Journalist Gil Hoffman Provided Insight Into the Issues Confronting

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VOLUME X, NUMBER 22 NOVEMBER 16, 2017 Journalist Gil Hoffman provided insight into the issues confronting Israel at UJA’s Major Gifts program The Jewish Federation of Northeast “His intimate knowledge of Israeli Pennsylvania’s annual Major Gifts pro- affairs both national and international gram was held on October 23 at the home interspersed with elements of humor of Dr. Shaya and Phyllis Barax in Scranton was an insight to those who attended this and hosted as its speaker Gil Hoffman, the fascinating evening,” said organizers of chief political correspondent and analyst the event. “Hoffman provided the group for The Jerusalem Post. with a behind-the-scenes look at the in- Connected to both Israeli and Pales- trigue and humor in the Israeli political tinian leaders, Hoffman has interviewed arena and has lectured in every major major figures across the Israeli political English-speaking country in the world, spectrum, has been interviewed by top more than half the Canadian provinces, media on six continents and is a regular and recently made history by becoming analyst on CNN, Al-Jazeera and other the first speaker to have lectured about L-r: Jeff Ganz, Lou Nivert, Doug Sheldon, David Fallk and Rabbi Samuel Sandhaus news outlets. Israel in all 50 states.” attended the Gil Hoffman presentation.

Gil Hoffman used a map to explain a point. L-r: Alan Sare, Jeff Ganz and Lou Nivert concentrated on the presentation. L-r: Gil Hoffman and Mark Silverberg 2018 UJA talked before the presentation. paign Upd Cam ate Pay it forward & give to the 2018 Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania Annual Campaign! Goal: $910,000

For information or to make a donation call 570-961-2300 ext. 1 or L-r: Mark Silverberg; Dassy Ganz; Phyllis and Shaya Barax, hosts for the program; send your gift to: and Gil Hoffman. Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania Sheila Cutler listened to the speaker. 601 Jeﬀerson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 (Please MEMO your $323,029 Hurricane relief update pledge or gift 2018 as of Nov. 9 2017 UJA Campaign) THIS UPDATE INCLUDES INFOR- rain, Houston and the other areas affected MATION THROUGH OCTOBER 30. by Hurricane Harvey are still in fairly early Note from the Jewish Federation of stages of recovery. With more than 2,000 Northeastern Pennsylvania: JFNA’s Jewish homes flooded, and eight major Emergency Committee and many of institutional facilities in the Jewish com- our Federations on the front lines of munity sustaining catastrophic damage, addressing natural disasters have had the scope of issues facing the Houston an extraordinarily busy and taxing eight Jewish community are enormous. weeks since the start of Hurricane Harvey. To date, approximately $17.9 million We thank all of our Federations and has been raised through the Jewish Fed- Federation Network communities who have worked eration system as follows: to mobilize support and resources $6.5 million raised by Jewish Federa- on Facebook through our Jewish Federation system in tions across North America. The Jewish Federation of Northeast- addressing the many urgent needs arising $9.1 million raised by the Jewish Fed- ern Pennsylvania now has a page on from these disasters. eration of Greater Houston. Facebook to let community members Following is an update on the work of $1.3 million contributed by Jewish know about upcoming events and keep our system to date. Foundations (does not include foundation connected. Gil Hoffman showed a page featuring HURRICANE HARVEY grants to local Federations or the Houston the members of the Israel Knesset. Seven weeks following the end of the See “Update” on page 6 Candle lighting INSIDE THIS ISSUE November 17...... 4:23 pm November 24...... 4:19 pm Kiev’s JCC Making music Digging up the past December 1...... 4:16 pm Kiev’s American-style JCC gives Members of an Israeli band don’t Recent archeological discoveries PLUS low-income Jews a place to call let their disabilities get in the way reveal Jerusalem’s transformation Opinion...... 2 home and educate their children. of touring and making music. during the Second Temple period. UJA Campaign Chai-Lights...... 3 Story on page 9 Story on page 14 Story on page 15 D’var Torah...... 8 2 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 16, 2017 A MATTER OF OPINION Children of Holocaust survivors need help also BY RABBI DOVID KRAUTWIRTH all of them suffer from some form of PTSD, themselves finding their place in the world, insecurity, makes them a demographic that It is well known that two to three anxieties and fears. There are several orga- resulting in a decreased earning capacity. needs help. As of yet, there is no organiza- million Jews survived the horrors of the nizations that help impoverished survivors, Others suffer from anxiety, depression or tion focused on that group. I feel that the Holocaust. After the end the war, most including the Claims Conference, The Blue low self-esteem, or are hoarders.1 time has come for the Jewish community did not remain in Europe, but started new Card, local Federations and Jewish Family These issues are not learned as many at large to recognize these issues that af- lives elsewhere. They went wherever Service. These facts are well known in the would assume, but actually genetically fect a small, but significant, segment of they could find refuge: Israel, North or Jewish community. inherited, making it very difficult to the community, and to start committing South America, or Australia. Most of What is less known is that many of overcome. Many of those studied actually resources toward helping them. them married, raised families and went to the symptoms of PTSD were genetically have a high level of the stress hormone Rabbi Dovid Krautwirth lives in work. Some started businesses and were passed down to the children of the survi- cortisol in their blood.2 Scranton and can be reached at dovid88@ very successful. Others didn’t do so well. vors as well. It’s estimated that 200,000 More than 400 papers have been written hotmail.com, or [email protected]. As of 2017, there are approximately second generation survivors live in the by psychologists studying this subject, FOOTNOTES 100,000 survivors left in the U.S.A. One U.S. A certain percentage of them have but the average person is unaware of the 1. Study in the “Cambridge Journal.” third lives below the poverty line. In the had difficulty forming or maintaining issue. As the survivors pass on, some of Yeshiva University forum, October 2012. New York area that figure is closer to half, relationships, resulting in being unable to their children will be left all alone in the 2. Study by Isabelle Mansuy of the due to the high cost of housing. As the marry or in failed marriages. Many of those world, with no resources and no one to University of Zurich, published in the survivors age, the symptoms of the trauma who grew up watching their parents strug- care for them in the future as they age. “Journal of Biological Psychiatry” Sep- they endured become more severe. Nearly gle to make a living now have difficulties Their symptoms, combined with financial tember 2010. How anti-Zionists fueled a far-right victory BY DANIEL TREIMAN are coming not from the far right, but – announced the society’s fall schedule plain about shutting down or stigmatizing (JTA) – In September, New York’s the far left. Anti-Zionist BDS supporters with the declaration that she had worked others. This is the same JVP that tried to Center for Jewish History was the target are masquerading as champions of free to foster “critical, edgy and political- shame LGBT supporters of Israel who of a right-wing campaign seeking to oust expression after their hijacking of the ly challenging cultural and academic marched in this past summer’s Celebrate its new president, David Myers, over his august and heretofore largely apolitical programs where difficult conversations Israel parade in New York by disrupting dovish views on Israel. The campaign AJHS was foiled. about Mizrahim, Jews of Color, Palestine, their contingent. This is the same Fishback drew an appropriately outraged response The latest controversy erupted into cross-cultural solidarity and anti-racism who defended pro-Palestinian activists from leading Jewish scholars, who rallied public view recently when AJHS’s board are highlighted rather than censored.” who shut down an event by a pro-Israel around Myers, a highly regarded historian canceled two events that the society had The result, at least as far as Israel pro- LGBT group at a conference hosted by who has publicly opposed the anti-Israel been scheduled to host: a play by the an- gramming, seems to have been a schedule the National LGBTQ Task Force. BDS – Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions ti-Zionist playwright Dan Fishback on in- that reflected only one very particular Activists like these appear all too happy – movement. trafamilial disagreements about Israel and a strand of thinking on Israel – one that is to see those with whom they disagree shut Now, one of the five independent his- discussion on the Balfour Declaration that far removed from the views of the over- down or shouted down. And they seem torical organizations housed at the center, was co-sponsored with the BDS-backing whelming majority of American Jews. equally happy to aggressively try to co-opt the American Jewish Historical Society, Jewish Voice for Peace. The cancellation The AJHS board officers did not seem the Jewish institutions to which they can is also coming under attack. This time, came the same day as an article criticizing to be aware of this sudden slant in the so- gain entry. When they are denied, they however, the most consequential attacks AJHS for hosting the events appeared in ciety’s programming until quite recently, kvetch about being silenced. the far-right FrontPage Magazine. as a source confirmed to the Forward. AJHS was the collateral damage. Fishback and JVP immediately cried Ultimately, members of the AJHS board Now it faces the wrath of those who foul. Fishback, a JVP and BDS supporter, decided to cancel the events, with AJHS were wrongly led to believe that AJHS complained of “silencing and censor- stating that “they do not align with the “caved” to right-wing censors. And AJHS ship.” JVP’s executive director, Rebecca mission of the AJHS.” has alarmed constituents who wonder

“ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the Vilkomerson, decried what she called The Jewish community does have why a pre-eminent communal historical Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson AJHS’s “shameful caving to right-wing genuine problems with campaigns to institution would subcontract its Israel Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. pressure.” The New York Times picked up stigmatize and shut down people based programming to a widely loathed anti-Zi- President: David Malinov on the ensuing “backlash” from various on their views on Israel. Too often those onist group. Executive Director: Mark Silverberg cultural figures angered by what they saw who criticize Israel – liberal Zionists But if AJHS came out as a loser, there as AJHS embracing censorship. and anti-Zionists alike – are subjected to were also winners. The incident gave new Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman Critics focused on the cancellation campaigns of invective and incitement. ammunition to those on the far right who Layout Editor: Diana Sochor Production Coordinator: Jenn DePersis of the play, “Rubble Rubble,” casting The right-wing campaign against David are now trying to smear David Myers Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen Fishback as a superficially sympathet- Myers is a prime example. and the Center for Jewish History for Graphic Artist: Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown ic-seeming party in the drama. But the That’s not what happened at AJHS. the programming decisions of AJHS, an Alaina Cardarelli play’s cancellation cannot be understood Rather, an anti-Zionist fringe co-opted independent organization. And JVP gets in isolation. the programming of a mainstream Jewish to resume its favorite posture: righteous OPINIONS The views expressed in For starters: Why was AJHS hosting institution, then cried “censorship” when “silenced” victim. editorials and opinion pieces are those a discussion with Jewish Voice for Peace the institution’s board realized what was Daniel Treiman, a recent graduate of each author and not necessarily on the Balfour Declaration – with a panel going on and put a stop to it. of New York University School of Law, the views of the Jewish Federation of consisting of a Palestinian activist in dia- Moreover, JVP and Fishback don’t is a former managing editor of JTA and Northeastern Pennsylvania. logue with a JVP activist, neither of whom exactly have the strongest standing to com- a former opinion editor of the Forward. LETTERS The Reporter welcomes is even a historian? Would AJHS also host letters on subjects of interest to the a panel discussion on the Oslo Accords Jewish community. All letters must be sponsored by a far-right pro-settler group signed and include a phone number. like Women in Green? I doubt it. Israel and Africa need The editor may withhold the name AJHS, consistent with its focus on upon request. American Jewish history, does little Isra- The Reporter does not necessar- ADS el-related programming. But the planned each other ily endorse any advertised products and services. In addition, the paper Balfour Declaration panel was not even BY YOSEF I. ABRAMOWITZ Promenade, overlooking the Old City, is not responsible for the kashruth of the only event in partnership with JVP. (JTA) – The Jewish month that began with prayer, music and speeches. Israeli any advertiser’s product or establish- Earlier in the year, AJHS partnered with recently, Cheshvan, has traditionally schools are starting to celebrate Sigd, as ment. JVP to host an event with an anti-Zionist been dubbed “mar,” or bitter, because it should Jewish schools worldwide. DEADLINE Regular deadline is two Ethiopian Israeli activist. AJHS also was alone among the months is devoid of any Africa has gifted to the Jewish people weeks prior to the publication date. publicly offering discounted tickets to JVP holidays. It is time for the Jewish people, sweetness and hope in Cheshvan, which members for Fishback’s play about Israel. and the Jewish calendar, to drop mar from is also Jewish Social Action Month, when FEDERATION WEBSITE: These three events, it’s worth noting, Cheshvan, since it is blessed with one of we turn outward as a community. www.jewishnepa.org seem to be the only Israel-related programs the most remarkable and sweetest Jewish I have accompanied Prime Minister hosted by AJHS in 2017. It’s simply not holidays: Sigd. Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: as if AJHS was hosting tons of Israel Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA At the end of Cheshvan for well over leaders to Africa over the past several programs – or even many plays – and then 18510 1,000 years, the Jewish community of years, promoting not only a solar-powered E-mail: [email protected] singling out Fishback’s performance for Ethiopia would dress in white, climb vision for the continent, but an enlightened Fax: (570) 346-6147 cancellation because some people com- Mount Ambover in Gondar and pray for Israeli policy of becoming a superpower Phone: (570) 961-2300 plained about his views on Israel. their redemption and aliyah to Jerusalem. of goodness. Israeli water, agricultural, Here’s the real question: How is it The miraculous airlifts and rescue of Ethi- medical and green energy technology and HOW TO REACH that American Jewry’s leading historical opian Jewry, and the subsequent aliyah of investments can play a transformative role THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: society came to select a fringe anti-Zionist tens of thousands more, stands as one of by uplifting the dignity of hundreds of Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 group as its sole interlocutor on Israel-re- the proudest moments in Jewish history millions of people. And with a quarter of E-mail: [email protected] lated programming? and a shining example of what Jewish the votes in the U.N. General Assembly AJHS’s director of programming, peoplehood can accomplish against great belonging to Africa, as well as two swing SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: Shirly Bahar – who publicly supports the Phone: (570) 961-2300 odds. Now the Ethiopian community votes on the Security Council, there are boycott of Israeli academic institutions celebrates Sigd en masse on the Haas See “Africa” on page 4 NOVEMBER 16, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 3 UJA CAMPAIGN CHAI-LIGHTS UJA-funded JDC in action After her daughter was taken hostage by terrorists at difficult experiences and provide emotional support. to Jewish communities of all sizes, including Finland, the Hyper Cacher kosher supermarket in Paris, Simone Born of a partnership between the JDC, the Israel Trau- which is home to about 1,800 Jews, most of whom reside [last name held by request] and her young son remained ma Coalition and OSE-Oeuvre de Secours aux Enfants, in Helsinki. Yaron Nadbornik, the community’s president, terrified. She realized they needed additional emotional the French Jewish community’s welfare organization, the said Finnish Jews are laser-focused on the task at hand. support and turned to the Jewish community’s Resil- psychologists and other professionals providing support From renovating the community’s kindergarten build- ience Center, created with funding from the JDC, which and counsel at the Center were trained by the ITC. ing, playground and kosher store to pioneering a b’nai receives a significant portion of the local annual UJA “It’s clear to us we need to ensure members of the mitzvah family program that offers camping trips and Campaign’s overseas gift. community understand psychological safety is just as opportunities for introspection, the community’s small “It is very important to me to help my community. I was key as physical safety,” Meimoun says. size does not hinder its vitality or creativity in dealing touched we were able to help,” says Dr. Aviva Meimoun, Resilience is about continuing to invest in today’s with the tough issues it faces, like antisemitism. the director of the Center, which opened in April 2015. Jewish leaders and supporting generations going forward, The 150-year-old community is doubling down on Meimoun is just one of the psycho-social support too. Part of a multi-pronged approach, the Center pro- building itself up. It just installed its first Finnish-speaking professionals who provide victims of terror, antisemitic vides teachers at Jewish schools with tools and support. rabbi, Rabbi Simon Livson, four years ago. “This has added attacks and other traumas with psychological treatment Post-terror trauma support, disaster preparedness depth to our internal religious activities and to community and clinician consultation. She says the Center is espe- training and crisis management strategies are skillsets outreach efforts,” Nadbornik says. “Visitors are usually cially critical in these trying times for French Jews who honed by the Center and other JDC activities that are in utter disbelief at how much we have going on here.” face rising antisemitism and deadly terror attacks. helping France’s 550,000 Jews become better prepared His focus, though, is not just domestic. Nadbornik “It is very important to me to help my community, to respond to future emergencies. understands the need to actively engage in JDC regional and my field of competence gives me that ability,” JDC also works closely with French Jews to organize and pan-European resilience trainings like last year’s Meimoun says. leadership skills seminars, cultivate community development first-ever JDC Resilience Conference held in Barcelona. Though her team’s post-trauma approach is targeted to best practices and include young French Jews in pan-European It’s just one part of JDC’s menu of resilience efforts children and youth, the elderly and people with disabili- networking initiatives. JDC supports SPCJ, a French security focused on aiding European Jews facing many challeng- ties, the Center has become a place for other members of NGO, to provide security to Jewish institutions. es and threats, including the Connect Conference for the French Jewish community to join together to share JDC’s focus on resilience spans the European continent French-speaking Jews to be held in Paris; the Arachim Conference, which brings together European Jewish ed- ucators and school principals for training and crisis man- NEWS IN BRIEF agement strategies; pan-European training conferences aimed at social work professionals; and other ongoing From JNS.org term comes at a “contentious time” for UNESCO, as the efforts to help Europe’s Jewish leaders and communities Israeli Knesset setting up task force to U.S. and Israel have said they plan to withdraw from the strengthen their resilience profile. organization over its anti-Israel bias and politicization, Why the focus on resilience? Nadbornik stresses it keep EU funds away from terrorists which they contend deviates from the agency’s stated because enabling communities to best leverage resourc- (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) – The Knesset is mission to promote education, science and culture across es and adapt to new realities helps them preserve their in the process of setting up a special task force designed the world. In July, UNESCO approved a resolution members’ physical and psychological well-being – both to ensure that money the European Union donates to the declaring Hebron’s Cave of the Patriarchs, where the in times of crisis and emergency, and in their aftermath. Palestinian Authority for welfare purposes will not be biblical Jewish matriarchs and patriarchs are believed “These conferences add value and empower partici- funneled to terrorists or their families. The project is the to be buried, as an endangered Palestinian heritage site. pants to take responsibility for their community’s future,” brainchild of Member of Knesset Ayelet Nahmias-Verbin That resolution followed a measure in May denying he says. “I choose to actively fight for the future of Eu- (Zionist Union), who received approval from Knesset Israel’s sovereignty over its capital of Jerusalem, and ropean Jews in my country, as I feel many other young Speaker Yuli Edelstein. Nahmias-Verbin brought six other two resolutions in October 2016 that ignored Jewish leaders of European and national Jewish associations do.” Israeli lawmakers on board, including MKs Amir Ohana and Christian connections to Jerusalem’s holy sites. (Likud), Haim Jelin (Yesh Atid), Merav Ben-Ari (Kulanu), The World Jewish Congress congratulated Azoulay and Shuli Mualem-Rafaeli (Jewish Home), Yaakov Margi expressed hope that she would help end the “relentless (Shas) and Oded Forer (Yisrael Beiteinu). “Figures we bias and double standard against Israel” at UNESCO. DEADLINES have collected show that every month, some 4.5 million “We are hopeful that Ms. Azoulay will maximize her The following are deadlines for all articles and euros in EU funds are divided among those who carried position to address the issues of concern for Israel and photos for upcoming Reporter issues. out terrorist attacks against Israel and the families of ter- the Jewish world, and push for the reforms so deeply DEADLINE ISSUE rorists,” Nahmias-Verbin told Israel Hayom the week of needed to return UNESCO to its core mandate of con- Nov. 10. “It’s hard to convince Israelis – on the right or tributing to peace and security in the world by promoting Thursday, November 16...... November 30 the left – that the Palestinians want to promote the peace collaboration among nations through education, science, Thursday, November 30...... December 14 process as long as donations from countries throughout culture and communication for the sake of justice, rule Thursday, December 28...... January 11 the world, especially Europe, is transferred to murderers of law, and human rights and freedoms,” said Robert Thursday, January 10...... January 25 rather than benefiting the Palestinian population.” Singer, the WJC’s CEO.

UNESCO confirms French-Jewish For information woman as new leader on advertising, Former French Minister of Culture Audrey Azoulay, please contact You are invited to a who is Jewish, has been confirmed as the new direc- Bonnie Rozen at Chanukah Story Time Party tor-general of the United Nations cultural body UNESCO. 1-800-779-7896, Azoulay was raised in Morocco and France and is the ext. 244 or with members from daughter of André Azoulay, an adviser to Morocco’s King bonnie@ Congregation B’nai Harim! Mohammed VI. After she was elected last month, she thereportergroup.org vowed to refocus and strengthen UNESCO. “In a time Listen and learn about the Jewish Holiday of crisis, we need more than ever to get involved [and] of Chanukah; play dreidel, eat latkes and work to strengthen the organization,” she said. Azoulay’s sing songs, and create holiday crafts. This free event is shared in friendship with the entire Pocono Community.

Mon., Dec. 4 at 6:30pm - The Friendly Community Center 6683 Route 191, Mountainhome, PA Wed., Dec. 6 at 1pm – The Western Pocono Community Library 2000 Pilgrim Way, Broadheadsville, PA Sat., Dec. 9 at 1:30pm – The Tobyhanna Pub. Library 5540 Memorial Blvd., Tobyhanna, PA Tues., Dec. 12 at 10am – The Eastern Monroe Public Library 1002 North 9th St., Stroudsburg, PA Tues., Dec. 12 at 6pm – The Clymer Public Library 115 Firehouse Road, Pocono Pines, PA Wed., Dec. 13 at 10:30am – The Barrett Friendly Library 6500 Routes 191 & 390, Cresco, PA

Dates and Times TBA – Pocono Family YMCA 809 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 16, 2017 Julian Edelman’s children’s book gets a Jewish makeover BY PENNY SCHWARTZ Zionism. The dedication page includes Edelman’s co-author. Edelman told JTA BOSTON (JTA) – If New England one of Herzl’s most famous quotes: “If after the event that while the quote was not Patriots star Julian Edelman retires from you will it, it is no dream.” central to the original book, it turned out the NFL anytime soon, he clearly has The quote shows up in illustrations to be a good fit. “It definitely has meaning a promising second career as a Jewish throughout the story as its young squirrel for me,” he said of the Herzl quote. children’s book writer. In front of about protagonist trains hard and perseveres A second “Flying High” book is due 400 children and their families on a re- against his detractors – a group of animals out in November, in time for Chanukah, cent Tuesday night at the Newton Centre that includes an eagle, a buffalo and a Swissa told JTA. flagship of the Jewish Community Center bear who ridicule him for being too weak, Edelman has become an object of Jew- of Greater Boston, the 31-year-old wide slow and small. The idea for the quote ish fascination since he publicly identified receiver and Super Bowl hero read a came from the Israeli-born Assaf Swissa, See “Edelman” on page 12 special edition of a children’s book he co-wrote last year. Edelman, who has Jewish ancestry on his father’s side and has identified as One lucky fan had a fun encounter with Africa Continued from page 2 Jewish in recent years, was treated “like Julian Edelman at a private reading of diplomatic benefits to Israel as well. sistently ruled against the government’s a rock star. ““He’s a really good receiver his book at the JCC of Greater Boston It is no wonder that AIPAC, the pro-Is- treatment of the 46,000 people considered and I hope I like his book,” Ilan Sherman before the main event on October 10. rael lobby, had for the first time an African “infiltrators,” as if those fleeing Eritrea Kadish, one of Edelman’s many young fans (Photo by Etan Harmelech/Harold head of state – President Paul Kagame of and Sudan – both cruel dictatorships – are in attendance, said before the player spoke. Grinspoon Foundation) Rwanda – address 15,000 activists at its simply economic refugees. The event was organized by PJ Li- annual policy conference earlier this year. A new strategy is needed: turning over brary, the Massachusetts-based global Edelman said onstage that the story of And the African Institute of the American to Mashav the Holot Detention Center to Jewish children’s book giveaway pro- Israel reminded him of his own struggles Jewish Committee has not only lobbied train Africans in the latest Israeli water, gram supported by the Harold Grin- to push past those who overlooked him. African ambassadors to the United Na- agricultural and green energy technol- spoon Foundation in partnership with He was picked in the seventh and final tions, but also has been sponsoring them ogies. Those who would graduate and other philanthropists and local Jewish round of the 2009 draft by the Patriots on transformative fact-finding missions leave voluntarily could be emissaries from community organizations. Twenty-five and was not projected to succeed in the to Israel. Israel on how to transform Africa, and thousand copies of Edelman’s book, league. But he has notched more than 400 The push into Africa has deep roots in they would have the skills to begin their “Flying High,” a semi-autobiographical career receptions, helped the team win two the Zionist narrative. In Theodor Herzl’s lives anew and prosper. Plenty of African story about a squirrel named Jules who Super Bowls and become quarterback Tom day, Africa was ruled and exploited by countries would line up to woo these is determined to play football, are being Brady’s favorite target. European empires. “There is still one newly skilled Africans if they brought the mailed to 5-year-olds in Jewish homes “I fell in love with the people of Isra- other question arising out of the disaster blessing of Israeli know-how, technology across North America through the PJ el,” Edelman said, noting his admiration of nations which remains unsolved to this and investments with them. Library program. for how the small country thrives despite day, and whose profound tragedy only a Mostly political threats led to the post- Before Edelman read his book, the being surrounded by unfriendly countries. Jew can comprehend. This is the African ponement of an Africa Israel Summit with audience was shown a video with footage It’s a theme he said he wanted to convey question,” Herzl wrote in his diary in 1901. African heads of state and Israeli leaders from his visit to Israel in 2015 (which was in a children’s book, especially after the “Once I have witnessed the redemption of that was supposed to take place in Lome, co-sponsored by the Combined Jewish birth of his daughter, Lily, in November, to the Jews, my people, I wish also to assist Togo, at the end of October. The postpone- Philanthropies of Greater Boston). The whom he dedicated the book. The new PJ in the redemption of the Africans.” ment was due to a toxic combination of crowd cheered loudly after the video as Library edition of “Flying High” includes While Herzl himself didn’t witness the political unrest in the West African state, Edelman, wearing a brace from a presea- extra material on the front and back flaps creation of the state of Israel, Golda Meir a concerted effort by South Africa and son knee injury that has kept him from that emphasizes the story’s Jewish content did. And when she became foreign minis- Morocco to undermine it, and the mount- playing this season, made his way onto and values. There is also a new reference ter, she set out in 1958 on an African tour ing political and legal challenges that the the stage. to Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern that led to the creation of Israel’s famed Israeli prime minister faces at home. Even international agency for international so, the pace of African-Israel engagement development, Mashav. on many levels continues to increase, Effective When Netanyahu declares that “Israel is especially with Christian heads of state. please coming back to Africa,” he is channeling The best answer to the diplomatic immediately, send note! Golda. And when he says that “Africa is pressure that caused the postponement all articles and ads to coming back to Israel,” he’s channeling of the Africa Israel Summit would be for our new E-mail address, Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie, the Netanyahu to appoint Knesset member “Lion of Judah,” who claimed King Sol- Avraham Neguise as Israel’s foreign jfnepareporter@ omon as an ancestor. minister. Dr. Neguise, a Likud member, jewishnepa.org. The challenges facing Africa, and the is the only Ethiopian member of the 20th potential for African-Israeli partnerships Knesset and was seated strategically next to address them, are staggering. There are to Sara Netanyahu when her husband 600 million Africans without access to wowed the Ethiopian parliament last year. electricity and 300 million without access Netanyahu currently holds the foreign to clean water. A famine sweeping East minister portfolio. Africa affects 16 million people, including Sixty years after Golda Meir’s historic Eﬀective immediately, the hungry 2,000-member Abayudaya mission to Africa, it is time for Israel to have Jewish community in eastern Uganda. an African foreign minister. This will be met please send all articles & ads to At the same time, Africa boasts 11 out joyfully by world Jewry and the world at of the 20 fastest-growing economies on large, sealing Cheshvan’s transformed sweet our new E-mail address, the planet, according to the World Bank, status and elevating the Israeli-African story and its billion-plus population will double into our mainstream consciousness. [email protected]. by 2050. Yosef I. Abramowitz serves as CEO of For this economic and humanitarian Energiya Global Capital, a Jerusalem- potential to be unleashed, at least two ob- based impact investment platform, and stacles have to be overcome – one-self-in- is a founding partner of the U.S. Power flicted, the other political. Africa program. He is co-author with The self-inflicted thorn in the side of Sharon Udasin of the forthcoming “Shine Israeli-African relations has been the on! A Solar Superhero’s Journey to Save treatment of African asylum seekers in the World.” Follow Abramowitz @ Israel. The Israeli High Court has con- KaptainSunshine.

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Send Dassy Ganz an email if you would like to join the list. Pledge or Donate [email protected] online at www.jewishnepa.org/donate NOVEMBER 16, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 5 Taboo-breaking film depicts Hungary’s grim welcome to Holocaust survivors BY CNAAN LIPHSHIZ their families in Hungary, where more than half of the (JTA) – The time is just after prewar Jewish population of 825,000 was murdered. the defeat of Nazi Germany. Two In parallel, over the past 15 years, Hungary’s political Orthodox Jews disembark from a scene took a rightward shift. Politicians from Prime Min- train at a rural station in Soviet-oc- ister Viktor Orban’s ruling Fidesz party have in recent cupied Hungary and, after offloading years been promoting or tolerating the glorification by a heavy bag, they begin a silent, others of the legacy of Nazi collaborators and ardent hourlong walk to a nearby village. antisemites, triggering an open row with the Jewish com- The purpose of their journey is not munity and liberals. Among those honored with statues known. But their arrival in the village in Budapest alone since 2013 are Miklos Horthy, the sets in motion a series of tragic and country’s pro-Nazi wartime leader, and Gyorgy Donath violent events, as some residents and Balint Homan, two Holocaust-era politicians who worry the visitors will expose crimes prompted antisemitic laws. they committed during the Nazi In this political climate, even productions about the Ho- occupation, with potentially deadly locaust that do tackle Hungarian complicity – including the consequences for the perpetrators. Hungarian film “Son of Saul,” which won the 2016 Oscar Such is the premise of the for best foreign language film – have been denounced by award-winning Hungarian movie See “Film” on page 8 “1945.” The black-and-white fea- A scene from the film “1945.” (Photo courtesy of Menemsha Films) ture, filmed last year, is one of just a handful of movies ever produced in Hungary about the first film that I’m aware of capturing this. SAVE THE DATE the theft of Jewish property during the Holocaust. In the “This element of the Holocaust – the neighbors, the U.S., the film was to premiere on November 1 in New shop owners who took everything the Jews had and SCRANTON York, with a national rollout to follow. didn’t want to give it back – that has remained a taboo, HEBREW DAY SCHOOL’S Despite being a low-cost production lacking marquee which this film helps break,” he added. names, “1945” has found success at international film After the fall of communism, the Hungarian gov- festivals. It won awards at the San Francisco Film Crit- ernment instituted several laws that were supposed to Illuminations ics Circle, as well as at the Berlin Film Festival and the facilitate restitution claims for property privately owned Jerusalem Film Festival. One critic called it a “subtly by Jews. But the procedure put in place “made it difficult Chinese Auction crafted masterpiece.” for many potential claimants” to receive compensation, And while the film is fictional, it has struck a nerve according to the World Jewish Restitution Organization, Sunday, January 14 • 6pm among Hungarian Jews whose families lived through citing the laws’ narrow definition of an heir along with POSH@ The Scranton Club the suspicion and hostility depicted in the movie. “It is foot dragging by justice authorities. an important production which, despite being fictional, These problems were partially addressed in restitution 404 N. Washington Ave. nonetheless describes for the first time in film the reality for heirless property. But it did not address the problem Scranton, Pennsylvania of what actually happened to us,” Peter Feldmajer, a of individuals who tried to get, but could not receive, Details to follow former leader of Hungary’s Jewish federation, told JTA. compensation for artifacts and real estate stolen from In the film, the two silent Jews – Samuel Hermann and his son – arrive on a fateful summer day: the wedding day of a son of the village’s de facto mayor. Fearful that the Jewish arrivals are an expeditionary force for Jews who used to own property there, the town’s leader frantically mounts cover-ups of his own crimes. A group of villagers armed with pitchforks menacingly gather around the newcomers as they pray for their dead in the village’s disused Jewish cemetery. The scene is an obvious reference to the 1946 antisemitic pogrom in the city of Miskolc, during which two Jews, including one police officer, were murdered by participants of what began as a workers’ demonstration and escalated into a lynching. “This scene accurately and bravely represents why it was impossible for Jews to seek justice in the postwar period,” said Feldmajer, whose father was a Holocaust survivor from a Hungarian village where locals stole his family’s property. Robert Frolich, the rabbi of Budapest’s main synagogue, praised the filmmakers for depicting the threat of violence rather than its use, which was unusual. “The pogroms happened here and there,” he said. “But the fear of having to give back the property, the shame of what was done to Jews – even if only by not defending them – that was common, that was the rule, and this is

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 6 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 16, 2017 An Israeli chef in New York wants to shake up the way you think about spices BY JOSEFIN DOLSTEN Since opening La Boite in 2011, Sercarz culinary institute in the Galilee, with hopes NEW YORK (JTA) – For many has amassed some 50 clients, including of opening the first part of the program in home cooks, spices are an afterthought, restaurants, bakeries and breweries, as two to three years. sprinkled on a dish lacking in flavor. well as cheese, popcorn and chocolate “It’s an idea that was in my head for Israeli-born, French-educated chef Lior makers. He has also published two books many years,” Sercarz said. “I always felt Lev Sercarz wants to change that. “If you about spice blending and created a line of bad that young men and women in Israel or want to make good food and beverages spices for Eataly, a chain of luxury Italian the region don’t necessarily have where to you need to know about spices, and I upscale indoor markets. go to learn about cooking and the culinary would like to help you know more about Now Sercarz, who grew up in a secular studies. There are a few private schools it, whether you’re a home cook, whether family on a kibbutz in the Israeli Galilee, now, which is great, but not at the scale you’re a professional,” Sercarz, 45, told but also lived in Belgium and Italy during that I would want it to be.” Lior Lev Sercarz teaches spice blending JTA recently at La Boite, the small spice his childhood, hopes to expand his work At his shop, whose walls are lined with classes and sells spices at La Boite in and biscuit shop he opened in the Hell’s to his native country. He is working with framed vials of the seeds, fruits, roots New York’s Hell’s Kitchen. (Photo by Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan. the Jewish National Fund-USA to create a See “Chef” on page 14 Josefin Dolsten)

Update Continued from page 1 Federation, which are incorporated in the trations of Jewish population on Florida’s None of these communities have com- New York, JFNA was able to acquire figures above). east coast. While the larger communities munal infrastructure beyond individual and deliver 212 generators to Jewish $1 million committed by the govern- in South Florida (Miami, Broward County, synagogues, and Federation support has communities in Puerto Rico, St. Thomas ment of Israel. South Palm Beach and Palm Beach) were primarily been directly to affected indi- and the Florida Keys for distribution to Of this amount, more than $12 million generally able to address the issues in their viduals through the various congregations, members of the Jewish community and has been allocated through the Houston own communities and extend assistance to and supporting the work of IsraAID others in need. Several Federations, Federation and the national Emergency other communities, there was heavier im- and the AFYA Foundation, which are most notably New York, Miami, Bro- Committee process to provide direct relief pact on some of the smaller communities providing humanitarian assistance to the ward and South Palm Beach, have all to flood victims (trauma counseling, case further north (Collier County, Jacksonville Jewish communities and on a significant been engaged in direct relief efforts in management and financial assistance), to and St. Augustine). Chabad across numer- non-sectarian basis. the island communities which are not help these individuals and families to stay ous Florida communities played a role in As several large Federations are work- reflected in these numbers. connected to Jewish life and community, providing congregate and home-delivered ing directly with partners in their own JFNA’s Emergency Committee will be and to address institutional sustainability meals to seniors and others affected by communities or international aid organiza- considering further allocations shortly. and repair issues. prolonged power outages. tions with which they have relationships, NORTH BAY FIRES IN CALIFORNIA The focus of the Jewish Federations’ The biggest impact of these storms the financial information that follows The most recent focus of disaster national funding is primarily in the area has been felt in the islands off the coast reflects only the funds remitted to JFNA, relief efforts has been in response to the of relief to flood victims. While the pri- of Florida, within and beyond the U.S. the national Jewish Federation network: wildfires in Napa and Sonoma counties mary focus is on the impact of the flood border – Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Funds remitted to date in response to in California. Over the period it took to in Houston, the Emergency Committee Islands, the Florida Keys, Cuba and oth- Hurricanes Irma/Maria: $900,000 get the fires contained, an extensive area has also worked with the small communi- ers. The national Emergency Committee Allocations: $530,000 was devastated by the fires resulting in the ties in Galveston and Beaumont to assist has focused on the U.S. communities Mainland Florida Communities: loss of more than 7,000 homes. those communities. affected, while its partner, the American Jewish Federation of Broward County Within the Jewish community, dozens JFNA’s Emergency Committee is meet- Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, $20,000 of Jewish homes were destroyed by fire. ing again during the week of October 30 is supporting Cuba and other island Chabad of Broward County $50,000 URJ’s Camp Newman was also largely to consider a significant further allocation nations. The major focus of efforts has Collier County Jewish Federation destroyed. The Jewish Federation of San of national funds. been in Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, $45,000 Francisco, The Peninsula, Marin and HURRICANES IRMA AND MARIA which are both characterized by small Jacksonville Jewish Federation $20,000 Sonoma Counties and the Jewish Federa- The impact on mainland Florida from Jewish communities affected amidst Pinellas County $25,000 tion of the East Bay partnered together to Hurricane Irma was less severe than an- a “sea of misery” documented in the Island communities: create the North Bay Wildfire Relief Fund, ticipated, especially for the larger concen- news media. Key West congregations $30,000 and have coordinated their relief efforts Puerto Rico congregations $135,000 during and in the immediate aftermath St. Thomas congregations $75,000 of the fires. IsraAID in Puerto Rico $80,000 JFNA has not established a separate AFYA Foundation $50,000 national fund and encourages all Federa- In addition to these funds, with the tions to direct relief funds to the joint fund financial support of UJA Federation of established by the Bay Area Federations. NOVEMBER 16, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 7 8 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 16, 2017 D’VAR TORAH Lessons from the other BY JIM BRULÉ, MAGGID, SYRACUSE This is the challenge our Judaism lays before us: Toldot, Genesis 25:19-28:9 to truly understand the other, whoever they may be, This week’s parasha, Toldot, recounts the story of whatever threat they may pose. We must do this, for the struggle between Jacob and Esau, from before their as we are reminded over and over again, we have been conception to Jacob’s departure to Paddan-aram. In it, that other and we have known the pain that it can bring. we learn of the ascension of Jacob over Esau, in the We must take our heritage and our brit and truly strive familiar formula of the second born usurping the first. It to understand what drives those who seem evil. In so is a struggle – overseen by Rebecca at God’s instruction doing, we may find a route to their own goodness. And – filled with trickery, deception and lies. once we have found that goodness, however hidden it The story tells us in metaphor of the transition that may be, we can ignite the hope that enables us to bring faced our people as we moved from a nomadic lifestyle a healing to this world – a tikkun that we all need so to that of city dwellers: Esau the hunter is passé; Jacob, desperately in these difficult times. the farmer, is on the rise. There was a strength that had to be sacrificed – the brutish strength of the wanderer – in order to achieve a new strength: the intellectual strengths of cunning, of strategy, of trickery in its best sense. These were strengths that would serve us far better in the millennia to follow, for they could be wielded by us no matter what our numbers. Our sages faced a challenge, though, when it came to Modigliani exhibit the details: how to allow the ends to justify the means. For The Jewish Museum in New York City while it seems clear that Rebecca has the Eternal One’s will hold the exhibit “Modigliani Unmasked” blessing to engage in her subterfuge, it is nonetheless until February 4. The exhibit will feature early an uncomfortable position to take that the Divine plan drawings by Amedeo Modigliani – many of would include such unscrupulous means. which are being shown for the first time in the United The sage’s solution – both typically human and in- States. The works illuminate Modigliani’s heritage as structive – is to vilify Esau. Through countless midrashim an Italian Sephardic Jew as pivotal to understanding his and interpretations, the case is built against Esau: We are artistic output. It will include approximately 150 works, a told he was rough, he was crude, he didn’t truly care for selection of Modigliani’s paintings, sculptures and other his birthright, he was evil. drawings. Modigliani’s art will be complemented by work This approach is all the more difficult to swallow in light representative of the various multicultural influences of Esau’s plaintive cry to Isaac when he learns he has lost – African, Greek, Egyptian and Khmer – that inspired his birthright: “When Esau heard his father’s words, he the young artist during this lesser-known early period. burst into wild and bitter sobbing, and said to his father, For more information, visit http://jewishmuseum. ‘Bless me too, Father!... Have you not reserved a blessing org/exhibitions or contact the museum at info@thejm. for me?... Have you but one blessing, Father? Bless me org or 212-423-3200. too, Father!’” (Gen. 27:34-38) Surely these painful words, some of the most evocative we read in Torah, are not the Works of Bruce Gendelman cries of the disinterested, the false. No, they are the cries The National Museum of American Jewish History of he who must be dispossessed of his birthright for the will hold “Sifting Through Ashes,” an exhibition of good of the future, he who is called to make a sacrifice, works by artist Bruce Gendelman, through January 7. and who succumbs – unwillingly – to fate. Critics say that Gendelman captures the unimaginable I believe we must craft a new lesson from Toldot, one atrocities of the Holocaust in his series of nine large-scale in which we take the lesson offered by Job and, instead of textural oil paintings and approximately 20 photographs. finding fault in the victim, see the agony – as inevitable Gendelman’s works were inspired by a trip he took to as the outcome might have been – and empathize with the Poland and Ukraine with his sister and brother-in-law loss, even as we continue to stand by the final outcome. in August 2015, where they toured Holocaust sites. The We live in a world where the realities of contradictory artist used to the experience to produce a series of pho- and competing worldviews are not merely known, but tographs that were joined with poems by Robert Miller are the rule – not the exception – of our lives. We face and compiled into the book “Sifting Through Ashes: challenges at home and abroad that compel us to live Words & Images.” The photographs inspired the series up to our principles, to set an example for others as to of large-scale oil paintings and sculptural installations. how to live a life guided by both justice and compassion. For more information, visit NMAJH.org/Sif- Yet the truth is we cannot be just without knowing right tingThroughAshes or contact the museum at 215-923-3811. from wrong and we cannot be compassionate without Arch of Titus exhibit understanding the right that lives in each of us. Yeshiva University in New York City will hold the If we can only distinguish between good and evil by exhibit “The Arch of Titus – from Jerusalem to Rome, vilifying those who disagree with us, we can never be and Back” through January 14. The exhibit explores the compassionate. And if we never draw the line between historical and cultural significance of the arch from its right and wrong, we can never be just. creation as a monument celebrating the Roman triumph over the Jews in 70 C.E. through the medieval papacy and early modern rabbis, the Counter-Reformation, Film Continued from page 5 European Classicism and finally the Jewish and Israeli nationalists from the antisemitic Jobbik party, who urged national re-appropriation of the Arch. the national film fund to withhold funding for “Holocaust The exhibit features a digitally carved life-size repli- productions,” as one party leader called them. ca of the Spoils of Jerusalem relief from the interior Amid the hasty cover-up efforts depicted in the film passageway of the Arch. The replica is projected with – including the silencing of remorseful accomplices – images that reconstruct the missing sculptures and colors “1945” also tackles how neighbors who used to be friendly of the original relief, based on the original polychromy turned on their Jewish compatriots while under the rule discovered in 2012 by YU’s Arch of Titus Project, work- of Nazis and their allies. In many instances, this was ing collaboratively with a team of historians, scientists, done not out of ideological hatred, but in order to survive and archaeologists. Also featured are prints, paintings, their new circumstances or make the most out of them. photographs and depictions of the Arch of Titus across At the same time, the film also acknowledges those the centuries; 17th- and 18th-century placards carried by who kept valuables for Jewish neighbors and who the Jews of Rome at the Arch during papal processions; despised the looting by other non-Jews. and a postcard written by Sigmund Freud from the Arch, “Mostly it gives us an idea for the first time of how in 1913, inscribed: “The Jew Survives it.” they felt, the Jews and the non-Jews, in those chaotic For more information, visit www.yumuseum.org/ex- days after World War II,” Frolich said. hibitions or e-mail [email protected] or 212-294-8330. NOVEMBER 16, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 9 Kiev’s American-style JCC gives low-income Jews the millionaire treatment BY CNAAN LIPHSHIZ subsidized “luxury” kindergarten, allowing KIEV (JTA) – This city of 2.5 million residents may be working-class parents amenities that used to be the capital of one of the poorest countries in the Former the exclusive domain of this city’s wealthiest. Soviet Union, but it offers a dazzling selection of luxury “I could never afford any other place like services to those who can afford them. On potholed streets this,” said Anna Snitsruk, a working mother where some elderly people are forced to rummage for of two children. “This place is like a kin- food in dumpsters, well-heeled Ukrainians can enjoy dergarten for oligarchs,” she said, using a dining at all-night sushi restaurants, shop at designer bag common name for Ukrainians who got rich stores and ride around in 16-seat Hummer limousines. after the fall of the USSR. The preschool is Their children also get the VIP treatment at world- part of Kiev’s first and only American-style class childcare facilities like the Leleka kindergarten JCC, which is also a rare spot for interactions – a riverside mansion where the annual tuition easily by Jews of four generations. surpasses the average annual salary of only $3,250. To The amenities at Halom, where parents pay regular Ukrainians, such Western-standard childcare is the equivalent of $900-$1,900 annually de- utterly unaffordable. pending on how many children they enroll and Unless, of course, they want to enroll their kids at the for how many hours, may appear rudimentary kindergarten of Kiev’s new Jewish Community Center, to Western eyes. But they are “incomparably Halom – a 17,000-square-foot building that opened better” than the local standard, Snitsruk said. last year with funding from the American Jewish Joint At Halom, which, in addition to the pre- Distribution Committee, or JDC. school also has entertainment and educational Children entered the Halom Jewish Community Center in Kiev, Located in an accessible office district downtown, facilities for different age groups, a few dozen Ukraine, on September 8. (Photo by Cnaan Liphshiz) the Halom center, which has an annual budget of more children aged 2-7 are divided into four age than $500,000, features what is probably this city’s only groups. Each class has a maximum of seven children matchsticks by the artist Iosif Ostashinsky. and a designated teacher. A former teacher herself, Snitsruk opted to become The children are fed kosher, high-quality food, but a stay-at-home mom just to avoid sending her eldest, parents may also bring their own food from home to Lev, to a kindergarten “with one teacher per 20 children, be reheated. The curriculum features Hebrew studies, where the food is not so great, where he would’ve gotten holiday programs, dancing, pottery classes, treasure no attention and zero stimulation,” she said. hunts, matchstick model building classes, gymnastics “I enrolled him right away” after Halom’s opening, and even rock climbing. she added. “I can see how he has developed emotionally. Located one story above the pastel-colored lobby, It’s a change that has affected our family profoundly.” with its free coffee machine, the preschool is part of a Even at a subsidized rate of $90 a month, tuition hive of activity at Halom. Parents picking up their kids at Halom is making a dent in the household budget of often stop to chat to elderly Jews gathering for candle Volodia Pasternak, a retired athlete and father of three lighting, and teenagers come to hang out after school at whose youngest, 4-year-old Maria, attends Halom. “But the center’s recreational room with its movie library and I wouldn’t call it a sacrifice,” he said. “I’m so glad that L-r: Alla Shakhova, head of the volunteer department, PlayStation 4 game console. I get to send her to a place that she actually likes. It’s with volunteer Adrianna Golubka at the Halom Jewish The building also has free wifi, conference rooms, because of the attention each child gets here. It’s not Community Center in Kiev, Ukraine, on September 8. computer stations and art displays, including an exhibi- something I thought I could afford.” (Photo by Cnaan Liphshiz) tion of hyper-realistic models of synagogues made from See “Kiev” on page 15

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

As always, your comments, opinions & suggestions are always welcome.

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 10 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 16, 2017 NOVEMBER 16, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 11 Evasons fascinate audience at Federation’s 2018 UJA Campaign Opening Program on October 21 On Saturday evening October 21, the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania held a sold out communitywide UJA Campaign program at the Scranton Jewish Community Center featuring world-famous mentalist duo Jeff and Tessa Evason who performed their incredible brand of mind power at a show that generated absolute amazement! Since 1983, the Evasons have astounded audiences the world over. At the presentation, people reacted with wide eyed wonder when Tessa and Jeff demonstrated their psychic entertainment abilities with ESP, intuition, prediction and second sight. Their slick blend of interactive demonstration, comic relief and spellbinding entertainment was definitely not a magic show. There were no wires or hidden communication devices. Nothing was prearranged with secret assistants or audience members. In fact, the Evasons offered $100,000 to anybody who could prove otherwise. The experience defied explanation. And maybe that=s why those who attended went wild at the show. Tessa appeared rather serene and her voice never went above a conversational pitch while Jeff entertained the crowd and asked for volunteers. Everyone who participated in the program was absolutely floored when Tessa revealed their name, their birth date, serial numbers on bills in their wallets and purses, the types of cars they own, the number of keys on their key chain and even the name of loved ones in photos they held in their hands. On numerous occasions, her intuitive gifts made the audience gasp with surprise. Following the performance, several members of the audience commented that they were leaving with the feeling that Anothing is safe in your mind!@ The Evason=s 34 years of experience afforded them a soft spoken yet Vegas style stage presence that had the audience on the edge of their seats. All who attended the program left with the view that the Evanson reputation as mentalists was well deserved. Nor were they alone. On NBC=s World=s Greatest Magic V, they were called, AThe finest act of its kind in the world,@ while their performance on Fox=s APowers of the Paranormal,@ they were touted as AThe most amazing mind reading act you will ever see.@ In fact, the Discovery Channel hailed them as: AA new generation of mentalists.@ It=s no wonder that Siegfried & Roy named the Evasons their favorite act, presenting them with the Sarmoti Award at the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas. They are recognized by their peers and fans alike as one the world=s top mentalist acts. Their stylish presentation and stunning showcase of talent has also earned them the distinction of receiving the Psychic Entertainers Association=s most prestigious honor for distinguished professionalism. AMany times during our show, people are totally speechless because they=ve never seen anything like this before.@ said Jeff Evason. AThe experience of wonder is not only magical and mysterious, it can also be empowering and enlightening.@

Volunteers thanked The Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania wishes to acknowledge the efforts of its 2018 UJA Campaign Opening Event organizers and volunteers. They include the Organizing Committee consisting of Rhonda Fallk, Jennifer Novak, Charlene Scott and Dassy Ganz, and the efforts of the volunteers who assisted in making this program the success that it was. They include Shmuel Bushwick, Ross Novak, Lou Nivert and students from the University of Scranton.

Photos by 12 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 16, 2017 Rob Reiner on Judaism, movies and his experience “home shuling” BY CURT SCHLEIER and I looked at Johnson as the enemy,” funding for education, and create Medi- times he felt unloved. I thought that was (JTA) – By his own admission, Rob said Reiner, 70. “I thought he could send care, Medicaid and Head Start. interesting,” Reiner said. Reiner was not the right person to di- me to my death.” “It was like there were two presidents Also interesting was Reiner’s choice rect “LBJ,” a film biography of Lyndon But he revised his views of the former – one for the Vietnam War and the other for the actor to play the lead: Woody Baines Johnson, the 36th president of the president – both as a man and a potential with great domestic programs,” the ac- Harrelson, best known as the slow-witted United States. “I had a lot of trepida- movie subject – when he read Joey Hart- tor-director said. “If it wasn’t for Vietnam, Woody on “Cheers” and for drawling tion,” he said in a telephone interview stone’s well-researched script. Reiner he’d have gone down as one of the greatest comic roles in “White Men Can’t Jump” with JTA. said additional research, especially Doris presidents of all time. I wanted to make a and “Zombieland.” In addition to a successful career as an Kearns Goodwin’s illuminating “Lyndon film that would reveal who this guy was.” “When people heard about the film, actor, Reiner is one of the most bankable Johnson and the American Dream” and It wasn’t just the dichotomy of John- they’d ask me who I’d cast for the lead, directors plying the trade today. His films Robert Caro’s multi-volume Johnson bios, son’s politics that Reiner wanted to cap- and when I told them Woody Harrelson, run the gamut from lighthearted fare clinched the deal. ture, but the contradictions of his person- they’d say ‘get out of here,’” he recalled. like “This is Spinal Tap,” “The Princess Reiner discovered a man far more nu- ality, which informed his career. “What “I’d say, ‘wait until you see what he does.’” Bride” and “When Harry Met Sally,” anced than he had imagined. Yes, Johnson surprised me was his insecurity,” Reiner The prosthetics change Harrelson into a to serious drama such as “A Few Good expanded and prolonged the Vietnam War. said. “He had this recurring nightmare close approximation of LBJ, but it is Har- Men” and “Misery.” But he also delivered on John F. Kennedy’s where he dreamed he was paralyzed.” relson’s subtle yet powerful performance But “LBJ” was different because he had legacy and bullied a recalcitrant Congress Johnson also had a complicated re- that is transformative. “I told him don’t a personal connection to the subject. “I dominated by Dixiecrats to pass the Civil lationship with his mother in which “at See “Reiner” on page 16 was of draft age during the Vietnam War, Rights and Voting Rights acts, increase

Edelman Continued from page 4 himself as a member of the tribe in a 2013 interview on the NFL Network. He has tweeted about Jewish holidays, wore an Israel pin during a game in 2014 and was named one of the best Jewish football players of all time by the American Jewish Historical Society last year. PJ Library’s founder, Jewish business- man Harold Grinspoon, and his wife, Diane Troderman, both philanthropists, attended the event along with their grandchildren and other members of their family. Edelman is “an amazing guy. He’s a heimische guy. He’s so real,” Grinspoon told JTA, using a Yiddish term meaning friendly and down to earth. “I love the Julian Edelman read from his children’s [‘Flying High’] story because it’s so true book at the JCC of Greater Boston on Rob Reiner on the set of his new film, the biopic “LBJ.” (Photo courtesy of Electric to who he is.” October 10. (Photo by Nikki Cole) Entertainment) NOVEMBER 16, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 13

THE WORLD IS

OUR BACKYARD You could say that we encompass the entire global Jewish village. Federation is there supporting Jewish cultural festivals in Bulgaria. Children’s services in Cuba. And aiding our elderly in the former Soviet Union. Wherever there’s a need to rebuild or a longing to reconnect you’ll ﬁnd Federation.

In Israel, where we gathered three million Jews from all corners of the Earth, today we’re ensuring that everyone can achieve the Israeli dream. From a head start for disadvantaged preschoolers to scholarships for gifted teens and job-skill programs for their parents.

Federation is caring for our community at home and in more than 70 countries around the world.

601 Jeﬀerson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 • (570)961-2300 www.jewishnepa.org 14 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 16, 2017 Israeli band doesn’t let disability get in the way of making music BY BEN SALES “Every individual with or without disability has some GREAT NECK, NY (JTA) – The crowd of middle capabilities, and it’s critical to focus on those if you want a schoolers goes wild when Dina Samteh hits her high notes, person to have any meaning and fulfillment,” said Kalman jumping out of their seats in the synagogue sanctuary, Samuels, a co-founder of Shalva. “These band members cheering and clapping. Samteh, 20, is blind, so she can’t were chosen because they showed musical ability.” see their conga line-style dancing. But she can hear and Ben Shushan spent a year teaching the kids music – they feel it. Next to her Yair Pomburg, 26, throws his entire began with basic melodies and rhythms – before the band body into beating the bongo drums, then steps forward was ready to begin performing in Israel. A professional and raps, in Hebrew, to the Israeli peace song “Od Yavo See “Band” on page 17 Shalom Aleinu.” Over the course of a 75-minute concert, the seven members of the Shalva Band play everything from the Disney hit “Let It Go” to Matisyahu’s “One Day” to The Shalva Band travels with backup musicians, Chef Continued from page 6 Adele’s “Someone Like You.” including musical therapist Dana Weiss (at left), who and bark from which spices are derived, Secarz offers In many ways it’s a typical, high-energy Jewish music also plays the flute. (Photo by Ben Sales) 70 spice blends he has created for the restaurants and concert for teenagers, and the crowd is feeling it from food-related businesses with which he works, as well as start to finish. The singers belt out Israeli songs, religious more than a dozen stops at day schools and fund-raisers some 85 blends for the general public. Jewish songs and a smattering of pop before concluding in the United States, Canada and Mexico. After a week Spice blends include combinations such as desert rose with the Israeli national anthem, “Hatikvah.” The band back in Israel, it’s on to the United Kingdom and Russia. (halva, sesame and rose petals), pierre poivre (which manager perches on a wooden box and drums on its side. The band was founded 12 years ago by Shai Ben contains eight different peppers) and apollonia (cocoa, By the middle of the set, the kids are out of their seats Shushan, a drummer who had sustained a head injury orange blossom and pepper). A small container of the and crowding the floor. in special forces combat. He had to live six months with single spices costs $9 to $30; blends go for $13 to $27 But what makes the Jerusalem-based Shalva Band his mouth surgically shut, after which he re-learned to for a small container (around two ounces, depending unique is that its members are people with disabilities speak and eat. on the spice). – Pomburg, for example, has Down syndrome. Others The experience of disability led Ben Shushan to vol- “The idea of the blends is that they’re not meant for have Williams syndrome and cerebral palsy. unteer with Shalva, an Israeli organization that provides a particular dish or recipe,” he said. “We really want to “People said, ‘Wow, you sing so beautifully,’” said a range of services to people with disabilities, including have people play around with them, and what you use Samteh, recalling the first time she sang in public. “It therapy, arts programs, job training and advocacy work. today for a savory preparation you can use [tomorrow] really excited me that people were coming and saying At that time, its directors had noticed several kids with for a sweet preparation or a beverage, so one blend can something good about me. I felt that finally I found standout musical talent and tapped Ben Shushan to really be a solution for hundreds of different recipes.” something good about myself, aside from being blind. form a band. Sercarz says his Israeli school, which will be located Since I began singing, I had a dream of being on stage Shalva Band members range from their late teens in the city of Kiryat Shemona, will be unique in that it and singing all the time and making people happy.” to mid-20s; some have been practicing together since won’t only offer cooking instruction. Sure, there will be Samteh and her bandmates appear to have met that they were 6. They say they love making music, but also instruction in breadmaking, cheesemaking, beer brew- goal. The Shalva Band is on its first international tour, with perform just to prove they can. ing and, of course, spice mixing. But students can also learn about a variety of food-related fields such as food science and technology, agriculture, and food writing and advertising. “There isn’t anything like that that exists in the world. We’re really aiming to be a very unique place,” Sercarz said. P A C E Israel’s Bishulim and Danon culinary schools, both Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment of which offer professional cooking and pastry classes, and the Culinary Institute of Israel, which offers study abroad programs for cooking, are among the current options available in Israel. Your gift to the Annual Campaign Sercarz’s school will focus on the direct connection between agriculture and cooking, JNF Communications DOES A WORLD OF GOOD. Director Adam Brill told JTA in an e-mail. JNF is cur- Endowing your gift allows you to be there for the rently assessing the funding needs for the school, he said. “This one-of-a-kind academy will allow students to Jewish community of NEPA forever. learn directly from the farmers and growers who produce the ingredients they cook with. Unlike most schools where A Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) is a permanent fund that endows students encounter those ingredients for the first time in your Jewish community Annual Campaign gift as a lasting legacy. A PACE fund will the kitchen, at the academy, classes can take place out in continue to make an annual gift in perpetuity on your behalf. the fields where they are grown,” Brill said. Sercarz knows a thing or two about cooking. He To determine the amount you need to endow your entire campaign gift, multiply your current earned a degree from the Paul Bocuse Institute in Lyon, annual gift by 20. France, whose founder is considered a heavyweight in the nouvelle cuisine cooking method. He later relocated You can fund your PACE by adding the JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHEASTERN to New York, where he worked with chef Daniel Boulud PENNSYLVANIA to your will, or by making the Federation a beneficiary of your IRA. All at his flagship restaurant, Daniel. contributions to establish a PACE are tax deductible. But after six years at Daniel, Sercarz wanted to change directions. He started experimenting at home with spices Let your name be remembered as a blessing. and cookie baking, earning him praise from friends. In Endowments can be created through a variety of vehicles, some of which do not necessitate 2011, after three years of working with spices at home while maintaining a gig at a corporate dining hall, he funding during your lifetime yet still provide your estate with considerable tax benefits. decided to pursue his passion full-time, opening La Boite. They also enable you to perpetuate your commitment to the Annual Campaign in a way that Sercarz, who lives on the Upper West Side, also sells best achieves your own personal financial and estate planning goals. cookies, which he flavors with nuts, chocolate, dried fruits and, naturally, spices. An eight-ounce box sells for $65. He draws inspiration from Jewish and Israeli cui- Examples Of Ways To Fund Your Pace Gift Are: sine, as well as his own family background. Sercarz is three-quarters Ashkenazi, but jokes that “luckily” * outright contribution of cash, appreciated securities or other long-term he has a Tunisian grandfather. His grandmother would * capital gain property such as real estate incorporate the flavor of her husband’s country into her * charitable remainder trust European cooking. * gift of life insurance “You’d find the mamaliga, the Eastern European * charitable lead trust version of the Italian [polenta], with harissa in it, so * gift of IRA or pension plan assets a very interesting mixture of cuisines, which worked * grant from your foundation great,” he recalled. * reserved life estate in your residence Sercarz says cooks shouldn’t be afraid to mix spices * bequest from different cuisines, like his grandmother. “I think the fact that you weren’t born in India doesn’t Using appreciated property, such as securities or real estate, affords you the opportunity to mean that you cannot do [cooking with Indian] spices eliminate the income tax on the long-term capital gain, will in some instances generate a full income – you should,” he said. “So you could make a meatloaf or an eggplant parmesan and add seasoning from there. tax charitable deduction and will remove those assets from your estate for estate tax purposes. I don’t think you’re insulting anybody. I think that the fact that your grandmother from Italy was making For more information contact Mark Silverberg at chicken parm a certain way, you can still honor her by [email protected] or call 570-961-2300, ext. 1. continuing making chicken parm, but you can play with flavors a little bit.” NOVEMBER 16, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 15 As the Romans did: discoveries show Jerusalem’s transformation after destruction BY ADAM ABRAMS Arch in the Western Wall Tunnels. JNS.org The newly revealed eight stone courses of the Western Israeli archaeologists recently unveiled the results of Wall had been hidden beneath 26 feet of earth and were large-scale excavations that lend unprecedented insight perfectly preserved after being excavated. The Roman into the transformation of Jerusalem around the time of theater contains approximately 200 seats and, according its destruction during the Second Temple period more to archaeologists, required a “great deal” of investment than 2,000 years ago. The discoveries – including massive in its construction. portions of the Western Wall unseen for 1,700 years and One of the most significant aspects of the discoveries an ancient Roman theater – were made in excavations is that they exhibit “the cultural change that Jerusalem conducted during the past two years in Jerusalem’s Old underwent around the Second Temple period, when City. The findings were disclosed at a press conference Jerusalem was a Jewish city with Jewish culture, which held by the Israel Antiquity Authority beneath Wilson’s after the destruction turned into a Roman city with Ro- man culture,” IAA archaeologist Tehillah Lieberman told JNS.org. Israel Antiquities Authority archaeologist Tehillah “The Romans needed different buildings,” she said. Lieberman at the newly discovered ancient Roman “They had different structures with different uses… the theater in Jerusalem. (Photo by Yaniv Berman/Israel focus and the center of the city had to change, and that’s Antiquities Authority) what we see in Wilson’s Arch. We see how the street from the Second Temple was dismantled and in its place opinions regarding the age of Wilson’s Arch,” Lieberman a Roman theater-like structure was built facing its back said. “We wanted to see which opinion was correct. One to [the] Temple Mount, and this tells us the story of what opinion held that the arch originated from the Second happened to Jerusalem after the destruction.” Temple period. If Wilson’s Arch really is from the Sec- Israel Hasson, director-general of the IAA, said the ond Temple period, it means that it’s the only complete findings “enhance the importance of expanding the structure standing today in Jerusalem from that time.” archaeological excavations in this region” in order to According to Lieberman, all other known structures unveil ancient Jerusalem. dating back to the Second Temple period, including the The excavation project was initiated with the intention Western Wall, have signs of destruction. On the other A view of the Wilson’s Arch excavation in Jerusalem’s of accurately dating Wilson’s Arch, which is believed to hand, Wilson’s Arch “is complete from its foundation Western Wall Tunnels. (Photo by Yaniv Berman/Israel be the only structure from the Temple Mount compound of all the way to the top of the arch and its connection to Antiquities Authority) the Second Temple period that remains intact today. The the Western Wall,” she said. arch, which stands above the Western Wall’s foundations, To verify that the arch dates to the Second Temple is named after 19th-century explorer Charles William period, archaeologists sent samples from inside the arch Kiev Continued from page 9 Wilson, who identified it in 1864. It is constructed from and its connecting pillar for carbon dating tests. “We’re Halom accepts all children regardless of whether they enormous stones, and is the only remaining arch from a still waiting for the official results,” said Lieberman. are Jewish, said Anna Bodnar, the 30-year-old director series of similar arches that formed a large bridge lead- “The excavation isn’t finished yet, and I hope that as of Halom. Most recipients of Halom services do, how- ing up to the Temple Mount compound from the west. it goes on, we’ll be able to give a more accurate date.” ever, self-identify as Jewish, she added. Kiev’s Jewish “When we started the excavations, there were three See “Romans” on page 19 popualtion is estimated at 60,000. Snitsruk, who is Jewish, said she is rather indifferent to the kindergarten’s religious dimension (the children learn about Jewish holidays and customs like candle lighting and challah baking). Pasternak said he approved of such activities, but he, too, spoke of them as a secondary reason for enrolling his daughter there. “I came here for the pedagogic approach and facilities,” he said – a sentiment that recalls those Jews, including immigrants from Ukraine, who enrolled at Jewish-run “settlement houses” in America in the early 20th century. JDC supports efforts that bring non-affiliated Jews into Jewish life, but also encourages mutual respect among Jews and non-Jews. The opening of Halom (the name means “dream” in Hebrew) in November was a watershed moment for other age groups, too. The center, which greets 1,000-2,000 users monthly, instantly became a hit with the golden age population. “I used to just stay at home all day, I didn’t go any- where,” said Valentina Basova, a septuagenarian who lives alone since her son immigrated to Israel with his family four years ago. “It’s great to also be around young people, Jewish children,” she added. A regular at Halom, Basova comes nearly every day to participate in intergenerational programs in which elderly people are paired with children or teenagers to exchange skills. Elderly participants are taught to use computers and smartphones, and help youngsters with homework or teach them languages. The exchange program, and its promise of sign language lessons, drew Adrianna Golubka, a non-Jewish Ukrainian and college student who became a volunteer last year. Her sign language teacher, septuagenarian and Halom regular Irina Yosepavna, became an inspiration to Golubka in all areas of life. “When I’m depressed or tired, I think of Irina, of how positive and energetic she is after leading a long and not so easy life, and I snap right out of it,” she told JTA recently. Part of Halom’s charm, she says, is in amenities that few public spaces boast in Kiev, including the lobby, wi-fi, the free coffee and art displays. “It’s just very pleasant to come here, interact and relax,” Golubka said. For the elderly users, Halom is also a promising dating scene. The center has led to several successful shidduchs, or romantic matches. And recently, Halom celebrated the union of the first couple who married after meeting there: Maya Serebryanaya and Valeriy Utvenko, 68 and 72 respectively. “Their relationship came as a surprise to me, actually,” said Bodnar, the JCC’s director. “I thought they were just friends.” ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 16 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 16, 2017 NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org approached Apple about a partnership, but after praising the technology, Apple refused to Israeli shekel emerges as world’s second-strongest currency license it. “Apple’s lead negotiator expressed contempt for Corephotonics’ patents, telling Dr. Mendlovic and others that even if Apple infringed, it would take years and millions of (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) – The Israeli shekel is currently the world’s dollars in litigation before Apple might have to pay something,” the lawsuit says. Accord- second-strongest currency, according to a new report by the German global banking ing to Reuters, an Apple spokesman did not immediately return a request for comment. and financial services company Deutsche Bank. The report ranked China’s yuan as the world’s strongest currency. Deutsche Bank’s strategic foreign currency analyst Dr. Congress expected to advance bill targeting Palestinian Gautam Kalani reported that during the past 12 months, the shekel has appreciated Authority’s terror payments 6.1 percent against the currencies of Israel’s main trading partners, such as the U.S. The Taylor Force Act, legislation targeting the Palestinian Authority’s payments to dollar, the British pound, the euro and the yen. convicted terrorists and their families, is expected to receive broad bipartisan support Israeli start-up sues Apple over smartphone camera in a vote in the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Nov. 15. Should the committee approve the bill, it will advance to the House floor for a full congressional vote. Sen. technology copyright infringement Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO) introduced the Taylor Force An Israeli start-up, Corephotonics, has filed a lawsuit in California arguing that Apple Act in September 2016. The legislation would make U.S. aid to the P.A. conditional copied its patented smartphone camera technology. Tel Aviv-based Corephotonics, which upon the Palestinians halting the terror payments. The P.A.’s terror payments current- has raised more than $50 million from venture capital firms, says that its dual camera tech- ly total about $300 million annually. Payments to imprisoned terrorists increase in nology for smartphones was incorporated into Apple’s iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 without proportion to the length of their sentences. The American legislation is named for a its authorization. The lawsuit states that Corephotonics CEO Dr. David Mendlovic had former U.S. Army officer who was killed in a Palestinian terror attack in Jaffa last year.

Reiner Continued from page 12 try to imitate Lyndon,” Reiner said. “Just give me his liberal causes, most recently as a founder of the Commit- God!,” “Where’s Poppa?” and a string of Steve Martin essence and that relaxed [Woody].” tee to Investigate Russia, which he calls “a nonpartisan comedies. Mom famously ordered whatever Meg Ryan The film delves into a trove of compelling anecdotal [organization] that puts the spotlight on what the Russians was having in the “When Harry Met Sally” scene filmed info with which most non-political science majors (and were able to do, particularly in the last election.” at New York’s Katz’s Deli. majors who may have gotten D’s) are likely unfamiliar. Reiner is not a fan of the current administration, to put it “My grandmother spoke Yiddish in the house, and For instance, JFK (played here very competently by mildly. As he describes it, “without changing a single frame,” my mother and father spoke a little Yiddish, too,” said Jeffrey Donovan of “Burn Notice”) took Lyndon as his his film changed between the time it was first screened, Reiner, who was a bar mitzvah. “They decided to bring running mate at the suggestion of his father and over when Obama was president, to its release with Trump in the a teacher in to teach me Yiddish, too. I learned a little, the objections of brother Robert (played by Michael White House – meaning a film about a troubled presidency but he also taught the history of the Jews and it was like Stahl-David). transformed into one about how best to govern. having a little shul at home. “LBJ” is infused, in part, with the director’s personal And, yes, his activism “absolutely” has hurt his career, “It was home shuling,” he quipped. experiences as a political activist. Nearly two decades Reiner said. Even in liberal Hollywood, Reiner’s outspo- Reiner’s sister-in-law is a rabbi, “and we’ll have Pass- ago, he spearheaded a successful effort to raise cigarette kenness has earned him ridicule – not unlike the incessant over,” he said. “My wife’s mother lost her entire family taxes in California and use the money to fund early ribbing he took on “All in the Family” playing the liberal in the Holocaust and my aunt – my father’s brother’s childhood development programs. Subsequently, Reiner Mike “Meathead” Stivic opposite his arch-conservative wife – did also, something we always think about. Yes, was appointed chairman of the commission to oversee father-in-law Archie Bunker. all this is reflected in my work. It’s my sensibility. I’m the project, a post he held for seven years. “There’s no question that people have turned away a Jew. I was raised a Jew. I value honesty and integrity Around that time, he briefly considered running for from me,” he said. “You should see what some people and knowledge and education and all those values I was office. Reiner asked his wife and three children for their call me on Twitter. But I have to live on this planet and raised with.” opinions and the results were – how to put this? – dis- be who I am.” Of course, Reiner was raised with another “Jewish couraging. “I only polled 40 percent in my own family,” And who he is, of course, is the scion of Carl Reiner value” as well: comedy. “Jews are funny,” he said. “And he recalled. “If I couldn’t carry my own family, I didn’t and the late Estelle Reiner from the Bronx, NY. Dad, of there’s a reason we’re funny. You have Cossacks. You have think I should run.” course, is the author/producer/actor/director of such hits Hitler. You have a lot of things weighing down on you. Nevertheless, Reiner has remained politically active in as TV’s “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and the films “Oh You have to have a sense of humor or you can’t survive.” NOVEMBER 16, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 17 SCIENCE SNIPPETS From JNS.org Create a Legacy for Israeli researchers find that brain takes a nap when sleep- our Jewish Future deprived A new collaborative study conducted by Israeli and American researchers has uncovered how sleep deprivation negatively affects brain activity. The study – pub- in NEPA lished in the Nature Medicine biomedical research journal – was led by researchers TYPES OF GIFTS at Israel’s Tel Aviv University in cooperation with the University of California, Los Your charitable gifts to the Federation can result in Angeles and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Researchers found that losing sleep causes neural activity in the brain’s temporal lobe to slow down, triggering immediate and/or future benefits for you and your family. visual impairment and memory loss. They observed that neurons in the brain rest, PERPETUAL ANNUAL CAMPAIGN essentially taking a nap, after being adversely affected by slow brainwaves. “When we’re sleep-deprived, a local intrusion of sleep-like waves disrupts normal brain ENDOWMENTS (P.A.C.E.) activity while we’re performing tasks,” said Yuval Nir, of TAU’s Sackler Faculty of There are considerable tax advantages in establishing a P.A.C.E. Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, who directed the study. Throughout the gift to the Federation outright or as part of your estate planning. study, researchers logged the brain activity of 12 epilepsy patients who had previously In doing so, you can perpetuate your annual UJA Campaign gift shown little or no response to drug interventions at UCLA. In order to record neural activity, the patients were hospitalized for a week and had electrodes implanted to in your name, the name of your family, in memory of a loved one identify the area of the brain where seizures originate. The patients were kept awake or in celebration of a significant event in your life or the life of for a whole night in order to accelerate the investigation. As the brain became more another. On average, the annual income normally calculates out sleep-deprived, specific areas of the brain “caught some sleep,” said Nir. “Most of to 5% of the amount of your P.A.C.E. endowment. The corpus the brain was up and running, but temporal lobe neurons happened to be in slumber,” causing various behavioral lapses, he said. of your Fund would not be affected, and only the income would be used for the annual UJA gift – in perpetuity. That is, a P.A.C.E. endowment of $100,000 would normally produce an annual gift Band Continued from page 14 of $5,000 to future UJA Campaigns. musician himself, he said directing the level now where you can take it.” band comes with unique challenges: For The band performs more than 50 IMMEDIATE GIFTS OF CASH example, it took Pomburg two years to get times a year around Israel, but is not yet Cash contributions are deductible as itemized deductions in the year his first drum beat down. Now, however, profitable. Samuels estimates that Shalva Ben Shushan calls him “one of the best invests $120,000 in the band a year. This you make the donation(s), up to 50% of your adjusted gross. Excess drummers I know.” two-week trip alone will cost upwards of charitable deductions can be carried forward for up to five years. On the international tour, the band is $60,000, funded in part by the World Cen- traveling with a support staff of more than ter for Jewish Education, an organization GIFTS OF SECURITIES one person per band member, including that works with schools to improve their The best stocks to donate are obviously those with increased a musical therapist who also backs up as Jewish studies curricula. value. However, depreciated securities are not necessarily a flautist. Ahead of the trip, the band practiced Ben Shushan said the key to success is for up to eight hours a day. Ben Shushan unworthy of charitable contributions. In order to preserve the sensitive time management. “You want to hopes eventually to put out an album and best tax advantages, with regard to appreciated and depreciated know their abilities, but you need to know get the group on the radio. securities, please contact the Federation. when to stop, to say it’s too hard,” he said. Despite their commitment, for some of “It takes sensitivity to their feelings. If the band members, music is just a hobby. MATCHING GIFTS you see someone is having a hard time, Pomburg, for example, works at a soap If you work for a company that participates in a Matching Gift you need to strengthen him.” factory and waits tables at Café Shalva, But the overwhelming impression of the organization’s in-house coffee shop, Program (see details in this issue of The Reporter), then the company the Shalva Band while on the road is that but said drumming is always a new and will match your gift to the Jewish Federation. Please check with your it is a hardworking group of musicians exhilarating experience. “I love to do Human Resources Department for more information. hoping for their big break. the rhythm on the drum,” he said. “I get Following a concert at the North Shore excited. I’m very happy to perform. I do GIFTS OF MUTUAL FUNDS Hebrew Academy on Long Island, the my job well.” Contributing mutual fund shares can provide the same tax band members load their instruments in Still, others have enjoyed moments in the back of a van and pile in, bantering the spotlight so much that they hope to go advantages as appreciated stocks. Due to the great complexities or putting on headphones and tuning out. pro. Samteh, who joined the Shalva Band involved with the transfer of mutual fund shares, please begin the As Ben Shushan debriefs them en route to five years ago, has performed with leading transfer process well before December 31st. their next gig, he sounds less like a teacher Israeli musicians and traveled abroad sev- and more like a manager pushing his mu- eral times to sing. At first, Samteh said, GIFTS OF REAL ESTATE sicians just a little harder: He chides the she found it difficult to share the stage. A charitable contribution of property is most attractive when there lead singers for paying too little attention But now she can’t imagine doing it alone. is no mortgage balance and the property is increasing in value. to rhythm. He tells the group to focus less “To sing with other people, you have to on the crowd and more on the music. He learn to listen,” she said. “In the beginning, Based upon the fair market value, you may claim an income warns them not to wear out their voices. it was hard, but now it’s really success- tax deduction, avoid all capital gains taxes, and remove that “I know it feels like I’m drilling into ful. Now I don’t know how I would sing property from your taxable estate. You may transfer real estate you,” he said, sighing. “But you’re at a without them.” to the Jewish Federation at any point, but please consult your tax professional or financial advisor prior to a real estate transaction. DEFERRED/PLANNED GIFTS Deferred gifts are often called “planned gifts” because they are integrally connected to your financial and/or estate plans. They may range in size from very small bequests to multi-million dollar trusts. They are deferred gifts because, even though they are given today, the Jewish Federation will not realize their benefit until some time in the future. Please contact the Federation for more information regarding various planned giving options. GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUNDS The Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania expresses its gratitude to those who have made a commitment to our Endowment Fund. These very special contributions represent a commitment to maintain a high quality of Jewish life in our region for the decades that lie ahead. Yair Pomburg rapped during a performance of the Shalva Band at North Shore Hebrew Academy on Long Island, NY. (Photo by Ben Sales) CONTACT For further information, please contact Mark Silverberg, Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA at 570-961-2300 (ext. 1) 18 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 16, 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. NOVEMBER 16, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 19 NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org it is right that we should work closely together. But that must be done formally.” Palestinian Authority resumes security cooperation with In July, the IDF revealed the full details of a previously secretive humanitarian aid operation, dubbed “Operation Good Neighbor,” to treat Syrians who arrive at the Israel, Hamas slams rival Israeli border asking for help. The effort began several years ago and evolved into The Palestinian Authority on Nov. 8 announced that it had recently resumed secu- an expanded humanitarian program that has provided medical treatment to more than rity cooperation with Israel after it broke off ties during the summer amid the Temple 4,000 Syrians, including hundreds of children. Mount crisis. In a briefing with reporters in the West Bank, P.A. Police Chief Hazem Hillel leaders apologize for decision to “postpone” Israeli Atallah said that the coordination was resumed two weeks ago. The move to restore coordination was criticized by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, which controls the deputy minister’s Princeton talk Gaza Strip. “Hamas is surprised by the P.A. in the West Bank’s resumption of security The leader of Hillel International and Princeton University’s Hillel branch issued coordination and cooperation with the Zionist enemy, which is the equivalent of the an apology for scrapping a Nov. 6 speech by Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi greatest danger to the Palestinian people, its unity and its legitimate rights including Hotovely. “Unfortunately, we did not treat the Israeli deputy foreign minister with the right to resist the occupation,” Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said in a state- the respect that her office deserves, and postponed the event,” Eric Fingerhut, presi- ment. Atallah also said that his forces are focused on seeking full security control of dent and CEO of Hillel International, and Rabbi Julie Roth, executive director of the Gaza following a reconciliation agreement in October between the P.A.-ruling Fatah Center for Jewish Life at Princeton, wrote in an op-ed for The Jerusalem Post that party and Hamas. Yet Atallah expressed doubt about the reconciliation agreement, was published Nov. 7. The Hillel leaders wrote that the event had not been properly saying that his forces cannot guarantee law and order unless Hamas is disarmed. reviewed by the Princeton Hillel’s Israel Advisory Committee, which reviews and “It is impossible. How can I do security when there are all these rockets and guns? facilitates all Israel-related programming at the school. “To be clear: This was not a Is this possible? It doesn’t work,” he said, adding he would not accept any Hamas good enough reason to postpone the event, and for that mistake, we apologize,” they members in his police force and that it would be unacceptable for Hamas to have its wrote. Hillel’s move came after a consortium of left-wing Jewish groups at Prince- own weapons. “We are talking about one authority, one law and one gun” in Gaza, ton, called the Alliance of Jewish Progressives, criticized the Israeli deputy minister Atallah said. As part of the reconciliation agreement, Hamas agreed to allow the P.A. for what they described as “racist” views. Hotovely is a member of Prime Minister to assume control in Gaza by Dec. 1. Hamas has vowed that it will not disarm and Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party. Fingerhut and Roth admitted that Princeton Hillel has reiterated its objective to “wipe out Israel.” “should have engaged a broader range of students in this program from the beginning Egypt’s El-Sisi calls on Iran to stop “meddling” in Arab rather than right before the event, and we should have made a stronger case within our campus community that the event should go forward as planned. ...This is an isolated affairs incident – and Hillel International stands squarely behind the value of hearing from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stated on Nov. 8 that Iran must stop the Jewish state’s elected leaders,” they wrote. Despite Hillel’s decision, the event “meddling” in the Middle East and undermining the security of Arab states. “The went on as planned after Chabad agreed to sponsor it. region has enough instability and challenges as it is. We don’t need any new compli- Russian-Muslim billionaire funds digitizing of Jewish cations involving Iran or Hezbollah so we don’t add new challenges to the region,” El-Sisi told reporters in the Sinai Peninsula’s Sharm El Sheikh resort town. “I am manuscripts against war, we can resolve crises with dialogue,” he said. “Gulf security is a red A Russian-Muslim billionaire is funding an Israeli project that will digitize Jewish line and others must stop meddling in our affairs and not work to escalate tensions. manuscripts that were seized by the Soviet Union a century ago and are held in the We in Egypt believe that Arab and Gulf security and any threat to Gulf nations is a Russian State Library. The Russian State Library and National Library of Israel the threat to our own national security.” The Egyptian president’s comments came after week of Nov. 10 announced their joint effort to digitize more than 2,000 manuscripts Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s sudden resignation last Saturday over fear of that are part of so-called Günzburg Collection, amid the 100th anniversary of Russia’s an Iranian-led assassination plot, and amid domestic and international turbulence in October Revolution. The project is funded by Russian oligarch Ziyavudin Magome- Saudi Arabia. A missile was fired from Yemen toward the Saudi capital of Riyadh dov’s Peri Foundation. Magomedov, a 49-year-old energy and shipping tycoon, is the over the Nov. 5 weekend in what Saudi Arabia’s government described as “an Iranian 58th-wealthiest person in Russia, with an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion. Through missile launched by Hezbollah” and a potential “act of war.” “Conditions in Saudi his foundation, the Russian billionaire has financed various Christian and Muslim Arabia are totally stable and I have confidence in the government’s handling of the heritage projects, and will now finance the conservation of Jewish relics. “I think situation,” El-Sisi said. it’s important for the whole cultural world, for preservation,” said Magomedov. The U.K. official resigns over secret meetings in Israel, sought Russian State Library’s Günzburg Collection – which was amassed by Jewish-Rus- sian aristocrat Baron David Günzburg in the early 20th century – is comprised of to aid Syrians via IDF manuscripts covering a wide range of subject matters, including biblical commentary, U.K.’s International Development Secretary Priti Patel was forced to resign on Talmud, Kabbalah, philosophy, astronomy, medicine and magic. “The collection was Nov. 8 after it was revealed that she conducted several unauthorized meetings with supposed to come to the national library a century ago,” said David Blumberg, chair- Israeli officials during a private trip to Israel in August. Patel met with Israeli Prime man of the National Library of Israel. “The Soviet revolution disrupted that matter. Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 11 other Israeli officials without informing the The Soviets nationalized the collection.” U.K.’s Foreign Office or British Prime Minister Theresa May in advance. She was summoned for a meeting with May on Nov. 8 to explain the purpose of her talks with the Israeli officials. During her meetings with the Israelis, Patel discussed the possibility of channeling British medical aid to Syrian civilians through the IDF. “I offer a fulsome apology to you and to the government for what has happened and New to the Federation’s offer my resignation,” Patel wrote in a letter to May. “While my actions were meant with the best of intentions, my actions also fell below the standards of transparency Jewish Film Library and openness that I have promoted and advocated.” May accepted Patel’s resignation and wrote a letter in response stating that “the U.K. and Israel are close allies, and The Jewish Federation’s film library is proud to acquire the film festival Romans Continued from page 15 favorite created in Israel, As the IAA team awaits the results, Jewish ritual baths “on the other side of Lieberman said she believes the arch that same pillar… which means it has to THE WEDDING PLAN - a poignant “has been standing in its place since the be from some time between the first and and funny romantic comedy about love, Second Temple period.” She bases her second century,” said Lieberman. assessment on how Wilson’s Arch relates Lieberman believes the future holds marriage, and faith in life's infinite to the other architectural elements at the discoveries that could date even earlier excavation site. “On the supporting pillar than “everything that has been exposed up possibilities. Michal, blindsided by her of the arch, there are five openings that until now,” speculating that artifacts from fiancé's decision to call off their look like five little rooms,” said Lieber- the First Temple period could be found. man. “The theater-like structure [that was “Time after time,” said Rabbi Shmuel wedding with only a month's notice, is uncovered in the dig] blocks the entrance Rabinowitz, rabbi of the Western Wall, to two of them.” “the amazing archaeological findings unwilling to return to single life. Michal This, she said, “means [the theater] allow our generation to actually touch decides to put her trust in fate and definitely has to post-date the pillar of the the ancient history of our people and arch and the arch itself.” Jewish heritage, and its deep connection continue with her wedding plans, Archaeologists also found plaster from to Jerusalem.” believing Mr. Right will appear by her chosen date. As the day of the Jewish Federation of NEPA ceremony grows closer and no suitor appears, Michal puts everything on the line to find happiness.

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We are a lifeline. People just like us, our children, our parents or grandparents, desperately need our help. Fragile Holocaust survivors who can’t handle basic daily tasks. Families reeling from job loss. People who can’t attend a Shabbat service because climbing even a few steps to their synagogue is an impossible feat. Help us remove obstacles and bridge gaps. With your help, we can deliver hot meals to homebound seniors. Offer emergency loans to struggling families. Build ramps that open up Jewish life for people with disabilities. That's why there's UJA and the Federation. And that’s why we need you. 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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