April 2021 Volume 27 Issue 4 Rabbi’S Message - April 2021

Congregation B’nai Harim Children of the Mountains Congregation B’nai Harim, P.O. Box 757, Pocono Pines, PA 18350/ (570) 646-0100 http://www.bnaiharimpoconos.org

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2021 VOLUME 27 ISSUE 4 RABBI’S MESSAGE - APRIL 2021

The Passover story of our liberation from Egypt has not only served to inspire our lives and the way we think about our history and ourselves, but the lives of others as well, as they found meaning and hope for themselves in our sacred text. We can certainly feel good about that because, in a way, we are helping those who suffer oppression to take heart. And from days of old, we were told through Abraham that we would be a blessing to the people of the earth. In providing inspiration, we live up to one of our deepest values. Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum Sometimes it doesn’t feel as if people consider us Jews a blessing. And, alas, sometimes we don’t do enough to bring those blessings. In a provocative talk about his 2007 book The Price of Whiteness: Jews, Race and American Identity, Prof. Eric L. Goldstein presented some ideas that suggest why American Jews have at times been part of the problem of oppression but are now, perhaps more than ever, eager to be part of the solution. As we prepare for another in the Finding Common Ground series presented by Monroe County United, we ought to be familiar with the arc of history described by Goldstein. He describes how Jews—especially Ashkenazim, but also Sephardim from both Spain and Portugal and from the Mediterranean—had to confront a new social construct upon arriving on the shores of this new Promised Land. We had fled oppression and hatred directed against us because of our identity. In the 19th and 20th centuries Jews bought into the notion that we were somehow a “race.” The idea seemed to encompass the feelings we had that we were a large, interconnected family with a common history, language(s), and culture that were greater than our regional experiences. But in America, “race” meant the opposition of black and white. Where did we fit? There are “greenhorn” tales of newly arrived Russian Jewish peddlers serving southern Black communities, taking meals together, and developing relationships with “fellow underdogs” until some more established Landsmen cautioned them that fraternizing with that stratum of society would not serve them well as they sought to integrate. Many new immigrants picked up on that reality very quickly and did their best to blend in. Because their skin color was not Black, they became White by default and by design, choosing—at least for a while—to turn their backs on those whose experiences were all too familiar and turn their faces toward those in power. (Of course, this is an oversimplification, but it gives an idea of the forces at work in accultura- tion.) After WWII, when things began to open up much more for Jews and we were able to access higher education, much better jobs and (despite the experiences related in George’s article this month!) better housing, we began more and more to look at what our success had brought us not as individuals but as Jews. We were not entirely content. Our Jewish essence was dissipating and our values were being compromised as we blended in too successfully. This helps to explain why we rallied in solidarity during the Civil Rights protests and sought to be allies to those who sought the same privileges that we had attained. Over the past few years we’ve had time to observe some of the ugliest acts of antisemitism and racist be- havior directed against us and against Black people, people of Color and Asian peoples. During this season of Covid we have had time to reflect on who we are, what we stand for and how we can help to build a better tomorrow. Soon we will begin to emerge from this cosmic “time out.” As we meet with family, friends and neighbors again, let’s listen deeply to their needs and seek to resume our calling to be a blessing to humanity. Chag Sameach! Let Freedom Ring.

ADULT EDUCATION by Irene Stolzenberg April is National Poetry Month and a month filled with Jewish celebrations and commemora- tions – Passover, the counting of the Omer, Yom HaShoah, Yom Haatzmaut, Yom HaZicaron, and Yom Yerushalayim. What a good time to welcome poets to B’nai Harim! Join us on Thursday, April 22, at 7 pm as Sally Wiener Grotta (sallywienergrotta.com), award-winning writer and artist, moderates a presentation of poetry via ZOOM featuring award- winning poets Danny Shot and Joan Seliger Sidney. Register through [email protected]

PAGE ONE/B’NAI HARIM

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - APRIL 2021 by Stacy Mitgang We’ve made it to April! For many it’s their favorite time of year. The weather has begun to warm up. For some it’s planting season, and others work on their jokes. Yes that’s right ladies and gentlemen: it’s humor month, so laugh it up! G-d knows we all need some laughs after the year we’ve all had. Some say, “Laughter is the best medicine,” unfortunately I am not good at telling a joke. Maybe it's timing, maybe it's poor memory, but joke telling is not one of my many talents. I am always in awe of those who can respond quickly with something that brings a smile to people’s faces. What I am good at is laughing. I embrace jokers with open arms. Who am I kidding!! We’re living through a global pandemic! No more hugging unless you’re vaccinated. If you are a good joke teller I want to know about it and I will laugh until it hurts.

TIKKUN OLAM By Steve Levine My sincere thanks to all members who honored my requests for food and other supplies for our needy neighbors during this very cold winter period. A special thank you goes out to our very generous anonymous donor. Ms. Anna Price, Director of the East Stroudsburg Methodist Church Food and Clothing Pantry has requested that I forward her personal thanks to you. Anna shared some very upsetting information with me about how severe the need has become due to the impact of the Covid-19 virus. Middle class breadwinners are no longer able to feed and clothe their children, their parents or themselves because they have lost their jobs and have exhausted their savings. These needy individuals are struggling to pay rent, mortgages, utilities, and auto upkeep. Working with the church, Anna has set up an emergency food pick-up which has grown to 800+ families per month. During the pick-up time, the families are given food that hopefully will be enough for five to seven days. In addition to families, the pantry also services ESU students in need of food. Unfor- tunately, the students’ loans do not provide for food or medical services. The Talmud reminds us that acts of kindness are equal to all the commandments. I am so proud to be part of B’nai Harim’s continuing efforts to “repair the world”. Todah Rabah.

SAVE THE DATE - ALL EVENTS WILL BY ZOOM Please note that weather permitting Stacy Schmooze will be outdoors.

Zoom Ladies Sat., April 3 10:15 AM Zoom Services Thurs., April 15 12:30 PM Luncheon Yizkor/Pesach Sat., April 17 10:15 AM Zoom Services Wed., April 7 10:00 AM Stacy Schmooze Congregtion Mtg. 7:30 PM Zoom Study with MJC Wed., April 21 10:00 AM Stacy Schmooze Thurs., April 8 Yom HaShoah 7:30 PM Study with MJC Fri., April 9 7:00 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Services Thurs. April 22 7:00 PM Zoom Poetry Presentation Sat., April 10 12:30 PM Zoom Women’s Torah Wed., April 28 10:00 AM Stacy Schmooze 5:30 PM Zoom MCU Webinar 7:30 PM Study with MJC Tues., April 13 Rosh Chodesh Fri. April 30 Lag BaOmer Wed., April 14 10:00 AM Stacy Schmooze

7:30 PM Zoom Board Meeting 7:30 PM Zoom Study with MJC

PAGE TWO/B’NAI HARIM NETTING IT OUT by Honi Gruenberg

Yoo hoo anyone remember Mrs. Goldberg? Lorraine Schur forwarded me an article on the history of the Goldbergs that you can check out at https://tinyurl.com/dudz86yk You can watch an episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMKJl_ik64Q As television was in its infancy radio star Gertrude Berg saw an opportunity. The Goldberg’s radio show which she had created, written, and starred in for 17 years was running its course, her “children” had grown and left the show. Gertrude played Molly Goldberg, a sweet-but assertive, always meddling wife and mother of two. The family lived in a Bronx tenement and dealt with the trifling trou- bles that ensued among family members, neighbors, and friends. Through the Great Depression and World War Two, Molly Goldberg had become a radio-sitcom sensation. She was voted the second most -trusted woman in the US, behind only First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. As such a big radio sensation, Gertrude was able to market television’s first family sitcom – the Goldbergs. The series featured immigrant parents and assimilated children. The show didn’t hide its Jewishness, it embraced it. Molly spoke with a Yiddish accent and celebrated Jewish foods, holidays, and Catskill resorts. She embraced her neighbors by yelling out her window “Yoo hoo, Mrs. Bloom.” The show was a huge success. The cast had instant on-screen chemistry, Gertrude’s Molly Gold- berg had instant chemistry with her on screen husband, Philip Loeb. There was also chemistry with their sponsor, Sanka coffee. Berg came up with an ingenious way to promote it: she would write the ads herself and deliver them in character. She might pontificate about how cranky all the guests were during the family's recent trip to Pincus Pines – until she introduced them all to the wonders of Sanka: "97 per cent of the caffeine is removed," she'd say, "but all the sleep is left in!" Sanka purchases increased by 57 percent among her viewers. The Goldbergs was a top show. Berg won the first Emmy award ever given for best actress. Berg was considered the ideal Jewish mother. She wrote cookbooks, had a clothing line of house dresses, (although she preferred more elegant clothes) and herself lived a life of privilege with housekeepers. Then it came crashing down. Philip Loeb was listed as a suspected Communist. General Foods, the makers of Sanka, demanded that Berg fire Loeb. She refused. Although General Foods backed down, CBS cancelled the Goldbergs during the summer of 1951 claiming it was for “economy reasons,” It ap- peared that many Red-listed actors found their shows cancelled for economy reasons. Berg was able to secure another network and a deal that allowed Loeb to exit the show but continue collecting his paycheck as long as it was still airing. Berg recast Loeb's role twice – first with Robert H Harris, then with Harold J Stone. But the chemistry was never the same, and the time off the air knocked the momentum out of The Goldbergs. In 1955, Philip Loeb, unable to get work and falling behind on payments for his mentally ill son's care, overdosed on sleeping pills in Manhattan's Taft Hotel. His death was widely recognized as a direct result of the blacklist. The Goldbergs limped along in its diminished form until 1957. While Gertrude Berg moved on to theatre, there wouldn’t be another Jewish main character until 1972's Bridget Loves Bernie, a sitcom about a marriage between a Catholic woman and a Jewish man. Even that was short-lived, and "too Jewish" became a standard rejection note in the decades to come. In 1969, when producers James L Brooks and Allan Burns pitched CBS the idea of making the main character of their creation, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, divorced, they somehow got a dose of this anti- Semitism, too: "Our research says American audiences won't tolerate divorce in a lead of a series any more than they will tolerate Jews, people with mustaches, and people who live in New York," the re- searchers told them. Twenty years later, there it was again, this time with NBC executives' premature dismissal of Seinfeld's 1989 pilot: "Too New York, too Jewish." We can thank Gertrude Berg for nonetheless smoothing the way for The Mary Tyler Moore Show's very Jewish and very New York character Rhoda Morgenstern, for Seinfeld and The Nanny, for Trans- parent and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. The Goldbergs were my family. I hear my great grandmother Fanny Leve’s voice coming through Molly Goldberg’s mouth. I see a time when we could open a window and greet our neighbors, when we could be proud of our culture and heritage. Gertrude Berg paved the way for so many family sitcoms. While I may never be a “Princess” or “Kitten”, I fondly remember my family as not unlike the Gold- bergs. Yoo Hoo - Honchi Ponchi Tootsie Bubbala (a Jewish version of Kitten) here, wishing you open windows and great memories.

PAGE THREE/B’NAI HARIM Discriminatioof Jews in America 185 Discrimination against Jews in America 1850-1920 in Germany and America Toward the end of the 19th century, Germans and Americans became worried by the flood of East- ern European Jews entering their countries. Fears driven by conspiracy theories of Jews aiming for world domination resulted in Jews being excluded from hotels, resorts, country clubs and neighborhoods. However, the discrimination found in Germany and American is not comparable. Both countries were experiencing full blown industrialization and a political shift to the right. In the 1870s Germany was newly unified and the United States was ending its period of reconstruction. Both countries were searching for self-definition of what was a German and what was an American as Jews and laborers were entering their countries in great numbers. German Jews were emancipated by unification in 1871 but there was no equality in the officer corps, government service, or the judiciary. These barriers were not official or legislated but traditional. They were driven by common stereotypes of the lack of Jewish abilities. Those who were able to get into the above listed fields were met with resistance, severe criti- cism and no chance of rising into higher positions. In both Germany and the United States Jews could enter the middle class in “free professions” such as journalism, medicine, science, business and banking. However, most clubs refused them entry so Jews formed their own. There was an unofficial “resort antisemitism” where hotels and resorts became “judenfrei” refusing to accept Jewish customers. This was driven by the lower middle class who were upset by the dramatic rise of the newly emancipated Jews up the economic and social ladder. A coalition of jealousy arose against these new eastern European Jews who were depicted as dirty, poor mannered and not representative of the true Germany. You must understand that Jewish equality differed in the two countries. In Germany it was legislated by emancipation, but in the United States it was granted to all people and all religions, except for black slaves, by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. By the 1870s German and Sephardic Jews were be- coming increasingly successful in their careers and were moving up the social ladder. They were accepted in politics, business and social clubs. However, by the late 1870s, with the end of Reconstruc- tion and a turn to conservatism, this all came to an end. The place of Jews in America became ques- tioned and excluded. Antisemitism swept the country. Jews were no longer accepted into many clubs, hotels and resorts. Highly successful banker Joseph Seligman was refused service at Henry Hilton’s Grand Hotel in Saratoga NY, resort and hotel ads ran in newspapers which read “Jews are not admitted” or “gentile clientele only”. The Manhattan Beach Corp. in Coney Island, said it would no longer accept Jewish guests. Its President, Austin Corbin, said the following, “we do not like Jews as a class”, “as a rule they make themselves offensive”, “they are a detestable and vulgar people’. The remaining decades of the 19th century continued this antisemitism. Many resorts across NY and NJ posted signs “no Jews, no dogs, no consumptives”. (It is estimated that up until the 1950s that 65 % of all hotels and resorts did not accept Jewish guests). Even more upsetting was to be living near Jews. Neighborhoods, through secret agreements, formal agreements and deed restrictions and helped by cooperating real estate agents and bankers prevented Jews from moving in. Elite private schools and colleges such as Harvard either enrolled no Jews or limited Jewish enrollment. In 1878 an article in the Yale News described Jews as “human vermin”, “vultures”, “scourges” “dangerous beasts” and “rapacious usurers”. Academia was not welcoming to Jews. Jews began to change their surnames to one not recognizably Jewish; e.g., from Moses to Moss, from Goldberg to Smith. There is a story of a Jewish PhD who wasn’t able to get a position because of his religion. His professor tried to help him by writing the following recommendation for him. “He has none of the objectionable traits, he is sandy haired with no Jewish features, he knows his place and is loyal to his superiors.” This article in no way means to say that discrimination in the United States was limited to or more severe to Jews than to other groups such as Catholics, Italians, Irish, Black Americans, Asians or any other religious or ethnic group. It is meant to give you a snap shot of what it was like to be a Jew in the 19th century. It is also meant to educate the younger Jews who may have not experienced discrimination and were born into an assimilated society but do not realize what it may have been like for their parents, grandparents and great grandparents.

This article is from the Open Peer Review article on 19th century antisemitism by Richard Fraenkel 2016.

PAGE FOUR/B’NAI HARIM DONATIONS YAHRZEIT FUND YAHRZEIT FUND (Cont’d) BEAUTIFICATION FUND From: Jonathan Spinner From: Ellen Gwirtzman From: Elaine & Jerry Goodstein In memory of his Brother, Joel In memory of her Mother, Rose To Peggie Hannan and family in Spinner. Kerdeman. memory of our dear friend Jim

From: Jerry & Elaine Goodstein From: Marian Tabak Hannan. In memory of: In memory of her Son, Robert K. 1. Jerry’s Father, Allen Goodstein. Tabak. JANET WILE FUND 2. Jerry’s Grandfather, Daniel From: Norma & Steven Levine Goodstein. In memory of: From: Barbara & Stan Kapitansky 3. Elaine’s Mother, Anne Stevens. 1. Steve’s Grandmother, Eva To Peggie & Family, our condolenc- From: David & Arlyn Bialick Dubin. es on the passing of your beloved In memory of David’s Mother, 2. Norma’s Grandmother, Jim. He was cherished by all. Dorothy Bialick. Deborah Singman.

From: Steve Bram From: Sandy Spinner RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY In memory of his Wife, Connie In memory of her: FUND Bram. 1. Mother, Esther Horowitz Silverman. From: Gary Morris 2. Aunt, Toby Brownstein. From: Josh Cantor In memory of his : 1. Wife, Rita Morris. From: Peggie Hannan From: Lew & Irene Stolzenberg 2. Father, Philip Morris. In memory of her: Thanks to Honi & Bev for your deli- 1. Mother, Lillian Hoenig. cious Challah.

From: David Kane 2. Father-in-Law, James L. In memory of his Father-in-Law, From: Sally Grotta. Hannan. Harold Levin and Grandfather to Amy & Ethan Kane From: Stephen & Lorraine Schur GENERAL FUND In memory of Stephen’s beloved From: Lew & Irene Stolzenberg Father, Morris Schur. From: Alan & Shelly Wismer In memory of: Wishing Lew Stolzenberg a quick 1. Lew’s Sister, Arlene Hochman. From: Dorothy Jablonka complete recovery.. 2. Lew’s Mother, Gussie In memory of her: Stolzenberg. 1. Husband, Aron Jablonka. 2. Brother, Joseph Fisch. From: Honi Gruenberg & Skip Birthdays/Anniversaries/Yahrzeit

Remembrances - On page 6 Spady In memory of Skip’s Mother, Willie Lou Spady.

New Members

Susan F. & Richard L.

Gettlin

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES

Jewish Family Service is in need of Kosher food and toiletries marked with a recognized symbol. Please remember to bring a donation of at least one item when you visit the synagogue. All items must be kosher, unopened and within the expiration date on the packag- ing. If each one of us brings one can or box of food each time we come to the Temple, it will make a real difference to the needy in our community. You can also write a check to “Jewish Family Ser- vice of Northeast Pennsylvania” and it will be delivered. It is also tax deductible. Thank you and keep up the great work. We hope you will continue to be generous throughout the year.

PAGE FIVE/B’NAI HARIM CELEBRATIONS YAHRZEIT REMEMBRANCE

APRIL

1 Carl Shlemovitz

2 Anita Schneider Mikhail Zazovskiy April 7 4 Bernice Levin Richard Feman April 10 5 Ralph Newmark Allen Rubel April 12 Emanuel Witty Teri Chase Goldstein April 19 7 Richard Kelmans Gene Schneider April 25 8 Daniel Hertz Larry Goldstein May 3 10 Samuel Heideband Rochelle Wismer May 12 Rita Dembitz Vogel Beverly Novick May 17 14 Marvin Heller Robert Spady, Sr.

15 Judith Altman Jacquie Kushner 16 Max Levy Herman Wrubel 17 Cele Silverstein Bill & Liz Shaid May 27 Edith Gutterman - Wiener 22 Jack Chase 10 IYAR Sadie Rosenfeld 10 IYAR IF YOU TAKE PHOTOS 23 Yvonne Lerner

24 Debra Branner If you take photos at any Temple function, PLEASE send them to my e-mail at [email protected] and identify the occasion 26 Morton Bloomberg and the faces. These photos make our publicity 27 Edith Miller more interesting to the community. Thanks, Leslie Stine 29 Manuel Newman 17 IYAR

MI SHEBEIRACH LIST NO ONE SAID HAPPY BIRTHDAY OR ANNIVERSARY TO YOU? When you put a person onto the Mi Shebeirach List, it should be with person’s If you want good wishes and have not seen permission. Would the person like to be your name up in lights, please provide Honi listed with their English or Hebrew name? Gruenberg with your birthday(s) and anniversary. Please include a contact name and telephone number so Please send to [email protected] or call (570) that Rabbi Peg may follow up with the person or with the 620-9315. member who placed the name on the list. Our policy now states that the list will be limited to members and their immediate family (parents, grandparents, siblings MEMORIAL and their spouses, children and their spouses, grandchil- dren and their spouses). Congregants are strongly en- couraged to mention any person aloud at the appropriate REMEMBER YOUR LOVED ONES BY ADDING time during the service, so we can pray for their im- THEIR NAMES TO OUR MEMORIAL BOARD proved health. REMEMBER TO HAVE THE PERSON’S The cost for each plaque (one name per plaque) is NAME REMOVED, IF THE PERSON NO LONGER $236. A minimum of $50 must accompany each re- NEEDS TO BE ON THE LIST. Please contact the Rabbi quest. The balance can be paid over one year for 1 or 2 with the names of individuals you would like to be includ- plaques and/or two years for more than 2 plaques. For ed in the new list. Remember to have the person's further information, please contact Stan Kapitansky, name removed if the person no longer needs to be (718) 428-2140 or e-mail me at [email protected]. on the list. Copies of the order form will be available at the temple, or you may download a copy directly from the web site.

Stan Kapitansky, Yahrzeit Committee Chairperson

PAGE SIX/ B’NAI HARIM PATRONIZE B’NAI HARIM’S ADVERTISERS YOUR PRINT PROJECTS ARE OUR PRIORITY Let The UPS Store print your next project. No job too large or small - Newsletters, flyers, manuals -A variety of finish options-

3308 ROUTE 940, MT. POCONO, PA 18344 (570) 839-8010 (570) 839-8020 Store [email protected]

YAHRZEIT NOTIFICATION

Our Yahrzeit list is open not only to those who have plaques, but to the entire congregation. This will allow you to remember your loved ones on their anniversary date. The forms available at the Temple can be completed and returned directly to me. With this information, a reminder will be sent to you at the appropriate time, and the name of your loved one will be added to our kaddish list for that date. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly at [email protected], 718-428-2140 or 570-646- 4668. TREE OF LIFE Sincerely, Stan Kapitansky, Yahrzeit Committee Chairperson Dear friends! Every leaf on our beautiful Tree of Life is filled with your good news and events. It’s WEEKLY ONLINE ANNOUNCEMENTS time to order a new batch! I am ready to take your In addition to the monthly newsletter, we publish a weekly orders. Each leaf costs just triple Chai ($54.00) online newsletter for all members with e-mail addresses and will be engraved to your specifications. and Internet access. If you do not want to receive email Please call Julia Shaykevich at (570) 620-0104 announcements or cannot access the Internet, please call or contact her by email at [email protected] to place Richard Feman 570-355-5124 or 516-481-6114. your order.

PAGE SEVEN/B’NAI HARIM Congregation NEED SOME CHICKEN ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER SOUP B’nai Harim NEED A CALL FROM This is your newsletter, and we want your input. When PO Box 757 RABBI? you have any news to share, please let us know so we 5349 Pocono Crest Road KNOW SOMEONE WHO can publish it. Pocono Pines, PA, 18350 DOES? Deadline is the 20th of the month. News can be sent http://www.bnaiharimpoconos.org PHONE: (using WORD) to Paula Guenst at [email protected].

Message Center The newsletter is published each month. Newsletter (570) 646-0100 The members of B’nai Harim are a very caring, close group subscriptions are available for $18 per year to non- E-Mail: but sometimes a member needs members of Congregation B’nai Harim. Please contact [email protected] a little extra help. If you Barbara Feman. DIRECTIONS know of someone who needs a In addition to the monthly newsletter, we distribute Driving East on Route 940, turn right phone call or a visit, please weekly online announcements to all members with at the Pocono Pines traffic light at Route either encourage them to call e-mail addresses and Internet access. If you have not 423, continue on Pocono Crest road the Rabbi directly or email her (formerly Sullivan Road) about 1&1/2 been receiving this please contact Richard Feman at miles. Synagogue on left (before reach- yourself to let her know one of ing 940). her congregants needs help. 570-355-5124 or 516-481-6114. Driving West on Route 940, turn left at intersection of Pocono Crest Road (formerly Sullivan Road), and the Syna- gogue will be on the right.(approx. NEW ADDRESS? 1/10th of a mile). If you have recently moved, please send your new information to Paula Guenst at [email protected] She will update the Membership list and gener- Rabbi: Peg Kershenbaum Pres.: Stacy Mitgang ate a new list. VP: Lisa Spector Sec.: Sheryl Ambrosio DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES FOR THE MAY NEWSLETTER IS APRIL 20TH. Treas.: Steve Bram Editor: Honi Gruenberg

Member of the URJ - Union For Next Board Meeting date: Wednesday, April 14th at 7:30 PM To be Reform Judaism put on the agenda, contact Stacy Mitgang at (609) 203-5082 no later than RECURRING SCHEDULES five days prior to the meeting.

Services Sat. 10:15 AM DISCLAIMER Shabbat Dinner Fri. 6:30 PM Monthly Shabbat Fri. Evening The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the respective author(s). Service 6:30 PM They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Religious School Sat. 9:00AM Congregation B’nai Harim or its members.

CONGREGATION

B’NAI HARIM PO Box 757 5349 Pocono Crest Road Pocono Pines, PA 18350

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

PAGE EIGHT/B’NAI HARIM OUR APRIL CANENDAR by Norma Krasne-Levine The month of April is filled with a plethora of minor Jewish holidays that have major signifi- cance for us as Jews. Firstly, towards the end of the month of Nisan we observe Yom Hashoah:” The Day of the Whirlwind.” It is a day to remember the Holocaust, the most horrible modern disas- ter perpetrated by the Nazis against the Jewish people. On this day we remember and remind ourselves of the evil that people can do to one another (Epstein,1959). One result of the Holocaust was the creation of the State of Israel. The Israeli Parliament established an official “Day of Remem- brance”. It has become a day commemorated by Jewish communities all around the world. While we remember the killing of over six million Jews, we HOPE that such a tragedy will never happen again. When the State of Israel was established “Hatikvah” (THE HOPE) unofficially became the country’s National Anthem (wikipedia.org) Rosh Chodesh occurs on April 13th this month. It is a significant minor holiday because it marks the beginning of every Hebrew month. Our Jewish calendar combines both lunar and solar aspects. In Exodus 12:1-2, the beginning of the Hebrew calendar is established just before the Israelites leave Egypt when G-D says to Moses and Aaron “This month shall mark for you the beginning of months…” There are significant liturgical additions to mark the beginning of the new month. One special Rosh Chodesh prayer articulates our HOPES for peace, prosperity, and good health (myjewishlearning.com). Rosh Chodesh has also been considered a special holiday for women where some women choose to abstain from work Next, we honor the state of Israel on the fifth day of the month of Iyar. Yom Ha’atzmaut marks the signing of the Israeli Declaration of Independence. This day comes after Yom Hazikaron, the Day of Remembrance which honors all the soldiers who died fighting for Israel. After, people in Is- rael celebrate with official ceremonies, festivals, and the giving of prizes to individuals for their dis- tinctive contributions to the country in the areas of the arts, the sciences, and the humanities. In America, Jews express their connection and solidarity with Israel and HOPE for peace in that part of the world. Synagogues hold special programs and Israeli Fairs selling Israeli products (Kozodoy,1981). We close the calendar month with the holiday of Lag Ba’omer which is celebrated on the 33rd day of counting the Omer, the time between Passover and Shavuot. Lag Ba’omer is a happy day and a time for celebrations. Over time it has become a day for weddings and picnics. In Israel, people light huge bonfires and tell stories about our history’s wisest heroes who brought HOPE to the Jewish people during difficult times. It has become known as The Scholars Holiday and children are usually given a day off from school. Orthodox Jews give their three-year old sons their first haircut (myjewishlearning.com). During this year of fear and confusion caused by the Covid-19 virus we HOPE and pray for healing throughout the world as we get vaccinated. I would like to share this prayer of HOPE written by Rabbi Karen Reiss Medwed: “With gratitude and thanksgiving to The Healer of repairable hearts and restorer of brokenness, appreciation and thanks for inspiring the medical teams and scientists granting them wisdom, knowledge and expertise to prepare this vaccine for all of us. May it be your will that with my vaccination I will be granted the ability to heal and keep safe hu- mankind and be granted the privilege to fulfill the mitzvah of one who saves a life. Blessed are you Healer of all who are sick”. I HOPE we all stay healthy and safe and let us continue to celebrate LIFE!