjoyed as is, with a big spoon. and come covered in sesame. artisanal Krembos popping up at Israeli patisseries. March 2021 SHALOM Page 11 A fruitful Tu B’Shevat at Chabad

Chabad sent out packages of the Sheva Minim, the seven“kinds” that Israel is blessed with, in honor of the holiday of Tu B’Shevat. Also to celebrate the “New Year of the trees,” students at CHS took part in a healthy fruit gummy workshop.

2021 Great Decisions Meeting virtually on Zoom Monday* mornings 10:30am March 1 through April 19 *Except for Tuesday, March 30 due to Passover PrePare to Discuss the WorlD 2021 Topics

* March 1--Gloal Supply Chain & National Security with Dr. Victoria Williams, Alvernia University * March 8--Korean Peninsula with Kevin Coots, RACC * March 15--The Fight Over the Melting Artic with Dr. Stephen Mech, Albright College * March 22--Brexit and the E.U. * Tuesday, March 30--The End of Globalization? with Dr. Michelle Mart, PSU Berks * April 5--Persian Gulf Security with Dr. Randallh Newnham, PSU Berks * April 12--China & Africa with Dr. John Stanley, Kutztown University * April 19--The Role of International Organizations in a Global Pandemic with Dr. Irene Langran, Albright College

Great Decisions is the name shared by a national civic-education program and publication of the Foreign Policy Association. Published annually, the Great Decisions briefing book highlights eight of the most thought-provoking foreign policy challenges facing Americans today. Great Decisions provides background information, current data and policy options for each of the eight issues and serves as the focal text for discussion groups. Each week’s session includes a short video produced by internationally renowned scholars and a focused discussion on the issues.

$30 one person, one book or $35 two persons, one book

To register for Great Decisions and to order a copy of the 2021 Great Decisions Briefing Book, return form at bottom of this page or contact Amanda Hornberger [email protected]

The Foreign Policy Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring the American public to learn more about the world. Founded in 1918, FPA serves as a catalyst for developing awareness, understanding of, and providing informed opinions on global issues.Through its balanced, nonpartisan programs and publications, the FPA encourages citizens to participate in the foreign policy process.

Great Decisions 2021...Please complete & return to Jewish Federation by Friday, February 19 or contact Amanda Hornberger (610) 921-0624 or [email protected]

Name(s)______#_____ attending #____books Phone______Email ______$______enclosed ($30 one person, one book....$35 two persons, one book) Checks to Jewish Federation of Reading MC/Visa/Disc/Amex acct #______Exp.date______Security code______Name on Card______Billing Address______Signature______Page 12 SHALOM March 2021 Move over Millennials

By Carole Robinson the new 50; 70 is simply a new 70” and figuring out what you need to do to move on. Move over offered the suggestion of calling people of After her husband’s unveiling, she created Millennials, there is this age “perennials.” This term was coined a ritual to take off her wedding ring and a new group in town! by Dr. Laura Carstensen from the Stanford thank the people who had been there for I’m not talking about Center of Longevity who said: “We’re still her during her year of mourning. Meditation Generation Z or even here, blossoming again and again. It also was a big help for Rabbi Geller during

e Generation Alpha; I suggests a new model of life in which this time. She recommends the following want to introduce you people engage and take breaks, making Gratitude Workout: to the “Perennials.” new starts repeatedly.” 1. Acknowledge what is good in your I was introduced According to Rabbi Geller, “Perennials” life. c to this term through need to ask themselves many questions 2. Remember that it is a gift. You

i a Zoom event that including the following: didn’t do anything to deserve it. Literatour Berks • How do I nurture long-time connections? 3. Acknowledge where the gift comes and Jewish Family Service co-sponsored. • How can I make new friends? from, perhaps a person or perhaps God.

v Together, we brought in Rabbi Laura Geller on • How do I give meaning to my life? 4. Find a way to say thank you. Tuesday, Jan. 26. She spoke about her book • What do I have to do now to become Rabbi Geller concluded her talk with “Getting Good at Getting Older,” which she the 85 year old I want to be? the Talmudic story about Honi. In this

r wrote with her late husband, Richard Siegel. • What lives on after me? story, Honi asked an old man why he was Rabbi Geller described their book as a By examining these questions, we may planting a carob tree, which would not bear do-it-yourself kit to navigate getting older. be inspired to create rituals to enrich this fruit for 70 years. The man responded that It’s a Jewish catalog for people of a “certain stage of our lives. For instance, downsizing just as his ancestors planted trees for him, e age” — those between midlife and frail old is a dilemma many “perennials” will face. he plants them for his descendants. Rabbi age. The book is divided into sections: How do we say goodbye to the homes Geller reminded us, “We are planting trees. Getting Good at Gaining Wisdom, Getting where our children grew up? How do we Those who come after us will eat the fruit.

S Good at Getting Along, Getting Good at part with our possessions? My advice to you: keep planting trees!” Getting Better, Getting Good at Getting Rabbi Geller reminds us that it’s not With her positive attitude toward Ready, Getting Good at Giving Back, and the “stuff” itself but the memory of what it gracefully aging, I am recommending Getting Good at Giving Away. represents. One participant, Betsy Katz, that each of you pick up a copy of Rabbi It includes writings from many shared her story. Her family had numerous Geller’s “Getting Good at Getting Older”

l y contributors and an extensive list of awards, plaques, and framed photos which for you or the “Perennial” in your life. Yes, resources and tools for each category, she did not have room for in her new the book does address ageism and the

i serving as a guidebook to aging. The book home. Betsy took pictures of everything to fears “Perennials” face (such as becoming does not need to be read cover to cover or preserve her fond memories. invisible, becoming isolated, living without even read in order; dip into the sections that Rabbi Geller urged everyone to be purpose, and becoming dependent), but it is appeal to you. intentional about how they leave their laid out in an uplifting tone and encourages On average, we are living 30 years stories. She suggested writing memoirs or readers to embrace this new stage of life. longer than our grandparents. Those extra making videos as part of our family legacy Books are available for purchase at m years are tacked onto the middle, and this and also encouraged writing ethical wills https://bookshop.org/books/getting-good- is Rabbi Geller’s focus. She challenged for your loved ones. at-getting-older/9780874419856. Get your the listeners, “How do you add more life to Rabbi Geller briefly touched on loss copy today and proudly tell your Millennial

a those years?” During our Zoom session, and dealing with the reality of change. child or your Generation Alpha grandchild Rabbi Geller explained, “Seventy is not She recommends acknowledging loss and that you are a “Perennial”!

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Jewish Family Service volunteers, left, load a client’s car at the monthly JFS food distribution at Hampden Heights Seventh Day Adventist church in Reading, one of two monthly JFS food distributions. At right, Meryl Marks is excited to receive her Tu B’Shevat gift from the Federation March 2021 SHALOM Page 13 Israelis, Palestinians skeptical of conflict solutions

From online news sources found to be acceptable was the status any governance or living arrangement that The research found all of the groups Israelis and Palestinians want an quo, and none were supported by a brought the two groups closer together.” were skeptical about a two-state solution. official separation from one another, but majority of any of the other populations. Israeli Arabs also said total political “For Israeli Jews, advocates highlighted the major political solutions to the conflict “There is widespread skepticism that any separation from the Palestinians was a the political and security benefits of do not appeal to them, a new in-depth alternative would be feasible,” the report priority. Egel said “they sympathized with separation while opponents cited security, study by the RAND Corporation. Overall, states. “There was widespread distrust the Palestinians and wanted them to get a settlements, Jerusalem, religion, and the research found that “mistrust, broadly among Israelis and Palestinians of their fair deal but had the idea that if there was feasibility as major concerns,” the report defined, is likely thfe greatest impediment own leadership, the leadership of the other a separation, a lot of domestic issues” — reads. “Israeli Arabs saw separation as a to peace.” side, and the people from the other side. As regarding discrimination and being treated benefit for both Israelis and Palestinians Researchers at RAND, a leading a consequence, there was great skepticism as the enemy — “will be solved.” but stated that the Palestinians were global policy think tank, sought “to assess that a deal could be reached and that either In light of the clear preference for being asked to sacrifice too much for the whether there were any viable alternatives side would abide by the terms of the deal.” separation, a two-state solution was limited autonomy provided to them. The to the current status quo” between Israel “In addition, the majority of Israelis unsurprisingly found to be the most Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank and the Palestinians. They found that and Palestinians in our focus groups politically viable alternative. Palestinians were skeptical of both the viability and the Israeli Jews, Israeli Arabs, West Bank indicated that none of the alternatives viewed a two-state solution as something benefits of the two-state solution.” Palestinians and Gazan Palestinians would end the conflict,” the researchers very different than what was discussed Israelis were also skeptical about the were more likely to be uncertain about wrote. in past negotiations. Researcher Shira viability of evacuating settlements, in light any of the five alternative solutions to Young Israelis, especially, prefer the Efron pointed out that most negotiations of the 2005 Gaza disengagement. the conflict offered — two-state solution, status quo because they are focused on since the Oslo Accords were for the A confederation, by which the confederation, one-state solution, Israeli other matters, most notably economic Palestinians to have a nonmilitarized state, Palestinians would have a separate state, annexation of Area C or the status quo — concerns. with Israel having control over borders, but but certain functions would be shared than they were to support them. As for the alternatives, “the the Palestinians in the focus groups were with Israel, was met with even deeper The questions allowed for uncertainty overwhelming priority in all discussions with mostly unaware of that. “They kept talking negativity. Efron said that the groups and support at the same time, yet the Israeli Jews and with Palestinians was the about an airport and other symbols of found the confederation suggestion to be only option that a majority of Israeli Jews desire to separate from the other and avoid sovereignty,” such as an army or full bafflingly unrealistic. She pointed out that control over borders, she said. the solution has recently gained popularity Overall, researchers were struck by among foreign pundits and intellectuals, the fact that people in all of the focus but that shows a “detachment from groups did not fully understand the Israeli and Palestinian realities.” “When implications of the different alternatives, we presented it to Israelis and the ZOOM WITH US! and some of their views evolved when Palestinians, they said ‘this isn’t the EU, the different concepts were explained it’s not going to work here’...More contact March 20th at 10:00 am thoroughly. “We saw particularly among means more friction,” she said. “For the Israeli Jewish community that Palestinians... it was unheard of. They people decided [alternatives] were not said, ‘they hate us, we hate them, how worth the risk,” Egel said. “People on could we all live together.’” the [Israeli] Right may have started out The researchers concluded that there bbat pro-annexation, but at the end, they were few areas of overlap in opinions tSha were saying the status quo is more between Israelis and Palestinians that To stable.” could offer avenues for negotiations Join Rabbi Michelson for a musical, story-filled Since the status quo is the preferred and peace. “The data highlight the deep interactive hour for children through grade 2. Members & option for Israelis, but they still strongly distrust and profound animosity of each non-members welcome. No registration required. Zoom link support a two-state solution, the report side for the other,” the report reads. “In available at ohebsholom.org. Future Tot Shabbat dates: said it would be critical for policymakers light of our findings, it is hard to imagine 4/17, 5/15, & 6/12. to find “incentives... both domestically and a departure from present trends and internationally, to encourage Israelis to be where they lead unless and until strong, willing to explore the two-state solution.” courageous leadership among Israelis, Egel said he was surprised to find that Palestinians, and the international “across the [Israeli] political spectrum community articulates a desire for a there was not really an impetus or a desire better future for all.” to take the risk of a two-state solution. “It helps me understand why peace I expected it from more conservative didn’t break out after Oslo, even though SHORT-TER M groups, but... we talked to groups on the until very recently all the polls said most REHABILITATION political Left that said a two-state solution support a two-state solution,” Egel said. is great, but not worth taking the risk.” “It’s a heck of a lot more complicated.”

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2000 Cambridge Avenue | Wyomissing, PA 19610 Page 14 SHALOM March 2021 Israelis see welcome new precedent in UAE

From online news sources encourage a spirit of compromise with Israelis are visiting Dubai in the tens Palestinians and eventually persuade of thousands thanks to an agreement Israel to cede land to create a Palestinian with the United Arab Emirates. state. Israel already agreed to suspend its Israel and the UAE have promoted West Bank annexation plans in exchange their U.S.-brokered deal for diplomatic for relations with the UAE. “We still want to relations as a historic peace deal. It is see a two-state solution. We still want to the bear-hug that Israelis have always see a negotiation between the two parties. wanted from their Arab neighbors, leading But perhaps, just perhaps, we might be many Israelis to redefine the very notion of able to have more influence and more peace and reconsider whether they need leverage when we do have a relationship make any painful sacrifices to achieve it. with Israel,” said UAE Ambassador to the This new view is inspired by an U.S. Yousef Al Otaiba. alternative peace doctrine Prime Minister But a prominent Israeli advocate for Benjamin Netanyahu has promoted: “peace peace with the Palestinians recently for peace,” a rejection of the traditional returned from a trip to Dubai with a paradigm of land for peace. He says the hardened outlook: it is the Palestinians UAE deal sets a precedent: Israel does who must change, he said, not the not need to cede land to the Palestinians in Israelis. “I think that the Palestinians order to win friends in the Arab world. need to rethink the way they treat Israel,” The detente reveals a realpolitik in the said Chemi Peres, son of the late Israeli Persian Gulf, where a new generation of President Shimon Peres. Chemi Peres Arabs is less consumed by the Israeli- runs the Peres Center for Peace and Palestinian conflict, more willing to partner Innovation, and he is steering it to prioritize with Israel over common concerns like Israeli business ties with the Emiratis, an Iran, more interested in gleaning Israeli approach he wants Palestinians to adopt technological know-how and keener in forging peaceful ties with Israelis. on strengthening their own standing by Palestinian officials say they cannot. aligning with the U.S.’ closest Mideast ally. “Israel occupies our land. Israel continues Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco have also to create settlements in our villages, normalized ties with Israel. destroys our houses...and yet it is we What makes the friendship easier who have to treat Israel better? Who is is that Israelis and Emiratis have never it that should be doing what to whom? met on the battlefield. Breaking the Arab The occupied to the occupier?” said Nabil boycott of Israel remains controversial in Shaath, advisor to Palestinian President the region. The UAE government expects Mahmoud Abbas. fealty from its residents and has low Palestinians and their allies say real tolerance for criticism. peace requires Israel to cede the occupied Emiratis describe their embrace as West Bank to the Palestinians. Shaath a strategic attempt to soften Israelis’ worries the UAE deal removes the incentive defensiveness in a hostile region, for Israel to do so.

KZ ADULT EDUCATION 2020-2021 with Dr. Robert Seesengood

Reading the Writings: The Ketuvim in Scholarship and Popular Culture You know, very well, the stories of Ruth and Esther. You’ve read Qohelet often. But how far into Psalms have you gone? Are Jewish proverbs the source of both Jewish wisdom and Jew- ish comedy? Are Job and Shir Hashirim dramas (or the inspiration for modern movies)? And what about Chronicles? Or the weird and mysterious book of Daniel? The Ketuvim are a fascinating collection, tucked into the back of the Bible, that is brimming with strange and interesting content. They’ve been a regular interest to scholars; they tell us a great deal about how ancient Jews thought and lived, and about how the Bible came together. The Ketuvim have staying power; they show up in a great deal in popular culture, and their sto- ries brim with witty language and with characters – Esther, Ruth, David, Solomon – who are integral to Jewish imagination. This class, over the winter and spring of 2020-2021, is an opportunity to read through the Ketuvim together and discover again these wonderful Writ- ings.

This class will be held online on the second Thursday of the month: 6:30-7:30 pm

November 12 ~ December 10 ~ January 14 ~ February 11 March 11 ~ April 8 ~ May 13 ~ June 10

You must register for the course or for an individual class in order to receive the Zoom link. You can contact us at: [email protected]  Dr. Robert Seesengood (Th.M., Princeton Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Drew University) is Professor of Religious Studies and Associate Dean at Albright College, Reading, PA. He is the author of numerous articles and five books, all on the subject of biblical studies. He’s currently at work on American Standard: The Bible in U.S. Popular Media and Culture (Blackwell). 

555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing, PA 19610

610Ͳ374Ͳ1763

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.kesherzion.org March 2021 SHALOM Page 15 Apartheid accusation branded malicious slander

From online news sources Mediterranean,” said B’Tselem director Israeli diplomats in London have Hagai El-Ad. “We must look at the full reacted with anger and disdain after an picture and see it for what it is: apartheid.” Israeli human rights group said Benjamin B’Tselem said Palestinian rights Netanyahu ran a “non-democratic were kept below those of Jews, apartheid regime”. evidencing discrimination in land and Embassy spokesman Ohad property, immigration, and politics. Zemet rejected the “false claims” Zemet said all Israelis had full rights, in a B’Tselem report after the NGO with Arabs “represented in all branches said Israeli policies “advanced and of government — parliament, the courts, perpetuated Jewish supremacy over public service, even the diplomatic Palestinians.” Calling it “a propaganda corps”. tool”, he said: “Israel rejects the false In response to the report, Zionist claims in the so-called report as it is Federation chair Paul Charney called not based on reality but on a distorted B’Tselem “anti-Israel” and labelled its ideological view.” claims “malicious … they are nothing B’Tselem is not the only Israeli human more than an attempt to grab the rights group to say the government’s headlines and mislead, but with very policies amount to a system of little to no substance at all”. Charney said discrimination against Palestinians – last Israeli Arabs “have the same rights and Palestinians next to the West Bank security barrier that separates them from Israel year Yesh Atid published a legal opinion freedoms as their Jewish counterparts,” to that effect. However, B’Tselem has adding that the Palestinian Authority Black South Africans under the real share the land … have been rejected now said that Jewish supremacy is “an and Hamas shared responsibility for the former apartheid regime”. without a single Palestinian counter- organizing principle at the base of a wide governance of Palestinians. BICOM senior research fellow Alan offer being tabled,” said Johnson. array of Israeli policies”, suggesting that He said that while the conflict had Johnson said the description of Israeli “Israel refuses to commit national discrimination is systematized. “Israel is created “societal issues in Israel that policies as amounting to apartheid suicide. That is why the occupation of not a democracy that has a temporary need to be changed”, calling it ‘apartheid’ was “a smear” that polarized both the the West Bank continues, not because occupation attached to it [but] one was “slander… it is dishonest and grossly debate outside Israel and the peace Israel is running an apartheid regime regime between the Jordan River to the diminishes the suffering of millions of process within it. “Successive offers to there.” Israeli technologies automate PPE distribution

Israel21c.org done in less than five seconds. Designed by Israeli engineering hands-free system. Even before COVID-19 , gloves The device also addresses another company Geomatrix, the device was The sealed units are opened only and clean uniforms were essential for major problem: Close to half of the presented at the recent GITEX technology by laundry professionals for collection employees in healthcare and other disposable gloves used worldwide are exhibition in Dubai. and restocking. Built-in software and a settings to keep the work environment as discarded even before use. “We are starting to take orders. We’re centralized cloud-based management clean and germ-free as possible. One reason is that disposable gloves opening a factory in Israel and finding system monitors turnover and inventory. The coronavirus pandemic has only are difficult to put on, especially on damp partners in other regions to open factories The units come in various sizes and intensified the need for employers to provide hands, and they often tear. Sometimes, for mass production,” says Keter. can be moved wherever needed. personal protective equipment to workers healthcare workers grab several gloves Gloves are just one part of a healthcare In Israel, one Polytex scrub-dispensing 24/7. Now two Israeli companies have out of the box accidentally and must worker’s garb. Ready access to clean machine was installed as a test in Sheba developed innovative solutions for outfitting discard the extras. As a result, Goldberg scrubs also is essential to prevent the Medical Center’s rehab unit in 2019. By workers in gloves and uniforms in a more said, hospitals have difficulty tracking spread of viruses and bacteria. the end of 2020, Sheba had deployed hygienic, controlled and convenient manner. inventory and deciding when and how “Medical staff uniforms have become 20 stations around the hospital serving “The system we are launching is many gloves to order. The IGIN device a potential health hazard as a result of the more than 4,500 doctors, nurses, and revolutionizing one of the most common takes care of that, too. COVID-19 pandemic, and this has led to lab technicians. Other hospitals have parts of medical treatment — wearing “Our system is the first in the world tremendous interest in our solution from installed the units as well. sterile gloves,” says Orna Goldberg, CEO that lets you know exactly how many medical institutions around the world in Sheba reported that Polytex installations of Tel Aviv-based IGIN Tech, a subsidiary gloves you have left so that you know new and existing markets,” said Yariv have led to a 45% reduction in annual of AIDOR Group. when to order more,” says Goldberg. Matzliach, CEO of Polytex Technologies. uniform purchase costs, and improved IGIN’s smart device stores 500 gloves The company’s main source of revenue Medical institutions in 20 countries in hygiene and staff satisfaction levels. in special cartridges. When a worker will be replacement gloves — a medium North America, Europe and Asia already Other target markets include hotels, inserts a hand into the opening of the size that fits most hands, says Goldberg. have installed a total of 3,000 Polytex sports and health clubs and industrial machine, a glove is inflated and the hand The machine also includes a dispenser for machines to dispense clean uniforms and facilities where hygienic workwear is a slides right inside. The automatic fitting is hand sanitizer and a bin for glove disposal. collect used ones in a fully automated, must. Page 16 SHALOM March 2021 *

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Nurse Practitioner: Rosemarie Montgomery MS, CRNP, FNP-C

Audiologists:

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ENT Head & Neck Specialists, PC 985 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing 610-374-5599 • www.ent-hns.net March 2021 SHALOM Page 17

Passover A FOX REHABILITATION EDUCATION SERIES Kits! Caring for Alzheimer’s or Dementia Kits will include a signed copy of “Asteroid Goldberg: Passover in The Power of Exercise Outer Space", as well as crafts, Tuesday, March 16 • 1:00pm on Zoom snacks and other Passover treats! Geared for kids 12 and under. RSVP by calling 610-624-1299 or email [email protected]. RSVP Required by

March 17 ReadingJewishCommunity.org [email protected]

Kits are free but donations are appreciated.

Pick up at JCC March 19-26 1100 Berkshire Blvd. Suite 125 Wyomissing, PA 19610

LEARN MORE AT 803 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601 • www.manoratms.com Page 18 SHALOM March 2021 Israel Book Group: ‘War of Return’ by Adi Schwartz & Einat Will

By Moisey Schneider 700,000 Jews were forced to leave their and Bill Franklin homes in Arab countries after the war, Note to readers Adi Schwartz and Einat Wilf come and not a single Jew remained in the The Israel Book Group’s December discussion of Selected Essays by from the political left in Israel and areas conquered by Arab forces. Unlike Ahad Ha’-Am was inadvertently left out of our January Shalom. This have been strong proponents of the the Palestinians who left Israel, these two-state solution. However, as with Jews did not remain refugees. So why important work expresses the author’s concern with the theoretical and many on the Israeli left, they became are there still Palestinian refugees from practical problems of the Jewish people and presents his philosophy of increasingly baffled as repeated efforts a war that ended 70 years ago? Jewish history. to reach an agreement failed even The demand to return is not In January, the group discussed “The War of Return,” a recent book though the proposals were in line with based on specific humanitarian or covering the Palestinian refugee situation, their insistence on their right Palestinian demands. Seventy years legal requirements. It was precisely of failed attempts to solve the Arab- designed and crafted as an alternative to of return and the role UNRWA has played. Israeli conflict, with 30 years of peace continuing the war on the battlefield. The You will find both reviews on these facing pages. The Israel Book negotiations, have left behind only Arabs were not prepared to accept the Group’s will meet Monday, March 8, at 7 p.m. to discuss “Israel Matters” shattered hopes. Jewish state, and peace was perceived by Mitchell Bard. Please call or email Bill Franklin at williamf@jfread- Research revealed that the as nothing less than treason. Co- ing.org to get the Zoom meeting information if you would like to join the Palestinian refugee issue was not existence was not on any Arab agenda. just one more issue in the conflict, Many refugees wanted to return home, discussion it is probably the issue. It reflects but the Palestinian leadership was the Palestinians’ belief about their opposed, believing this would mean refugees to their individual homes in the Arabs from neighboring countries who relationship with the land and their recognition of Israel. state of Israel. were unaffected by the war received willingness or lack of willingness to Arab leaders showed that they The authors argued that throughout refugee status. Further, families did share any part of it with Jews. considered the plight of the refugees the 1950’s Israel made its position clear not report the deaths of the elderly Following the passage of the UN secondary to the main political question that the refugee problem was created by or relatives who had emigrated. Last, Partition Resolution, Arab violence — the elimination of Israel. For the Arab aggression in the 1948 war. If there refugee status was granted in perpetuity. broke out almost immediately. On Israelis, the mounting death toll and had been no war against Israel there Thus, children, grandchildren and great- the other hand, Israel’s Declaration the intensity of the war made them less would be no refugees. Israel argued that grandchildren who have never been in of Independence, read publicly by tolerant of the local Arab population the obvious solution to the problem was the land of Israel claim it as their home. Ben- Gurion on May 14, 1948, states, and more cognizant of their hostility. their rehabilitation in Arab host states, The Palestinians are the only group in “We appeal … in the very midst of the Their hostility to Israel and the way since they have wide empty spaces the world with a whole division at the UN onslaught launched against us … to the the Arab world incited them against and cultural, linguistic, and religious Secretariat dedicated to protecting their Arab inhabitants of the State of Israel Israel rendered the refugees a kind of affinities. rights. Not even the victims of genocide to preserve peace and participate in fifth column. Nevertheless, the Israeli The United Nations Relief and in Cambodia, Darfur and Rwanda ever the upbuilding of the State on the basis government still did not completely rule Works Agency (UNRWA) was founded received such support. of full and equal citizenship.” Some out the return of some refugees. in 1949 to support the relief and human UNRWA is the second largest 150,000 Arabs remained and became The idea of the Palestinian right of development of Palestinian refugees employer of Palestinians after the Israeli citizens. return was not originated by an Arab It is the only UN agency dedicated to Palestinian Authority. UNRWA employs However, the Arab Higher Committee politician but by the Swedish count helping refugees from a specific region about 30,000 Palestinian refugees and called for a general strike across the Folke Bernadotte. He was appointed or conflict. It is distinct from the UNHCR, a small number of international staff. land, and war started. The young Jewish in 1948 by the UN to mediate the Arab- established in 1950 as the main agency Thanks to an extensive internationally state survived but at a heavy price: Israeli conflict. The Arab world believed to aid all other refugees worldwide. financed education system, the 6,000 Jews were killed and 1,000 more the refugee problem was created Unlike UNRWA, UNHCR has a specific Palestinians have become one of the werePage injured  and permanently disabled. by the UN’s Partition Plan. Faced mandate to assist refugees in eliminating best educated groups in theMarch Arab world. 2010 The Palestinians also paid a heavy with Arab opposition, Bernadotte’sShalom their refugee status by local integration However, because all of the teachers price: Thousands were killed, hundreds proposed solution was to reverse the into the current country, resettlement are Palestinians who support the right of thousands left their homes, and they partition plan and to cripple Israel’s new in a third country or repatriation when of return, students became ever more failed to establish their own state. The independence.Jewish He was the first toFamily decide possible. Service ideologically radical. In order to exalt and Arab flight and the resulting refugees that responsibility for the stateless The authors state that “two different glorify the Palestinian revolution with the were not inevitable, not necessary, and Palestinian refugees should fall on the godparents with competing intentions intention of the conquest of Israel by notDiscussion inherent in Zionism. of addictioninternational community important via the United had beento appointedall for the same force, UNRWA’s schools were renamed Jews in Arab countries suffered Nations. He called the refugees innocent child.” The international community “fedayeen” after the Palestinian men By Sari Incledon, M. Ed. will not be limited to issues dealing with Others) provided the following statistics. For every person who has a fierce revenge and were expelled. Some victims and demanded the return of Arab saw economic rehabilitation and who infiltrated Jewish villages and We invite the entire adolescents. Drug and alcohol abuse is According to Dr. Jay Holder, Medical substance abuse problem, several resettlement of the refugees as the killed civilians. The perpetrators of community to attend a a problem for all age groups, and we all Director and founder of the Exodus others are affected. Those affected only realistic way to end the problem. On the Munich Massacre were primarily program Jewish Family need to know more about it. Treatment Center in Miami, chemical may be spouses, parents, children, the other hand, the Arabs and UNRWA refugee camp children who were born Service is sponsoring: In a recent article, “Overcoming dependency is the number one secret siblings, grandparents – all are hurt turned down several rehabilitation after 1948, educated in UNRWA schools “What Every Family Denial” (Na’amat Woman Winter 2009/10) in the Jewish community. Reportedly, in different ways. What can we as a projects and perpetuated the problem and had never set foot in Palestine. Needs to Know about Barbara Trainin Blank wrote: “Alcohol and up to 50 percent of patient populations communal organization do to address by maintaining an ever-increasing Nonetheless, their blind loyalty to the Alcohol and Drug chemical dependency don’t discriminate, in some residential treatment centers the problem? Awareness is an important number of Palestinian refugees and Abuse & Addiction: An affecting Jews and non-Jews alike, and are Jews – as are 20 percent of those ideafirst of step a violent and wereturn invite to Palestineeveryone in was the keeping the hope of return alive and Interactive Dialogue women as much as men. Addiction calling national drug hot lines (yet Jews absolute.community UNRWA’s to share education questions system and very present. The compression of the with David Rotenberg.” and alcoholism can be found in every comprise less than 3 percent of the U.S. effectivelyconcerns hasat ourbecome above an mentionedinstrument refugees into camps and the decision This program will be held Wednesday, socioeconomic and religious segment of population). Chemical dependency is the forprogram Palestinian on April armed 28. struggle. not to rehabilitate them in Arab counties April 28 at 7 p.m. at the JCC. the Jewish community”. third leading killer in the U.S. It is also an RefugeesOur program are returned is free, only though where has created a class of hundreds of David is the executive director of An article on the JACS Web unreported and/or unknown contributor thereservations returning refugeesare requested. are members For more of thousands of stateless people who have Adolescent Youth Services at Caron site (Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically to deaths caused by car accidents, heart theinformation, majority group, call have Sari not at been 610-921- at war failed to develop roots in Arab societies. Foundation, however his presentation Dependent Persons and Significant attacks, suicides and strokes. with0624. the majority population and there is In addition to not rehabilitating the no ethnic conflict between the returning refugees, UNRWA exacerbated the BERKS ENCORE PROVIDES FREE TAX PREPARATION Volunteer Opportunitiesand receiving Available sides. – problem inJewish multiple Family ways. First, Service there isseeks the volunteersThe obligation to help ourof anyone seniors who truly FROM TRAINED VOLUNTEERS problem of incorrect counting. Estimates and earnestly wants peace is to remove of the total numberwith of Palestinians grocery shopping who obstacles. and other There errands. is no greater obstacle Was your household income less than $50,000 in 2009? fled wereIf from you have500,000 some to 900,000.time, call The Sari to or that Carole peace at 610-921-0624than the Palestinian. Household income may be higher in some cases, exact number is not known. Refugees demand for return and the organization but call 610-374-3195 for more details. who moved from one place to another UNRWA that has enabled this demand were sometimes registeredJewish more Family than Service thanks Call today to schedule an appointment from now until April 15. to continue growing over so many once or under differentDr. names. Jeffrey Even Blankdecades. D.D.S. Berks Encore, 40 N. Ninth St., 610-374-3195 for providing professional services to our client.

Enjoy Tax Benefits While Contributing to BERKS ENCORE RECEIVES AWARDS Jewish Family Service Vehicle Donation Program Congratulations to Berks Encore employees Carolyn Krebs and Martha Sitler for receiving one of the Social Security Administrations highest awards for their providing the public with Call SariCall at Sari610-921-0624, at information covering Social Security issues. e-mail [email protected] 610-921-0624or go to Berks Encore enables older adults to achieve a better quality of www.charitableautoresources.com life by providing a comprehensive program of services, referrals, or email education and advocacy. For more information call Berks Encore [email protected] at 610-374-3195 or visit them at www.Berksencorepa.org

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610.898.7700 March 2021 SHALOM Page 19 Israel Book Group: ‘Selected Essays by Ahad Ha’am’

By Moisey Schneider and it took the priestly modifications with opposing forces and demands resulted in the assimilation of many and Andi Franklin to create laws that were able to be righteousness and absolute truth in Jews seeking the freedom of modern The book “Selected Essays by followed by humans. The Priests, thought and action. The sanctification life. Ahad Ha’Am” is taken from his and later the Rabbis, realized that of human life, physical and spiritual, Dominated as they were by the three volume work At the Parting national separateness was also remains the cornerstone of Judaism culture of their environment, the of the Ways, published first in 1904. essential. The creation of a separate throughout our history. emancipated Jews lacked not only His essays are concerned with the and independent nation on its own Ahad Ha’Am points out that the opportunity but, worse, the theoretical and practical problems land for the preservation of their Judaism was saved at the expense desire to preserve their spiritual of the Jewish people and present a ideals was worth more to them than of Hebraism. Being ghettoized kinship with own past. They forgot philosophy of Jewish history. the acceptance of those ideals by saved Hebraism from extinction, but the grandeur of the driving forces He understands the history of the world. its stringent Rabbinic code stifled of Hebraism that makes us unique the Hebrews as the story of a living Ahad Ha’Am reminded Jews that and petrified our development as a and valuable. organism that asserted itself not the coming of the Messiah meant people. The immediate step toward only in the physical survival of the the national restoration of Israel to The solution to the Jewish the solution is the return of the Jews but in the creation of a specific their ancestral land, but the exile, problem lies in the revival of the Jews to their own language and outlook of the Jewish people and Galut, was of indefinite duration Hebrew spirit. According to Ahad national literature. That literature, a type of life that embodies the and the national way of life had Ha’Am, when we have ascertained by definition, is written in Hebrew. Hebrew spirit. The author shows to be adapted. Their Hebraism what change in existing conditions Ahad Ha’Am is confident that the that the Hebrew spirit is essentially was narrowed down to Judaism. is necessary for that revival, we ancient land and language of the spiritual and moral, attempting to They defended themselves against shall have determined the practical Hebrews is essential to the revival create a social order based on G-d’s assimilation and hatred by using the course that the Jews of the present of Hebraism in its theoretical and will. Torah as their shield. Judaism was day must pursue. practical aspects. These efforts were generated forced, in self-defense, to express What we need is the possibility of Ahad Ha’Am attended the by and created Prophets, whose itself in an ever-more stringent code combining unadulterated Jewishness Zionist Congress but came away special gift is to see into the heart of of observations to make a fence with the breadth and freedom of disappointed. The purpose of things and to enunciate moral laws around the law in place of the lost modern life. Herzl’s political Zionism was to save based on the spiritual truth. The safeguard of a national life. He insists that Jews need a soil the body of the Jewish people, not its Prophetic books, beginning with the Therefore, the Judaism of the of their own, a fixed center for a soul. For Ha’Am, the only possible Torah, are therefore the mirror of the Rabbis is an imperfect reduction national life. That center can be way was the union of body and Hebrew Soul. of the larger national Prophetic found only in the land with which soul, the revival of the Hebrew spirit The vision of the Prophets was Hebraism. It is important to the history of the Jews is inevitably through the creation of a concrete universal. They wished to see the understand the sense in which Ahad bound. Jewish life in our land. sway of righteousness established Ha’Am uses the words “Hebraism” This has been the goal of our The author’s work shows us over the whole Earth. However, and “Judaism.” Hebraism defines most cherished aspirations since we our outlook and our inner life. The their actions were essentially the entire national culture. It is the were forced to leave. long miraculous development of national. They demanded that Israel essential spirit which animates and Only there, can the Jew become ethical monotheism, with its ideas should be, among the nations, what guides the creation of unique arts once more a Hebrew. of equality, freedom, and the value they themselves were in Israel, and sciences, ethical values, and a Only there, can we take up the of each individual’s life, could an elemental force making for political structure in our homeland. thread of our national history and never have come into being without righteousness. Hebraism included Judaism as begin again the eternal pursuit of us. Humanity’s most extravagant They understood righteousness the national religion. However, our ideal. dreams are articulated by the Jewish to be truth in action. By accepting during our exile we were bereft of Only there, can the Hebrew spirit prophets. the Prophets and their law, the the structure and opportunities a find a body and again become an With the miracle of Israel may Hebrews were expressing their homeland provides. And therefore, effective force for making absolute we continue towards our goal of national spirit. The extremism of the Hebrews became Jews. Judaism is righteousness. righteousness — truth in thought Prophets’ demands, however, went still an expression of the Hebrew Long exile and the Enlightenment and action. beyond humans’ ability to perform, spirit, which knows no compromise PASSOVER B"H CATERING

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LOOK OUT FOR FURTHER DETAILS OF MENUS AND PRICING Page 20 SHALOM March 2021 Meet the Cochin Jews: Israel’s oldest Indian community

Israel21c.org has also conducted online lectures in English for senior Whatever way you look at it, the Jewish community citizen centers in Israel and is open to more of the sort. of Cochin is an ancient one. If you rely on traditional Elia says that unlike the difficulties experienced by lore, the Jews of the city of Cochin in southwestern other communities that immigrated to Israel, the Jewish India can trace their roots there all the way back to the Cochin community had a relatively smooth landing, times of the biblical King Solomon. If you would rather even though they had left lush surroundings for a more go with archeological finds, then 10th century copper arid desert atmosphere. “They arrived from a beautiful, tablets detailing the rights given to the community by a green and tropic land, but they wanted to settle in a local king should do the trick. place where they could work and establish the state,” Yet despite these ancient roots, only eight Cochin Elia says. What also helped, she notes, is the moshav’s Jews remain in the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. proximity to Beersheva, the city of Abraham. The rest, now numbering around 8,000, reside here Nowadays, the Cochin community in Israel numbers in Israel. “Immigration to Israel began the moment some 8,000 people – the 2,800 people who immigrated the state was declared. The Jews immediately began A historic photograph showing Jewish community leaders meeting with and their subsequent families. But as the younger getting ready,” explains Mira Elia of the Cochin Jewish an emissary from Israel in Ernakulam, India. Photo courtesy of the generation of the community began marrying Israelis Heritage Center. “Their whole purpose was to immigrate Cochin Jewish Heritage Center of other origins, traditions changed. “The community is to Israel and that was their goal.” Desert that is home to many members of the community. very varied,” Elia notes. “If you ask an 80-plus-year-old Before arriving in Israel, the Jewish community there It is also where she operates the Cochin Jewish Heritage whether this is how things were done in Cochin, then had a rich heritage and unique traditions. “The Jews Center that welcomes visitors to learn more about and they’d smile. Because it is far from it. We grew up into resided in two cities and three villages in southwestern enjoy different aspects of the community. The center is this reality, we can see the changes, but the community India and mostly worked in trade,” Elia says. Earlier currently shuttered because of COVID-19, but in regular is still important.” centuries saw the Cochin Jews engage in international times it offers exhibitions on the community’s dress, For more information on the Cochin Jewish Heritage trade, but by the 20th century commerce was far more wedding traditions and life back in Kerala. Recently, it Center, contact Mira Elia at [email protected]. local and included both trade and work at a printing press and a soda factory. In all cases, members of the community used to work independently from the rest of the population to enable them to adhere to rules pertaining to Shabbat and the holidays. They also used to live in great proximity to the synagogue. “The community was very devout,” Elia says. “Until the arrival in Israel it was very religious and that is what preserved it.” And yet, relations with the rest of the multicultural communities of the area were positive, she notes. “You must remember that we’re in Cochin, in a huge India, where tolerance and patience is what it’s all about,” she says. “There was respect for one another.” Another element that characterized the community, and which was very much linked to the prominence of trade, was the status of women. “There was great respect for women. Women had center stage,” Elia notes. “The woman, the mother, was the one who stayed at home to manage the home and take care of the children and their education. The result was that their status was very, very high.” The husband depended on his wife to manage the money he sent home. “She was responsible to both save and organize the funds in an adequate way for children to receive their education.” This go-getting attitude, Elia says, also characterized the community as it settled in Israel. Back in 1949, the first members of the community to immigrate traveled via train for three days to reach Bombay – present-day Mumbai — where they waited for many months to catch a flight to the Holy Land. By 1953, the great majority of the community — some 2,800 people — arrived in the country and went to live in rural communities, or moshavim, as well as in a few urban neighborhoods. Elia resides in Nevatim, a moshav in the Negev MayMarch 2010 2021 SHALOMShalom PagePage 21 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 UJA-Federation Campaign $10 Federation, PO Box 14925, Reading, PA 19612-4925 or bring to the Jewish Federation Jewish Community Campaign Cultural Center, 1100 Berkshire Blvd, Suite 125, Wyomissing. You may set up Jewish Family Service $10 a “savings account” for the purpose of sending cards. Please contact the Leo Camp LectureLecture FundFund $10 Jewish Federation at 610-921-0624 for further information. JFS FoodFood BankBank $25 JFS Taxi TransportationTransportation ProgramProgram $20 Contributions as of Feb. 12 Contributions as of April 16 Holocaust Library & Resource CenterCenter $18 Doris Levin Fund UJA-FederationJewish Family Service Campaign Doris Levin Fund $10 In honor of: In honor of: PJ Library Fund Marriage of Beth and Bob Caster’s son Morty to Carmen Colmenarez – Sarah Simon’s engagement – Vic and Dena Hammel Michael ClyminHarry (Ellen & Abramson’sRose Sack father) Fund – Susan and Richard D’Angelo Barbara and Seth Rosenzweig Alma and Ed Lakin’s new home – Vic and Dena Hammel, Mildred & Ivan Frank MehringerEvelyn – Edith Thompson Mendelsohn Fund Gordon In memory of: Sam Goodman’s engagement – Alma and Ed Lakin Evelyn Drezner – Maralyn and Ken Lakin, Marcia and George Eligman, Louise Alyse Corbin’s marriage – Carol and Bernie Gerber, Alma and Ed Lakin Doris Levin Fund Zeidman, Judy Copeland, Doris and Elliott Leisawitz, Barbara and Seth Rosenzweig Sue Viener’s Birthday – Yvonne & Rob Oppenheimer InHarry memory and of: Rose Sack Fund Herb Schneider – Corinne and Andy Wernick, Esther and Sid Bratt, Evelyn and Birth of Selma Cutler’s great-grandson Jacob - Debbie Goodman and John In memoryDr. Walter of: Gershenfeld – Stephanie and Dennis Arbige, Carole and Mike Jay Lipschutz, Louise Zeidman Moyer RobinsonIrvin Cohen – Albert and Nancy Sack Ernestine Urken (Vic Hammel’s mother) – Sid and Esther Bratt, Judy Copeland, Birth of Carol and Gordon Perlmutter’s new grandson – Debbie Goodman and ShoshanaRose and TannenbaumHarry Sack (my – Carole Reading and cousins)Mike Robinson – Rena Schklowsky Sharon and Julian Syret, Sue Schlanger, Barbara and Seth Rosenzweig, Amy Schein John Moyer JFS Taxi Transportation Program Hollowbush Holocaust Library and Resource Center Stanley Ferber (Sari Incledon’s father) – Bernard and Temah Copelovitch, In memory of: Get well: In memory of: Barbara and Seth Rosenzweig Ernestine Urken (Vic Hammel’s mother) – Helene and Henry Singer Harold Leifer – Rob and Yvonne Oppenheimer Shoshana Tannenbaum – Ken and Mary Holt, George and Sue Viener, Sue Irvin Cohen – Alvin and Betsy Katz, Marcia and George Eligman, Barbara and Schlanger, Gordon and Carol Perlmutter, Leah Kanter-Salis, Rosemary and John Seth Rosenzweig Edwin & Alma N. ’51 Lakin Holocaust Library and Resource Center Evelyn Thompson Nursery School Fund Deegan, Naum and Lyudmila Ger, Louis and Katherine Danzico, Florence and Bernie Tishman – The Berman family – Sharon, Ron, Marj, Kate, Adam and Miles In memory of: In memory of: MarvinErnestine Segal, UrkenVic and (Vic Dena Hammel’s Hammel, mother) Emma – Holder, Rosalye Susan Yashek, Gallagher, Linda Hughes Mildred and & Shoshana Tannenbaum – Beth and Bob Caster IvanKim Yashek–Lockhart,Gordon, Carrie & Stephen Marc and Latman, Marcy Judy,Filstein Bob & Susan Pollack, Anna & Moisey JFS Food Pantry Schneider, Norman & Rita Wilikofsky, Audrey Williams, Alan and Esther Strauss, JewishIn memory Family of: Service JayEvelyn and Evelyn Thompson Lipschutz, Nursery Carol and School Bernie Gerber, Fund Barbara (Lakin and Preschool) Seth Rosenzweig, In honorErnestine of: Urken (Vic Hammel’s mother) – Jim Rothstein and Sharon Scullin JohnIn memory Castrege of: and family, Michael Geraci, Maxine & Dick Henry, Piekara Family, Birth of Carol and Gordon Perlmutter’s new grandson – Sue and George Viener, LauraErnestine Higgins Urken (Vic Hammel’s mother) – Bob and Beth Caster BetsyFederation and Al Katz Jewish Community Campaign Arnold Berman (Ron Berman’s father) – Bob and Beth Caster In memoryBat Mitzvah of: of Fran Mendelsohn’s granddaughter – Rosalye Yashek Herb Schneider – Bob and Beth Caster Evelyn Drezner – Sylvia Wenger, Richard and Mindy Small, Eunice Boscov Friendship Circle In memoryErnestine of: Urken (Vic Hammel’s mother) – Rob and Yvonne Oppenheimer, FriendshipGet well: Circle Fund SylviaShoshana Wenger, Tannenbaum Roger Schein – Jill and Gladys Skaist In memoryHarold Leifer of: – Glenn and Gaye Corbin Irvin Cohen – Helene and Henry Singer Charlotte Bluestone Stark (Eric Bluestone’s mother) – Glenn and Gaye Corbin Irwin Goldstein – Elaine Safir Ernestine Urken (Vic Hammel’s mother) – Glenn and Gaye Corbin HolocaustHerb Schneider – Eunice education Boscov spreading inHerb Berks Schneider –County Lila Shapiro

Continued from Page 5 also that the students are genuinely On a wider 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 are invited in. Instead, that factor is my students were genuinely interested in Holocaust education in Berks County schools in Berks County will be offering present because of the immense respect hearing Hilde’s story and many still talk and the surrounding areas. Within these courses for their students. students have for these individuals and about it now, several weeks later. the past month I have met with two Though the fourth quarter of the individuals who are in the process school year has begun, there are still of developing a Holocaust course to many additional opportunities that  be offered at their local high school. remain. I just spoke to an undergraduate  One gentleman was from Lancaster ethics class at Penn State Berks County. The other, Gerry Evans, is a regarding the ethical/moral implications teacher at Hamburg High School. I of the Holocaust. I found the students  have been in contact with two other to be receptive and inquisitive and local teachers, Pete Ruckelshaus at have been asked to deliver a similar  Twin Valley and Jim Konecke at Wilson program in the classes that the same  High School. Pete has resurrected a professor also teaches at Reading Area course on Holocaust Literature at Twin Community College.  Valley, and its first offering is during As mentioned above, Kim Yashek, the current fourth quarter. He is very daughter of the late local Holocaust excited about offering this course to survivor Richard Yashek, is speaking at  his students and has even lined up Twin Valley, Hamburg and Fleetwood.  several guest speakers including Rabbi Right now Albright College is hosting Brian Michelson, Kim Yashek and Hilde an exhibit titled, “Stories Among Us: Gernsheimer. Washington State Connections to the Jim Konecke is teaching at Wilson Holocaust, Lessons in Genocide.” The Central Junior High but will be moving up exhibit includes the stories of five Holocaust to Wilson High School at the beginning survivors and one liberator and has of next school year. He will be offering a received good reviews. It is definitely course on Nazi Germany. His students worth a visit! It will be at Albright’s Gingrich will be studying this period of German Library through May 10. history in depth, including a study of the *** rise of anti-Semitism, the initial period of Jennifer Goss teaches social studies the Holocaust and the Final Solution. The in the Fleetwood School District and latter partW ofY theO courseMIS willS IlookNG at post-war OPT OspecializesMETR IinC Holocaust CEN Teducation.ER The Best Care In Sight! Plan for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah & Wedding Guests! Comprehensive Vision & Medical Eye Care

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