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Enriching Lives Volume 49, No. 10 November 2019 Heshvan - Kislev 5780

ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by1 the Jewish1 Federation1 of Reading/Berks9

Your Federation Supports:

Jewish Education Matching program announced Food Pantry Opportunity to ensure a vibrant future Friendship Circle

Chevra for Berks County’s Jewish community Every new or increased gift to Community Shabbat Federation’s Community Campaign will To make your Community Campaign gift Reading Jewish Film Series now be matched dollar for dollar by a group of community leaders. The goal is to expand Every new or increased gift PJ Library Federation’s programs and services through a substantial increase in Federation’s annual will be matched dollar for dollar. Jewish Family Service campaign. It’s easy to donate! Jewish Cultural Center “We are grateful for their generous and thoughtful offer. These matching dollars come • Online - ReadingJewishCommunity.org Lakin Holocaust Library at a critical time for us,” Federation President • Use insert in this issue of Shalom Bill Franklin explained. “Our campaign has • Mail - JFR Match, PO Box 14925, Reading, PA 19612 & Resource Center been declining for several years. We’ve also Israel & Overseas lost several significant donors due to deaths Please help us expand vital community programs and services. over these last few years, and no one has yet Camp Scholarships taken their place. Without new and increased program, started this year. Literatour Berks Jews in need, support for Israel, the growing gifts, donor losses will continue to impact us is offering 16 different community events problem of anti-Semitism, as well as cultural Israel Trips as our population ages.” that are accessible to everyone. We expect programs such as speakers, the Jewish Film Literatour Berks will double the number of festival and more. And this is all being done Jewish Community Helping families, engaging people people who use our programs. Plus, these with greater cooperation than ever before High School “The matching gift program will also help 16 events are in addition to our ongoing with Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, families like those that use our JFS Food film series and the many other community Kesher Zion Synagogue and Chabad. But, if Emergency Support Pantry. We see the impact rising costs have programs we offer throughout the year.” the Federation campaign revenues continue on these families,” Mr. Franklin said. “They Mr. Franklin noted: “Feeding more families to decline, the future of a vibrant Jewish Lakin Preschool are forced to make choices, including at and expanding programs is just part of our community in Berks is at risk. That is why a Richard J. Yashek Lecture times going without simple, everyday items work. There are ongoing needs Federation group of committed people are offering a dollar like groceries. We knew we needed to do continues to address. Community security for dollar matching program for increasing Transportation more for them. So we decided to expand the for example, which unfortunately remains a giving to help assure our future. Our hope is number of people being served by our Food priority. We’ve also responded to the strategic that every household will participate. We hope Maimonides Society Pantry. We now are feeding 180 families each plan’s findings to enhance youth education by everyone will make an increased campaign Your Jewish Legacy month, a substantial jump from the 85 families bringing in a Community Shlicha from Israel. gift that will be matched. That match certainly we were helping several years ago. The result We practice what our plan says, we are all applies to those who have not been recent 92ND ST Y Programs has been positive, but it comes with additional working together for one Jewish community.” contributors to the campaign.” costs. Costs that will increase as we feed Haia Mazuz, Board Chair of Federation, Joint Distribution Committee even more families in the coming months.” Everyone urged to participate said, “We are very thankful to the matching Meir Panim He continued: “The matching gift program Vic and Dena Hammel initiated the gift donors for their generosity and vision also fits with Federation’s recently completed matching gift program, which includes 13 for our community’s future. Federation does Annual Campaign strategic plan. One of its goals was to increase other generous individuals. Mr. Hammel so much for the Jewish community and Federation programming to engage more said: “We (the matchers) are all interested the people of Berks County. I am asking Jewish Agency for Israel people. We design Federation programs in and concerned about the future of Jewish everyone, even if you’ve never made a gift, life in Berks County. Federation is the central Yemin Orde to serve the entire Jewish community. We please do so or increase your current gift. believe in connecting with people wherever organization that connects all of us — This is our community, and its survival as an School Education Programs they are. Just look at our new Literatour Berks especially on issues such as helping fellow energetic Jewish community is in our hands.”

Interfaith Unity Council Israel Advocacy Music to be highlight of Leo Camp Lecture Youth Events

Great Decisions Series By Amanda J. Hornberger soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra at Lea Luboshutz was a Russian Jewish the age of 16, he spent 14 seasons as flutist Jewish Community violin virtuoso at the turn of the 20th century and company manager of his Uncle Boris who made her way from Russia through Goldovsky’s touring opera company and Relations Council Europe to the United States. Her grandson subsequently performed chamber music Thomas Wolf will tell her amazing story at concerts with leading musicians in the U.S. and Community Holiday Programs this year’s 40th annual Leo Camp Memorial Canada. As artistic director of Bay Chamber Women’s Philanthropy Lecture on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. Concerts, he produced more than 1,000 at the Wachovia Theatre at Albright College. concerts and helped create a community Jewish Federations Spanning generations, from the shores music school. He has written numerous books of the Black Sea to the glittering concert halls and teaches seminars in musical sight-reading. of North America Thomas Wolf of New York, “The Nightingale’s Sonata” by Special thanks to the Camp family for Counseling Services Thomas Wolf is a richly woven tapestry from Philadelphia’s Curtis Institute playing sponsoring this annual lecture in memory centered around violin virtuoso Luboshutz. Franck’s sonata. We’re thrilled to be welcoming of Leo Camp, a beloved member of our Leo Camp Lecture Woven throughout this luminous odyssey is violinist Ray Ushikubo and pianist Wei Luo community. The lecture is free and open to César Franck’s Sonata for Violin and Piano, to perform in this program. Don’t miss this the public. Wolf’s visit is part of Literatour Shabbat B’Yachad a work championed by Lea, one of the first opportunity to hear phenomenal musicians Berks, and he is a member of the Jewish internationally recognized female violinists. and a Jewish immigrant success story! Book Council. For more information, please A highlight of this year’s event is a multi- Wolf’s career spans more than five contact Amanda at [email protected] media presentation that includes musicians decades. After making his debut as flute or call 610-921-0624. Page 2 SHALOM November 2019 Representing the Jewish community

By Richard Nassau qualifies you as a representative of the took the lead to reach out and arrange to Development Director Berks County Jewish community. meet with representatives from all Berks Growing up, I was I don’t know how many of us see County school districts. One of the topics one of a handful of ourselves as Jewish community members. addressed was anti-Semitism. We spoke Jews in my community. I do know that 20% of Jewish households about concerns raised by parents and The result was that in Berks County support the work we do at community issues. We also wanted the by default, I was the Federation. My wish is that each one of us, schools to know Federation was there to person whom my many even if we don’t identify as members of the answer their questions and support their non-Jewish classmates Jewish community, will see ourselves like efforts. We had and could provide multiple would ask when they our friends and neighbors see us. resources for them to use as needed. n t had a question or wanted My hope is that as a Jewish household Growing up, the questions I was asked I to know more about Judaism. It was not a you will make a gift to our Jewish Federation took personally. It is only looking back that responsibility for which I had volunteered. community campaign before year-end. It is I can better see the answers I gave went My friends were curious, so I did my best. so important to take the time and support beyond just me. I was representing the e It was a responsibility I did take seriously. our community. Jewish community. I was, to them, the representative of the There are a limited number of Jewish Federation represents our entire Jewish Jewish community. households in Berks County. Federation community. We work on behalf of every Today, this type of expectation is one works on behalf of each and every one of Jewish household. We view every Jew many people still encounter. It doesn’t them. At Federation, we understand our in Berks County as a member of our

m matter how Jewish, how religious or how responsibility as representatives of our community. We are responsible for each knowledgeable you are. You may not even Jewish community. It is role that is unseen other. You have our support. consider yourself a member of the Jewish but so critically important for all of us in Please take a moment to support community. Yet, that is how you are seen addressing community issues. Federation and make a gift to our community

p at work or at school or even with friends. Recently, Federation worked with a local campaign. People have questions, and they don’t first school district after parents had contacted Online – ReadingJewishCommunity.org ask how Jewish, religious or knowledgeable us about an anti-Semitic incident that Mail – JFR Community Campaign you are. Your Jewishness automatically had occurred at school. Federation also PO Box 14925 Reading PA 19612 o

l Year-end tax planning using your IRA By Richard Nassau your IRA about the process for making a as a qualified charitable distribution. It allows

e If you are over the age of 70½, you can qualified charitable distribution. Procedures you to support your favorite charities without lower your taxes by donating all or part vary from firm-to-firm and the end-of-the-year adding to your taxable income. of the IRS required minimum distribution is a busy time for many IRA administrators. Make sure you contact Federation and

v (RMD) from your traditional IRA directly It is recommended you start the process at other charities about the charitable transfer to a qualified charity such as the Jewish least 30 days before year-end. from your IRA. This alerts Federation Federation of Reading/Berks. By making Other issues you should know when and others to your gift, allowing us to a direct charitable distribution, you can you speak with your IRA administrator: properly acknowledge it to comply with e exclude that amount (within limits) from your If the IRA distribution is made payable to IRS guidelines for these type of qualified adjusted gross income. you, even if intended for use as a charitable charitable distributions. The amount you choose to transfer to donation, the IRS does not consider that to For more information, email RichardN@ charity is up to you. The IRS adopted these be a tax-free distribution. Any amount you JFReading.org or call Richard Nassau at

D rules to encourage charitable giving. There receive would need to be included in your 610 921 0624. is no minimum required amount that you adjusted gross income. IRS regulations This material is for informational must transfer. You can transfer a portion of do not allow direct charitable distributions purposes only. It is not intended to provide Annual Campaign your RMD to Federation and withdraw the to donor-advised funds, even if it is with a or be relied upon for, tax, legal or accounting balance for yourself. (Some IRA accounts public charity, or to private foundations. advice. You should always consult your own Women’s Philanthropy do have internal minimums.) After 70½ there are many advantages to financial advisor to determine if a qualified Maimonides Society Make sure you ask the administrator of using your IRA required minimum distribution charitable distribution is right for you.

Your Jewish Legacy Chai Circle Tech Shabbat — A purposeful strategy L’Chaim Society By Amanda J. Hornberger The public is invited to join us for a more time, productivity, connection, and Book of Life In preparation for the launch of her debut conversation with the author on Monday, presence. book, “24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Dec. 2 at 7 p.m at the Exeter Community Drawn from the ancient ritual of Shabbat, Letter of Intent Day a Week,” author and filmmaker Tiffany Library (4569 Prestwick Drive, Exeter living 24/6 can work for anyone from any Shlain launched a social media campaign Township). Following her talk Shlain will background. With humor and wisdom, to encourage people to try a Tech Shabbat. sign copies of her book, available for Shlain shares her story, offers lessons she Take one day, put a Do Not Disturb purchase through the Literatour Berks has learned, and provides a blueprint for message on your phone and fully unplug. official book vendor, Reads & Company how to do it yourself. Along the way, she So I did. It was my first experience with of Phoenixville. You can register by calling delves into the neuroscience, philosophy, a technology-free Shabbat, and I enjoyed 610-406-9431. psychology, and history of a weekly day of it. I liked not having the TV on for my kids, An internet pioneer and renowned rest across cultures, making the case for not checking my phone for messages or filmmaker, Shlain takes us on a provocative why we need to bring this ritual back. emails, and especially enjoyed checking out and entertaining journey through time and Shlain’s appearance in Literatour Berks of social media. It was definitely strange, not technology, introducing a strategy for living is presented by Jewish Federation of being connected, especially to my iPhone, in our 24/7 world: turning off all screens for Reading/Berks in partnership with Exeter but it was a good experience. I’m trying to twenty-four hours each week. This practice, Community Library and Sinking Spring DONATE NOW incorporate Shlain’s ideas into my life more which she’s done for nearly a decade with Public Library. Thank you to the sponsors and more, even if I can’t fully commit to a her husband and kids (16 and 10), has and patrons of Literatour Berks for making TO OUR full tech Shabbat every week. Yet. completely changed their lives, giving them this event possible. JEWISH COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN Kristallnacht to be commemorated on Nov. 7 Please visit By Amanda J. Hornberger and lighting six memorial candles in The moving, dramatic interfaith service ReadingJewishCommunity. Each year our community comes memory of the 6 million Jews killed in begins at 7 p.m. It features a liturgy written together for an interfaith commemoration the Holocaust.. especially for the occasion. org and remembrance of Kristallnacht, the Please join us on this special and Following the service a light reception night of broken glass, which took place memorable evening on Thursday, Nov. will be held. Make your gift Nov. 9-10, 1938. 7 at Christ Episcopal Church, 435 Court There is street parking available near Kristallnacht is seen by many historians Street in Reading. Christ Episcopal Church as well as the today! as the start of the Holocaust and the The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. M&T Bank parking lot (next door) and the Nazis campaign of terror in Germany and with a circle of light on the sidewalks parking garage by the Abraham Lincoln throughout Europe. outside the church at Fifth and Court Hotel. We are fortunate to still have local streets. This is our way of bringing light If you have questions or for more Holocaust survivors who will once to our community,on the anniversary of information, please contact Amanda at again be participating in this year’s what was such a dark night for German [email protected] or call 610-921- commemoration through readings Jews. 0624. November 2019 SHALOM Page 3 From the President’s Desk United we stand

By William D. Franklin worship and study. But for Jews there is prayer and study. We celebrate holidays attend synagogue, some do not, some President a flaw in this reasoning. We are not just together as an example of our religious attend Federation programs, some do A recent Pew report a religion; we are a people. expression at Community Shabbats and not, some have a connection to the showed that religious This is covered well in Daniel Gordis’ at our Chanukah and Purim parties. We Reading Jewish community, some do affiliation in the U.S. book “Divided We Stand”, which our regularly come together as a community not, and some are life-long community is significantly down Israel Book group recently read. He for social and ethical events at our members while some are newcomers. overall. The number discusses the schism between Diaspora Women’s Philanthropy and Maimonides But, we are all Jews regardless of how of Americans who Jews and Israel. One of his key points is Society events. And we come together our Jewishness manifests itself.” now describe their that American Jews consider Judaism to for cultural events at the Leo Camp and Historically, Jews have always had religion as “nothing in be only a religion while Israelis consider Richard Yashek lectures, the Jewish and always needed strong Jewish particular,” now stands Jews to be a people, with Judaism as Films programs and the new Literatour communal structures. These exist to at 26%. American Jews are exhibiting a their national religious expression. series. represent us and to protect our heritage. similar downward trend — only half of the If I were asked if Jews are a religion Jill Skaist, who is helping the Unfortunately, we need that strength now people in the Reading Jewish community or a people, I would answer “Yes! We are Federation with its 2020 “Rejewvenation” as much as ever. Fortunately, together, are affiliated with our three houses of both!” We have three active houses of Campaign, summarized it well. “Some we have it. Thanksgiving should Would You Like to Meet take place every day Your Fellow Jews through these practices In Berks County?

By Rabbi Brian Michelson todah, Thankful. We are the people Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom of thankfulness. Throughout the year, Federation I love Thanksgiving. So let me share some ideas with you All Americans, Jews, for celebrating Thanksgiving not once a will be emailing a video story non-Jews, secular, year but every day. religious, American If you can incorporate any of these about a Jew living in Berks County. born, and immigrants practices into your daily lives you will celebrate this one not only be more thankful — but you will holiday. It is a day that also be happier. Do you currently receive emails brings out the best in 1. Start your day with gratitude — As us. Jews; we are supposed to begin our day from the Federation? If you do, It is the one time with gratitude. The first thing we do in the you’ll be receiving the video story. of year when we all stop thinking about morning is to recite Modeh Ani — “I give ourselves and think about others. I love thanks before you, eternal Sovereign the Interfaith Service we participate who has returned my soul to me with in Wednesday before Thanksgiving. compassion. You are so trustworthy.” If you do not receive emails OR if We come together to give thanks and Imagine how it might change your you’d like other family members to remember all that we share regardless attitude toward life if you start your day of our background. by thanking God for opening your eyes! receive the video story, just send I do have a serious complaint about How you start the day — will affect how Thanksgiving. It only occurs once a you live the rest of the day! your email address to: year, and even before it is over people 2. Say thank you — How often do you are making a mad dash to the mall to say thank you to others? Your “thank you” [email protected] grab the pre-black Friday sales. People can make someone’s day: the server at get out of the way to get to the sale the diner, ticket taker on the train, or the tables first. We only mark Thanksgiving postal worker. How often do we stop to And, if you’d like to be featured in once a year, as if that were enough to let them know that we appreciate their one of the video stories, let us know. fulfill our obligation to be thankful all service? year long. 3. Perform an act of hesed — help This is not the only holiday on someone — The best way to learn which we take something we should gratitude is to practice kindness — to We’re looking forward to getting to do regularly and pack it into a single help someone, to say something nice to know each other!!! day. another person when they least expect it Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks Non-Profit Organization Mother’s Day and Father’s Day or to help someone who does not expect Jewish Cultural Center, PO Box 14925 U.S. Postage PAID Reading, PA 19612-4925 Permit No. 2 readingjewishcommunity.org Reading, PA leave some with the impression that your help. You think you are the one Change Service Requested you only have to honor your parents doing them a favor — but truthfully, it is Enriching Lives Volume 47, No. 9 September 2017 Elul 5777-Tishri 5778 once a year. so humbling to witness gratitude that you We show patriotism on Memorial become grateful. Day and the Fourth of July; the rest of 4. Pay it forward — Finally, when ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by0 the Jewish9 Federation1 of Reading/Berks7 the year, we do not ask what we can you feel grateful to someone, pay it A newspaper serving the Jewish community of Berks County, do for our country but what our country forward. Share your gratefulness by Your Federation Supports: Pennsylvania, andJewish published Education monthly, September through June, under can do for us! doing something for someone else. Food Pantry the Jewish FederationFriendship Circle of Reading/Berks. Funded by the Annual Jewish Thanksgiving should be every day, Imagine if you could pay forward the Chevra Community Campaign.Community Shabbat from the moment we get up until the hundred blessings we are supposed to Reading Jewish Film Series moment we go to sleep. recite each day. Imagine how wonderful PJ Library General Offices:Jewish Family Service 1100 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 125 That is what religion is all about the world would be. Jewish Cultural Center Lakin Holocaust Library Wyomissing, PA 19610 — learning to be grateful. The word So, stop celebrating Thanksgiving & Resource Center Phone: Israel & Overseas 610-921-0624 FAX: 610-929-0886 Jew, from the Hebrew Yehudah — once a year. Instead, try living Web site: Camp Scholarships www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org Israel Trips comes from the same Hebrew root thanksgiving every day. Jewish Community Jewish Federation Highof School Reading Emergency Support Chair: Lakin Preschool Haia Mazuz Richard J. Yashek Lecture President: Transportation William D. Franklin Letter to the editor: Maimonides Society Communications YourDirector: Jewish Legacy Mark Nemirow, Editor 92ND ST Y Programs

Proofreaders: Joint Distribution Committee Federation staff

Meir Panim Correcting the record Annual Campaign Jewish Agency for Israel The opinions expressed in ShalomYemin Orde are of the writers and not the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks Editor: “death”: “Can the king be seated on his School Education Programs Interfaith Unity Council There were a couple of small throne of judgment, with the books of life Israel Advocacy Youth Events errors in your publication of the poem and death open before him and Israel Great Decisions Series Jewish Community

“Lamentation” in the October issue. sing hymns of praise?” Relations Council The epigram came from the writing of A dicey question, worthy of serious Community Holiday Programs Women’s Philanthropy S.Y. — Shmuel Yosef Agon, and not S.T. contemplation Jewish Federations of North America as it appeared. Nancy J. Knoblauch Counseling Services Leo Camp Lecture And Rabbi Abahu included the word Exeter Township Shabbat B’Yachad Page 4 SHALOM November 2019 Local filmmaker’s work to be featured in series

By Amanda J. Hornberger The list of upcoming dates and films are: Join us at Fox Berkshire on Sunday, Nov. Dec. 4, 7 p.m. —The Keeper, a romantic 10 for the next screening in the Reading drama from England about German soldier Jewish Film Series with the documentary READING turned British footballer Bert Trautmann “COJOT.” READING Jan. 8, 7 p.m. — “Carl Laemmle,” an This film tells the virtually unknown story American documentary about the German of a Holocaust survivor who set out to kill JJEWIEWISSHH Jewish immigrant who founded Universal his father’s Nazi executioner and ended up Pictures and saved 300 Jewish families from playing a key role in one of history’s most FFILMILM Nazi Germany daring rescue operations, Operation Entebbe. Feb. 5, 7 p.m. — “The Interpreter” The film will be followed by a discussion SESERIRIEESS (Slovakia’s 2018 Academy Award entry), with the filmmaker, Boaz Dvir, professor at 20I5 a road drama about two unlikely travelling Penn State University main campus and 2020 companions resolving past conflicts son-in-law of Pastor Alan Wolkenhauer March 4, 7 p.m. — “93 Queen,” an from Trinity Lutheran Church, Reading. American documentary about the Hasidic “COJOT“ is co-sponsored by Reform women who create the first all-female volunteer Congregation Oheb Sholom and Trinity shown at Fox Berkshire (800 Berkshire Blvd. ambulance corps in New York City. Lutheran Church. Wyomissing). May 17, 3 p.m. — “Picture of His Life,” The 2020 Reading Jewish Film Series Tickets can be purchased at the box office an American documentary about legendary is co-sponsored by the Rubin Educational or kiosks at the theater or online at www. Israeli photographer Amos Nachoum on his Fund of the Jewish Federation of Reading/ foxshowtimes.com All seats are reserved quest to photograph a wild polar bear, with Berks and Fox Theatres. Admission is $8 per heated recliners, and seat selection takes an in-person discussion with the filmmaker, film ($6 for JCC members). All films will be place at the time of purchase. Dani Menkin Book, program focus on fighting anti-Semitism

By Amanda J. Hornberger On Oct. 27, 2018, 11 Jews were gunned populism. The community is invited to read the new down as they prayed at their synagogue in No longer the exclusive province of the book “How to Fight Anti-Semitism” by Bari Pittsburgh. It was the deadliest attack on Jews far right, the far left, and assorted religious Weiss. We will gather in November to discuss in American history. bigots, anti-Semitism now finds a home in the book and watch Weiss discuss current For most Americans, the massacre at identity politics and the reaction against antisemitism from her recent visit to the 92nd Tree of Life, the synagogue where Bari identity politics, in the renewal of America St. Y. Weiss became a bat mitzvah, came as a First isolationism and the rise of one-world The 92nd St. Y program will screen at two total shock. But anti-Semitism is the oldest socialism, and in the spread of Islamist ideas different times on Monday, Nov. 18: 2 p.m. at hatred, commonplace across the Middle East into unlikely places. the Highlands and 7 p.m. at the JCC. In the and on the rise for years in Europe. So that A hatred that was, until recently, reliably evening after the 92nd St. Y program we will terrible morning in Pittsburgh raised a question taboo, anti-Semitism is migrating toward gather to discuss the book and how we can Americans can no longer avoid: Could it the mainstream, amplified by social media apply the lessons locally. happen here? and a culture of conspiracy that threatens Copies of “How to Fight Anti-Semitism” This book is Weiss’s answer. us all.

Center Jewish Cultural are available at local public libraries, Barnes Like many, Weiss long believed this Weiss’s cri de coeur is an unnerving & Nobles and Amazon. country could escape the rising tide of anti- reminder that Jews must never lose their 92nd St. Y Programs From the publisher: Semitism. But now the luckiest Jews in history hard-won instinct for danger, and a powerful Game Nights The prescient New York Times writer are beginning to face a three-headed dragon case for renewing Jewish and American delivers an urgent wake-up call to all Americans known all too well to Jews of other times and values in uncertain times from one of our Community Shabbat exposing the alarming rise of anti-Semitism in places: the physical fear of violent assault, most provocative writers. Not just for the this country — and explains what we can do the moral fear of ideological vilification, and sake of America’s Jews, but for the sake of Reading Jewish Film Series to defeat it. the political fear of resurgent fascism and America. Great Decisions

Interfaith Mitzvah Day

Yom Ha’atzmaut

PJ Library

PJ Our Way

Leo Camp Lecture

Tech Tuesday

Yom Hazikaron

Art Exhibits

Yom Hashoah

Annual Meeting and Picnic

Purim Carnival

Richard J. Yashek Memorial Lecture Jewish Cultural Center Kristallnacht Remembrance

Youth Events

Purim Masquerade Party

Bridge

Chevra

Mahjong

Trips to NYC/Philadelphia

Lakin Holocaust Library

& Resource Center

Shabbat B’yachad

Community Calendar November 2019 SHALOM Page 5 My mother’s not here, but her food is! By Adi Shalev 1 pitted green olive per Boreqita This is not the first time I am celebrating Preheat the oven to 380 degrees. holidays away from my family and from Mix the cheeses and sour cream, my homeland, but it is the first time I have then slowly add the flour until you have been part of a Jewish community in the a uniform dough. Using a bowl of water United States during the holidays. to wet your hands, make balls and insert The holidays have always been a ione olive into each ball. Bake for about special time, a time when something is 20 minutes and watch to avoid burning. different, people greet each other, buy Cornflake cookies — makes 20-30 presents, clean, think about how last year 7 cups of cornflakes was, what they wish for the new year. and 3.5 oz. of halva most of all — eat! 3.5 oz of margarine Certainly, the food here is different 2 tablespoons of honey from the Israeli and Iraqi food I am used Half a cup of sugar to eating at home for the holidays. 2 teaspoons of strong coffee So, I decided to make two dishes Mix everything except the cornflakes that my mom always makes during the in a pot over low heat until you have one holidays — Cornflake cookies for Rosh consistent batter. Remove from the heat, Hashana and Boreqitas for Yom Kippur. Boreqitas Cornflake cookies and quickly add the cornflakes. Mix and There were two challenges: spoon into paper cupcake cups. 1. That the food comes out as good the cornflake recipe quite easily (except in the recipe and luckily, it came out as B’tayavon – Bon Appetit- and don’t as my Mom’s, and that the cornflakes are a bit different from delicious as my mom’s! forget to invite me to taste! 2. How to find the right ingredients. what I’m used to in Israel). But then came And now - for the recipes: Also, Friend me on Facebook- adi At first, I thought it would be easy, the Boreqitas recipe. They consist mainly Boreqitas — makes about 30: shalev shlicha and add me on Instagram- groceries are groceries. But then Mom of cheeses that are not available here or 1 16 oz. container cottage cheese adi_shlicha. sent me the recipe and I realized that that have a different flavor here (cottage 2 cups sour cream Adi Shalev serves as shlicha of this won’t be so simple and I will have to cheese, for example). About 3/4 cup of crumbled feta Berks County’s Jewish Community High make some changes. Then I figured out what cheeses 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella School program, which meets Sundays I actually found the ingredients for would be most similar to what’s required About 2 cups flour at 10 a.m. Children’s interfaith friendship activity set for Nov. 17

By Amanda J. Hornberger to attend a PJ Library sponsored Shillington and the Islamic Center of (a key tenet of all three Abrahamic Our community is blessed with a Friendship Story Walk based on the Reading will be car-pooling to join us. faiths). wide variety of interfaith partnerships. book “Do Unto Otters: A Book About There will be an interactive morning RSVP is appreciated to amandah@ As adults we have built friendships Manners”. Students in religious school of activities including an ice-breaker, jfreading.org or 610-921-0624. Older and ties with our Muslim and Christian at Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom service project, art project, snack, students needing service hours are neighbors. A special PJ Library event and Kesher Zion Synagogue will come reading, music and more. encouraged to volunteer at the event. on Sunday, Nov. 17, in Wyomissing directly from class to the event, to be Children of all faiths are welcome Special thanks to Rabbi Michelson, will provide the same opportunity for held at 10:30 a.m. at 555 Warwick Drive at this event! Rabbi Sislen, the Rev. Megan Huesgen friendship building among our youth! Wyomissing. We hope to build community and and Elsayed Elmarzouky for their Children ages 5-10 (and younger Sunday School classes from understanding among the youth and support and partnership in making this siblings with a grown-up) are invited Immanuel United Church of Christ in teach kindness and respect for all event possible. Page 6 SHALOM November 2019 Klezmer band to perform at RCOS food festival

Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom the youngest Meara Lebovitz also will be performing The 19th Jewish Food and Cultural generation of an during the festival. Festival takes place Sunday, Nov. 3 at important klezmer There is no admission charge for the Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, 555 dynasty that reaches festival. Tickets for dinner or deli platters Warwick Drive, Wyomissing. back to Ukraine in are available for $13 in advance from RCOS All the old favorites will be back, including the 19th century members or from the synagogue office, brisket and chicken platters, New York-style and has been the 610-375-6034. Tickets cost $14 at the door. deli sandwiches, bagels and smoked fish, subject of several Event is cash-only. There will be an ATM falafel and much more. Get there early for a documentaries. on site. spectacular selection of desserts, including The dynasty began Susan Watts The congregation encourages those our famous apple cake. with her great- who attend to bring a canned good or Other delicious treats include blintzes, grandfather Joseph Hoffman. She is other nonperishable food item for us noodle kugel, knishes in several flavors, the sole living purveyor of the family’s to donate to the Greater Berks Food matzo ball soup. and much more traditional klezmer-style trumpet sounds, Bank. Or consider donating toiletry Susan Watts and her band will perform which have electrified audiences for items (disposable razors, tooth brushes, klezmer music at 1 p.m. Watts represents decades. Oheb Sholom student cantor shampoos, etc.) for Opportunity House. Oheb Sholom honors couple for their service

Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom members Ellen and Marshall Azrael deliver the Torah blessings for Simchat al News Torah. The couple were honored with special aliyot as the congregation completed one Torah reading cycle and started the next. Ellen Azrael is

n a former president and treasurer at RCOS, among her many other duties in her years with the congregation. Marshall Azrael served as a leader of the RCOS Men’s Club and has o an impressive record as a stalwart volunteer. t i a g e

r Community welcomes new Kesher Zion rabbi g C o n

Chabad

Kesher Zion

Reform Congregation

Oheb Sholom A large crowd gathered at the JCC Sept. 25 to meet Kesher Zion Synagogue’s new rabbi/chazzan, David Sislen.

LOCAL CONGREGATIONS AND SERVICE TIMES November � Cheshvan-Kislev KESHER ZION SYNAGOGUE (610) 374-1763 Weekly services Saturdays: 9:30 a.m.; Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Candle Lightings Torah Portions

REFORM CONGREGATION OHEB SHOLOM (610) 375-6034 November 1 November 1/3 Cheshvan 5:42 p.m. Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32) Friday, Nov. 1: Shabbat service, 6 p.m. Fridays, Nov. 8, 15, 22 and 29: Shabbat service, 7:45 p.m. November 8 November 9/11 Cheshvan Saturday, Nov. 9: Tot Shabbat, 10 a.m. 4:34 p.m. Lech-Lecha (Genesis 12:1-17:27)

Saturday, Nov. 16: Kayla Kraft Bat Mitzvah, 10 a.m. November 15 November 16 / 18 Cheshvan Saturday, Nov. 23: Sam Schneider Bar Mitzvah, 10 a.m. 4:28 p.m. Vayeira (Genesis 18:1-22:24)

CHABAD CENTER OF BERKS COUNTY (610) 921-0881 November 22 November 23/25 Cheshvan Saturday mornings: 9:30 a.m.; Friday evenings: 6:30 p.m. 4:23 p.m. Chayei Sarah (Genesis 23:1-25:18)

November 29 November 30/2 Kislev CONGREGATION SHOMREI HABRITH 4:20 p.m. Toldot (Genesis 25:19-28:9)

November 2019 SHALOM Page 7 Israeli Book Group ‘We Stand Divided’ by Daniel Gordis

By Moisey Schneider radios listening to the vote in the U.N. The Jewish world had split. As the Israeli-Arab conflict drags on, and Andi Franklin General Assembly, breaking out into Among the issues that distress it becomes increasingly possible that it Many believe that a shift is taking tears and dance when the Jewish State American Jews is Israel’s conduct with may not be resolved. Israelis want peace, place between the world’s two largest was created. respect to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. but the lack of that does not upend their Jewish communities, those in the United But earlier, all three American Jewish The turning point was when Christian commitment to Zionism and Israel. On States and in Israel. Both assumed that denominations rejected the Zionist Phalangist fighters killed Palestinians the other hand, Daniel Levi, one of the they shared an unbreakable bond. As movement. in the Lebanese camps of Sabra and founders of the liberal Jewish activist it turned out, not only was the bond Reform leaders said: “We are Shatila. Israelis did none of the killings group J Street, said he would choose breakable, but it started to crumble at the unalterably opposed to political Zionism. but could have prevented them. The peace and give up Israel. “If a collective very beginnings of Zionism. The Jews are not a nation but a religious issue of Palestinian statehood and Jewish presence in the Middle East can Author Daniel Gordis writes that community … America is our Zion.” Israeli’s ‘occupation’ made matters only survive by the sword … then Israel American Jews believe the core of Rabbi Louis Finkelstein , chancellor worse. American Jews believe that really ain’t a very good idea.” To Israelis the problem is Israel’s conflict with the of the academic center of Conservative peace simply has to be possible and this sounds treasonous. Palestinians and its dismissive attitude Judaism, the Jewish Theological that the PLO’s killing of Jews could be Gordis believes American Jews towards pluralistic Judaism. According Seminary, refused to let JTS students moderated. cannot flourish without Israel because, to his book, tensions between American sing Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem, The essential issue is that at their as the late pundit Charles Krauthammer Jews and Zionism surfaced in the at their commencement in 1945. core, America and Israel are different; said, “What began as an experiment 1920s, long before anyone spoke about And in 1947, Rabbi Joseph created for different purposes with very has become the very heart of the Jewish Palestinians. Gordis shows, however, Soloveitchik, head of the Orthodox different values that generated different people — its cultural, spiritual and that the cause of our differences is not Yeshiva University rabbinical school, visions of Judaism. Gordis explains: “The psychological center.” what Israel does, but what Israel is. He refused to ordain members of Betar, an United States is a liberal democracy. It But the reverse is also true. Israel argues that the two communities have Israel support group inspired by Ze’ev was created to welcome to its shores needs American Jews. The American fashioned very different visions of what Jabotinsky. A mere 70 years later, many people from around the globe, whatever Jewish influence in Israel is an important Jewishness is and ought to be. young American Jews cannot bring their background. Israel is an ethnic corrective to Israel’s ethnocentric In a rare moment of unity, Jews all themselves to say that the creation of a democracy and was created to foster the instincts. Many institutions in Israel over the world huddled around their Jewish state is a good thing. recovery and renewed flourishing of the were founded by American Jews and Jewish people.” It is also meant to be a signs of their powerful influence can secure refuge and safe haven whenever be seen all over Israel. The outpouring Obituaries his two sons. He is also survived by his Jews are in danger. of support for Israel in times of crisis is five grandchildren and his two sisters. To American sensibilities, there is a demonstration of this deep sense of Joel H. Merow, Esq., 57 of Port --- something deeply disturbing about a shared purpose. Clinton. Joel graduated from George Barbara H. (Bierman) specifically Jewish country. They know Israel is not just a state, it is a project Washington High School, then went on Schneiderman, 95, of Maryland and that “their success in America has been of a people thousands of years old, to receive his degree in political science formerly of Reading. Barbara worked for due to the fact that America is not an spread across the globe united by a and his juris doctorate from Delaware Head Start and sang and played piano explicitly Christian country.” commitment to this great enterprise. University. He was owner and partner on the radio in her early years. She loved The divisions between American Jews *** at Merow and Jacoby Law offices in to read and was a sports enthusiast, and the Zionist project have always run Our next Israeli Book Group meeting Reading retiring in 2018. Joel is survived especially the NBA. Barbara is survived deep because the values and priorities will take place at the JCC on Tuesday, by his wife, Christine Lischak; his by her sons, Brad and Marc, their wives of Zionism are diametrically opposed to Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. to discuss “Spies of No parents, Edwin and Sonia Merow; and and her two grandchildren. many of the values that made America Country” by Matt Friedman. the extraordinary country it is. We hope you can join us. Page 8 SHALOM November 2019 The Caregiver Support Program

By Sari Incledon of anger, frustration, loneliness, exhaustion primary caregivers a break from caregiving Much of the work and sadness. If caregivers don’t care for (respite care), reimbursement for out-of- Jewish Family Service themselves, they won’t be able to care for pocket costs associated with caregiving, does is providing their loved ones. Some common signs of education, counseling and more. support for caregivers caregivers stress are: The program is administered by The in our community. • Feeling tired and run down Berks County Area Agency on Aging. According to • Sleeping too much or too little A case manager is assigned to each e the Alzheimer’s • Become easily irritated or angry caregiver and will conduct a comprehensive Association, more • Abusing alcohol or drugs, including assessment of the needs of the caregiver, than 40 million prescription medicines provide support and work with them to

c family members and • Sudden weight gain or loss develop a person-centered plan of care. friends help care for • Losing interest in hobbies To learn more about eligibility for the i someone over 50. Caring for a parent or a The Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Caregiver Support Program call Sari at loved one can be rewarding. The downside program may be able to help those 610-921-0624 or The Berks County Area is caregivers may also experience feelings who are caring for others. It provides Office of Aging at 610-478-6500. v

r Friendship Circle at center of great community events e S l y i m a F

Ronen Koresh and colleagues in the Koresh Dance Company visited the JCC for a special event in advance of their September appearance at the Miller Center for the Arts. h ewi s

At Friendship Circle events: From left, Lila and Janine Shapiro display artwork inspired by hex signs, and It’s Wash Day at the JCC. J

Food Pantry Friendship Circle at center of great community events Friendship Circle

Counseling Services

Transportation

Financial Assistance

Hospital and

Home Visitations

Living with Loss

Information and

Referral

Case Management

Holiday Programs

Jewish Family Service Rosh Hashanah Celebration at the Manor at Market Square in Reading: From left, Bob Brok, Stef Brok, and Herb Schneider; Meryl Marks and Eddie Kazin November 2019 SHALOM Page 9 Israeli breakthrough could turn hydrogen into fuel of the future

Israel21c.com today (for fertilizers, refineries and methanol production) Electric battery-powered cars have stolen much of comes from fossil fuels that release harmful CO2 the buzz that hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles generated emissions. before the rise of Tesla and its fellow EV makers. A E-TAC technology was developed by researchers new technology developed by researchers from the at the Technion. The E-TAC water splitting system Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in collaboration is 98.7% efficient and could reduce the cost of the with the team that founded the popular Israeli-made equipment to produce hydrogen by 50%, according phone app Viber promises to put hydrogen back on to results of H2Pro’s research published in the journal the grid. Nature Energy. H2Pro uses a water-splitting technology called If E-TAC proves to be the breakthrough H2Pro hopes E-TAC (electrochemical thermally activated chemical) it is, hydrogen could become an ideal energy carrier for that draws hydrogen out of water by separating it from a decarbonized world. One kilogram of hydrogen packs oxygen. A water molecule is made up of two hydrogen as much energy as one gallon (3.8 liters) of gasoline. atoms and one oxygen atom. Removing hydrogen from Hydrogen can be stored for years, transported easily, water is the only environmentally clean way to produce and used to generate heat (by burning it) or electricity liquid hydrogen, but it’s inefficient and expensive. As a (in fuel cells). result, hydrogen hasn’t taken off for the generation of And the best part of all: The only waste product from electricity production. Nearly all hydrogen produced using hydrogen is pure water.

Providing opportunities for Jewish education in Berks County remains a high priority for Federation and our community. You make this possible through your contributions to Federation’s Community Campaign. Your campaign dollars are allocated to the Lakin Preschool at RCOS. You provide the resources for our Jewish Community High School. You give families PJ Library books to read together. Your contributions are educating a new generation. Thank you for being our partner in working together for one Jewish community. This month we’re highlighting some of the Jewish Education programs you make possible.

Jewish Education: Responding to New and Evolving Community Needs

Engaging the Entire Community Lakin Preschool - Early Childhood Federation offers ways to connect with the Jewish Education community Support in 2019: $25,000 Federation uses its resources to offer programs and new Jewish education, including support for the Lakin initiatives to engage our Jewish community at every age. Preschool, is one of Federation's highest community These programs are based in our Jewish culture and priorities. The preschool is a place for families who want reflect the needs of our diverse community. Our goal is their children to begin their learning in a Jewish to ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate and environment. The preschool offers families a high- connect as members of our community. quality early childhood education based on Jewish values and teachings. PJ Library and PJ Our Way 60 participating families Jewish Community High School Supported by Federation and the Sue B. Viener Memorial Support in 2019: $23,600 Fund, 122 children ages six months to eleven years Federation has redesigned JCHS. Administered by our participate in PJ Library and PJ Our Way. Every month PJ Shaliach, the high school will use technology to provide provides Berks County children in Jewish homes with free, live, customized education using Israeli educators. This age appropriate Jewish books and CDs. The JCC also redesign means JCHS classes will now be able to offer offers special PJ family programs and events throughout a range of subject areas at all levels of study. the year.

Lakin Holocaust Library & Resource Jewish Education Support in 2019: continuing need Center Understanding the level of excellence our families have A valued and valuable community resource come to expect, we have formed a Jewish Education The Library, housed at Albright College, is an important Task Force. The Task Force is developing an action plan educational resource for information on the Holocaust to ensure that high quality, innovative educational and other genocides. Library sponsored events include opportunities are affordable and accessible to every lectures and programs at area schools and other venues Jewish child in Berks County. throughout the region. Page 10 SHALOM November 2019 Literatour Berks series off to a marvelous start

The Literatour Berks series of author appearances opened in October. At left, writer E.R. Ramzipoor meets members of the JCC’s Women’s Book Club. Ramzipoor, author of “The Ventriloquists,” appeared at the Exeter Community Library. At right, Angela Himsel at the JCC to discuss her book, “A River Could Be a Tree.” Literatour Berks continues through June. Visit ReadingJewishCommunity.org for a complete schedule of Literatour Berks events.

B”H CHABAD & CKIDS YOU'RE INVITED TO A Friendship Story Walk Sunday, November 17 10:30 a.m. 555 Warwick Dr. Wyomissing Geared for children ages 5-10. Younger children welcome with an adult. EDITION Learn about kindness and how to treat others at this interactive interfaith event! SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 · 3.00-5.00PM CHABAD OF BERKS 2320 HAMPDEN BLVD Create your very own charity box, and learn about giving to others, and being thankful for what we have. Bake up some Pumpkin crumb muffins Please bring a canned food item to be donated to Helping Harvest of Berks/Schuylkill.

In partnership with Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks, Immanuel United Boys/Girls ages 5-12 Church of Christ, Islamic Center of Reading, Kesher Zion Synagogue and Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom. $8

RSVP TO [email protected] OR 610-921-0624 November 2019 SHALOM Page 11 Number of Jews on the rise in Israel and worldwide

From online news reports The number of Jews worldwide Israel’s population has increased stands at 14.8 million, according to a 2.1% since last year, according to separate report released by the Jewish a report from the Central Bureau of Agency for Israel. Of those, 5.7 million Statistics. Today there are 9.1 million Jews live in the United States and citizens of Israel, of which some 6.7 2.4 million in other countries in the million (74%) are Jewish, the report Diaspora. shows. The country’s citizens also The second largest Jewish include 1.9 million Arabs (21%) and community is in France with 450,000 0.4% of “others,” including Christians Jews. There are also Jews living in Arab and those of other minority faiths. and Muslim states, including 15,000 in The population includes 3.3 million Turkey, around 8,000 in Iran, 2,000 in immigrants, according to the CBS, Morocco and another approximately and 28,000 people immigrated to the 1,000 in Tunisia. country in 2018. The updated estimates were “In the past year, tens of thousands published by Professor Sergio Della of people have made Aliyah with Pergola of Hebrew University in the assistance from the Jewish Agency for American Jewish Yearbook 2019 Israel, along with tens of thousands and include those people who define of young Jews who visited Israel on themselves as Jews and do not identify educational programs such as Masa with another religion. In Israel, the Israel Journey,” said Jewish Agency CBS reported, there are 2.59 million Chairman Isaac Herzog. households with an average of 3.28 He said that the challenges the people living in them. Furthermore, Jewish people in Israel and worldwide 196,000 babies were born this year, will face in the coming year, include putting Israel’s current fertility rate “combating anti-Semitism, which has stands at an average of 3.09 kids per risen dramatically over the past year, woman. divorced. When it comes to religion, the along with the continuation of efforts In most OECD countries, the total Israelis are happy, the CBS showed, majority of Israelis are non-observant to connect young Jews around the fertility rate is between 1.4 and 1.9 with 89% reporting they are satisfied (43% secular and 22% traditional). world to Israel against the backdrop of children per woman, according to with their quality of life and 88% The rest of the population is divided the BDS movements.” BDS stands for the OECD website. Some 50,029 satisfied with their jobs.The average between traditional-religious Jews the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions marriages took place this past Jewish earnings per household are NIS 20,027 (12.8%), religious (11.3%) and haredim movement. year. Another 14,741 couples were gross. (10%).

Join us next time! November 9th at 10:00 am bbat ShA musical,a story-filled, interactive hour for ot children through grade 2. Bring your family & TMembers and non-members are Come se the Barer & Wie dffeence! friends to celebrate with Rabbi Michelson invited. No registration is required. & stay for a pint-sized oneg of juice, challah, Tot Shabbat services are held 311 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 19611 BarrerAndWhite.com 610-376-3956 Saturday mornings at 10:00 am at fruit, & child-friendly treats! James G. Barrer, DMD Douglas W. White, DMD Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, FUTURE TOT SHABBAT DATES: 555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing * ** unless noted. Please call the December 21, January 18, February 29 Temple office with any questions, March 14, April 25, May 16, June 13 * 610.375.6034. Intergenerational Tot Shabbat at The Highlands ** Tot Havdalah & PJ Library at RCOS at 5pm Page 12 SHALOM November 2019 Ethiopian Israeli speaks for at-risk youth village

Friends of Yemin Orde In Yemin Orde, I felt I belonged and was Yemin Orde Youth Village, located on not alone. Yemin Orde is a magical place 77 acres atop Mount Carmel in northern for me. The team was very dedicated I Israel, is home, school and safe haven managed to establish my personality and to 430 at-risk and immigrant youth from shape my opinions. I made many friends around the world. It is supported with local in Yemin Orde with whom I am still in touch dollars through the Jewish Federation of today. I feel I was very lucky to have joined Reading-Berks’ Israel Now program. the village, which was my home. One of its graduates, Roi Etenesh, TJA: Why did you choose to study recently was inducted into the Israel mechanical engineering at the Technion? Defense Forces as a naval engineering Tell us about the Adventure Stretcher. officer. He grew up in Ethiopia and made Etenesh: I am a very hands-on person. aliyah with his family when he was a At Yemin Orde, I was in the robotics teenager; tragically, both of his parents program, where we built robots and passed away shortly after arriving in Israel. joined the FIRST Robotics Competition in Roi recently spoke with The Jewish Israel. This experience made me realize Advocate from Israel. how much I love the field of mechanical Roi Etenesh The Jewish Advocate: How old are engineering. I chose to study at the you? How long have you lived in Israel? had an amazing informal educator who Technion because it is considered the Roi Etenesh: I am 26. I made Aliyah in from the first day encouraged me that it best institute for technology is Israel, and 2006 and have been living in Israel since. didn’t matter that I was a new immigrant, I always strive for the best. TJA: What was it like to be alone in a because if I worked hard I would see the The Stretcher was my end-of-degree new country so soon after immigrating? results. She believed in me. So I started project during my fourth and last year How did you get through what must have to invest my time in developing myself. I at the Technion. We had to take what been very difficult times? decided I would try to learn each subject we learned in theory and make it into Etenesh: My father passed away in at the highest level. Physics, mathematics, practice. United Hatzalah asked the Ethiopia before I arrived in Israel. My robotics. There were other experiences. I Technion to help them find a solution mother passed away in Israel when I was joined a leadership six-week program for for carrying stretchers quickly without 13 years old. It was very difficult for me to Israeli and American kids to travel together tiring out those holding the patient. be alone. At the beginning, everything was around the country. I was very active in They gave their requirements, and we new. It took time for me to come to terms tikkun olam activities — I volunteered delivered a product. My friend and I Overseas with the fact that both my parents were in an old age home. I joined the choir in brainstormed a lot and tried to meet all gone. My older sister became my guardian Yemin Orde and took voice lessons. With the requirements. and took care of all the children (I have six the Yemin Orde choir, I also went to the TJA: You recently enlisted in the IDF as siblings who made aliyah with me, and we States in 2010. a naval engineering officer. Do you think stayed together in an absorption center). One of the moments I always cherish you will make the military your career? She is five years older than me. A year from Yemin Orde was of Kabbalat Etenesh: I am not sure yet. I envision later, I joined Yemin Orde. Shabbat, where we would meet to talk my future as having the ability to help TJA: Tell us about your life there, and with the director of the village in front others, especially children. I hope with the friends you made there. of the beautiful view, and he would talk my mechanical engineering skills to start Etenesh: When I joined Yemin Orde, to us about the weekly Torah portion a company of my own, a start-up, and in I didn’t care much about studying and and he made it relevant to us. That was the future to have enough resources to be didn’t think much about the future. But I empowering. able to really give back. Meir Panim client: ‘I came here and started living’

American Friends of Meir Panim can give back to them. Because they love it them up emotionally and sit with them, and Meir Panim, an Israeli organization here, they’re happy, they’re together, they’re let them know that we care about them, supported with local Jewish Federation with social workers, they have someone they’re apart of our Meir Panim family and - dollars, runs a special program for Holocaust looking out for them - and we would love to especially now with Rosh Hashanah coming survivors. Israel’s Arutz Sheva news network have that every day.” up - we want to let them know that we care & I srael recently visited Meir Panim’s Dimona branch “We’re not just here to provide funding,” about them, we love them, and we want to in southern Israel, which provides a program Rozmarin emphasized. “We’re here to lift be here with them.” Jewish Agency for Holocaust survivors three days a week. “Everyone here is a registered Holocaust for Israel survivor, and we have about 30 folks Yemin Orde that come three days a week,” said Mimi Rozmaryn, Director of Global Development READING HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI Jewish Federations at Meir Panim. “They come at 8:30, have a hot breakfast, coffee and cake all day, of North America Classes 1940-1970 activities, social workers. They have a great Joint Distribution day here with us.” Holocaust survivor Simi Cohen said she Committee “started to live” after coming to the program. “I came here and started living. I was always Pep Rally Meir Panim alone at home.I am 80 years old and I started to live, really. I see people; I talk to people.” Saturday, November 30 Survivor Grepp Carol noted how important the program was to those who 11:00am-1:00pm need it. “It’s important for us, like a second home, like a family. They honor us, give us at 803 Penn Street, Reading respect. They offer many different activities Join us for a good ol’ fashioned school-themed — dancing, singing, lots of stuff — it’s great.” lunch and pep rally featuring the “The people here have lived through RHS basketball team! unimaginable horrors, so we feel privileged to be able to run this center and have three days a week where we know these folks are Limited Seating. taken care of, where we have the ability to RSVP to 610-624-1299. give them some uplifting, some community, someone looking out for them and taking care of them,” Rozmaryn said. “The suffering that we experienced was terrible,” Carol commented, adding that being at Meir Panim, “at least, gives a good feeling. After all that we saw in our lives, at least now we can enjoy being honored.” Rozmaryn said Meir Panim would love to be able to expand the program. “We would love to have this program operating for five Independent Living, Personal Care & Memory Care with No Buy-In Fees! days a week just like our centers, so we 803 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601 • www.manoratms.com would love to increase our fundraising so we November 2019 SHALOM Page 13 Israeli chatbot could diagnose early Alzheimer’s disease

Israel21c.com themselves and their relationships to Hundreds of drugs have been people, places and events. Clara then developed to address Alzheimer’s uses machine learning to compare disease, says Dr. Shahar Arzy, director that information to a baseline in order of the computational neuropsychiatry to generate a computer-based test lab at Hadassah Hebrew University tailored for the specific individual that Medical Center in Jerusalem, who can diagnose very early Alzheimer’s. added “Do you know how many have Arzy’s work on Clara is based on a been found effective? Zero.” relatively recent understanding of how But if patients could be diagnosed the brain works and what Alzheimer’s in the preclinical stages of the disease, does to it. Alzheimer’s affects the perhaps some of the new biological brain’s “orientation system” that medications showing excellent results dictates how a person relates to in other domains of neurology could the world outside. “It’s easy to test be effective when applied early memory,” Arzy says. “I can give you enough in the course of Alzheimer’s three words and ask you to retrieve disease. them.” That’s very different than Arzy and his colleagues have processing specific relationships. For developed a computer-based system example, a patient might remember to ferret out early signs of Alzheimer’s. both the assassination of President doctor, but not be able to distinguish patient from Facebook and social ThePage system,  dubbed Clara (“a hint John F. Kennedy and the electionShalom which person is standing closer. media. “That’s what weMarch did at 2010 the towards ‘clarity of mind,’” Arzy says), is of Barack Obama but be confused Orientation can be measured in a beginning. We spent two years writing an artificial intelligence-based chatbot about which came first. Or a patient functional MRI. Your brain will light the code.” that asks patients questions about might recognizeJewish his or her spouse Family and up differently Service if you see a picture of Arzyen visions Clara to be available your own daughter vs. someone else’s free as a public service, through child or a generic image of a baby. doctors’ offices and through download Discussion of addiction important“The to overlap all between how the onto mobile devices or computers. self is oriented to the world and The pilot Android and web versions By Sari Incledon, M. Ed. will not be limited to issues dealing with theOthers) brain provided mechanisms the following that statistics. are supportFor English,every personHebrew, Chinesewho has and a We invite the entire adolescents. Drug and alcohol abuse is disturbedAccording toby Dr. Alzheimer’s Jay Holder, diseaseMedical Portuguesesubstance abuseso far. problem,French, Russian, several community to attend a a problem for all age groups, and we all isDirector astonishing,”Arzy and founder ofsays. the ExodusIn the Arabicothers areand affected. Japanese Those options affected are program Jewish Family need to know more about it. preclinicalTreatment Center stages in ofMiami, Alzheimer’s, chemical alreadymay be underspouses, development. parents, children, Service is sponsoring: In a recent article, “Overcoming thedependency orientation is the system number beginsone secret to siblings,Clara grandparentsis not ready –to all make are hurt its “What Every Family Denial” (Na’amat Woman Winter 2009/10) deteriorate,in the Jewish “butcommunity. people Reportedly, can still publicin different debut, ways. Arzy says.What “We can are we at as the a Needs to Know about Barbara Trainin Blank wrote: “Alcohol and compensateup to 50 percent for ofthis patient by tapping populations into stagecommunal of proving organization the efficacy do to ofaddress the AI Alcohol and Drug chemical dependency don’t discriminate, otherin some resources residential like treatment memory,” centers Arzy agentthe problem? and the Awareness two-system is an[orientation important Abuse & Addiction: An affecting Jews and non-Jews alike, and says.are Jews “They – ascan are write 20 downpercent a note,of those for vs.first memory] step and theory.” we invite everyone in the Interactive Dialogue women as much as men. Addiction example.calling national Maybe drug their hot performance lines (yet Jews is communityClara is into theshare second questions year ofand a with David Rotenberg.” and alcoholism can be found in every acomprise little off, less but than they 3 comepercent up of withthe U.S. the five-yearconcerns test at ourat Harvard above tomentioned compare This program will be held Wednesday, socioeconomic and religious segment of samepopulation). output.” Chemical dependency is the dataprogram generated on April 28.by the system with April 28 at 7 p.m. at the JCC. the Jewish community”. thirdIt’s leading only killer when in the both U.S. systems It is also an– dataOur from program Alzheimer’s is markersfree, though taken David is the executive director of An article on the JACS Web orientationunreported and/orand memory unknown – contributorgo under viareservations amyloid arePET requested. scan, quantitative For more Adolescent Youth Services at Caron site (Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically ato certaindeaths causedthreshold by car that accidents, the disease heart andinformation, functional call SariMRI atand 610-921- other Foundation, however his presentation Dependent Persons and Significant becomesattacks, suicides apparent. and strokes. That’s when neuropsychological0624. tests. Assuta people seek help.Volunteer But it’s already Opportunities too Medical CenterAvailable in Tel –Aviv has been BERKS ENCORE PROVIDES FREE TAX PREPARATION late to present an effective treatment. running its own study on Clara using FROM TRAINED VOLUNTEERS The key toJewish Clara Family is that theService questions seeks volunteerscombined to PET-fMRI help our seniors over the past it asks are takenwith from grocery a patient’s shopping year. and other errands. Was your household income less than $50,000 in 2009? personalIf orientationyou have some system time, and call are Sari orFor Carole those at living 610-921-0624 in Israel, Hadassah. Household income may be higher in some cases, not just generic questions that could is establishing a center for preclinical draw on the brain’s memory system. Alzheimer’s disease where a but call 610-374-3195 for more details. Arzy’s original ideaJewish was to Family skip the Servicecomprehensive thanks exam and treatment Call today to schedule an appointment from now until April 15. chatbot and get informationDr. Jeffrey about aBlank will be available,D.D.S. Arzy says. Berks Encore, 40 N. Ninth St., 610-374-3195 for providing professional services to our client.

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

Kristallnacht Living with Loss  Commemoration Service formerly Bereavement Group

T H U R S D A Y , N O V E M B E R 7 , 2 0 1 9 Mondays, March  and 22, 3:00- 4:30 p.m. 6 : 3 0 P . M . C I R C L E O F L I G H T 2131_Shalom_ad:LayoutFor more information1 9/8/09 11:57 AM Pagecall 1 Sari at 610-921-0624 7 P . M . I N T E R F A I T H S E R V I C E

C H R I S T E P I S C O P A L C H U R C H A f f i n i t y B a n k P A . c o m 4 3 5 C O U R T S T . R E A D I N G , P A

Join us for our annual commemoration of Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, which marked the beginning of the Holocaust.

The public is invited to this free event followed by a dessert reception.   Banking the Way It Should Be. Now open in Exeter.

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610.898.7700 Page 14 SHALOM November 2019 Holiday happenings at Chabad

Chabad of Berks County drew plenty of people for a pair of recent holiday events. The Shofar Factory gave participants a chance to saw, sand and drill their ram’s horn, learn about honey from a beekeeper, and more. Despite strong winds that presented some challenges, Chabad’s Sushi in the Sukkah was enjoyed by a nice crowd with a special kids program held indoors.

Am I for KZ’s 5th Annual

ב״ה ??real How can I? HOW CAN I? How Can I? TRICKY TRAY WHEN 6 Sundays, 10:00-11.30 A.M. Gift baskets | 50/50 Raffle | Gift Certificates Nov 10 - Dec 15

LOCATION Doors open at noon Chabad of Berks County 2320 Hampden Blvd DEC Drawing starts at 1:00

MORE INFO Kesher Zion Synagogue www.chabadofberks.org 555 Warwick Drive offi[email protected] 610-334-3218 | Fee: $60 SUNDAY 08 Reading, PA 19610 Questions? Call (610) 374-1763

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JEWISH SECRETS TO FEELING GOOD HOWEVER YOU FEEL

FIND OUT WHY—AND STAND UP

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NEW SIX-WEEK COURSE REGISTER NOW: MYJLI.COM November 2019 SHALOM Page 15 Chabad school off to a great start Nine outstanding books about Israeli innovation

Israel21c.com collector, ReWalk, Alpha Omega’s GPS We know, we know: the moniker for deep brain stimulation, Check Point’s “startup nation” has become a kind of Firewall-1, PillCam, SpineAssist, the cliché since the book of the same name Emergency Bandage, Rebif, cannabis reached The New York Times and Wall research, reducing plane-bird collisions, Street Journal bestseller lists a decade and reviving an ancient date palm. ago. “ISRAEL IN THE WORLD: However, the story of tiny Israel’s CHANGING LIVES THROUGH unlikely climb to the top of the global INNOVATION” by Helen and Douglas innovation ladder is no less fascinating Davis and relevant today, as investment in This overview of Israeli innovation Israeli high-tech continues to break changing the face of fields from records and the country begins its agriculture to medical diagnostics takes transition to “scaleup nation.” us from the ICQ chat facility to homeland The books below explore various security technologies. The authors also aspects of this frankly amazing examine Israel’s educational system phenomenon. We’re proud to share to look for the roots of ingenuity and that the newest of these titles, Inbal highlight how Israel uses its knowledge Arieli’s Chutzpah, traces its origins in for the well-being of people across the part to popular columns she wrote, and globe. continues to write, for Israel21c about “ISRAEL’S EDGE: THE STORY Israel’s unique innovation-nurturing OF THE IDF’S MOST ELITE UNIT – youth culture. TALPIOT” by Jason Gewirtz “START-UP NATION: THE STORY This 2016 title describes the secretive OF ISRAEL’S ECONOMIC MIRACLE” IDF unit called Talpiot, which teaches by Dan Senor and Saul Singer handpicked young Israelis how to think Chabad Hebrew School is off to a great start with lots of fun and exciting projects and games that help First published in 2009, this book rather than how to fight. Talpiot sends children learn about the High Holidays and much more. fast became a classic. It’s the most its soldiers to the top Israeli universities logical place to start a journey of to learn advanced physics, math and discovery about Israel’s unparalleled computer science, creating a cadre of entrepreneurial success despite its tiny men and women who become research- size, hostile neighbors, constant conflict and-development machines during their 2019 Shalom Contributors and scarce natural resources. Senor and 10 years in the army and a major force in Thank you to the following members of our community whose Singer share lessons of the country’s the civilian Israeli entrepreneurial scene. generous support of Shalom arrived after last month’s deadline: adversity-driven culture, which flattens “ISRAEL AND CHINA: FROM SILK hierarchy and elevates informality– all ROAD TO INNOVATION HIGHWAY” by DONOR $72 - $117 backed up by government policies Lionel Friedfeld and Philippe Metoudi Seth and Barbara Rosenzweig focused on innovation. When this book was released in Helene and Henry Singer “CHUTZPAH: WHY ISRAEL IS 2015, business between Israel and A HUB FOR INNOVATION AND its continental neighbors in the Far ENTREPRENEURSHIP” by Inbal Arieli East was beginning to boom, and that SUPPORTER $36 - $71 Based on her firsthand observation trajectory has continued in a strongly Ellen and Don Abramson that Israel’s knack for innovation upward direction. The authors see the stems not just from the military but Israel-China connection as a continuum Gary and Sheila Lattin from childhood — Israeli kids are from the ancient Silk Road to what entrusted with an extraordinary degree today they dub the Innovation Highway. of independence and responsibility They pinpoint factors that give the two — Arieli tested the waters for a book countries complementary competitive by sharing her ideas in her personal advantages, such as Israel’s technology blog and in a series of columns for and innovation and China’s financial and Israel21c. manufacturing capability, plus lesser- The tech executive and Israeli known historical, cultural and spiritual mom then did additional research and links. produced this book, released in August “SPIES, INC.: BUSINESS by Harper Business. “I want ‘Chutzpah’ INNOVATION FROM ISRAEL’S to be on the bestsellers list, so the entire MASTERS OF ESPIONAGE” by Stacy world can read an in-depth explanation Perman of why Israeli chaos and chutzpah leads As early as 2004, when the book was to success,” she says. published, former Time and Business “LET THERE BE WATER: ISRAEL’S 2.0 writer Stacy Perman already saw the SOLUTION FOR A WATER-STARVED direct connection between the outside- WORLD” by Seth M. Siegel the-box thinking encouraged in the elite xtraordinar Leading the world in water IDF high-tech intelligence Unit 8200 y technologies, conservation and and the groundbreaking information E BEAUTY desalination — despite, or perhaps technologies its alumni were creating because of, having so little of the in the business world. The insights precious fluid — Israel is the go-to Perman offers from the 8200 case study country for proven ways of making the in innovation are no less compelling for most of a fast dwindling resource. In “Let entrepreneurs today. The Highlands at Wyomissing represents an ideal – and trusted – There Be Water,” Siegel breaks down “ISRAELI BUSINESS CULTURE: the science and explains why hundreds BUILDING EFFECTIVE BUSINESS model of inspired, engaging, extraordinary living for seniors. You’ll of millions could find the tap running dry RELATIONSHIPS WITH ISRAELIS” by see and feel it the moment you arrive on our beautiful campus. When in a few years unless they follow Israel’s Osnat Lautman you walk through our doors, you’ll feel the excitement, camaraderie example. Lautman, an Israeli consultant “THOU SHALT INNOVATE: HOW and specialist in cross-cultural and vitality. Most importantly, you’ll feel a real sense of community. ISRAELI INGENUITY REPAIRS THE communications, uses the word WORLD” by Avi Jorisch “ISRAELI” as an acronym for traits that Released in 2018 and now translated describe the country’s business culture: Visit Our Campus. into about 20 languages, “Thou Shalt informal, straightforward, risk-taking, Innovate” provides 15 case studies of ambitious, entrepreneurial, loud and EXPERIENCE how Israelis of all faiths are “making improvisational. xtraordinary life better for billions of people around She explains Israeli business culture 610.775.2300 • ETheHighlands.org the world and how Israeli ingenuity is and suggests how best to work with helping to feed the hungry, cure the sick, Israelis in a diverse global economy and provide shelter for the homeless.” where Israeli footprints are everywhere. Jorisch focuses on drip irrigation, This year she introduced the second United Hatzalah, Iron Dome, the Grain edition of the book, first published in 2000 Cambridge Avenue • Wyomissing, PA 19610 Cocoon, the Tabor rooftop solar water 2015. Page 16 SHALOM November 2019 Gardening with Vicky Bringing plants into your home

By Vicky Sokoloff Succulents are very popular. They If the new plants on the wall in the make great house plants and can even main meeting room at the JCC have spend the summer on a porch or patio. inspired you to bring plants into your There is so much variety available that interior space, you are not alone. Plant you are sure to find a few that appeal to walls have been featured in recent years you. You can plant them separately or at both Longwood Garden and the Phila group several in a larger pot. Much of Flower Show. their appeal is that they are very easy Most books about house plants to care for. If you think you don’t have contain a glorified list of plants with room, think small. The watering can with information about care and pest. Baylor a succulent pictured below takes only 2 Chapman’s new book, “Decorating with inches of counter space. Plants” (Artisan, 2019) takes a totally We all know that plants look good. different approach. While there is a plant But they have far more to offer. Recent list, the focus is on how and where you research shows that interior plants are want to use plants. good for buildings and people. Plants There are many factors that go into help reduce stress and create a feeling selecting indoor plants. You need to of well-being. consider space, lighting, and your own Another way to introduce plant knowledge level. If you travel, is there material into your home is with the use someone to care for the plants while of dried material. We grow a variety of you are away? If you turn down your ornamental grasses in our yard. They thermostat while you travel in winter be produce a wide range of shapes, sizes sure to avoid tropical plants. If you share and color and make a wonderful addition your living space with young children or to a dried arrangement. pets be sure the plants you select are The coleus growing on my deck has safe. a lot of color. It won’t survive the winter; There are many types of plants to but just breaking off a few tips and potting choose from. Do you want flowers, or them up will provide indoor color over the just greenery? If you like to cook, growing winter and new plants to take outside herbs provides fresh flavor for your next season. dishes. You can even grow vegetables All of the pictures show material inside. Leaf lettuce is quick and easy; from my own garden with arrangements you will appreciate it even more when inspired by the book reference above. everything at the local stores is imported If you’re going to have just one book from who know where and you have about house plants, it’s the one you fresh from the plant leaves to perk up want. Choices for indoor plants include, clockwise from top left: dried grasses; small succulent for a tiny space;willow your salad. Next month: flowering house plants branch with dried hydrangea; coleus Treatment offers hope for multiple myeloma, lymphoma

Israel21c.com the DNA mistakes in the nucleus and stop returns and progresses. When a patient than 3,000 people have gone through Cancer is a devious adversary. It the cells from proliferating. has gone through all of the available clinical trials in 20 company-sponsored figures out all kinds of ways to hide But cancer outwits the tumor- options, there’s nothing left to try. Enter studies and another 50 studies run from the body’s detection systems and suppressing proteins by increasing XPOVIO. by individual investigators looking at grow unchecked until it’s too late to stop XPO1 activity. More frequent trains Because of its dire prognosis, multiple the drug either as a single agent or them. One of cancer’s most cunning take the suppressor proteins out of myeloma was the starting point for in combination with other medicines methods of evading the immune system the nucleus of the cell – where they XPOVIO, but it’s far from the end game. including dexamethasone, a steroid is to increase the frequency of a kind of should be stopping the cancer – and Shacham explained “Most cancer cells commonly used as part of chemotherapy. cellular “train” – a protein called XPO1 – deposit them far away. “They can’t do have XPO1 overexpressed. We are For FDA approval of XPOVIO for that makes regular back-and-forth trips their job because they’re geographically planning to submit XPOVIO for approval multiple myeloma, 83 patients were tested in and out of the nucleus of a cell. The removed from where they’re supposed with lymphoma next.” If the results are with the drug plus dexamethasone. The XPO1 protein’s job is to shuttle other to be,” says Sharon Shacham, CEO of positive, Karyopharm will move on to test median time to first response was four proteins to the right stops on the line. Karyopharm Therapeutics, an Israel- XPOVIO with various types of sarcoma, weeks with a median duration of response One passenger on the XPO1 shuttle and Massachusetts-based company that earlier lines of myeloma, uterine cancer of 3.8 months.The overall response rate is a tumor-suppressing protein. Its job has developed a new drug that inhibits and brain cancer, Shacham says. at the end of the study was 25.3%, which is to conduct regular “audits” of a cell XPO1 activity in a cell. Shacham is quick to point out that “is clinically meaningful and a validated to ensure the DNA is not damaged. If it XPOVIO (generic name Selinexor) XPOVIO can’t be declared a cure for surrogate marker for clinical benefit in is, the protein instructs the cell to enter has been approved for multiple myeloma multiple myeloma — at least not yet. It our patients with advanced refractory “programmed cell death,” whereby the patients who have relapsed and were simply hasn’t been around long enough, disease,” said Dr. Sundar Jagannath of cell essentially commits suicide. resistant to at least four prior therapies. although patients “are seeing long-term the Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai Cancer cells, by their very nature, Multiple myeloma, the second most benefits,” she says. School of Medicine in New York. have damaged DNA – that’s what causes common type of blood cancer after non- The drug costs $22,000 for a four- Patients interested in joining a clinical them to divide uncontrollably, creating Hodgkin’s lymphoma, can be slowed by week supply, though patients approved trial of XPOVIO – in Israel or elsewhere tumors. In a healthy immune system, the medication — often going into remission for the drug by their health-insurance plan – can find a full list of testing sites at tumor-suppressor proteins would catch for years — but ultimately it always won’t need to pay the full amount. More Karyopharm. November 2019 SHALOM Page 17 May 2010 Shalom Page 10 Federation Honorial - Memorial Card Information HonorialsHonorials and and Memorials Memorials ContributionsContributions may may be be made made to to the the following following Funds: Funds: Please mail your payment with complete information to the Jewish UJA-Federation Campaign $10 Federation, PO Box 14925, Reading, PA 19612-4925 or bring to the Jewish Federation Jewish Community Campaign Cultural Center, 1100 Berkshire Blvd, Suite 125, Wyomissing. You may set up Jewish Family ServiceService $10 a “savings account” for the purpose of sending cards. Please contact the Leo Camp LectureLecture FundFund $10 Jewish Federation at 610-921-0624 for further information. JFS FoodFood BankBank $25 JFS TaxiTaxi TransportationTransportation ProgramProgram $20 ContributionsContributions asas ofof April Oct. 16 18 Holocaust Library & Resource CenterCenter $18 Doris Levin Fund $10 JewishUJA-Federation Family Service Campaign In honor of: PJ Library Fund In honor of: Harry & Rose Sack Fund SarahDoris Simon’sand Elliott engagement Leisawitz’s – Vic new and home Dena – Hammel Andy and Corinne Wernick Michael Clymin (Ellen Abramson’s father) – Susan and Richard D’Angelo AlmaJim Boscovand Ed openingLakin’s new new home Boscov’s – Vic and in Rhode Dena Hammel, Island – MildredDena and & Ivan Vic Frank MehringerEvelyn – Edith Thompson Mendelsohn Fund HammelGordon Sam Goodman’s engagement – Alma and Ed Lakin In memoryAlyse Corbin’s of: marriage – Carol and Bernie Gerber, Alma and Ed Lakin Doris Levin Fund SueMiriam Viener’s Neugroschel Birthday – CarolYvonne Greenberg & Rob Oppenheimer In memory of: Birth of Selma Cutler’s great-grandson Jacob - Debbie Goodman and John EdwinDr. Walter & Alma Gershenfeld Lakin Holocaust – Stephanie Library and Dennis & Resource Arbige, Carole Center and Mike Moyer Robinson Harry & Rose Sack Fund (adult programming) In honor of: Birth of Carol and Gordon Perlmutter’s new grandson – Debbie Goodman and Shoshana Tannenbaum – Carole and Mike Robinson Rosalye In memory of: Ellen and Marshall Azrael’s many years of service to RCOS – John Moyer Albert and Nancy Sack Yashek Barbara Herzog Marx – Holocaust Library and Resource Center Get well: In memory of: Harold Leifer – Rob and Yvonne Oppenheimer Shoshana Tannenbaum – Ken and Mary Holt, George and Sue Viener, Sue Schlanger, Gordon and Carol Perlmutter, Leah Kanter-Salis, Rosemary and John Evelyn Thompson Nursery School Fund Deegan, Naum and Lyudmila Ger, Louis and Katherine Danzico, Florence and InWhen memory of: crochet becomesMarvin Segal, a Vic force and Dena Hammel, Emmafor Holder, change Susan Gallagher, Mildred & Shoshana Tannenbaum – Beth and Bob Caster Ivan Gordon, Carrie & Stephen Latman, Judy, Bob & Susan Pollack, Anna & Moisey Schneider, Norman & Rita Wilikofsky, Audrey Williams, Alan and Esther Strauss, The women learn how to crochet equipment other than yarn and a sister wives, Iota workers have a JewishIsrael21c.com Family Service Jay and Evelyn Lipschutz, Carol and Bernie Gerber, Barbara and Seth Rosenzweig, In traditional Arab Bedouin society, unique elements used as building needle. weekly social outlet with one another. In honor of: John Castrege and family, Michael Geraci, Maxine & Dick Henry, Piekara Family, women are restricted to home with blocks for seating, rugs, swings and But what would the women Some effects will take longer to see. Birth of Carol and Gordon Perlmutter’s new grandson – Sue and George Viener, Laura Higgins few opportunities for earning money. decorative baskets sold to homes, crochet? During a trip to Boston, Zur The Iota employee’s son starting Betsy and Al Katz For 15 women from the southern hotels and businesses. was wowed by a fiber-art exhibition university in nearby Beersheva may Bat Mitzvah of Fran Mendelsohn’s granddaughter – Rosalye Yashek Israeli Bedouin town of Hura, a social Israeli philanthropist Shula Mozes Friendshipof large-scale Circle textile objects. “I was one day return to Hura with a different business called the Iota Project is started with the aim of establishing so excited! I came home and told outlook on women. Maybe he will In memory of: Get well: opening a window on a better future a movement for unemployed women Shula, ‘I don’t know what you had in choose to marry only one wife and Shoshana Tannenbaum – Jill and Gladys Skaist Harold Leifer – Glenn and Gaye Corbin for them and their families. around the world. mind, but I don’t want these women maybe he will let her get a job or a “One woman told us her son is She asked Zur, an industrial to crochet baby booties.” driver’s license. going to university because of Iota. designer, to help her pinpoint a skill Zur and Mozes went looking for Zur stresses that all participants’ HolocaustShe said it’s not just because education of the woman could spreading learn in order to earn a inIsraeli Berks women of any County ethnicity willing husbands are supportive of their money she earns but also because fair wage working from home. to make a long-term commitment to wives’ employment with Iota. “We’re Continued from Page 5 also that the students are genuinely On a wider note, there have justice and Holocaust remembrance today. the fact that she’s working gives her a Zur decided crocheting would the Iota Project in return for salary and not judging their lifestyle. We just try silence is not the reason why survivors interested in hearing their stories. I know been many recent developments in I am heartened to hear that three additional voice in household decisions,” relates be perfect. This craft is guided by benefits. Through a Facebook friend, to understand what they need and are invited in. Instead, that factor is my students were genuinely interested in Holocaust education in Berks County schools in Berks County will be offering Tal Zur, creative director of the Iota an international “language” similar Zur connected with Muhammad al- how we can help.” present because of the immense respect hearing Hilde’s story and many still talk and the surrounding areas. Within these courses for their students. Project. to musical notes and requires no Nabari, the famously forward-thinking Inspired by nature’s colors and students have for these individuals and about it now, several weeks later. the past month I have met with two Though the fourth quarter of the former mayor of Hura. structures, Iota items each incorporate individuals who are in the process school year has begun, there are still “He said he would help make it hundreds of crocheted flowers made of developing a Holocaust course to many additional opportunities that work if I promised to provide steady of bespoke yarns spun in a small  be offered at their local high school. remain. I just spoke to an undergraduate Pediatric and Adult Patients employment so the women could factory in Tel Aviv. “These special One gentleman was from Lancaster ethics class at Penn State Berks  trust us. They’ve been promised yarns become part of our story and Treating Ear, Nose, Throat Problems County. The other, Gerry Evans, is a regarding the ethical/moral implications many things and have often been allow us to do a lot of custom work teacher at Hamburg High School. I of the Holocaust. I found the students disappointed,” Zur explains. from yarn to final product,” says Zur. Thyroid Nodules, Neck Masses & Sinusitis have been in contact with two other to be receptive and inquisitive and  Every week, Iota staff member Seated on a colorful crocheted local teachers, Pete Ruckelshaus at have been asked to deliver a similar Iris Dayan Moalem goes to Hura to pouf, Iota head product designer Noa  Twin Valley and Jim Konecke at Wilson program in the classes that the same bring supplies, provide guidance on Curiel told us it didn’t take long for Physicians: High School. Pete has resurrected a professor also teaches at Reading Area  Iota’s special technique, and pick up the unusual, eye-catching creations course on Holocaust Literature at Twin Community College. James P. Restrepo, M.D., FACS, ECNU finished pieces for assembly at Iota’s to attract attention.  Valley, and its first offering is during As mentioned above, Kim Yashek, studio. Currently the program employs At the Maison & Objet international Charles K. Lutz, M.D., FACS the current fourth quarter. He is very daughter of the late local Holocaust five fulltime and 10 part-time, from trade fair in Paris, project leaders met excited about offering this course to survivor Richard Yashek, is speaking at Jeffrey S. Driben, M.D., FACS, ECNU age 30 to 65. the textile designer from Peugeot.  his students and has even lined up Twin Valley, Hamburg and Fleetwood. Scott J. Cronin, M.D. Less than five years after the Iota That led to a handmade Iota carpet  several guest speakers including Rabbi Right now Albright College is hosting Project was launched, it’s already gracing the floor of Peugeot’s Adam P. Vasconcellos, M.D. Brian Michelson, Kim Yashek and Hilde an exhibit titled, “Stories Among Us: growing beyond Israel. About 20 autonomous concept car displayed Gernsheimer. Washington State Connections to the Syrian refugee mothers in Istanbul at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. “It Jim Konecke is teaching at Wilson Holocaust, Lessons in Genocide.” The Nurse Practitioner: are working with Iota, supervised by really excited us that our gut feeling Central Junior High but will be moving up exhibit includes the stories of five Holocaust a local philanthropy. is true: Handmade items are always Rosemarie Montgomery to Wilson High School at the beginning survivors and one liberator and has Zur is seeking partners to help set in fashion and will not pass from the MS, CRNP, FNP-C of next school year. He will be offering a received good reviews. It is definitely up and supervise Iota communities world even though everything is so course on Nazi Germany. His students worth a visit! It will be at Albright’s Gingrich in Peru or Colombia. Iota, Latin for industrial. People still value an object will be studying this period of German Library through May 10. “bit” or “segment,” refers to how the that is made by someone and has a history in depth, including a study of the *** products are constructed and to how life,” says Curiel. rise of anti-Semitism, the initial period of Jennifer Goss teaches social studies the project improves lives, bit by bit. For Jerusalem Design Week in the Holocaust and the Final Solution. The in the Fleetwood School District and “Social businesses have a circular 2017, Iota designed a site-specific latter part of the course will look at post-war specializes in Holocaust education. economy; all the income Iota earns “textile forest” at arts center Hansen is being invested in Iota and other House, commissioned by the Israel social projects,” says Zur. “But there Museum. Audiologists: Plan for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah & Wedding Guests! isPlan another for kind your of circular Bar/Bat economy Mitzvah in In April & 2017W and 2019, Iota was Kathleen D. Vivaldi, AuD, FAAA how the project can lead to advances chosen to participate in the Salone Melanie A. Appler, AuD, FAAA for women.” Del Mobile design show at Milan Matthew R. Bonsall, AuD, FAAA The women can use their newfound Design Week. skill for their own creative purposes: Iota was among brands featured in one participant crochets pillows and British lighting and furniture designer Providing diagnostic and rehabilitative services for all types of hearing loss, for any age group. rugs for her family using a “yarn” she Tom Dixon’s Galleria Multiplex in Hearing and Balance Disorders State of the Art Hearing Aid Fittings makes from shredded old t-shirts. Milan in 2017. In House Hearing Aid Repairs TheREADING money they earn buys them You can find Iota designs decorating a measure2801 Papermill of independence Road as well. such hotels as Six Senses in Ibiza.

“OneWyomissing, woman Pennsylvaniatold us she earned “We work with interior designers enough to buy beds for her two and architects for residential and ENT Head & Neck Specialists, PC daughtersGROUP RATES and AVAILABLE even chose them commercial projects all over the 985 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing herself,” says Zur. world,” says Zur. 610-374-5599 • www.ent-hns.net CallThere Alice are forother a Site ripple Tour effects. For Iota products can be purchased at example, while Bedouin wives seldom the studio, on the 1stdibs website and socialize with women other than their in about 20 stores in Europe. (610) 736-2082 ✦ www.reading.homewoodsuites.com Page 18 SHALOM November 2019

40TH ANNUAL Leo Camp memorial lecture “The Nightingale’s Sonata: The Musical Odyssey of Lea Luboshutz” Presented by author Thomas Wolf This multi-media presentation features violinist Ray Ushikubo and pianist Wei Luo from the Curtis Institute playing Cesar Frank’s “Sonata for Violin and Piano.” Sponsored by Albright College, the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks and Literatour Berks. Author Thomas Wolf is a member of the Jewish Book Council.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019 7:30 p.m., Albright College, Wachovia Theatre. Free and open to the public.