Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks Non-Profit Organization Jewish Cultural Center, PO Box 14925 U.S. Postage PAID Reading, PA 19612-4925 Permit No. 2 readingjewishcommunity.org Reading, PA Change Service Requested
Enriching Lives Volume 49, No. 2 February 2019 Shevat - Adar I 5779
ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by0 the Jewish2 Federation1 of Reading/Berks9
Your Federation Supports: Community Shabbat set for March 1 Jewish Education By Amanda J. Hornberger Afterwards a kosher meal will be served Last year more than 170 community Food Pantry On March 1 our community will gather family-style, and a vegetarian option is members attended our community for its annual community Shabbat service available. The cost is $20 per person. Shabbat, and our wish is that we will Friendship Circle and dinner. This year our community Children 18 and under are free. All have another memorable community Chevra Shabbat theme is one community, one are welcome, and if you need financial evening in March. voice. The event will be hosted by assistance to attend, please contact Sari Coming together as a community Community Shabbat Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom. Incledon at 610-921-0624. for this annual event is a special Join us at 555 Warwick Drive, We are hoping for another great experience for community members Reading Jewish Film Series Wyomissing, at 6 p.m. for a service crowd at Community Shabbat on March of all ages! PJ Library led by Rabbi Brian Michelson with 1!.RSVP with payment is required by For questions or additional information participation from Rabbi Yosef Lipsker February 21 to [email protected] or please contact Amanda at amandah@ Jewish Family Service and other members of our community. 610-921-0624. jfreading.org or 610-921-0624.
Jewish Cultural Center Lakin Holocaust Library Our children’s impressions of Israel & Resource Center By Bill Franklin Israel & Overseas Our community’s family mission to Israel in December included a number Camp Scholarships of children making their first trip to the Holy Land. Here are some of their Israel Trips thoughts on the experience. Jewish Community I like Israel because it is our holy High School place. The Western Wall was my favorite site. Emergency Support —Eva Karchevsky Lakin Preschool Our trip to Israel was a lot of fun. I Richard J. Yashek Lecture had a great experience. We saw a lot of different interesting sites. Transportation —Bella Karchevsky
Maimonides Society My favorite part in Israel was when Holly and Rabbi Brian Michelson with kids participating in the family mission to Israel celebrate their arrival. At right, Your Jewish Legacy we were climbing rocky areas near three generations of Schneiders in Israel. Masada and went into the Dead Sea 92ND ST Y Programs and floated in it. I want to go back with my friends! Joint Distribution Committee —Ari Levin Meir Panim I just loved everything in Israel. Annual Campaign —Alexandra Levin
Jewish Agency for Israel
Yemin Orde
School Education Programs
Interfaith Unity Council
Israel Advocacy
Youth Events Harry and Ari at Masada. Ben, Will, Harry and Andy in the Dead Sea Great Decisions Series
Jewish Community
Relations Council
Community Holiday Programs
Women’s Philanthropy
Jewish Federations
of North America
Counseling Services
Leo Camp Lecture
Shabbat B’Yachad Luba, Eva & Bella Karchevsky at The Wall. In the grottos at Rosh Hanikra. At right, Alexandra makes a new friend. Page 2 SHALOM February 2019 Celebrating women’s philanthropy
By Richard Nassau it valorizes “The New Colossus,” the poem Development Director On April 16 we will celebrate our written by Emma Lazarus, a Jewish woman. On April 16 we community’s Jewish women at a She said, “Emma Lazarus was an activist … renew Women’s special event with Letty Cottin She did not take injustice lying down. She Philanthropy, celebrating Pogrebin. claimed her Jewish identity with pride.” our community’s Jewish Women’s philanthropy at Federation women and their young girl performing to ‘Hava Nagila’ in front provides sisters and daughters, mothers contributions to improving of the world and see her win for it.” and friends, compassionate and committed lives. Jewish women are Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a Jewish woman. women at every stage of life and career to the change-makers and She is also a lawyer, the subject of movies, meet other women who share interests and n t community-shapers of books and a song, and an Associate Justice on passions. It is a place women of all ages the world, at every age in every profession. the U.S. Supreme Court. At the U.S. Holocaust can come together. Aly Raisman is a Jewish woman. She Memorial Museum in 2004, she spoke about Whether your interests lie in education,
e is also a gymnast, a leader of the #MeToo how growing up Jewish influenced her work, networking, fundraising or community movement and a two-time Olympian with “My heritage as a Jew and my occupation as a service, women’s philanthropy offers six medals — three gold, two silver and one judge fit together symmetrically. The demand meaningful experiences. Discover bronze. In January at the Jewish Federations for justice runs through the entirety of Jewish opportunities to connect, new ways you can of North America’s Lion of Judah conference history and Jewish tradition.” impact our community and how together she spoke about including “Hava Nagila” in Letty Cottin Pogrebin is a Jewish woman. women are building a vibrant Jewish future m her medal-winning routine. “I didn’t realize She is also an Emmy award winner, a founding in Berks County and around the world. at the time I was representing not only the editor and writer for Ms. magazine and a leader On April 16 we will celebrate our community’s United States but the Jewish community. I for social justice. Accepting an award from the Jewish women at a special event with Letty received a letter from a Holocaust survivor Jewish Women’s Archive in 2012, she pointed Cottin Pogrebin. To be part of the April 16 p saying she never imagined in her life seeing a to the Statue of Liberty and spoke about how Celebrating Jewish Women call 610-921-0624.
o The media and the Anti-Defamation League
l By Amanda J. Hornberger Part of Gutnick’s job is to take calls the ADL helps educate journalists. The Everyone has seen it. The episode of or emails from every-day Americans who organization’s website provides a list “Seinfeld” about the “soup Nazi.” Harmless view something as antisemitic or racist of 10 tips for journalists newly covering
e comedy or underlying antisemitism? These on television, the Internet or radio. The extremism, which include be appropriately are some of the challenges and issues ADL then views the clip and determines skeptical and do your homework (a.k.a. facing Todd Gutnick, senior director of the response. Sometimes, as in the case talk to experts in the field). A media watch communications and digital at the Anti- of the soup Nazi on “Seinfeld,” the ADL section on the ADL website provides v Defamation League, every day. determines no response is necessary. It responses and editorials written by the ADL January’s session of the ADL’s Glass was a joke, most people will understand in response to bigotry in the media. There is Leadership Institute focused on the media the humor, and no harm was intended also a blog with news stories about current
e and ADL. Led by Gutnick, our group learned or done. Other times, as in the case of events written by ADL experts. how the ADL uses the media to spread comments made by the late comedian Joan Next time you witness bigotry in the ADL reports on data analysis and trends Rivers or the Jew in the well song by Ali G media feel free to reach out to the ADL for antisemitism, hate crimes and other (a character created by comedian Sacha and let them know your concerns. The ADL information, and also challenges the media Baron Cohen) the ADL asks for an apology serves as our partner and connection to D when it sees antisemitism, racism, or other and for the clip to be removed. creating less bigotry in media in the United bigotry on air. In addition to monitoring the media, States. Annual Campaign Women’s Philanthropy Jewish Summer Camp Maimonides Society
Your Jewish Legacy Financial Assistance Program Chai Circle Please remember that applications for the L’Chaim Society Jewish Federation of Reading’s summer Book of Life camp financial assistance program are due by
Letter of Intent Friday, March 8.
The information and financial assistance application are available at www. readingjewishcommunity.org. Please call Bill Franklin at 610-921-0624 with any questions.
DONATE NOW TO OUR omen’s JEWISH W COMMUNITY Philanthropy CAMPAIGN Please visit Jewish Women: Their Pivotal Role in Society ReadingJewishCommunity. org Letty Cottin Pogrebin Make your gift today! Tuesday April 16, 2019 Author - Deborah, Golda, and Me: Being Female and Jewish in America Advocate – a founding editor Ms. magazine Activist - co-founder National Women’s Political Caucus February 2019 SHALOM Page 3 From the President’s Desk Israel trip inspires community as we move forward By William D. Franklin President We had a wonderful family mission to Israel in December as 33 participants from ages 8 to 83 enjoyed Israeli food and culture, explored Israel’s ancient sites and modern challenges and enjoyed each other’s company. We traveled to the Golan Heights, which is on Israel’s border with Syria and visited Mount Bental. In the Yom Kippur War it was the site of one of the largest tank battles in history. It is a key strategic point for Israel due to its advantageous observation point. Here, the group was exposed to the ongoing security threats from Syria and Lebanon and the precarious situation Israelis face in their daily Participants in our Family Mission to Israel on the Old Ramparts Walk. lives. However, touring the Ayalon Rabbi Michelson leads Kabbalat Shabbat services at Institute, the secret underground the Western Wall. munitions factory built in the early 1940s that produced more than 2 Reading’s luncheon meeting and million bullets used in the War of later that evening to our community Independence, we saw the resolve at RCOS/KZ. His topics will include and ingenuity of Israelis so that, the upcoming Israel elections, Middle against all odds, Israel exists and East security and prospects for thrives today. conflict resolution. We visited The Western Wall of the Our upcoming educational ancient Temple, the Old City, Masada programs include the Great Decision and Yad Vashem which connected us Series, which discusses important to our past and toured Yemin Orde present-day issues on Mondays and the Birthright Innovation Center, at 10:30 am. The current series which showed us our future. program, “Prepare to Discuss the Programs to continue our World,” starts on Feb. 4 focusing community enjoyment, eating and on “Refugees and Global Migration” having fun together, as well as and deals with different subjects thru learning and connecting to Israel, March 26. are planned for February and March. On Feb. 6 our Reading Jewish Our Community Shabbat is on March Film Series features “And Then 1st and our Purim Masquerade Party She Arrived,” an Israeli romantic featuring Israeli food is on March 16. comedy. On Wednesday, Feb. 13, To further our understanding of the community Israel Book Group the current situation in the Middle will meet to discuss Son of Hamas East, the Federation is sponsoring by Mosab Hassan Yousef. Dr. Eran Lerman, vice president of By studying together, eating the Jerusalem Institute for Strategic together, having fun together and learning about the complexities of Studies, to speak March 13 at the Members of our group atop Masada, left, and enjoying an Israeli feast. World Affairs Council of Greater Israel today, we ensure our future. Community organizations working together on security
By Jennifer Gurwitz Situational awareness is the key to and obtain more informationJewish by Federation visiting of Reading/Berks Please remember Non-Profit— Organization If you see Jewish Cultural Center, PO Box 14925 U.S. Postage PAID and Bill Franklin being prepared. Agosti explained that www.safe2saypa.org. Reading, PA 19612-4925 something, say something!”Permit No. 2 readingjewishcommunity.org Reading, PA Responding to the recent tragedy in no matter where you are (a grocery Change Service Requested Pittsburgh and to the third consecutive store, attending religious services, a Enriching Lives Volume 47, No. 9 September 2017 Elul 5777-Tishri 5778 year of rise in hate crimes, the Jewish restaurant, etc.), you should make a brief Federation, Reform Congregation Oheb assessment of your surroundings and Sholom, Kesher Zion and Chabad held a to specifically note where the exits are ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by0 the Jewish9 Federation1 of Reading/Berks7 meeting of staff and professional leaders located. He indicated that most people A newspaper serving the Jewish community of Berks County, Your Federation Supports: to review and learn how to upgrade will instinctively want to exit through the Pennsylvania, andJewish published Education monthly, September through June, under Food Pantry our community’s security plans. Greg door they entered. If you have children the Jewish FederationFriendship Circle of Reading/Berks. Funded by the Annual Jewish Agosti, a Pennsylvania law enforcement with you, make it a game to teach your Chevra Community Campaign.Community Shabbat officer and owner of Agosti Emergency children to become more aware of their Reading Jewish Film Series PJ Library Preparedness Solutions conducted a surroundings. For example, the child who General Offices:Jewish Family Service 1100 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 125 Jewish Cultural Center three-hour seminar on “Mass Violence can find the most people wearing a blue Lakin Holocaust Library Wyomissing, PA 19610 & Resource Center
Awareness and Survival Tactics.” shirt gets a prize. Phone: Israel & Overseas 610-921-0624 FAX: 610-929-0886 Key points covered included the need All four organizations will be working Web site: Camp Scholarships www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org Israel Trips for everyone to be alert of people and to upgrade security plans and will be Jewish Community Jewish Federation Highof School Reading things that are not ‘normal’. Indicators holding public meetings to coach our Emergency Support Chair: Lakin Preschool Haia Mazuz can include strange behaviors, bulging community on what to look for and what Richard J. Yashek Lecture President: Transportation William D. Franklin clothing hiding weapons and hatred and to do when suspicious individuals are Maimonides Society threats posted on social media. Examples encountered. Please feel free to call Communications YourDirector: Jewish Legacy Mark Nemirow, Editor Proofreaders: 92ND ST Y Programs Federation staff of incidents that could have been stymied Rabbi Michelson, Rabbi Lipsker, Cindy Joint Distribution Committee Meir Panim and some that were emphasized the Chronister or Bill Franklin if you have Annual Campaign Jewish Agency for Israel need to instill community awareness and any questions, concerns or suggestions. The opinions expressed in ShalomYemin Orde are of the writers and not the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks School Education Programs acceptance of “If you see something, Recently Pennsylvania implemented Interfaith Unity Council say something!” It is your responsibility a new statewide system that lets students, Israel Advocacy Youth Events to call the police if you perceive a threat parents, teachers and community Great Decisions Series Jewish Community to be real. Agosti stated several times members anonymously report potential Relations Council Community Holiday Programs that the police would rather respond to threats of violence and other problems. Women’s Philanthropy numerous false alarms than have to an The Safe2Say tip line can be reached Jewish Federations of North America incident that could have been avoided by by calling 844-723-2729. One can Counseling Services Leo Camp Lecture early intervention. download the Safe2Saypa phone app Shabbat B’Yachad Page 4 SHALOM February 2019 A day ON, not a day off; MLK Day of Service a success
By Amanda J. Hornberger commitment to service. Nearly 60 people participated The groups were able to pack Where we volunteered in a day of service for the JCC’s 24.5 skids (which is 980 boxes first MLK Day of Service held on of food!). The Greater Berks Food children in Berks County and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. Meanwhile back at the JCC Bank collects, purchases, 45 percent in Schuylkill County. 21. MLK Day of Service is part our youngest volunteers and their stores, and distributes more • More than 100,000 of a national initiative aimed to adult helpers were busy working than 7 million pounds of food people in Berks and Schuylkill be a “day on, not a day off.” It is on service projects for Reading annually to more than 300 Counties qualify for food intended to empower individuals, Hospital, Tower Health. Twenty- programs that feed the hungry assistance — defined as living strengthen communities, bridge five teddy bears were stuffed and in Berks, Schuylkill, and western within 150 percen t of the poverty barriers, create solutions to filled with love and well wishes Montgomery Counties. guideline. social problems, and move us and will be delivered to pediatric • 3 percent of the For more information on the closer to Dr. King’s vision of a patients at Reading Hospital. More population of Berks County and Greater Berks Food Bank please “Beloved Community.” than 50 care packages of socks, 12 percent of the population of visit berksfoodbank.org/ On MLK Day, our group sweatshirts and sweat pants were Schuylkill County (71,400 total *** met at the JCC and then split rolled, labeled and bagged to be people) live in poverty and thus Tower Health brings for two service projects in the distributed to patients who need to face hunger issues. together more than 11,000 community. leave the hospital in new clothes • Nearly 1 in 4 individuals dedicated team members, Older youth and a few adults but do not have access to clean living in Berks County is food 2,000 nationally recognized traveled by bus to the Greater clothes. insecure, meaning they do not physicians, specialists Berks Food Bank, where they The kids also showed their know where their next meal will and providers across 65 spent 90 minutes packing food creative side by coloring cards come from. convenient locations. boxes to be delivered to children, full of well wishes and cheer to • Of those living in poverty, Its collaborative clinical adults and seniors experiencing be given to patients throughout nearly 24,500 are children under excellence is leading the health hunger in our community. Some Tower Health. Then children the age of 18. care transformation — which volunteers packaged snacks learned about the Jewish value • More than 38,000 means the communities it for students at K-12 schools of bikur cholim (visiting the sick) school-aged children in Berks serves have expanded access throughout Berks and Schuylkill through a PJ Library story time. and Schuylkill Counties to advanced, comprehensive Counties. Joining our group After a busy morning of serving are eligible for the National care by renowned physicians, was part of the Reading High others, both groups gathered for School Lunch Program’s free when and where they need it. School football team, who are lunch and socialization. The JCC and reduced lunches. This For more information on members of VOiCEup Berks, was filled with happy faces, and represents 42 percent of the Tower Health please visit www. an official affiliate of Youth we are proud of all of volunteers population of school-aged towerhealth.org/ Volunteer Corps. VOiCEup Berks for using their day off from work creates volunteer opportunities and school to serve others. Library, PJ Our Way and United and PJ Our Way in Reading are to address community needs Thanks to the support of Way our first MLK Day of Service generously sponsored by the and to inspire youth for a lifetime Keystone Tees, Logo Motion, PJ was a huge success! PJ Library Sue B. Viener Memorial Fund.
Center Jewish Cultural Learn about world affairs … join Great Decisions
92nd St. Y Programs By Amanda J. Hornberger community members, Great Decisions is part JCC beginning Feb. 4. Great Decisions runs Refugees. Mexico. Nuclear negotiations. of the country’s largest discussion group on for eight weeks through March 26 (the last Game Nights Populism in Europe. U.S. and China trade. world affairs. session is on a Tuesday). The cost is $35 per Community Shabbat These are just a few of the hot-button Each week a different global issue will book or $40 for two people sharing one book. international topics that will be discussed at be discussed by the group after reading the To register for Great Decisions and to Reading Jewish Film Series this year’s Great Decisions series at the JCC. Great Decision Briefing Book and watching order a copy of the Great Decision Briefing Moderated by professors from Albright, the related DVD. Our group will be meeting on Book please contact Amanda at amandah@ Great Decisions Alvernia and Penn State Berks as well as Monday mornings from 10:30 until noon at the jfreading.org or 610-921-0624. Interfaith Mitzvah Day Yom Ha’atzmaut Royals hosting Jewish Heritage Game PJ Library By Amanda J. Hornberger Everyone who purchases tickets through com/order/group/JewishFed/ (the link can also PJ Our Way A Sunday afternoon of Royals hockey is our group link will be given a free giveaway be found at www.readingjewishcommunity. a fun way to break up a dreary winter. Join item at the game. org). Leo Camp Lecture us on Feb. 3 for a 2 p.m. game celebrating Another special treat will be the High If you have any questions or issues Tech Tuesday Jewish Heritage! Five Tunnel Experience for everyone in our purchasing tickets please contact Amanda Tickets are $20, which includes seating group. This experience allows guests to greet Hornberger at [email protected] or Yom Hazikaron together as a group with special access to players as they go out on the ice at the start 610-921-0624. the Coke Lounge, an area for our group to of the game. Gather your friends and share an Art Exhibits gather and socialize. Snacks and soft drinks To purchase tickets in our group section you afternoon of hockey, food and laughter on Yom Hashoah are included in the ticket price. must use the following link: royals.isportstix. Feb. 3.
Annual Meeting and Picnic Purim Carnival Love is theme of next entry in Jewish film series Richard J. Yashek By Amanda J. Hornberger and older. Memorial Lecture Just in time for Valentine’s Day the “And Then She Arrived” is presented in Reading Jewish Film Series is offering Hebrew with English subtitles. Kristallnacht Remembrance its first romantic comedy, “And Then She The 2019 Reading Jewish Film Series Youth Events Arrived.” is co-sponsored by the Rubin Educational Based on a true story, this Israeli Fund of the Jewish Federation of Reading Purim Masquerade Party comedy follows 30-year-old Dan Freilich, and Fox Theatres. Admission is $5 per who has everything he could ever hope film. Bridge for and then some: the perfect job at his All films will be shown on Wednesday Chevra father’s law firm, the perfect loving family, evenings at 7 p.m. at Fox East, 4350 and the perfect girlfriend. But a chance Perkiomen Avenue, Exeter Township (next Mahjong encounter with a waitress in Jerusalem to Boscov’s East). makes him realize something was missing Tickets can be purchased at the Trips to NYC/Philadelphia all along. theater beginning at 6:30 p.m. the day of Lakin Holocaust Library Screening on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at Fox the screening and cash and checks are East, “And Then She Arrived” is a charming accepted. & Resource Center romantic comedy featuring an array of The remaining dates and films for Israel’s best actors. the Reading Jewish Film Series are as Shabbat B’yachad Please note that the film has some adult follows: April 10 — “Heading Home: The Tale of Community Calendar content including language and sexual Feb. 6 — “And Then She Arrived” Team Israel” situations and is best suited for ages 13 March 6 — “Scandal in Ivansk”* *Special event following screening February 2019 SHALOM Page 5 Spark joy through tidying workshop at the JCC
By Amanda J. Hornberger the group through exercises created Beaman explains, “[B]y the end containers, more hangers, or Marie Kondo has become the most to find what sparks joy in your life and of KonMari™ process, you change organizing systems.” popular woman in organization due to lead you to a space with better flow, your relationship with objects and The cost of the workshop is $10 her successful Netflix show “Tidying energy and organization. truly value the ones you have. for JCC members and $20 for non- Up with Marie Kondo.” Learn her At the workshop Beaman will You will shop/buy less because members. RSVP is requested by secrets in a special tidying workshop explain a space-saving folding you have a high appreciation for Feb. 20 and minimum number of led by Yuriko Beaman, Owner of Joy technique, Marie Kondo’s Japanese what you already have. One of the participants is required to run this & Space. art of decluttering, and the KonMari™ many fantastic elements of this event. RSVP to [email protected] or Join us at the JCC on Thursday, tidying method. You will be getting tips process is that you already have 610-921-0624. Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. for a KonMari™ from a certified KonMari™ consultant enough storage. You can organize Join us for a fun evening of tidying method workshop. Beaman will lead who is an expert in the field. your home without purchasing and joy!
Thank you to these community members who have signed a Letter of Intent to create their Jewish legacy.
Please remember the Jewish community with a gift in your will, trust, retirement account, or life insurance policy.
ADD YOUR NAME!
Anonymous (11) Haia Mazuz Cynthia Balchunas Meir Mazuz Jeffrey Bornstein Richard Nassau Sheila Bornstein Yvonne F. Oppenheimer Beth & Robert Caster Gordon Perlmutter Albert Diamond Carole Robinson Jeffrey Driben Rebecca Robinson Lynn Driben Larry & Alison Rotenberg William D. Franklin Howard Saidman Hilde Gernsheimer Roger Schein Radene Gordon-Beck Jill D. Skaist Victor Hammel George P. Viener Jill Henry Norman Wilikofsky Jason Hornberger Emanuel & Yvonne Wittels Alvin & Betsy Katz Louise Zeidman Kenneth S. Lakin
For confidential information about Creating Your Jewish Legacy, SUPPORT THE RCOS GARDEN call Richard - 610.921.0624. AND LOCAL FOOD BANKS
The Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom Social Action Committee has been sponsoring a garden for more than five years, producing 600 to 1,000 pounds of food for the Jewish Federation Food Introducing the Get Together program sponsored by PJ Library!
Bank and Greater Berks Food Bank. Volunteers are needed to make the 2019 garden a success. You can get your hands dirty or not! It’s a great way to work together on a valued project. We can use help in the following:
• Planning the garden (winter/spring)
• Preparing the garden site (spring) • Applications accepted NOW through April 30, 2019. • Growing plants to be transplanted into the • Families will receive up to $100 reimbursement if they get together with at garden (spring) least two or more other families. • Get Togethers can be anything families want to do with two or more other • Planting (late spring) families. • Watering and cleaning (spring/summer/fall) • Jewish holidays or Shabbat/Havdalah; • Harvesting produce (summer/fall) • Family volunteering or service projects • Delivering produce to food banks (summer/fall) • Something else they think of! • Parent-‐only and PJ Our W ay kid Get Togethers are also allowed. • End-of-season clean-up (fall) • Families must be a current PJ Library or PJOW subscriber family to be • Donating to purchase supplies (anytime!) eligible to sign up to host. • For more information https://pjlibrary.org/gettogether2018 visit Contact Mimi Gavigan at 610 301-3609 or [email protected] for more information or to volunteer. Questions? Please email [email protected] or Amanda Hornberger, [email protected] your local PJ Library Coordinator
Page 6 SHALOM February 2019 2018 Jewish community campaign honor roll of donors CAMPAIGN TOTAL: $438,950 as of Dec. 31
ADVANCED LEADERSHIP GIFTS Deborah and Jeffrey Frank Judith Ellsworth $25,000 + Michael and Luba Karchevsky Oleg and Tatyana Erlikh Shirley Boscov Alvin and Betsy Katz First Energy Service Company Irvin and Lois Cohen Elliott and Doris Leisawitz Ann and Edward Golden Howard and Victoria Hafetz Alan and Lisa Levine Matthew Goldstan Vic and Dena Hammel Jack Linton Harvey and Roberta Goldstein Jill Henry Paul and Solange Mintz Jane Goodman Jerome Marcus Paul and Ellen Mitnick Michael and Patricia Gordon Daniel Shaffer / Irvin G. and Beatrice M. James Rothstein and Sharon Scullin Michael and Zina Gorelik Shaffer Fund - Berks County Roger S. Schein Vicki Haller Graff Community Foundation Paul and Ellen Schwartz Rosalind Hyman Sandy Solmon and Douglas Messinger Eugene and Helen Shaffer Marc Jacobs Richard and Mindy Small Phyllis Jacoby LEADERSHIP GIFTS M. Robert and Kaye Ullman Myron and Karen Kabakoff $10,000 + Andrew and Corinne Wernick Bernard and Janet Kaplan Eunice Boscov Emanuel and Yvonne Wittels Robert and Shirley Kauffman Don Fox Eric and Deborah Zelnick Nancy Knoblauch Roberta Lawit Richard L. Henry Memorial Fund - Berks SPONSOR GIFTS County Community Foundation Michele and Benjamin Leisawitz Neal and Judith Jacobs $500 + Henry Levin Ken and Maralyn Lakin Anonymous Margo and Adam Levin Haia and Meir Mazuz Cynthia and George Balchunas Margaret Levine* Henry and Helene Singer Martin and Norma Beckerman William and Beth Litvin Robert and Beth Caster Bernard and Toby Mendelsohn MAJOR GIFTS Stuart and Carol Cohn Brian and Holly Michelson $5,000 + Scott Alan and Sandy Davis Phyllis Murr Jeffrey and Lynn Driben Kalmen and Margaret Feinberg Richard Nassau Hilde Gernsheimer Jack Gernsheimer and Nancy Wolff Michael and Eve Pardo Neil Hoffman and Judith Kraines Gary Ginsberg Frank and Kathleen Politzer Gary and Sheila Lattin Carol Greenberg Valerian and Svetlana Popov William Sedlis Sari and John Incledon Carole and Michael Robinson Jill Skaist Ruth Isenberg Linda and Michael Roeberg Rosalye Yashek David and Jeri Kozloff Seth and Barbara Rosenzweig Harlan and Carole Kutscher Leah Rotenberg and Corby Drone PACESETTER GIFTS Carrie and Stephen Latman David Sacks $2,400 + Igor and Nora Maidansky Elaine Safir Harriet Baskin Jay Moyer Lynn Salpeter Sidney and Esther Bratt Mark and Geraldine Nemirow Michael and Janice Schiffman Irving and Arlene Ehrlich Philip and Leslie Pomerantz Susan Schlanger William and Andrea Franklin Judith and James Schwank Boris and Tatiana Schneider David and Debbie Goldberg Robert T. Ullman Lila Shapiro Deborah Goodman and John Moyer Susan Wachs Berna Sherman Michael and Gayle Kastenbaum Norman and Rita Wilikofsky Irene and John Sileski Michael Krumholz Randall and Mara Winn Margaret and Semyon Soyferman Robert and Yvonne Oppenheimer Mrs. Louise Zeidman Janine and Bruce J. Ure, Jr. Gordon and Carol Perlmutter COMMUNITY GIFTS Jerome and Pamela Weisberg Larry and Alison Rotenberg $118 + Susan Weiser Jonathan and Janice Simon Your Cause Ellen and Donald Abramson Allan and Robin Sodomsky Marshall and Ellen Azrael George Viener SUPPORTING GIFTS Wendy Babitt and Todd Staub Anonymous SPECIAL GIFTS James and Jackye Barrer Lionel and Mary Jane Asher $1,000 + Mrs. Anneliese Bateman Jonathan and Maryann Avins Anonymous David and Barbara Bender Arthur and Mary Ann Becker Anonymous Eric and Marissa Bluestone Walter and Randi Brandt Stephen and Jan Carlson Sheila and Jeff Bornstein Pam Charendoff and Jonathan D. Primack Glenn and Gaye Corbin Robert and Beth Bruck Deborah Cieplinski Marc and Marcia Filstein Cindy and Brett Chronister Mindy and Robert Coopersmith Steven Finkel Judith Copeland Jerome Dersh Samuel and Sarah Flamholz Susan and Richard D’Angelo Ethel Engel Alan and Lory Fleischer Paul Delfin and Nancy Russo Michael and Sue Farrara February 2019 SHALOM Page 7 2018 Jewish community campaign honor roll Michael Ferder Mel Horwith Sandee and Neal Nevitt Miriam Fogelman Mrs. Kathleen Jacobs Jesse Pleet Patricia Frankel Mariette Jacobson James and Jean Potter David and Marion Friedman Darryl Jeffries Howard and Amy Saidman Joan and Irwin Friedman Nan Kurlancheek Ingrid Soltysik Aleksandr Galker Shelly Levy Cynthia and Richard Tomlinson Guilvia Garcia Mervin and Gladys Lewis Jill Trout Jeff and Janet Gernsheimer Jeffrey and Robin Lupowitz Carolyn Vella and John McGonagle Don and Ann Greth Mindy McIntosh Sylvia Wenger Lawrence and Fran Gross Ross Miller Kurt and Diane Hollis Barbara Nazimov *Indicates Deceased
Federation distributes 98% of all funds raised, including your community campaign gift, for programs and services.
THANK YOU You provide the food that feeds the hungry. You care for seniors and aid the less fortunate. You distribute the books that carry tradition from one generation to the next. In Berks County, Israel, and more than 70 countries, you bring relief, hope, and compassion to people.
Ɠ+RQRULQJRXU3DVW Ɠ&HOHEUDWLQJRXU3UHVHQW Ɠ(QYLVLRQLQJRXU)XWXUH Page 8 SHALOM February 2019 Food pantry a great success for our community By Sari Incledon, M. Ed. distributes about 8,000 pounds of food, Margo Levin, Jeanine Levy, Bret Miller, In the Fall/Winter including fresh produce and frozen meat. Mary Neville, Heather Padilla, Carol and edition of Nourishing Last year the hardworking volunteers Gordon Perlmutter, Jennifer Reilly, Annette News, the newsletter provided several bags of groceries to 475 Peppard, Ellen and Paul Schwartz, Carmen distributed by the low income households that contained Schweitzer, Ellen Schwickrath, Robert Greater Berks Food 2,105 people. Unfortunately, due to weather Schneier, Julian Syret, Marlene Thomas, Bank, Aimee Hafer, conditions, we were unable to hold our Phyllis and Michael Warshaw, Mary and e marketing assistant, food pantry last February and March. We Neil Weiss, Corinne Wernick, Yvonne describes her visit to are hoping that this year we will be able to Wittels, Randy Winn and Oleg Umanov. our pantry. This visit be open every month and help even more This Jewish Family Service program is
c was also our yearly people. possible because of a grant from the United inspection, to ensure Jewish Family Service thanks the Way and your contributions to the Jewish i we are following federal and state guidelines following volunteers who helped in the last Federation of Reading/Berks. for food safety, storage and distribution, and six months: Cindy Balchunas, Rebecca In Aimee Hafer’s article below, one of for the treatment of clients of all ethnic and Balchunas, Lea Berger, Karen Checkamian, the beneficiaries of our program expresses v racial backgrounds. We always pass the Joe Essick, Raymond Gehring, Jeff her family’s appreciation for this program. inspection with flying colors thanks to the Howell, John Incledon, Myron Kabakoff, For more information about this program efforts of our volunteers. Sam Kabakoff, Mike Kastenbaum, Al contact Sari at 610-921-0624, or SariI@ r Each month a group of 20-25 volunteers Katz, Elliott Leisawitz, Sid Lempiner, jfreading.org
e Meet a grateful client of our food pantry
By Aimee Hafer Clara was hesitant to attend, and didn’t Greater Berks Food Bank. know what to expect on her first visit to the
S The line of shoppers waiting at the JFS food pantry, but she was pleasantly Jewish Family Service food pantry are surprised to see a selection of fresh fruits, enjoying an unseasonably balmy day. vegetables, and breads in addition to non- Now held at the Olivet Boys & Girls Club at perishable foods. Pendora Park, JFS food pantry has been Among the selection this day are some
l y sustaining residents in this neighborhood for of Clara’s children’s favorites — apples more than 20 years. In 2017, JFS procured and pears. As a volunteer helps her shop, i 75,000 pounds of food from GBFB for its she selects other items that she knows program, which serves 150 households her children will love: crackers, juice, fruit, monthly. The people waiting are mostly peanut butter, and cheese. They may not senior citizens, but there are several young want the Brussels sprouts, but she’ll get families. Clara is happy to chat, while them to try! patiently waiting her turn. A married mother “I’m glad they told me about this [pantry]. m of four children ages 5 through 10, she is I don’t come every time, but it’s good if we’re appreciative of the pantry and the club. She going to run out before my husband gets is greeted warmly by the Olivet staffers, paid. We’re just really thankful that they do
a who know her through her children — all this. And everyone here is always nice.” of whom enjoy the programs at this club. the sole breadwinner, but his shift schedule And they ARE nice, both the Jewish Family She is an involved mother, walks them to changes constantly. “My husband is the only Service volunteers, and the Olivet staffers, and from their activities and makes sure to one who works right now, all different hours. who work together to make this pantry a F know all of their friends. It is through her If I work, too, the kids need a babysitter. welcoming place for the shoppers. friendships with the Olivet Club staff that That costs a lot, so I’m home for now. We Thank you to all whose support make Clara first heard of the food pantry. Asa get by, but it’s hard. One of the people here this longstanding program a continued
h single-income family, Clara’s husband is (at Olivet) told me about the food pantry.” success.
Friendship Circle rings in the New Year ewi s J
Food Pantry
Friendship Circle
Counseling Services
Transportation
Financial Assistance
Hospital and
Home Visitations
Living with Loss
Information and
Referral
Case Management
Holiday Programs
Participants in Friendship Circle celebrate the New Year with music by Karl Hausman. Friendship Circle, a program of Jewish Family Service, meets Thursdays at 1 p.m. for lunch followed by a fascinating program at 1:45. Check the Centerpiece for each month’s events. February 2019 SHALOM Page 9 What we hope to achieve in JCHS
By Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner Reading Jewish Community High School What do we teach and how do we teach in JCHS sessions? We don’t have secular school protocols — the requirements of attendance, grades, homework, class subjects that are required. We can and do make every effort to offer at least two choices per period, with topics relevant or meaningful to Jewish teens both today and for their future in the American Jewish community. We offer passionate preparation of new portals and bridges to Jewish text, values and skills. Our teachers and I create engaging courses addressing current themes for their consideration and discussion as young American Jews. We want to encourage debate on topics that are simultaneously historical or contemporary. And Rabbi Dov is available during the week for phone calls and emails with questions. We can offer our students continuing care for them as individuals, including enthusiastic support for their college and scholarship applications and work during the school year or summer. Jewish Food — Fact or Fiction Barbara Lerner has been teaching about the history of “Jewish food.” This offers an opportunity to learn about Jewish history and the communities in which Jews have Better Together participants get ready to try some shakshuka. lived and left, were welcomed and thereafter marginalized. When possible, she has even prepared goose meat in America. Accordingly, the secular and Jewish approaches to ethics selected examples for tasting. Students Romanian Jews in America adapted their and morals. and seniors who are participating in Better recipe and production method to make what Jewish Food — Fact or Fiction: This Together at JCHS have enjoyed these taste was a cheaper-alternative: beef pastrami. class will explore numerous aspects h Education treats for our snack time. In January the students learned about of Jewish belief, identity and practice “Fact” refers to foods that specifically “shakshuka” and made and tasted it. connected to food. reflect Jewish law and custom. Shakshuka is a staple dish at any Israeli Third Period Gefilte fish is a Jewish food because it breakfast. Its name essentially means ‘all Real News or Fake News: Students was created to protect the observance of the mixed up’ — and that’s what it really is. The struggle to tell the difference between so- Sabbath and eating fish without detecting dish is made up of eggs cooked in tomato called fake news and real news. Part of the and removing bones during the meal, one sauce and peppers, sometimes with onions, solution involves providing students with the of the “labors” historically forbidden. other herbs or cheese, and is usually served media literacy skills they need. “Fiction” means that it is a food that reflects in the iron pan in which it was cooked, along Problems That Would Cross a Rabbi’s the community in which it became popular with breadmeant for dipping in the sauce Eyes: Did you ever ask a question in and really reflects the local agricultural, and the soft cooked-egg. Religious School and you felt you didn’t economic, geographic, climactic realities Classes for the next semester receive a satisfactory answer? Here is an for Jews and for their neighbors. First Period opportunity to bring those questions for us
A good example is the Hanukkah tradition What Jewish Values Are Learned to answer. ewi s of eating fried foods to remember the miracle from Popular Media: Do you feel that our Spirit in Nature — Judaism and Ecology: of the oil. The Ashkenazim (European films, television programs, digital videos We will learn the language not only of the Jews) eat latkes, while Sephardim eat encourage the best within each of us? trees but all that is alive and sustains us J the doughnuts known as sufganiot. These Students will debate just how “Jewish” are and our world. reflect foods and cooking/baking/ingredients some contemporary films and media. Better Together were regularly used in their respective Jewish Earworms — From Torah Time Meeting dates: Camp Scholarships communities. to Today: Jewish music is based on our Feb. 10 In the story of Jewish foods, economics Jewish history, tradition and customs. Can March 10 Israel Trips certainly played a part as Jews created it affect us today? April 14 Jewish Community — sometimes with their neighbors and Second Period May 19 sometimes more uniquely — foods we Bioethics — 21st Century Jewish and From 11 a.m. to noon at the JCC, teens High School identify as “Jewish,” e.g. pastrami. Why? Secular Perspectives: Are we asked today and seniors meet to discuss significant Romanian Jews emigrated to New York as to choose between today’s science and issues of the day that relate to more than Lakin Preschool early as 1872. Among Jewish Romanians, Jewish tradition and law? Let’s explore one generation. Watch for the notices Better Together goose breasts were commonly made into new technologies and issues such as and and reminders. We welcome the return of pastrami because they were inexpensive. when death becomes final. We will focus seniors who go away for the winter and But beef short plate was cheaper than on key differences and similarities between newcomers to Better Together.
Join us next time! February 23rd at 10:00 am Shabbat Tot A musical, story-filled, interactive hour for Members and non-members are children through grade 2. Bring your family & invited. No registration is required. friends to celebrate with Rabbi Michelson Call Today for Your Complimentary Consultation 610-376-3956 Tot Shabbat services are held & stay for a pint-sized oneg of juice, challah, Saturday mornings at 10:00 am at fruit, & child-friendly treats! 311 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 19611 BarrerAndWhite.com Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, 555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing James G. Barrer, DMD Douglas W. White, DMD unless noted. Please call the FUTURE TOT SHABBAT DATES: * Temple office with any questions, March 23, April 13, May 18, & June 8 610.375.6034. * Intergenerational Tot Shabbat at The Highlands Page 10 SHALOM February 2019 Israeli colonel to visit Reading area to discuss key issues From online news sources community at RCOS/KZ, 555 Warwick for eight years as director of the Israel A third-generation Sabra, he holds The Jewish Federation of Reading Drive, Wyomissing. and Middle East office of the American a Ph.D. from the London School of has arranged for Colonel (res) Dr. Eran Dr. Lerman is vice president of the Jewish Committee. Economics, and a mid-career MPA Lerman to speak March 13 at the World Jerusalem Institute for Strategic Studies. He teaches in the Middle East from Harvard University. His recent Affairs Council of Greater Reading’s Previously he was deputy director for studies program at Shalem College publications include “The Mediterranean March luncheon meeting , noon to 1:30 foreign policy and international affairs in Jerusalem and in post-graduate as a Strategic Environment: Learning a p.m. at the Inn of Reading. (Reservations: at the National Security Council in the programs at Tel Aviv University and New Geopolitical Language” and “The 610-375-7880; contactus@wacreading. Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. He held the National Defense College. He is an Game of Camps: Ideological Fault org). senior posts in IDF Military Intelligence expert on Israel’s foreign relations and Lines in the Wreckage of the Arab State At 7 p.m. he will address the Jewish for more than 20 years. He also served on the Middle East. System.” How Israel swims against tide of worldwide water crisis
Israel21c.com not entirely solvable. “It is a never-ending it’s not only in Israel; it is happening sea. IDE uses chemical-free biological Israel has solved its water crisis! story,” says Yossi Yaacoby, chief of staff everywhere,” says Yaacoby. and physical processes customized for That’s a typical headline about Israel’s to the CEO of Mekorot, Israel’s national Since 2005, wastewater reclamation each installation. To avoid harming the world-leading smart water management water carrier. and seawater desalination have become little fish and fish eggs that pass through and advanced water technology. But if Due to climate change, he explains, key in assuring an adequate supply the screens on the intake pipes bringing residents, farmers and tourists in the Holy Israel’s October-to-March rainy season — 2.1 billion cubic meters annually in 40,000 cubic meters of seawater per Land never worry about the tap running has been reduced to a handful of — to Israeli households, industry and hour, IDE is developing “nursery” tanks dry, that’s only because Israel invests torrentially rainy days, causing most of agriculture. Some 31 percent of irrigation where the creatures are harbored until huge amounts of money and brainpower the precious liquid to be lost to runoff. water originates from wastewater treated they choose to swim back to their habitat to stay one step ahead of a worsening The North’s waterways are no longer at more than 150 plants. Treated brackish via rotating doors. As for the plant’s effect worldwide water crisis. an abundant trickle-down source for water (not as salty as seawater) is supplied on the Mediterranean, “What we pump Five years into a severe drought, much of the country; the Sea of Galilee from 45 plants for both agricultural and back into the sea is twice as saline and it’s more accurate to say that Israel is is approaching its lowest-ever level. non-agricultural needs. About 60 to 80 one degree warmer than seawater,” says constantly inventing and implementing “This is why we can’t depend on rain. percent of Israel’s municipal water flows Liberman. “We use diffusers to spread practical solutions to a problem that is Even in winter we need to irrigate. And from large coastal desal plants. More it widely. We don’t believe it negatively is needed to meet the country’s needs. affects marine life.” Another two desalination plants are to be Covering 250 acres, Shafdan is the completed in the next few years. biggest wastewater treatment plant in a Operational since 2013, Sorek is country that recycles more water than the largest seawater reverse osmosis anywhere else. The reclaimed water, desalination plant in the world. It is which Yaacoby says is close to drinking operated for the government by water- quality, is pumped to Negev farms for treatment pioneer IDE Technologies, irrigation. Shafdan supplies 140 million established in 1965 by Technion-trained cubic meters to Israeli farms Enough scientists. The highly automated Sorek biogas has been generated onsite to plant can produce 20 percent of Israel’s provide 90 percent of the facility’s energy domestic water consumption. needs. Mekorot distributes the desalinated, Israel New Tech head Oded Distel quality-tested water (after essential believes the country can serve as a minerals have been added) to 57 role model for its reliable, sustainable, municipal water utilities throughout Israel. centralized water system in an arid land IDE developed proprietary technologies where there is no private ownership of to minimize costs and environmental water and everyone gets a monthly water impact, says Boris Liberman, CTO bill. “The outcome is that wherever you and VP of Membrane Technology. are in Israel, when you open the tap you Desalination normally uses chemicals, get high-quality drinking water, which is which present an environmental problem not something that happens everywhere when the brine is discharged back to the in the world,” Distel says.
To order tickets: https://royals.isportstix.com/order/group/JewishFed/
This link is the only way to order tickets to sit section in our special Coke Lounge and receive the free giveaway.
For questions or help ordering tickets please contact Amanda Hornberger at 610-‐921-‐0624 or [email protected] 2019 KESHER ZION SYNAGOGUE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019 MEGILLAH READING AT 6:00 p.m. HAMANTASCHEN & DRINKS TO FOLLOW THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019 MEGILLAH READING AT 9:30 a.m. HAMANTASCHEN & DRINKS TO FOLLOW
KESHER ZION SYNAGOGUE 555 WARWICK DRIVE, WYOMISSING, PA 19610 YOUR RSVP IS APPRECIATED 610-374-1763– KZSECRETARY@ENTERMAIL NET February 2019 SHALOM Page 11 JCC’s annual Purim Party to feature grown-up fun By Amanda J. Hornberger Chabad of Berks. All community members 21 and Every year our Purim Party guests What’s the one Purim event that is Kicking off festivities this year older are invited to join the fun! RSVPs have a fantastic time so don’t miss all just for adults, full of costumes, dancing will be a brief Havdalah at 7:45 p.m. are accepted through March 8 at a cost the fun and join us for the Purim Party and FUN? If you guessed the JCC followed by an Israeli dinner, music, of $27 per person for JCC members on March 16! Purim Party you would be correct. The dancing and drinks! Costumes and or $36 per person for non-members. Questions? Please contact Amanda JCC invites you to join us for the annual masks are always encouraged and RSVP to 610-921-0624 or info@ at [email protected] or 610-921- Purim Party on Saturday, March 16 at dress is your party best. jfreading.org.Page 0624 Shalom March 2010 February � Shevat-Adar I Get in your PJs forCommunity News
Shabbat Candle Lightings Torah Portions Obituaries Pajama Havdalah February 1 February 2/Shevat 27 5:04 p.m. Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18) Lucy Suzanne Knoblauch L. (Sulman) Moyer. He is also survived Zeidman, 96, Wyomissing. by his daughters, Aileen D., widow February 8 February 9/Adar I 4 at Oheb Sholom Surviving are a son, Bruce F., of Neal H. Endy, of Pennside, and E. 5:12 p.m. Terumah (Exodus 25:1-27:19) husband of Geraldine L. Zeidman, of Roxanne, wife of Les Walker, of Batavia
Shillington; a brother, Harry Knoblauch, Ohio; sons, Stan B. , husband of Kristine February 15 February 16/Adar I 11 By Amanda J. Hornberger Afterwards join us for a pizza dinner. 5:21 p.m. Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10) husband of Edith Knoblauch, of Reading; K. Moyer, of Sinking Spring and Jay Have you ever been to the Pajama Havdalah is open to a sister, Ruth Balis of Wyomissing; and H., husband of Margaret R. Moyer, of synagogue in your pajamas? No?! children through age 8 with older February 22 February 23/Adar I 18 several nieces and nephews. Muhlenberg Township. Other survivors 5:29 p.m. Kitisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35) Here’s your chance! PJ Library siblings and parents welcome. --- are grandchildren: Brett A. Endy, Chad invites you to a special pajama The event is free, but RSVPs are Irene S. Zeidman, 62, Wyomissing. M. Endy and Elizabeth K. Moyer; and Havdalah on Saturday, Feb. 9 at requested to [email protected] or She is survived by her brother Bruce great-grandchildren, Carson N., Logan 5 p.m. at Reform Congregation 610-921-0624 by Feb. 8. Images from F., husband of Geraldine L. Zeidman C., Ardyn N. and Ava L. Endy Oheb Sholom, 555 Warwick Drive, PJ Library of Reading is of Shillington. --- Wyomissing. generously sponsored by the Sue Yemin Orde --- Shirley Robinson of B’nai B’rith Come in your pajamas and B. Viener Memorial Fund of Jewish Area resident and recent college Robert Berger, 54, Reading. Apartments. Survived by her Friendship join Rabbi Brian Michelson for a Federation of Reading/Berks. LOCAL CONGREGATIONS AND SERVICE TIMES graduate Jessica Flamholz sent us He was the former spouse of Lea Circle friends. Havdalah to celebrate the end of If you have questions or need these pictures from her recent visit Berger, Reading. He is survived by --- Shabbat. We will be doing a craft, more information, please contact REFORM CONGREGATION OHEB SHOLOM (610) 375-6034 to Yemin Orde, an Israeli village two daughters, Molly R. Berger, State Louis Malamud, 95, formerly singing songs and reading a PJ Amanda at [email protected] Fridays, Feb. 1: 6 p.m. Planetarium Shabbat service & dinner for children and youth supported College, and Bethany S. Berger, of Temple. He is survived by a son, Library story, all in our pajamas! or call 610-921-0624. at Reading Public Museum. Reservation required. by our Federation. Reading; and one brother, Dr. Barry M. Mitchel, husband of Laura Malamud, Fridays, Feb. 8, 15 and 22: Shabbat services, 7:45 p.m. Berger, husband of Kathleen A. Vieweg, of Las Vegas; grandchildren Barry Saturday, Feb. 23: Tot Shabbat, 10 a.m. Boston, Mass. husband of Johna Malamud, Deborah --- Babbit-Malamud and Sheri Malamud; CHABAD CENTER OF BERKS COUNTY (610) 921-0881 All Around the Town______David Moyer, 85, Reading. and great-grandchildren: Jessy Babbit, Saturday mornings: 9:30 a.m.; Friday evenings: 6:30 p.m. By CongratulationsJoan G. Friedman to Esta and MikeBadal Taylor, who hasand receivedgrandmother the honor Susan of He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Carly Malmud and Ian Malamud. KESHER ZION SYNAGOGUE (610) 374-1763 RandyCongratulations Neugroschel to Korey on Blanck the Wilsonbeing chosen on the asbirth the of ChildLeo Isaac Advocate Taylor. of Weekly services Saturdays: 9:30 a.m.; Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. weddingand to Edith of their Blanck daughter on the Baribirth toof the Year for the State*** of Pennsylvania. CONGREGATION SHOMREI HABRITH Jaredtheir new Marx granddaughter of Arlington, and Va. great- on Mazel tov to ***Rabbi Yosef and Plan for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah & Wedding Guests! Newgranddaughter! Year’s Eve. ChanaBest Lipskerwishes to on our the Berks birth County of a ****** grandson,athletes competing Yakov inEliyahu, the 2010 toMaccabi their MazelMazel tovTov toto Ellenthe Bluestone Schwickrath Family on: daughterGames: Shterna and her husband, Shalom Newspaper (Joan Friedman) theTo birthDavid of andher grandsonMarianna William on their James, new TooliEmily Lepkivker. & Jared Baksic, swimming 5” (2 col.) x 7” borndaughter in Reading and to to grandparents her son Ryan Eric and and his Andrew Blickle***, basketball partnerMarissa. Amanda. MazelMatthew tov Eisenberg to Carole, swimmingand Michael Questions? *** *** RobinsonHannah andon theAlexis birth Glassmire of their, Contact Jodi Gibble, Marketing Director Congratulations to Charles and swimming Mazel tov to parents Michelle and granddaughter Eve to son Benjamin The Highlands at Wyomissing Brenda Diamond on the engagement andBrandon his wife Kari. Missan, soccer READING of their son Brett and to grandfather Al 2801 Papermill Road 2000 Cambridge Ave., Wyomissing, PA 1910 Diamond. We love good news about Wyomissing, Pennsylvania 10-288-3405 Save the*** date membersUntil ofnext our time:community! Shalom! Please Mazel Tov to Rosalind Hyman and share[Email it by all emailingyour simcha Marknem@aol. news to joan@ GROUP RATES AVAILABLE her daughter, Attorney.Cathy Hyman friedman.net] com or calling the JCC office at 610- Call Alice for a Site Tour 921-0624. KEEP UP WITH THE COMMUNITY Until next time: Shalom! (610) 736-2082 ✦ www.reading.homewoodsuites.com Visit www.readingjewishcommunity.org Obituary Betty (Grossman) Berger, of Audubon and formerly of Reading. She is survived by her sons; Steve II hadhad nono idea!idea! ou’ve worked hard to accumulateand his wife your Ilene wealth. and Lee and We hear this again and again from residents of The Highlands. YTrust it to someone whohis will wife work Amy even of Wyomissingharder to and • People are so friendly. daughter-in-law Cindy Berger. • There’s so much for me to do. Aprilgrow 6,your 2019 assets and provideOther you withsurviviors peace include of mind her seven • I love the independence and Rabbi asBrian you planMichelson’s for the future. Fromgrandchildren financial planning and eight and great- 20th Anniversary Gala grandchildren. privacy at The Highlands. investment management to custom credit solutions, • I don’t worry about my future. deposit products and more. Clermont Wealth Strategies • Dining is like a fine restaurant. • My kids are so glad I’m here. – personal, focused and highly confidential. te • I feel like I’m at a resort. a • This was a smart and valuable D e financial decision. h • They do things first class. Financial Planning Comprehensive t February Investment 27, Management 2019 e • I wish I’d moved here sooner. v Custom Credit Solutions a Bank Deposit & Convenience 7:00 pm Products • I love it here! Wealth Preservation & Transfer Services S RetirementMcGlinn Planning Conference Center Unlikely Friendships: On the Campus of Alvernia University Encountering God in Come tour The Highlands. Interfaith Find out first hand why it is the best place for Program done in partnership with: RelationshipsCLERMONT WEALTH STRATEGIES retirement living. AT If you’re exploring options and choices for your retirement years, be sure to call ICORPA.org alvernia.edu ohebsholom.org churchofsaintbenedict.com us for a tour. You too can be a part of this wonderful lifestyle. We have every- 1.866.332.8393 thing from a studio apartment to gracious cottages. We would love to meet you clermontwealth.com e and answer your questions. at Securities and Insurance Products:D Call for lunch and a tour today. Not FDIC-Insured • Not Insured by any Federal eGovernment Agency No Financial Institution Guarantee • May loseth value • Not a deposit 10-775-2300 e February 27, 2019 v EQUAL HOUSING www.thehighlands.org a 7:00 pm OPPORTUNITY +++++ S McGlinn Conference Center Unlikely Friendships: On the Campus of Alvernia University Encountering God in Interfaith Program done in partnership with: Relationships
ICORPA.org alvernia.edu ohebsholom.org churchofsaintbenedict.com Page 12 SHALOM February 2019 Feta and chard burekas made in just one minute
Israel21c.com Salt/pepper/granulated garlic to taste Israelis have a serious love affair with Beaten egg the bureka — a savory stuffed pastry that For garnish, hardboiled egg, pickles originated in Turkey and was brought to and zaatar Israel by Sephardic immigrants. It doesn’t matter where you are — in a coffee Directions: shop, a market, a high-tech conference, 1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. a kindergarten party, or even a wedding 2. Make filling (pulse all ingredients – — you’ll find burekas on the menu. except the beaten egg — together in food Traditionally filled with bulgarian processor), put in piping bag, cut the tip, cheese, spinach, potato, or meat, Israel’s and set aside. burekas tend to use puff pastry rather 3. Flour the work surface and roll out than the more traditional filo pastry used the dough. by the Turks. 4. Pipe a line of cheese, roll dough Burekas are surprisingly easy to make. up over the filling twice into a jellyroll Here’s a particularly mouthwatering shape, and cut. Shape as desired and version stuffed with feta cheese and put on tray. chard. The full recipe appears below. 5. Continue with the rest of the cheese Feta Cheese and Chard Burekas and dough. Ingredients: 6. Brush the top of the burekas with 1 package of butter puff pastry beaten egg. 1 package of feta cheese (250 g) 7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until 1 tub of cottage cheese (250 g) deep golden and cooked on the bottom. Large bunch of chard leaves, washed 8. Place on a plate, cut into squares and torn into chunks and garnish with zaatar, peeled hardboiled 1 egg egg and pickles on the side.
RCOS Social Action Film Series
Join us as we view and discuss stimulating films on import- ant social action/social justice topics. The upcoming films are listed below. All films are shown on Sundays at 1 p.m. at Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom. • Feb. 10 — “DISTURBING THE PEACE” This film follows Israeli soldiers and Palestinian fighters from being fighters to being committed to non-violent peace activists. • March 17 — “TRIPLE DIVIDE” This film exposes the consequences to drinking water from “fracking”, in Pennsylvania. • April 14 — ”WHEN THE DUST SETTLES” and “A BOLD PEACE” The first film is an animated film that addresses conflict- res olution. The second film focuses on Costa Rica’s elimina- tion of their army and goal of fostering a peaceful society.
Joyce Eisenberg & Ellen Scolnic are
The Word Mavens
two ladies who know the difference between pulkes and a pushke Meet Richard. In 2017, at the age of 90, Richard retired and shortly afterwards moved into The Word Mavens will entertain and engage you with their humorous, fact-filled Independent Living at Manor at Market Square. Things haven’t slowed look at Jewish holidays, customs, foods, and more. They will share funny stories, down for him though. Today you can find him directing the choir, Yiddishisms, beloved traditions and little-known facts they uncovered while playing the piano, or catching the bus for a day trip. Richard is loving writing their best-selling Dictionary of Jewish Words and their new book, The his life at Manor... and you can too! Whole Spiel: Funny essays about digital nudniks, seder selfies and chicken soup memories.
Call 610-616-5112 They’ll answer questions like: to schedule a tour! • Who are the ushpizin and why are they here? • What’s the difference between shnecken and rugelach? “I truly don’t want to • Why are there so many Yiddish words for a no-goodnik? be any place but here!” It’s unanimous! The Word Mavens are always a big hit!
veryone is still talking about how funny it was. Our members loved everything about your talk. They said it was the best program we ever had. "E – Barbara Goldstein, Sisterhood Pres., Temple Beth Tikvah, Wayne, NJ " Reading Hadassah invites you to save the date for this funny, fabulous program! Sunday April 7, 2019 at Noon LEARN MORE AT 803 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601 • www.manoratms.com at the Chabad-Lubavitch of Berks County
February 2019 SHALOM Page 13 Berks group visits village our community supports
By Bill Franklin we were led on a tour of the One of the highlights of our campus seeing their beautiful Jewish Federation December synagogue and the dormitory Israel Family mission was our funded by our Reading Jewish visit to Yemin Orde. community. After a quick lunch, Susan At the same time, Director Weijel, Yemin Orde’s deputy Racheli Yaso-Ngatuo led our director, spoke to the adults kids to the gymnasium, where about the goals, breadth of they played a game of volleyball services and impact Yemin Orde catch and throw with Yemin has on troubled youth in the Orde kids. It was gratifying to Village and throughout Israel. see both communities bond and She also pointed out that have fun together. And afterward Yemin Orde reached out to they didn’t want to leave as Jewish youth in other countries. they continued to converse with It currently is the home of each other in both English and 50 French teenagers. Later Russian. Yemin Orde visit: Seeing results from community’s support. Overseas
Reading and Yemin Orde youth get together. Playing volleyball catch and throw at Yemin Orde. When miracles happen through Meir Panim
American Friends yet in the realm of Meir Panim’s of Meir Panim mission. Facebook is a wonderful tool Miraculously and almost to connect people. In fact, Meir simultaneously, Meir Panim’s Panim’s Facebook page recently southern Dimona branch helped to make a miracle unexpectedly received a large happen. Here’s the story: donation of winter coats for its A day care center in Israel’s patrons from someone who northern city of Safed recently knew of Meir Panim’s great work wrote to us on Facebook. The in the area and had a surplus teacher told us that her students from his business. come to the center without coats Arrangements were quickly
because they did not own one. made to get Meir Panim’s “guy & I srael Not only is Safed particularly Friday,” Shragi to make the hour cold, due to its mountainous drive from Jerusalem to Dimona Jewish Agency location, but it is also known for to pick up 50 coats and bring its high rate of poverty. them up to the impoverished for Israel Meir Panim’s Israel Director, and cold citizens of Safed, an all those who were involved have. Binyomin Ibenbaum, of course additional four-hour drive. The with making this miraculous Meir Panim is supported by Yemin Orde wanted to help. He was able to coats were warmly distributed story happen. May we continue local dollars through the Jewish Jewish Federations offer the needy children food. and greatly appreciated. to be a resource for connecting Federation of Reading’s Israel However, winter coats are not Meir Panim wants to thank those who need with those who Now campaign. of North America New Israeli technology effective against cancerous tumors Joint Distribution Committee Israel21c.com of brachytherapy (where a sealed radiation Russia (breast cancer) and Israel (prostate A breakthrough Israeli technology that source is placed inside or next to the area cancer). Additional trials will later be initiated Meir Panim eliminates cancerous tumors in 70 percent requiring treatment) use beta or gamma for more than 20 other indications — such as of patients was nearly lost in bureaucracy radiation. “But that only causes a single- vulvar, cervical, renal and colon cancer — at and university politics. Fifteen years ago, strand break in the DNA, from which the cell medical centers in more than 25 countries. Professors Yona Keisari and Itzhak Kelson can recover,” Sofer explains. “And it’s not as Sofer said,“We can treat any kind of solid tumor of Tel Aviv University discovered a way to focused. As a result, it causes a lot of side including cancers where there is no other chance use alpha radiation to zap tumors. Their effects and destroys healthy tissue.” and this is a patient’s last chance to live.” approach was revolutionary — alpha When the healthy tissue around the Pancreatic cancer, for example, today radiation is so powerful it can snap both tumor is not destroyed along with the has no cure; patients usually die within strands of a cancer cell’s DNA, but it won’t cancer, the immune system is stimulated five years of diagnosis. Alpha Tau’s DaRT harm surrounding healthy tissue as other to recognize and attack the same type of “seeds” may be able to flip that prognosis. “In types of radiation do. tumors elsewhere in the body. These kinds our SCC studies, we were able to eliminate However, alpha radiation can’t travel of metastases are the cause of death for 85 more than 70 percent of the tumors entirely more than about 50 microns (1/20 of a percent of cancer patients. “We believe that and to cause shrinkage of 100 percent of the millimeter) inside human tissue. Treating a DaRT technology has tremendous clinical tumors,” Sofer says. “Encouraged by these tumor would require hundreds of thousands value not only in destroying the tumor but promising results, we hope to eliminate of alpha particles — a seeming impossibility. preventing cancer from spreading to other pancreatic tumors as well or to shrink them Keisari and Kelson discovered an isotope, organs,” Sofer says. so that it will be possible to remove them Radium 224, that requires far fewer alpha The first human trials of Alpha DaRT surgically.” particles to kill a tumor. The professors and have been taking place in Israel and Italy for Alpha radiation is actually safer than Tel Aviv University patented the technology squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) tumors, a form conventional beta or gamma treatments.“You in 2003. Health technology executive Uzi of skin and oral cancer; and in Israel, Italy, New don’t need so much radioactivity to get the Sofer was recruited to form a new company York and Montreal for congenital melanocytic same effect,” Sofer explains. ”After less than and further develop the technology. nevus (CMN). Clinical trials of DaRT planned for a week, 50 percent of the alpha radiation will Alpha Tau is the only company to use 2019 will take place in France (CMN), Montreal already be gone from the body. In two weeks, alpha radiation to zap tumors. All other types and New York (pancreatic and prostate cancer), there will be no radioactivity left at all.” Page 14 SHALOM February 2019 A memorable Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend
The Reading Jewish community marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend with a series of events that combined education, entertainment and community service. It began Jan. 18 with a lecture by Roy Waterman of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. He spoke following Shabbat services at Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom as part of the synagogue’s Oneg Speakers Series and with support from the Jewish Federation of Reading’s Jewish Community Relations Council. Waterman shared valuable information about the national crisis in criminal justice and urged the community to push for changes in a system that leads to ineffective and unjust mass incarceration, particularly of people in communities of color. The following evening the Afro-Semitic Experience performed at the synagogue, delivering a delightful musical performance to the folks who came out despite a wintry weather forecast. And when the official holiday arrived Jan 21, the community’s young people took part in a Day of Service, volunteering to assist Reading Hospital and the Greater The Afro-Semitic Experience performs the cross-cultural musical blend that is their specialty. Berks Food Bank.
Roy
Roy Waterman delivers a talk on criminal justice inequities. Children prepare stuffed animals for Reading Hospital’s youngest patients.
Members of the Jewish community join with other volunteers assisting the Greater Berks Food Bank.
Volunteers prepare to package food for young people in need. The Day of Service was about committing to help beyond just one day. February 2019 SHALOM Page 15 Yes, Anti-Zionism is the same as anti-Semitism
By David Harsanyi have I ever heard an Israeli prime minister like the others, supports the boycott, It’s difficult to escape the fact that Israel The Federalist profess to speak for all Jews. Israel has divestment, and sanctions movement, is constantly singled out by authoritarian In a recent New York Times op-ed featured both left-wing and right-wing an effort to economically destroy the types. In 2018, the United Nations General titled “Anti-Zionism isn’t the same as Anti- governments, and like governments in Jewish state — and everyone in it, Assembly condemned the Jewish state on Semitism,” columnist Michelle Goldberg any liberal democracy, its leaders can be whether they support “settlements” or 21 occasions, while condemning North defended Ilhan Omar, a newly elected corrupt, misguided, or incompetent. Israelis not — is probably just embracing and Korea, Myanmar, Syria, Iran, Sudan, and House representative who has claimed that criticize their governments every day. normalizing a standard position of the other genocidal and terror regimes a total Jews have hypnotized the world for their However, opposing “Zionism” itself socialist left. (Not even the Palestinian of five times. China has set up internment evil works. A person can oppose “Jewish — the movement for a Jewish homeland Authority, incidentally, which relies on camps for Uighur Muslims, but Western ethno-nationalism without being a bigot,” — is to deny the validity of a Jewish Israeli capitalism to survive, supports leftists and Islamic states continue to be Goldberg explained. “Indeed,” she went on, claim to a nation altogether. It puts you BDS. American progressives are moving obsessed with the liberal Jewish state, “it’s increasingly absurd to treat the Israeli in league with Hamas and Hezbollah to a position more extreme than Fatah’s.) which has engaged in dozens of good-faith state as a stand-in for Jews writ large, given and the mullahs of Iran. The Palestinian That apparently includes, as Sen. efforts to make peace with the Palestinians. the way the current Israeli government Liberation Organization’s 1968 charter Marco Rubio tells it, some unknown For Sanders and Goldberg, and has aligned itself with far-right European states that “Judaism, being a religion, is number of senators — perhaps a other progressives, Israel might be okay movements that have anti-Semitic roots.” not an independent nationality. Nor do significant number, perhaps not — who if its citizens went ahead and elected It’s true, of course, that anti-Zionism Jews constitute a single nation with an voted against the Middle East Security appropriately socialistic politicians to run isn’t “the same” as common anti- identity of its own; they are citizens of Bill, which includes a provision that the country. Goldberg is right that there is Semitism. Anti-Zionism is the most the states to which they belong.” This, protects states that don’t want to spend nothing inherently bigoted about arguing significant and consequential form of it seems, is now also the position of a taxpayer dollars on companies that for a binational state. It’s merely suicidal anti-Semitism that exists in the world number of Democrats. engage in BDS activism. I’m inclined to for Jews in this situation. Or, one might today. Anti-Zionism has done more to A person doesn’t have to believe in believe senators probably oppose the say, functionally anti-Semitic. undermine Jewish safety than all the the divine promise of Israel. Judaism’s anti-BDS bill because they didn’t want It’s true that Israel is an “ethno- ugly tweets, dog whistles, and white ancient roots make it both nation and to give President Trump a victory. But nationalist” state like — well, I guess, like nationalist marches combined. It is the faith. One can believe in the historic Sen. Bernie Sanders says the problem every nation in Europe and the Middle predominant justification for violence, necessity of a Jewish nation for those who is that the law “punishes Americans East — and primarily concerned with murder, and hatred against Jews in have faced annihilation and oppression in who exercise their constitutional right to protecting Jews. This is an especially Europe and the Middle East. And it’s now nearly every part of the world throughout engage in political activity.” important job because the rest of the infiltrating American politics. every part of their long history. To argue Now, if you believe there’s a First world has repeatedly and dramatically What was once festering on the against Jews’ nationalism — which is to Amendment issue with ensuring that failed at the task. For Jews who are a progressive fringes has found its way say, to argue against the ability of Jews government contractors don’t engage part of a wildly successful and relatively into elected offices and the heart of the to defend themselves in their own state in discrimination, you might have an safe minority here in America, it’s easy liberal activist movement. As Democrats — is substantively anti-Jewish. argument. As of right now, though, to demand that Israelis adhere to their increasingly turn on Israel, Jewish Let’s face it, it’s not as if Rashida Tlaib, the only people Sanders believes progressive notions. In the real world, liberals, many of whom have muddled D-Mich., who believes “Palestine” should government contractors should be able however, anti-Zionism is disaster. There Jewish values with progressive ones, replace Israel on the map, is merely to discriminate against are Jews. This is are a few thousand years of history to are attempting to untether Israel from its unhappy about Benjamin Netanyahu’s anti-Zionism in practice. prove it. central role in Jewish culture and faith for policies. She’s unhappy that the Jewish political expediency. state exists. Omar, D-Minn., who sounds Now, of course, merely being critical of like she’s quoting “The Protocols of the the Israeli government isn’t anti-Semitic. No Elders of Zion,” isn’t mulling over the reality serious person has ever argued otherwise. of returning to ‘67 armistice lines. She’s Join Rabbi Michelson for I’ve never heard any Israeli official or concerned about Jews running the place. AIPAC spokesman ever claim that Israel Now, media sweetheart Rep. Lunch and Learn is a “stand-in for Jews writ large,” nor Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., who, at The Highlands Tuesday, March 5th 11:30 am - 1:00 pm earn Catered lunch beef alphabet soup, turkey club (no bacon), drinks and dessert. L $8 Highlands Residents $10 Non-Highlands Residents & Payment for residents & non-residents due to the Temple office (not The Highlands) by Monday, Feb. 25th. Attendance is limited to the first 22 people who RSVP with payment to Temple office. No reservations accepted beyond RSVP date. Please call the Temple unc h office with questions 610-375-6034. L Page 16 SHALOM February 2019 BDS bill debate is about anti-Semitism, not speech
By Jonathan S. Tobin or even to get American universities legislatures and now Congress to pass Of course, it’s legal to boycott Jewish News Syndicate to endorse their efforts, there are laws that prevent those complying with anything you don’t like. Just as no Is the effort to combat the BDS those who consider all the fuss made such boycotts from doing business with one can or should be prevented movement much ado about nothing? about the issue a mistake. Much of the the government. from speaking out against Israel. But Given the abject failure of the campaign organized Jewish community has been Critics see this as a waste of time organized commercial boycotts rooted to boycott, divest and sanction Israel to treating the battle against BDS as a that gives the BDS camp too much in bias are illegal. BDS is a campaign harm the economy of the Jewish state priority. That includes lobbying state credit and far too much attention. Even of discrimination against the one Jewish worse, some see the push against state on the planet and therefore anti- BDS as doing real damage to the Semitic by definition. pro-Israel cause since they believe But in case the obvious link between support for measures that are viewed anti-Semitism and BDS went unnoticed, Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom by some liberals as an attack on free Tlaib reminded us of this with her presents the FOURTH ANNUAL speech is bound to not only fail, but dual-loyalty smear by talking about will help alienate younger Jews. They “what country” supporters of the bill argue that the focus on BDS is likely are representing. This invocation of to help convince this demographic a traditional meme of Jew-hatred — group, where support for Israel is that Jews are not loyal citizens of the already faltering, that being pro-Israel is countries in which they live — was too incompatible with being a progressive. much even for some who share her Yet the answer as to why BDS antipathy for Trump. Enjoy a rollicking matters is being provided by one of The point here is that Tlaib’s "All Disney" musical its most prominent advocates: Rep. comments matter for the same reason comedy retelling of the Book of Esther— Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich. The Palestinian that BDS is important. BDS is a flop open to the entire American from suburban Detroit also with respect to isolating Israel. But it Jewish community! got publicity for the map in her new has lent a measure of false legitimacy office that was altered to label Israel to those who would engage in anti- RSVP by March 13 as “Palestine.” Given her statements Semitic rhetoric. BDS is worth fighting to ensure a seat for opposing a two-state solution to the because its real target isn’t Israel, but the dinner and show Middle East conflict, it was hardly a American Jews and their right to stand Wednesday, March 20, 2019 surprise to learn that she favors wiping up for their beliefs without fear of insult at OHEB SHOLOM: the Jewish state off the map. But her and intimidation. contribution to the debate about anti- Wherever the BDS movement raises 6:00 pm — Megillah reading BDS laws illustrated the link between its banners, acts of anti-Semitism follow. (Not intended for young children) BDS and anti-Semitism. So it should surprise no one that in a 6:30 pm — Dinner (includes pasta, gluten-free pizza, salad and wine) Responding to a tweet by Sen. debate about banning discriminatory 7:00 pm — Purim Play Bernie Sanders opposing the anti- commercial conduct aimed at Jews and 7:40 pm — Dessert BDS bill, Tlaib unleashed her vitriol their state, opponents would choose to on the bill’s supporters: “They forgot play the “dual-loyalty” card. Adults (13 and older): $10 each what country they represent. This is The question now is not the future Children 3 to 12: $6 each the U.S. where boycotting is a right & of the anti-BDS bill. It’s likely that the Children 2 years and under: FREE! part of our historical fight for freedom & bill may pass with bipartisan support ($1 of each admission will be donated to MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger) equality. Maybe a refresher on our U.S. since many Democrats, as well as the Constitution is in order, then get back Republicans, support it. Indeed, Tlaib RSVP by Wednesday, March 13 if you plan to attend. REFORM CONGREGATION OHEB SHOLOM to opening up our government instead may have pushed some Democrats Please send a check for the total amount to the Temple office (555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing, PA 19610) and 555 Warwick Drive•Wyomissing, PA 19610 of taking our rights away.” who were wavering into supporting it. enclose a note with the check to tell our secretary, Laura 610. 375. 6034 Stewart, that the money is for the March 20 Purim Event. [email protected] Pediatric and Adult Patients Treating Ear, Nose, Throat Problems The Future Thyroid Nodules, Neck Masses & Sinusitis
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610.775.2300 • TheHighlands.org ENT Head & Neck Specialists, PC 2000 Cambridge Avenue, Wyomissing, PA 19610 985 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing 610-374-5599 • www.ent-hns.net February 2019 SHALOM Page 17 May 2010 Shalom Page 10 Federation Honorial - Memorial Card Information HonorialsHonorials and and Memorials Memorials ContributionsContributions may may be be made made to to the the following following Funds: Funds: Please mail your payment with complete information to the Jewish FederationUJA-Federation Jewish Campaign Community Campaign $10 $10 Federation, PO Box 14925, Reading, PA 19612-4925 or bring to the Jewish Jewish Family Service $10 Jewish Family Service $10 Cultural Center, 1100 Berkshire Blvd, Suite 125, Wyomissing. You may set up Leo Camp Lecture Fund $10 a “savings account” for the purpose of sending cards. Please contact the JFSLeo FoodCamp Bank Lecture Fund $10 $25 Jewish Federation at 610-921-0624 for further information. JFS TaxiFood Transportation Bank Program $25 $25 Contributions as of Jan. 18 HolocaustJFS Taxi Transportation Library & Resource Program Center $20 $18 Contributions as of April 16 Holocaust Library & Resource Center $18 Harry & Rose Sack Fund (Adult Programming) Doris Levin Fund $10 UJA-FederationIn honor of: Campaign PJDoris Library Levin FundFund $10 $10 In honorFrima of:Iosilevich’s new home – Albert and Nancy Sack Harry & Rose Sack Fund $10 Sarah Simon’s engagement – Vic and Dena Hammel Michael ClyminEvelyn (Ellen Thompson Abramson’s father) Fund – Susan and Richard D’Angelo$10 GetAlma well/speedy and Ed recovery:Lakin’s new home – Vic and Dena Hammel, Mildred & Ivan Frank Mehringer – Edith Mendelsohn GordonAmy Schein-Hollowbush – Albert and Nancy Sack Sam Goodman’s engagement – Alma and Ed Lakin FederationAlyse Corbin’s Jewish marriage Community – Carol and CampaignBernie Gerber, Alma and Ed Lakin Doris Levin Fund In memorySue Viener’s of: Birthday – Yvonne & Rob Oppenheimer In memory of: BirthDr. Sanford of Selma Sternlieb Cutler’s (Jeff great-grandson Sternlieb’s father)Jacob -– DebbieAnzie and Goodman Edward Goldenand John Dr. Walter Gershenfeld – Stephanie and Dennis Arbige, Carole and Mike MoyerJack Schnee – Anzie and Edward Golden Robinson Birth of Carol and Gordon Perlmutter’s new grandson – Debbie Goodman and Shoshana Tannenbaum – Carole and Mike Robinson InJohn honor Moyer of: We gratefully acknowledge a bequest from Floyd Ruttenberg. Mel and Sue Blum’s 50th anniversary – Rob and Yvonne Oppenheimer HolocaustHis legacy Library gift help ands sustain Resource our Jewish Center community now and GetBar well: Mitzvah of Judy and Ivan Botvin’s grandson – Rob and Yvonne In memoryin the future. of: OppenheimerHarold Leifer – Rob and Yvonne Oppenheimer Shoshana Tannenbaum – Ken and Mary Holt, George and Sue Viener, Sue Kate Kastenbaum’s marriage – Debbie Goodman and John Moyer Schlanger, Gordon and Carol Perlmutter, Leah Kanter-Salis, Rosemary and John EvelynSarah Thompson Simon’s engagement Nursery – SchoolSusan and Fund Richard D’Angelo Deegan,Please Naum remember and Lyudmila the Jewish Ger, Louis Federation and Katherine of Reading/Berks Danzico, Florence and In memoryZach Simon’s of: engagement – Susan and Richard D’ Angelo Marvinwith Segal, a gift Vicin yandour Dena will, tHammel,rust, re tirementEmma Holder, account Susan o rGallagher, life Mildred & Shoshana Tannenbaum – Beth and Bob Caster Ivaninsurance Gordon, Carrie policy. & Stephen Latman, Judy, Bob & Susan Pollack, Anna & Moisey Jewish Family Service Schneider, Norman & Rita Wilikofsky, Audrey Williams, Alan and Esther Strauss, Jewish Family Service Jay and Evelyn Lipschutz, Carol and Bernie Gerber, Barbara and Seth Rosenzweig, In honor of: Call Richard 610-921-0624, for confidential information about In honor of: John Castrege and family, Michael Geraci, Maxine & Dick Henry, Piekara Family, Sarah Simon’s engagement – Jim and Jackye Barrer creating your Jewish legacy. BirthZach of Simon’s Carol and engagement Gordon Perlmutter’s – Jim and new Jackye grandson Barrer, – Ellen Sue and GeorgeDon Abramson Viener, Laura Higgins BetsyJudy and Schwank Al Katz being renamed as Democratic vice chairman of the Senate AppropriationsBat Mitzvah of Committee Fran Mendelsohn’s – Louise granddaughterZeidman – Rosalye Yashek Friendship Circle In memory of: Get well: Shoshana Tannenbaum – Jill and Gladys Skaist Harold Leifer – Glenn and Gaye Corbin Holocaust education spreading in Berks County
Continued from Page 5 also that the students are genuinely On a wider note, there have justice and Holocaust remembrance today. silence is not the reason why survivors interested in hearing their stories. I know been many recent developments in I am heartened to hear that three additional are invited in. Instead, that factor is my students were genuinely interested in Holocaust education in Berks County schools in Berks County will be offering present because of the immense respect hearing Hilde’s story and many still talk and the surrounding areas. Within these courses for their students. students have for these individuals and about it now, several weeks later. the past month I have met with two Though the fourth quarter of the individuals who are in the process school year has begun, there are still of developing a Holocaust course to many additional opportunities that be offered at their local high school. remain. I just spoke to an undergraduate One gentleman was from Lancaster ethics class at Penn State Berks County. The other, Gerry Evans, is a regarding the ethical/moral implications teacher at Hamburg High School. I of the Holocaust. I found the students have been in contact with two other to be receptive and inquisitive and local teachers, Pete Ruckelshaus at have been asked to deliver a similar Twin Valley and Jim Konecke at Wilson program in the classes that the same High School. Pete has resurrected a professor also teaches at Reading Area course on Holocaust Literature at Twin Community College. Valley, and its first offering is during As mentioned above, Kim Yashek, the current fourth quarter. He is very daughter of the late local Holocaust excited about offering this course to survivor Richard Yashek, is speaking at his students and has even lined up Twin Valley, Hamburg and Fleetwood. several guest speakers including Rabbi Right now Albright College is hosting Brian Michelson, Kim Yashek and Hilde an exhibit titled, “Stories Among Us: Gernsheimer. Washington State Connections to the Jim Konecke is teaching at Wilson Holocaust, Lessons in Genocide.” The Central Junior High but will be moving up exhibit includes the stories of five Holocaust to Wilson High School at the beginning survivors and one liberator and has of next school year. He will be offering a received good reviews. It is definitely course on Nazi Germany. His students worth a visit! It will be at Albright’s Gingrich will be studying this period of German Library through May 10. history in depth, including a study of the *** rise of anti-Semitism, the initial period of Jennifer Goss teaches social studies the Holocaust and Jointhe Final us Solution. & bring The your in the friends Fleetwood to School District and Havdalah &latter part of the courseReform will look Congregationat post-war specializes Oheb in Holocaust Sholom education. Wine Tasting Plan for your7:3 Bar/Bat0pm Mitzvah Saturday & Wedding Guests! Havdalah led by Rabbi Michelson Wine tasting led by congregant Michael Schiffman February 23rd Members & non-members welcome Please return this RSVP form with to attend with reservation. $20 per your check by February 15 to RCOS person includes wine & small bites 555 Warwick Dr., Wyomissing, PA19610 Please call the Temple office with READINGYour check is your reservation. any questions, 610-375-6034 2801 Papermill Road Wyomissing, Pennsylvania GROUP RATES AVAILABLE Call Alice for a Site Tour Attendee names: ______Phone: ______Email: ______No. of Adults Attending ____ x $20 = $ ____
(610) 736-2082 ✦ www.reading.homewoodsuites.com Page 18 SHALOM February 2019
T H e 15TH aNNUal r i CHard J. YaSHek MeM orial l e CTUre
a Story of Spiritual resistance during the Holocaust by David Fishman, Jewish Theological Seminary
Wed., april 3, 2019 7:30 p.m., albright College McMillan Student Center, South lounge Experience Event, Free and Open to the Public
a group of ghetto inmates risked their lives to rescue thousands of Jewish books, manuscripts and documents from the Nazis, who intended to loot, deport and destroy these cultural treasures. The rescue operation, which lasted 18 months, was an act of resistance, an affirmation of human dignity and an expression of faith that the Jewish people and their culture would survive. Some of the inmates survived the Holocaust and dug up the hidden treasures, many of which eventually made traveled to the United States and israel.
photo courtesy of United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, courtesy of National archives and records administration, College park