Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks Non-Profit Organization Jewish Cultural Center, PO Box 14925 U.S. Postage PAID Reading, PA 19612-4925 Permit No. 2 readingjewishcommunity.org Reading, PA Change Service Requested

Enriching Lives Volume 48, No. 11 November 2018 Cheshvan - Kislev 5779

ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by1 the Jewish1 Federation1 of Reading/Berks8

Your Federation Supports: Ruth Messinger: Jewish Education

Food Pantry Empowering the community

Friendship Circle By Margo Levin immigration issues. Though the topic at During the week of Oct. 1, we hand was immigration, Ruth emphasized Chevra welcomed Ruth Messinger to the Berks the importance of coalition building Community Shabbat County community. Ruth was invited by when it comes to addressing any social the Jewish Federation of Reading to share or political issues on which people have Reading Jewish Film Series her insights about issues important to differing views and she emphasized the our community, state and country. Ruth overriding importance of taking prompt PJ Library is a tireless advocate and social change and decisive initial action to address a Jewish Family Service visionary. She mobilizes faith-based specific issue or concern as opposed to communities throughout the United States simply agreeing to meet to formulate a Jewish Cultural Center to promote human rights. She previously possible plan for a future meeting. Ruth served on the State Department’s Religion provided the audience with a number of Lakin Holocaust Library and Foreign Policy Working Group examples from her own life. Following and is currently a member of the World the lunch, Ruth had an opportunity to & Resource Center Bank’s Moral Imperative Working Group meet with community leaders including Israel & Overseas on Extreme Poverty. She served as the Sen. Judy Schwank, Centro Hispano CEO of American Jewish World Service Executive Director Michael Toledo and Camp Scholarships (AJWS), an international human rights and Yamil Sanchez Rivera of the United development organization dedicated to Way of Berks County, as well as other Israel Trips promoting social justice in the developing luminaries from the community. world from 1998 to 2016. That evening during the finale of her Jewish Community The overriding theme of Ruth’s Reading visit, Ruth spoke to an attentive High School message to our community had to crowd at Reform Congregation Oheb do with encouraging people from Sholom about the mission of the AJWS Emergency Support different backgrounds to work together and the efforts it makes around the world to accomplish social and political to help developing countries. Earlier in Lakin Preschool change. On Oct. 3, Ruth spoke at the evening Ruth met with leaders of the the Youth Summit held at the Miller Berks County Jewish community and had Richard J. Yashek Lecture Center for the Arts at Reading Area Ruth Messinger with Sen. Judy Schwank during a an opportunity to learn about our history Transportation Community College, where she talked community meeting held at Centro Hispano in Reading. and the issues confronting us at this time about the power of 18 and how young and to share some insights with us. Maimonides Society people can change the world through High School students, which focused One important take away she made the power of youth voting. The event on how young adults can make a real clear was as follows: Every social Your Jewish Legacy at the Miller Center was sponsored difference by voting irrespective of their issue is a Jewish issue and because of 92ND ST Y Programs by the Jewish Community Relations background and political leanings. On our values we must act on them. Ruth Council (JCRC) in partnership with Oct. 4, at an event also sponsored by the emphasized the critical importance of Joint Distribution Committee the Reading based Centro Hispano. JCRC and the Centro Hispano, a diverse reaching out and working with those High school and college students crowd was on hand when Ruth met with whose opinions may differ with your Meir Panim attended and had the opportunity to members of the Reading community own or whose ideas you may not fully view a telling and moving video of an for a luncheon at the Centro Hispano understand. By doing so, real social Annual Campaign interview involving Stoneman Douglas in downtown Reading and talked about change can be accomplished. Jewish Agency for Israel

Yemin Orde

School Education Programs Your Opinion Matters!

Interfaith Unity Council You’re invited to be part of an online survey for the

Israel Advocacy Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks. It is an outgrowth of conversations and meetings with Youth Events community members over the past six months. Great Decisions Series Your participation is important. We want to hear from as many community members Jewish Community as possible. Your insights can create new initiatives and continue programs. You will Relations Council help meet the needs of our diverse community and keep us connected. Community Holiday Programs A link to the survey is on Federation’s website ReadingJewishCommunity.org. Women’s Philanthropy Thank you for participating and moving our community forward. Jewish Federations

of North America With appreciation,

Counseling Services Leo Camp Lecture Survey closes November 7th. Shabbat B’Yachad Page 2 SHALOM November 2018 Take time to consider your Jewish legacy

By Richard Nassau and dreams. It can also be a gift that carries If you have already included a legacy gift Development Director on the legacy of those who came before us. in your will or estate plans, THANK YOU! Rabbi Abraham Consider the importance of the legacy from Let us know so we can thank you now and Joshua Heschel wrote: your parents and now how important it is to recognize your commitment. “The tasks, begun by your family and your children. If not, consider what creating your our ancestors … are A legacy can create a positive Jewish Jewish legacy can do: now entrusted to us. community full of life, connections and new • It enables you to fulfill your philanthropic When we think of traditions. vision and allows you to support specific charitable giving, we first Creating your legacy is a highly satisfying needs in the Jewish community; think of the current needs experience. You are ensuring a Jewish future • It provides critical resources for our n t of our community. These and providing a way for your legacy to live- agencies, synagogues and community to everyday needs cannot be overlooked. If you on. In fact, it is considered one of the highest meet unforeseen challenges and build for haven’t yet made your Community Campaign forms of tzedakah. Adding a charitable the future;

e gift this year — please take time now to go bequest in your will provides funds for future • It creates a strong and secure future to ReadingJewishCommunity.org and make programs; funds which can only come to the for generations to come. your gift. Your contributions connect us and community after your lifetime. Today is a good day to decide what your show the power of community. Legacies are also an opportunity to legacy will be. Take time to also consider securing the share your values with your family. You For a confidential, no-obligation future of our Jewish community, one that can engage them in your plan, speak to conversation or for more information send m ensures needs will always be met. Imagine them about the things that are important to an email to [email protected] or this solid financial future. One that is you, connect them to the community and call me at 610-921-0624 to learn more possible for our community because legacy empower them to carry on your vision. about Creating Your Legacy. gifts are helping to provide necessary Your legacy allows you to continue Please remember Federation and the p resources in our Jewish future. making the world a better place. It is a gift Jewish community with a gift in your will, Each one of us has the power to leave a that will remain a permanent part of our trust, retirement account, or life insurance Jewish legacy — one that fulfills our passions Jewish community. policy. o

l Save money with IRA qualified charitable distribution

By Richard Nassau Any amount you receive would need to be firm to firm, and the end-of-the-year isa

e If you are over the age of 70½, included in your adjusted gross income. busy time for many IRA administrators. It is donating directly from your traditional IRA The IRS also does not allow you to make recommended you start the process at least to a qualified charity such as the Jewish distributions to a donor advised fund, even 30 days before year-end.

v Federation of Reading/Berks can satisfy if it is with a public charity or a private Make sure to also contact the charity your RMD (required minimum distribution) foundation. about the QCD transfer from your IRA. and lower your taxes. There are other advantages to making This alerts Federation and others to your You can do this because the IRS allows a qualified charitable distribution. There gift, allowing us to properly acknowledge it e qualified charitable distributions (QCD) is no minimum required amount that you to comply with IRS guidelines for qualified to be excluded from your adjusted gross must transfer to the charity. (Some IRA charitable distributions. income. The Federation and other public accounts do have internal minimums.) You For more information, email RichardN@ charities are eligible to receive these IRA don’t need to itemize deductions. The QCD JFReading.org or call Richard Nassau at

D distributions. You can transfer a portion transfer is excluded from your income. You 610 921 0624. of your RMD to Federation and withdraw can transfer amounts to a charity above This material is for informational the balance for yourself. You’ll need to be your RMD. The maximum annual tax-free purposes only. It is not intended to provide Annual Campaign careful, because if the distribution is made amount allowed by IRS is $100,000. or be relied upon for, tax, legal or accounting Women’s Philanthropy payable to you, even if intended for use Make sure to ask the administrator of your advice. You should always consult your own as a charitable donation, the IRS does not IRA about the process for making a qualified financial advisor to determine if a qualified Maimonides Society consider that to be a tax-free distribution. charitable distribution. Procedures vary from charitable distribution is right for you.

Your Jewish Legacy Chai Circle New hate and old: ADL on extremism L’Chaim Society By Amanda J. Hornberger are controlled and manipulated by Book of Life The Glass Leadership Institute Jews”. Thus organizations like Identity Letter of Intent session I attended in October focused Evropa have been created, boasting of on extremism Led by a professional returning to “European” ancestry and from the ADL’s Center on Extremism values. The groups do not explicitly say (COE), participants learned about that they are white supremacist, but the changing face of American white clearly that is their intent. Most are anti- supremacy. immigrant, pro-white and pro-Christian. ADL’s Center on Extremism is the The professional from COE showed agency’s research and investigative us pictures from the past year of arm, and a clearinghouse of valuable, stickers from Identity Evropa posted on up-to-the minute information about the campuses of Kutztown University extremism of all types—from white and Penn State Berks, which were supremacists to Islamic extremists. photographed and then posted on For decades, COE analysts have Twitter. As recently as Oct.11, Identity tracked extremist activity in the U.S. and Evropa stickers on Drexel’s campus DONATE NOW abroad, assisted law enforcement with were posted on Twitter. The goal of this TO OUR countless investigations and helped type of flyering is to encourage others disrupt and prevent multiple terror to join the movement. JEWISH attacks. COE law enforcement trainings Luckily for us, the COE has resources COMMUNITY provide officers with the information to combat these groups and educate they need to protect our country— Examples of the messages sent by the white supremacist the public on hate groups. The ADL’s group Identity Evropa CAMPAIGN and themselves—against extremist website contains two great resources: the violence. In fact, COE is one of the top hate symbol database (which shows you Please visit non-governmental organizations to give 7). You may have heard of Identity current symbols of hate groups…many ReadingJewishCommunity. information on extremism to the FBI. Evropa thanks to an ill-conceived unrecognizable to the untrained eye) org One example given of the rise of piece on NBC’s “Today” show on Oct. and the H.E.A.T. Map (hate, extremism, extremism is an increase in posting 17 (www.washingtonpost.com/arts- anti-semitism and terrorism). flyers or stickers by white supremist entertainment/2018/10/18/swastikas- The ADL H.E.A.T. Map is the first- Make your gift groups. In the past year each state in gift-wrap-today-show-accused-helping- of-its-kind interactive and customizable today! the union has had an instance of flyering white-nationalist-group-sanitize-its- map detailing extremist and anti- by an extremist group. One such group racism/?utm_term=.e189f986407f). Semitic incidents around the nation. that hung flyers here in Berks is Identity According to the COE’s latest You can use this map to learn about Evropa, a self-identified American report on extremism, “modern white incidents in our area and throughout Identitarian organization, whose supremacist ideology is centered on the country. The Center on Extremism objective is to create a better America the assertion that the white race is with its many valuable resources is just for people of European heritage (per in danger of extinction, drowned by one of the many programs funded and the organization’s Twitter post on March a rising tide of non-white people who supported by the ADL. November 2018 SHALOM Page 3 From the President’s Desk Shabbat celebration a great example of community teamwork

By William D. Franklin bonds were formed, and old friends came together in a President new way to celebrate Shabbat. On Friday, Oct. 12, our Shabbat We thank our Board for continuing this special B’yachad community members were Shabbat program even after the initial grant expired and scheduled to celebrate Shabbat. for supporting the new youth lounge renovation. Our Unfortunately, several homes were thanks also to Ken and Maralyn Lakin, who donated affected by a water-main break and the large screen TV for it in loving memory of Ed Lakin. did not have safe water. As a result, This room is available for birthday parties, youth movie the venue had to be changed at the and game nights and baby yoga classes. I know that last minute. Everyone rallied to help. Amanda Hornberger is also working to create more It was a great example of the power of programs for youth and community get-togethers. In community and engagement. People brought pre-warmed September the JFR Board approved funding of an food and dessert. Small tables were set up for the children. updated 3-5-year strategic plan. Focus groups are the Lena Bluestone and Simon Seesengood, the two oldest first step in that process. Initial results affirm the desire of children, led everyone in reciting the blessings over the our members to be part of a Jewish community. One of Wine and Challah. Everyone LOVED the new youth the primary goals of the strategic plan development will lounge —- especially the two dozen children who ran to be to determine what and how we can best accomplish the chalkboard wall. that. Everyone chipped in later and helped to clean up. I am happy that JFR’s facilities could be part of this They were delighted with the specialness of the evening. wonderful Shabbat and look forward many more such Even though we are into the third year of our Shabbat great events to write about. The JCC youth lounge chalkboard was a big hit at Shabbat B’Yachad. B’yachad community, there were many new faces. New What a great way to start our New Year! The king and I — Community leader meets Jordan’s monarch

By Michael Fromm we all had that in common. Abdullah asserted, as he did with borders with both Jordan and Israel. A few days prior to the opening In a flurry of activity, King Abdullah President Donald Trump during an “No country is more committed to session of the 73rd United Nations entered the hall with his entourage official visit to the U.S. in February peace than Jordan,” Abdullah solemnly General Assembly held in New York and began making his way through 2017, that continued expansion of concluded. in September, I got a call from David the line of expectant visitors, stopping Israeli settlements would not be helpful People have understandably asked Bernstein, CEO of the Jewish Council to personally greet and be introduced in achieving peace. me why the king of Jordan would take for Public Affairs (JCPA), with the to each of us. Dressed in a dark suit, He further opined that a recent time from his busy U.N. Week schedule following question: “Would you like he looked like he could have been politically-charged announcement to meet privately with a small group of to join a small group of Jewish lay anyone … perhaps a businessman. that the U.S. would end funding to American Jewish leaders. I’ve thought leaders at a meeting tomorrow with That is, except for the aforementioned the United Nations Relief and Works about this question and believe that the King Abdullah II of Jordan?” entourage. As he made his way in my Agency (UNWRA), which ostensibly discussion served several important I assure you this is not an everyday direction, I wondered — a little too provides social services to Palestinian purposes. Firstly, I would observe that occurrence for me. But as chair-elect late — what one says to a king, since refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Abdullah understands the value of public of JCPA — the policy apparatus for I seldom chat with royals. I mustered, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon, would relations, especially given that most of his 16 national Jewish organizations and “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your “hinder our ability to educate the Arab counterparts don’t appear to care coordinator of 125 Jewish Community Majesty,” surely a safe bet but by no children, thereby sending them to the what the rest of the world thinks. Relations Councils across the U.S. — I means memorable. streets to become easy recruitment Alternatively, he is seen as a clear- suspect these opportunities may soon When we were all settled at the targets for ISIS and other extremist thinking leader who genuinely wants come more frequently. Needless to say, conference table, King Abdullah groups.” For its part, the U.S. State (and needs) a collegial relationship with I jumped at the invitation. introduced his wife, as well as Jordan’s Department has called UNWRA an Israel and the U.S. I also sensed that he I was familiar with King Abdullah, Prime Minister and Ambassador to the “irredeemably flawed” agency that has appreciates the role of American Jewish but far more so with his late father, U.N., before making some introductory perpetuated the Palestinians’ refugee organizations in shaping perspectives King Hussein, who in 1994 with the remarks. Having attended prep school status since 1949. on Middle East policy and, specifically, help of President Bill Clinton, famously in England and the U.S., his English But on the subject of Jordan’s Jordan’s importance as a facilitator of negotiated the Israel-Jordan Peace is impeccable and his oratory skills role in helping to reduce instability in regional security and stability. Treaty with Prime Minister Yitzhak impressive. the region, Abdullah was disarmingly And lastly, recognizing the pivotal Rabin, which greatly reduced hostilities Also a consummate diplomat, forthcoming. He stressed the need for role of the US in the peace process, between the two countries and improved King Abdullah described Jordan’s collaboration with Israel and the US to I think Abdullah sees his country’s Jordan’s relationship with the U.S. relationship with Israel as “complicated”. exploit developing tensions between economic viability as being directly tied King Abdullah is an influential While there are bilateral issues that Russia and Iran, and pledged his to serious and effective negotiations peacemaker in his own right and is need to be worked out, he said, the two support for efforts to subdue the rise between the Palestinians and Israelis, known for promoting interfaith dialogue. countries are generally collaborative, of radical groups like Hezbollah and and the ultimate establishment of a two- Having spent most of his early career particularly on security and other ISIS that have gained strongholds in state solution to end the conflict. On this in the military, today he is regarded common regional threats (i.e. Iran). But Syria since rebels seized control of subject, I suspect the king is eager to Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks Non-Profit Organization Jewish Cultural Center, PO Box 14925 U.S. Postage PAID as a political moderate and a sponsor he quickly pointed out that cooperation the southwestern region, whichReading, PA 19612-4925shares talk to anyone who’s willingPermit No. 2 to listen. readingjewishcommunity.org Reading, PA of economic reform. Although Jordan today between the two countries does Change Service Requested is a constitutional monarchy, the king not extend in any meaningful way to Enriching Lives Volume 47, No. 9 September 2017 Elul 5777-Tishri 5778 retains wide domestic executive and cultural or economic exchange. And legislative powers. Externally, he has yet, with a landlocked geography, been instrumental in coordinating an he freely admits that any significant ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by0 the Jewish9 Federation1 of Reading/Berks7 important exchange of expertise among opportunities for Jordanians are linked A newspaper serving the Jewish community of Berks County, Your Federation Supports: regional and global governments to to free and open commerce with Israel. Pennsylvania, andJewish published Education monthly, September through June, under Food Pantry fight terrorism and violent extremism For this reason, and because the Jewish FederationFriendship Circle of Reading/Berks. Funded by the Annual Jewish through the Aqaba Process, a series it is home to more than 2 million Chevra Community Campaign.Community Shabbat of annual meetings launched in 2015. Palestinians, Jordan surely has a Reading Jewish Film Series PJ Library On Sept. 21, I ascended to the 36th vested interest in the peace process. General Offices:Jewish Family Service 1100 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 125 Jewish Cultural Center floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Abdullah acknowledges that, ultimately, Lakin Holocaust Library Wyomissing, PA 19610 & Resource Center

New York along with delegates from he will be an important interlocutor Phone: Israel & Overseas 610-921-0624 FAX: 610-929-0886 other national Jewish organizations. We once the much-anticipated U.S. plan Web site: Camp Scholarships www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org Israel Trips entered the outer hall of a conference is circulated among Arab leaders. But Jewish Community Jewish Federation Highof School Reading room that was equipped with a large in the meantime, the reality on the Emergency Support Chair: Lakin Preschool Haia Mazuz U-shaped table, on which name cards ground, he said, is that the burden of Richard J. Yashek Lecture and microphones had been placed absorbing more than 1 million Syrian President: Transportation William D. Franklin Maimonides Society in front of each seat. The collective refugees diverts attention from the Communications YourDirector: Jewish Legacy Mark Nemirow, Editor Proofreaders: 92ND ST Y Programs Federation staff expression of panic when we were Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Joint Distribution Committee Meir Panim asked to surrender our cellphones was Listening to the king articulate his Annual Campaign Jewish Agency for Israel at once pathetic and comical. We were concerns, it was clear that his otherwise The opinions expressed in ShalomYemin Orde are of the writers and not the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks arranged in a receiving line, waiting for sophisticated world view is informed by School Education Programs Interfaith Unity Council the king and his wife, Queen Rania, an Arab narrative. He professes to want Israel Advocacy Youth Events to enter. To my right was AIPAC’s peace but admits to being skeptical of Great Decisions Series Jewish Community president and to my left was the board hard-line positions he attributes to the Relations Council Community Holiday Programs chair of J-Street, the irony of which was current Israeli and U.S. administrations. Women’s Philanthropy not lost on me. While we waited, small “Beating up on one side,” he said, Jewish Federations of North America talk consisted mainly of kvetching about “won’t move the issue forward.” Counseling Services Leo Camp Lecture the Yom Kippur fast that week. At least Asked about the West Bank, Shabbat B’Yachad Page 4 SHALOM November 2018 Indian cinema theme for November film in series

By Amanda J. Hornberger first Miss India. Did you know that the 2,000-year-old By exploring the story of the Jewish Indian Jewish community helped shape Bollywood greats, “Shalom Bollywood” also Bollywood, the cinema industry in India, explores the theme of interfaith relations. when it began more than 100 years ago. In what is described as a land without anti- Learn more about this unique relationship in Semitism, the Jewish stars married Muslims the 2018 documentary “Shalom Bollywood” and Hindus, harmoniously sharing in each at the Reading Jewish Film Series. “Shalom other’s customs, as religious differences Bollywood” will be shown on Wednesday, were put aside in the pursuit of a shared goal November 28 at 7 p.m. at FOX EAST, 4350 and passion: making great films. “Shalom Perkiomen Avenue, Reading (next to Boscov’s Bollywood” is told with humor and insight and East). challenges the common understanding of what When Indian cinema began, it was taboo we mean by being a Jew and Indian. for Hindu and Muslim women to perform on The 2019 Reading Jewish Film Series screen, so for decades, Indian Jewish women is co-sponsored by the Rubin Educational took on female lead roles. Infused with music Fund of the Jewish Federation of Reading and dancing, the cheekily told documentary and Fox Theatres. Admission is $5 per film or unabashedly oozes Bollywood as it uses film $25 for the series of six films. All films will be Nov. 28 — “Shalom Bollywood: The Untold motifs to drive the narrative. shown on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. at Story of Indian Cinema” Told through the lives of “nice Jewish FOX EAST. Tickets can be purchased at the Jan. 9 — “An Act of Defiance” girls” who became icons at the heart of Indian theater beginning at 6:30 p.m. the day of the Feb. 6 — “And Then She Arrived” cinema from the turn of the 20th century to the screening, and series tickets can be bought March 6 — “Scandal in Ivansk”* present day, the film highlights Sulochana (aka at the JCC. Cash and checks are accepted. April 10 — “Heading Home: The Tale of Ruby Myers), arguably the greatest female The complete list of dates and films for Team Israel” superstar of Indian cinema and Pramila (aka the Reading Jewish Film Series can be found Esther Abraham) who became the country’s below: *Special event following screening PJ Library participants learn about fire safety, meet local heroes PJ Library offered a special tour of the Wyomissing Fire Department on Oct. 7 in honor of National Fire Prevention Week. Firefighters taught the children about fire safety, allow children to try on firefighting gear and provide a tour of the fire tools and equipment. To show our gratitude to our local firefighters families were asked to bring in a new or used coat for the Wyomissing Fire Department’s annual Coats for Kids Drive. PJ Library of Reading provides free Jewish-themed books and holds special events for local children. The local program is generously sponsored by the Sue B.

Center Jewish Cultural Viener Memorial Fund of Jewish Federation of Reading/ Berks. 92nd St. Y Programs Contact the Federation office to learn more about Game Nights how to participate in PJ Library.

Community Shabbat

Reading Jewish Film Series A delicious journey through Israel’s wine industry

Great Decisions Members of the community gathered Interfaith Mitzvah Day Oct. 20 at 555 Warwick Drive in Wyomissing Yom Ha’atzmaut to learn about Israeli PJ Library wine and sample four varieties — Chardonnay, PJ Our Way Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Leo Camp Lecture During this fun Tech Tuesday JCC event, local wine expert George Reppert Yom Hazikaron explained what makes Israeli wine so unique Art Exhibits and shared the history Yom Hashoah of winemaking in the country. Annual Meeting and Picnic

Purim Carnival

Richard J. Yashek

Memorial Lecture Congressional candidates pay visit to JCC The JCC gave Kristallnacht Remembrance the community an opportunity to hear from Youth Events Democratic candidates for Congress on Oct. 18. Purim Masquerade Party From left are 6th Congressional District Bridge candidate Chrissy Houlahan; 9th Chevra Congressional District candidate Denny Wolff Mahjong and moderator Jessica Leisawitz. Trips to NYC/Philadelphia Meet Republican Lakin Holocaust Library candidates on Thursday, Nov. 1 from 4:30- & Resource Center 5:30 pm at the JCC. Confirmed participants Shabbat B’yachad include Dan David, 4th Congressional District and Greg McCauley, 6th Community Calendar Congressional District.. November 2018 SHALOM Page 5 Chanukah on Ice kicks off community holiday celebrations

By Amanda J. Hornberger The entire community is invited to Kosher food options for dinner will smooze, enjoy the Jewish music and Join us for a fun evening to join the fun at Body Zone in Spring be available for purchase including marvel at the menorah made out of celebrate Chanukah at Chanukah on Township from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for warm soup, latkes and other treats. ice, even if you don’t skate! Ice on Sunday, Dec. 2, a joint event ice skating and warm Chanukah food. Chanukah on Ice is for all ages: RSVP is requested to office@ hosted by Chabad of Berks and the The cost is $10 per person, which seniors, youngsters and everyone chabadofberks.org or 610-921-0624 JCC. includes ice skate rental and snacks. in between are invited to attend and by Nov. 30. Interfaith service in Reading to commemorate Kristallnacht

By Amanda J. Hornberger Germany and throughout Europe. St., Reading. near Christ Episcopal Church as well as Each year our community We are fortunate to still have local The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with the M&T Bank parking lot (across the comes together for an interfaith Holocaust survivors who will once a circle of light, our way of bringing light street) and the parking garage by the commemoration and remembrance again be participating in this year’s to our community, on what was such a Abraham Lincoln Hotel a block away. of Kristallnacht, the night of broken commemoration through readings and dark night for German Jews. If you have questions or would glass, Nov. 9-10, 1938. lighting six memorial candles. The interfaith and moving service like more information about this Kristallnacht is seen by many Please join us on this special and begins at 7 p.m. Following the service a event, please contact Amanda at historians as the start of the Holocaust memorable evening on Thursday, Nov. light reception will be held. [email protected] or call 610- and the Nazis’ campaign of terror in 8, at Christ Episcopal Church, 435 Court There is street parking available 921-0624.

Family Volunteer Day: Helping refugee children

By Amanda J. Hornberger requested donations. Our goal is to Families are invited to join Jewish fill 50 backpacks to be delivered after Donations for Backpacks for Family Volunteer Day Federation of Reading/Berks and the Shabbat to ALDEA—The People’s Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom Justice Center in Reading. ALDEA will • Games or activities for children (specifically Social Action Committee for an evening deliver the backpacks to the immigrant of service prior to RCOS’ 7 p.m. children in need (about 50 children are anything good for a long car ride) Shabbat services on Friday, Nov. released per month, which is why that o Cards 16. We will be gathering for Family is our targeted amount). Coloring books and crayons Volunteer Day, a day of service that ALDEA provides quality pro bono or o celebrates the power of families who discounted legal representation across o I spy games work together to support their neighbors the state to immigrants. The concept o Books, magazines and neighborhoods. Family Volunteer of the ALDEA (village) is a community Puzzles, mazes or Sudoku books Day is a national initiative powered by of people living together and caring o generationOn and sponsored by The for each other’s needs. The mission • Snacks Walt Disney Company. of ALDEA is to provide a holistic o Granola bars Our project will tie in with the RCOS approach to meeting the multi-faceted Bags of pretzels, crackers, goldfish, Speakers Series event that evening. needs of our immigrant community o Following the service Jeff Gernsheimer members, including through legal, o Fruit pouches will be speaking about the experiences social, educational, and medical o Candy of his mother, Hilde, during World War services. • Small water bottles or juice boxes II and the Holocaust. As a Jewish With your help we can make a world refugee Hilde survived and thrived of difference to a refugee child living • Small toys thanks to the help and support she in Berks. If your family is interested in o Small stuffed animals received upon her arrival in England volunteering on Nov. 16, please email Yoyo and later the United States. For our [email protected] or call 610-921- o Family Volunteer Day project we will 0624 to RSVP by Nov. 15. We will serve o Lace boards be supporting refugees by creating a pizza dinner for all volunteers prior o Stickers backpack care packages for immigrant to Shabbat services. All families are • Backpacks children as they travel by bus between welcome, including young volunteers locations in the United States. ages 4 and up. All donations can be dropped off at Jewish Federation Join us at RCOS at 5:30 p.m. on For questions or more information Nov. 16 to help us stuff backpacks please contact Amanda Hornberger of Reading (1110 Berkshire Blvd. Suite 125 with games, toys, snacks and ([email protected]) at Jewish Wyomissing) or RCOS (555 Warwick Dr Wyomissing) drinks to entertain children on their Federation of Reading or Mimi Gavigan by November 16, 2018. long bus journeys across the U.S. ([email protected]) from RCOS Please see the accompanying list of Social Action Committee.

The Jewish roots of Curious George reform congregation Lifelong congregant Jeff Gernsheimer will oheb sholom presents tell the story of his mother Hilde’s escape from Nazi Germany. It’s a fascinating & important The Jewish account from a time when simply being able Federation of Reading- to tell your story meant you were . . . Berks joined forces with Exeter Community NOV. 16TH ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES Library for a pair of programs Oct. 7. Louise Borden, author of “The Journey that shabbat service at 7:00 pm Saved Curious George” speaker/oneg at 8:00 pm shared the story of Curious George’s Jewish creators, H.A. and Margaret Rey in separate programs for adults and children. She described the heroic journey that the Reys took out of France during World War II. The children’s program was sponsored by PJ Our Way, a JCC program generously funded by the Sue B. Viener Memorial Fund of JFR. Michelle and Leah Leisawitz create a tile mosaic. Page 6 SHALOM November 2018 Event offers introduction to Medicare By Sari Incledon, M. Ed. If retirement is something that you are considering in the near future, you may want to join us at the JCC on Wednesday, e Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. for a Basic Introduction to Medicare. Phyllis

c Dessel who is retired from the Berks County i Area Office of Aging, will be providing advice and information for those who are new to Medicare. You will learn about all v parts of Medicare: A. Hospital Insurance B. Medical Insurance r C. Medicare Advantage plans D. Prescription Drug plans This event is free and all are invited. Ellen Schwartz leads a program on genealogical research at Jewifh Family Service’s Friendship Circle.

e Please RSVP to Sari by Nov. 2 by calling roots (especially woman relatives’ maiden about the “good old days” I told my 610-921-0624 or email [email protected] names). grandson that when I was his age we Share Your Story Ellen provided all the attendees with didn’t have microwaves, cellphones and A special thank you goes to Ellen a multi-page interview report form with computers. His response was, “How did S Schwartz for appearing at an October spaces that can be filled out to serve as you send emails?” Talking about our early Friendship Circle meeting to share the a guide for recording family history. Our lives with our children and grandchildren genealogical work she has done to learn experiences are very different from those can be a valuable educational experience about her ancestors and those of her of our grandchildren’s, and they may as well as a way to bond and get to know husband, Paul. In a Power Point lecture be fascinated by what we remember of each other. l y she introduced us to various genealogical our early lives. The interview report has If you are interested in sharing your websites that she used. spaces for memories from school, dating past with your descendants and would like i She also stressed the importance of years, holiday celebrations, first jobs, an interview reporting form, call us and recording the names and geographical siblings and kin and many other things we would be happy to give you one. It is locations of our family members to assist that would enrich understanding of the a good way to enhance intergenerational future generations in learning about their world we grew up in. In a conversation communication.

m More fun and learning at Friendship Circle a F h

Jennie Saft, left, attends Friendship Circle with her granddaughter Laine Heisler, who spoke of her experiences as a nuclear electrician aboard a Navy submarine. Laine was a Friendship Circle regular when she lived in Reading, bringing her Bubbie every Thursday afternoon and acting as our tech and game expert. ewi s J

Food Pantry

Friendship Circle

Counseling Services

Transportation

Financial Assistance

Hospital and

Home Visitations

Living with Loss

Information and

Referral

Case Management

Holiday Programs

Musician Steven Barth entertains Friendship Circle. Jewish Family Service’s Friendship Circle program offers weekly programming Thursdays at 1 p.m. at the JCC. See the CenterPiece to learn more. November 2018 SHALOM Page 7 The power of community on display all month

October was filled with exciting events. All made possible because or you and your donations to Federation’s Community Campaign. Adults and children alike had a chance to learn the fascinating Jewish story behind beloved children’s character Curious George. Ruth Messinger inspired people throughout the Berks County community with a series of local appearances. There was an evening devoted to enjoying and learning about Israeli wine. The youngest members of the community got to tour the Wyomissing Fire Department and gain a valuable lesson about fire safety. And the JCC hosted local congressional candidates so the community could learn more about them. These and other great activities take place all year long, bringing our community together for education, fun and inspiration. To learn more about upcoming programs or our Jewish Community Campaign visit ReadingJewishCommunity.org or call 610.921.0624. Tasting and learning about Israeli wine Candidates Night

Israeli wine was the star at a JCC event in Wyomissing. Judith Kraines, left, with congressional candidate Chrissy Houlahan at the JCC. Pulling together for Shabbat B’Yachad Inspiring days with Ruth Messinger

Families meet at the JCC for the Federation’s Shabbat B’Yachad program when plans for Activist Ruth Messinger delivers a talk at the Jewish Federation’s annual Leadership Gifts event, the kickoff for our Annual Shabbat dinners in people’s homes had to be changed. Community spirit made it possible. Campaign. Inside the world of Curious George PJ Library fire station tour

Paul Schwartz meets the star of the show at an educational event co-sponsored by Federation in conjunction John Teaford was among the PJ Library participants who toured the Wyomissing Fire Department with program host Exeter Community Library. and learned all about fire safety while meeting some hometown heroes. Page 8 SHALOM November 2018 How do we motivate our students in JCHS?

By Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner Reading Jewish Community High School Community members may wonder how we motivate students in our Jewish Community High School, where we don’t send home grades and offer supplementary resources only for those who want to follow up a class discussion or unanswered question. How can we motivate students to attend regularly, participate in class discussions/debates and even occasional art and cooking/baking? Teens don’t respond well to punishment, fear and even some extrinsic rewards. A contemporary writer and consultant on teens is Ana Homayoun, and a while ago posted an article that I believe is good for parents, a community Rabbi Dov leads a Better Together session of students and seniors. concerned for a school such as JCHS and for those of us teaching. Please consider the following observations she makes: We know that teens are concerned with their identity and “self,” but much of the world in which they are asked to function doesn’t always support their confidence in their ability to make healthy and good decisions. We are here to assist in that task and bring to them supportive Jewish values and encourage them to take a chance and express an opinion, share a judgment and know that we will listen. We may not always agree,

but they will not be put down, as our h Education classrooms are a safe space in which to grow and express themselves. Karen Checkamian and Talia Spillerman share thoughts during Better Together at Jewish Community High School. If we want our youth to make reliable and safe decisions, we have to be with school and community. to pursue those interests can also help helpful in inculcating intrinsic rather • Focus on daily habits. Learning them connect what they learn in school than extrinsic rewards and a “feel good” how to manage these is essential. to life outside the classroom. moment. High school students sometimes feel • Rethink goal-setting strategies. She wrote: “Psychologists Edward pressured to choose more rigorous Students who come up with their own Deci and Richard Ryan’s self- classes than might be appropriate for semester- or year-long goals, and then determination theory looks at what them because they are worried about write about how and why those goals motivates people in making choices. college admissions. When that happens, are important, can feel a greater sense The theory assumes that humans are external motivators and indicators of of control over their learning. naturally curious to learn and develop success (for example, grades and test • Help each one to find some time knowledge, and it considers autonomy scores) gain a disproportionate amount for themselves. Today’s students face ewi s (a sense of control over learning), of influence over a student’s feelings two major time challenges. (1) they are competence (an ability to handle of competency. This can cause them to often so overscheduled that they have challenging tasks) and relatedness overlook how much choice and control no free time or space to figure out what (feeling a sense of belonging) to be key they can and do have in their daily they enjoy doing; (2) they receive so J building blocks in developing an internal habits. That control promotes autonomy. many external messages online and in motivation to do the right thing.” Students feel competent when they are real life about how they should look, act Camp Scholarships And so we have five elementary appropriately challenged without being and be that few of them feel sufficiently strategies to achieve these goals: overwhelmed. self-confident or figure out their talents, Israel Trips • Learning that we all have individual • Allow and support them in their abilities and interests. choices. For most of our youth, they pursuit of an interest or passion. But no one can do this alone. Jewish Community do have options in choices. e.g. their Encourage students to identify interests Please encourage your teens to try High School time, their priorities in extracurricular and abilities that in turn will highlight to the JCHS for what we can do for and activities, and how they relate personally them their competence. Allowing them with them. Lakin Preschool

Better Together Helping at Opportunity House

Join us next time! November 17th at 10:00 am bbat tShA musical,a story-filled, interactive hour for o children through grade 2. Bring your family & TMembers and non-members are invited. No registration is required. friends to celebrate with Rabbi Michelson Tot Shabbat services are held & stay for a pint-sized oneg of juice, challah, Saturday mornings at 10:00 am at fruit, & child-friendly treats! Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, 555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing FUTURE TOT SHABBAT DATES: * unless noted. Please call the Dec.ember 15 , January 12, February 23 Temple office with any questions, Mar.ch 23*, April 13, May 18, & June 8

610.375.6034. * Intergenerational Tot Shabbat at The Highlands

Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom Religious School students were part of an interfaith group of young people who helped prepare and serve lunch at Opportunity House. November 2018 SHALOM Page 9 Remember to pause and give thanks By Rabbi Yosef Lipsker something you wanted, or needed. You advance, but then he says something concrete action. Chabad Center of Berks County show appreciation by saying “thanks.” very powerful: So this Thanksgiving, let’s be thankful. It’s so easy to take A more advanced way to express “If I return in peace … everything that But let’s take it even further. the gifts that we have our gratitude is to say “TIA,” thanks You give me, I will surely tithe to You.” “Thank you G‑d for giving me for granted. To let the in advance. Why wait until you’ve This is the highest form of thanks: not wonderful children. I will do my best to hustle and bustle of life actually received the gift or positive only to recognize and appreciate what raise them in a way that will make You occupy every single act to acknowledge the good coming you have but to show how this gift is so happy”. moment, with no time your way? meaningful to you by doing something “Thank you for the nice house you left to express our Perhaps the highest level of thanks special, something holy, with that gift. gave me. I will use it to host others”. gratitude. is the one demonstrated by our Personally, nothing touches my heart “I am so appreciative of the car I have, We need to pause. forefather Jacob. As he is preparing more than a heartfelt appreciation for I will use it do many good things”. To recognize. To say for a dangerous journey to a new land, what I do for people, when in turn, they “Thank you for my wonderful life, I “thank you.” the land of Haran, all he wants is to tell me they’re going to do something will dedicate more time to helping people There are three types of thank you. make it back home alive, to “return in significant to change for the positive. less fortunate”. The basic one is to express our peace to my father’s house.” This is appreciation in the deepest form Happy Thanksgiving to you and all thanks after the fact. Someone gave you So he prays, and he is grateful in — actually expressing your thanks in your loved ones!

LOCAL CONGREGATIONS AND SERVICE TIMES Jewish Food CHABAD CENTER OF BERKS COUNTY (610) 921-0881 Saturday mornings: 9:30 a.m.; Friday evenings: 6:30 p.m. KESHER ZION SYNAGOGUE (610) 374-1763 and Cultural Festival Weekly services Saturdays: 9:30 a.m.; Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. REFORM CONGREGATION OHEB SHOLOM (610) 375-6034 Friday, Nov. 2: Shabbat service, 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, Fridays, Nov. 9, 23 and 30: Shabbat service, 7:45 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16: Service at 7 p.m. followed by Oneg Speaker Saturday, Nov. 17: Tot Shabbat, 10 a.m. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21: Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, 7 p.m., at Immanuel UCC, Shillington Featuring brisket, chicken, CONGREGATION SHOMREI HABRITH deli sandwiches, falafel, blintzes, knishes and much, much more! Join Rabbi Michelson for Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, Lunch and Learn 555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing at Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom Tuesday, Dec. 11th 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Catered lunch from Wegman’s featuring bagels, cream cheese, lox, one side salad, drinks, & dessert. L EARN $10 per person. Your check is your reservation. & Please submit payment to the Temple office by Friday, Dec. 7th. Bring your friends! Members & non-members welcome. Transportation available from The Highlands. Please contact Catrina at 484.628.7662. LUNCH Page 10 SHALOM November 2018 Israel Book Group: Natan Sharansky’s ‘Case for Democracy’

By Moisey Schneider that was critical of the freedom deficit considered a bigger violator of human a dictator to the chaos of democracy. The & Andi Franklin in the Arab world. The Arab Human rights than countries where there is no Road Map to Peace keeps the vision of Natan Sharansky is a former Soviet Development Report concluded that the freedom of speech, no freedom of press two states living side by side but discards Union political prisoner and champion of wave of democracy in the 1980s that and no freedom of religion. the idea of democracy. Now, 25 years democracy and freedom. Arresting for his transformed governments throughout the On April 4, 2002, President George after the Oslo agreement, the violence application for Aliyah, his trial turned into world has barely reached the Arab states. W. Bush made a speech in which he said, has increased, more than 1,600 Israelis a broad indictment of the entire Jewish Sharansky explains that in a non- “The Palestinians deserve a government have been murdered in terrorist attacks, movement in the Soviet Union and he democratic “fear society,” leaders are not that respects human rights and focuses and peace is even farther away. was sentenced to 13 years in prison. The accountable to their people. They need on the needs, education and health Peace will only happen when the world Jews in the crowd, surrounded by police, to create an external enemy to justify care of the Palestinian people rather democratic leaders, especially in the U.S. sang “Hatikvah” as he was carried to their people’s misery, thereby ensuring than feeding their resentments.” For and Israel, insist on the democratization prison. From prison he wrote: “I am happy their stay in power. A non-democratic Sharansky it was a breakthrough. He of the Middle East. The United States that I lived honestly in peace with my government will never make a true peace was astonished that the U.S. president must recognize that our freedoms are a conscience. I never compromised my soul, since it will always need that external was expressing concern not only for how beacon of hope to all oppressed peoples my Jewish identity, even under the threat enemy. He points out that this is a universal the Palestinians were being treated by of the world and the source of our power of death.” Isolated in his cell, every Friday characteristic of tyrannies. To combat this, Israel but also for how they were treated in negotiations. Sharansky strongly urges night, with a Kippah on his head knitted a link needs to be made between a free by their own government. “those of us living in freedom to fight for from his Christian cellmate’s socks, he lit society’s support for a fear society and its Two months later, Bush delivered a those who are not.” With this book, he a piece of string dipped in oil, consoling move towards freedom and democracy. follow-up speech in which he turned his Sharansky became the moral compass himself with the Hebrew prayer. Sharansky writes that many hoped back on the Arafat dictatorship. He spoke for our people and our time. For his courageous struggle against that the Palestine Liberation Organization of the Palestinians’ right to live in a free Sharansky felt that this book was tyranny he was awarded the Congressional Chairman Yasser Arafat would fight society with democracy and the rule of necessary but not sufficient to accomplish Gold Medal. For the past nine years he has against terrorist organizations, such as law, saying, “Prosperity and freedom the peace, freedom and security he served as Israel’s deputy prime minister Hamas, and make peace with Israel, only are universal human hopes.” Sharansky hopes for, and he went on to write and minister for Jerusalem and Diaspora to be proved wrong time and time again. believed Bush’s speech finally would “Defending Identity: Its Indispensable Affairs. The absence of democracy will always dispel the illusion that peace can be made Role in Protecting Democracy.” It was the In “The Case for Democracy” he offers represent a threat. The continuation of with a dictator. necessary completion of his work. the unique perspective of his experiences a peace process that negotiates with a The U.S. State Department continues Therefore, the Israel Book Group will to make his case for democracy. He tyrant will always be futile. Continuing to to be deeply skeptical about the possibility be meeting to discuss it Wednesday Nov. exposes the inner workings of a “fear give concessions without demanding an of democratic reform in undemocratic 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the home of Andi and society” and explains why democracy — a increased level of democracy will prevent ‘fear societies’, preferring the stability of Bill Franklin. All are welcome. ‘free society’ — is not beyond any nation. peace and diminish security. Ironically, He writes, “I am convinced that freedom by conferring legitimacy on Arafat and by everywhere will make the world secure calling on others to do the same, the Israeli and that all people desire to be free.” government contributed to the failure of the Sharansky argues that peace can only peace process but also to a lack of moral be made with a democratic society and clarity. In a world that does not recognize explains what can be done to promote it the moral difference between free and fear around the world and in the Middle East. societies, Arafat had a huge advantage, as He writes that the absence of freedom all tyrants do. Oppressed people, striving Call Today for Your Complimentary Consultation 610-376-3956 in the Arab world is so acute today that for freedom, cannot prepare themselves 311 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 19611 BarrerAndWhite.com even Arab scholars, who are not generally for the disappointment that comes from known for their willingness to confront the seeing the free world abandoning its own James G. Barrer, DMD Douglas W. White, DMD failings of their own societies, prepared a values when relating to fear societies. document under the auspices of the U.N. No moral clarity exists when Israel is November 2018 SHALOM Page 11 Local Romeos meet for lunch

By Art Fischman is an initial roster of 10 men who A group of men calling themselves meet on the first Tuesday of each Romeos has inaugurated a monthly month at the Wyomissing Restaurant. social luncheon meeting. Members have stated that it is a great Not designed for discussions of opportunity to socialize, interchange their romantic endeavors or conquests, opinions and even keep the cognitive this Romeo stands for Retired Old Men facilities active. Eating Out. The next meeting will be Tuesday, Conceived by the Jewish Nov. 1 at noon. New members are Federation and Bob Caster, there welcome. Incendiary disaster at border

Over the past six months some animals perished in the fires. 3,000 acres of farmland and woodland The data was provided by KKL’s have been burned in fires caused by (Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael -Jewish incendiary kites and balloons flown National Fund ) foresters in the Cheshvan-Kislev November� from Gaza into Israel. Forests in the western Negev area, who have been Gaza border area saw 1,053 fires that constantly on call over the past six consumed countless of trees. The months, arriving at the scene the Shabbat Candle Lightings Torah Portions majority of the conflagrations erupted minute they receive a report about a in the Be’eri forest, which suffered 452 fire breaking out. November 2 November 3/Cheshvan 25 5:42 p.m. Chayei Sarah (Genesis 23:1-25:18) fires, while 353 fires broke out in the “The nature in the Gaza border Kissufim Forest. communities has been severely November 9 November 10/Kislev 2 The Shokeda Forest saw 75 fires, damaged,” one of the firefighters in 4:34 p.m. Toldot (Genesis 25:19-28:9) while 31 fires erupted in the Hannun the area said.”In my opinion, when rain

November 16 November 17/Kislev 9 Forest and 29 fires scorched the comes, we’ll be able to know what can 4:28 p.m. Vayetze (Genesis 28:10-32:3) HaBesor Stream Forest. Many trees be renewed. This is a severe blow to were significantly damaged and their nature. Where once people set under November 23 November 24/Kislev 16 rehabilitation is expected to take trees, everything is scorched now,” he 4:23 p.m. Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4-36:43) years. Furthermore, hundreds of wild lamented. November 30 4:21 p.m.

READING HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI Classes 1940-1970 Pep Rally Monday, November 26 11:30am-1:30pm at 803 Penn Street, Reading Join us for a good ol’ fashioned school-themed lunch and pep rally featuring the RHS basketball team!

Limited Seating. RSVP to 610-616-5112.

Independent Living & Personal Care with No Buy-In Fees! 803 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601 • www.manoratms.com Page 12 SHALOM November 2018 New law could aid Meir Panim’s efforts to fight hunger Nearly one-fifth of or obvious and intentional support from local dollars One visitor to Meir Panim’s Israelis are living with food negligence.” contributed to the Jewish restaurant-style soup kitchen insecurity. They are often Such a change would Federation of Reading’s Israel – an immigrant from France hungry and their nutrition encourage the rescue of Now campaign. — explained: “Sometimes requirements go unmet. would-be food waste into According to Binyomin people have to go to a soup Meanwhile, more than a third donations for the poor, while Ibenbaum, Manager of kitchen because they pass of all food produced in Israel protecting donors from civil Operations and Vice President through difficult times and are is wasted; half of it is thrown and criminal liability. “There of Development, adopting this trying to support themselves out though still salvageable are many organizations that law could mean multiplying financially. There are ups and for consumption. are interested in donating Meir Panim’s capabilities, downs in life, and when there Members of Knesset in surplus food, but due to their feeding thousands more are downs, they come here – cooperation with Leket Israel concerns and fears of liability, needy in Israel and minimizing they come to a soup kitchen.” – The National Food Bank — they destroy the food rather the number of those living with She said people who go to have proposed a bill to address than donate it to the people food insecurity. soup kitchens would benefit this market failure. After years who need it most,” Maklev “Sourcing the meals from from a greater availability of of stalling in Israel’s ministry said. “It is our obligation to Israel’s National Food Bank, food around Israel. of justice, the bill is moving help and encourage anyone Meir Panim would be better In addition, reducing waste forward in the Knesset. who wants to donate and not able to serve the needy in could bring prices of food The measure seeks to to prevent it,” Maklev said. Israel if this law passes,” he down for all Israelis. Maklev minimize liability in food By rescuing just 20 percent said. “On a personal level, food maintained that those who donations.“The main concern of the food wasted in Israel is not only nutrition, but also a have plenty are far removed has been who is responsible annually, the problem of food source of hope for a brighter from the reality of those if a person eats tainted food,” security could disappear. future for disadvantaged without. explained Uri Maklev. “Is it the Meir Panim, an organization men, women, children and “What other data is needed organization that donated the established to alleviate and Holocaust survivors. A hot to wake up the same officials food? Our bill seeks to remove diminish the harmful effects meal could be the difference about the segment of Israel’s this responsibility and only of poverty on thousands of between the cycle of poverty population that is hungry for seek retribution against an Israelis, offers restaurant- and becoming active, self- bread?” Makev asked, noting organization in cases where style soup kitchens throughout sufficient members of Israeli that, “It is a Jewish value not there is clear criminal activity Israel and operates with society.” to waste.”

Overseas Yemin Orde aids in woman’s journey from Iran to Israel

Tamara Shein Shneor, Tamara said. “I had low packages for graduate- 40, grew up in a difficult self-esteem because I had soldiers, career guidance, family environment in Tehran, suffered so much instability networking opportunities, alleviated only by a brief as a child. Chaim Peri, who reunions and a place to hold break with relatives in the was Yemin Orde Director at special events and life-cycle United States. Her childhood that time, believed in me no celebrations. experiences taught her to matter how I behaved.” Following military service, be self-reliant, and to adapt Tamara credits the Tamara studied criminology, to language and culture Village’s caring and psychology and sociology transitions.As a teenager, supportive environment at Bar Ilan University, with Tamara managed to find with providing her with the the intent to serve in Israel’s her way to Israel, alone, in stability, education and Police Force. Today she is search of a safe haven to confidence needed to build an investigator and works in call home. and strengthen her self- the field of domestic violence. Tamara’s journey of esteem.“I will never forget “I decided to become a self-discovery and healing the moment that I realized police officer in order to give started when she was that everyone at Yemin Orde back to society and to serve welcomed to Yemin Orde believes in me. I could be rude justice. In my life and work, I & I srael Youth Village shortly after or skipping school, but deep am influenced by the people she arrived in Israel. Yemin inside I knew I was safe and from Yemin Orde in many Jewish Agency Orde is supported with local wanted at the Village. This is ways. I have learned to be dollars through the Jewish a very important feeling for a Tamara Shein Shneor humble and to have respect for Israel Federation of Reading’s child, to know that he or she and beyond, providing for everything: for food, for Israel Now campaign. won’t be abandoned because accommodations in the yourself, for others,” Tamara Yemin Orde At Yemin Orde, Tamara he or she was naughty.” Village as a graduate, and said. “Today, I am on the Jewish Federations faced another new set After high school, Tamara purchasing supplies for her other side of where I was as of language and cultural joined the Israel Defense first apartment. a youth. I am okay because of North America challenges as well as a new Forces, serving in a Combat The Village’s Graduate of Chaim Peri and the people way of living and learning Engineering Unit in the Program provides support at Yemin Orde and how they Joint Distribution that would, ultimately, be life- Golan Heights. Yemin Orde — financial and emotional believed in me.” Committee saving and transformative. continued emotional and — to its graduates well into Tamara lives in Barkan “My life changed when financial support for Tamara adulthood. Additionally, with her husband and three Meir Panim I arrived at Yemin Orde,” during her IDF service Yemin Orde provides care children. November 2018 SHALOM Page 13 *

A Mitzvah a Day Enjoy a month of mitzvot with your family. Just print this checklist and try a new activity each day. There are 30 activities total – that’s one for each day of the month – to inspire your family to do a mitzvah each day.

Invite someone new to Shabbat Visit residents at a nursing home and read welcoming guests stories together honoring the elderly

Clean out the closet and donate Interview a grandparent, aunt, or uncle, and clothes you don’t wear write down their story clothing the needy, tzedakah passing on traditions, honoring elders

Make a “Get Well Card” for a friend Settle an argument between siblings or who doesn’t feel well visiting the sick friends peace, respect

Help a bug find its way outside Plant a tree caring for the environment kindness to animals Pay for someone else’s lunch loving others Help a parent with a chore respecting parents Write “thank you” notes gratitude

Volunteer at a soup kitchen Make no-sew blankets and donate them respecting the poor to a shelter tikkun olam

High five someone from the other team Send care packages to deployed soldiers and say “good game,” even if you lose. tikkun olam honoring friends, cooperation Count your blessings gratitude Share your favorite toy with a friend or sibling not coveting Introduce yourself to a new neighbor welcoming guests Compliment someone respect, joy Put toys away Sit with a lonely kid at lunch peace in the home, honoring parents friendship, tikkun olam Decorate “no-slip” socks to donate Collect canned goods for a food bank to hospitals or nursing homes feeding the hungry tikkun olam, visiting the sick

Sort the recycling Participate in a local park or beach cleanup not wasting needlessly caring for the environment, tikkun olam

Help a friend find something they’ve Turn old tshirts into something new, like a misplaced returning lost objects grocery bag or pillow not wasting needlessly Invite a new classmate to sit with you at lunch welcoming guests Grab a few friends and pack lunches for a shelter feeding the hungry Make a bird feeder kindness to animals Page 14 SHALOM November 2018 Music and Jewish humor

By Scott Goldberg parodying a classic song about the were culturally Jewish, but not The following are excerpts from Union Army during the Civil War and religious. As Lehrer would put it, a paper written by Scott Goldberg, instead making it the story of a lone “More to do with the delicatessen son of Debbie and David Goldberg, American worker, he creates a joke than the synagogue.” Lehrer went while he attended Northwestern that everyone can laugh at. This to Harvard, where he earned University. Scott is in Hawaii working song is a coping mechanism for how bachelor’s and master’s degrees in on his master’s degree. A full Jews and many other immigrants mathematics. Performing started as version of the paper is available were treated in America at the turn a side job for him, but he became by contacting Bill Franklin at the of the 20th century, and especially to popular and went on to make his Federation office, 610-921-0624 or reference the 146 workers who died musical career a full-time occupation. [email protected]. in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire His songs are filled with sarcasm Everyone has their own list of in 1911. While the name of Harry and satire, and often a Jewish sense things that come to mind when one Lewis makes the song seem Jewish, of humor. An example of this is the thinks of Jewish culture, however, the nature of America as a nation of song “National Brotherhood Week,” there is at least one idea that is immigrants means a song like this a song originally written for the TV universally shared, humor. Whether could hold universal appeal. show “That Was The Week That by watching “Seinfeld,” “The Daily Perhaps one of Sherman’s best Was.” This song pokes fun at and Show” or many stand-up comedians, Scott Goldberg examples of a song acting as a coping decries the hatred and xenophobia most Americans have been exposed sorrow of an ethnic group which has, mechanism for Jews is “Harvey and in America while employing a Jewish to the Jewish sense of humor. This for 4,000 years, been forced to live Sheila”. This song is set to the tune sense of humor about it. Even should not be surprising as it has apart, to develop a distinction which has of “Hava Nagila,” a popular Jewish though it uses Jewish humor, it is been estimated that during some incited contempt, racism, slaughter and song that had become common not primarily making fun of or about periods in American history, Jews which has developed unique aspects in American culture. “Harvey and Jews. Jewish humor is characterized made up around 80 percent of of endurance and fortitude.” In other Sheila” is a song about Jewish by self-deprecation and sarcasm. It professional comedians. Humor can words, Jews are unified by a shared assimilation in America, a message is generally assumed that the self- appear to be almost as important to history of persecution, so it is only that comes from both the lyrics and deprecation is pointed toward Jews, the Jewish identity as Shabbat and natural that there is not only a shared music. The lyrics tell the story of but in truth it has to be about a group the Torah. The reason for this comes coping mechanism, but also that said Harvey and Sheila, two names that with which one identifies. In this from the fact that humor is a coping mechanism is an important part of our are common in Jewish communities, case, Lehrer is making fun of himself mechanism. Since one of the most culture. who work at small-time jobs. They more as an American than as a Jew: unifying aspects of Jewish culture Allan Sherman was born in meet each other, fall in love, marry, “All of my folks hate all of your folks, is our shared history of tragedy and Chicago in 1924 to Jewish-American move to west Los Angeles and it’s American as apple pie.” It is no sorrow, the importance of a universal parents. He had an incredibly becoming incredibly successful. accident that even when not writing coping mechanism makes sense. successful singing career that This song is filled with subtle hints what is necessarily a Jewish song, Before one can truly discuss the focused on original comedic songs that inform the listener that there he still needs to bring Judaism up importance of Jewish humor, one as well as parodies of popular folk is more here than the story of the with the line, “and everybody hates must first begin to discuss what songs, which often had a hint of American dream. The last line of the the Jews.” The reason for this is makes a joke distinctly Jewish Jewish culture. One of his more well song is “This could be only in the probably as much his upbringing as humor versus just another joke. know songs today is “Hello Mudduh, USA. ”It tells how only in America how much Jewish history is defined While there is no one definition, Hello Fadduh!” and is supposed to can Jews get past the persecution by xenophobia and hatred, the topic there are many key elements to it. be a letter from a child at a summer they experienced in Europe and be of his song. This song uses Jewish Two of the most important recurring camp complaining to his parents. successful. Here in America, a Jew humor and addresses a topic Jews themes are the fact that Jewish It is heavily implied to be a Jewish can go far, but the song reminds the understand very well, but it’s not humor is often self-deprecatory summer camp. What made his audience that it comes at a price. necessarily a Jewish song. This last and sarcastic. The first part may be work so appealing to Jews and non- While only in America can a Jew line is the only bit of self-deprecation self-evident to some and confusing Jews is that the lyrics have a broad meet success, he or she must lose aimed at the fact that he is Jewish, to others. Many Jewish jokes mock appeal. Every parent has had to part of their Jewish identity. It almost but it is also part of the coping parts of Jewish culture: Jews cannot deal with endless complaints from sounds like the complaint of some nature of the song. Sure, everyone agree on anything, Jews are meek, their kids. By not making the song old New York Jew, “back in Europe hates Jews, but as the song points so on and so forth. explicitly Jewish, and pairing it with we had our culture and our identity, out: nobody likes anybody, so Jews It is important to establish Jewish an upbeat tune, it can hold general sure we were poor, but we were our are no different in that regard. This humor as a Jewish value understand appeal while still being “Jewish own people.” Between lyrics that song also helps as a coping song by why comedic songs resonate so enough” for Jews to enjoy it even highlight the tradeoff many Jews taking a topic that can be very hard strongly with Jews. The Jewish people more. have made to gain success and an to discuss and making it funny and have a long history that has been filled “The Ballad of Harry Lewis” takes assimilated song, Sherman helps more approachable. with suffering, and humor is a powerful this even farther by parodying an Jews cope with the fact that many For the Jewish people humor is coping mechanism. As explained by the incredibly well recognizable song. feared that they were losing their a powerful and important coping ethnomusicologist Alex S. Freedman, Jew or non-Jew, it is hard not to identity, by poking fun at it. mechanism which communicates “Here is unity of all branches of smirk when Sherman first sings The other artist this paper will important messages which can help Judaism-Conservatism, Orthodoxy, “Glory, Glory Harry Lewis” in place discuss is Tom Lehrer. Born in audiences cope, laugh, or see the and Reform. Here is the humor and of “Glory, Glory Hallelujah.” By Manhattan during 1928, his parents world in a different way.

RCOS group takes part in CROP Walk

Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom had a team of walkers at the Oct. 7 Berks CROP walk to raise funds against poverty From left are Josh, Bruce and Piyali Cole, Margo Levin, Barb Rosenzweig and Jeff Lupowitz. November 2018 SHALOM Page 15 Jewish 2019 Summer Camp Financial Assistance Program

It’s time to think about your youth’s the appropriate camp and synagogue of financial support Family income Range — $40,000- participation in Jewish summer camps the potential applicant and the potential c) Students submit short essay to $59,999; Parents’ Portion — 25 percent in 2019. Continuing last year’s pilot need for financial assistance; be submitted with financial aid request Family income Range — $60,000- financial assistance program, the • For families requiring financial application on why they want to attend $89,999; Parents’ Portion — 50 percent Jewish Federation of Reading will assistance, JFR will work with parents camp Family income Range — $90,000- work collaboratively with parents, for payment registration deposit; JFR d) Camper submit and/or present $125,000; Parents’ Portion —75 percent our synagogues and Jewish summer will fund as ‘first’ dollars if necessary; short synopses of experiences & value To learn more: camps to ensure that every child who deposits are refundable after camp session The information and financial wants to attend, can do so. Requirements: Financial support: assistance application are available Key aspects are: a) JFR member JFR Jewish Camp Funding Levels on the JFR web site. Please contact Bill • JFR will act as the central b) Synagogue members (at some Family income Range — $30,000- Franklin at 610-921-0624 or williamf@ application entry point and will notify level) to be eligible for synagogue $39,999; Parents’ Portion ­—10 percent jfreading.org if you have any questions. UNESCO calls key Jewish sites part of ‘Occupied Palestine’

The PX Commission of the Executive the security fence, deplore the destruction as head of UNESCO, a compromise was Samuels told The Jerusalem Post that Board of UNESCO has adopted of Palestinian schools, including in the achieved, with the resolutions adopted as “the Israeli Foreign Ministry has accepted resolutions stating that the Tomb of village Khan al-Ahmar and regret Israel’s an annex, and not inside the body of the last year the compromise of the annex, the Patriarchs in Hebron and Rachel’s excavation projects in east Jerusalem. text. This was the case today as well. but on the backdrop of Israel’s decision Tomb in Bethlehem are “an integral part UNESCO’s assistant director- Israel’s ambassador to UNESCO to leave the agency; since Israel was of the Occupied Palestinian territory” general for external relations, Nicolas at the time, Carmel Shama-Hacohen, leaving there was not much point of and condemning the construction of Kassianides, said the resolutions were welcomed the compromise, noting that arguing about that.” the security fence and “other measures adopted following close consultations Azoulay was taking significant steps to “But the big question is: what now?” aimed at altering the character, status between the member states, and change the body’s traditional anti-Israeli Samuels said. “What will happen after and demographic composition of the welcoming “the spirit of constructive approach. Last April, UNESCO again Israel leaves? I believe that the role of all Occupied Palestinian territory.” dialogue that enabled to reach a delayed adopting any resolution on the the Jewish groups accredited to UNESCO Both resolutions were sponsored by consensus.” Kassianides further said the issue, with Ambassador Shama-Hacohen will become significantly more important, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, adoption of the resolution by consensus Nevertheless, Israel did not back in confronting such challenges.” Samuels Qatar and Sudan, and were approved “confirms the positive momentum that down on its decision to exit the body noted that Azoulay is keen on enhancing within minutes at the commission’s started last year, especially on this by December this year, in parallel with the agency’s relations with the Jewish meeting, which includes the 59 members subject which is very sensitive,” hailing the U.S. quitting the agency. Prime world, but that without Israel as a member of UNESCO’s Executive Committee, of in particularly efforts by the Palestinians, Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated state, this might prove difficult. Still, the which Israel is not a member. Jordan and Israel to reach agreement. Israel’s intention of leaving UNESCO in Jewish organizations are committed to The resolutions also refer to Israel as Over the years, UNESCO included both September. Netanyahu commented that “in take up the job of defending the cause “occupier” and condemn “Israeli army items in the final text adopted annually by withdrawing from UNESCO in 2017, Israel of Israel and world Jewry in UNESCO. violations against Palestinian universities the agency’s Executive Committee. But and the United States made a clear moral Representative of B’nai B’rith and schools,” criticize the construction of when Audrey Azoulay took office last year statement that UNESCO’s antisemitism Stephane Teicher told the Post that will no longer be tolerated. If and when while he regrets Israel’s decision to quit UNESCO ends its bias against Israel, stops UNESCO, he understands the reasoning 2018-19 Jewish Community Calendar denying history and starts standing up for behind it. “These resolutions are bound the truth, Israel will be honored to rejoin.” to reappe Corrections/Updates Director for international relations of the Simon Wiesenthal Center Dr. Shimon ar every year, unless Israel is granted Additions to address Anne Ackner – Change apt. # to 911 Marcia Gross – add zip code 20852 Nancy Kozloff – add Apt. 6 Ronald & Sandra Miller – add Apt. 1118 – Wyomissing 19610

Change of Address Norman Burton – 5101 Diehl Road – Mohnton PA 19540 Jessica Davis – 103 Cathy Ann Drive – Reading, PA 19606 Jess & Robin Drezner – 701 Reading Avenue – Unit #235 – Reading, PA 19611 Syd Hirshland – 83 S. Mountain Rd. – Robesonia, PA 19551 Edward & Joanne Katz – 43 New Hope Blvd. – Oley PA 19547 Jamie Komemi – 119 S. Mill Street – Birdsboro, PA 19508 Burt & Fran Krieger – PMB 409 – PO Box 5000 – Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 Cory Leshner – 442 Chestnut Street – Reading, PA 19611 Mervin & Gladys Lewis – 501 Hoch Rd. Apt. 339 – Blandon, PA 19510 Wendy Neuhs – 1509 Ashbourne Road – Apt. 220 – Elkins Park PA 19027 Michael & Barbara Perilstein – 157 Villa Drive – Warminster PA 18974 Nicholas & Tracy Rossi – 1945 Wickford Place – Wyomissing PA 19610 Marj Shearer – 102 Pine Street – Shillington, PA 19607

Remove, no forwarding address Amy Blecher Matthew and Allyn James Richard and Nancy Levin

Phone number addition/correction Susan Weiser - 610-678-0468 - 610-334-7077

Deceased Edwin Lakin Page 16 SHALOM November 2018 A new dawn for Bedouin-Jewish integration in Negev

The 30 young men and women the Negev, a nonprofit organization Alkirnawi, the 39-year-old founder and in the Negev, and more than 40 percent studying software development, founded in 2009 to improve the quality CEO of A New Dawn. “Change will of them earn less than the minimum graphic design and 3D printing at of life for Israel’s Bedouin community. only come through working together,” wage. The high-school dropout rate Yeruham’s high-tech incubator did not Some 130 candidates applied. Half of he said. “We are less powerful if we is 35 percent, and only 30 percent of seem out of place in the Startup Nation. those accepted were Bedouins and are separate.” That’s been Alkirnawi’s students earn a full diploma. A New But for at least half the participants, it other Arab Israelis; the other half were modus operandi since he started A Dawn cites figures that only 5 percent was a new world. Jewish residents of Israel’s south. New Dawn, following seven years of the Bedouin population is qualified The two-week Tech2Peace seminar The integration of the two as the academic counselor for Arab to study at the university level. was sponsored by A New Dawn in populations was intentional, says Jamal students at Ben-Gurion University In high-tech, only 3 percent of of the Negev (BGU). “Arab students Israel’s 270,000 workers are Arab face a lot of difficulties because they Israelis. A range of governmental and usually live with their families in their non-governmental programs aim to communities until the age of 18. So, boost those percentages. Hadassah when they get to university, it’s often Academic College in Jerusalem, the first time they’re exposed to Israeli for example, offers pre-academic KZ’s 4th Annual society, to being an Israeli citizen. It programs for Arab students. Nonprofit can be shocking.” organizations such as Tsofen work with Alkirnawi grew up in the Bedouin the Israeli government to integrate town of Rahat and founded A New more Arabs into the high-tech sector, Dawn there with the aim of exposing mainly in the north. fellow Bedouins to the outside world Alkirnawi is a Bedouin success story. at a young age. The organization has He received his undergraduate degree in established programs in and around public health administration from BGU, a Rahat. In addition to the high-tech master’s in social work with a specialization training program in Yeruham, there’s in peacebuilding and civil society from a club for at-risk youth, an afterschool McGill University in Montreal, then returned classical music program, filmmaking to his alma mater to earn an MBA in social classes and even a “cultural tour leadership. Alkirnawi’s academic travels guide” course that Alkirnawi hopes exposed him to students from around the Gift Baskets, 50/50 Raffle will bring Birthright and Masa Israel world, and that’s become a big part of A WIN BIG! Gift Certificates Journey groups to Rahat to experience New Dawn’s agenda. The organization Bedouin hospitality. An emotional brings international volunteers to Rahat. first-aid hotline with 25 volunteers will They teach English and other subjects, launch in the coming months. but more importantly, they help “break the Sunday, Doors Open All told, some 1,500 people have stereotypes of what different people are been through one of A New Dawn’s like,” Alkirnawi says. “It creates curiosity @12PM offerings. But it’s the programs for at-risk and questions, until people get used to November youth of which Alkirnawi is most proud. being around outsiders who maybe have Drawing Starts “Seventy percent of our graduates are blue eyes and don’t know your language.” integrated, whether that’s continuing Funding for A New Dawn comes from 18, 2018 @1PM with higher education, volunteering or organizations including the Israeli Ministry sherut leumi,” Alkirnawi says, referring of Education, the New Israel Fund, to Israeli national service. Children of Peace, the Tsadik Fellowship, The need for such programs is Israel’s Bituach Leumi (Social Security) Kesher Zion Synagogue urgent: About 140,000 Bedouins reside and the Ted Arison Family Foundation. 555 Warwick Drive, Reading, PA 19610 Questions? Call (610) 374-1763 Pediatric and Adult Patients Treating Ear, Nose, Throat Problems Thyroid Nodules, Neck Masses & Sinusitis The Future Physicians: Is So Bright … James P. Restrepo, M.D., FACS, ECNU Charles K. Lutz, M.D., FACS Jeffrey S. Driben, M.D., FACS, ECNU Scott J. Cronin, M.D.

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610.775.2300 • TheHighlands.org 985 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing 2000 Cambridge Avenue, Wyomissing, PA 19610 610-374-5599 • www.ent-hns.net November 2018 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 FederationUJA-Federation Jewish Campaign Community Campaign $10 $10 Federation, PO Box 14925, Reading, PA 19612-4925 or bring to the Jewish Jewish Family Service $10 Jewish Family Service $10 Cultural Center, 1100 Berkshire Blvd, Suite 125, Wyomissing. You may set up Leo Camp Lecture Fund $10 a “savings account” for the purpose of sending cards. Please contact the JFSLeo FoodCamp Bank Lecture Fund $10 $25 Jewish Federation at 610-921-0624 for further information. JFS TaxiFood Transportation Bank Program $25 $25 Contributions as of Oct. 18 HolocaustJFS Taxi Transportation Library & Resource Program Center $20 $18 Contributions as of April 16 Holocaust Library & Resource Center $18 Edwin and Alma ’51 Lakin Holocaust Library & Resource Center Doris Levin Fund $10 UJA-FederationIn memory of: Campaign PJDoris Library Levin FundFund $10 $10 In honorEdwin of: Lakin – Sarah and Sam Flamholz, Judy Katz Harry & Rose Sack Fund $10 Sarah Simon’s engagement – Vic and Dena Hammel Michael ClyminEvelyn (Ellen Thompson Abramson’s father) Fund – Susan and Richard D’Angelo$10 In honorAlma andof: Ed Lakin’s new home – Vic and Dena Hammel, Mildred & Ivan Frank Mehringer – Edith Mendelsohn Norman and Rita Wilikofsky, Barbara GordonRosalye Yashek’s special birthday – In memory of: Nazimov, Louise Zeidman, Andy and Corinne Wernick, Jay and Evelyn Lipschutz, Sam Goodman’s engagement – Alma and Ed Lakin Cindy Boscov –­ Cheryl and Eric Farber SidAlyse and Esther Corbin’s Bratt marriage – Carol and Bernie Gerber, Alma and Ed Lakin Doris Levin Fund Sue Viener’s Birthday – Yvonne & Rob Oppenheimer LakinIn memory Preschool of: Fund FederationBirth of Selma Jewish Cutler’s Community great-grandson Campaign Jacob - Debbie Goodman and John In honorDr. Walter of: Gershenfeld – Stephanie and Dennis Arbige, Carole and Mike InMoyer memory of: RobinsonSarah Simon’s engagement – Ellen and Don Abramson BirthEdwin of LakinCarol –and Don Gordon and Ellen Perlmutter’s Abramson new grandson – Debbie Goodman and Shoshana Tannenbaum – Carole and Mike Robinson JohnCindy Moyer Boscov – Judith Copeland In memory of: Debbie Shapiro – Judith Copeland HolocaustEdwin Lakin Library – Barbara and and Resource Bernie Fromm, Center Karen and Myron Kabakoff, Sandra Get well: InFishman memory of: In honorHarold of: Leifer – Rob and Yvonne Oppenheimer ShoshanaMitzi Wernick Tannenbaum (Andy Wernick’s – Ken and mother) Mary –Holt, Sandra George Fishman and Sue Viener, Sue Rosalye Yashek’s special birthday – Rob and Yvonne Oppenheimer Schlanger, Gordon and Carol Perlmutter, Leah Kanter-Salis, Rosemary and John Evelyn Thompson Nursery School Fund Deegan,Sue B. VienerNaum and Memorial Lyudmila FundGer, Louis (PJ andLibrary) Katherine Danzico, Florence and In memory of: JewishIn memory Family of: Service Marvin Segal, Vic and Dena Hammel, Emma Holder, Susan Gallagher, Mildred & Shoshana Tannenbaum – Beth and Bob Caster IvanCindy Gordon, Boscov Carrie – & George Stephen Viener Latman, Judy, Bob & Susan Pollack, Anna & Moisey In honor of: Carl Herbein – George Viener Barbara and Michael Perilstein’s new home – Barbara Nazimov Schneider, Norman & Rita Wilikofsky, Audrey Williams, Alan and Esther Strauss, Jewish Family Service JayMarian and Evelyn Ehrlich Lipschutz, (Irving Carol Ehrlich’s and Bernie mother) Gerber, – Karen Barbara and Myron and Seth Kabakoff Rosenzweig, In honor of: John Castrege and family, Michael Geraci, Maxine & Dick Henry, Piekara Family, Birth of Carol and Gordon Perlmutter’s new grandson – Sue and George Viener, Laura Higgins Betsy and Al Katz Bat Mitzvah of Fran Mendelsohn’s granddaughter – Rosalye Yashek Jewish Family ServiceFriendship Program Circle In memory of: Get well: Shoshana Tannenbaum – Jill and Gladys Skaist Harold Leifer – Glenn and Gaye Corbin Holocaust“Basic education Introduction spreading in Berks to Medicare” County Continued from Page 5 also that the students are genuinely On a wider note, there have justice and Holocaust remembrance today. 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 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 present because of the immense respect hearing Hilde’s story and many still talk and the surrounding areas. Within these courses for their students. students have for these individuals and about* New it now, severalto Medicare weeks later. * Aboutthe past month to turn I have met65 with* two Though the fourth quarter of the * Need advice andindividuals information who are in *the process school year has begun, there are still of developing a Holocaust course to many additional opportunities that  be offered at their local high school. remain. I just spoke to an undergraduate  One gentleman was from Lancaster ethics class at Penn State Berks County. The other, Gerry Evans, is a regarding the ethical/moral implications teacher at Hamburg High School. I of the Holocaust. I found the students  have been in contact with two other to be receptive and inquisitive and local teachers, Pete Ruckelshaus at have been asked to deliver a similar  Twin Valley and Jim Konecke at Wilson program in the classes that the same  High School. Pete has resurrected a professor also teaches at Reading Area course on Holocaust Literature at Twin Community College.  Valley, and its first offering is during As mentioned above, Kim Yashek, the current fourth quarter. He is very daughter of the late local Holocaust excited about offering this course to survivor Richard Yashek, is speaking at  his students and has even lined up Twin Valley, Hamburg and Fleetwood.  several guest speakers including Rabbi Right now Albright College is hosting Brian Michelson, Kim Yashek and Hilde an exhibit titled, “Stories Among Us: Gernsheimer. Washington State Connections to the Jim Konecke is teaching at Wilson Holocaust, Lessons in Genocide.” The Central Junior High but will be moving up exhibit includes the stories of five Holocaust to Wilson High School at the beginning survivors and one liberator and has of next school year. He will be offering a received good reviews. It is definitely course on Nazi Germany. His students worth a visit! It will be at Albright’s Gingrich Wednesday, Novemberwill be studying 7, 2018 this period of German Library through May 10. 7:00pmhistory in depth, including a study of the *** rise of anti-Semitism, the initial period of Jennifer Goss teaches social studies At the Jewish Culturalthe Holocaust Center and the Final Solution. The in the Fleetwood School District and 1100 Berkshire Blvd.,latter Wyomissingpart of the course will look at post-war specializes in Holocaust education. Plan for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah & Wedding Guests! Speaker: Phyllis Dessel Retired from Berks County Area Office of Aging

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