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VOLUME X, NUMBER 24 DECEMBER 14, 2017 After recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, Trump delays moving embassy, Palestinians riot BY JTA STAFF Trump referred to this history in his House officials said Trump signed the as Israel’s capital. I have no doubt than when (JTA) – Hours after ordering prepa- speech announcing the historic shift in waiver to avoid a legally stipulated cut in the U.S. Embassy will move there, and even rations for a U.S. embassy in Jerusalem, U.S. policy on Jerusalem on December 6. State Department funding until the new before that, many embassies will relocate to President Donald Trump delayed moving “Presidents issued these waivers under the embassy is actually opened. They told the Jerusalem,” he said at the Foreign Ministry the diplomatic mission to the city by an- belief that delaying the recognition of Jeru- newspaper that previous presidents used in Jerusalem. “It’s about time.” other six months. Trump signed a procla- salem would advance the cause of peace,” the waiver to avoid moving the embassy, Israeli officials said they expected mation at the White House on December he said. “Some say they lacked courage, whereas Trump instructed the start of Czech President Milos Zeman to recog- 6 saying the United States sees Jerusalem but they made their best judgments based practical work on the mission. nize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. They as Israel’s capital and directing the State on facts as they understood them at the Israeli officials who spoke anonymous- said both the Czech Republic and the Department to start planning an embassy time. ...While previous presidents have ly on December 7 downplayed the threat Phillipines were eager to move their in the city. Soon thereafter, he signed made this a major campaign promise, they of a diplomatic backlash to the American embassies to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. another presidential waiver of a 1995 law failed to deliver,” Trump said. “Today, I move. Israel said it expects other countries The Czech Republic’s Foreign Ministry requiring the embassy to be moved from am delivering.” to follow America’s example and recog- said on December 6 it considers Jerusa- Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump said the decision should not nize Jerusalem as its capital, even as much lem to be “in fact the capital of Israel in Under U.S. President Bill Clinton, Con- impinge on his administration’s efforts to of the world decried the U.S. decision to the borders of the demarcation line from gress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act bring about a peace agreement between move toward relocating its embassy to the 1967,” meaning only the city’s western recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and Israelis and Palestinians. He said the proc- city. Speaking at a diplomatic conference part. But the ministry said it would not stating that the embassy should be moved lamation does not presume the outcome of on December 7, a day after the historic move the embassy prior to a negotiated here. However, presidents ever since – from Jerusalem’s status in negotiations and he shift in U.S. policy, which he welcomed, Israeli-Palestinian deal. Although the Clinton to George W. Bush to Barack Obama urged continued Muslim administration Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Czech parliament already recognized – have invoked a waiver written into the law of the Temple Mount, a site holy to both he was in contact with countries interested Jerusalem as Israel’s capital earlier this that allows them to postpone the move for Jews and Muslims, and a flashpoint in the in such actions. year, the country’s embassy has remained reasons of “national security.” As a result, Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “We are holding contacts with other in the Tel Aviv area. the law has never gone into effect. According to The Guardian, White countries who will also recognize Jerusalem See “Jerusalem” on page 4 2018 UJA Scranton Hebrew Day School to hold paign Upd Cam ate Pay it forward & give to the 2018 Jewish Federation prize extravaganza on Jan. 14 of Northeastern Pennsylvania The Scranton Hebrew Day School drawings for prizes, including two domes- per couple. Early bird prize packages are Annual Campaign! will hold its Gala Prize Extravaganza tic airline tickets, silver Judaica, diamond available. Goal: fund-raiser on Sunday, January 14, at jewelry, a handwritten megillah and case, For further information or to receive $910,000 POSH @ The Scranton Club, 404 N. and gift cards to Target, Amazon, etc. A a prize brochure, call the school office at Washington Ave., Scranton, at 6 pm. dairy buffet and dessert will be served. 570-346-1576. All proceeds will benefit The evening will feature individual Admission is $18 per person and $30 the school’s scholarship fund. For information or to make a donation call 570-961-2300 ext. 1 or send your gift to: SPOTLIGHT Jewish Federation of Northeastern $525,661 Pennsylvania as of Dec. 11, 2017 601 Jefferson Ave., Jewish women showcase Israel’s Scranton, PA 18510 (Please MEMO your pledge or gift 2018 diversity for millions of followers UJA Campaign) BY ELIANA RUDEE JNS.org In the morning, 29 leading female en- tertainers and media professionals from North America explored the alleyways of Tzfat through the lenses of mysticism, art and Jewish history. Later, they visited Israeli doctors treating wounded Syrian refugees. In the middle of the afternoon, Federation they tasted the award-winning product of Israel’s Carmel Winery. By the evening, they enjoyed dinner in the 1868 historical on Facebook stone restaurant in Jerusalem. The Jewish Federation of Northeast- And it all happened in just their second ern Pennsylvania now has a page on day in Israel. Facebook to let community members The Israel trips organized by the Jewish know about upcoming events and keep Women’s Renaissance Project are often connected. referred to as “Birthright for moms.” But this particular trip carried some extra gravitas. From November 27-December Candle lighting 4, visitors described by JWRP as “Media Participants of the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project’s “Media Magnets” trip December 15...... 4:16 pm See “Women” on page 6 to Israel are pictured at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. (Photo by Aviram Valdman) December 22...... 4:19 pm December 29...... 4:23 pm INSIDE THIS ISSUE January 5...... 4:29 pm Campaign chai-lights Israel and technology Basketball in Israel January 12...... 4:37 pm January 19...... 4:45 pm A look at the American Joint Big data and robots are part of A look at African American Distribution Committee and how the Israeli military’s “new world”; basketball players in Israel who PLUS it aids Jews throughout the world. Amazon R&D in Israel. became Israeli citizens. Opinion...... 2 Story on page 5 Stories on page 9 Story on page 13 D’var Torah...... 8 2 THE REPORTER ■ DECEMBER 14, 2017 A MATTER OF OPINION The Shabbat revolution: a movement of unity, peace and connection BY RABBI DR. WARREN cial spirit of Shabbat. On a day in which constant feed of digital information. With As it turns out, one of the world’s latest GOLDSTEIN many of our routines are restricted – going marvels of modern technology at our fin- revolutions embodies the aforementioned JNS.org to work, writing, cooking, driving cars, gertips at any given moment, we remain core human values – unity, peace and tran- In a world that has experienced an in- turning on lights and activating electrical glued to our devices, and cling to social quility, and real interpersonal connection. ordinate amount of destruction in recent appliances, among other things – we can networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Since I introduced The Shabbat Project months, it might be difficult to appreciate discover that these restrictions are actually Instagram as if our lives depended on them. in 2013 in South Africa, this worldwide – or even think of – creation. liberating; that it is the things we can’t But Malcolm Gladwell, one of today’s call for Jews to keep a single Shabbat has Hurricanes wreaked havoc on Houston, do on Shabbat which free us up to do the most influential thinkers, asserts that grown exponentially. South Florida and Puerto Rico, among things we can. modern technology might not be the key From October 27-28, this year’s Shabbat other places. Earthquakes devastated Rather than impeding our enjoyment or ingredient to everyday success – or to Project drew more than one million partic- Mexico. Las Vegas endured the deadliest creating inconvenience, these regulations transformative social revolutions. Yes, ipants across 1,416 cities and 97 countries. mass shooting in modern U.S. history. actually create the magic and inspiration the “Arab Spring” upheavals in Tunisia, It has been nothing short of thrilling and In these times of crisis and pain, we have of the Shabbat experience. Day in and day Egypt and throughout the Arab world are deeply inspiring to watch this movement also witnessed some of mankind’s most out, in order to get by in this world, we widely believed to have been sparked by grow, as Jews come together across every admirable attributes: kindness, empathy, spend so little time actively connecting. social media. In a 2010 article for The conceivable divide – l anguage, culture, determination and unity. As disparate com- The pace of modern life, and the tasks and New Yorker, however, Gladwell examines ethnicity, geography and observance. munities around the world banded together responsibilities that consume our lives episodes that illustrate a different narra- Fittingly, the unity of The Shabbat to assist the most vulnerable among us, I morning until evening, are an intrusion; tive: the so-called “Twitter Revolution” in Project was on full display in the places was reminded of how our sages describe they prevent us from real connections Moldova in 2009, and the student uprising that are currently most in need of an the ultimate state of unity “like one person with our family and friends, with God, in Iran a few months later. In a piece titled uplifting experience. Whether it was with one heart.” We are brought together and with ourselves. “Small Change – Why the revolution will Houston, Las Vegas, Mexico City or other through external trauma, whether it be By giving us peace and tranquility, and not be tweeted,” he notes that the role sites of recent traumatic events, Shabbat natural or man-made disasters. diminishing the ever-present noise of the of social media was negligible in both Project activities served as a refuge and a Yet healing must be about more than outside world, the restrictions of Shabbat instances. Changing the world through safe haven, as well as a platform to bring unity. To survive and thrive daily, vic- liberate us. At the Shabbat dinner and lunch social media alone, he argues, is unlikely communities together in genuine moments tims and volunteers alike – and those table, for example, no one has to answer the because the ties between social media of connectedness. The emphasis was not who fall into neither category – need to phone or rush off in the car somewhere. No users are generally very weak. on destruction, but creation – or more experience life’s simple, yet profound, one is distracted by the screens of infor- Instead, real social change is achieved precisely, on the day when God halted gifts. Most prominent among them are a mation and entertainment that saturate the through the bonds that exist between creation and commanded us to rest, and sense of inner peace and genuine human modern world. Or take the prohibition on friends and family. To illustrate this phe- to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. In these connection. There is nothing in our lives driving, which frees us to genuinely connect nomenon, Gladwell looks at the Civil turbulent times, we need Shabbat more that better allows us to experience these as we walk together side by side, instead of Rights Movement led by Martin Luther than ever. gifts than Shabbat. talking into the car speakerphone or rearview King Jr. – specifically at how the mass “sit- Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein is the chief Justice Louis Brandeis, using a phrase mirror while we negotiate traffic. ins” at eating houses and other facilities rabbi of South Africa and the founder of coined by Joseph Addison, the 17th century It is the restrictions of Shabbat that reserved for whites mushroomed into a the International Shabbat Project, which British poet, spoke of Shabbat as “stealing afford us the opportunity to really live. nationwide protest against segregation took place in 1,416 cities around the world a day out of life to live.” This is the spe- We live in a world that has become a that changed the face of America. from October 27-28 this year. Jews make news, but when is it Jewish news? BY ANDREW SILOW-CARROLL capitals of the world’s busy life, but also an exception that proves the rule: I OKed “ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the of the smaller centers where Jewish life is an item on Thrush precisely because I and Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson (JTA) – “Is So-and-So Jewish? How Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. Jewish is she? Find out if she’s Jewish.” pulsating, where the struggle for existence even some of his closest colleagues didn’t I often joke that Jewish Telegraphic is hardest and where Jewish contributions realize he was Jewish. Sometimes, and I President: David Malinov Executive Director: Mark Silverberg Agency reporters and antisemitic bloggers to the economic, cultural and political life am not saying this is the proudest thing write the same stories, only with different of the world are being made.” we do, we feel it is our job to answer the Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman headlines. We proudly search down Jewish But what do you do when someone question, “Is So-and So Jewish?” Layout Editor: Diana Sochor celebrities to show the diverse ways that who is “just Jewish” commits a crime or is One problem with category A is that Production Coordinator: Jenn DePersis Jews are contributing to the wider culture. enmeshed in scandal – or, for that matter, it both privileges and burdens Orthodox Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown The Daily Stormer uses the same names wins a secular award or goes missing in Jews, rabbis of all stripes and Israelis. to prove that Jews are taking over. the Himalayas? What criteria do you use Because their Jewish identity is so ob- The problem for us, of course, is when to “claim” someone for an outlet like JTA? vious – because they “represent” – the The sex harassment controversy is a things they do tend to be overreported in OPINIONS The views expressed in the Jews we report on do bad things. Very editorials and opinion pieces are those bad things. The last few months have seen useful test case. It is no surprise that Jewish the Jewish media. For example, a secular of each author and not necessarily a deluge of stories about Jews in trouble, names keep popping up in the aftermath Jewish landlord in Ohio who defrauds the views of the Jewish Federation of starting with the ugly revelations of sexual of the Weinstein scandal, since Jews are her customers is less likely to make the Northeastern Pennsylvania. abuse by the Hollywood mogul Harvey over-represented in Hollywood back offices “Jewish news” than the Orthodox rabbi LETTERS The Reporter welcomes Weinstein. Next came the director and and journalism. But is it a “Jewish” story who is photographed in his yarmulke at letters on subjects of interest to the writer James Toback, the former New that a guy named Weinstein is in trouble? his arraignment. Jewish community. All letters must be Republic Editor Leon Wieseltier and the Or by noting his ethnicity, are we making B. Are Jewishness or Jewish issues signed and include a phone number. journalist Mark Halperin. And Brett Rat- the same mistake as the Tablet columnist referenced in the way the subject makes The editor may withhold the name ner. And Jeffrey Tambor. And now Sen. who managed to implicate all Jewish males news or is written about? Jewish victims upon request. Al Franken and New York Times reporter in the misdeeds of a single person? of antisemitism make news no matter how ADS The Reporter does not necessar- Glenn Thrush. Over the years, I’ve developed a loose they personally identify. The same goes for ily endorse any advertised products As the news broke about each of these set of guidelines to determine who “gets celebrities who bring up their Jewishness and services. In addition, the paper men, we asked the same question in the in” and who doesn’t. It’s a three-part test. in a distinct way or have it brought up for is not responsible for the kashruth of JTA office: Do we? It’s not a question about Newsmakers must score one or more: them. Not everything Lena Dunham does any advertiser’s product or establish- “protecting” Jews, or trying to hide bad A. Is the subject significantly identified or says qualifies as Jewish news, but when ment. Jewish news from society at large. This with a Jewish community, specific Jewish a few years back she got in hot water for DEADLINE Regular deadline is two topics or a distinctly Jewish way of be- an essay comparing a dog to her “Jewish weeks prior to the publication date. isn’t 1963, when a critic told Philip Roth that his portrayals of deeply flawed Jewish ing in the world? This category includes boyfriend,” we wrote about it. FEDERATION WEBSITE: characters “have done as much harm as Jewish clergy and “Jewish professionals,” C. Is the subject just so well known www.jewishnepa.org all the organized antisemitic organizations prominent givers to Jewish communal and so identifiably Jewish, even if they have done to make people believe that all organizations and the Jewish leaders fail tests A and B? I sometimes call this HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: Jews are cheats, liars, connivers.” whose salaries they pay. It also includes the Woody Allen rule (although you could Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA For me it’s a deeper question about politicians who take a strong interest in argue that he also fits in A and B). Or may- 18510 identity, belonging and meaning. JTA’s Israel and other Jewish causes, artists who be the Bernie Sanders rule. Throughout E-mail: [email protected] corner of the ethnic media market is write or have written about distinct Jewish much of his career, the senator from Ver- Fax: (570) 346-6147 Jews who make news. Deciding what’s themes, and just folks who are strongly mont wasn’t all that involved in a Jewish Phone: (570) 961-2300 “Jewish news” is easy when the subject identified with or by a Jewish community. community or Jewish issues. Until he ran HOW TO REACH is religion, or the ways Jewish groups are Weinstein, for example, has given to for president, he’d mostly show up in our THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: promoting policy, or when a Jewish artist, Jewish causes and intended to make a archive in tallies of how Jewish members Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 chef or filmmaker explores a distinctly film about the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. of Congress voted. But c’mon! He’s Bernie E-mail: [email protected] Jewish subject. We didn’t rush to report on Mark Halperin Sanders! From Brooklyn! I like how one of my predecessors de- because he isn’t highly identified with Jew- But when do you stop, exactly? Mark SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: scribed the Jewish Telegraphic Agency in ish activities, causes or communities. You Zuckerberg and Jared Kushner make Phone: (570) 961-2300 1933: “a roll call, as it were, not only of the could say the same about Thrush, but he’s See “News” on page 4 DECEMBER 14, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 3 COMMUNITY NEWS “Hesed Hanukkah Happenings” for young and old on December 15 and 19 Temple Hesed will hold several Chanukah events a grand dreidel tournament and play games that teach the story. The entire evening is free and open to all – just during December, including children’s programs, a hol- true meaning of Chanukah,” said organizers of the event. make sure to RSVP for the dinner, so the potluck can be iday dinner and a Shabbat holiday service with “special At 6 pm, Temple Hesed’s annual Chanukah potluck arranged!” organizers said. guests.” “Chanukah is supposed to be a happy time. feast will be held. It will include a latke cook-off contest, “Haven’t had enough Chanukah yet?” organizers So why not have multiple celebrations to make this a so there will be a variety of latkes to eat. Reservations added. “Then come to Temple Hesed again on Tuesday, joyous holiday?” said organizers of the programs. All for the dinner should be made to the temple office at December 19, as the joint Hebrew School of Temple programs are being held at the synagogue building, 1 570-344-7201 or [email protected]. People are Israel and Temple Hesed is opened up to any and all Knox Rd., Scranton. asked to mention if they would like to participate in the comers.” The program will start at 4 pm with Maccabiah Temple Hesed will hold its main celebration on Friday, cook-off. The dinner will be followed by the Chanukah games, including a menorah relay and vertical doughnut December 15. The program will begin at 5 pm with the service at 7 pm with the Shmooze Brothers performing dunking. Students will then make Chanukah treats and first of what will be a monthly children’s program open new Chanukah “classics” such as “The Dreidel Blues,” eat them as they sing songs. There is no cost, but those to the public. Children of all ages will make sufganiyot – “How do you spell Hanukkah?” and “The House of the interested in attending should RSVP so school staff know Chanukah doughnuts – and edible dreidels. “We’ll have Falling Shin.” “There will also be a fabulous Chanukah how many to prepare for. Chanting Circle to be held at Temple Hesed on Dec. 16 Rabbi Daniel Swartz will lead a Chanting Circle a supportive, nurturing space not only for Jews from a Hebrew chant.” These workshops, led by Rabbi Shefa on Saturddy, December 16, at 10:30 am, with this variety of traditions, but also for people of other faiths Gold, have explored new ways to find meaning in month’s theme being “Light in Darkness.” The circle who have come seeking Jewish teachings, community ancient Jewish texts. “Through the power of chant, will be held at Temple Hesed, 1 Knox Rd., Scranton, and solace.” lines from the psalms, the prophets, Torah and liturgy and is designed “to bring joy to the heart, wisdom to For the past two years, Swartz, along with his become gateways of connection,” organizers said. the mind and healing to the soul,” said organizers of wife, Rabbi Marjorie Berman, has been participating “With proper guidance, these gateways can help us the circle. “The circle, open to everyone, has become in a series of week-long workshops on “the magic of understand ourselves better and become less reactive, more compassionate people.” The theme, “Finding Light in Darkness,” was designed to fit the season. “Even for those who love Interfaith Thanksgiving service held the beauty of winter or enjoy winter activities, the ev- er-shortening day and the ever-growing darkness can be hard to bear,” organizers said. “Even in the midst of great darkness, whether one is talking about physical at Temple Hesed or spiritual darkness, there is still light, if you know Each year before Thanksgiv- how to seek it out. And seeking light is just what those ing, the Scranton Area Minis- who come will be doing in our December 16th chanting terium, along with Friends of circle. The chants will focus on overcoming darkness the Poor and Family to Family, and reconnecting to light and joy. Join the group for sponsors an interfaith Thanks- a unique non-denominational gathering of support, giving celebration. For the past healing, contemplation and joy.” several years, it had been held Everyone is welcome, no RSVP is needed and there is at the Scranton Cathedral, but no charge. “Come find out what the diverse group that has with attendance falling, the come to previous circles already knows: there is a special Ministerium decided to do en-chant-ment that they find together that brings joy, heal- something different this year. ing and wisdom to each person there,” organizers added. The event was held at Temple Hesed on November 17 as part of its regular erev Shabbat service. DEADLINES More than twice the number The following are deadlines for all articles and who had been attending at the photos for upcoming Reporter issues. Cathedral joined the celebration, where they heard prayers and DEADLINE ISSUE songs from leaders of Baha’i, Thursday, December 28...... January 11 Muslim, Hindu, Christian and Thursday, January 10...... January 25 Jewish faiths. Everyone joined Thursday, January 25...... February 8 in the singing of “Hinei Mah Tov” and Sababa’s “Beauty of Thrusday, February 8...... February 22 the World.” People were also treated to traditional Indian and Nepalese dances, performed by Visit the students from Nativity Miguel Jewish Federation School, which is housed at Shown are some of the crowd that attended the interfaith Thanksgiving Temple Hesed. celebration that was held at Temple Hesed. on Facebook! Templ Israe o th Pocono Festiva o Light Tuesday, December 19 - 6pm Wit musica entertainmen b
Yoe Sharab Bring your menorah and candles. It is the last night of Chanukah — all the candles on the menorah are lit. We’ll supply the latkes, jelly donuts and beverages. A room full of candles ablaze as we sing familiar songs (and maybe learn a new one or two). TEMPLE ISRAEL OF THE POCONOS 711 WALLACE ST., STROUDSBURG, PA 18360 570-421-8781 • FREE ADMISSION •

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER ■ DECEMBER 14, 2017 Israeli resolution passes at U.N. with 117 co-sponsors BY JNS STAFF An unprecedented 117 countries signed solutions to some of the world’s oldest ag- prefer to sow seeds of hate.” (JNS.org) – An Israeli resolution focus- on as co-sponsors of the Israeli resolution, ricultural challenges,” Israeli Ambassador The Israeli-sponsored resolution on ing on the use of agricultural technology which passed in a 141-1 vote with 34 ab- to the U.N. Danny Danon said following agricultural technology for sustainable for sustainable development passed in the stentions. Syria was only country to vote the resolution’s adoption. development was originally adopted United Nations Second Committee on No- against the resolution, while other Arab “This is an issue that should bring all in 2007 to assist with promoting food vember 28 with the highest-ever number countries abstained. of us together,” he said. “Those opposing security and sustainable food systems of co-sponsors for an Israeli initiative at “Israel is proud to work with our friends this resolution have clearly shown that without diminishing the resources of the world body. around the world in promoting cutting-edge instead of planting shoots of peace, they future generations.

Jerusalem Continued from page 1 Also on December 6, Philippines Pres- ber said the body would “not recognize officials turned off the lights of the giant In Nablus, protesters burned an effigy of ident Rodrigo Duterte sent a message to any changes to the 4 June 1967 lines, Christmas tree in Bethlehem in protest. President Donald Trump as part of the pro- Israel that he wanted to move his country’s including with regard to Jerusalem, other Demonstrators on December 7 burned test. Clashes also occurred in Bethlehem. embassy to Jerusalem, Israel’s Kan public than those agreed by the parties through tires, as well as American and Israeli flags, The Israeli army braced for violence broadcaster reported. Jerusalem reported- negotiations.” The United States abstained and threw rocks at Israeli security forces by redeploying troops to the West Bank ly anticipates that Hungary may move its from voting on that resolution, declining and Israeli cars as the Palestinian Authority and putting more soldiers on standby. embassy to Jerusalem as well. According to use its veto power on the council and called for a general strike, leaving stores The Israel Defense Forces announced the to the Times of Israel, citing unnamed allowing the resolution to pass. shuttered and school cancelled. Soldiers morning of December 7 that it had beefed European sources, Budapest blocked a On December 6, Palestinian President clashed with protestors in Jerusalem’s Old up its presence in the West Bank. Israeli joint European Union statement that would Mahmoud Abbas declared that the United City, including at a demonstration at the troops used rubber bullets and tear gas to have opposed the historic change in the States can no longer act as a mediator be- Damascus Gate. A CNN video from the control the demonstrators. At least eight U.S. position. tween Israel and the Palestinians. World West Bank city Ramallah showed large Palestinians were injured in the clashes The United Nations Security Council leaders also expressed concern and Arab crowds throwing stones and burning flags. that day. planned to meet to discuss the United and Muslim leaders warned of disaster. States’ recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s On December 7, Hamas leader Ismail capital. The meeting was to be held on De- Haniyeh called for Palestinians to launch Continued from page 2 cember 8 at the request of eight countries a new intifada starting on December 8 as News that sit on the 15-member body. France, an “expression of rage,” against the U.S. news every day; does the fact that they are about “bad Jews,” invoked Jewish tra- Bolivia, Egypt, Italy, Senegal, Sweden, decision. “The only way to deal with the Jewish make it Jewish news? We argue dition itself: “[T]o indicate that moral Britain and Uruguay requested that U.N. Zionist policy, which has backing from the about this all the time. crisis is something to be hushed up is Secretary-General Antonio Guterres brief United States, is sparking a new intifada So applying the test above, we wrote not, of course, to take the prophetic line,” the council at the meeting, Reuters report- against the occupation and welcome resis- about Mayim Bialik after she wrote an he wrote, “nor is it a rabbinical point of ed citing unnamed diplomats. tance to this occupation,” he said, according oped about the sexual assault scandals. view that Jewish life is of no significance “I have consistently spoken out against to Haaretz. “Let December 8 be the first It was Jewish news because of A (the to the rest of mankind.” any unilateral measures that would jeopar- day of the intifada against the occupier.” television star writes frequently about her We’re not prophets or rabbis. At most dize the prospect of peace for Israelis and Protests erupted in Jerusalem and across observant Jewish lifestyle); B (her essay we’re scribes. I go back to that 1933 Palestinians,” Guterres said on December the Palestinian territories hours after U.S. made reference to observant Jewish codes mission statement, which further said 6 following Trump’s announcement. A President Donald Trump recognized of modesty) and C (her name is Mayim JTA “brings the reader into contact with Security Council resolution in Decem- Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Palestinian Bialik, for Pete’s sake). the various climes, political, social and Toback’s sex scandal got a write-up economic conditions where Jewish life because of A (he wrote the Jewish gang- unfolds itself on the varying backgrounds ster biopic “Bugsy” and appeared in it of the different countries, all ringing out as Gus Greenbaum). We didn’t report on their messages in such varied tones.” Jewish Federation of NEPA allegations of abuse leveled at screenwriter Andrew Silow-Carroll is the editor in Scott Rosenberg because he didn’t score chief of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. as A, B or C. I am aware that this is an inexact science and we run the risk of leaving out people. I also worry that reporting on certain people or incidents implies Jewish significance where there is none. Consider former White House aide Ezra Cohen-Watnick. Sure, he’s Jewish. But Jewish ghetto Facebook ® is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc were we to mention that fact in a report about his ouster by H.R. McMaster postcards (“National security adviser cans Jewish The visiting exhibit “The aide!”), it may have implied cause and Jewish Ghetto in Postcards: From East- effect where there was none. ern Europe to the Lower East Side,” Ultimately, any ethnic outlet has to an exhibition of early 20th-century act as a “roll call” of its people without postcards from the Blavatnik Archive suggesting that any of its subjects are Foundation, will be at the Center’s representatives of the whole. For an ex- Brechner Gallery through early spring ample of what not to do, consider a recent 2018. From the Eastern European shtetls New York Times blog about allegations towns and cities that Jewish immigrants of sex abuse against a prominent Swiss escaped, fleeing persecution, to the ref- Muslim scholar, Tariq Ramadan. “Could uge they found in the crowded streets of this be the Harvey Weinstein of Islam?” the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the blared its tone-deaf headline before it exhibit provides a historical perspec- was changed. Tariq Ramadan is no more tive and visual record of the “ghettos” representative of Muslims than Harvey that were once essential to the Jewish Weinstein is of Jews. immigrant experience. Still, when Jews do something bad, For more information, visit yiddish- it is not our role to ignore it or justify it. bookcenter.org, or call the center at Roth, after being urged to stop writing 413-256-4900.

ewish Federa the J tion on ’s e To get Federation updates via email, u ma yo il re lis A t? rregister on our website We send updated announcements and special event details weekly to those who wish to receive them. www.jewishnepa.org

Send Dassy Ganz an email if you would like to join the list. [email protected] Pledge or Donate online at www.jewishnepa.org/donate DECEMBER 14, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 5 UJA CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS What is JDC? – three names, one mission Commonly known as the Joint and the JDC, its official challenges alongside the continued need to care for the strengthen communities through innovative program- name is the American Joint Distribution Committee. needy. Today, European Jewry comprises the world’s ming concepts, networking and exchange. Helping Whatever the name, this organization’s life-saving mis- third largest concentration of Jews, after Israel and the communities toward self-sufficiency in all aspects of sion is the same: to serve the needs of Jews throughout U.S., and is a major player in the Jewish world. Over communal life is JDC’s overarching aim. Jewish values the world, particularly where their lives as Jews are the last few years, the European Jewish reality, in both and Jewish solidarity are its guiding principles; technical threatened or made more difficult. Western and Eastern Europe, has changed dramatically, assistance and the transfer of know-how and leadership Since 1914, JDC has served as the overseas arm of affecting both the external and internal environments of and professional development are its modus operandi the American Jewish community. The JDC sponsors the continent’s Jewish communities. in this new Europe. programs of relief, rescue and renewal, and helps Israel Externally, the European Union has expanded and CONNECTIONS TO JEWISH LIFE address its most urgent social challenges. It is “committed now includes 28 members from Central and Eastern JDC supports Jewish life programs and opportunities to the idea that all Jews are responsible for one another.” Europe and the Baltic States, with Croatia joining in throughout Europe. Considered of critical importance are In addition, in times of crisis – natural disasters, war 2013 and Turkey readying to become members within the many unaffiliated Jews in the region, particularly those or famine – JDC offers aid to non-Jews to fulfill the the next two years. On January 1, 2007, Bulgaria and in the middle generation who grew up in an era when Jewish tenet of tikkun olam, the moral responsibility to Romania joined the European Union. Internally, there is organized Jewish community life was either dormant or repair the world and alleviate suffering wherever it exists. a generational change in Jewish communities in Eastern suppressed. Regional or inter-community programming JDC adheres to three operating principles: Europe. Now, more than 25 years after the collapse of is a hallmark of JDC’s work in the region, and this focus ‹‹ It remains non-partisan and apolitical. Communism, a new generation that has tasted democracy will continue to play an increasingly important role in ‹‹ It seeks to empower local communities by creating is coming of age and taking the lead in community life. the years to come. JDC currently supports: model programs and training local leadership to run the The opportunity for developing communal leadership ‹‹ Jewish Community Centers in Lithuania, Romania, programs. is supported by potential benefits of property restitution Bulgaria and Hungary. ‹‹ It builds coalitions with strategic partners who ulti- and the prospect of eventual financial independence. And ‹‹ The Ronald S. Lauder/JDC International Summer mately assume responsibility for the programs. although the road ahead presents some difficult hurdles, Camp in Szarvas, Hungary. The Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania which each community will need tackle at its own pace, ‹‹ Local Jewish summer camps for more than 3,000 splits its overseas allocation dollars between the Jewish the conditions in today’s Europe offer enormous possibil- participants. Agency for Israel and the JDC. ities for the future of the continent’s Jewish communities. ‹‹ Informal Jewish education, seminars such as Limmud JDC IN EUROPE AND HOW UJA DOLLARS To complement these changes, particularly significant Baltics and lectures by leading scholars. ARE ENHANCING in Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic States, JDC ‹‹ Regional youth gatherings, such as Weinberg Black JEWISH LIFE is working to redefine its operations. Since the post-World Sea Gesher. JDC has been a presence in Europe from the outset of War II period, JDC’s role in Western Europe has focused ‹‹ Family camps and retreats. the First World War, helping to rebuild shattered lives and solely on providing technical assistance and communi- ‹‹ Jewish holiday and religious activities. fragile communities. JDC provided aid during World War ty development, building leadership and maintaining COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT I, rescued Jews during World War II, cared for survivors self-sufficientJewish communities. However, in Central JDC’s community development strategy focuses on in European Displaced Persons camps in the post-war and Eastern Europe and the Baltic States, JDC’s focus fostering lay and professional leadership as well as fur- period and has continued to support Jewish life until has been on providing services to the needy – primarily thering organizational capacity and communal growth. today – even during the communist years. Holocaust survivors – while maintaining the overall JDC’s tools include training, institutes for advanced The Iron Curtain that once separated European Jews mission to help revive Jewish communal life in countries learning, community consultations, networking events is becoming a memory and the general movement is that lived under communist rule until the late 1980s. and Web-based learning, such as: toward regional reunification. A new spirit of openness, Today, working in partnership with local communities, ‹‹ The JDC International Center for Community Devel- cooperation and a sharing of resources and experiences JDC strives to serve pressing welfare needs, particularly opment at Oxford University. is taking hold. This presents new opportunities and those of Holocaust survivors and Jewish children, and See “JDC” on page 8

Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania 2018 UJA Campaign WE CAN MAKE THE WORLD BETTER BY WORKING TOGETHER The mission of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania is to rescue the imperiled, care for the vulnerable, support Israel and world Jewry, and revitalize and perpetuate Jewish life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

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Authorized signatureDate DR. JOEL AND LEAH LAURY, CO-CHAIRS OF THE 2018 UJA CAMPAIGN THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 6 THE REPORTER ■ DECEMBER 14, 2017 “Knowledge is power”: Gaucher initiative spotlights world of Jewish genetic testing BY DEBORAH FINEBLUM JScreen, an organization whose mission is to screen 450, with one in 12 being a carrier; carriers do not show JNS.org for and raise awareness about Jewish and other genetic the disease’s symptoms. Joseph Tessel doesn’t have any strong candidates – yet. diseases. Among the 200-plus diseases JScreen tests Many people who have the disease are so minimally But when he does meet the woman he wants to marry, for, the most common among Jews is Gaucher disease. affected that they barely realize it, while early screening he’s ready for her. In partnership with the National Gaucher Foundation, is reducing the damage that Gaucher inflicts. For those In part, that’s thanks to the fact that, on October 17, JScreen ramped up efforts to raise awareness about Gau- who are more symptomatic, a range of treatments is this City College of New York student got himself tested cher during October, designating the month as Gaucher available when medically necessary. on campus for a slew of Jewish genetic diseases. “I heard Disease Awareness Month. “We now have five FDA-approved treatments for about the screening from our Hillel and thought, why Gaucher occurs when there is insufficient glucocere- Gaucher and more are in development,” says Amy Blum, not?” says Tessel. “I’ve always been curious about what brosidase, an enzyme that breaks down a fatty substance who heads the National Gaucher Foundation. “And that’s genetic conditions my family and I are predisposed to, called glucocerebroside. When the body can’t break down unusual for such a rare disease.” anything that could affect my children someday. When the enzyme, Gaucher cells get backed up in the spleen, Current research includes gene therapy, which is I heard that here was a chance to take a pretty expensive liver and bone marrow. This can result in low blood poised to enter clinical trials in the next year, as well as test free of charge that would tell me that, I could think counts (anemia), easy bleeding and bruising, fatigue, an new forms of enzyme replacement therapy. An apparent of absolutely no reason not to do it.” enlarged spleen or liver, and bone problems. Though fairly link of Gaucher to late-onset Parkinson’s disease is being The recent testing campaign and others like it, often rare in the general population (one in 40,000), Gaucher studied by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, among others. on campuses with high Jewish populations, are run by is far more common for Ashkenazi Jews – about one in See “Gaucher” on page 12

Women Continued from page 1 Magnets” connected to Israel’s media professionals and promoting democracy and freedom. “It blew my mind,” showcased their experiences for combined audiences she told JNS.org. “I was struck by the narrative that of more than 10 million followers on their social media wasn’t being portrayed to environmental activists and pages and blogs. like-minded liberals. We don’t only survive, we thrive. “Our Media Magnets are strong, savvy Jewish women Israel is brazen, and bold, and beautiful. who millions of people turn to for their insights each “On this trip, I heard stories of the IDF and Israeli day,” said Adrienne Gold Davis, the Media Magnets doctors caring for Syrians who said, ‘We don’t know trip leader. “The JWRP is thrilled to be bringing these which side they were fighting for, but I will treat them incredible women to Israel, and helping both them and anyway,’ and to me it made sense – that’s incumbent their fans connect to Jewish values and make the world upon us as the Jewish people. We care for those in need,” a better place.” said Schrode. The trip underscored Israel’s diversity, revealing a She added, “Someone stepped up. Someone took the picture that goes far beyond what mainstream media Syrians across the border – enemy territory. Someone often depict the Jewish state to be – ridden with conflict, said, ‘Never again, not on our watch.’ It shouldn’t be religion extremism and camels. The JWRP group expe- Participants of the Jewish Women’s Renaissance shocking, but yet it is. Israel is fulfilling a mitzvah by rienced an authentic Israeli Shabbat with locals, partied Project’s “Media Magnets” trip to Israel. (Photo by saving fellow human beings.” on Tel Aviv’s Rothschild Avenue, met with innovators Aviram Valdman) Schrode has solidified her identity as a “progressive, working on inventions for people with disabilities and pro-Israel Jewish activist” despite her former belief heard from Innovation Africa about Israel’s humanitarian During the past year and a half, Waverman and her that “you can’t be pro-Israel with a left, Democratic efforts on that continent. family in Toronto have supported a Syrian refugee fam- upbringing.” After she started identifying as pro-Israel, Trip participants quickly realized that Israel is a land ily as part of a Canadian private sponsorship program, Schrode said that “the first backlash was from the left, of dichotomies that can often be complex and confusing, paying for their rent and teaching them how to manage including one person who said that going to Israel but ultimately effects positive change in the world, said day-to-day life in Canada. “It’s the most Jewish thing was like spitting on the grave of a Palestinian child.” Emma Waverman, one of the visitors. I’ve ever done,” Waverman said. Then came the neo-Nazis. But her self-expression Waverman – a food, lifestyle and parenting writer – Erin Schrode, another participant on the JWRP tour, was undeterred. was visiting Israel for the first time and was excited to is an environmental activist, social entrepreneur and “I think about the values I want to instill in the world, see “the modern side” of the country. “Even those who writer who ran for Congress at age 25. After growing and the magic and connection of Israel, and being Jewish don’t agree with the [Israeli] government told me I’d love up in the San Francisco Bay Area in an environment has to be a part of it. So it took me 19 years to discover Israel, because while it’s loud and tough, and people push where “AIPAC was a dirty word and you couldn’t be it, but I’m here now,” she said. you, Israelis are also vibrant, wonderful people, and the an environmental activist or pro-human rights without Waverman and Schrode both praised the tour for first ones to offer help,” she told JNS.org. being anti-Israel,” she was surprised and thrilled to find providing them with the space to think about complex “It’s so beautiful,” she continued. “Israel is a land the “land of contradictions” that is Israel. issues and discuss them with other Jewish women who of dichotomies, with people figuring out how to live Before “Birthright for moms,” she took part in an work in the media. together, how to merge so many different cultures, and official Birthright trip at age 19, discovering that Israel “What a gift to create the head space to grapple with enjoy their life, freedom and the bounty of what this part is “a land of things that I hold dear in environmental- identity – my identity as a Jewish woman has never mat- of the world offers.” ism, like algae, solar energy, biofuels, biotech, cherry tered more than now,” said Schrode. “So now, we have For Waverman, the trip highlighted the importance of tomatoes and greenhouses in the desert,” as well as a to decide what we are going to do with that identification understanding what the Jewish people have gone through strong track record of accepting asylum-seekers and and where to go from here.” during the course of history and “what to do with that.” “We must bring light into the world. That’s some- thing I take very seriously because I’m Jewish,” she said, referring to the Jewish principle of tikkun olam (repairing the world).

At right: Participants of the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project’s “Media Magnets” trip to Israel. (Photo by Aviram Valdman)

For information, contact Bonnie Rozen at 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 or [email protected] DECEMBER 14, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 7 The five weirdest kosher foods you’ll be eating in 2018 BY JOSEFIN DOLSTEN some serious com- This sauce is per- SECAUCUS, NJ (JTA) – “Caution: Meat and dairy petition. fect for any busy sampling on show floor,” read a sign at the entrance to A bottle of the person who loves Meadowlands Exposition Center. oxygen-infused bev- this Israeli breakfast That may seem like an unusual warning outside a erage contains 1,000 food, which consists convention center, but to the crowd attending the recent parts per million of of eggs cooked with food expo there, it made sense: Kosherfest is the world’s stabilized oxygen, spices in tomato largest kosher food trade show, where the vast majority compared to 5 to 40 sauce. To make this of those attending follow the Jewish prohibition against parts per million in version of the hearty mixing meat and dairy. regular water, ac- dish, one only needs More than 4,000 food industry professionals gathered cording to its man- Oxigen water claims to aid in to open a jar, crack for the annual two-day event, which featured more than ufacturer. Those in post-workout recovery. (Photo a few eggs and cook the delicious mess 325 vendors showcasing an array of products, from need of even more by Josefin Dolsten) Cooks need only add eggs to this candy to wine. O’s can take an Oxi- on the stovetop or sauce to make shakshuka. (Photo Naturally, there were lots of samples. gen shot, which contains 5,000 parts per million. in the oven. by Josefin Dolsten) Reporting can be a tough job, but somebody had to “When you drink the water, the oxygen gets into “It makes it very taste everything. Amid the offerings of many obvious your bloodstream and goes to work immediately to aid quick,” said Tami Bezborodko, vice president of mar- treats (lox varieties and bagel flavors, for example), in focus, recovery, endurance and stamina,” Max Lewis, keting for Iron Chef. “In seven minutes you can have a there were some surprises. These are the five most director of sales for Formula Four Beverages, told JTA. nice, hot breakfast.” unexpected foods and beverages JTA sampled at this The oxygen is not in gas form, meaning it won’t escape The sauce contains tomatoes and spices, and comes in year’s Kosherfest. the bottle when it’s opened, Lewis added. mild and medium spicy varieties. A 24-ounce jar retails PATTERNED MATZAH Oxigen bottles retail at stores nationwide for $1.69 to in stores nationwide for around $4.50. Matzohgram, which was crowned by Kosherfest the $1.99, while the shots sell for $2.79 to $2.99. RABBI-APPROVED BARBECUE SAUCE best Kosher for Passover product, is matzah printed SALTED CARAMEL FROZEN PIZZA Want a barbecue with a rabbinic seal of approval? Look with Jewish-themed patterns, such as Stars of David It’s a pizza, it’s a no further. Rabbi Mendel Segal, who founded the Kansas and Passover greetings. The manufacturer, Independent frozen dessert – it’s City Kosher BBQ Festival, now offers three varieties of Ink, uses colorful, edible ink that is kosher for Passover. a Frizza! his RaBBi-Q sauce. Since launching in 2015, Segal has Customers placing large orders can also customize The Salted Car- expanded his line of sauces to include flavors that draw matzahs with any image they desire. amel Frizza from on both his Jewish and Southern roots – the pomegranate “It gives you the ability to be creative for your seder Elegant Desserts honey barbecue sauce, which Segal came up with when plate,” said NK Ranganathan, Independent Ink’s chief won the trade show’s making brisket for Rosh Hashanah, is a favorite. operating officer. “You can have a variety of designs and award for best des- “It sells really well in the non-Jewish market, too, it becomes very interesting for the kids.” sert. The dairy-free because nobody has a barbecue sauce that flavor yet,” Customers can buy Matzohgram online: It’s $10 for a treat consists of a he told JTA. “But Jews catch onto it right away.” box of mini-matzahs and $16 for the regular size. cookie bottom, salt- An 18-ounce jar of sauce retails at select kosher ed caramel ice cream Elegant Desserts sells frozen markets nationwide for $4.99. and caramel sauce. pizzas in sweet flavors such “Everybody, as salted caramel, strawberry, when they come peanut butter, and cookies and over, they go crazy cream. (Photo by Josefin Dolsten) about it because it’s entertaining, it’s fun, it’s different,” said Benjamin Weisz, president of Elegant Desserts based in Brooklyn. At Kosherfest, the frizzas were cut into bite-sized squares, but they are meant to be served by the slice, Matzohgram is printing patterns on matzah. (Photo like a pizza. Each pie contains eight to 16 servings, by Josefin Dolsten) depending on how it’s sliced. Elegant Desserts, which sells frizzas online for $36.50 OXYGEN-INFUSED WATER each, also sells the pies in flavors such as salted caramel, If Oxigen’s claims about its water – that it improves peanut butter, cookies and cream, and strawberry. both post-workout and/or post-hangover recovery time READY-MADE SHAKSHUKA Rabbi Mendel Segal sells Jewish and Southern-inspired and mental clarity – are true, then Gatorade may have Craving shakshuka, but short on time? barbecue sauce. (Photo by Josefin Dolsten) SCRANTON HEBREW DAY SCHOOL’S Illuminations Chinese Auction GALA PRIZE EXTRAVAGANZA Sunday, January 14 • 6pm POSH@The Scranton Club 404 N. Washington Ave., Scranton The evening will feature individual drawings for fabulous prizes including It's time for the annual JFS Holiday Rae! 2 domestic airline tickets, silver Judaica, Great prizes this year include a 50 inch 4K UHD TV diamond jewelry, a handwritten Megillah and from Sharp and some awesome BOSE Sound Systems! case and gift cards to Target, Amazon, etc. A You can purchase your tickets online at jfsnepa.org dairy buffet and dessert will be served. or at the JFS o„ce. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25.00. Admission is $18 per person, $30 per couple. RaŠe prizes are generously donated to us Special early bird prize packages are available. so all proceeds from the ticket sales go towards For further info or to receive a prize brochure JFS programs and services. Drawing will be held live please call the school office, 570-346-1576. on our Facebook page December 19th at 3 p.m. All proceeds benefit the school’s scholarship fund. ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 8 THE REPORTER ■ DECEMBER 14, 2017 D’VAR TORAH Joseph and the journey of the ego BY RABBI STEVEN P. NATHAN, JEWISH as hatred and revenge, which are all rooted firmly FELLOWSHIP OF HEMLOCK FARMS in the ego. The virtues of compassion, mercy and Miketz/Chanukah, Genesis 41:1-44:17 love, which are rooted in the soul, are nowhere to In this week’s parasha/Torah portion, Miketz, the saga be found. Joseph, representing the ego, plays games of Joseph and his brothers continues. In the parasha, with the world and the people around him, seeking we read Joseph is called before Pharaoh to interpret his to find satisfaction in revenge and in retaining the dreams. Following his successful interpretation of the place of prominence. dreams, he is then made second in command to Pharaoh. The other forces working within and upon him, repre- As he predicted, after seven years of plenty, during which sented by his brothers, seek a way to access compassion Egyptians filled their store-houses, the seven years of and reunite with their source. However, though at first he famine began. Eventually, because of the famine in the does provide for their physical sustenance through food, region, Jacob sends Joseph’s brothers to Egypt in order no spiritual sustenance is to be found – for the ego only to seek food. Only Benjamin, Jacob’s only other son sustains itself, and no one else. It needs to use all of its with Rachel, remained behind. energy to keep the façade in tact and to protect it from Once his brothers arrive, Joseph hides his true identity the soul, which is always there awaiting the opportunity from and “tortures” them – and indirectly his father, to emerge in all its ersatz glory. Jacob – by sending them back to Canaan to bring back As we end this week’s parasha, the ego is in control his youngest brother Benjamin while keeping Simeon and subjugating all the forces around it. There is no chance hostage. Then, when the brothers return with Benjamin, of a reunion of the soul with its source, for the ego has much against Jacob’s wishes, Joseph has his silver goblet separated all the parts from the whole and sent Benjamin, hidden in Benjamin’s sack and accuses him of stealing the youngest child, into exile. Representing innocence. it, sentencing him to remain as Joseph’s slave. love and joy, Benjamin, the only other child of Joseph’s Though the commentators have discussed and debated father and mother, is the only conduit by which the soul Joseph’s treatment of his brothers through the centuries, can find reunion with the source. Unfortunately, like his I believe we can also view the entire Joseph saga as an brother Joseph before him, he has been imprisoned and allegory for the journey of the ego. cast into the depths, When Joseph is filled with pride and hubris, he is If our story were to end here, the allegory would cer- the personification of the ego. It is the job of the ego to tainly not leave one feeling very optimistic. However, obfuscate one’s view of reality and replace the sense of we know that the story does not end here. But, for now, union with the One of the Universe with the sense that we are where we are. Such is the way of life; in any the individual is the only one that matters. Joseph’s time moment, we know that the ego or the soul can be the spent in the pit and in jail represents the repression or dominant force in our lives. However, no situation is negation of the ego. It is in these places of lowliness that ever permanent. And so we must wait and see what the Joseph sees his connection to others and the universe. It next step of the journey holds in store for us. is the disappearance of the ego and the emergence of the As we begin Shabbat with the light of four Chanukah soul, which is not really a “self” at all, but a recognition candles, let us remember that there are four more can- of the Godliness that is within all of us. dles that still remain. Each night the light of God gets Once Joseph is released from the jail and interprets brighter with each candle, until the chanukiah (menorah) Pharaoh’s dreams, he is again elevated. This reminds is complete ablaze with Divine light. each of us that even when the ego seems to have been Each night, when we light the candles, let us also obliterated, it is still there waiting in the wings to take look at where our balance of ego and soul is. Tonight, center stage. Yes, in his position as vizier, Joseph helps we have four candles burning bright and four still unlit. the land of Egypt and is seen as part of God’s plan, but But the balance is about to shift. Let us acknowledge in this allegory this stage represents the re-emergence the reality of where we are and where we are going of the ego. as we continue our Chanukah journey toward making His brothers, representing the forces within and the soul, the Divine within us, the center of our lives, around that challenge us on each step on our journey, instead of the ego, which is only about the individ- bring about Joseph’s sense of superiority, as well ual’s desires.

JDC Continued from page 5 ‹‹ Jewishprograms.org. following services are provided: ‹‹ Strategic European Loan Fund (SELF). ‹‹ Food packages. ‹‹ Property management seminars and training. ‹‹ Meals-on-Wheels. ‹‹ The Center for Jewish Leadership (Leatid). ‹‹ Kosher canteens. ‹‹ Buncher Community Leadership Program. ‹‹ Warm homes. ‹‹ Pan-European gatherings, such as the European ‹‹ Medications and medical consultations. General Assembly. ‹‹ Home care. ‹‹ Innovative community development concepts and ‹‹ Winter relief. models. ‹‹ SOS emergency support. WELFARE ‹‹ Rehabilitation and respite care. JDC continues to provide support for 38,000 Ho- ‹‹ Old age homes. locaust survivors in Central and Eastern Europe and ‹‹ Jewish and community activities. the Baltic States. As these survivors become aged and CHILDREN IN NEED frail, and are trying to cope with economic and polit- As part of its Global Children’s Initiative, JDC is ical change, the social services they receive play an assisting Eastern European communities to extricate increasingly important role. Through the local Jewish children in need from the cycle of poverty and allow them communities, JDC provides the care these elderly need to fully integrate into society. In partnership with local to live out their lives in dignity, with knowledge that communities, JDC has identified more than 1,200 Jewish they are not alone. Communities are assisted in funding children in need in the region. In 2014, JDC supported programs for Holocaust survivors through restitution social services to nearly 800 Jewish children in need, sources such as the Conference on Material Claims providing individual case management, food, clothing Against Germany (Claims Conference), the Swiss Banks and medical support. In addition to basic services, JDC Settlement, ICHEIC, the German Government and the has supported the participation of Jewish children in Fondation pour la Memoire de la Shoah, who work in need in Jewish educational programming. JDC is also partnership with JDC. JDC is also working to transfer providing technical assistance and creating exchange more programmatic and financial responsibility to local opportunities for communal professionals who work communities as they become increasingly capable. The with children and families. DECEMBER 14, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 9 Israel and technology Big data and robots are part of the Israeli military’s “new world” BY YAAKOV LAPPIN world, and bringing this technology to the JNS.org military world.” United by a common need to analyze The end objective, he said, is to gain huge quantities of streaming data, and to an across-the-board advantage over the recognize the key information contained enemy. “Technology allows us to develop within all of it, the Israeli Air Force, this advantage,” he said. Google, Facebook and other high-tech One key area of mutual learning with firms came together in Herzliya recently high-tech firms, Col. Shai said, is big to share lessons and insights. data. With an ever-growing range of The Future Tech conference was orga- sensors and capabilities feeding the IAF nized by the IAF’s Information and Com- with vast quantities of intelligence, the munications Technology Department. It personnel would be swamped without big saw private sector leaders, such as the data processing and analytical tools. “The CEOs of the Israel-based operations of quantity of data coming in is very big. We Google and Facebook, deliver talks to have to create automation,” the officer members of the military. said, referring to computing abilities that Col. Shai (full name withheld for se- The Israeli company Roboteam’s can receive the big data and analyze it curity reasons), head of the Information “Probot” vehicle, pictured here at automatically, drawing human operators’ and Communications Technology De- the recent Future Tech conference in The Israeli company Roboteam’s MTGR attention to the critical information. partment, told JNS.org, “We are in a new Herzliya, carries up to 500 kilograms – the world’s lightest tactical ground During the conference, a doctor told world. The Israel Defense Forces and IAF (1,102 pounds) of equipment along with robot – is pictured at the recent Future military personnel about how the medical have a big technological gap to fill when soldiers in the field. (Photo by Yaakov Tech conference in Herzliya. (Photo by profession is struggling to deal with an it comes to catching up with the civilian Lappin) Yaakov Lappin) See “Robots” on page 10 What Amazon’s big splash in Israel means for the “start-up nation” BY ADAM ABRAMS ogies of Israel that moving in the right The Innovation Authority reached the JNS.org can help them solve direction,” he said, same conclusion in its report and outlined When the online retail giant Amazon their most pressing “but more needs to a plan to boost Israel’s current total of recently entered Israel’s high-tech ecosys- challenges. be done to include 270,000 high-tech employees to more tem, it was far from business as usual in “More import- sectors of the popula- than half a million, by further integrating the “start-up nation.” As the conglomerate ant,” Hilton told tion not present in the underrepresented sectors of Israeli society began attracting top Israeli programmers JNS.org, “is whether tech industry in any into the field. The report also outlined with “aggressive” hiring tactics and un- or not the local talent significant numbers: methods for assisting local start-ups with usually high salary offerings, industry pool is being replen- the haredim, Israeli growing into larger companies. experts initiated calls for the Jewish ished in sufficient Arabs, people in “Getting this right,” said Hilton, “will state to expand its pool of highly skilled numbers and with A man typed on a Hebrew keyboard. peripheral towns and benefit the multinationals and Israeli technology talent – which is becoming sufficient expertise.” (Photo courtesy of Flash90) women in general.” start-ups alike.” an increasingly scarce resource despite In its bid to ac- the country’s well-known penchant for quire the best and brightest, Amazon has innovation. reportedly offered prospective Israeli With the opening of Amazon’s new hires salaries as high as NIS 100,000 research and development center in Tel ($28,180) per month, and is typically Aviv in October, the company joined more offering salaries of around NIS 60,000 than 300 other foreign firms – including ($16,900) per month with additional Facebook, Microsoft, Intel, Google, IBM bonuses. These offerings are far above and Apple – that have set up shop in Israel. Israel’s average wage, even in the Jewish After inking deals in July valued at NIS state’s booming high-tech field. 37 million ($10.5 million) per year to lease Top programmers in Israel can already upscale office space in Tel Aviv, Amazon earn about NIS 40,000 ($11,370) per embarked on a “massive” local hiring month, which is more than four times spree. In doing so, the company placed the average Israeli salary, while the av- “unprecedented pressure” on Israel’s erage Israeli high-tech employee earns domestic technology firms to retain their around NIS 21,000 ($5,940) monthly, most talented programmers and engineers, according to the country’s Central Bureau highlighting the challenge of sustaining of Statistics. the highly skilled workforce that is the The pressure created by Amazon’s lifeblood of Israeli innovation. activity underscores a challenge identified “The real question is not which in the recently released annual report of multinational [company] is hiring and the Israel Innovation Authority. The report how many engineers they’re hiring. notes that while Israel leads the world in This happens wherever there is a large R&D and venture capital investments as a concentration of highly skilled talent, percentage of gross domestic product, the and Israel’s tech talent continues to be country is in danger of losing its status as outstanding,” said Guy Hilton, general one of the world’s top high-tech innovators manager of Start-Up Nation Central, an if the shortage of skilled employees in the initiative that works to “connect business, field is not addressed. NGO and government leaders throughout But Hilton said he sees “good progress” the world with the people and technol- on this front. “All the stakeholders are

Effective please immediately, send note! all articles and ads to our new E-mail address, jfnepareporter@ jewishnepa.org.

Effective immediately, please send all articles & ads to our new E-mail address, [email protected]. 10 THE REPORTER ■ DECEMBER 14, 2017 Robots Continued from page 9 over-saturation of information on patients, and that big Another area of shared learning with the high-tech sector U.S. Army. Shai Dvir, of Roboteam’s Implementation data tools are now being employed to detect disease and is data fusion. “This is an ability we want, for ‘acquiring’ Department, said the company’s MTGR – the world’s prioritize information, keeping doctors focused on the the enemy, by tracking its activities through a variety of lightest tactical ground robot – is being used by the IDF important data. sensors,” Col. Shai said. “This is a part of achieving vic- to prepare for tunnel warfare and urban combat. The “The same thing is happening in the IDF,” said Col. tory. The one who controls knowledge will win the war.” IDF has ordered dozens of MTGRs, and it has been in Shai. “We need automation to deal with the large flow With increasing numbers of drones and quadcopters service for a year and a half. of data. Military personnel can’t deal with it all by them- joining more traditional aircraft in feeding intelligence The remote-controlled robot, Dvir told JNS.org, can selves.” Just as these tools can be used for early illness to the IDF, the ability to fuse the data together will be a “climb stairs in houses or enter tunnels. It can carry detection, they can also be utilized by the IDF for early significant factor in any future conflict. The officer said sensors for tracking targets. All of the reconnaissance threat detection, he added. that augmented reality technology is just beginning to and elite units have them.” enter the IAF, adding, “We are at the start of a revolution. The robot goes ahead of human personnel, toward Right now, it is at the pre-flight cockpit stage, where the enemy, entering a danger zone first and sending we use Augmented Reality for checklists and keep the back intelligence. “It saves lives. It has been used op- hands free. This is not yet operational. Our exposure to erationally,” said Dvir, himself a former member of an this came from the civilian world.” elite military unit. The officer stressed that people continue to be in the The U.S. Army has also ordered “a large number of loop in the IDF and will have the final say on whether these systems,” he added. to use intelligence to strike targets, a process known in Roboteam is now working on a next-generation tactical Hebrew Manuscripts online the military as the “sensor to shooter cycle.” robot for the IDF, called Tiger. The company has also The website Ktiv, the International Col- In recent years, the IAF has linked up its command sold the IDF a remote-controlled vehicle that carries up lection of Digitized Hebrew Manuscripts, network to the rest of the IDF, becoming part of an in- to 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds) of equipment along with can be found in English at web.nli.org.il/ terconnected synergy, according to Col. Shai. “No one soldiers in the field. The vehicle, called Probot, has been sites/nlis/en/manuscript. The goal of the site works alone anymore,” he said. in service in the IDF for six months. Its upgraded versions is to allow readers across the globe to have access to One of the exhibition stalls at the conference was will be autonomous, and will carry both weapons and the complete corpus of existing Hebrew manuscripts. staffed by the Israeli company Roboteam, which has observation sensors. “The IDF’s demand for high-tech Currently, more than 45,000 manuscripts are available become a pioneer in the area of military robots. Its civilian sector solutions is high,” said Dvir. “It is a part to be viewed. systems are in operational use in both the IDF and the of the modern battlefield.” DECEMBER 14, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 11 What will be your Jewish Legacy?

A ProgramProgram of the

For more information about leaving your legacy, legacy gifts or bequests contact: Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania TEL: 570.961.2300 (ext. 1) E-Mail: [email protected] With the true spirit of kehilla and our commitment to tikkun olam, the Jewish Federation’s CREATE A JEWISH LEGACY Initiative is a community-wide partnership established between the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania and its many UJA-funded educational, social service, cultural and recreational agencies and institutions including the State of Israel and the needs of world Jewry – all with a shared vision of ensuring a strong and sustainable Jewish future. TODAY. TOMORROW. TOGETHER These include funding programs and projects in Israel and serving the needs of imperiled Jewish communities around the world – all of which are funded by the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI). Our UJA gifts also provide critical fund- ing for local and regional Jewish needs and services provided by our educational, religious, recreational and cultural agencies and institu- tions including the Scranton Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Service of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Scranton Hebrew Day School, the Scranton Mikvah, Temple Hesed Religious School, Yeshiva Beth Moshe, Bais Yaakov of Scranton, the Jewish Fellowship of Hemlock Farms Religious School, Chabad of the Abingtons/Jewish Discovery Center, Bnos Yisroel of Scranton, the Jewish Resource Center of the Poconos, Temple Israel of the Poconos Hebrew School, the Jewish Heritage Connection and, of course, the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania ……….. and this does not include capital grants, grants for creative and innovative programs designed to attract- ed unaffiliated Jewish families in our area and emergency grants awarded annually to many of the above institutions (in addition to Temple Israel of Scranton and Congregation Beth Israel in Honesdale) which are funded from the income of our Unrestricted Endowment Funds. 12 THE REPORTER ■ DECEMBER 14, 2017 Japanese-style latkes for Chanukah BY SONYA SANFORD sauce. You can make these pancakes ½ cup of water to the flour mixture. Whisk until smooth. (The Nosher via JTA) – The Jap- large-sized and cut into wedges like You want a fairly thin, crepe batter-like consistency. If anese word okonomiyaki is derived the Japanese do, or slightly smaller you find it too thick, add another¼ cup of water. Try not from two words: okonomi, “how you a la a large latke. I wouldn’t go too to over-mix; you do not want to overdevelop the gluten. like it,” and yaki, “grill.” Okonomiyaki small, as the vegetables tend to hold Allow the batter to rest in the fridge for 30 minutes to is a customizable Japanese savory together better en masse. an hour. vegetable pancake. Like a latke, it gets This recipe doesn’t need to be too 3. While the batter is resting, prepare the vegetables. cooked in oil in a fritter formation. exact, and it works as a blank canvas Remove the thick core from the cabbage half, then cut Unlike a latke, it’s usually made into for additional vegetables like kale, the halved cabbage in two. Thinly slice or shred the a large plate-sized pancake comprising Japanese-Style Latkes (Photo by mushrooms and/or daikon. In the spirit cabbage. Thinly slice the green onions. Grate the carrot mainly cabbage. Sonya Sanford) of Chanukah, these okonomiyaki get and daikon if using. Food historians have linked the cooked in oil, but they are not heavily 4. Make the okonomiyaki sauce: Combine the ketchup, rise in popularity of okonomiyaki in Japan to World War fried. The oil used to fry the okonomiyaki gives a loving Worcestershire, soy sauce and honey/agave in a bowl. II, when rice was more scarce and this recipe offered a nod to the miracle of the oil glowing in the Temple for Taste and adjust to your liking. The sauce should be filling meal or snack with a wheat-based starch. Through- eight days instead of one, but the heap of vegetables tangy, savory and a little sweet. out Japan, there are regional differences and countless and addictive sauce make this a nutritious and satisfying 5. Combine the batter with the vegetable mixture. variations of okonomiyaki, but the most common form addition to any Chanukah meal. 6. Heat a cast-iron skillet or a nonstick skillet with of the dish involves a batter made of flour, a variety of OKONOMIYAKI about 3 tablespoons of oil over high heat. Once the oil mountain yam, eggs, shredded cabbage, green onion, For the pancakes: is glistening and hot, lower the heat to medium low dashi and often the addition of pork belly. It gets topped ¾ cup all-purpose flour or gluten free all-purpose mix and add some of the cabbage mixture to the pan, gen- with its own tangy sweet sauce, Japanese mayonnaise ¼ cup potato starch or cornstarch tly nudging it into a circle shape. I like to make each and bonito flakes (katsuobushi). 1 tsp. baking powder pancake with about 2 cups of the mixture. For me, that I first fell in love withokonomiyaki on a trip to Japan. 1 tsp. kosher salt makes an ideal-sized pancake that isn’t too hard to flip You can find it there in restaurants that specialize in the 2 large eggs and one that will hold together. Cover the skillet with a dish, but it’s also something that is prepared in home ½ to ¾ cup water lid for 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip over the pancake, and kitchens. The cabbage gets slightly crisp, tender and ½ shredded green cabbage, about 4½ packed cups cover it with a lid for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until sweet when seared in oil on a flattop or skillet, and then 3 green onions, sliced thin, plus more for garnish if browned on both sides and cooked through. Make sure it gets generously slathered with an umami-rich sauce, desired not to cook on too high of a heat or the pancake might along with a welcome drizzle of creamy mayo. The 1 carrot, peeled and shredded burn on the outside while remaining raw in the center. richness, sweetness and tanginess of these components 4-5 inches daikon, peeled and shredded (optional) 7. Serve hot topped with a generous spread of the all work perfectly together. Oil as needed (i.e. sunflower, canola or peanut) okonomiyaki sauce, mayo if desired, sliced green onions A few months after I returned from Japan, I ended up Sesame seeds, for topping (optional) and sesame seeds. eating at Brooklyn’s Japanese Jewish restaurant, Shalom Mayonnaise, for topping (optional) 8. Slice and serve. Japan. I didn’t hesitate to order its Jewish-influenced For the okonomiyaki sauce: Sonya Sanford is a chef, food stylist and writer based spin on okonomiyaki. Shalom Japan is known to top ½ cup ketchup out of Los Angeles who specializes in modern Jewish the dish with pastrami, or even corned lamb tongue and ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce cooking. Follow Sanford at www.sonyasanford.com or sauerkraut. It became clear there that okonomiyaki, with 2 Tbsp. soy sauce on Instagram @sonyamichellesanford. its base of humble cabbage and onion, is a perfect fit on 2 Tbsp. honey or agave syrup, or to taste TheNosherfood blog offers an array of new and classic a Jewish table. The fried pancake part of it all called 1. Start by making the batter. Whisk together the flour, Jewish recipes and food news, from Europe to Yemen, out Chanukah. starch, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. from challah to shakshuka and beyond. Check it out at I am a fan of all pancakes and fritters, and I set out 2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add the eggs and www.TheNosher.com. to modify the classic Japanese version for a recipe that didn’t require access to a specialty food store and could be made with kosher ingredients. Full disclosure: My version lacks authenticity. If Argentina’s Jews had key role in Eichmann’s you’re going for the real deal, you’ll need a batter made with an okonomiyaki flour mix or nagaimo yam. This capture, Mossad agent says special kind of yam is added in powdered form to the flour mix or is grated fresh into the batter. The toppings BY CNAAN LIPHSHIZ tried for his role in murdering hundreds of thousands of should include bonito flakes, and the batter should be (JTA) – Argentina’s Jewish community gave Israel’s spy Jews during the Holocaust, for which he hanged in 1962. made with dashi. These ingredients can be found at most agency all the cars and some of the safe houses used to abduct “The Jewish community helped. It’s not something we Japanese markets. Instead of nagaimo yam, my version the Nazi murderer Adolf Eichmann, a Mossad agent revealed. publish, but the Jewish community certainly helped the uses a batter of flour and potato starch, and instead of Career Mossad agent Avner Avraham revealed this Mossad with vehicles and also with safe houses,” Avraham dashi, I use water. in early November, ending decades of official secrecy said during a lecture he delivered in early November at I’ve also included a recipe for homemade traditional around the exact role of the Jewish community of Ar- the Mahar conference on Balkan Jews, which the Jewish okonomiyaki sauce that can be made simply with easy-to- gentina in Operation Finale, in which Mossad agents community of Montenegro organized with help from the find ingredients, but you can also buy a pre-made bottled flewEichmann from Buenos Aires to Israel in 1960 to be Euro-Asian Jewish Congress in the coastal city of Budva. Efraim Zuroff, a leading hunter of Nazis for the Simon Wi- esenthal Center, told JTA that, to his knowledge, the extent of Gaucher Continued from page 6 the Jewish community’s involvement in Eichmann’s capture Although the disease has a high prevalence in the mutation, are now in the midst of the IVF process and, – an episode which led to the Israeli ambassador’s expulsion Ashkenazi population, that applies mostly for type 1 despite its complexities, are “grateful that the testing from Buenos Aires and a rupture in bilateral relations – had Gaucher, which has far fewer devastating neurological and the technology exist to allow us to have healthy previously not been widely known. “It was know that there symptoms than types 2 and 3, says Dr. Neal Weinreb, who children,” Paige says. was some involvement, but not exactly what,” he said. teaches human genetics and hematology at the Univer- “Knowledge is power,” says JScreen Executive Avraham in 2011 curated with permission from Mos- sity of Miami’s Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. Director Karen Grinzaid. “Whether you’re single, sad an exhibition on Eichmann’s capture – considered a “One of the mysteries is you can have two siblings engaged, newlyweds or already parents, having the watershed moment in Israel that many scholars identify with the same mutation with very different cases,” knowledge allows everyone to take steps and make as the episode that prompted open debate about the geno- Weinreb, the southeastern U.S. regional coordinator for informed decisions to have healthy children and live cide in Israel, where it had been something of a taboo for the International Collaborative Gaucher Group. “That’s healthy lives.” its traumatic effects. The exhibition, “Operation Finale: why they need to be evaluated and followed by people “We got tested and turned out to be carriers for different The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann,” features a who know about Gaucher.” things, but nothing overlapped,” says Yocheved Fersten- photograph of the car that was used to transport Eich- To spread the word, JScreen and others reach out to berg, who became a first-time parent four months ago mann to a safe house from the site of his abduction. The rabbis and gynecologists to encourage engaged couples along with her husband, Alex. “We know we are lucky.” Mossad had three cars there that night. to be tested. Testing advocates say that even couples It’s too soon for Tessel, the City College student, Whereas a small number of Argentine Jews willingly with mixed religious backgrounds need to be screened. to know the screening results, which typically take a helped Mossad (although they were not told exactly what Many couples in which both partners are carriers month to arrive. But it’s not too soon for him to think the cars and safe houses were needed for, according to choose to undergo pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, carefully about the conversation that he plans to have Avraham) at least one, Luba Volk, was used by the spy followed by in vitro fertilization, thereby assuring that with his future wife. agency without her knowledge, the agent said. their children will be Gaucher-free. Paige and Alan Guy “To not talk about it would be not fair to either of us,” The wife of an engineer who worked in an Argentine of Ocean, NJ, who both tested positive for the Gaucher he says, “or to the children I hope we will have someday.” factory, Volk, who has since passed away, was asked shortly before the abduction to head a regional office for Israel’s national airline, El Al, which was set up solely to handle the Nazi’s transportation to Israel. A stay-at- home mother of a 3-year-old son, she happily accepted the offer from an El Al employee – who also didn’t know To our readers... the real purpose of the new regional office. I want to remind you to let our advertisers know that you saw their ad here in She came under surveillance by local authorities after the THE REPORTER! It is so important to remember when you go to get your hair done abduction and there were fears that Nazis in Argentina might try to hurt her, so the Israeli foreign ministry advised her or buy something at their store or use their services that you say I SAW YOUR AD to leave with her husband, Aryeh Volk, who was fired fol- IN THE REPORTER! They want to know. lowing the Eichmann abduction, and their son for Uruguay. Thank you, Bonnie Rozen, Advertising Executive “Unfortunately, and I’m very sorry to say this, the Mossad didn’t really take care of her,” Avraham said. DECEMBER 14, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 13 Why so many African-American pro basketball players love Israel BY GABE FRIEDMAN Newark, NJ, who led Maccabi Tel Aviv to two unexpected NEW YORK (JTA) – Chris Watson played four stand- EuroLeague championships – more than 800 African-Amer- out years of basketball at Niagara University, where he ican players have competed in the Israeli Premier League, became one of the upstate New York school’s all-time which formed in 1954 and is composed of the country’s leading scorers. So when the 6-7 forward-center went 12 best teams. After researching the history of the league undrafted by an NBA team in 1997, he set out to play and interviewing dozens of former and current players over on a professional level internationally. the span of 10 years, Goldstein found that most of them He played two years in Uruguay, then his agent called professed a deep, genuine love for Israel, despite having and said, “You’re going to Israel.” grown up without a connection to the country. Watson, an African-American from suburban White “Forty-something converted in the ‘70s and ‘80s – Plains – who in his own words did not grow up “watching tens of players got citizenship,” Goldstein told JTA. the news” – said at the time he knew “nothing at all” “Hundreds are now kind of advocates or ambassadors about the Jewish state. [for Israel] in the U.S. or internationally.” That quickly changed and Watson stayed in Israel for In the book, Goldstein explores how the black players more than 15 years, playing for several teams. He also adapted to Israel, why they formed an attachment to the Anthony Parker upon returning to the NBA from Israel married an Israeli woman, became an Israeli citizen and Jewish state and how they impacted Israeli sport and society. wore the number 18, which means life in Hebrew, to converted to Judaism. Prior to 1976, the use of foreign players was discour- show his love for the country. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/ As David A. Goldstein details in his recent book aged by a league rule dictating that only one non-Israeli Getty Images) “Alley-Oop to Aliyah: African-American Hoopsters could play at a time for an Israeli team, and only in games in the Holy Land,” Watson is far from the only black held on European soil. But Perry’s success ushered in the said, he enjoyed learning about Jewish texts and history basketball player to do these things. first of many rule changes: The lone foreign player could throughout his conversion process. “I didn’t get paid or Since the 1976 arrival of Aulcie Perry – a 6-10 native of now play in games held in Israel, too. Over the decades, try to pay anybody for my citizenship,” he said. “I didn’t the league continued to adjust the rules, allowing teams take any shortcuts.” to stack foreign players on their rosters. Despite the controversy fueled by the league’s rules, As Goldstein completed his decade of research, the basketball teams in other countries have similar quotas so-called “Russian rule” – named for the country where for foreigners in order to help foster local talent. Watson, it originated – was the operating standard: Teams could for one, understands the way the Israeli league works. sign as many foreign players as they wanted, but two “The Jewish people have fought so much to get their Israeli citizens must be on the court at all times. country,” he said. “They want to see each other succeed, The teams tried to exploit the rule in the ‘70s and ‘80s, which is natural.” rushing foreign players through hasty conversions to As Goldstein writes, notwithstanding any of the Judaism in order to quickly turn them into citizens. But public hoopla surrounding the quickie conversions, Afri- along the way, as Goldstein was surprised to discover, can-American players over the years have had little trouble an unexpected number went through legitimate and adapting rapidly to life in Israel. Like many, players with meaningful Orthodox conversions. Perry, for instance a passing knowledge about Israel have typically expected – who was criticized by some for starting the fad – has it to be a war zone where the people wear religious garb. Stanley Brundy, who played for Maccabi Haifa and remained Jewish. (He has also talked about how his But once they arrive, the players are surprised by other Israeli teams, with his eldest son, Nadav, at the mother does not fully accept his Jewishness.) how many Israelis speak English and how welcoming Western Wall in Jerusalem. (Photo courtesy of the Watson, 42, mainly converted to marry his wife and and passionate they are. (Basketball is still second to Brundy family) has not been very observant since they divorced. But, he See “Basketball” on page 15

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With best wishes, Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of NE Pennsylvania 601 Jefferson Avenue Scranton, PA 18510 ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 14 THE REPORTER ■ DECEMBER 14, 2017

Feature Films Denial - Based on the acclaimed book Denial: Holocaust History on Trial, Denial recounts Deborah E. Lipstadt’s legal battle for historical truth against David Irving (BAFTA nominee Timothy Spall), who accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust denier. In the English legal system, in cases of libel, the burden of proof is on the defendant, therefore it was up to Lipstadt and her legal team, led by Richard Rampton, to prove the essential truth that the Holocaust occurred. Denial is directed by Emmy Award winner Mick Jackson (‘Temple Grandin’) and adapted for the screen by BAFTA and Academy Award nominated writer David Hare. Producers are Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff. Dough - An old Jewish baker (Jonathan Pryce) takes on a young Muslim apprentice to save his failing kosher bakery. When his apprentice’s marijuana stash accidentally falls in the mixing dough, the challah starts flying off the shelves! DOUGH is a warmhearted and humorous story about overcoming prejudice and finding redemption in unexpected places. (Shown at the 2017 UJA campaign opening event) Everything is Illuminated - “Everything is Illuminated” tells the story of a young man’s quest to find the woman who saved his grandfather in a small Ukrainian town that was wiped off the map by the Nazi invasion. What starts out as a journey to piece together one family’s story under absurd circumstances turns into a meaningful journey with a powerful series of revelations -- the importance of remembrance, the perilous nature of secrets, the legacy of the Holocaust, and the meaning of friendship. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Europa Europa - Based on the autobiography of Solomon Perel, this movie recounts the severe actions a young boy must take in order to survive the Holocaust. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Hidden in Silence - Przemysl, Poland, WWII. Germany emerges victorious over the Russians and the city comes under Nazi control. The Jews are sent to the ghettos. While some stand silent, Catholic teenager, Stefania Podgorska, choose the role of a savior and sneaks 13 Jews into her attic. Munich - Inspired by real events, Munich reveals the intense story of the secret Israeli squad assigned to track down and assassinate the 11 Palestinians believed to have planned the 1972 Munich massacre of 11 Israeli athletes - and the personal toll this mission of revenge takes on the team and the man who led it. Music Box - In this intense courtroom thriller, Chicago attorney Ann Talbot (Jessica Lange) agres to defend her Hungarian immigrant father against accusations of heinous war crimes committed 50 years earlier. Norman - Norman Oppenheimer (Richard Gere) lives a lonely life in the margins of New York City power and money, and strives to be everyone’s friend. His incessant networking leads him nowhere until he ends up befriending a young but charismatic politician, Micha Eshel (Lior Ashkenazi), at a low point in his life. Three years later, the politician becomes the Prime Minister of Israel. Norman uses Eshel’s name to leverage his biggest deal ever: a series of quid pro quo transactions linking the Prime Minister to Norman’s nephew (Michael Sheen), a rabbi (Steve Buscemi), a mogul (Harris Yulin), his assistant (Dan Stevens) and a treasury official from the Ivory Coast. Norman’s plans soon go awry, creating the potential for an international catastrophe he must struggle to prevent. Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer is a comedic and compassionate drama of a man whose downfall is rooted in a human frailty all too easy to forgive—a need to matter. Remember - With the aid of a fellow Auschwitz survivor and a hand-written letter, an elderly man with demntia goes in search of the person responsible for the death of his family. (shown at the 2017 UJA campaign opening event) Son of Saul - October 1944, Auschwitz-Birkenau. Saul (Géza Röhrig) is a Hungarian member of the Sonderkommando, the group of Jewish prisoners forced to assist the Nazis. While working, Saul discovers the body of a boy he takes for his son. As the Sonderkommando plans a rebellion, Saul decides to carry out an impossible task: save the child’s body, find a rabbi to recite the mourner’s Kaddish and offer the boy a proper burial.(shown at the 2017 UJA campaign opening event) The Book Thief - THE BOOK THIEF tells the inspirational story of a spirited and courageous young girl who transforms the lives of everyone around her when she is sent to live with a new family in World War II Germany. The Jolson Story - THE JOLSON STORY is classic Hollywood biography at its best; a fast-paced, tune-filled extravaganza following the meteoric rise of legendary performer Al Jolson. THE JOLSON STORY was nominated for six 1946 Academy Awards , winning two, (Best Musical Scoring and Best Sound Recording). The Other Son - As he is preparing to join the Israeli army for his national service, Joseph discovers he is not his parents’ biological son and that he was inadvertently switched at birth with Yacine, the son of a Palestinian family from the West Bank. This revelation turns the lives of these two families upside- down, forcing them to reassess their respective identities, their values and beliefs. The Zookeeper’s Wife - In 1939 Poland, Antonina Zabinska (two-time Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain) and her husband successfully run the Warsaw Zoo and raise their family in an idyllic existence. Their world is overturned, however, when the country is invaded by the Nazis and they are forced to report to the Reich’s newly appointed zoologist (Daniel Brühl). To fight back on their own terms, the Zabinskis risk everything by covertly working with the Resistance and using the zoo’s hidden tunnels and cages to save families from Nazi brutality. Woman in Gold - Based on the true story of Maria Altman, played by Helen Mirren, who sought to regain a world famous painting of her aunt plundered by the Nazis during World War II. She did so not just to regain what was rightfully hers but also to obtain some measure of justice for the death, destruction and massive art theft perpetrated by the Nazis. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Non-Feature Films Above and Beyond - In 1948, just three years after the liberation of Nazi death camps, a ragtag group of skilled American pilots - both Jewish and non-Jewish, answered a call for help. In secret and at great personal risk, they smuggled planes out of the U.S., trained behind the Iron Curtain and flew for Israel in its War of Independence. This band of brothers not only turned the tide of the war, they also embarked on personal journeys of discovery and pride. (Shown at the 2016 UJA campaign opening event) Everything is a Present: The Wonder and Grace of Alice Sommer Hertz - This is the uplifting true story of the gifted pianist Alice Sommer Hertz who survived the Theresienstat concentration camp by playing classical piano concerts for Nazi dignitaries. Alice Sommer Hertz lived to the age of 106. Her story is an inspiration. Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story - Yoni Netanyahu was a complex, passionate individual thrust into defending his country in a time of war and violence. The older brother of Benjamin Natanyahu, the current Israel Prime Minister, Yoni led the miraculous raid on Entebbe in 1976. Although almost all of the Entebbe hostages were saved, Yoni was the lone military fatality. Featuring three Israeli Prime Ministers and recently released audio from the Entebbe raid itself. Hava Nagila (The Movie) - A documentary romp through the history, mystery and meaning of the great Jewish standard. Featuring interviews with Harry Belafonte, Leonard Nimoy and more, the film follows the ubiquitous party song on its fascinating journey from the shtetls of Eastern Europe to the kibbutzim of Palestine to the cul-de-sacs of America. If These Knishes Could Talk tells the story of the New York accent: what it is, how it’s evolved, and the love/hate relationship New Yorkers have with it. It features writer Pete Hamill, director Penny Marshall, attorney Alan Dershowitz and screenwriter James McBride, along with a cast of characters from Canarsie to Tottenville. In between, it explores why New Yorkers eat chawclate and drink cawfee, and how the accent became the vibrant soundtrack of a charming, unforgiving and enduring city. Israel: The Royal Tour - Travel editor Peter Greenberg (CBS News) takes us on magnificent tour of the Jewish homeland, Israel. The tour guide is none other than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The viewer gets a chance to visit the land of Israel from his own home! Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story (narrated by Dustin Hoffman)- This documentary portrays the contributions of Jewish major leaguers and the special meaning that baseball has had in the lives of American Jews. More than a film about sports, this is a story of immigration, assimilation, bigotry, heroism, the passing on of traditions, the shattering of stereotypes and, most of all, the greatest American pastime. Nicky’s Family - An enthralling documentary that artfully tells the story of how Sir Nicholas Winton, now 104, a British stockbroker, gave up a 1938 skiing holiday to answer a friend’s request for help in Prague and didn’t stop helping until the war’s beginning stopped him. He had saved the lives of 669 children in his own personal Kindertransport. The Case for Israel - Democracy’s Outpost - This documentary presents a vigorous case for Israel- for its basic right to exist, to protect its citizens from terrorism, and to defend its borders from hostile enemies. The Israel Course - A 7-part Israel education series that sheds light on the Holy Land through the ages. Featuring biblical scholars and Middle East experts, including Harvard professor Alan Dershowitz, Emeritus Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Ambassador Dore Gold, Princeton professor Bernard Lewis and many others. The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg - As baseball’s first Jewish star, Hammerin’ Hank Greenberg’s career contains all the makings of a true American success story. Unmasked: Judaophobia - the Threat to Civilization – This documentary exposes the current political assault against the State of Israel fundamentally as a war against the Jewish people and their right to self-determination. DECEMBER 14, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 15 NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org IDF launches surprise military drill in northern Israel Twenty Palestinians arrested in connection with attack on The IDF’s Galilee Division initiated a surprise military drill on Dec. 5 in prepara- Israeli children tion for a potential escalation along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon and Syria. Hundreds of IDF Logistics Corps soldiers were called up on Dec. 3 to participate in the Twenty Palestinians from the village of Qusra in Samaria were arrested by Israeli secu- spontaneous drill without advance notice, and were tasked with preparing emergency rity forces the night of Dec. 6 in connection with an attack on a group of Jewish children reserve supplies at military storage centers in the northern Israeli city of Carmiel. who were hiking in the area the previous week. During an overnight raid, Israeli security Some 60 IDF vehicles – including trucks, tanks and armored personal carriers – were forces uncovered equipment that was stolen from the Israeli hikers. “The security forces incorporated into the exercise. Troops were challenged with using vehicles, artillery and will continue acting to ensure the safety of civilians in the area,” an IDF spokesman said. weapons that were found to be defective, and were tasked with repairing the equipment On Nov. 30, a group of Palestinians threw rocks at the Israeli children near Qusra, injuring and delivering it to a battlefield nearly 20 miles away. The IDF stated that a military three. A parent of one of the hikers, who accompanied the group and was carrying a weapon drill of this scale had not taken place in Israel in more than 25 years, Yediot Achronot for safety reasons, felt threatened and fired. One of the Palestinian assailants was critically reported. The exercise occurred amid reports of two alleged Israeli airstrikes in Syria. wounded in the incident and was later declared dead after failed resuscitation efforts. The The Israeli Air Force purportedly conducted an airstrike Dec. 4 targeting chemical weap- children fled to a nearby cave and waited to be rescued by Israeli security forces. When the ons facilities on the outskirts of Damascus, as well as a strike on Nov. 30 on an Iranian troops arrived, they administered first aid to the wounded and dispersed the Palestinians. military base in Syria. The drill also followed comments by Israeli Ambassador to the In the Dec. raid, Israeli security forces also apprehended several Palestinians suspected of U.S. Ron Dermer that a war along Israel’s northern border could be just “weeks” away. inciting terrorism and brought them in for questioning with the Israel Police. Israeli Air Force declares first fleet of F-35 stealth fighter jets EU “spitting in faces” of Israelis with B’Tselem exhibit, fully operational Foreign Ministry official says European Union representatives plan to mark international Human Rights Day Less than a year after receiving its first nine F-35 stealth fighter jets from the U.S., the on Dec. 10 with a photography exhibit from the left-wing organization B’Tselem, IDF declared the fleet of aircrafts fully operational on Dec. 6. “The announcement of the whose stated mission is working “to end Israel’s occupation” in the disputed terri- operationalization of the ‘Adir’ aircraft comes at a time in which the IAF is operating on tories, Israel Hayom reported on Dec. 5. The exhibition, titled “50 Years,” will be a large scale on a number of fronts in a dynamic Middle East,” Israeli Air Force chief held in the Israeli port city of Jaffa and includes 50 portraits of Palestinians born in Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin said in a statement. Israel has agreed to purchase 50 of the 1967 who are described by B’Tselem as having lived their entire lives under Israel’s F-35 jets from the U.S. and was the first foreign country permitted to acquire the planes, “occupation.” Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon blasted the at a cost of roughly $100 million each. The remaining 41 jets will be delivered in mul- move, saying EU officials “believe the way to Israelis’ hearts is through spitting in tiple installments during the next several years. The delivery is slated to be completed their faces. ...We are again witnessing the same patronizing approach of hypocritical by 2021. Following the original agreement to purchase 50 warplanes, Israel’s Defense and condescending sermonizing” that pushes people apart instead of bringing them Ministry in August finalized the acquisition of 17 additional F-35 stealth fighter jets together, Nahshon said. The controversy comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin from the U.S. The delivery of those jets is expected by December 2024. The defense Netanyahu is set to visit EU headquarters in Brussels the week of Dec. 10, in what industries in both countries cooperated in the production and development of the F-35. will be the first visit to the Belgian capital by a sitting Israeli prime minister in 60 Israel Aerospace Industries produces wings for Lockheed Martin’s F-35A jets and Israel’s years. The annual Human Rights Day marks the United Nations General Assembly’s Elbit Systems produces cutting-edge helmets for the planes, giving pilots the benefit of adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Dec. 10, 1948. 360-degree views through cockpits. The F-35s are widely viewed as the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft and have the capability to counter the most sophisticated air Netanyahu: open Israeli-Arab relations in “50 or 100 years” defense systems, such as the Russian S-300 and S-400 surface-to-air missiles. (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu predicted on Dec. 3 that Israel will be able to conduct open diplomatic relations with Arab states in 50-100 years. In a videotaped message played at the Saban Forum, an annual Mideast policy conference in Washington, DC, Netanyahu said, “When I Basketball Continued from page 13 look forward 50 or 100 years, I believe Israel will be openly embraced by its Arab soccer in terms of general popularity, but In a speech to Israeli military members neighbors, rather than in secret, in the way it’s done today. ...I see Israel as a world its reputation as a competitive league has in 2001, then-Maccabi Tel Aviv coach power that continues to provide cutting-edge technology and innovation to help people grown exponentially in recent decades Pini Gershon was fired for saying that around the world. ...I see, in short, a glorious future of prosperity and peace for Israel.” due in large part to the foreign players lighter-skinned black players were smarter recruited by a number of teams other than than darker-skinned ones, who he called powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv.) “dummies” and “slaves.” “The No. 1 thing that draws guys there is “That makes you wonder what guys Gifting Stock how easy it is to transition from America,” are really thinking on the inside,” Watson Watson said. “Guys that have been there said. “I’ve heard guys say when you’re for months, they’re like, ‘Wow, I love this putting the ball in the hole, it’s all good, Form place!’ And there’s a lot of guys that think it’s all love. But the moment you can’t about citizenship after that.” do that no more, it’s like, ‘Thank you, Gifting stock to a charitable 501©(3) organization When it comes to racism, Goldstein go home.’” said he learned from his interviews that The Israeli league is far from the only is a great way to make a donation. many players have actually felt less overt sports league with a coaching diversity By gifting stock in which you have a large capital gain, you not racism in Israel than they did in the U.S. problem. In the United States, the NBA only receive the benefit of making a sizable donation, but you For example, Willie Sims, who played in boasts the most diverse set of head coach- Israel for nearly 20 years, was once nearly es – yet fewer than half the coaches are also save the capital gains tax. arrested when he locked his keys in his black in a league whose players are about Example: car and tried to get back into it. Israeli 75 percent African-American. police officers knocked him to the ground Still, even though an unexpected num- Gift: $2,000 and handcuffed him. “I asked, ‘Did any ber of African-Americans have stayed (Stock: ABC @ $20 per share - Gift: 100 shares) of that make you want to come back to in Israel after retiring from basketball, the U.S.?’ And he said, ‘Are you kidding? Watson and Goldstein both say many more If you were to sell “Stock ABC” that you originally purchased at All they did was handcuff me. In the U.S., would have created lives there if coach- $10.00 a share, you would have a $1,000 capital gain and you I could’ve gotten shot,’” Goldstein said. ing positions had been available. Watson would be required to pay at least $150.00 in federal taxes, etc. Yet while the players seem to be accept- counts himself among them. He looks back ed on a societal level, prejudices remain. fondly on living in Israel – it’s where he But by gifting the stock, you save the entire $150.00 and you’ve No African-American has ever been a spent his 20s, it’s where he reached his found a way to help the Federation accomplish its mission: head coach in Israel’s first division, and basketball-playing peak. These days, he very few have had prominent coaching works as an account manager at a Lifetime “…to rescue the imperiled, care for the vulnerable, support Israel and jobs in the second and third divisions. Fitness gym in White Plains. world Jewry and perpetuate Jewish life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.” Would he have stayed in the Jewish state had a promising opportunity opened up? Your gift will not only assist our local and regional organizations and “One hundred percent,” he said. agencies, but you will have the satisfaction of helping those in need. You will be able to look back and say: “I’m just doing what my People have always done for each other.” For further information on gifting stocks in payment of your pledge to our Annual UJA Campaign, please contact the Federation at 570-961-2300 (ext. 3) for details.

Chris Watson showed off a memento from Hapoel Beersheba’s 2014-15 championship in Israel’s third division Cory Carr played for several Israeli at the home of the team owner. (Photo teams over the course of a decade. (Photo courtesy of Watson) courtesy of Carr) ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 16 THE REPORTER ■ DECEMBER 14, 2017