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Enriching Lives Volume 50, No.8 September 2020 Elul 5780 - Tishri 5781
ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by0 the Jewish9 Federation2 of Reading/Berks0
Your Federation Supports:
Jewish Education Author Joseph Telushkin to speak at Food Pantry Community Campaign Leadership Program Friendship Circle By Richard Nassau year’s Leadership program will be Chevra Was the shtetl a forerunner held virtually. Participants will Community Shabbat of the Catskills and Broadway? receive a home-delivered brunch, Why are comedians so often a copy of Rabbi Telushkin’s book Reading Jewish Film Series Jewish? Why are Jews so and a few surprises. often comedians? Why ask A minimum contribution PJ Library questions? These are some of $1,200 per person is Jewish Family Service of the questions Rabbi Joseph recommended for those Telushkin, author of “Jewish attending the program. Jewish Cultural Center Humor: What the Best Jewish Reservations are required. Jokes Say About the Jews,” Rabbi Telushkin is a world Lakin Holocaust Library likes to think about. class speaker. Bill Franklin & Resource Center Rabbi Telushkin is a speaker Federation President said: “The who has the timing of a standup Leadership event recognizes Israel & Overseas comic. Larry Gelbart, a Tony and and thanks our major contributors Emmy Award-winning writer, to Federation’s Community Camp Scholarships said, “I don’t know if Jews are Campaign. It is our foremost Israel Trips really the chosen people, but fundraiser and most important Telushkin’s book makes a during this pandemic. We’re Jewish Community strong argument that they’re pleased Rabbi Telushkin will be High School the funniest.” joining us on Oct. 18, especially On Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. Rabbi now, when humor is so important.” something stinging, and always “America’s rabbi.” His reputation Emergency Support Telushkin will bring his findings Harper Collins reported, very, very funny, Jewish Humor: extends beyond the Jewish — and lots of jokes — to Jewish “Rabbi Telushkin is as What the Best Jewish Jokes community. He was named by Lakin Preschool Federation of Reading/Berks’ celebrated for his wit as for Say About the Jews offers a Talk magazine as one of the 50 Richard J. Yashek Lecture premier fundraising event — his scholarship and in this classic portrait of the Jewish best speakers in the U.S. His the Community Campaign’s immensely entertaining collective unconscious. book “Jewish Literacy” is the Transportation Leadership Program. book, he displays both in Rabbi Telushkin has been widest-selling work on the topic Because of the pandemic, this equal measure. Stimulating, hailed by Jewish Week as of Judaism. Maimonides Society
Your Jewish Legacy
92ND ST Y Programs
Joint Distribution Committee PJ Library helps Federation connect Meir Panim Jewish families and celebrate Jewish life Annual Campaign
Jewish Agency for Israel Grants will strengthen social connections and increase opportunities for Jewish
Yemin Orde experiences and learning across the United States and Canada
School Education Programs By Amanda J. Hornberger on engaging families in Jewish life while the more than 230,000 books we send Berks County-area families raising adapting to the current realities of virtual out each month across the United States Interfaith Unity Council Jewish children will now have more and social-distancing modalities.” and Canada,” said Debbi Cooper, director opportunities to participate in Jewish life, “Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks is of engagement for PJ Library. “We have Israel Advocacy thanks to a grant recently awarded by PJ honored to receive this grant and thrilled to worked closely with our local partners for Youth Events Library®, the flagship program of the Harold be part of the global PJ Library community over a decade to help advance Jewish Grinspoon Foundation that provides free reaching more than 675,000 children and family engagement, and now we are Great Decisions Series books to families raising Jewish children their families across 23 countries” said grateful to be able to add financial support to Jewish Community all over the world. Amanda Hornberger. “We are thrilled help ensure the success of great initiatives.” Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks to continue our partnership with Exeter We are grateful to our PJ Library Relations Council received $6,500 to launch a new program Community Library in this extension Alliance partners who have joined the called Find Your Voice, in which tweens will program of Literatour Berks focused HGF in funding these engagement grants: Community Holiday Programs learn about finding their voice to become exclusively on young readers.” William Davidson Foundation; The Marcus Women’s Philanthropy more self-aware, build confidence and be The 15 winning grant proposals were Foundation, Inc.; The Azreili Foundation; an example of peace in our community. chosen through a competitive process open Genesis Philanthropy Group; Jim Joseph Jewish Federations Find Your Voice will meet five times over the to organizations implementing PJ Library Foundation; The Micah Foundation; Sam school year with authors of books that will across the United States and Canada. A Berman Charitable Foundation; Carl & of North America tackle topics such as social justice, being survey of 800 participants in previous grant- Joann Bianco; The Crown Family; Marilyn Counseling Services Jewish and young adult life in America funded projects showed: Einstein & Steven Sim Charitable Fund; in 2020, all while creating action towards • 85% of families connected socially Dr. Steven Grinspoon; One8 Foundation; Leo Camp Lecture social justice through service and learning. during the programs Howard & Geraldine Polinger Family Tracy Newman, director of community • 64% of families followed up with the Foundation; Stephen and Bebe Saks Shabbat B’Yachad engagement for PJ Library, says “these social connections afterward Family Foundation; Sherrie R. Savett grants reflect incredible creativity and • 76% of families sought out or Family Foundation; Mike & Sofia Segal flexibility in how our implementing partners attended other Jewish programs Family Foundation; Susser Family Trust; are approaching our work during this • 99% would recommend the Walter, Arnee, Sarah, & Aaron Winshall; unprecedented time. All funded grants programs to friends Zucker Family Foundation and three showcase PJ Library’s best practices “PJ Library’s impact goes well beyond anonymous partners. Page 2 SHALOM September 2020 LIFE & LEGACY has a powerful impact
By Richard Nassau America. of these commitments is over $1 billion Development Director The impact on Jewish communal culture that will one day provide and sustain our You may be aware has been unprecedented. LIFE & LEGACY Jewish future. that an unprecedented enabled all donors to become legacy In Berks County, the Jewish Federation transfer of $59 trillion in philanthropists. It changed attitudes and of Reading/Berks has been a participant generational wealth has made legacy giving in communities the in LIFE & LEGACY through the Jewish been taking place before norm. It also resulted in developing a new Community Foundation of Central our eyes. Charitable camaraderie and respect among Jewish Pennsylvania. As of the end of 2019, organizations are among communal organizations as they worked the Central Pennsylvania program with the recipients of this together to help donors create legacies 14 member organizations, including n t transfer, including many that benefitted programs the donors were Federation, had secured $22.7 million in in the Jewish community — synagogues, passionate about. commitments from 680 legacy donors, agencies, and Federations. These legacy LIFE & LEGACY accomplished this including 47 donors from Berks County. gifts have become an important resource by providing communities with structure, Creating your legacy allows you e as they increasingly play an important training and mentoring. It encouraged to fulfill your philanthropic goals and role in sustaining the future of our Jewish donors to have legacy conversations, still meet the needs of your family. communities. Legacies ensure financial placing an emphasis on organizational Establishing your Jewish legacy stability. collaborations that would create a united allows you to plan and actively support In 2010, five years after they started PJ and strong Jewish community for future programs you believe in. It ensures
m Library, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation generations. resources, given in your name, will be began their LIFE & LEGACY program. In the 10 years since its creation, it has available for our future community. Their goal was to build legacy funds that proved to be a success for communities Donors who wish to engage in meaningful, would support our Jewish communities and that embraced it. As of March 31, 680 confidential legacy conversations for one
p organizations for the next generation and organizations from 63 communities have or multiple organizations can contact the beyond. The Grinspoon Foundation began participated in LIFE & LEGACY. The Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks at by developing partnerships with Jewish result is that more than 26,000 legacy 610-921-0621 or send an email to Richard Federations and foundations across North commitments have been secured. The total Nassau [email protected]. o l Reading Jewish Youth Programs e include Youth Group, Hebrew High
v By Adi Shalev I gave of my time and effort, but I got philanthropy projects, events with other Teens are our future; on this we much more back. Without question, all youth groups and always have fun. all agree. They have the power to the things I did and experienced as part of 2. Our Hebrew High — Knowledge dream and shape themselves and a group gave me tools to become a better is power. Learning things gives us tools e have an impact on the world and their person, a more effective employee, and a to explore and understand our world, our environment. better friend, citizen and Jew. Judaism and ourselves. It is an amazing As a teen I was part of different I believed that I could conquer the world. privilege that we should all take advantage groups. I was in the scouts, on the I want our Reading teens to have these of.
D student council, and I initiated and same feelings. They will feel and realize On Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 8 p.m., we established a project to nurture and the power they have as individuals and as plan to meet with you, parents and teens, empower adolescent girls. a group. discuss details and get your thoughts before Annual Campaign Why am I telling you this? Because We are planning two programs for this we finalize. Join us in person or through Women’s Philanthropy I did all of this when I was a teenager. I year: Zoom. For more information contact me at started in seventh grade and continued 1. A Youth Group where we will [email protected]. or call 610-921-0624. Maimonides Society through 12th. meet and connect with cooking classes, Shana Tovah!
Your Jewish Legacy Chai Circle Series to focus L’Chaim Society Boscov’s Kosher Catering Book of Life on anti-Semitism Holiday Menu 2020 Letter of Intent Starts Tuesday, Sept. 22, Please feel free to order any meal and as many you want at 7 p.m. on Zoom _____ Herb roast chicken ½ -‐ $14.00 _____ Moroccan stewed chicken-‐ $14.00 (warm Moroccan spices, A three-part series preserved lemon and green olives) on anti-Semitism will _____ Traditional style brisket and -‐ gravy $16.00 begin on Tuesday, _____ Beef stir fry and white rice-‐ $15.00 Sept 22 at 7 p.m. on _____ Israeli Style Baked Salmon – Fresh Fish Baked in a Zoom with a talk by traditional tomato & paprika sauce $14.00 Dr. Jennifer Koosed. DONATE NOW _____ Pan seared salmon -‐ $14.00 finished ( with tomato, spring TO OUR onion, artichoke hearts and ) lemon She will give a JEWISH _____ Israeli Vegetable Cous Cous-‐ Toasted cous cous, olive oil, historical overview of COMMUNITY garlic, lemon, and fresh veggies $12.00 the origins CAMPAIGN of anti-Semitism. All entrees include Sweet Kugel, V egetable, Matza Ball oup S and Please visit Apple cake ReadingJewishCommunity. Save the dates for Oct org _____Chicken Fingers w BBQ/Honey Mustard 6 for Ira Forman and Make your gift And Fries $8.00 per person Oct 27 for the Anti-
today! Defamation League *Payment can be made by cash/personal check at time of delivery or for lessons in credit card called into our office ahead of time. modern-day *Orders and be placed by -‐ phone at (610 370-‐3718) or by email at anti-Semitism. ([email protected]) By 9-‐10-‐20
Name______September 2020 SHALOM Page 3 From the President’s Desk What is the best way to approach American history?
By William D. Franklin posits that we are viewing our history far better to squirm than sanitize.” movement out of the South paralleled the President too critically. We are questioning beliefs Other great thinkers have also realized Jews’ escape from Egypt, both Blacks In our last issue in our country’s ideals themselves and the contradictory nature of human and Jews lived in ghettos, and the anti- I wrote about the our heritage, because so many of those beings. The philosopher Karl Popper Black riots in the South were like the dilemma we Jews who shaped the ideals and heritage were said that “each generation has its own pogroms Jews suffered in Europe. Both face working to correct flawed. Our Bible is filled with imperfect troubles and problems, and, therefore, communities worked together to move the racial injustices characters, yet we learn from both their its own interests and its own point of America toward a society of merit, free of our country, while good and bad deeds. view.” Berl Katznelson, instrumental of religious, ethnic and racial restrictions. dealing with the Black Sharansky and Troy write: “In the free in the establishment of the modern To keep our memory strong, we will Lives Matter (BLM) world, history cannot be the exclusive state of Israel, endorsed forgetting be having a series of speakers focusing movement’s inclusion property of the leaders; nor should it be — and remembering, in proportion. on anti-Semitism; its history, our current of anti-Semitic and anti-Israel protests. subject to the whims of the crowds and “A renewing and creative generation environment, and steps to fight it. This month we face a new dilemma. the trends of the day. In democracies, does not throw the cultural heritage of Later, we will be having speakers An outgrowth of weeks of protests history flows from past to present, not ages into the dustbin. It examines and on Jewish-Black relations. They will over entrenched racism has led to vice versa. We cannot exile every bigot scrutinizes, accepts and rejects.” Rabbi instruct us on actions we can initiate as Confederate statues and statues of or isolate their greatest accomplishments David Hartman warned — “Remember individuals and as a community to fight other historical figures, including slave from their worst sins. Auschwitz; rebuild with Sinai.“ social injustice together with our Black traders, our national Founding Fathers “Jews are preprogrammed to Rather than lying about some community and restore relations to what and Christopher Columbus being toppled navigate history, not negate it. We have oversimplified past by constantly updating they once were. In February we will be throughout the U.S. These attacks on no choice. Although Western civilization it, we must learn about the imperfect real showing the film “Shared Legacies.” statues are a sign that what’s in question brutalized the Jews, Western values past to keep improving the future. This is the story of the coalition and is not just our future but our past. liberated us, too. We’ve learned that the We too must not forget or revise our friendship between the Jewish and I found an article, ‘Taking a Jewish best way to fight racism, anti-Semitism history but learn from it to support change African-American communities during Approach to U.S. History’ by Natan and bigotry is to sift through history, not and build a better future. It is unfortunate the civil rights movement in observance Sharansky and Gil Troy, Professor of purge it. We cannot change the past, that Jews and Blacks are erasing the of Black History Month. History at McGill University, to be relevant no matter how ugly. There is too much fact that less than 100 years ago Black It’s a challenge, but I trust we will to these revisionist protests in our country to learn from its failures and glories. and Jewish leaders were articulating continue to remember, not revise, the and instructive of steps we might take. It When facing history’s challenges, it is what we had in common — the Black past and work for a better future.
Israel Book Club explores Middle East peace plan
By Moisey Schneider and Andi Franklin for Palestinian industrial and agricultural help to pursue it. Unfortunately, neither Therefore, they refuse to even consider One of the problems with putting out research centers. The second involves the Palestinian Authority nor the Islamist a plan that may favor Israel regardless a 180-page peace plan is that no one will a trans-Israel corridor linking Gaza group Hamas in Gaza are interested of how beneficial it might be for the read it. So, the Israel Book Club decided with Judea and Samaria (the West in the plan. It will be very complicated Palestinian people. The international and to do just that! Bank). The third part, to be negotiated, considering the hostile situation and the U.S. press, who disdain President Trump Reviews and critiques leave out mentions Arab cities in the Galilee that present real politics and does not look and adviser Jared Kushner, look upon the important points because of space self-identify as Palestinian. 97% of favorable. plan as a bad joke that does not deserve limitations and author subjectivity. This Israelis in West Bank will be incorporated Further problems are that there is much consideration. Therefore, the future of the review also suffers from that. However, it into a contiguous Israeli territory and corruption in the Palestinian Authority The plan looks dismal. serves as an important corrective to other approximately 97% of Palestinians in economies in both the West Bank and Gaza However, unexpectedly, there was views. First, there will be a basic outline the West Bank will be incorporated into are in tatters and unemployment is 30% or announced a huge historical event of of the plan’s details and then a critique. a contiguous Palestinian territory. This higher. They’re not self-sustaining and the establishment of full diplomatic Plan Details — The major difference gives a state of Palestine land reasonably survive only with outside help from Israel relationships between Israel and the between this plan and the Oslo Plan is comparable to the territory of pre-1967 and other countries. The last Palestinian United Arab Emirates, one of the that the new plan is holistic. Oslo set West Bank and Gaza elections for both Gaza and the West Bank most advanced Arab countries in the up a structure for negotiations but was The Palestinians will be given local, were held in 2006. Those elected are world. This shocked the liberal political not successful. This plan goes further, regional and international support to still ruling and still do not agree with each establishment in the U.S. and Europe outlining two states. It favors Israel create a viable, thriving, self-sustaining other, which further hinders acceptance and enraged the Palestinians, Iran and in that it reminds us that the original state. Exciting and achievable programs of this plan. Both refuse to recognize the Turkey. Even The New York Times, Palestinian state was supposed to be are outlined which would nurture strong Jewish state and demand that millions of awkwardly mentioned that two other Arab what is now Jordan. It also favors Israel in and transparent government and court Palestinian refugees be returned to Israel. countries may soon make peace with prioritizing Israel’s security and insisting systems. Further programs are outlined This is, by far, in excess of the 721,000 Israel. This new development may force on the Jewish character of the state. for industrial research, agricultural Arabs who left Israel in 1947 but the plan the Palestinians to reconsider. This is accomplished by granting Israel development, and educational structures makes note of the more than 800,000 Jews The troubled Middle East region — 30% of the disputed territory: the Jordan for pre-school through graduate school. who were cruelly exiled from Arab lands. Palestinians and Israelis — deserve and Valley, for security; the Israeli Jewish Tourism, recreational, and cultural This parallel is important to remember. may yet get prosperous and peaceful lives. cities nearest the Green Line and a few developments that highlight the It will also be difficult to gain worldwide *** enclaves in the future Palestinian state Palestinian people’s culture and the support since many politically left groups We will next read selected essays
Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks Non-Profit Organization so no one is uprooted from his or her area’s many geographic and religious view Israel as an occupying, undemocraticJewish Cultural Center, PO Box 14925 by Ahad Ha’am, the founderU.S. Postage PAID of Cultural Reading, PA 19612-4925 Permit No. 2 readingjewishcommunity.org Reading, PA home. Control of Jerusalem’s holy sites specialties are to be developed. If country unworthy of diplomaticChange Servicesupport. Requested Zionism. will remain under Israeli authority. Much adopted, the U.S. and other countries will of largely Arab East Jerusalem will be invest $ 50 billion over the next 10 years Enriching Lives Volume 47, No. 9 September 2017 Elul 5777-Tishri 5778 ceded to the Palestinian Authority to be, to make this happen. if desired, their capital. This plan is truly a vision of how peace
ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by0 the Jewish9 Federation1 of Reading/Berks7 In addition, once an agreement can lead to dignity, prosperity, autonomy A newspaper serving the Jewish community of Berks County, is reached on the peace treaty, the and full incorporation of two unique Your Federation Supports: Pennsylvania, andJewish published Education monthly, September through June, under Palestinians will stop strategic efforts to peoples into the international community Food Pantry the Jewish FederationFriendship Circle of Reading/Berks. Funded by the Annual Jewish destroy the Jewish State of Israel. There of nations. Chevra will be no right of return, which would Critique — The proposed peace plan Community Campaign.Community Shabbat Reading Jewish Film Series destroy the Jewish character of the state. looks very promising for Palestinians and PJ Library General Offices: Jewish Family Service 1100 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 125 There will be no further international legal Israelis and for the whole Middle East Jewish Cultural Center Lakin Holocaust Library Wyomissing, PA 19610 suits, and the new Palestinian state will region. For Palestinians it’s a chance of & Resource Center be demilitarized with respect to external a lifetime to be free and get a decent, Phone: Israel & Overseas 610-921-0624 FAX: 610-929-0886 Camp Scholarships aggression, although fully armed for prosperous life that will be changed Web site: Israel Trips www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org Jewish Community internal police guardianship. enormously for the better. For Israelis, it High School Jewish FederationEmergency of Support Reading There is direct equity in that both will mean peaceful coexistence with its Chair: Lakin Preschool Robert M. Caster, CPA parties will give full recognition to each neighbors and the end of constant wars. Richard J. Yashek Lecture President: Transportation William D. Franklin other. The state of Palestine will be This plan includes Palestinians building Maimonides Society Communications Director:Your Jewish Legacy Mark Nemirow, Editor recognized as the state of the Palestinian a completely new and fully functional 92ND ST Y Programs Proofreaders: Joint Distribution Committee Federation staff people, and Israel will be recognized as infrastructure — an airport, a seaports, Meir Panim Annual Campaign the state of the Jewish people. There a rail system, bridges, roads, hospitals Jewish Agency for Israel Yemin Orde is further evenness in that there will be schools, colleges and museums. School Education Programs no forced population transfers of either The question is, does the plan have a Interfaith Unity Council Israel Advocacy Israelis or Palestinians. chance of being implemented considering Youth Events Great Decisions Series This new plan includes three major the real situation. The plan will only have Jewish Community Relations Council territorial advantages for Palestinians. a chance if Arab states, the European Community Holiday Programs The first involves territory in the Negev Union countries and the United Nations Women’s Philanthropy Jewish Federations
of North America
Counseling Services
Leo Camp Lecture
Shabbat B’Yachad Page 4 SHALOM September 2020 Literatour Berks to start its second season virtually
By Amanda J. Hornberger this season’s lineup, and we will occur virtually — the goal The Literatour Berks look forward to building on of bringing quality literature committee is thrilled to the success of last year’s on Jewish topics or by Jewish
announce the line-up for our inaugural season. authors to Berks County, second season of Literatour Literatour Berks is proud remains the same.
Berks! Please see the to continue our partnerships Save the date for our first Centerpiece for a complete with the Exeter Community Literatour Berks author event
list of authors and dates. Library and Sinking Spring on Monday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m.
More than two dozen Public Library in our second with Rachel Beanland, author of
authors will join us virtually season. We continue to work “Florence Adler Swims Forever.” Sponsors from the community
(and hopefully in person in with independent bookstore, Join usMonday, for a September fun conversation 9, 2019 at 7 p.m. JCC areand Exeter encouraged Community Library to help support Literatour Berks Preview Night 2021) to discuss a wide variety Reads & Company, for book about this popular summer read this amazing new collaborative Come learn more about the 18 authors visiting Berks this year! of topics from addiction to purchases. as we kick off season two of program! Contact Richard ______humor to Jewish holidays While the start of this season Literatour Berks. Nassau at richardn@jfreading. Monday, October 7, 2019 at 7 p.m. Exeter Community Library to historical fiction. There is is quite different — all events Interested in supportingE.R. Ramzipoor org or 610-921-0624 to find out something for everyone in through the end of the year Literatour? PatronsThe and Ventriloquists more. Presented in partnership with the LGBT Center of Greater Reading.
Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at 7 p.m. Location Provided Upon Registration Angela Himsel Debut author to deliver talk for LiteratourA River be a Tree Berks A program of Women’s Philanthropy of Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks.
By Amanda J. Hornberger pregnant daughter Fannie, even______thrive — after tragedy”. ______Many of us were unable mother Esther makes the The public is invited to join us Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. Wachovia Theatre, Albright College to visit the beach this shocking decision to hide the for a conversation with RachelThomas Wolf The Nightingale’s Sonata: summer. Luckily for us, truth and pulls the family into an Beanland on Sept. The14 Musicalat 7 Odysseyp.m. of Lea Luboshutz 40th Annual Leo Camp Memorial Lecture Rachel Beanland’s debut elaborate web of secret-keeping on Zoom. novel, “Florence Adler Swims and lies, bringing long-buried ProgramSigned includes copies Curtis Institut of eBeanland’s musicians performing César Franck’s “Sonata for Violin and Piano”. Forever” “beautifully brings to tensions to the surface that book will Presentedbe available in partnership with for the Camp family and Albright College. ______life Atlantic City in the 1930s, reveal how quickly the act of purchase through the Literatour Monday, December 2, 2019 at 7 p.m. Exeter Community Library offering the sights, sounds protecting those we love can turn Berks official book vendor, ReadsTiffany Shlain 24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week and smells of the beach and into betrayal. & Company of Phoenixville.
the boardwalk, as well as This Barnes & Noble Book You are invited to register
the daily life of Atlantic City’s Club pick is based on a true story for this program by emailing
Jewish community,” according and is a “breathtaking portrait of [email protected], December 11, 2019 at 7 orp.m. Location Provided Upon Registration Dawn Raffel to Book List. just how far we will go to in order visiting our website. The Strange Case of Dr. Couney: The Adler family is enjoying to protect our loved ones and Thank How you a Mysterious to the European sponsors Showman Saved Thousands of American Babies a day the beach when tragedy an uplifting portrayal of how the and patrons Aof program Literatour of Maimonides Berks Society of Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks. strikes. In order to protect her human spirit can endure — and for making this event possible. Rachel Beanland
Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 4 p.m. Exeter Community Library Joni Klein-Higger and Barbara Sharf Barnyard Bubbe’s Hanukkah
Presented by PJ Library of Reading with support from the Sue B. Viener Memorial Fund of Retired women’s group to meet monthlyJewish Federation of Reading/Berks.for lunch
______It is time for the retired women Retired women are invited month at noon. By Amanda J. Hornberger For More Information - 610-921-0624
Center Jewish Cultural Our retired old men eating of the community to have their to join us on Zoom on Tuesday, If you are interested out or ROMEO group has been chance for lunch time chatting SeptemberTo Register 8 at 12- ReadingJewishCo p.m. Bring mmunity.org/home/literatourplease contact Amanda 92nd St. Y Programs successfully meeting for the at our new Juliet group. Juliet your lunch and virtually chat with Hornberger at 610-921- Game Nights past two years. The group has stands for Just Us Ladies Into your friends! If there is interest 0624 or email amandah@ continued to flourish virtually Eating Together and is similar to the goal is to continue this group jfreading.org to receive the Community Shabbat during the past few months. our ROMEO group. on the second Tuesday of every link to sign up. Reading Jewish Film Series
Great Decisions
Interfaith Mitzvah Day
Yom Ha’atzmaut
PJ Library
PJ Our Way
Leo Camp Lecture
Tech Tuesday
Yom Hazikaron
Art Exhibits
Yom Hashoah
Annual Meeting and Picnic
Purim Carnival
Richard J. Yashek
Memorial Lecture
Kristallnacht Remembrance
Youth Events
Purim Masquerade Party
Bridge
Chevra
Mahjong
Trips to NYC/Philadelphia
Lakin Holocaust Library
& Resource Center
Shabbat B’yachad
Community Calendar
September 2020 SHALOM Page 5
Addiction panel to be held for National Recovery Month
National Recovery Month By Amanda J. Hornberger the beach, expensive cars, and other luxuries that came (Recovery Month) increases awarenessAccording and to the most recent National Survey on with an affluent life. understanding of substance useDrug disorders Use and and Health (from 2018), an estimated 164.8 One day Eilene makes a shocking discovery, one co-occurring disorders and encourages individuals in need of treatmentmillion and recovery people aged 12 or older in the United States that sets her on a journey to find out how a man she services to seek help. Recovery(60.2 Month percent) were past-month substance users (i.e., knew for nearly thirty years became a drug addict, celebrates individuals living their lives in recovery and recognizes the dedicatedtobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs). hiding it so well that neither she nor anyone else in his workers who make it possible. For Inmore 2018, an estimated 21.2 million people aged life suspected what was happening. Eilene discovers information visit nationalrecoverymonth.org 12 or older needed substance use treatment. This that Peter led a secret life, one that started with pills and number translates to about 1 in 13 people who needed ended with opioids, cocaine, and methamphetamine. treatment. This important conversation touches all of us and In honor of National Recovery Month, Literatour drug addict. is more important to have during this time than ever. Berks is presenting a panel discussion on addiction with In “As Needed for Pain,” Peres lays bare for the We invite you to join us on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 7 two authors with personal experiences with addiction. first time the extent of his drug use — at one point a p.m. on Zoom to learn more about these real stories, xhe community is invited to join us on Wednesday, Sept. 60-pill-a-day habit. that could easily be your neighbor, your spouse or you. 30, at 7 p.m. on Zoom for this important discussion Our other panelist is Eilene Zimmerman, author of Signed copies of the books will be available for facilitated by Rabbi Yosef Lipsker representing Caron “Smacked: A Story of White-Collar Ambition, Addiction, purchase through the Literatour Berks official book Treatment Centers. and Tragedy.” vendor, Reads & Company of Phoenixville. Joining us will be Dan Peres, author of “As Needed Zimmerman noticed that her ex-husband, Peter, You can register by emailing amandah@jfreading. for Pain: A Memoir of Addiction.” Peres’s career as an looked thin, seemed distracted and was frequently org or visiting our website. editor at W magazine and Details is well-known, but absent from activities with their children. Yet in many Thank you to the sponsors and patrons of Literatour little is known about his private life as a high-functioning ways, Peter seemed to have it all: a beautiful house by Berks for making this event possible. Socially distanced story walk to mark Rosh Hashana
By Amanda J. Hornberger outdoor PJ Library story walk. The story along with the book. Kids who make it to opportunity to celebrate Rosh Hashana Who wouldn’t want to journey by train of Engineer Ari will be posted on large the end of the book will receive a goody and read a great PJ Library book while through Israel? Thanks to the beauty of boards around the campus and families bag of related items to celebrate Rosh staying safe! the PJ Library picture book “Engineer will be able to walk around and read or Hashanah. Timing for this event is in Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Train” and listen to the story read aloud via their Please note there will be no large conjunction with the first day of RCOS technology, you can! smartphones. gathering as part of this event. Come Religious School, so we encourage Families with young children are Thanks to Adi, there will also be anytime and explore on your own with families to combine both events and invited to the campus of Kesher Zion special pictures, facts and games about your family. join the fun! Synagogue/Reform Congregation Oheb each of the Israeli stops mentioned in Social distance should be maintained, Questions or concerns? Please Sholom on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 10 the book. Everything can be accessed and masks are encouraged. We hope reach out to Amanda at 610-921-0624 a.m. to noon for a socially distanced via your smart phone as you journey this provides families with a unique or [email protected] Check out a special Tech Tuesday on Zoom
By Amanda J. Hornberger how to use Zoom. The program is We will cover the basics of Please remember that masks are Join us for a special socially scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 15 at downloading the Zoom app, joining a required to be worn the entire time you distanced Tech Tuesday class on 4 p.m. meeting, and settings including mute, are at the JCC. chat and video. The class will be held on Tuesday, We encourage you to bring your September 15 at 4 p.m. just in time to laptop or tablet to class so we can better get familiar with Zoom before the High assist you. Holidays. Sign-ups are limited to 20 people, If you are interested, please call and we will be spread out in the 610-921-0624 or email info@jfreading. JCC to maintain the required social org to sign up or to get additional distance. information.
We are all responsible for the continued vitality of the Jewish organizations important to us.
To create your Jewish legacy contact: Richard Nassau, Director of Development • [email protected] • 610.921.0624 ReadingJewishCommunity.org Page 6 SHALOM September 2020 Palestinian professor slams PA overreaction to Israel-UAE deal From online news sources will be the government-to-government, should look at the long-term benefits they government and leadership of the United Prominent Palestinian professor and the second will be people-to-people.” stand to gain from the Israel-UAE deal. Arab Emirates, the Palestinian leadership of political science and peace activist Dajani, known for his work to raise “If the Palestinians can build good is damaging its relations with that country.” Mohammed Dajani criticized the Palestinian awareness of the Holocaust, relations and bridges with the Arab Dajani told the Post that he has no Palestinian Authority leadership for said that what we are witnessing now countries, instead of criticizing and doubt that the Palestinian leadership’s rejecting the agreement between is government-to-government peace demonizing the United Arab Emirates, harsh criticism of the UAE will harm Israel and the United Arab Emirates to between the UAE and Israel. they can, for example, use the United Arab the Palestinians. “There are 400,000 normalize their relations. “I strongly support this initiative by Emirates to pressure Israel regarding Palestinians living in the United Arab Asked if he saw any benefits for the Abu Dhabi because I feel it is a step the peace process. This is the role that Emirates,” he said. “It is all about how you Palestinians from the agreement, Dajani forward towards reconciliation,” he Jordan and Egypt have played by using are rejecting [the deal]. You can reject it, but it told The Jerusalem Post: “Definitely, I said. “It is important to have more Arab their relations with Israel in order to has to be in a diplomatic way. I think the way think that here we have to understand the countries involved in the peace process.” achieve peace for the Palestinians. Those it is being rejected is bad. The Palestinian nature of things, that this peace will go Born to one of east Jerusalem’s historic countries that have relations with Israel leadership is inciting the Palestinians against through two processes; the first process families, Dajani said that the Palestinians arePage much more possibilities to be able the United Arab Emirates and its leadership.Shalom March 2010 to involve themselves in trying to seek You see demonstrations where pictures of the Israeli government’s recognition for a the UAE leader are being crossed out and Palestinian state and Palestinian rights. people trampling theCommunity flags of the United Arab News “It is more useful to have more Arab Emirates. This is not the right way to criticize, countries with good relations with Israel even if you are opposed to the agreement.” SHANAH so that they could pressure Israel into Dajani advised the PA leadership Obituaries moving in that direction, rather than to to calm down and try to open channels have enmity relations where they have with the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Lucy Suzanne Knoblauch L. (Sulman) Moyer. He is also survived no input on Israeli policies.” Arab governments that may reach Zeidman, 96, Wyomissing. by his daughters, Aileen D., widow TOVAH! Dajani said the PA’s strong normalization agreements with Israel. ” Surviving are a son, Bruce F., of Neal H. Endy, of Pennside, and E. Join PJ Library for a condemnation of the deal was a mistake. Dajani dismissed allegations by many husband of Geraldine L. Zeidman, of Roxanne, wife of Les Walker, of Batavia “I believe they should not have overreacted Arabs and Palestinians that normalization Shillington; a brother, Harry Knoblauch, Ohio; sons, Stan B. , husband of Kristine journey through Israel to in this way,” he said. “Even if you are of ties with Israel is a form of treason. husband of Edith Knoblauch, of Reading; K. Moyer, of Sinking Spring and Jay giving a lemon-maker lemonade, even if “I don’t believe that normalization celebrate Rosh Hashanah! a sister, Ruth Balis of Wyomissing; and H., husband of Margaret R. Moyer, of you don’t like it, try to see how you could with Israel is treason,” he remarked. several nieces and nephews. Muhlenberg Township. Other survivors benefit from it rather than close all doors “I think it is part of the reconciliation --- are grandchildren: Brett A. Endy, Chad in your face. The Palestinian leadership process. If you have taken a strategic Irene S. Zeidman, 62, Wyomissing. M. Endy and Elizabeth K. Moyer; and Socially distanced outdoor storywalk on is losing. They have to understand one decision that you want peace, She is survived by her brother Bruce great-grandchildren, Carson N., Logan thing — that the United Arab Emirates then peaceImages cannot happen from without F., husband of Geraldine L. Zeidman C., Ardyn N. and Ava L. Endy the campus of KZ/RCOS. did not do this out of the blue, they did reconciliation, and reconciliation cannot of Shillington. --- Stop by anytime to read the story and gather holiday items to not just suddenly do it. There are other happen withoutYemin normalization. Orde Since a --- Shirley Robinson of B’nai B’rith enjoy at home! There will be no large gathering as each family countries involved, such as Saudi Arabia, decisionArea has resident been taken and recent to seek college peace Robert Berger, 54, Reading. Apartments. Survived by her Friendship will complete story walk on their own. Bahrain, Oman and other Gulf countries. with Israelgraduate through Jessica diplomatic Flamholz sent ways us He was the former spouse of Lea Circle friends. Bring your smartphone for added interactive experiences In addition, there are other countries such and negotiations,these pictures fromthen hernormalization recent visit Berger, Reading. He is survived by --- to the story walk! as Sudan, Morocco and Lebanon that should tobe Yemin a pillar Orde, in thatan Israeli reconciliation village two daughters, Molly R. Berger, State Louis Malamud, 95, formerly are thinking along these lines. By being process.for Without children that,and youth there supported will be no College, and Bethany S. Berger, of Temple. He is survived by a son, anti and aggressive and criticizing the negotiations andby our no Federation. peace. ” Reading; and one brother, Dr. Barry M. Mitchel, husband of Laura Malamud, Sunday, Sept. 13 Berger, husband of Kathleen A. Vieweg, of Las Vegas; grandchildren Barry 10 am - 12 pm * Boston, Mass. husband of Johna Malamud, Deborah 555 Warwick Dr. Wyomissing All Around the Town______--- Babbit-Malamud and Sheri Malamud; *Event timing in conjunction with the first day of David Moyer, 85, Reading. and great-grandchildren: Jessy Babbit, RCOS religious school. By .Joan Mazel G. Tov Friedman to parents Sheina & Paul BadalWe, lovewho goodhas receivednews about the members honor of He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Carly Malmud and Ian Malamud. MissanCongratulations on the birth toof Koreytheir son Blanck Issac beingof our chosencommunity! as the Please Child Advocate share it byof andArthur to andEdith siblings Blanck Seth, on Brandon the birth and of theemailing Year [email protected] the State of Pennsylvania. or calling theirMarissa. new granddaughter and great- the JCC office at ***610-921-0624. Plan for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah & Wedding Guests! granddaughter! *** Best wishes to our Berks County *** athletes competing in the 2010 Maccabi Mazel Tov to the Bluestone Family: Games: Shalom Newspaper (Joan Friedman) Questions? Email Amanda at [email protected] To David and MariannaSHORT-TER on their new Emily & M Jared Baksic, swimming daughter and to grandparents Eric and Andrew Blickle, basketball 5” (2 col.) x 7” Marissa. REHABILITATIONMatthew Eisenberg , swimming Questions? *** Hannah and Alexis Glassmire, Contact Jodi Gibble, Marketing Director Congratulations to Charles and swimming Brenda Diamond on the engagement Brandon Missan, soccer READING The Highlands at Wyomissing of their son Brett and to grandfather Al 2801 Papermill Road 2000 Cambridge Ave., Wyomissing, PA 1910 Diamond. Wyomissing, Pennsylvania 10-288-3405 *** Until next time: Shalom! Mazel Tov to Rosalind Hyman and [Email all your simcha news to joan@ GROUP RATES AVAILABLE her daughter, Attorney.Cathy Hyman friedman.net] Call Alice for a Site Tour KEEP UP WITH THE COMMUNITY (610) 736-2082 ✦ www.reading.homewoodsuites.com Visit Awardedwww.readingjewishcommunity.org Medicare’s Highest Ranking – 5 STARS Highest Quality Care | Private Suites | Resort-Like Surroundings Our team of skilled therapists promote functional independence and wellness in a holistic, personalized way – we aspire to restore your health as quickly and safely as possible. Our beautiful new rehabilitation center II hadhad nono idea!idea! ou’ve worked hard to accumulate your wealth. We hear this again and again from residents of The Highlands. includes 18 private suites and is complemented by services and amenities. YTrust it to someone who will work even harder to • People are so friendly. grow your assets and provide you with peace of mind • There’s so much for me to do. 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EQUAL HOUSING www.thehighlands.org OPPORTUNITY +++++ September 2020 SHALOM Page 7 Some basics on using Zoom to take part in virtual events
AARP and Federation staff to others. Tip: If you plan on using Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, video, make sure light is shining on many events are being offered via the you, rather than coming from behind. online meeting program known as Zoom, You may reach the platform in other enabling people to participate without the ways, too. If you’re attending a Zoom potential risks of having a large group in webinar, click the link for the meeting that a room together. has likely been provided on the sponsor’s Here are trips from the AARP on how website. You can also join directly from to use Zoom. the Zoom application. Click the Meetings Zoom works on many devices: tab to check out any scheduled events Windows PCs, Macs, smartphones and and select Join at the appointed time. tablets, with some interface and feature Certain meetings can be joined by distinctions among devices. You can telephone using the teleconferencing Kauffma’s download desktop software for Zoom number and meeting ID supplied by the on a computer at zoom.us. Or get the host. Some also require a password, iOS and Android app versions in the which the host will share. BBQ Chicke Apple App Store or Google Play Store. How will I see other people? You can also participate in a Zoom There are two common layouts: call through your web browser, albeit with speaker view, in which the active speaker more limited functionality (for example, takes up the majority of the screen, you can’t schedule onetime or recurring and gallery view, with thumbnails of meetings.) participants laid out as a grid. On a laptop Usually, you won’t need an account to or desktop computer, the control to toggle join a Zoom meeting, but one is required between these views is toward the top to host your own conference. right corner of the Zoom window. On a You may have to register to participate tablet the control is on the upper left — in webinars or other sessions. And some you may have to gently tap the screen to hosts may restrict access to people who see it. You’ll see all participants’ live video Wednesday, September 16th have created an authorized profile under feeds if they’ve enabled their camera. In a Zoom account. To sign up, visit zoom. the absence of video, you’ll see a dark 2:30pm - 6:30pm us/signup. rectangle with the person’s name or initial. Keep in mind that you’ll need decent Should I mute my microphone? Drive-Thru Pick-Up at connectivity for the program to work If you’re not about to speak, yes, properly. especially if you are with other people. Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom How do I join a Zoom session? Screaming teenagers and barking dogs An invitation typically arrives via are a distraction. 555 Warwick Drive Parking Lot email or text. Click the Join link in “I think that the mute button is the body of the message. You’ll be everybody’s friend,” says Marisa Giorgi, prompted to download Zoom or to director of curriculum development at $10 Online or Event Day Cash Only launch the app if you already have it. Senior Planet, which offers free Zoom You then just choose to join a meeting training for older adults. You’ll know Half BBQ Chicken, Baked Potato with or without video. that the mic is muted when a red slash If the host hasn’t started the appears on top of the microphone icon. Dinner Roll, Applesauce, Water Bottle meeting yet, you’ll have to wait on hold. Remember to tap or click the icon to Use the time to test your computer unmute when it’s time for you to pipe up. audio and video settings (typically Worth noting: Hosts have the power to Pre-Orders Recommended at through the internal microphone and mute all the participants. speaker on your system). As part of To be recognized by the host to speak www.ohebsholom.org a test, Zoom will play an audio tone in a webinar, you may be able to tap or and record your voice — you will know click a “raise hand” icon, but the host can something is off if you can’t hear the disable this feature. tone or your voice. A video preview Email [email protected] with specific window lets you see how you’ll look questions and we will try to help. Page 8 SHALOM September 2020 To confront cancel culture, take a page from the Talmud
By Andres Spokoiny to a fountain of richness. violence; on the other, the cancel culture ideology on the idea that Jews are not eJewishphilanthropy.com To be sure, the Talmud contains is constantly making honest debate indigenous to Israel, and that claim meets The Talmud, the Jewish people’s examples of people being chastised impossible. Could the Talmud offer us no standard of historical proof whatsoever. greatest work of collective genius, is the and even excommunicated, but there’s a way out? The idea of the Talmud is Maybe solving the problems of the direct consequence of the destruction a crucial detail: Barring extreme cases, simple: any opinion is valid, but it has to cancel culture is beyond us, but can of Jerusalem and its temple that we like denying the existence of God, those be substantiated with the same “standard we at least try to model civil discourse commemorate on Tisha B’av. excommunicated were done so not of proof”; it has to acknowledge and inside the Jewish community? The level When the surviving, shell-shocked for their opinions but for their failure to respect dissent and it has to be submitted of viciousness in our internal debate may Jewish sages recreated the Sanhedrin respect the standards and the method to a “peer review” process. well be worse than in the secular society; in the aftermath of the disaster, they of debate. If we used this principle, much of the we have a rich cancel culture of our reflected on what had brought that This is particularly poignant today, extreme discourse of today would be own and, in fact, we have organizations unspeakable destruction upon the Jewish when we try to find our bearings between unacceptable because it’s based purely whose sole purpose seems to be policing people. They realized that the Temple’s a toxic porridge of dogmatism, echo on hatred and demonizing the opponent. the opinions of others. Organizations destruction, wasn’t a discrete event in chambers and cancel culture on both the In other words, our community would be with only a handful of members that time but the culmination of a process political left and right. Today, opinions are saying that you can say whatever you would otherwise be irrelevant, manage of Jewish infighting. For close to 100 judged or silenced, never debated. Self- want, but you need to live up to certain to terrorize others into silence. years, Jews had been divided in sects; appointed inquisitors determine the limits of standards: You can’t demonize others, A Talmudic approach to debate Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes and acceptable discussions; Twitter mobs terrify you can’t throw accusations without and dissent could solve all that. others. Vitriol was commonplace, and people into silence and lives are destroyed proof, you need to ground your positions Unhinged arguments would fall of their violence emerged regularly. for any little violation of the dogma. following certain standards, and you own incapacity to be substantiated, Moreover, internal divisions had been Simultaneously, however, the excuse must acknowledge and document the demonizing others would be off-limits and the direct cause of the loss of Jewish of “free speech” is being used to justify existence of other views. And, of course, the community could be united, not in its sovereignty over Israel. The two sons the spreading of hate, racism, lies and if you rile against the “cancel culture,” you opinions but in its adherence to norms of of Yannai, who represented different conspiracy theories. And of course, can’t be a “canceller” yourself. civil discourse and standards of debate. factions, started a bitter fight for the those who demand “free speech” most In other words, it’s not that white It’ll be a tall order to swim against throne, and both had the brilliant idea vociferously are often the first to call for supremacists, don’t belong in academia the current of intolerance, but being of calling the Roman general Pompei the “cancellation” of others. because their views are abhorrent, though countercultural is part of our identity. Magnus to intervene in their favor. So how do we solve this conundrum? they are, but because they violate every Time to do it again: We need it, and so Intervene he did, determining that Jews On the one hand, we want free speech, step of the scientific method. It’s not just does the world. couldn’t rule themselves. The Roman but that important value has become a that those who demonize Israel are vicious, Andrés Spokoiny is President and occupation didn’t end Jewish sectarian fig leaf for defamation and incitement to though they are, but that they base their CEO of Jewish Funders Network. violence, which was verbal at first and physical later, because extreme words invariably lead, sooner or later, to murder. Finally, in 66 CE, the “zealots,” a populist extremist religious party launched the “big rebellion,” which wasn’t just a revolt against Roman rule but mostly a civil war, in which extremist Jews fought and killed one another. The historian Josephus talks about Jews “locked in perpetual slaughter of each other,” each faction trying to be more extreme than the other. In the meantime, Rome closed in on Jerusalem. The city fell, and the temple burned. Horrified by the intolerance that had brought about the destruction, the rabbis then set out to rebuild Judaism on a different foundation: a culture of pluralism and respectful dissent. It was going to be the exact opposite of the intolerance that had led to the loss of the commonwealth. Sanhedrin leaders referred to each other as rabbis rather than Pharisees or Sadducees. Recognizing that the Jewish people included many views and opinions, they consciously determined that nobody in particular would have the truth; rather, Talmudic discussions would be a never-ending process of getting a step closer to truth but never achieving it. Thus, the Talmud grew as a stylized collection of debates and arguments among sages, in which respect for the adversary was a central value. But how did the Talmud not become a free-for-all? How did the rabbis prevent outlandish opinions from reaching its pages? The method did it for them. The genius of the Talmud was not to judge the validity of people’s opinions but the method by which they were attained. In other words, as long as one follows the right way of analyzing texts and extracting interpretations (for example, using biblical precedent and earlier rabbinical opinions), the resulting opinion was considered worthy of discussion. When decisions had to be made, like in matters of Halacha (Jewish law), they were based on a majority vote, and the minority opinion was always recorded, and in some cases, could be used a precedent in future discussions. Sectarian exclusiveness was replaced by rabbinic pluralism In that way, as Yehuda Kurtzer recently wrote in Tablet citing Shaye Cohen, the Talmud represents the “domestication of Jewish disagreement,” transforming it from a source of violence September 2020 SHALOM Page 9 Summer fun at Chabad
Chabad’s Camp Gan Izzy, left, featured everything from slime making to tie dyeing, baking, sushi making, decorating mezuzah covers and Tzedakah boxes, duct tape projects, magic shows, making sushi, amazing carnival, to challa and babka baking and more. Chabad also sent out a week’s worth of supplies from oil to cornstarch and even dish soap all packaged and marked by the day of the week to several community kids for“Camp outta the box”. The kids could then click on the link sent to them at their convenience to log in to the prerecorded camp activities.
Repairing the World Dear 5781
Last year wasn't easy - and I want this year to be different.
I want seniors who feel isolated to feel connected. I want parents who can't put food on their tables to be able to feed their families. I want to stand up to antisemitism and racism. And I want to nurture Jewish education.
I want to help families affected by this pandemic.
I want our Jewish community to continue thriving here and throughout the world.
Sincerely, �
If all of this sounds ambitious, it doesn't have to be... you can make the New Year one of healing and prosperity for all with your gift to the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks.
The Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks works to bring about the change you want. Your gift makes it happen.
Tikkun Olam - make a difference now with your contribution to our Community Campaign at ReadingJewishCommunity.org.
Every new or increased gift will be matched one-to-one. Page 10 SHALOM September 2020 Huge biblical storage center unearthed in Jerusalem
From online news sources the Arnona neighborhood in southern “LMLK,” or “belonging to the King,” as One of the largest and most important Jerusalem by the Israel Antiquities well as the names of three ancient cities in collections of seal impressions ever Authority, revealed a large structure built Judea, as well as one yet-unidentified city. uncovered in Israel was recently of concentric ashlar walls. Inside were Other handles feature names of unearthed in a Jerusalem neighborhood 120 jar handles bearing seal impressions senior officials or wealthy individuals from in what appears to have been a biblical in ancient Hebrew script. the First Temple period. storage center. The digs, carried out in Many of the handles are inscribed The compound was dated to the times of the biblical Kings Hezekiah and Menashe (8th century to the middle of the 7th century BCE). Poetry: ‘Shelling Peas’ “At the site we excavated, there are signs that governmental activity managed For thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, And thou hast not been mindful of the and distributed food supplies not only for Rock of thy stronghold — Isaiah 17:10 shortage but administered agricultural surplus amassing commodities and From things I’ve been reading lately wealth,” explain Neria Sapir and Nathan I perceive Ben-Ari, directors of the excavations on prayers are a lot like behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority. peeling potatoes or A jar handle bearing the inscription ‘To the King’ and “Evidence shows that at this site, taxes a two-winged seal impression. shelling peas — were collected in an orderly manner for and these are things agricultural produce such as wine and Hezekiah. Government economic we don’t do much of olive oil. The site once dominated large provisions indicated by the stamp anymore agricultural plots and orchards of olive seals may be related to these events. Note: This poem was actually prompted by reading “Washing the Dishes” in trees and grapevines, which included The archaeologists also uncovered a Lawrence Kushner’s “God Was In This Place” (pp. 86-87). agricultural industrial facilities such as collection of clay statuettes in the form “My most important job,” said Rabbi Abraham, “is to make sure the dishes are winepresses for winemaking.” of women, horse riders or animals. cleaned properly.” The site is dated to a period “These figurines are usually interpreted “That’s it?” asked the student incredulously. documented in the Bible by upheavals as objects used in pagan worship and “That’s it,” replied the innkeeper such as that of the Assyrian conquest idolatry – a phenomenon which according —Nancy J. Knoblauch campaign under the command of to the Bible was prevalent in the Kingdom King Sennacherib in the days of King of Judah,” Sapir and Ben-Ari said. Do you remember?
By Tootie Moyer women and they walked to each house – • Candy bars cost 5 cents each. went to the movies. • All clocks had twelve numbers no mail trucks. • All drug stores had a soda fountain. • Do you remember these names: on it- now the are digital or only have 4 • The JCC was on Reed Street in • You would buy film at the store, Claudette Colbert, W.C. Fields, Harold numbers 3-6-9-12. Reading. now all you need is a smart phone to take Lloyd, Peter Lorre, Fibber McGee and • We used a dictionary not a smart • Charter members of Shomrei pictures. Molly, Barbara Stanwyck? phone. Habrith sat next to the bimah. • We would write letters, no texting, • Television was only on until 10:00 • Shorthand was a class in every • All women wore a hat in Schul for stamps were 7 cents. every night. high school. every occasion. • You were content sitting at your • We had an “ice box” – the ice man • Reading Senior High School was • We were given Green Stamps at kitchen table playing cards and board came every day to put ice in the ice box. called “Castle on the Hill”. stores for groceries and anything else you games. • Only parents had a key to the front • Mail deliverers were all men, no could ever want. • You would get dishes when you door of our home. • We used to leave our front doors unlocked, now we lock them. • Buses went to Indian Town Gap for dances every week. • Sunny Brook had big bands such as Glen Miller or Tommy Dorsey. • Cars had rumble seats. • A sign was put on your front door if you had measles, mumps, or other diseases. We all should be thankful for all the good things in our lives. I am very thankful for all you “youngsters” that read my column. Stay well and happy. Hope to see you soon. Work in unison
By Ethel Engel The world has been put into a whirlwind of disastrous and turbulent situations, too many to enumerate. Many people worldwide have infused themselves with hatred and demonstrative behavior, and anarchy that leads them to death and destruction. We’ve now arrived at a new millennium, one of the worst in history. We are all in a chaotic state of affairs which will take many years to arrive at a solution; to repair it must be done in unison!! The corona virus pandemic is here to stay – till such time as the scientists come across some miracle drug to eradicate all this painful and highly demonstrative plight that suddenly came our way. It’s here for a very long visit!! Let’s meanwhile follow rules and regulations to help stave off so many unnecessary deaths. We’re now on a battlefield of the bigger than life Pandemic. Let’s pray and try bonding and form ties to give each other strength to move on. Learn to adapt to this insidious disease. We must be patient!! September 2020 SHALOM Page 11 Meet Yemin Orde graduate Endalor Takele American Friends of Yemin Orde Orde’s running club, where he learned education, the more you learn. If you know Fortuitous opportunities have enabled teamwork, discipline and worked on other languages, then you can travel. Yemin Orde graduate Endalow Takele to his running and track skills such as If you understand math, you can have achieve his dreams. speed, endurance and agility. Endalow’s money in a bank account,” Endalow said. As a 13-year-old, Endalow and his successful achievements as a runner at “I came to the U.S. and struggled with my family took the opportunity to leave Israel-wide competitions earned him a English. So, in order to talk to people, I Ethiopia and move to Israel for a better ranking as a national champion. learned to speak English.” life. They lived in an absorption center in After graduating from Yemin Orde’s In 2017, Endalow graduated from Beersheva and, two years later, another high school, Endalow served in Israel’s WKU with a BS in Finance. He recalls the opportunity opened for Endalow at Yemin military as a paratrooper. Following military lessons taught to him at Yemin Orde – to Orde Youth Village, which operates with service, Western Kentucky University aim high, believe in your dreams, and support from local dollars through the offered him the outstanding opportunity have faith in yourself and your future. “I Jewish Federation of Reading. of a full scholarship to attend their school am the first generation in my family to be While at Yemin Orde he learned and join their track team. a college graduate,” he said. Hebrew and how to navigate life in his “I just took a risk, packed my bag and Today, Endalow is a graduate student new homeland. went to Kentucky,” he said. “I didn’t know at Brandeis University near Boston, “At Yemin Orde, everyone really cared anyone and was still struggling a bit with where he has the opportunity to earn a about me. I learned to study hard and my English. I was faced with adjusting to Master’s in International Economics and even stayed in school during our breaks. a new culture all over again.” Finance as a Fellow of the Laurel and I understood that my teachers were willing Slowly, Endalow made friends, Orrie Friedman Fellowship for Alumni to do whatever was needed to help me,” adjusted to this new environment and of Yemin Orde program. The fellowship Endalow said. volunteered his time organizing track program covers 100 percent funding for Along with his studies, Endalow events at the university. tuition, fees, health insurance, travel to the participated in volunteer activities in the “I remember what I was taught by United States and a living stipend for the a year to visit them. Endalow hopes nearby communities and joined Yemin Chaim Peri. He said that with more duration of the program, up to two years. for the opportunity to work in Israel’s Endalow’s family lives in Bat Yam, business sector after his graduation Israel. He returns to Israel to visit twice from Brandeis. Page Shalom March 2010 September � Elul-Tishrei Jewish FamilyMeir Service Panim reopens centers Shabbat Candle Lightings Torah Portions for survivors of Holocaust Discussion of addiction important to all September 4 September 5/16 Elul 7:12 p.m. Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8) Friends of Meir Panim the members were split into different By Sari Incledon, M. Ed. will not be limited to issues dealing with Others) provided the following statistics. For every person who has a SeptemberWe invite11 the entire Septemberadolescents. 12/23 Elul Drug and alcohol abuse is AccordingDimona isto homeDr. Jay to Holder, hundreds Medical of groupssubstance with abusetheir own problem, designated several time 7:01community p.m. to attend a Nitzavim/Vayelecha problem for (Deuteronomy all age groups, 29:9-31:30 and) we all HolocaustDirector Survivors. and founder Unfortunately, of the Exodus many andothers day are to affected.attend the ThoseDay Center. affected The program Jewish Family need to know more about it. of Treatmentthem live belowCenter the in povertyMiami, chemicalline and membersmay be spouses, were so excited parents, to bechildren, back, as SeptemberService 18 is sponsoring: SeptemberIn 19a/ 1recent Tishrei article, “Overcoming aredependency unable to afford is the basic number expenses one secret like manysiblings, of them grandparents live alone and – all could are not hurt wait 6:44 p.m. Rosh Hashanah (Genesis 21) “What Every Family Denial” (Na’amat Woman Winter 2009/10) food.in theTherefore, Jewish Meircommunity. Panim made Reportedly, it their toin finallydifferent spend ways. time What together! can we as a SeptemberNeeds 25to Know about September Barbara 26 / 8 Trainin Tishrei Blank wrote: “Alcohol and priorityup to to 50 set percent up a Day of patientCenter populationsspecifically communalEvery dayorganization is a new do adventure to address at 6:37Alcohol p.m. and Drug Ha’azinuchemical (Deuteronomy dependency 32:1-32:52 don’t) discriminate, forin Holocaust some residential Survivors treatmentwhere not centersonly do Thethe problem? Holocaust Awareness Survivor is anDay important Center. Abuse & Addiction: An affecting Jews and non-Jews alike, and are Jews – as are 20 percent of those first step and we invite everyone in the they receive daily meals, they also have There are always fun activities Interactive Dialogue women as much as men. Addiction thecalling opportunity national to drug socialize hot lines with (yet friends Jews plannedcommunity for toour share members. questions Last week,and with David Rotenberg.” and alcoholism can be found in every andcomprise participate less than in fun3 percent activities. of the TheU.S. Ilanit,concerns our at Holocaust our above Survivor mentioned Day This program will be held Wednesday, socioeconomic and religious segment of Dimonapopulation). Holocaust Chemical Survivor dependency Day Center is the Centerprogram manager, on April 28. organized pedicure April 28 at 7 p.m. at the JCC. the Jewish community”. third leading killer in the U.S. It is also an Our program is free, though has become a second home! stations for our clients to enjoy. There David is the executive director of An article on the JACS Web unreported and/or unknown contributor reservations are requested. For more Pediatric and Adult Patients Sadly, due to COVID-19 and the was also a birthday party celebration Adolescent Youth Services at Caron site (Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically to deaths caused by car accidents, heart information, call Sari at 610-921- Foundation,Treating however Ear, his presentation Nose, Throat Dependent Problems Persons and Significant dangerattacks, it suicidespresents and to strokes. the elderly, all for0624. one of the members that included operations at the Holocaust Survivor Day a birthday cake, music, dancing and ThyroidBERKS ENCORE Nodules, PROVIDES Neck Masses FREE &TAX Sinusitis PREPARATION Center were suspended.Volunteer Opportunitiesgames! Available – As restrictions eased up throughout This year marked the 75th anniversary FROM TRAINED VOLUNTEERS Jewish Family Service seeks volunteers to help our seniors Israel, Meir Panim haswith reopened grocery the shopping Day of and the otherliberation errands. of Auschwitz, but because Center and our clients couldn’t be happier! of the coronavirus, the commemoration Physicians: If you have some time, call Sari or Carole at 610-921-0624. Was your household income less than $50,000 in 2009? There were many precautionary ceremony was rescheduled and just Household incomeJames P. may Restrepo, be higher M.D., inFACS, some ECNU cases, measures put into place, but as soon as took place at our Center last week. Each but call 610-374-3195Charles K. Lutz, for moreM.D., FACSdetails. Meir Panim got the greenJewish light Familyto open, ServiceHolocaust thanksSurvivor received a Medal of Call today to scheduleJeffrey an S.appointment Driben, M.D., from FACS, now ECNU until April 15. they knew how important it was for each Honor for their courage and bravery in participant to have the DayDr. Center Jeffrey back up Blank the war. D.D.S.The Survivors and staff were so Scott J. Cronin, M.D. Berks Encore, 40 N. Ninth St., 610-374-3195 and running. Tofor maintain providing social professional distancing, touched services to witness to our this client. incredible moment. Adam P. Vasconcellos, M.D. Enjoy Tax Benefits While Contributing to BERKS ENCORENurse RECEIVES Practitioner: AWARDS Rosemarie Montgomery Jewish Family Service Vehicle Donation Program Congratulations to Berks Encore employees Carolyn Krebs and Martha Sitler for receivingMS, CRNP, one FNP-Cof the Social Security Administrations highest awards for their providing the public with Call Sari at 610-921-0624, Call Sari at information covering Social Security issues. e-mail [email protected] 610-921-0624or go to Berks Encore enables older adults to achieve a better quality of www.charitableautoresources.com life by providing a comprehensive program of services, referrals, or email education and advocacy. For more information call Berks Encore [email protected] at 610-374-3195 or visit them at www.Berksencorepa.org Audiologists:
Kathleen D. Vivaldi, AuD, FAAA Melanie A. Appler, AuD, FAAA Living with Loss Matthew R. Bonsall, AuD, FAAA formerly Bereavement Group
Providing diagnostic and rehabilitative services for all types of hearing loss, for any age group. Hearing and Balance Disorders Mondays, March and 22, 3:00- 4:30 p.m. State of the Art Hearing Aid Fittings 2131_Shalom_ad:LayoutTrust 1 9/8/09 the 11:57 AMpest Page 1 experts In House Hearing Aid Repairs For moreWith over information 80 years of experience, call Sari we’ve at 610-921-0624 seen and solved just about every pest problem imaginable.
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610.898.7700 Page 12 SHALOM September 2020 It’s time for us to focus on atonement and forgiveness
By Rabbi Brian Michelson self-righteousness and claimed we did does not remind us to feed the hungry people we could be. If we can do this, Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom no wrong only to know in our hearts that and care for those on the outskirts of then in the face of many of the challenges I don’t know about we were, but we just were not willing to society has not achieved its purpose. and stress we will face, we can begin to the rest of you, but I admit it? It is so easy to find someone As we head into this New Year, may make sure that 5781 can be a better year am ready to put 5780 else to blame rather than to truly live up we be honest with ourselves and with for us, for our community, and our world. behind me. It has been to our potential and own what we got those around us. May we be strong May 5781 be filled with health and a year of division and wrong. With all the challenges of this enough to admit our faults and see happiness for us and may we have a upheaval. It has been year, I believe we all have more reasons ourselves for both who we are and the sweet New Year. filled with challenges than ever to use these High Holy Days to that no one could have search and examine our lives. imagined and solutions The second part of the atonement for which I was not process is to try to undo any of the prepared: Zoom funerals and minyans, damage we may have done. It reminds us services in empty rooms, and the that we cannot ask God for forgiveness question of redefining community in ways until we have truly and meaningfully that would have made our ancestors attempted to make amends with anyone, heads spin. we may have wronged. In the stress and It has not been easy for anyone, and strain of this past year, who do should I am sure that as we all tried to deal with you speak to and seek forgiveness? the unexpected challenges and issues The third and final step in the that we faced, that we all made mistakes atonement process is the heartfelt and and got things wrong. Thus, the idea of meaningful attempt to not repeat the atonement and forgiveness has been mistake, the sin, again. In the Mishnah on my mind. (Yoma 8:9) it teaches: “One who says: Jewish tradition teaches that I shall sin and repent, sin and repent, atonement is a three-part process. First, they do not afford him the opportunity we must acknowledge that we have failed to repent. [If one says]: I shall sin and that we have done something wrong. Yom Kippur will atone for me, Yom Part of this is mastering our egos and Kippur does not effect atonement.” It accepting that we have gone astray, is a reminder that it is not just about sometimes in big ways and sometimes going through the motions or saying the in small ways. We cannot be forgiven for prayers. Our intention matters. Prayers what we do not take responsibility. How that are not followed up by action, are many of us have had those moments of empty, meaningless words. A fast that
B”H HIGH HOLIDAY SERVICES 5781 – 2020
Chabad Lubavitch of Beoks County invites the entire community to join us for High Holiday Services. No membership required. ROSH HASHANAH: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Light candles at ...... 6.49 PM Mincha Service...... 7.00 PM Ma’ariv Service ...... 7.30 PM High Holiday Schedule & Services 2020/5781 Reservations are required for all inͲperson services. Limited space available and subject to change. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 PLEASE NOTE LOCATIONS AND ONLINE AVAILABILITY OF SERVICES Shacharit Service ...... 9:00 AM Reservations must be received on or before Wednesday, September 9, 2020 Individually boxed Kiddush following Services...... approx 12:30 PM Mincha Service ...... 7:00 PM Yom Kippur Yizkor/Neila Ma’ariv Service ...... 7: PM S’lichot with KZ and RCOS 30 Monday, September 28 at 5:45pm Light candles after ...... 7.45 PM Saturday, September 12 at 10:00pm Jewish Federation of Reading & Livestreamed Kesher Zion Synagogue , SEPTEMBER Sukkot First Day SUNDAY 20 Erev Rosh Hashanah Shacharit Service ...... 9:00 AM Saturday, October 3 at 9:30am Friday, September 18 at 7:00pm Torah Reading ...... 10:30 AM Kesher Zion Synagogue Shofar Service ...... 11:00 AM Via Zoom Individually boxed Kiddush following Services...... approx 12.30 PM Sukkot Second Day (Bring Lulav and Etrog) Mincha Service...... 1.45 PM Rosh Hashanah First Day Sunday, October 4 at 9:30am Tashlich Service...... 2.00 PM Saturday, September 19 at 9:30am Kesher Zion Synagogue Mincha Service ...... 6:45 PM Jewish Federation of Reading & Livestreamed Ma’ariv Service ...... 7:00 PM Shmini Atzeret/Yizkor Yom Tov Ends ...... 7.27PM Rosh Hashanah Second Day Saturday, October 10 at 9:30am Sunday, September 20 at 9:30am YOM KIPPUR: Kesher Zion Synagogue Jewish Federation of Reading & Livestreamed SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 Mincha Service ...... 6:15 PM Erev Simchat Torah Rosh Hashanah DriveͲin Shofar Service Light candles at* ...... 6:34 PM Saturday, October 10 at 7:30pm Sunday, September 20 at 2:00pm Kol Nidrei ...... 6.45 PM Kesher Zion Synagogue KZ Parking Lot *Candles may be lit at the synagogue for your convenience. Simchat Torah Kol Nidre Services Sunday, October 11 at 9:30am MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 Sunday, September 27 at 6:15pm Kesher Zion Synagogue Shacharit Service ...... 9:00 AM Jewish Federation of Reading & Livestreamed Yizkor...... 11:30 AM Mincha Service ...... 5:15 PM Yom Kippur Morning Services Neilah ...... 6:15 PM Monday, September 28 at 9:30am Yom Kippur Ends. Individaully boxed break-fasts...... 7.30 PM Jewish Federation of Reading & Livestreamed SERVICES WILL BE HELD OUTDOORS AT THE REAR OF THE CHABAD CENTER 555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing, PA 19610 2320 Hampden Boulevard - Reading, PA 19604 Office: (610) 374Ͳ1763 Fax: (610) 927Ͳ6248 Suggested contribution for a seat is $100. Email: [email protected] www.kesherzion.org Please call 610-334-3218, email [email protected], or visit www.chabadofberks.org/highholiday to reserve a seat This program is sponsored by Dr. Jerry Marcus September 2020 SHALOM Page 13 Be prepared to do your part to make a better new year
By Rabbi David Sislen symbolic description of the possible gear? We don’t want to suffer, nor Hamevin yavin … If you get it, you Kesher Zion Synagogue fates which await us as a result of do we want show up unprepared. get it. Throw it back. Make it matter. I must admit, that our personal actions in the previous Whichever shul you attend, Yamim Hanoraim 5781 will as I began planning year. Symbolic, liturgically iconic, whether virtually or in person, be certainly be unlike any other in and preparing for and certainly musically significant. ready to play ball. Kesher Zion, history, with most people praying the Yamim Noraim But look at the words, and there is Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom from their living rooms or offices (High Holidays) for an ironic connection to our current and Chabad of Berks all have doors instead of sitting in the pews. 5781, there was an status. and hearts open to welcome you. Please find a place to connect, to element of sadness Here’s what I’ve learned. I’ve had Our fate for the upcoming year attend, and to participate. Rabbis that colored my it wrong all of these years. When is not going to be determined by a Michelson, Lipsker and myself are preparations. This the Machzor tells us that “On Rosh magic ticket we receive at the end of all here to support you. Our physical year’s services will Hashana our fate is written, and on Neila services. Our future is based paradigm may be different, but be unlike anything we’ve done Yom Kippur our fate is sealed,” it upon us. Hashem is still there watching us. in the past, because we have assumes that our fate is coming from Want to make a difference for We’re all here for you. Please reach practical limitations. We must limit the top down. That’s not the case. yourself? Make a positive difference out to your shul of choice for High our personal exposure, shorten We determine our future individually, for someone else. Do something Holiday information. our services and be expedient and and it comes from the bottom up. right now to make someone else’s May you be inscribed for a life of safe. With a heavy heart, I began How we expect G-d to be our partner life better. The catcher always has goodness and peace. my preparations for services. My in granting us a good year if we are to get the ball back to the pitcher. Shana Tova Umtuka sadness lasted until I reached the unwilling to partner with the Divine? Unentane Tokef: The catcher can’t do his job if he Who shall live and who shall die. isn’t wearing his mitt, chest protector Who at their time and who not at and mask. Otherwise, he’s gonna their time. Who by disaster and who get clobbered. And on the Yamim What we can learn by plague. Noraim, G-d is certainly throwing us Like many of you, I’ve always some hardballs. Why would we come assumed that Unetane Tokef is a to the game without the necessary from the pandemic
By Rabbi Yosef Lipsker challenges, many of which we are, Chabad Center of Berks County unfortunately, still experiencing, and the Can you imagine if lack of a viable vaccine that we pray will we woke up tomorrow bring the clarity we so wish for, I continue morning to the exciting to feel close to G-d. Yes, I have questions, news that the COVID-19 and yes, I wonder why there is so much vaccine had become suffering, loss, and hostility in the world. available? Despite the Still, I feel G-d’s presence strongly in my many years it normally life. takes to develop a safe The virus, and the ensuing lockdown, Come see the Barrer & White difference! and effective vaccine, a forced me to slow down my pace, to 311 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 19611 BarrerAndWhite.com 610-376-3956 miracle had occurred, increase in prayer and meditation, to and the vaccine was now widely available contemplate, and to delve into Torah. Yes, James G. Barrer, DMD Douglas W. White, DMD for everyone, and we would be guaranteed the world feels chaotic. Yet the increased our health! recognition and awareness that we are Imagine, really imagine, how happy we powerless to control the outcome, and would all be! Suddenly, all the haze and that we have the choice to place our faith confusion since the outbreak began, would in something greater than ourselves, can dissipate. The questions that we all have help to alleviate some of the worries that we regarding schooling, and jobs, and our have. And, so, I place my trust in Hashem, futures would instantly dissolve. We would choosing to believe in the power of prayer. be able to rejoice in each other’s happy This year on Rosh Hashana, I will read occasions again, joining to celebrate births, the words in the prayer book with more and marriages and Bar and Bat Mizvahs. intention than I have ever done. “Who will The joy would extend to our daily lives, live and who will die?” I will think of the and to our daily chores and errands, as we many tragedies we have experienced and celebrate the little things that had seemed fervently pray for life. “Bring peace amongst so out of reach to us recently. us,” I will pray for the resolution of all the As the New Year is ushered in, I things that divide us. reflect on the tumultuous year we have As we stand on Rosh Hashana and collectively experienced; a year that felt like pray for health, happiness and peace episode after episode in a TV show full of of mind, we also pray for the ultimate the wildest twists and turns. We are living redemption, for a time when goodness through an international pandemic. We will prevail in this world for all to clearly have experienced riots and looting, raging see. Until then, we will continue to trust wildfires that have burnt millions of acres and believe that all that is happening is a of land, earthquakes and flash floods. As I springboard for a better future. reflect on all these hardships, I turn inward, Wishing all of our dear friends and loved to my relationship with G-d. ones a year filled with blessings, peace, Despite all of the above mentioned happiness and joy!
ZOOM WITH US! September 26th at 10:00 am TotShabbat Join Rabbi Michelson for a musical, story-filled interactive hour for children through grade 2. Members & non-members welcome. No registration required. Zoom link available at ohebsholom.org. Future Tot Shabbat dates: 10/17, 11/14, 12/19, 1/9, 2 /20, 3/20, 4/17, 5/15, & 6/12. Page 14 SHALOM September 2020 Israeli gargle COVID test shows promise
From online news sources give highly accurate positive-negative Israeli scientists are testing a results, and PCR testing will only be new ultra-fast gargle-and-spit test for needed if results are borderline or if coronavirus on hundreds of patients, medical professionals need detailed and report that so far it is proving 95% information on the viral load, which his accurate. test will not provide. The developers have built a USB- Patients rinse with 10 milliliters of powered machine the size of an a special mouthwash, and then spit ashtray, which takes just one second into a tube. The sample is placed in a to conduct light analysis of mouthwash machine that analyzes it, and reports that a patient has gargled. whether it matches the profile of a They are about halfway through a sample infected with COVID-19. trial of 400 people at Israel’s largest The machine, called the SpectraLIT, hospital, Sheba Medical Center, and does not require any chemicals, and no say that if accuracy levels continue medical skills are required to operate to impress, they expect it to become it. Eli Assoolin, CEO of Newsight, told available internationally by the end of The Times of Israel that the machine the year. shines light through the sample and The innovation team, drawn from onto a special chip. Sheba and the Newsight imaging “A light source goes thought it, and company, says that the technology part of the light is absorbed, and the has the potential to replace PCR rest is captured by the sensors,” he testing, which includes an unpleasant said. swabbing process and requires lengthy The process is known as lab analysis, as the main screening determining the sample’s “spectral method used worldwide. signature”: matter reflects different PCR tests are believed to be light signatures, depending on its around 80% accurate. Accelerated composition. Artificial intelligence PCR testing, the fastest current tools have made it possible for the method, is not widely available and developers to determine what the with a 15-minute turnaround at its best, signature for mouthwash from a testing more accessible, as he hopes, a company jointly established by comes at a financial cost and with a coronavirus-positive person looks Schwartz said it will prove lifesaving by Sheba and Newsight, can quickly start reduction in accuracy levels. like, as opposed to mouthwash from alerting people to self-isolate before mass production of the machines and “This system is very rapid, cheap, anyone else. they would otherwise know materials for tests, he stated. and is looking reliable,” Prof. Eli In the weeks before the current Assoolin said it will also solve He added: “We hope that by the Schwartz, head of the trial and of trial, staff fed spectral signature data a major problem of PCR supply end of this year the system will be Sheba’s Center for Geographic into the chip from numerous people shortage. commercially available to everyone, Medicine, told The Times of Israel. “It’s whose positivity/negativity state “There’s a big shortage of PCR and before then we hope it will be used suitable for mass screening, as well as was already known. Data gathered test kits, and we’re getting rid of in large pilots, including in airports.” airport screening, screening at nursing by the sensors for each person’s the need for these costly kits and The tube and specially formulated homes, and even screening at home.” spectral signature was entered into chemicals needed for processing,” he mouthwash that are given to patients He added: “The idea is to mostly an algorithm, which used it to build commented. will cost 25 cents. Developers say they replace PCR tests, especially in places a profile of infected and non-infected Assoolin said that patents have are hoping that once the machines where you need mass screening.” people. If the new screening method been filed for the technology, are in mass production, they will be Schwartz said that the system will becomes widespread and makes internationally. Virusight Diagnostics, available from $200.
Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks Campaign Leadership a Virtual Event with
Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
Jewish Humor: What the Best Jewish Jokes Say About the Jews Sunday, October 18, 2020 11:00 a.m. Brunch & Book Included Minimum recommended gift $1,200 per person Please RSVP by October 9th Phone: 610-921-0624 / e-mail: [email protected] / online: ReadingJewishCommunity.org
Rabbi Telushkin is a penetrating speaker with the timing of a stand up comic—his Jewish Humor book was hailed by Larry Gelbart (author of Mash): “I don’t know if Jews are really the chosen people, but Telushkin’s book makes a strong argument that they’re the funniest”—so that his talks challenge even as they entertain. One thing is certain: you will walk out of Telushkin’s speech different than when you walked in. September 2020 SHALOM Page 15 Lifelong love of horses leads to Equine-Assisted Therapy for Stef Brok
By Carole Robinson. In this time of global uncertainly, many people are struggling with e mental health issues as well as monitoring physical well-being. c Mental health is an important component i of overall well-being. Finding ways to cope
with stress in a healthy manner will make v you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. During recent research, I learned about an innovative r alternative to traditional therapy, Equine- Assisted Therapy. According to Wikipedia, “Equine- and Stef began to work directly with clients can help to promote self-awareness and e Assisted Therapy is a form of experiential and horses in a non-riding session. With open-mindedness.” therapy that includes horses and a therapist the assistance of David’s horse and Stef’s Stef and her horses found the experience working together with a client to create four horses, Stef and David were able to so powerful that they wrote a book about it
positive change.” I reached out to retired help hundreds of people through Equine- — “The Therapy Boys, The Compelling Life S teacher and JFS volunteer Stef Brok to Assisted Therapy. Though their clients Stories of Four Equine-Assisted Therapy learn more. I asked Stef to tell me about were mainly from the Caron Foundation, Horses: Tornado, Willy Jones, Cody, & herself and how she and her horses they also helped veterans with PTSD and Frankie.” The book was written from the became involved in Equine-Assisted offered couples counseling and drug and horses’ perspective and describes their lives,
Therapy. alcohol counseling. leaving behind a stressful past and becoming l y Stef and her brother Glenn became Clients were asked to perform tasks the Therapy Boys. Stef explained, “These horse-crazy as youngsters, riding the Pepsi involving the horses, working alone or are their stories. I think that if horses could i ponies at their birthday parties and going with others in a group. Their reactions to speak, they would do so precisely through to the Lazy A Ranch for pony rides. Their the horses and the horse’s reactions to these words. Their life stories have the power parents, Doris and Bob Brok, encouraged them revealed the behavior, feelings and to help those in need.” this passion and regularly drove them relationships that have caused pain. This Stef begins the book with this note: “To to the barn and horse shows. Glenn allowed David to help clients deal with assure those who have been through a life went on to become the leading breeder trauma related issues, emotional abuse, of abuse, or have suffered from substance m of thoroughbreds in Pennsylvania. Stef sexual abuse, physical abuse, bullying, abuse, trauma, or post-traumatic stress, selected her college according to where anxiety, and relationship issues. that there is a reason to hope, to know that it
she could bring her horse and brought him A big benefit of Equine-Assisted Therapy won’t always be a terrible situation…If these a to Baltimore for her first teaching job. After is no words are required for communication. horses can go through trauma and abuse marriage, Stef and her husband, Phil, and People often allow themselves to be more and not only endure but thrive, then others their horses moved to a farm in Exeter. vulnerable around a horse because they can too.” She concludes with this afterword, During a chance encounter on the trails are communicating on an emotional level. “Equine-Assisted Therapy is a powerful tool. F of Blue Marsh, Stef met David Rosenker, People can feel free to express themselves Thanks to the sensitivity of the horses and a mental health specialist and licensed because horses are nonjudgmental. Stef their willingness to assist those afflicted with
therapist. told me, “One unique aspect about equine the unfortunate feelings of helplessness, h David was starting a new business, therapy is the way that these animals more and more people are being helped and Herd by a Horse, and invited Stef, an intuitively mirror feelings that a patient may are now on the road to recovery.” equine expert, to become his partner. be experiencing — whether or not they are If you would like to schedule an event to David and Stef completed courses in the aware of it. Horses are very empathetic, “Meet a Therapy Boy” or learn more about EAGALA program (Equine-Assisted Growth and they may reflect sadness, angst, or Stef’s book,contact her at 610-698-2933 and Learning Association). Then David discomfort back towards the patient. This or [email protected]. A busy summer at Jewish Family Service ewi s J
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Clockwise from left, Eileen Kope gets a Friendship Circle lunch delivery. the August JFS food pantry and Julian and Sharon Syret visit the JFS Mask Distribution. Page 16 SHALOM September 2020 Jews are indigenous to Israel, scholar says From online news sources suggests an ancient Jewish presence here. The concept started to be the fall of Nasser and Pan-Arabism,” A junior rabbi at leading Reform there 3,000 years ago corresponding to questioned by the Arab anti-Zionist he further said. “Palestinians needed congregation Temple Emanu-El in the period of the Davidic monarchy. And community.” to demonstrate that they were here New York recently sparked a storm Mizrahi communities today bear living Troen pointed out that in the past before the Jews and they did so by on social media after stating that witness to a Jewish link to the land — few decades several efforts have been inventing that they are descendants Jews are not indigenous to the land for some, a sustained presence there; made to disconnect the Jews of the past of the Jebusites, which would mean of Israel. for more, one interrupted by conquest from those of the present, including that they were here before Joshua “Let me say this as plainly and exile.” the attempt to identify Ashkenazi Jews conquered the Holy Land as described as possible: Jews are not an “Tomorrow, Jews will start three as descendants of the Caucasian in the Bible. indigenous people,” Rabbi Andy weeks of commemoration of the population of the Khazars but also the “For Muslims to find a connection Khan wrote on Twitter. “It is breach of the walls of their Capital by claims by the so-called Danish School with a pagan past is highly unusual, appropriative to make use of an Empire, the destruction of the city, that the Bible does not provide any an act of political imagination, this word when referring to our the subjugation of their country and historical content. clearly a decision for rhetorical relationship to the land of Israel, the forced exile of its population, their “A rabbi should know better,” he purposes.” and it undermines the difficult ancestors. Tell me more about not said. In a later tweet, Khan also clarified work being done to fix the ongoing being indigenous,” Consul-General In the meantime, since the 1960s, that his statements were not to be oppression of indigenous peoples.” of Israel in New York Dani Dayan new attention has been devoted to intended to extend indigenousness in The post received more than tweeted on the eve of the fast of the rights of indigenous peoples from Israel to Palestinians. 10,000 likes and 1,800 retweets and Shiva-Asar Betamuz. the pre-Colombian world. However, “The same argument I’m making a considerable amount of reactions Indeed, statements denying Jewish as the professor pointed out, the about Jews can be made about on and beyond social media. Among roots to Israel are a phenomenon difference between the European Palestinians too. I don’t think indigeneity others, the senior rabbi of Emanu- directly related to undermine the conquest of their lands and the plays a role in this conflict at all, and in El, Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson, legitimacy of Israel as the Jewish Jewish return to Israel has been fact I think including it in the discourse disassociated from Khan’s statement homeland, as explained by Ilan Troen, conspicuous. obscures the plight of Palestinians by both himself and the synagogue, emeritus professor of Modern History “Europeans entered into territories including a category that clearly doesn’t which has been a flagship of the at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev where they never belonged to and fit,” he wrote. Reform movement in the U.S. since and of Israel Studies at Brandeis implanted Europe there, as proven However, the historian Troen its establishment in 1845. University in Waltham/Boston in by names such as New England, stated that when it comes to the “Beyond the Bible, numerous Massachusetts. Louisiana, Oxford and Cambridge, imagination of the past, pragmatism historians argue the Jewish people’s “The issue is both historical and that a rabbi in New York is certainly and empathy are necessary to avoid national identity was forged in the land political,” Troen said. “For a long familiar with,” Troen said. “When conflict. of Israel,” he wrote in a letter to the New time there was very little doubt on Jews returned here, they did not give “Even though I believe that the York-based The Forward. “Archaeology whether the Jews were indigenous any European names to the places Palestinian argument that they and they spoke Hebrew. There is no are descendants of the Jebusites other example of people rejuvenating makes no sense whatsoever, I think WYOMISSING OPTOMETRIC CENTER a language they spoke thousands of I understand why they say it,” he years ago.” concluded. “This understanding helps The Best Care In Sight! Troen also highlighted the create some empathy towards it which importance of the Bible as a enables a conversation. fundamental proof of the connection “I would hope that they can Comprehensive Vision & Medical Eye Care between the Jewish people and the return this sympathy towards the land of Israel. reasons why Jews feel connected Glenn S. Corbin, OD Kerry J. Burrell, OD “What is fascinating is that to this place. Without empathy, Palestinian Arabs began calling there is no conversation and only Karen L. Heaney, OD Amanda S. Legge, OD themselves indigenous after 1967 and conflict.” Perry C. Umlauf, OD Jeffrey Stefanick, OD Heidi L. Sensenig, OD, MS
wyo-opto.com
MYERSTOWN DOUGLASSVILLE WYOMISSING 717-866-1400 610-385-4333 610-374-3134
ZOOM SEMINAR SERIES How To Find Joy and Happiness In The Midst Of Chaos Using mindfulness to overcome fear & worry Wednesday, September 23 PART 3 PART 2:00pm on Zoom Presented by LISA LORAH Life Coach Specialist RSVP TO JILL BY CALLING 610-624-1299.
LEARN MORE AT 803 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601 • www.manoratms.com September 2020 SHALOM Page 17
New Year blessings to all. May this be a year of Best wishes for a Arthur Fischman and peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & Phylllis, Ilene, Sheryl prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Glenn & Gaye Corbin May you have a sweet & prosperous Harriet Baskin New Year. Jackye & James Barrer
New Year blessings to all. May this be a year of Best wishes for a Joanie & Itz Friedman peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & and Family prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Cynthia & George Balchunas May you have a sweet & prosperous Ethel Engel New Year. Anneliese Bateman
New Year blessings to all. May this be a year of Best wishes for a Fran & Larry Gross peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & and Family prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. The Farber Family May you have a sweet & prosperous Barbara & Bernie Fromm New Year. Robert & Beth Caster
New Year blessings to all. May this be a year of Best wishes for a Ruth Isenberg peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Marc & Marcia Filstein May you have a sweet & prosperous The Levine Family New Year. Michael & Barbara Charnoff
New Year blessings to all. May this be a year of Best wishes for a Annette & Sean peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & Peppard prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Flamholz Family May you have a sweet & prosperous Bernard Mendelsohn New Year. Toby K. Mendelsohn Mindy & Robert Coopersmith
New Year blessings to all. May this be a year of Best wishes for a Carolyn M. Vella peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & John J. McGonagle prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Julie Gabriel & Don Fox May you have a sweet & prosperous Jeffrey D. & Karen Miller New Year. Susan & Richard D’Angelo Page 18 SHALOM September 2020
New Year blessings to all. May this be a year of Best wishes for a Alan & Susan Weisberg peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & and Family prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. The Jacobson Family May you have a Marty, Karen, Lisa, Kate, Travis, sweet & prosperous Linda & Mickey Roeberg Ella, Seth and Jake New Year. Debbie Goodman & John Moyer
New Year blessings to all. May this be a year of Best wishes for a George Weiss peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Nancy Knoblauch May you have a sweet & prosperous Judy & Jim Schwank New Year. Jill & Michael Haas
New Year blessings to all. May this be a year of Best wishes for a Missy & Allen peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & Zimmerman prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Judith Kraines May you have a Neil Hoffman sweet & prosperous Ingrid Soltysik New Year. Mariette Jacobson and Family
May you have a sweet & prosperous May this be a year of Best wishes for a New Year. peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & Sandee & Neal Nevitt prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Meir & Haia Mazuz May you have a Sue Wachs and family sweet & prosperous New Year. Myron & Karen Kabakoff
May you have a sweet & prosperous May this be a year of Best wishes for a New Year. peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & Sileski Family prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Richard & Elizabeth Nassau May you have a sweet & prosperous Andy & Corinne Wernick New Year. Bernie & Janett Kaplan
May you have a sweet & prosperous May this be a year of Best wishes for a New Year. peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & Andi Watkins & prosperity for our Peaceful New Year Jeff Sternlieb community, Israel and the entire world. Gordon & Carol Perlmutter May you have a sweet & prosperous Rosalye L. Yashek New Year. and Family Betsy & Alvin Katz and Family September 2020 SHALOM Page 19
May you have a sweet & prosperous Best wishes for a New Year. Best wishes for a Happy, Healthy & Andy & Laurie Waxler Happy, Healthy & Peaceful New Year Peaceful New Year
Larry, Dave, Jon & Leah May you have a The Viener Families Rotenberg sweet & prosperous New Year. Naomi & Alex Knoll
May you have a sweet & prosperous Best wishes for a New Year. Best wishes for a Happy, Healthy & Manny & Yvonne Happy, Healthy & Peaceful New Year Wittels Peaceful New Year
The Schlanger Family May you have a Radene Gordon-Beck sweet & prosperous New Year. Eileen Kope
May you have a May you have a sweet & prosperous sweet & prosperous Best wishes for a New Year. New Year. Happy, Healthy & Louise Zeidman Jane E. Goodman Peaceful New Year and Family
May you have a Cindy & Tim Schuchart May you have a sweet & prosperous sweet & prosperous New Year. New Year. Carrie & Stephen Phyllis Jacoby Latman
May you have a May you have a sweet & prosperous sweet & prosperous May this be a year of New Year. New Year. peace, progress and Rochelle Mann Norman & Rita prosperity for our community, Israel Wilikofsky and the entire world.
Andi & Bill Franklin
EXPLORE THE SIDDUR AT KESHER ZION
Learn the history of our prayers, the structure of our services, experi- ence the beauty of the poetry, and the wisdom of our tradition in a monthly class taught by Rav/Hazzan David Sislen. Texts are often suggested by students, and your requests are welcomed.
The second year of this popular class will be held online on the second Thursday of the month: 6:30-7:15 pm, so that those who wish to at- tend minyan will have adequate travel time to come to the shul. If you wish to attend in person, please contact the Rabbi/Hazzan at the address below.
September 10 March 11 November 12 April 8 December 10 May 13 January 14 June 10 February 11 You must register for the course or for an individual class in order to receive the Zoom link. You can contact us at: [email protected] or [email protected]
KESHER ZION SYNAGOGUE 555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing, PA 19610 Page 20 SHALOM September 2020 Essential West Bank land registry is handwritten
From online news sources registration is done by hand in spent to advance the scanning to properly achieve and record The Israeli property registry for physical books,” the report stated. project and that it was working on land transactions, couple by the the West Bank is handwritten with “If these books are harmed, it is completing it. The comptroller said secrecy in which such document are no complete back-up copy, even possible that there would not be any that the process must go at a much held, had enabled the Palestinian though land ownership is one of the remaining documents that testified faster pace, before “information is Authority to seize control of land in key points of conflict between Israeli to the real estate transactions.” lost that cannot be retrieved.” Area C. and Palestinians. Aside from wear and tear over The comptroller blamed the Regavim Director-General Meir This includes both recent land time, that book could also be lack of coordination between the Deutch said, “The painstaking, transactions and those from the damaged by fire or water, the report governmental ministries and the glacial pace of handwritten record Jordanian and British Mandate speculated, noting that a scanning judiciary branch for delaying the keeping is fertile ground for forgery, periods. process had begun, but that there computerization program for land and leads to further violation of At present, the Civil Administration were still over 40,000 pages that registry. property rights, making it nearly registers only that property, Israeli have not yet been copied. It similarly noted that the impossible to conduct property and Palestinian, that is in Area C of With regard to the Beit-El and registration process was very slow, transactions in a normal fashion,” the West Bank, but it has information Ramallah registry, some 33,000 with only a fraction of the registration Deutch said. that predates that division. pages from Jordanian books have cases moving beyond the first state “The failure to carry out the The status of the registry was yet to be scanned. Similarly, with in any year. necessary registration and regulation brought to light in Monday’s report regard to the Tul Karem and Kalkliya Out of 506 registration attempts in of land in these areas has enabled by Comptroller Matanyahu Englman, registry, there are 5,600 pages with 2018, the comptroller noted, only 25 the Palestinian Authority to carry out which dealt among other things with no scans. were advance beyond the first stage. a well-planned, carefully-timed and the Civil Administrations process The IDF said that hundreds of The right-wing NGO Regavim said well-funded land-seizure program,” of registering property. “Land thousands of shekels had been that Civil Administration’s failure he added.
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JEWISH INTERFAITH SOCIAL VALUES JUSTICE
Thanks to our sponsors: This program made possible through a grant from PJ Library, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation MaySeptember 2010 2020 SHALOMShalom PagePage 21 10 Federation Honorial - Memorial Card Information HonorialsHonorials and and Memorials Memorials ContributionsContributions may may be be made made to to the the following following Funds: Funds: Please mail your payment with complete information to the Jewish UJA-Federation Campaign $10 Federation, PO Box 14925, Reading, PA 19612-4925 or bring to the Jewish Federation Jewish Community Campaign Cultural Center, 1100 Berkshire Blvd, Suite 125, Wyomissing. You may set up Jewish Family Service $10 a “savings account” for the purpose of sending cards. Please contact the Leo Camp LectureLecture FundFund $10 Jewish Federation at 610-921-0624 for further information. JFS FoodFood BankBank $25 JFS Taxi TransportationTransportation ProgramProgram $20 Contributions as of Aug. 14 Contributions as of April 16 Holocaust Library & Resource CenterCenter $18 Doris Levin Fund UJA-FederationEdwin & Alma N.’51 Campaign Lakin Holocaust Library & Resource Center Doris Levin Fund $10 In memory of: In honor of: PJ Library Fund Jim Gilbert (Jennifer Goss’ father) – Andy and Corinne Wernick, Jay and Sarah Simon’s engagement – Vic and Dena Hammel Michael ClyminHarry (Ellen & Abramson’sRose Sack father) Fund – Susan and Richard D’Angelo Evelyn Lipschutz Alma and Ed Lakin’s new home – Vic and Dena Hammel, Mildred & Ivan Frank MehringerEvelyn – Edith Thompson Mendelsohn Fund Robert Brok – Rosalye Yashek Gordon Barbara Nazimov – Rosalye Yashek Sam Goodman’s engagement – Alma and Ed Lakin Sharyn Cohen – Rosalye Yashek Alyse Corbin’s marriage – Carol and Bernie Gerber, Alma and Ed Lakin Doris Levin Fund In memory of: Sue Viener’s Birthday – Yvonne & Rob Oppenheimer In memory of: – Al and Betsy Katz FederationBirth of Selma Community Cutler’s great-grandson Campaign Jacob - Debbie Goodman and John StanDr. Walter Ramati Gershenfeld – Stephanie and Dennis Arbige, Carole and Mike – Yvonne and Manny Wittels MoyerIn honor of: RobinsonDorothy Jacobson (Martin Jacobson’s mother) – Sylvia Wenger Birth of of Carol Eleanor and Gordonand Peter Perlmutter’s Reyner’s new twin grandson grandchildren – Debbie – JudyGoodman and Boband ShoshanaBarbara Nazimov Tannenbaum – Carole and Mike Robinson JohnPollack Moyer Birth of Carole and Mike Robinson’s new granddaughter – Rosalye Yashek HolocaustJFS Food PantryLibrary and Resource Center GetMadeline well: Pollack Atkins 95th birthday while recovering from COVID-19 – In memoryhonor of: of: SusanHarold Weiser Leifer – Rob and Yvonne Oppenheimer ShoshanaBirth of Sylvia Tannenbaum Wenger’s – great-granddaughterKen and Mary Holt, George – Rosalye and Yashek Sue Viener, Sue Schlanger,Birth of GordonCarole and MikeCarol Robinson’sPerlmutter, Leah new granddaughterKanter-Salis, Rosemary – Sue Schlanger and John EvelynIn memory Thompson of: Nursery School Fund Deegan,Birth ofNaum Jackye and and Lyudmila Jim Barrer’s Ger, Louis new andgrandson Katherine – Sue Danzico, Schlanger Florence and In memoryStan Ramati of: – Debbie and David Goldberg, Rob and Yvonne Oppenheimer MarvinEdith Segal, Mendelsohn’s Vic and Dena 103rd Hammel, birthday Emma – Sue Holder, Schlanger Susan Gallagher, Mildred & ShoshanaDick Gordon’s Tannenbaum brother – BethTerri Hafetzand Bob Caster IvanSari Gordon, Incledon’s Carrie semi-retirement& Stephen Latman, – RosalyeJudy, Bob Yashek & Susan Pollack, Anna & Moisey Robert Brok – Carol and Bernie Gerber Schneider, Norman & Rita Wilikofsky, Audrey Williams, Alan and Esther Strauss, JewishBarbara Family Nazimov Service – Carol and Bernie Gerber JayIn memory and Evelyn of: Lipschutz, Carol and Bernie Gerber, Barbara and Seth Rosenzweig, In honor of: JohnJeri Castrege Kozloff and– Rosalye family, YashekMichael Geraci, Maxine & Dick Henry, Piekara Family, JewishBirth of Family Carol and Service Gordon Perlmutter’s new grandson – Sue and George Viener, LauraDennis Higgins Hermann (Ellen Azrael’s brother) – Sue Schlanger BetsyIn honor and of: Al Katz BatSari Mitzvah Incledon’s of Fran semi-retirement Mendelsohn’s –granddaughter Mariette Jacobson – Rosalye Yashek Arthur & Beatrice Hammel Jewish Music Series Carole Robinson’s new position as JFS Director – Mariette Jacobson FriendshipIn memory of: Circle In memory of: GetFran well: Mendelsohn – Meir and Haia Mazuz Shoshana Tannenbaum – Jill and Gladys Skaist Harold Leifer – Glenn and Gaye Corbin Holocaust education2020 spreading Shalom inContributors Berks County Continued from PageWe 5wish to thank alsothe followingthat the students members are genuinely of our community On a wider for their note, generous there have support justice of and Shalom: 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 genuinelyPATRON interested in$154 Holocaust & OVER 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. studentsJulie Gabriel have for and these Don individuals Fox and about it now, several weeks Albertlater. and Nancythe past Sack month I have met with two ThoughRosalye the Yashek fourth quarter of the individuals who are in the process school year has begun, there are still SPONSOR $118of developing - $153 a Holocaust course to many additional opportunities that The Driben Family Nancy Knoblauch Meir and Haia Mazuzbe offeredLaurie at and their Andy local Waxler high school. remain.Radene I just spoke Gordon-Beck to an undergraduate DONOR $72One - $117 gentleman was from Lancaster ethics class at Penn State Berks County. The other, Gerry Evans, is a regarding the ethical/moral implications Wendy Babitt and Todd Straub Robert M. and Beth C. Caster Kalmenteacher and at MargaretHamburg Feinberg High School. MarcI of andthe Holocaust.Marcia Filstein I found the students Karen and Marty Jacobson Debbie Goodman and John Moyer have Victoriabeen in andcontact Howard with Hafetztwo other to beDoris receptive and Elliott and Leisawitzinquisitive and Barbara and Seth Rosenzweig Boris and Tatiana Schneider local Richardteachers, and Pete Mindy Ruckelshaus Small at haveIngrid been Soltysikasked to deliver a similar Michael and Phyllis Warshaw Susan WeiserTwin Valley and Jim KoneckeMissy and at Wilson Allen Zimmermanprogram 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. SUPPORTER Valley, $36 - and$71 its first offering is during As mentioned above, Kim Yashek, Cynthia and George Balchunas Jackye and Jim Barrer Harriet Baskinthe current fourthAnneliese quarter. Bateman He is veryRobert daughter and Beth of theBruck late local Holocaust Alan and Margie Leisawitz Michael Schein and Robin Kline Michael Charnoffexcited about Robert offering and this Mindy course Coopersmith to survivor RichardGlenn Yashek, and Gaye is speaking Corbin at Susan and Richard D’Angelo Oleg and Tatyana Erlikh Cheryl andhis Eric students Farber and hasArthur even Fischmanlined up TwinSamuel Valley, Hamburgand Sarah and Flamholz Fleetwood. Joanie and Itz Friedman Claire M. Fruchter Naum andseveral Lyudmila guest Ger speakers includingJack Rabbi Gernsheimer Right and now Nancy Albright Wolff College is hosting Brian Michelson, Kim Yashek and Hilde an exhibit titled, “Stories Among Us: Anzie and Edward Golden Jane Goodman Fran and Larry Gross Gernsheimer.Jill and Michael Haas PhyllisWashington Jacoby State Connections to the Alvin and Betsy Katz Eileen Kope Judith Kraines and Neil Hoffman JimCarrie Konecke and Stephenis teaching Latman at Wilson Sheila Holocaust, and Gary Lessons Lattin in Genocide.” The Roberta Lawit Alan and Margie Leisawitz Lisa and Alan Levine CentralBernard Junior High and butToby will K.be Mendelsohnmoving up exhibit Paul includes and Solangethe stories Mintz of five Holocaust Sandee and Neal Nevitt Gordon and Carol Perlmutter Annette andto Wilson Sean PeppardHigh School Jesse at the Pleet beginning survivorsLarry andRotenberg one liberator and has Michael Schein and Robin Kline Roger Schein Moisey Schneiderof next school year. He will be Cindyoffering and a Timreceived Schuchart good reviews. It is definitely course on Nazi Germany. His students worth a visit! It will be at Albright’s Gingrich Judy and Jim Schwank Sandy and Andrew Sigal Irene Sileski Jillwill Skaist be studying Cheryl this periodSpillerman of German Jeffrey Library Sternlieb through and May Andrea 10. Watkins Sue Wachs Alan and Susan Weisberg George Weiss Andy andhistory Corinne in depth,Wernick including Robert a study and ofPatricia the Wool Louise Zeidman*** rise of anti-Semitism, the initial period of Jennifer Goss teaches social studies the Holocaust and the Final Solution. The in the Fleetwood School District and latter part of the course will look at post-war specializes in Holocaust education. Plan for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah & Wedding Guests!
READING 2801 Papermill Road Wyomissing, Pennsylvania GROUP RATES AVAILABLE Call Alice for a Site Tour
(610) 736-2082 ✦ www.reading.homewoodsuites.com Page 22 SHALOM September 2020 L’Shana Tova! Weis Markets extends to you and your family a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
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