OF PRINCETON MERCER BUCKS NEWS•PROGRAMS•IMPACT

“Let my people go” is a famous refrain of the Passover holiday.

This year, one full year into the pandemic, we are thinking “let my people go" - back to work, back to school, back to seeing friends and family, back to hugs and please “back to normal.” And we are close. Thanks to the scientists, doctors, researchers and more. Closer to the human connection we crave. And thanks to all of you, we continue to feel close and connected to our community. We have heard your feedback on this newsletter. And we are happy to say we are expanding the content to give you more local Jewish news. So when you set up the Seder plate in a few weeks, let’s reflect on this past year. Many of us have shed and shared tears (Karpas), some have suffered bitterly (Maror), and we are all ready for rebirth (Beitzah).

All of us send our warmest wishes to you and yours for a Chag Pesach Sameach!

ADAR – NISAN 5781 www.jewishpmb.org • 1 FEDERATION The Jewish Federation of BOARD 2020-21 Princeton Mercer Bucks: The Federation’s Annual Campaign Jerry Neumann President The PMB Federation Campaign for from the devastating impact of the 2020-2021 is past the mid-year point pandemic -- whether it is health or Stephanie Will and we need your help in reaching our economics. “But unfortunately our Campaign Co-Chair ambitious goal of $1 million dollars. community and Partner Agencies’ Following the successful November needs have never been greater, which Brian Chevlin ‘Main Event’, with mentalist Sidney means we all have to dig deep and Friedman entertaining Federation encourage our normal givers to give Campaign Co-Chair Funders virtually, the Federation’s more and find new donors in the Campaign Cabinet and Federation staff community,” said Stephanie Will. Marissa Treu have been hard at work holding a series Administration VP Over the March through June 2021 of mini-telethons to raise additional period when the campaign will come funds. “While those events and to a close, Federation Howard Cohen activities have been relatively will be holding a Allocations VP successful, there is a long way GOAL number of additional to go,” said Campaign Co-Chair events including Michael Feldstein Stephanie Will. $1,000,000 more mini-telethons, Israel / Overseas VP To date, the Federation is at just a Passover appeal, over 75% of its goal for a total a digital outreach Jeremy Black of $755,200 in contributions through social media Marketing VP to date, which includes almost and other outreach $44,000 from the Federation’s activities. “We need Human Services match that the community Adele Agin took place at end of 2020. The to continue to Treasurer economic effect of COVID has $755,200 stay engaged on unfortunately impacted many our important Dan Brent of our normal community Federation Secretary / JCRC donors, many of whom have mission. Only your lost jobs or have had other Federation can Jason Krane detrimental impacts on their target the funds Engagement businesses. Mark Merkovitz, to those most Federation Executive Director uniquely in need Don Leibowitz stated, “We know many in the community, families in our community are who are suffering Governance hurting because they have been under the strain of impacted in one way or another COVID and other Mark Merkovitz by Covid and other economic economic hardship,” Executive Director issues, including families who said Brian Chevlin, are normal givers to Campaign. Campaign Co-Chair. Brandon Abelson We as a Federation know what “When the phone Judy Axelrod the community needs are, and rings at your home Stacey Bialow we can direct the funds to or on your mobile, the people who need it most. please answer this Rob Davidson That is what makes Federation important call for the Eliot Freeman so important in these times.” PMB community,” Marsha Freeman What we have witnessed is that continued Chevlin. Dan Herscovici almost no one has been immune Robert Levine Carli Masia As We Enter the Fourth Quarter of the Carol Pollard “ Elliot Sambol PMB Federation Campaign, We are in Rabbi Ben Adler High Gear, But We Need Your Help.” 2 • www.jewishpmb.org ADAR – NISAN 5781 Neumann’s News: President’s Update

Dear Community: Initiatives), which will Welcome to Issue 2 of “Jewish Together Princeton help to underscore the Mercer Bucks”, which I am pleased to report, based volunteer work being on all the positive feedback that we received from you done behind the scenes regarding our inaugural edition, has been expanded by in fulfillment of both 50% - by the adding of four more pages for lifecycle events, additional feature articles and advertising from prongs of our Mission local businesses. Statement, as follows: I wish you and your families a kosher and 1) Allocations - The joyous Passover holiday - Chag Pesach Kasher Vesameach (Hebrew) and a Koshern un Freilichen Allocations Committee, Pesach (Yiddish) - and we hope that you are remaining a standing Committee healthy and safe. of Federation, under the capable leadership of VP - In the midst of the ongoing pandemic, the theme of Allocations, Howard Cohen, is currently completing Passover - which commemorates the passage of the its detailed review and analysis of various Grant Israelites in Egypt from slavery to freedom - takes on a requests received annually from Jewish non-profits whole new dimension. The pandemic is yet one more in our catchment area. This work is an extremely adversity that we have been called upon to overcome, that some have referred to as the “11th plague.” And, important part of Federation’s fiduciary obligation now we enter the second straight year where many to appropriately allocate your donated dollars. (see families will gather for the traditional Seder holiday page 12 for information on the application process); experience in front of the computer screen, rather than around the dining room table. 2) Programming - In light of the shutdown of in- person programming, our VP - Israel/Overseas Our continuing COVID-19 lockdown could be considered the modern-day equivalent of “slavery”, and Michael Feldstein is chairing an ad-hoc Programming the completion of the vaccination process (hopefully in Committee designed to facilitate enhanced and the coming months) will bring us one step closer to the unique programs. There are two significant projects “freedom” component of the holiday. scheduled to occur - the Accounts of the Holocaust As to our local Federation activities, it has been an virtual program (April 18th) and a local Sukkah extremely busy and productive year so far, and I am Village project (September 21st-28th); particularly grateful for the continued financial support from you - our committed donors - as well as for the 3) Strategic Initiatives - I have formed an ad-hoc dedication and hard work of our Officers and Board Strategic Initiatives Committee - under the capable members. A brief reminder of our two-part Mission leadership of Board members Dan Herscovici and Statement is in order: Brian Chevlin (both of whom possess extensive 1) to provide financial assistance to our Jewish corporate planning expertise) - with a two-fold brothers and sisters in need, whether they are local, objective: 1) to review the 2019 Strategic Plan in Israel or around the world; and; (prepared pre-Pandemic) and make any necessary 2) to provide communal leadership, education and enhancements as well as recommendations for advocacy - to our local Jewish Community. implementation - with a focus on the ongoing Our Annual Campaign is on target for meeting its goal - interaction of Federation with the entire Jewish thanks to the continued strong leadership of Campaign Co-Chairs Stephanie Will and Brian Chevlin as well as Community; and 2) to develop a blueprint for what their Campaign Cabinet - and despite the economic our local Jewish Community will look like in the years challenges facing this country at this time. And our and decades ahead. More details to follow in our reinvigorated Women’s Philanthropy Team, lead by Summer Newsletter. Stephanie Will, Marsha Freeman, Beth Frieder, Carol Pollard and Marissa Treu are in the process of planning Thank you again, and a Happy Passover to all! virtual events for the balance of the year (see page 9). Jerry Neumann, President Finally, I wish to highlight three of Federation’s current pursuits (Allocations, Programming and Strategic

ADAR – NISAN 5781 www.jewishpmb.org • 3 Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Mercer: Giving Through a Jewish Lens

On Passover, we join with family and friends at the ➡ It’s an easy way to make charitable gifts seder table to recall the story of our exodus from ➡ It feels good to give through a Egypt. The seder reminds us to look to our past and Jewish organization our traditions to inform our present and instruct us about the future. One such tradition is to welcome ➡ It’s a smart way to give because of the the stranger into our homes. Many believe this to be tax benefits an extension of a core Jewish value, to care for others ➡ It’s gratifying to know that – through my fund – through tzedakah, or charity. I support our local Jewish community At the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater In today’s world, there are many ways for you to be Mercer, we serve as a trusted resource to those who are charitable – by volunteering your time and talents, dedicated to the giving of tzedakah. Our donor advised partaking in food and clothing drives, and by giving funds (DAF) offer a simple, flexible and tax-efficient financial support to meaningful causes. When one way to give to charity. A DAF is like a philanthropic gives through a DAF at our Foundation, each grant bank account, where you set aside money for charitable recipient knows that the gift is from someone in the purposes. Through a fund, you can recommend grants Jewish community, since the actual grant check is today to your favorite Jewish or secular charities, and from the Jewish Community Foundation. Many of our you can also fulfill your after-lifetime commitments too. donors have established DAFs with our Foundation, In 2020, 470 grants were made from Foundation funds instead of choosing another financial institution, to to more than 215 different charitable organizations. purposely act and give in a Jewish way. Their choice A recent survey of those currently using a DAF at our reinforces what the Passover seder teaches us each Foundation shared the following top four reasons why year, to remember the stranger and to care for people others should consider opening a fund. and causes in need.

To discuss giving through a Jewish lens and the other benefits of using a DAF, please contact Linda Meisel at [email protected] or Amy Zacks at [email protected]. To learn more about the Jewish Community Foundation, visit us at www.foundationjewish.org.

JCC of Princeton Mercer Bucks & Abrams Camps: Engaging and Connecting with the Community

Since 1911, the JCC has served as a welcoming hub for The JCC is unwavering in their commitment to turn the community, dedicated to enhancing Jewish life for everyday minutes into Jewish moments that are all ages through engaging social, cultural, recreational remembered for a lifetime. programs and services. The JCC has found new innovative ways to connect people and be a community builder during these challenging times. The pandemic has fueled their mission to expand offerings with a diverse range of virtual “gatherings” for isolated seniors and families. Even more, beginning this year the JCC is now the facilitator of the PJ Library & PJ Our Way programs which are proudly supported by the Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks. They now offer both virtual and socially distant creative programs for families to celebrate the Jewish holidays and meet other Jewish families in the community. The JCC’s highly esteemed Abrams Camp is gearing up for their 61st summer season filled with exciting adventure, Jewish values, positive role models and powerful bonds of friendships.

To learn more or become a supporter visit www.jccpmb.org or call (609) 606-7070.

4 • www.jewishpmb.org ADAR – NISAN 5781 Greenwood House: Pandemic Pen Pal Program Goes Viral!

Residents at Greenwood House and Greenwood House he received a Abrams Residence are receiving dozens of letters a day, 4-page letter and all it took was a social media post on Facebook. back from her. Pen pals were “Our new Pen Pal Program is a welcome surprise for our something staff, residents and patients,” says Greenwood House the two of them shared they both did in the 1970s and Executive Director, Richard Goldstein. “Just a week welcomed seeing it making a comeback," commented after the post and we had reached over 27,000 users,” Sherry Smith, Director of Marketing. says Richard. “I think we can safely say that a virus has caused our new program to go viral!” “It’s been truly uplifting to see how the letters have brightened our residents’ day,” says Carli. “We are social Thanks to one motivated lady and dedicated Greenwood beings, so even when the note is from someone they House supporter, Carli Masia, who proposed an idea that don’t know, it reminds them someone is thinking of could be wonderful and engaging for our residents and them. It may seem like a small thing, but if you want to the community, our Pen Pal Program was born. make someone’s day, let them know you’re thinking of The Pen Pal Program connects people of all ages from them. It makes all the difference.” literally all over the country with Greenwood House. Studies show that finding ways to stay connected has a Our activities department snapped photos of interested direct impact on mental health and improves well-being. residents holding the sign made by Carli, we launched the “General words of encouragement to hang in there as post on Greenwood House’s Facebook page, and voilà – things looked so different this past year, reassuring the letters, poems, photo albums, artwork and cards arrived! residents, our families and community we love them, “We’ve been pleasantly overwhelmed with the want them to be well, and that things will gradually get correspondence we’ve been receiving,” says Richard. back towards normal,” suggested Cara Willis, Director of “The program has been quite a surprise, and the letters Social Work at Greenwood House, to our writers. coming from all over, bringing so much joy for our “Simple notes or handmade cards go a long way in residents. We are now going to connect pen pals with assisting the impact of social isolation,” says Richard. our home care clients as well.” “We’ve seen the positive impact it’s had on our “What was truly wonderful was when the residents wrote residents … it’s been heartwarming.” to a pen pal and then received their first responses back. Carli says this is a great project for families, especially Talk about smiles. Joseph, a short term resident and I those with children, who are searching for different were ecstatic when he wrote to his pen pal, Athena, and activities to occupy their time.

To send a note to a Greenwood House pen pal, simply write “Dear Greenwood House Friend” and mail it to Greenwood House, Pen Pal, 53 Walter Street, Ewing, NJ 08628

JFCS: Healing with Mental Health Support & Counseling The pandemic has taken an emotional and mental toll on Wednesday, and Fridays 10 AM – 12 PM and Tuesday our community. Even as there are moments of progress and Thursday 5 – 7 PM. Call JFCS at 609-987-8100 and with the vaccine, the slow roll out has heightened Dial 0 to be connected for drop-in support. anxieties and fears once again. In addition to the expanded services through drop-in JFCS understands that the unknowns, the worries, and hours, JFCS continues to accept new clients for their the ongoing isolation can be hard to tackle on your own. counseling program. Services are currently provided via The agency is here for the entire community with mental phone or video call and the agency accepts most private health resources and supportive programs. insurers as well as Medicare, Medicaid and uninsured Drop-In Hours are available Monday through Friday. individuals. Many clients have found the teletherapy Any community member can reach out to connect option to be more convenient as they can connect with with one of our counselors for a 30-minute support a counselor from the comfort of their home. session. Drop-in hours can offer callers coping skills for managing the uncertainty and anxiety surrounding JFCS recognizes the pandemic will have a lasting impact the ongoing pandemic, serve as a safe space to share and will continue to prioritize the mental health of the frustrations or fears, or can simply be an understanding, greater Mercer community through programs available to supportive sounding board. Hours are Monday, all who need them. JFCS is here for our community, call us at 609-987-8100 and learn more at www.JFCSonline.org.

ADAR – NISAN 5781 www.jewishpmb.org • 5 Passover Recipes by Award winning Chef and Owner of ZAHAV restaurant in Philadelphia

MINA WITH GROUND BEEF, AND COFFEE SERVES 6 Mina is the ladino word for pie. This Passover dish, FOR THE common throughout the Sephardic world, is almost CHAROSET: too good to be true. Once the matzo is soaked and Combine the carrots, baked, it magically transforms into something more apple, walnuts, cilantro, like traditional pastry than unleavened bread. Mina , raisins, has great vegetarian potential and can be filled with vinegar, and salt in a medium anything from to spinach and cheese to bowl. Toss to combine. Set aside. potatoes. But I like the way the matzo soaks up the fat and juices from ground beef in this version. The FOR THE MINA: Preheat the oven to 400°F. mina is topped with the fruit-and-nut condiment so Brush the bottom of a 10-inch cast iron skillet or crucial to the Passover table: charoset. Cardamom is a baking dish with oil. used to flavor coffee and in sweets throughout the Heat the 1 tablespoon oil in another large skillet Middle East, but the cardamom-coffee combination over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and works perfectly in savory recipes like this one. cook, stirring to break up the meat, until it begins to The cardamom is super piney and fragrant, with a brown, about 5 minutes. Add the , , and sweetness that balances the roasty, bitter coffee and salt and continue cooking until the vegetables have the rich, salty meat. softened but not browned, 5 to 8 minutes more. MINA Add the coffee and cardamom and stir to combine. CHAROSET 1 tablespoon canola oil, Soak the matzo in warm water until pliable, about 1 4 carrots, peeled and grated plus more for brushing minute. Line the bottom of the oiled cast iron skillet 1/2 apple, peeled and grated 1 pound ground beef 1 1 with the matzo, breaking up the pieces as needed to /2 cup chopped walnuts /2 onion, diced completely cover the bottom and sides of the skillet. 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro 5 garlic cloves, minced Spoon the beef mixture over the bottom and cover 1 2 tablespoons fresh 1 /2 teaspoons kosher salt the top with more matzo, pressing at the edges to horseradish 1 teaspoon finely seal. Brush with the beaten egg and bake until the 2 tablespoons raisins ground coffee mina is golden brown and crisp, about 30 minutes. 1 1 tablespoon white vinegar /2 teaspoon ground Let stand for 5 minutes. cardamom Kosher salt 4–6 sheets matzo Invert the mina onto a serving platter. Slice into 1 large egg, beaten wedges and serve topped with the charoset.

RED PEPPER SALAD SERVES 8 INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS: 1/4 cup oil • Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cups chopped the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened 1 tablespoon sweet paprika but not browned, about 10 minutes. Add the paprika and 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar stir, cooking for another minute. Add the vinegar and 5 cups roughly chopped red bell peppers (about 4 large) red peppers and continue cooking until the peppers are 1 cup peeled, grated carrots (about 2 carrots) very tender, about 10 minutes. Add the carrots, chopped 1/2 bunch cilantro (1/2 cup chopped) cilantro, sugar, and salt and stir to combine. 1 tablespoon sugar • Transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse 1 /4 teaspoon kosher salt until coarse. Serve hot or chilled. Before serving, top 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or garlic scapes with chives or scapes and the remaining cilantro.

6 • www.jewishpmb.org ADAR – NISAN 5781 Rabbis' Reflections:Insight on this Upcoming Passover

Rabbi Benjamin Adler, Adath Israel Congregation

This Passover is unusual, not just because of COVID. After all, we did Zoom Seders last year. This year the first Seder falls on Saturday evening, which happens only about 12 times a century, and presents problems of Jewish law (how do we eat Shabbat if our homes are already bread-free?), but is also a reminder that our tradition has always confronted challenges. Through it all we have constantly found ways to survive and thrive. Even as we are apart again this year, we are together as one people.

Rabbi Jay M. Kornsgold, Beth El Synagogue

“Let all who are hungry, come and eat; let all who are in need, come and share the Passover meal.” These words found in the Haggadah teach us that we are not truly free until everyone enjoys the freedom that we gained thousands of years ago when our people were released from Egyptian bondage. This year I hope that we will bring these words to life by doing all we can to help others achieve liberation. As Jews we have a responsibility and an obligation to work for social justice.

Rabbi Adena Blum, Congregation Beth Chaim

A traditional name for the holiday of Passover is z’man cheruteinu—the time of our freedom. During this pandemic, many have mourned the loss of freedom. We miss our freedom to travel, to visit family and friends, to hold hands or give hugs. But Passover is more so a chance to celebrate freedom from: freedom from slavery, persecution, and tyranny. So this Passover, let us focus on our freedoms from: freedom from lengthy commutes, from forgetting someone’s name, from not having enough time to try a new hobby. And in acknowledging our freedoms from, may we truly feel free.

Rabbi Elisa Goldberg, Congregation Temple Micah

In every generation, we are instructed to retell the Exodus story as if we ourselves had been slaves. This year, as we struggle with the losses and limitations of COVID, we may feel like “strangers in a strange land,” cut off from friends and family, mourning the loss of loved ones, and worried about the future. As we chant the four questions, let us add a few more: What has been lost? What has been gained? Where can we experience the sweet amidst the bitterness? What brings us hope?

Rabbi Jordan Goldson, Har Sinai Temple

As we approach Passover this year, it feels like we are in Egypt. Our lives are so much narrower than they once were. Passover comes to assure us that God has always delivered us. We walked through the waters of the Red Sea, washed ourselves clean of the oppressive experience in Egypt, and moved into to a wilderness of an unknown world. Yet even there, we can breathe deeply and hope for the future - we can celebrate life. May this Passover be a celebration of hope and deliverance for us all. Chag Sameach!

Rabbi Elliot Schoenberg, The Jewish Center

I can’t believe that we face yet another Zoom Passover season! Yet again, we have to scale back favorite recipes, or maybe forgo special dishes. Once again, we do our family and friends the biggest kindness by being distant. No Passover hugs this year! But we have hope: we say at the end of the Seder: next year in Jerusalem. I think we need to add: next year, in post-COVID, with full tables of family and friends! Wishing everyone, near and far, a joyous and redemptive Passover holiday.

ADAR – NISAN 5781 www.jewishpmb.org • 7 Teen Talk Tell us about the most interesting/fun thing you’ve gotten to do because you are Jewish? And what is your favorite ? Caden Bialow Sara Henderson The most fun thing that The most interesting thing I’ve gotten to do because I’ve gotten to do because I’m Jewish would probably I’m Jewish is research my be going to Israel for my ancestry. This was for a cousins’ B’nai-mitzvah. project at my religious When I was in Israel I had school where we made the luxury of participating a trifold explaining our in many cultural activities. family’s history. At first, I My favorite of which, was wasn’t sure how I wanted visiting the Western Wall. to approach this or do I really enjoyed visiting my research, but then I the Western Wall because thought of interviewing my it allowed me to feel grandparents and asking connected to my Jewish ancestry. I remember placing my them about their childhoods and memories. hand on the wall as I said a prayer, and stuffing a written I was excited to call them and ask them questions note into one of the spaces between the enormous about where they grew up, their favorite activities when stones. Going to a bullet factory was another highlight they were my age, and their favorite stories, and their of the trip. The technology within the factory was very details about their family’s immigration. They were so interesting to me, as I have a passion for engineering and excited to share with me and go into detail about their mechanical design. Lastly, we went to the top of Masada pasts, which made me happy. Overall it was a great and were able to see many ancient structures as well as experience, and now I understand my family and history watch my cousins’ B’nai-mitzvah service. much more.

My favorite bagel order would have to be a whole wheat My favorite bagel order is a toasted plain bagel with everything bagel with lox, cream cheese, and capers. cream cheese and lox.

Brooke Hornstein Hayden Masia In December 2018, I was When I was in sixth grade, lucky enough to travel with my family and I took a trip my synagogue to Israel. The to Barcelona, Spain. During most interesting part of the that trip, we explored the whole trip was visiting the Jewish quarter of the city, Negev Desert. As I struggled where we learned that many to walk up Masada, a 1,424ft Jewish people changed mountain, I made deeper their last names to common connections with my peers objects or places to hide and took in the breathtaking their identity during the view of the Dead Sea. We Spanish Inquisition. We learned about the history then learned that our last surrounding the mountain name, Masia, (pronounced and saw the beautiful natural fortress. Later that day, we M-Asia) is pronounced Ma-see-ah in Catalan, and means drove to the Dead Sea. My friends and I ran into the salty farmhouse! This suggested that our family might have lake, with our protective water shoes on, of course, and had some roots in Spain and needed to change their began to float. I could feel the salt on my skin for the rest last name. We also went to Gerona, where we saw many of the trip; it was a reminder of the incredible adventure. I Jewish head stones carried from cemeteries used in the am honored to have experienced travelling to Israel, and I construction of a castle. While it was very sad to see these hope to go back soon to continue exploring my Jewish self. desecrated stones, it was interesting to learn about a part of Jewish history that I had never explored. My favorite bagel order is an everything bagel toasted with butter. Also, my bagel order is a classic: everything bagel with cream cheese and lox!

8 • www.jewishpmb.org ADAR – NISAN 5781 Princeton Lions Roar @ National Women's Philanthropy Conference -- VIRUTALLY LIMITLESS!

This past January, the International Lion of Judah empowering survivors and ensuring safe communities. pivoted and ran a virtual conference. There were over Also, we heard from Julie Platt, chair of LIVE SECURE, 125 Jewish Federation Women's Philanthropy chapters Ariel Zwang CEO of the Joint Distribution Committee and 4,800 women from across North America, who (JDC) and Amir Ahronoviz, CEO of Jewish Agency for participated in the event, Virtually Limitless. Israel (JAFI). The conference was chaired by Jane Wilf (Greater Our Lions then had the choice of spotlight break-out MetroWest, NJ) and Heidi Monkarsh (Los Angeles). sessions covering topics such as MASA Israel Journey Locally, our conference chairs were Beth Frieder and - an Israel immersive experience during a global Stephanie Will. pandemic and BDS and Antisemitism on Campus - how We had 22 women from our community attend the Federations support Jewish students, as well as other conference. Many of our Lions encouraged their spotlights sessions included, Racial Equality in the daughters and nieces to attend the conference to Jewish Community and a JFNA partnership with JDC support NEXT-GEN efforts. Our Lions heard from guest supporting Disability and Inclusion around the world. speakers Heidi Zak, founder of Third Love, Clea Shearer The highlight of the conference was hearing from & Joanna Teplin, co-founders of the THE HOME EDIT Sheryl Sandburg, COO of Facebook, a second- and Stars of the hit Netflix show “GET ORGANIZED WITH THE HOME EDIT.” These Jewish entrepreneurs generation Lion of Judah, and the inaugural recipient of spoke about raising Jewish families, doing well while the RUTH BADER GINSBURG award. It was presented doing good and how their Jewish values have shaped by Justice Ginsburg's granddaughter, Clara Spera, their experiences developing and running their herself a Harvard Law School graduate and attorney. businesses. The conference was a wonderful opportunity for all who We heard from leaders across the Jewish World on participated. It reinforced our belief that as women, we the critical work that is being done across the globe can make an impact on changing the lives of others for the because of the funds raised by Federations. Speakers better. Collectively, our Lions, left the conference more included … Amanda Katz, Exec Director of JCADA, energized and more committed than ever to supporting who discussed efforts to end power-based violence, Women's Philanthropy at the Lion of Judah level.

Women’s Philanthropy “Virtually Limitless Heart to Heart Virtual Mission” will take place April 20, April 27 and May 4. Open to all female philanthropists. For more information reach out to Mark Merkovitz at [email protected]

The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Mercer has your back, but we need your help… The mission of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Mercer includes educating the community Forum on Anti-Semitism Facing about, and responding appropriately to, instances Jewish Youth in Our Community of Anti-Semitism. We are here to help, but we need On April 28th, the Jewish Community Relations the community to alert us about untoward incidents, Council of Greater Mercer (JCRC) will hold whether they occur at school, at work, or in public. our first forum on Anti-Semitism for parents Your report will be held in confidence if you wish. and caregivers of Jewish youth. During this Although we hope the need will not arise, we are ready Zoom meeting, we will encourage parents to advise recipients of Anti-Semitic rhetoric or actions, and educators to share their experiences with to connect them with other organizations who can Anti-Semitism in Greater Mercer and Bucks also help, to listen empathetically, or to collaborate County schools, so JCRC can understand those challenges more completely and take steps to in formulating an appropriate and effective response. help parents and educators of Jewish youth of Whatever you may need, we have your back. Just all ages be better prepared to respond to reach out to Mark Merkovitz, JCRC Executive Director, anti-Semitism and other hate speech. via email [email protected] or call 609-524-9910.

ADAR – NISAN 5781 www.jewishpmb.org • 9 JCC Of Princeton Mercer Bucks & Abrams Camps Partners with PJ Library In January, the JCC Princeton Mercer Bucks & Abrams Camps proudly announced its new partnership with PJ Library, this program is funded by the Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks. The JCC now plays a key role in enriching the Jewish identities of families raising Jewish children, by inspiring families with engaging in meaningful Jewish social, March, a creative time was educational, and communal spent with another free experiences. With this new virtual interactive children's partnership together the drawing workshop with two agencies will build Illustrator, Sean Rubin from a more vibrant Jewish the PJ March book titled "The community in Greater Passover Guest." Watching Princeton & Mercer County. The JCC team is led by the children’s illustrative suggestions come to life live Executive Director, Wendy Soos who put together was a unique experience they will never forget. As the a “dream team” managed by Jennifer Kravitz, JCC weather becomes warmer, the programs will move Assistant Director, and facilitated by Robin Smolarz, socially distant outdoors so that families can gather PJ Library Coordinator. Their years of Jewish safely, meet new friends within the community and programming and summer camp experience are the participate in programs focused on Jewish Holidays perfect combination igniting unique ideas for children and traditions. Save the date of April 15th for their and families to grow Jewishly together. Their signature next “PJ Play @ the J” program, which will be held on monthly programs are called “PJ Play @ the J” and the beautiful campus grounds of the JCC, to celebrate have already begun with a strong kickoff this year Yom Ha’azmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. Following celebrating Purim together with live music, stories, and that will be a program in May to welcome the seasonal songs with Mr. Frank from Music Play Patrol. Then in holiday of Shavuot by exploring the great outdoors. For more information and join the fun visit [email protected]/pjlibrary

10 • www.jewishpmb.org ADAR – NISAN 5781 LIFE CYCLE B'nai Mitzvah: January - May 2021

Rebecca Slater Daughter of Rich & Katie Slater Jan 2 Beth Chaim Ethan Silverberg Son of Adam & Elana Silverberg Jan 9 The Jewish Center Lexi Sambol Daughter of Elliot & Lana Sambol Jan 23 The Jewish Center Caleb Willner Son of Bruce & Tiffany Willner Jan 23 Adath Israel Cooper Jacknow Son of Bret & Lisa Jacknow Feb 6 The Jewish Center Sam Schwartz Son of Adam & Leslie Schwartz Feb 20 The Jewish Center Hannah Shussler Daughter of Bethany Shussler Feb 27 Beth El Isla Levy Daughter of Noah & Lynda Levy Feb 27 Beth Chaim Francesca Portsche Daughter of Nicholas Portsche & Emily Hirsh Mar 6 Beth Chaim Daniel Rosenblat Son of Roman Rosenblat & Lisa Dobruskin Mar 6 The Jewish Center Logan Miller Son of Jonathan & Dara Miller Mar 13 The Jewish Center William Frole Son of Jeff Frole & Pamela Adler Mar 20 Beth Chaim Hadleigh Schneider Daughter of Barry & Allison Schneider Mar 20 The Jewish Center Kaelan Steele Bloom Son of Jeffrey & Bridget Bloom Apr 10 Beth Chaim Jacob Winn Son of Daniel & Claude Winn Apr 10 The Jewish Center Caitlyn Grodsky Daughter of Jason & Elyssa Grodsky Apr 17 Beth Chaim Jordan Grodsky Daughter of Jason & Elyssa Grodsky Apr 17 Beth Chaim Max Gertsman Son of Jake & Jennifer Gertsman Apr. 17 Beth El Ethan Zavaglia Son of William & Jacqueline Bray Mullen Apr 24 Adath Israel Autumn Gallicchio Daughter of Jason & Ada Gallicchio Apr 24 Har Sinai Juliana Boorstein Daughter of Dr. Robert & Hidee Boorstein Apr 24 Har Sinai Hayden Foster Nubile Son of James & Marje Nubile Apr 24 Beth Chaim Isabelle Bloom Daughter of Laura Bloom May 1 The Jewish Center Sarah Safronov Daughter of Victor & Rowena Safronov May 1 Beth Chaim Joseph Faiman Son of Casey & Karen Faiman May 1 Har Sinai Anna Kaufman Daughter of Adam Kaufman & Nicole Soffin May 8 The Jewish Center Joshua Pastor Son of Jonathan & Allison Pastor May 8 Beth Chaim Ethan Feldman Son of Ilad Feldman & Rachael Cooper May 15 The Jewish Center Jeremy Schaffel Son of Jonathan & Jennifer Schaffel May 15 Beth El Dylan Spector Daughter of Evan & Michele Spector May 15 Beth Chaim Silvano Massa Son of Salvatore Massa & Jane Elefant May 22 Beth Chaim Joel Smolarz Son of Gabriel & Robine Smolarz May 29 Beth Chaim Births

Adam Philip Zatz Grandson of Irving & Janet Zatz Jan. 19 Beth Chaim Deaths

Muriel Goldstein Jan 1 Mandy Rabinovich Jan 12 Rita Kravitz Feb 8 Edward Kaplan Jan 4 Jack Boshak Jan 13 Barbara Lefcourt Feb 9 Evette Katlin Jan 5 Ernestine Urken Jan 13 Michael Simon Feb 15 Dorothy Cambon Jan 6 Hedy Tellerman Jan 15 Florence Banks Feb 16 Rabbi Dr. Yosef Green Jan 8 Regina Mayer Jan 21 Marion Roemer Feb 17 Rebecca Van Praag Jan 8 Helene Mermelstein Jan 21 Ruth Lubitz Feb 17 Edward Lemack Jan 9 Allen Applebaum Jan 25 Fredrick Cohen Feb 17 Stephen Borrus Jan 10 Frances Baum Jan 30 Elizabeth Joseph Feb 22 Betty Barnett Jan 11 Nelly Toll Jan 30 Jack Warren Feb 26 Patrica Gould Jan 11 Lirisa Shumakher Feb 2 Edward Bershad Feb 26 Michael Cooper Jan 12 Toby Ludmer Feb 2 Michael Blaustein Mar 1 Paula Alexander Jan 12 Morris Blum Feb 2 Stanley Rosenberg Mar 4

1534 Pennington Road Ewing Township, NJ 08618 Be Part of a JOEL E. ORLAND, Senior Director NJ Lic. No. 3091 MAX J. ORLAND, Funeral Director NJ Lic. No. 5064 Tradition Member of KAVOD: OrlandsMemorialChapel.com that honors Independent Jewish Funeral Chapels (609) 883-1400 those who’ve passed

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As we recall the bondage of our ancestors that shaped our past and rejoice in the freedom we have inherited, the Board and Officers of the Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks wish you and your family a meaningful, hope-filled and safePesach celebration.

GRANT APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED The Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks is excited to announce that we will be accepting Grant Applications starting April 1st for grants to be used for 2021-2022*. The Federation is inviting Jewish nonprofit organizations serving the Princeton Mercer Bucks community to apply. if you are interested in applying or have questions, please email Mark Merkovitz at [email protected] or call him at 609-524-9910. (*7/1/21 through 6/30/22)

UPCOMING HOLIDAYS First and Second Day of Passover* March 28th & 29th Seventh and Eighth Day of Passover* April 3rd & 4th Yom Ha'Shoah (Israel Holocaust Remembrance Day) April 8th Yom Ha'Zicharon (Israel Memorial Day) April 14th Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) April 15th Lag B'Omer* April 30th Shavuot* May 17th & 18th *Note: Jewish Holidays begin at sundown the day before UPCOMING EVENTS Portraits of Moral Choices During the Holocaust • April 18th @ Noon Lessons for Humanity from stories of Perpetrators, Bystanders and Upstanders. Heart 2 Heart Virtual Mission • April 20th, 27th May 4th A JFNA Women Philanthropy virtual three-day mission to Israel open to all Women Philanthropists. A Virtual Mission to Latin America Jewish Day Schools • May 5th @ 7pm Visit live with, students, teachers and parents attending ORT Jewish Day Schools in Panama, Rio de Janeiro and Mexico City.

609.896.3434 Chag Pesach Sameach 800.932.4476 BORDENPERLMAN.COM