January 2019 Tevet - Shevat 5779

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. 1 January 2019 Tevet - Shevat 5779

ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by0 the Jewish1 Federation1 of Reading/Berks9

Your Federation Supports: Jewish Education Civil Rights & Social Justice Weekend Food Pantry By Amanda J. Hornberger Affairs Council, will be the Oneg speaker. MLK Jr. Youth Day of Service sponsored Friendship Circle “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice Waterman’s topic is “Building Alliances by PJ Library and PJ Our Way of Reading. everywhere”—Martin Luther King Jr. Between Jews and Communities of Color”. Teenagers age 12 and up will do an on-site Chevra Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks He will be speaking about criminal justice service project at the Greater Berks Food invites you to join us for a civil rights reform and civil rights. Free event. Bank and learn more about our county Community Shabbat and social justice weekend, Jan. 18-21. Saturday, Jan. 19 — Concert by the partner for Jewish Family Service’s monthly In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Afro-Semitic Experience at 7 p.m. at 555 food pantry. Kids under 12 will be at the JCC Reading Jewish Film Series three events have been planned for that Warwick Drive in Wyomissing. This group completing two in-direct service projects for PJ Library weekend around the themes of civil rights of Jewish and African-American musicians Tower Health/Reading Hospital. Free event and social justice. plays a unique blend of Jewish and Afro- includes lunch for participants. (See article Jewish Family Service Friday, Jan. 18 — Following Shabbat diasporic melodies and grooves. Suggested on page 3 for more details). services at Reform Congregation Oheb donation of $5 per person. (See article on To RSVP for any of these events please Jewish Cultural Center Sholom, Roy Waterman, Criminal Justice page 4 for more details). email [email protected] or call 610-921- Lakin Holocaust Library Project Manager at the Jewish Public Monday, Jan. 21 — Join us for our first 0624.

& Resource Center

Israel & Overseas Another season of Hanukkah fun

Camp Scholarships

Israel Trips

Jewish Community

High School

Emergency Support

Lakin Preschool

Richard J. Yashek Lecture

Transportation

Maimonides Society

Your Jewish Legacy

92ND ST Y Programs

Joint Distribution Committee

Meir Panim

Annual Campaign The Hanukkah season started with two nights of great fun with events at the Body Zone ice skating rink and the Berkshire Mall, both sponsored by Chabad of Berks in conjunction Jewish Agency for Israel with the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks. Students from Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom’s Lakin Preschool, left, sang during the mall event. And as is traditional, the highlight of the Body Zone event was a menorah carved out of ice while participants enjoyed skating and delicious food. See pages 13 and 16 for more Hanukkah photos. Yemin Orde

School Education Programs

Interfaith Unity Council

Israel Advocacy

Youth Events

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 Page 2 SHALOM January 2019 Federation enriches lives

By Richard Nassau After Mr. H died, the fund helped children are living below poverty. A group that often Development Director with financial need. It also helped bring the goes unnoticed. Our work is dedicated community together in new ways. One was You never know where community to the Jewish community. how the fund committee was selected from connections will lead. I did ask Mr. H why he Your contributions to a diverse cross-section of the community. wanted his Jewish legacy to benefit children Federation ensure that Members represented different interest with financial need. He said it was because every member of our groups with a common interest of serving of Rebecca Gratz. community will have children. Many knew each other but had little In April 1855, well before Mr. H was opportunities to connect opportunity to get together and work together. born, Rebecca Gratz and a group of Jewish with other members of The committee established guidelines women founded the Jewish Foster Home n t our community. That is to ensure Mr. H’s intent was carried-out. in Philadelphia. It was one of the earliest Federation’s commitment to you. Federation Fund dollars assisted children with critical Jewish orphanages in the United States. is our community’s resource for every age, medical needs that were beyond a family’s We don’t often think of Jewish orphans

e belief, and background. It is able to bring limited resources or health insurance. today. Mr. H was one. Ms. Gratz and us all together because of your support. Fund dollars provided scholarships to the other Jewish women saw it as their Starting a new calendar year always qualified students, allowing them to pursue responsibility to provide for “Jewish orphans reminds me of Mr. H, a donor I had the educational opportunities closed to them and destitute children.” Mr. H was a recipient privilege to know and work with many because of finances. of their foresight, of their Jewish legacy. years ago. We worked together to create Mr. H’s legacy allowed the committee to Our legacy is to remain a vital resource m his Jewish legacy, establishing a fund for bring together community leaders to address where Jewish ideas and ideals come the benefit of children with financial need. some underlying issues confronting children together to create a vibrant, healthy Jewish The fund would only become active at Mr. with financial needs. Coming together to community. The Jewish Federation is H’s death due to a contribution from his find common solutions helped start new committed to celebrating Jewish life and p estate. Decisions about the fund were to connections between organizations. It also maintaining Jewish connections. be overseen by a committee at Jewish educated the community about the large For more information about creating your Family Service. number of Jewish families with children that Jewish legacy contact me at Federation. o

l Israeli organization aids California in wake of wildfires

From online news sources Israeli nongovernmental organization e IsraAID sent an emergency response team to California to help communities affected by the unprecedented fires that

v have killed more than 80 people and destroyed more than 13,000 homes and buildings, laying waste to a total area of more than 400 square miles. e After a request from local communities, IsraAID got to work on conducting a needs assessment of the population in affected areas, promoting community resilience D and recovery and distributing relief items to families staying in temporary accommodation after losing their homes in the fires. Annual Campaign During his visit to California, Yotam Women’s Philanthropy Polizer, the co-CEO of IsraAID, said: “We’ve seen a lot of disaster zones over Maimonides Society the years, but this is a whole different level of devastation. Everything has been Your Jewish Legacy burned to the ground, and there are so Chai Circle many people still missing.” swept the state, killing 44, causing $14.5 company, sent emergency response IsraAID’s team included Israeli and billion in damages and forcing 90,000 vehicles, or ERVs, carrying an innovative L’Chaim Society U.S.-based mental health specialists, people to evacuate. Israeli machine that pulls drinking water who worked with partner organizations Book of Life IsraAID has extensive experience out of ambient air to provide hydration on the ground to support affected responding to disasters in the U.S. and to police and firefighters dealing with Letter of Intent communities as they recover and promote all over the world. In 2018 alone, the the aftermath of massive wildfires. community resilience. organization provided aid to victims in The Watergen GEN-350 can produce This is not the first time that IsraAID Florida in the wake of Hurricane Michael, up to 156 gallons of water per day has sent aid in the wake of deadly fires North Carolina, after Hurricane Florence, from the ambient air. It has an internal in California. In October 2017, a team of to the Philippines, Indonesia, India, water-treatment system and needs no seven aid workers — including Polizer — Kenya infrastructure to operate except electricity, helped out in evacuation centers in the In addition, Watergen USA, the which is supplied from a generator and Napa Valley after a series of wildfires American subsidiary of the Israeli charging stations on the ERV.

DONATE NOW omen’s TO OUR W JEWISH Philanthropy COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN Jewish Women: Their Pivotal Role in Society Please visit ReadingJewishCommunity. org Letty Cottin Pogrebin Make your gift Tuesday April 16, 2019 today! 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 January 2019 SHALOM Page 3 From the President’s Desk Planting seeds for our environment and community By William D. Franklin Torah: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, our ‘planting’ activities need to bear fruit such as President olives, and dates. The early Zionists saw Tu programs that continue to engage our traditional Recently diplomats from almost B’Shevat as an opportunity to restore the ecology members as well new and younger families. Criteria 200 countries, including the of ancient Israel by planting trees as well as a for new programs and services are that they be fun, United States, agreed to keep symbol of the renewed growth and flowering of educational, mind-expanding and promote Jewish the Paris climate agreement alive the Jewish people returning to their ancestral values. In the spirit of Tu B’Shevat we recognize by adopting a detailed set of homeland. Today, Tu B’Shevat celebrates Jewish that planning for the future requires preserving our implementation rules. The deal environmentalism and continues a connection to environment. As such, environmental educational will require every country in the the land of Israel. programs and youth and adult service programs to world to follow uniform standards As Jewish citizens of Reading and the world, we clean up our community’s environment will be new to measure planet-warming need to continue our 3,000 plus year old value of initiatives soon to be introduced. Your participation emissions and track their climate policies. Further, being environmentally responsible and implement and input as to how our community can be more it calls on countries to step up their plans to cut actions to fight the climate change we face. Like environmentally responsible and ‘plant’ for the emissions ahead of the next round of talks in 2020. the custom of planting trees, the Reading Jewish future will be helpful and appreciated. On Jan. 20 and 21 we celebrate Tu B’Shevat — Federation is embarking on strategic planning. Our May your celebration of Tu B’Shevat be sweet as the birthday of trees. For centuries, Jews around purpose is to plant the proper ‘seeds’ to further you enjoy the ancient plants of the land of Israel- the world celebrated this holiday by planting trees connect us and insure the continued viability of our wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and enjoying the seven species mentioned in the Reading Jewish community. Initial results show that and dates! JCC to honor King with Youth Day of Service on Jan. 21

By Amanda J. Hornberger Youth under 12 will stay at the JCC Youth and parents are invited to the and work on two indirect service projects. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Day of Service first Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Day of The first is a build a bear project where Service sponsored by PJ Library and PJ our youngest volunteers will stuff bears Monday, Jan. 21, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Our Way of Reading. for patients in local children’s hospitals. We need YOUR help to make our first MLK Jr. Youth Day of Service a Building on the success of our Family Then we will be creating clothing care SUCCESS! Volunteer Day in November the JCC will packages for patients at Tower Health/ be organizing a day of service for our Reading Hospital. youngest community members and their Both projects are perfect for kids ages Donations Needed: adult helpers. 3 and up. An adult must remain with all -New sweatshirts (all adult sizes) Tweens and teenagers 12 and older participants under the age of 12. -New sweatpants (all adult sizes) are invited to the Greater Berks Food Everyone is invited to stay for lunch -New socks Bank for a morning of food packing. This at the JCC after our morning of service. on-site service project will allow teens RSVP is required by Jan. 16 so we can to see first-hand how the Greater Berks ensure the Greater Berks Food Bank Adult Volunteers Needed: Food Bank works and how it operates as has enough volunteers and to have -Chaperone volunteers at the Greater Berks Food Bank (1-2 adults) a food provider for our own Jewish Family the proper set up at the JCC. RSVP to -Help sort and organize clothes for service project (2-3 adults) Service monthly food pantry. Community [email protected] or 610-921-0624. service hours will be provided to all This volunteer opportunity is free and RSVP to [email protected] or 610-921-0624 participants who need a record of them includes lunch for those who RSVP by for school. Jan. 16. Donations accepted through Jan. 18 at the JCC. Georgetown students find some success counteracting BDS

By Shaun Ho Jewish students that Georgetown is safe ensure that they are informed about the we at Georgetown are fortunate for our Jewish News Syndicate for pro-Israel and Jewish students — and Jewish state — culturally, historically, international Washington location and the In recent years, anti-Israel movements hopefully, everyone else, for that matter. economically. The Israeli government fact that there isn’t a strong anti-Israel have spread to college campuses across Still, while such counterprotests are and its policies are open for criticism presence on campus in the first place, North America, manifested by the important, they aren’t an effective long- because we want to give a space to compared to other colleges in North Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) term solution because the narrative is speakers with different viewpoints. One America. But it’s worth pointing out that movement. Georgetown University is no still shaped by the anti-Israel protesters. of our major campus programs featured when rational, calm heads prevail, we exception. Though the BDS movement at So instead of just defending Israel Israeli opposition leader Tzipi Livni. can make gains in battling BDS, and not Georgetown gained momentum in recent from rhetoric on the offensive, we focused Of course, we try to avoid tactics that by using older, louder, more defensive years, it was rejected in 2017 by the on information and raising awareness. To are easily attackable or perceived as strategies of pro-Israel activism. university administration and hasn’t gained that end, we hosted a panel discussion propaganda. While our strategies have The writer is a student at Georgetown ground since then. Moreover, anti-Israel on “What is Zionism, Really?” We hosted been effective, they may not necessarily University and an intern at the Jerusalem Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks Non-Profit Organization Jewish Cultural Center, PO Box 14925 U.S. Postage PAID activities significantly died down, making events that tie Zionism to other issues, so work on other campuses. In manyReading, PA 19612-4925 ways, Center for Public Affairs.Permit No. 2 readingjewishcommunity.org Reading, PA Georgetown a relatively safe space for that students see Zionism as a positive Change Service Requested pro-Israel and Jewish students alike. force. We are increasing our efforts to Enriching Lives Volume 47, No. 9 September 2017 Elul 5777-Tishri 5778 What can explain this success engage in dialogue with other students story? One important factor is that the on campus. Talking with students who Georgetown Israel Alliance (GIA) — the hold widely different views doesn’t ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by0 the Jewish9 Federation1 of Reading/Berks7 university’s pro-Israel student group necessarily change their minds, but the A newspaper serving the Jewish community of Berks County, Your Federation Supports: — adopted strategies that are more discussions themselves allow for greater Pennsylvania, andJewish published Education monthly, September through June, under effective on today’s college campuses. understanding among us. It also allows Food Pantry the Jewish FederationFriendship Circle of Reading/Berks. Funded by the Annual Jewish By focusing on proactivity rather than us to present accurate information to Chevra Community Campaign.Community Shabbat reactivity, engaging in dialogue with students not familiar with the Mideast Reading Jewish Film Series PJ Library students of different political stances and and its complex issues. General Offices:Jewish Family Service 1100 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 125 Jewish Cultural Center presenting Israel through a more critical Following President Donald Trump’s Lakin Holocaust Library Wyomissing, PA 19610 and holistic lens, GIA has successfully set controversial decision to relocate the U.S. & Resource Center Phone: Israel & Overseas 610-921-0624 FAX: 610-929-0886 the narrative in the discourse surrounding embassy to Jerusalem, we set up a table in Web site: Camp Scholarships www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org Israel Trips the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the main square of Georgetown, open for Jewish Community Jewish Federation Highof School Reading presented Israel’s case well on campus. talk. We weren’t trying to persuade anyone Emergency Support Chair: Lakin Preschool Haia Mazuz One idea was to be more proactive that Trump had made the right decision; Richard J. Yashek Lecture rather than reactive when it came to some of us in GIA didn’t even agree with President: Transportation William D. Franklin Maimonides Society advocating for Israel. Pro-Israel groups it. But we wanted to ensure that they had Communications YourDirector: Jewish Legacy Mark Nemirow, Editor 92ND ST Y Programs on campus tend to react whenever anti- a better understanding of where we were Proofreaders: Joint Distribution Committee Federation staff Meir Panim

Israel campaigns or sentiment pop up in coming from. And we did reach out to pro- Annual Campaign our college community. For instance, in Palestinian students. Though we haven’t Jewish Agency for Israel The opinions expressed in ShalomYemin Orde are of the writers and not the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks 2017, anti-Israel student activists staged been able to engage in dialogue with School Education Programs Interfaith Unity Council a protest during Georgetown’s accepted anti-Israel activists, we were effective in Israel Advocacy Youth Events students’ visiting weekend. They held up clarifying certain facts and showing others Great Decisions Series Jewish Community signs depicting Israel as an apartheid that we are open for dialogue. Relations Council state, which made many Jewish students And we are working on presenting Community Holiday Programs Women’s Philanthropy feel unsafe. Israel through a critical and holistic lens. Jewish Federations of North America To respond to this, GIA staged a In doing so, we want to humanize other Counseling Services Leo Camp Lecture counterprotest to show prospective students’ perception of Israel and to Shabbat B’Yachad Page 4 SHALOM January 2019 Jewish and African-American music highlight of special concert

By Amanda J. Hornberger concepts of ase and shalom — Self-described as an American power, action, unity, and peace. Their roots jazz band with a difference, music embodies the radical notion the Afro-Semitic Experience is that people of different faiths, races, an unique musical experience for and beliefs can come together, and all ages! celebrate and build community. Kesher Zion Synagogue, The band’s repertoire is a Reading Branch of NAACP, mix of original compositions and Reform Congregation Oheb arrangements of pieces curated Sholom and Jewish Federation from Jewish and African-diasporic of Reading/Berks invite the cultures. Their music reaches out community to a special concert to a distinct, open-minded listening by the Afro-Semitic Experience audience; their intentional merging on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. at of jazz with the spiritual and the 555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing. sacred has allowed them to share The Afro-Semitic Experience is our music in concert as well as a group of Jewish-American and at services in houses of worship African-American musicians who across the United States. have been performing, recording, Since 1998 the Afro-Semitic and teaching together for 20 years. Experiences has been playing Their friendship ignites their passion in traditionally sacred spaces, and purpose: Together, as a band, national and regional music its members are in the midst of of $5 per person for the concert. they merge their musical roots, festivals, on college campuses composing music for their ninth. RSVP requested to info@ Jewish and Afro-diasporic melodies and the occasional jazz club. The Join us for this special musical jfreading.org or 610-921-0624 by and grooves, combining the core group has recorded eight CDs and experience! Suggested donation Jan. 18. Fox East to join in global partnership to screen documentary on Holocaust Remembrance Day By Amanda J. Hornberger Shabes archive with new interviews, rarely Joining hundreds of other venues around the In November 1940, days after the Nazis seen footage and stunning dramatizations to world in partnership with UNESCO (United sealed 450,000 Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto, transport us inside the Ghetto and the lives Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural a secret band of journalists, scholars and of these courageous resistance fighters. The Organization) the screening will be part of community leaders decided to fight back. documentary is written, produced and directed a global screening event for International Led by historian Emanuel Ringelblum and by Roberta Grossman and executive produced Holocaust Remembrance Day, held annually known by the code name Oyneg Shabes, by Nancy Spielberg, the team that brought us on Jan. 27, the day of liberation for Auschwitz.

Center Jewish Cultural this clandestine group vowed to defeat “Above and Beyond” (part of the 2016 Reading A discussion led by Dr. Jennifer Koosed, Nazi lies and propaganda not with guns Jewish Film Series). a member of the Holocaust Studies faculty of 92nd St. Y Programs or fists but with pen and paper. The group The Lakin Holocaust Library & Resource Albright College, will follow the film. Game Nights told the truth and risked everything so that Center, Jewish Federation of Reading/ Admission is $5 and tickets can be their archive would survive the war, even Berks and Fox Theatres are proud to co- purchased at FOX EAST beginning at 12:30 Community Shabbat if they did not. host a screening of “Who Will Write Our p.m. the day of the screening. Cash and Their story is being told for the first time History” on Sunday, Jan. 27, at 1 p.m. checks are accepted. Reading Jewish Film Series as a feature documentary. “Who Will Write at Fox East, 4350 Perkiomen Avenue, We hope you can join us for this special Great Decisions Our History” mixes the writings of the Oyneg Exeter Township (next to Boscov’s East). one-time only event.

Interfaith Mitzvah Day Yom Ha’atzmaut Special Jewish Heritage Night at Reading Royals PJ Library By Amanda J. Hornberger seating with special access to the Coke Lounge, To purchase tickets in our group you must PJ Our Way Join us for a fun day of hockey at Jewish an area for our group to gather and socialize. use the following link: https://royals.isportstix. Heritage Night at the Reading Royals! This Snacks and soft drinks are included in the com/order/group/JewishFed/ (the link can Leo Camp Lecture special event will be an amazing afternoon ticket price. Everyone who purchases tickets also be found on our website). If you have any Tech Tuesday of community comradery filled with great ice through our group link will be given a free item questions or issues purchasing tickets please hockey. Game time is 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. at the game. Another special treat will be the contact Amanda Hornberger at amandah@ Yom Hazikaron 3, at Santander Arena, with doors opening High Five Tunnel Experience. This experience jfreading.org or 610-921-0624. at 1 p.m. allows guests in our group to greet players as We look forward to sharing an afternoon Art Exhibits Tickets are $20 which includes group they go out on the ice at the start of the game. of Royals hockey with you on Feb. 3! Yom Hashoah Annual Meeting and Picnic Jewish film series continues with Dutch thriller Purim Carnival By Amanda J. Hornberger “An Act of Defiance” has been a hit Richard J. Yashek Summer 1963, Rivonia, South Africa. Ten at Jewish film festivals around the world Memorial Lecture political activists (including Nelson Mandela and was Winner of Best Feature Film at and his inner circle of black and Jewish the Dayton Jewish Film Festival 2018 and Kristallnacht Remembrance supporters) face a possible death sentence Winner of Best Film at the UK Jewish Film for conspiracy to commit sabotage after they Festival 2017. Youth Events are arrested by the apartheid South African The 2019 Reading Jewish Film Series Purim Masquerade Party government. In English and Afrikaans with is co-sponsored by the Rubin Educational subtitles, “An Act of Defiance” is an intriguing Fund of the Jewish Federation of Reading Bridge drama and the next film in the Reading and Fox Theatres. Jewish Film Series. Admission is $5 per film. All films will be Chevra Screening on Wednesday, Jan. 9, at FOX shown on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at FOX Mahjong EAST, “An Act of Defiance” is a historical EAST, 4350 Perkiomen Avenue, Exeter thriller set during South Africa’s apartheid Township (next to Boscov’s East). Trips to NYC/Philadelphia era and follows a gutsy lawyer as he risks Tickets can be purchased at the everything to defend Mandela and his inner theater beginning at 6:30 p.m. the day Lakin Holocaust Library circle. of the screening. Cash and checks are & Resource Center Dutch filmmaker Jean van de Velde accepted. Feb. 6 — “And Then She Arrived” captures a dark period in South Africa’s The remaining dates and films for March 6 — “Scandal in Ivansk”* Shabbat B’yachad history, while paying tribute to the legendary the Reading Jewish Film Series are as April 10 — “Heading Home: The Tale of figures who fought to end segregation and follows: Community Calendar Team Israel” corruption in their country. Jan. 9 — “An Act of Defiance” *Special event following screening January 2019 SHALOM Page 5 The Anti-Defamation League and civil rights

By Amanda J. Hornberger the court) briefs on cases in which it its experience as a provider of anti- on public transportation to “commercial Led by Amy Feinman, Northeast wants to show support for a specific bias education programs to show that speech”? Should tech companies Area Civil Rights Counsel at the Anti- civil rights issue. inclusive policies like Boyertown’s are proactively remove hatemongers from Defamation League, the December For example, the ADL filed an in the best interests of all students and their platforms? Should ADL Support session in the ADL’s Glass Leadership amicus curia in the U.S. Third Circuit promote safe and successful school a Right to Counsel for Immigrants Institute focused on civil rights. Court of Appeals, Doe v. Boyertown environments. The brief also highlights facing deportation? All three were According to Fineman, the ADL Area School District. At issue in that Boyertown’s policy is not only actual policy questions debated by focuses on the following civil rights this case is the local district’s policy constitutional but necessary to ensure the board of directors for the ADL in areas: criminal justice reform; allowing transgender students to use compliance with anti-discrimination order to create ADL’s policies on civil educational equality; free speech; the restrooms and changing facilities protections under federal law. rights issues. immigration and refugee rights; consistent with their gender identity. Later our class was split into six Overall it was a fun night (in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender ADL, which has provided anti-bias groups covering three different ADL an actual courtroom) arguing and and questioning (LGBTQ) rights; race training to schools in Boyertown civil rights policy questions and with examining real civil rights issues facing and racial justice; religious freedoms; through its No Place for Hate program each group representing various sides our country. If you would like to learn voting rights; and women’s equality. for more than a decade, filed a brief of the policy debate. more about the ADL’s work on civil Fineman explained that often the supporting Boyertown’s inclusive The policy questions were: Should rights please visit https://www.adl.org/ ADL files amicus curiae (or friend of policy. In the brief, the ADL drew on ADL support efforts to limit advertising what-we-do/discrimination Survivors compensated on Kindertransport anniversary

From online news sources reached on the 80th anniversary of the announcement,” said Berman. (Austria and Czech lands) (Source Julius Berman, President of the Kindertransport, to provide compensation The Kindertransport started in 1938 USHMM). It became evident after Claims Conference, announced that payments for child survivors of the when British authorities agreed to allow Kristallnacht (the night of broken glass), as a result of ongoing negotiations Kindertransport. “Our team has never an unspecified number of children under that the situation for Jews in Germany between the Claims Conference and the given up hope that the moment would the age of 17 to enter the country from was reaching crisis proportions. Jewish German government, an agreement was come when we could make this historic Germany and German-annexed areas families began urgently searching for any avenue to get their children to safety. Over 10,000 children were saved from death when parents, who were desperate A Special Thank You to to save their children from the horrors of life under the Nazis, found refuge for them in England – often tragically Reading Eagle Mini Pages relinquishing their babies and infants to the care of older children for the Cops N Kids Books possibility of getting them to safety. In heartbreaking scenes on train platforms, these children were often torn from their For their donations to the first parents’ arms and, in virtually every case, Reading Jewish Community Family Volunteer Day! never saw them again. Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat, Claims Conference Special Negotiator, said of this achievement, “This payment comes Introducing the Get Together program sponsored by PJ Library! at a time when we are commemorating 80 years since these children took their fateful journey from Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia to Great Britain. After having to endure a life forever severed from their parents and families, no one can ever profess to make them whole; they are receiving a small measure of justice.” Greg Schneider, Claims Conference Executive Vice President said, “We must all take a moment to commemorate this recognition and sacrifice. No one can

imagine the pain on train platforms as the Kindertransports began and the extraordinary steps these parents took to give the opportunity for life to their • Applications November 26, 2018 to April 30, 2019. children – a life those children led without mothers, without fathers, and in many • Families will receive up to $100 reimbursement if they get together with at cases, without family of any kind.” least two or more other families. The Kindertransport Fund will open January 1, 2019 and begin processing • Get Togethers can be anything families want to do with two or more other eligible applications. Although some survivors were provided a small payment families. in the 1950s, prior payments under compensation programs will not bar • Jewish holidays or Shabbat/Havdalah; claimants from receiving this new benefit. The specific eligibility criteria were • Family volunteering or service projects determined by the German government. • Something else they think of! Obituary Jack Schnee, 86, of Florida and • Parent-‐only and PJ Our W ay kid Get Togethers are also allowed. formerly of Reading. Jack was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., attended New York • Families must be a current PJ Library or PJOW subscriber family to be University and served in the Korean eligible to sign up to host. War. He was owner of Hamilton Luggage in Reading, a former U.S. Tennis Association official, and a • For more information https://pjlibrary.org/gettogether2018 visit former president of Kesher Zion Synagogue. Jack is survived by his wife, Judy; his children: Tzvi Schnee, Howie Questions? Please email [email protected] or Amanda Schnee and Marla Baksic and her husband, Steven Baksic. Other Hornberger, [email protected] your local PJ Library Coordinator survivors include his grandchildren: Emily, Jared and Brittany Baksic and Arlo and Abraham Schnee. Page 6 SHALOM January 2019 Thanks, Phyllis By Sari Incledon, M. Ed. online, but many find it helpful to have the Jewish Family guidance of someone who is familiar and Service has been knowledgeable about the process and the very fortunate to available plans. New retirees can sign up have Phyllis Dessel at any time of the year for Medicare and help us throughout Phyllis is available to help them as well. the year when If you need help with any of these e community members programs call Sari at JFS at 610-921-0624 have questions about or email [email protected] and we will health insurance arrange a meeting.

c and need assistance Phyllis grew up in Highland Park, N.J., choosing a plan. and graduated from Penn State with a i During the fall when Medicare Open degree in social work. Her career in social Enrollment occurs Phyllis meets individually work included stints in several fields — with clients at the JCC and answers children and youth, the prison system and v questions and helps them choose between drug and alcohol treatment. Since 1980 she Medicare Advantage Plans or traditional has resided in Berks County and worked for Medicare and a supplement. She also the County Office of Aging for 20 years as r reviews client’s medications to help them a supervisor for Adult Protective Services Phyllis Dessel choose the most economical Part D drug and then as Quality Manager. plans. Now retired, Phyllis also enjoys tutoring Aerospace and Engineering Department of

e Phyllis also helps people in choosing for the Literacy Council and playing Mahjong. the Technion in Haifa. We are so fortunate a plan through the Affordable Care Act. She is very proud of her son Ian Jacobi, that she is willing to share her expertise with It is possible to review plans and sign up PhD., a professor of fluid dynamics in the JFS and the Jewish community. S Hanukkah fun and more at Friendship Circle l y i m a F h 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 Friendship Circle held a big celebration Dec. 6 with a Hanukkah Klezmer concert and party featuring Philadelphia’s Bob Cisik Duo returning to Reading by popular demand with a varied program of Klezmer and holiday favorites. At left, Louise Zeidman leads some spirited dancing. At right, Hallie Vaughan portrays first lady and political activist Eleanor Roosevelt during the Nov. 29 Friendship Circle program. 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. January 2019 SHALOM Page 7 Surveys show alarming findings on European anti-Semitism

From online news sources Respondents reported that the most common embassy in Berlin and the Central Council of Jews Growing anti-Semitism has prompted 38 percent anti-Semitic comments they encountered included in Germany. Most came from educated, middle-class of European Jews to consider leaving Europe, a “Jews have too much power and influence”; “Jews Germans. new report by a European human rights agency exploit the Holocaust for their own interests”; and Nations across Europe are seeing parties grow in reveals. The report was compiled by the European “Israel treats the Palestinians like the Nazis treated power despite leaders with a history of downplaying Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, or EUAFR, the Jews.” the Holocaust and support from anti-Semites. which was established to uphold human rights and Meanwhile a CNN poll about the state of anti- Meanwhile there have been a large number of fight all forms of racism. According to the report, 89 Semitism in Europe found equally alarming results. physically violent acts committed against Jews in percent of Jews surveyed said that anti-Semitism in One-third of respondents said they knew only a little or Europe are perpetrated by radical Muslims. And there the EU had risen significantly in the past five years, nothing at all about the Holocaust. The poll surveyed is the anti-Semitism of the far left that masquerades with 85 percent saying that anti-Semitism was the more than 7,000 people across Austria, France, as anti-Zionism and anti-racism. most serious problem they faced. The report is based Germany, Britain, Hungary, Poland and Sweden. The overarching theme here is a conspiracy on the largest survey on anti-Semitism conducted Nearly a quarter of the respondents said Jews have theory in which Jews are seen as spreading evil in anywhere in the world, which included 16,400 too much influence in conflict and wars. More than a the world. respondents from 28 EU member nations. quarter believe that Jews have too much influence in Yaakov Hagoel, vice chairman of the World Zionist Nearly one-third (30 percent) of respondents business and finance. Nearly one in five believe most Organization, said recent developments provided said they had personally experienced anti-Semitic anti-Semitism is a response to the behavior of Jews. strong evidence that decisions taken to combat attacks. Of the tens of thousands of Jews surveyed, Roughly a third say Jews use the Holocaust to advance anti-Semitism must be implemented immediately: 80 percent told the EUAFR that they had refrained their own goals. Just 54 percent say Israel has the right “We expect … legislation and enforcement, from reporting anti-Semitic incidents to the police or to exist as a Jewish state. budgets to implement decisions, education (about other authorities, thereby skewing official reports on New York Times columnist Bari Weiss reported anti-Semitism), public outreach and security at the scope of anti-Semitism in a number of countries. that in a forthcoming book, “Anti-Semitism: Here and Jewish institutions. Jews are loyal citizens of the A third of respondents said they chose to stay away Now,” scholar Deborah Lipstadt discusses a 2013 countries where they have decided to live, and the from Jewish events or Jewish institutions out of fear study of overtly anti-Semitic letters, emails and faxes governments of those European countries have a for their personal safety. received over the previous decade by the Israeli responsibility to ensure their safety.” Page 8 SHALOM January 2019

Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner, second from left, leads teens and seniors in a discussion of Hanukkah. A hands-on Hanukkah event at JCHS

By Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner me out to his car and gave me a box, Reading Jewish Community High School and it contained two brass candlesticks JCHs marked the seventh day of for Shabbat and a hanukkiah,” Rabbi Hanukkah with a morning of hands-on Dov said. “He explained to me that experiences. while the family thought about keeping First, Barbara Lerner taught the these objects, they believed that the students how to make Ashkenazi “Cheese candlesticks and hanukkiyah should be Latkes” and the students reviewed how to used by Jews to celebrate sacred days crack an egg and separate yolks out and as living memories.” how to whip up stiff egg whites and mix That year, when Barbara cleaned with cottage cheese for a delicious yet the hanukkiyah for Hanukkah, she simple alternate to potato latkes. accidentally hit what turned out to be a Rabbi Dov reviewed with them the A Hanukkah box. switch and it was a music box, playing legend of Judith and Holofernes, which beautifully “Maoz Tzur.” was the basis for the European dairy damage caused by fire from Hanukkah Rabbi Dov then led a brief discussion alternative pancake, as opposed to lights put outside to “publicize the miracle about how wonderful it would be for all the fried dough creations of the Middle of Hanukkah.” When the streets are Jews to feel about our symbols and days

h Education Eastern cultures, renewed together as narrow there is danger to passers-by and to want to see them observed. sufganiyot or doughnuts. This “midrash” a chance the lights will go out too early. When Rabbi Dov came to JCHS seven provided a feminine heroine based, Hence a box with several chimneys, glass years ago, he began weaving Israel into according to some scholarship, on the doors and windows to see the lights and courses in a way that emphasized Israeli Biblical Judge Deborah and the narrative enclosed to protect against the wind and creativity, ingenuity and contributions to about Yael and Sisera. In this fashion, the passer-by. human welfare. He told the students that women as well as men demonstrated We then shared a brass hanukkiah he wanted their memories about Israel to military dedication as did the Maccabees. that had a beautiful story. Rabbi Dov, be built on medical research and human Students then made sufganiyot, which decades ago was called to officiate at a health, food and recipes, art and dance were outstanding, and everyone was funeral for a man who died and whose and song rather than emphasize Israel able to enjoy then as Better Together wife was very ill and bed-ridden. She as a military might. participants joined the students. had become a Jew when they married There are important lessons and Rabbi Dov brought four samples of more than 60 years previously, never had discussions about support for Israel how hanukiyot — Hanukkah candelabra children and devoted her life to serving from allies, especially the United States

ewi s in contrast to the Jerusalem Temple veterans hospitals in New York. and world democracies, in the past and Menorah — were created for the lamps The funeral was arranged by the New future. There are lessons which involve or candles, and how they each became Jersey State Police and the brother and the IDF, air force, military superiority and part of a tradition. the observant Roman Catholic, Italian as more than one author has put it, Israel J The first was a baby gift, given to family of the widow. They wanted an can’t afford even one defeat on the field the Lerners on the birth of a son, and in authentic Jewish funeral. of battle. Camp Scholarships this fashion became a Lerner tradition Rabbi Dov explained that he At this Hanukah celebration, it of giving a hanukiyah to a family on the conducted such a funeral and burial but appeared that the teens and seniors all Israel Trips birth and arrival of a new life and light that he was the only living Jew at the agreed that our bond with Israel would in a family. This one was personalized funeral. Four months later, the widow also and should be one of hope and support Jewish Community with the Hebrew/Jewish name of the died, and once again the brother called for Israel and humanity, rather than dwell High School new arrival. Rabbi Dov to be the “family rabbi,” and on military success. The rabbis chose Another item was a Hanukkah box once again he conducted a funeral as Zechariah 2:14-4:7 as the haftarah for Lakin Preschool made in Jerusalem by a tinsmith as a the only living Jew present. A year later, Shabbat Chanukah. As it states: This is commissioned work of art. This is based the rabbi was honored to officiate at the the word of Adonai to Zerubbabel: Not Better Together on a custom based on Jewish law, which dedication of a joint headstone. by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, holds the householder responsible for ” After the unveiling, the brother invited said Lord of the hosts.

Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards

The Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco has issued a Join us next time! national call for nominations for a prestigious national award that January 12th at 10:00 am honors Jewish teens who are making the world a better place. The award grants up to 15 Jewish teens with $36,000 each in recognition of their leadership in meaningful community service projects and social change initiatives. bbat tShA musical,a story-filled, interactive hour for To children through grade 2. Bring your family & Anyone interested in nominating a teen or any teen interested Members and non-members are friends to celebrate with Rabbi Michelson invited. No registration is required. & stay for a pint-sized oneg of juice, challah, in applying can visit www.dillerteenawards.org to begin the Tot Shabbat services are held nomination/application process. The deadline for nominations is Saturday mornings at 10:00 am at fruit, & child-friendly treats! Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, FUTURE TOT SHABBAT DATES: Dec. 18, and the deadline for applications is Jan. 8. Jewish teens 555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing * unless noted. Please call the February 23, March 23, April 13 who are 13 to 19 years old on Jan. 8 are eligible. Temple office with any questions, May 18, & June 8 * 610.375.6034. Intergenerational Tot Shabbat at The Highlands For more information, email [email protected] or call 415-512-6432. January 2019 SHALOM Page 9 JCHS students take closer look at some interesting ammunition

By Jacob Sileski for the respective dates, 1977, 79, Rabbi Dov showed Better Together and 81. However, it is fully possible participants used shells from Israel. that the “TZ” stamps are a result of How are they related to Hanukkah? a mistake from the “Texas Foundries Jacob Sileski led a group of students Inc.” (“List of military headstamps”), who researched the cartridges and in which “TX” was supposed to be produced the following report: how the casings were stamped. If this An analysis of the 14 brass bullet second hypothesis is correct, then casings retrieved from the Golan there are four groups of casings; if Heights reveals few but intricate these three casings are Israeli and details about their origin and likely not Texan, then there are only three use. specific groups of casings. The first group of four casings are The next group of two casings are Israeli 5.56 x 45mm NATO. There labeled “FN 76” the head stamp also are four different headstamps in includes a small circle with a cross this group, the oldest casing being extending horizontally and vertically, the characters the symbol resembles a telescopic ,“צﬨ stamped “10-72 stand for “T’aasiya Tz’vaeet” or the sight. The chart from “Bev Fitchett’s [Israeli] “Military Industries”; the Guns Magazine” includes this symbol presence of the “10-“ is unknown; in group (b) labeled “7.62 mm 1962”, “72” stands for 1972, the casting this diagram also lists this group of date of the casing (“Bev Fitchett’s casings having been made in Israel; Guns Magazine”). The other three however, this diagram lacks the “FN casings in this group are stamped the 76” marking. It is most likely that same: “TZ 77”, “TZ 79”, and “TZ 81”. these casings were also made in “TZ” are most likely the translated Israel, their manufacturing location is the numbers are not known. If these casings were not ;“צﬨ“ characters of

Jewish Community High School students, from left, Jacob Sileski, Ruby Nemeroff and Will Levin look over used shells with a connection to Hanukkah.

made in Israel, they may have been this group of casings after the fact manufactured in Belgium, meaning then this group of casings were used “FN” stands for “Fabrique Nationale” during the Yom Kippur War. If all of or “Fabrication National”; in this case these casings are labeled correctly their location of casting is not known. then these were actually used in 1982 The marking “76” stands for 1976. Lebanon War, the aged brass of these The last group of eight casings bullets explains that these casings are labeled “WCC 79”; “WCC” stands were likely not used after possible for “Western Cartridge Company” in dates. Eaton, Illinois; “79” stands for 1979”. The answer according to Rabbi Dov All of these rounds are 5.56 x was that indeed they were from Israel’s 45mm NATO, those casted in America Golan Heights, a Merkava tank training would have been casted to be fired ground. He found them there, took them To order tickets: https://royals.isportstix.com/order/group/JewishFed/ by American M16s; these were not and thought to create a Hanukiyah This link is the only way to order tickets to sit section in our special Coke Lounge and receive casted for the Vietnam War having from them to suggest that today’s IDF the free giveaway. been made post 76, excluding the soldiers are modern Maccabees. single casing made in 1972. The An IDF reservist and teacher For questions or help ordering tickets please contact Amanda Hornberger at single round, or four rounds that were asked him not to do so. Better that 610-‐921-‐0624 or [email protected] made in Israel were casted to be fired we celebrate the re-dedication of the by Israeli Galils, Negevs, and reused State of Israel for its contributions Belgium FALs and American M16s. to science, research, medicine, It is most likely that the original agriculture, engineering, software and purpose of these bullet casings digital creativity — not for doing what as a whole was to be shipped to they were required to do to preserve European Armies for stockpiling or the State of Israel. training purposes, coincidentally Better that we turn to Hanukkah as these rounds found their way to Israel a symbol for life and pray for the day in which they were used by Israelis at when war and conflict will no longer the Golan Heights. If the bullet from mar the landscape of the Middle East, 1981 is mislabeled, or was placed in for Israel and all her neighbors.

Call Today for Your Complimentary Consultation 610-376-3956

311 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 19611 BarrerAndWhite.com

James G. Barrer, DMD Douglas W. White, DMD Page 10 SHALOM January 2019 The power of planting a tree

By Rabbi Brian Michelson support of the poor, the landless Levites, This ecological vision was a concern Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom and priests. of the past as well. A story is told in the Rabbi Yochanan ben After the exile from the Land of Israel, Babylonian Talmud: Zakkai taught: “If you Tu b’Shvat lost its importance until the One day, Honi was journeying on the have a sapling in your 16th century, when the Kabbalists of Tzfat road and he saw a man planting a carob hand and someone tells found new meaning in the holiday. For tree. He asked him, “How long does it take you the Messiah has these mystics, God was viewed as a Tree for this tree to bear fruit?” The man replied, arrived, first plant the of Life expressed through the tree of the “Seventy years.” Honi asked, “Do you sapling and then go out Sefirot (Divine attributes), and Tu b’Shvat think you will live another 70 years?” The to greet the Messiah” became a day of renewing the Divine Tree man replied, “When I came into the world, (Avot d’ Rabbi Natan of Life. They created a Seder where they I found carob trees. Much as my parents B31). This teaching, by ate more than 15 varieties of nuts and fruit planted these for me, so I plant these for one of our most important sages, is from trees in four courses marked by four my children.” (Talmud Bavli Ta’anit 23a) certainly counterintuitive. Before running cups of wine, corresponding to the four Planting trees, a laudable act for both its out to greet the long-awaited Messiah, one mystical levels of the universe. practical benefits and spiritual symbolism, must first finish the seemingly mundane With the modern Jewish settlement of exemplifies the responsibility of each work of planting a tree. the Land of Israel, the planting of trees generation for cultivating resources for The spiritual and practical nature of became a way to tie Jewish communities the next generation. As Rabbi Yochanan trees and tree planting is celebrated most all over the world to the Land of Israel as taught, redemption is linked to our care fully during the holiday of Tu b’Shvat, the thousands of trees are planted in Israel by for the sapling, symbolic of this next 15th of the Hebrew month of Shevat (this Jewish National Fund each year. More generation—the carob tree planter’s year Jan. 20-21). In ancient Israel, the recently, Tu b’Shvat has become a Jewish children and their descendants. On this al News 15th of Shevat marked the beginning of Earth Day, where we both celebrate Tu b’Shvat, may we commit ourselves to the tax year for the tithing of fruit trees. Ten God’s creation and commit ourselves to caring for the future of our earth and our percent of all produce was set aside for the becoming better caretakers of the earth. children. n Save the date for Rabbi Michelson’s

o Save the date 20th Anniversary Gala on April 6

Members of Reform Congregation opportunity to place business ads, t i Oheb Sholom are in the midst of but event organizers at RCOS are planning a festive 20th Anniversary offering congregants and friends the Gala to celebrate Rabbi Brian opportunity to place either a personal Michelson’s tenure at the Wyomissing ad or purchase a memory page (or a synagogue. half-page) to share a message to This celebratory evening will the rabbi. include dinner and dancing and will Funds raised through ads or

g be held on Saturday, April 6, at The memory pages placed in the book Crowne Plaza in Wyomissing. will go toward the music program at Please save the date in your RCOS, something that is near and calendar. The entire community is dear to the rabbi’s heart. e invited to attend. For more information about how As a special tribute to Rabbi to purchase an ad or memory page,

r Michelson, the congregation is please visit the RCOS website at working with Rieck’s Printing in ohebsholom.org. April 6, 2019 West Reading to publish a lovely, Those who do not have internet full-color program/memory album. access or prefer to communicate by g Rabbi Brian Michelson’s Everyone in attendance will receive phone may contact Karen at Rieck’s 20th Anniversary Gala a copy. This book not only offers the Printing directly at 610-685-1227.

Learning opportunities for our community’s young children C o n

Chabad

Kesher Zion

Reform Congregation

Oheb Sholom

At left, children take part in the Lakin Preschool Torah Tots, an enrichment program offered monthly during Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom’s Sunday Religious School hours. The RCOS Tot Shabbat program, right, meets monthly on a Saturday with a fun introduction to Jewish prayer and practice.

LOCAL CONGREGATIONS AND SERVICE TIMES January � Tevet- Shevat CHABAD CENTER OF BERKS COUNTY (610) 921-0881 Saturday mornings: 9:30 a.m.; Friday evenings: 6:30 p.m. Shabbat Candle Lightings Torah Portions

KESHER ZION SYNAGOGUE (610) 374-1763 January 4 January 5/Tevet 28 Weekly services Saturdays: 9:30 a.m.; Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. 4:33 p.m. Va’eira (Exodus 6:2-9:35)

REFORM CONGREGATION OHEB SHOLOM (610) 375-6034 January 11 January 12/Shevat 5 Fridays, Jan. 4 and 11: 6 p.m. Shabbat services. 4:37 p.m. Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:16) Saturday, Jan. 12: Tot Shabbat, 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18: Service at 7 p.m. followed by Oneg speaker at 8. January 18 January 19/Shevat 13 4:45 p.m. Beshalach (Exodus 13:17-17:16) Friday, Jan. 25: Shabbat service, 7:45 p.m. CONGREGATION SHOMREI HABRITH January 25 January 26/Shevat 20 4:53 p.m. Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23)

January 2019 SHALOM Page 11 Do you remember?

By Tootie Moyer • Broadway shows cost $25, now don’t remember, you are not 94 years old that I don’t remember but maybe you Hi all your senior “youngsters”. Here I the tickets are $100 and up with no like me. do: am again with some things I think some famous names in the show • State Theater had only cowboy • Theda Bara of you will remember. • Atlantic City was just sun, ocean movies and a piano player • Lillian Gish • Women were addressed by Miss and rooming houses, there were no Here are some names that you and I • Buster Keaton or Mrs., not “you guys” security cameras everywhere will remember: • Harold Lloyd • Junior High School is now Middle • Most homes had a large console • Lon Chaney • Rudolph Valentino School radio – today it is a boom box. • Katharine Hepburn We communicate with our kids and • All your bad habits and problems • Little girls wore shoes, not flip- • Tom Mix other people, and we do not use texting. are now “baggage” flops • Martha Raye Try it sometime; you will like to hear a • Young men shaved every day. • You could buy chicken feet and • Sophie Tucker voice of your caller. Every one of us is Today the in thing is stubble on the face unborn chicken eggs • Jane Withers different but in the same way. In all of our • Birth announcements in the • We washed all our babies’ I don’t remember silent movies so hearts we are the same — we all want Eagle were in larger print so we could diapers I guess we are not that old, or maybe love, good health and peace. see it all • Milk was 10 cents a quart and our parents didn’t have money to give See you later. Enjoy every day • When only cowboys wore jeans bread was 15 cents a loaf. Of course, you us for a movie. Here are some names anyway you want.

The JCC’s Romeo Club will meet on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 for lunch at 12 p.m. at Wyomissing Family Restaurant. Please note the change in date due to the New Year’s holiday.

reform congregation oheb sholom & the jewish community relations council invite you to attend our

Building Alliances Between Jews and Communities of Color FRIDAY, Presented by Roy Waterman JAN. 18TH Roy Waterman works for the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. In his role as the Criminal Justice Project Manager, he focuses on educating the Jewish community on criminal justice reform. He fosters relationships between Jews & communities of color, works to improve law enforcement practices, & develops projects to support communities in crises. Roy assists in mobilizing these communities against the modern day Civil Rights violation we call Mass Incarceration. shabbat service at 7:00 pm. speaker/oneg at 8:00 pm Appreciation is extended to the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks for supporting the Speaker Series oneg.

BEGINNER GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Trace Your Ancestry Saturday, January 19 • 1pm International Holocaust Remembrance Day Betty Sustello from the Berks County Genealogical Society will help Global Screening Event guide you through the beginning steps of researching the branches of your family tree. Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 1 p.m. RSVP to Heather or Jill by calling 610-616-5112. FOX EAST,4350 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading $5 Admission (cash or check only)

Special post-‐‑film discussion led by Dr. Jennifer Koosed, HolocaustStudies Faculty, Albright College

Sponsored byThe Lakin Holocaust Library & Resource Center, Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks and Fox Theatres

LEARN MORE AT 803 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601 • www.manoratms.com

Page 12 SHALOM January 2019 Meir Panim helps Russian immigrant thrive in Israel American Friends of Meir Panim appreciation of army service. campaign. The outstanding Three years is a long time in As serving in Israel’s army is high school senior excels the life of a teenager, especially often a fast track to success, in mathematics, physics, one growing up in the Hamas many of them live in poverty. philosophy and English to such rocket-ridden southern Israeli “Everything changed for the a degree that he was offered a city of Sderot. Yet 17-year-old better when I started attending job in Amsterdam by someone Netanel Naftelayev has not Meir Panim’s after-school club,” who writes a blog about soccer only survived under adverse noted Netanel. “I have been and has a large following. conditions — he is one of coming two to three times a “I was invited to compete Sderot’s shining stars. week for years. This absolutely in an international robotics and The first time we met Netanel, opened my mind to possibilities engineering contest against 30 he was participating in the that I never knew existed and teams in Israel as part of a robotic Meir Panim sponsored after- introduced me to various types group in Sderot,” he explained. school youth club in Sderot. of people that I otherwise never “The competition took place in At that time, his dream was would have met.” America and the team I lead came to become Prime Minister of Meir Panim supports three in first place. I was offered a job Israel. Today, the accomplished youth clubs in Sderot. Located on the spot but decided to return young man sets his sites on not in refurbished bomb shelters to Israel, continue my education Netanel Naftelayev only changing Israel but also due to the constant threat and join the Israeli army.” Though, I have to say that my changing the world. “From ninth of rockets from Gaza, these Netanel studies Administration present favorite activity is new grade, I was part of a group of after-school programs provide Communication and new media media marketing.” representatives in the Sderot disadvantaged children and marketing, which includes display Netanel credits two turning municipality Youth Council, their parents with tools to break advertising, content marketing points in his life that gave him which influences decisions made out of the cycle of poverty and and social media promotions the push and encouragement to in City Hall promoting youth become independent, productive that encourage consumers to succeed. The first is participating issues and advancing the day members of society. Club interact with brands, build brand in Meir Panim’s youth club from to day lives of young people participants receive mentors, awareness and increase sales. the time he was in fifth grade and in Sderot,” explained Netanal. who help with homework and He participates in the International the second was being chosen as “This experience gave me a lot create a caring environment. Organizational “Magshimim.” part of a delegation to the United of confidence to speak in front Israel Defense Force soldiers This is a special government States representing Israeli youth of people, but it also taught volunteer at the clubs, teaching sponsored program that teaches from the Gaza strip when he me that politics can be messy. participants about the army and 10th-, 11th- and 12th-graders was in seventh grade. “These Overseas Today, I am more excited about inspiring them to join. These programming and website experiences opened me up becoming a leader in the world influences and support help applications in order to prepare as a person and gave me the of high-tech.” participants break free from their teens to serve in IDF cyber units. confidence to communicate in Netanel’s family immigrated challenges and become leaders. “My plan now is to serve public events and realize that to Israel from the Caucasus, a Netanel is a perfect example in the IDF’s cyber unit and/or I can succeed far beyond what very primitive area in southern of the importance and success intelligence,” shared Netanel. I was exposed to in my small Russia. People from that region of these programs, which are “My goal is to reach the highest city,” said Netanel. “Without Meir often face unique challenges supported with local dollars levels in Israel’s army, study Panim and the experiences I was in the country as most do not through the Jewish Federation programming for robotics and given, I most likely never would have formal education nor an of Reading/Berks’ Israel Now open a start-up company. have achieved my potential.” Yemin Orde’s high school wins national honor Friends of Yemin Orde top-rated high schools cited by importance in commending critical in a knowledge-based Yemin Orde High School, the government, will receive the educators who make a economy such as Israel. located inside Yemin Orde personal cash bonuses from difference, who advance each Congratulations to the entire Youth Village, has clinched Israel’s Ministry of Education child beyond their expected staff.” a top spot on a ranking of as a reward for their schools’ abilities, who influence and Yemin Orde Youth outstanding high schools outstanding achievements. contribute to shaping the Village’s remarkable success in Israel. The ranking, The Israel-wide evaluation future of their pupils and bring at transforming the lives of

& I srael published by Israel’s Ministry considered the improvements them to academic, personal Israel’s at-risk youth provides of Education, evaluated in student achievements and social excellence. a paradigm shift in the high schools according to compared to the previous Congratulations to the educational philosophy for Jewish Agency the academic, social and school year. leadership of the school and Israel’s growing population for Israel ethical achievements of their Rated elements of the entire educational staff.” of underserved and fragile students, and placed Yemin academic achievements are: Most of the 430 at-risk youth. In 2006, Israel’s Yemin Orde Orde among the top 4.3 • Percentage of children teens who attend Yemin Ministry of Education urged percent of all 1,664 high eligible for a Matriculation Orde’s high school are Yemin Orde educators to Jewish Federations schools across Israel. Certificate. A matriculation first generation Israelis — create a blueprint to expand of North America “We are grateful for this certificate in Israel indicates a or their parents are first- the Village Way methodology recognition by the Ministry student’s academic readiness generation Israelis — and are to other youth villages and Joint Distribution of Education and I thank for higher education. from Israel’s lowest socio- schools, nationwide. Village each of our educators and • Percentage of children economic sectors. Way Educational Initiatives Committee staff members for making with outstanding academic Many of its at-risk teens (VWEI) launched with this Meir Panim a meaningful difference in achievements (high level have suffered trauma from mission in mind. the lives of our at-risk youth of English, mathematics, destructive childhoods Today, VWEI serves as and in their future,” said humanities and science) framed by elements such Israel’s national resource Shmuli Bing, Director, Yemin Rated elements of social as extreme poverty, family center for the Village Way Orde Youth Village. “We will and ethical achievements dysfunction, abandonment, methodology. The Village continue with our important are: loss and violence. Way Educational Institute is mission to provide the best • Non-dropout rate Yet, with the help of a unique educational think education and care for our • Percent of graduates highly-dedicated staff and tank that generates and students and will strive for joining the military, a successful and innovative disseminates customized nothing less than the best in national service or gap- educational methodology, plans to 44 partner educational the upcoming year.” year leadership program called the Village Way, the communities throughout Israel. Yemin Orde Youth Village (Mechina, in Hebrew) hearts and minds of these These partners are is supported with local • Community Service fragile youth heal, as they youth villages, residential dollars through the Jewish • Percentage of special thrive to embrace hope for therapeutic communities and Federation of Reading/Berks’ education students their future as productive public high schools with large Israel Now campaign. In a letter to Yemin Orde citizens of Israel. populations of at-risk youth, Out of Israel’s 1,664 High School, Dassi Be’eri, “This recognition by including schools in Arab high schools evaluated, 292 Director, Israel’s Department Israel’s Ministry of Education communities. achieved the highest rank of High School Education at is a validation of our vision, VWEI has impacted 14,200 from the education ministry. the Ministry of Education, which is to transform at- at-risk youth and 1,775 Of these 292 top-ranked high said: “…Including (Yemin risk youth from survival educators in Israel. The goal schools, only 72 received the Orde High School) on this list to leadership in Israel,” by 2021 is to partner with 61 highest exemplary ranking, is a symbol of appreciation said George Blank, Board educational communities which included Yemin Orde for your leadership and for Chair, Friends of Yemin in Israel, thereby impacting High School. Educators at the meaningful work of the Orde. “Clearly, a strong 25,000 at-risk youth and Yemin Orde, as well at other educational staff. I see great academic foundation is 2,800 educators. January 2019 SHALOM Page 13 Children from across community gather to celebrate holiday

By Chana Lipsker On Sunday, Dec. 9, Chabad Hebrew School and Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom’s Religious School got together to celebrate Chanukah at Chabad. What a wonderful and special morning it was to have so many Jewish kids in our community celebrate the holiday in such a fun way. Activities ranged from filling and decorating donuts, to making chocolate gelt from molds and then marshmallow dreidels. The students then enjoyed an olive oil demonstration — generously sponsored by our Jewish Federation — and learned how this was the oil that was used in the menorah in the Holy Temple. They got to compete at squeezing olives after learning the process of making oil in this interactive workshop that included the history of the Chanukah story. The students also got to sing special Chanukah songs with RCOS student cantor Meara Lebovitz. Everyone left on a high with Chanukah party bags filled with a dreidel, gelt and other goodies along with Chanukah gelt from Rabbi Lipsker. Thank you to our Jewish Federation for sponsoring the olive press -— one of the highlights of our program.

Join us & bring your friends to Havdalah & Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom Wine Tasting 7:30pm Saturday 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 Your check is your reservation. any questions, 610-375-6034

Attendee names: ______Phone: ______Email: ______No. of Adults Attending ____ x $20 = $ ____ Page 14 SHALOM January 2019 Migraine relief from an Israeli neuro-modulation device Israel21c.com The Neurolief neuro-modulator is mostly side-effect free. underway. Fourteen percent of American stimulates six nerve branches in the One study of the product conducted Neurolief started by targeting adults suffer from migraines or severe brain that regulate pain and mood. last year demonstrated an average 80 migraines because the clinical headaches. Among women between Each electrode in the device delivers percent reduction in pain symptoms. evidence from implanted devices the ages of 18 and 44, the number a charge strong enough to penetrate That’s double the rate for implanted has already demonstrated that neuro- soars to 23 percent. There is no cure the skull. Amit Dar explains, “It needs devices and far more than a couple modulation works. But the same for migraines, and over-the-counter to be done without causing pain to of Tylenol tablets can achieve. “We neuro-modulation techniques can be pain relief medicines do not always the patient and not causing damage compete mainly against the strongest used for other indications. work. to scalp tissue.” painkillers,” explains Neurolief CEO Next on Neurolief’s list is One of the most promising The device is rechargeable, can Shany. “We are not targeting patients depression. Dar reports “remarkable treatments is occipital nerve be adjusted to a variety of head sizes whose symptoms are alleviated with results” from a clinical trial at a mental stimulation, where a small pulse and connects to both a mobile phone Advil but those who require drugs hospital in Israel. Neurolief’s anti- generator is implanted at the base app and the cloud, so that a patient’s frequently.” depression model could come as early of the skull to send pain-relieving experience can be compared with The Neurolief device is meant to as 2020. electrical impulses to the brain. others to deliver a precise electrical be used only during a migraine attack. There are other companies What if the same effect could be “dose.” Since it can fold up to the size of a working on brain stimulation to treat achieved without surgery — and for a By “dose,” Dar explains that the sunglasses case, it’s small enough to depression, mostly using magnets. lower cost than the tens of thousands device can dial up and down the six carry in a purse or backpack. “But these are large machines that of dollars required for an occipital electrodes individually, holding out the Dar and Shany are not newcomers can only be used in a clinic,” Dar says. nerve implant? That hypothesis possibility to create a treatment plan to the field of neuro-modulation. “We wanted something that could be launched Shmuel Shany and Amit personalized for each patient. The two started and sold NESS- used at home, that allows for self- Dar on their journey to establishing Neuro-modulation prevents the Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation treatment.” Neurolief. Neurolief is developing a secretion of chemicals in the brain Systems, a company that builds “At the end of the day, we will noninvasive neuro-modulation device that trigger pain. But it also modulates neuro-modulation products to help have a solution for multi-indications, that could be available for purchase the “activation threshold” of the stroke survivors move paralyzed arms although each needs its own in your local pharmacy for less than neural system, so that the next time and legs. regulatory approval and may need a $500. The device looks a bit like a migraine trigger is present (whether Neurolief’s product will not be different device,” Dar says. Geordi’s visor in “Star Trek: The Next that’s stress, lack of sleep or even available until sometime this year. In the meantime, the company is Generation,” except it sits on top of chocolate), the nerves will not react as There are still a few trials to complete, inching closer to giving migraines the the head. severely as before. Neuro-modulation including a study with 56 patients now boot from your brain.

e at D e th e February 27, 2019 v a 7:00 pm 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

ICORPA.org alvernia.edu ohebsholom.org churchofsaintbenedict.com January 2019 SHALOM Page 15 Israeli startup restores speech abilities to stroke victims, others

Israel21c.com that converts non-standard language due to the difficulty of obtaining language a device or detect glances, Voiceitt offers When Danny Weissberg’s into readily understood speech. It’s samples. The model is then fine-tuned a more natural way to communicate. grandmother was overcome by a already in beta testing with more than for each user because speech patterns Tiomkin points out that, according to stroke 10 years ago, she lost the ability 200 users in four different languages. are unique to each individual and their speech and language pathologists, there to speak intelligibly, and their family The company is also working to integrate condition. “Everyone’s impairment is is evidence that engaging in conversation lost the primary way to communicate its software with voice-driven technology different, but there are certain similarities can help develop brain functioning and with its matriarch. In the wake of his such as Amazon’s voice assistant Alexa. within a particular group of speech improve speech. “In that sense, this isn’t grandmother’s sudden impairment, the The goal is to allow individuals who impairments,” said Stas Tiomkin, just an application for communication, it’s young engineer resolved he’d find a way normally require assistance to take Voiceitt’s co-founder and CTO. “We work a therapy,” Tiomkin says. to help. control of their own needs — turning on very hard to collect speech samples and Voiceitt’s next frontier is enabling The result is Voiceitt, a Tel Aviv- lights, controlling the TV and asking for build a generic acoustic model that then speech detection with a far broader based startup that has developed basic information, for example. gets customized.” range of vocabulary, so that it deep learning, signal processing and “As the world becomes more and Among those Voiceitt is helping are could render free-form conversation customizable speech recognition more voice enabled, speech recognition a 17-year-old New York woman who, fully intelligible. The company technologies to provide a synthesized becomes such an important thing in following a harrowing auto accident, estimates that there are 100 million voice for those whose speech has been our life,” said Weissberg, a software is wheelchair-bound and has severely individuals worldwide who can’t garbled. The beneficiaries won’t just be developer with a master’s degree in impaired speech. Another user’s communicate and be understood Weissberg’s grandmother, of course. philosophy. “It will be a basic human right disabilities confine him to a wheelchair, with their voices. But they see the Each year, millions of people have their to have accessibility to this technology.” but he plans to use the app at a fast food market as potentially far larger. At speech impaired due to strokes and At the heart of Voiceitt’s offerings restaurant, taking drive-through orders. least 5 percent of individuals can’t aneurysms, diseases such as cerebral are deep learning algorithms, which are A middle-aged Israeli man with cerebral use voice-enabled AI devices due to palsy and Parkinson’s, brain injuries from trained on a limited vocabulary of up to palsy uses the technology to help control disabilities, strong accents or age, accidents, and other medical conditions. 80 calibrated words or phrases. Adding his television. While other language including an estimated 8 percent of Voiceitt’s first product is a mobile app to the challenge is the sparsity of data — assistance devices require pointing with those over the age of 65. Israel making revolutionary breakthroughs in cardiac care

From online news sources according to the Jerusalem Post, Heart Center at Shaare Zedek Medical can be repaired by a clip using the Israel is making revolutionary reporting on statements by Professor Center. principle of a stapler that staples the two breakthroughs in the world of cardiology, Michael Glikson, director of the Integrated Out of the $400 million that is leaflets of the valve together invested in the country for research He also demonstrated how and development in life sciences, over pacemakers have continued to Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom invites you to half is invested in medical devices. decrease in size, so much so, that it’s Of this sum, 16 percent is spent on possible to implant a capsule — like cardiovascular devices. Israel is number pacemaker (leadless pacemaker) A Tropical Night Under the Stars onein the world in patents per capita in without a pacemaker box and leads, the medical field, and a significant part using the groin as an entry site without of it goes to cardiovascular disease . At leaving any surgical scar. Another tiny Reading Public Museum Planetarium times, the successful discoveries that are chip-like device for monitoring heart conceived in Israel are then marketed by rhythm (implantable loop recorder) is Friday, February 1, 2019 (no snow date) American and other companies around injected under the skin and performs the world. like an EKG machine that can remain in Speaking at a Post diplomatic the patient’s body for up to three years. Warm up on a winter night with the taste of conference, Glikson walked the audience Wearable monitoring vests, 3D through several major innovations being Mapping algorithms, new stents for the Islands! Dinner sponsored by Island Noodles, implemented at the hospital that were coronary and other vessel occlusions, owned by congregants Boris & Tatiana Schneider. born from Israeli innovation. One was the and devices to protect the brain from transcatheter aortic valve replacement blood clots that embolize from the Enjoy soba noodles & seasonal vegetables procedure for severe narrowing of the heart are all new technologies used aortic valve. This procedure spares a regularly in cardiology daily practice. simmered in a light island sauce with the option patient from undergoing painful surgery Many of these technologies started and, using a catheter, brings a new as new ideas that were conceived in to add teriyaki chicken. valve into its place in the heart to restore Israel, to be subsequently marketed normal flow. Similarly, the mitral valve worldwide. 6:30: Dinner

7:00: Service featuring song leader & Joyce Eisenberg & Ellen Scolnic are guitarist Gabriella Michelson 7:30: Planetarium Show The Word Mavens 8:30 Dessert two ladies who know the difference between pulkes and a pushke

The Word Mavens will entertain and engage you with their humorous, fact-filled look at Jewish holidays, customs, foods, and more. They will share funny stories, Yiddishisms, beloved traditions and little-known facts they uncovered while writing their best-selling Dictionary of Jewish Words and their new book, The Whole Spiel: Funny essays about digital nudniks, seder selfies and chicken soup memories.

They’ll answer questions like:

• Who are the ushpizin and why are they here? • What’s the difference between shnecken and rugelach? • Why are there so many Yiddish words for a no-goodnik?

It’s unanimous! The Word Mavens are always a big hit! Please return this RSVP form with your Dinner and Show Fee:

check to the Temple payable to RCOS by Friday, $12: Adult 18-64 years of age veryone is still talking about how funny it was. Our members loved everything about your talk. Jan 25th. Your check is your reservation. $10: Seniors (65+ years of age), They said it was the best program we ever had. Members and non-members are welcome to children (ages 3-17) & college students "E – Barbara Goldstein, Sisterhood Pres., Temple Beth Tikvah, Wayne, NJ attend with a reservation Free for children under 3 years of age " Attendee names:______Reading Hadassah Phone:______Email:______invites you to save the date Number of Adults attending _____ x $12 = $______for this funny, fabulous program! Number of seniors, children & college students attending _____ x $10 = $ ______Sunday April 7, 2019 at Noon Number of children 3 years and younger attending:______at the Chabad-Lubavitch of Berks County

Page 16 SHALOM January 2019 More Hanukkah fun on ice and at the mall

Pediatric and Adult Patients Treating Ear, Nose, Throat Problems The Future Thyroid Nodules, Neck Masses & Sinusitis

Is So Bright … Physicians: James P. Restrepo, M.D., FACS, ECNU Charles K. Lutz, M.D., FACS Jeffrey S. Driben, M.D., FACS, ECNU Scott J. Cronin, M.D.

Nurse Practitioner: Rosemarie Montgomery MS, CRNP, FNP-C

t The Highlands, we’re ready for the next generation of seniors … and the future has never looked brighter. From exciting, Anew residential living villas and the addition of a world-class memory care program to an enhanced fitness and wellness center and new, on-site specialty physician services, we’re setting new standards in retirement living to ensure our residents can – and do – thrive! Audiologists:

Brighten your future! Join our Future Resident Club today Kathleen D. Vivaldi, AuD, FAAA and learn more about the exciting changes coming to The Highlands. Melanie A. Appler, AuD, FAAA 610.775.2300 Matthew R. Bonsall, AuD, FAAA

Providing diagnostic and rehabilitative services for all types of hearing loss, for any age group. Hearing and Balance Disorders State of the Art Hearing Aid Fittings In House Hearing Aid Repairs

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 January 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 Dec. 14 HolocaustJFS Taxi Transportation Library & Resource Program Center $20 $18 Contributions as of April 16 Holocaust Library & Resource Center $18 Edwin and Alma ’51 Lakin Holocaust Library & Resource Center Doris Levin Fund $10 UJA-FederationIn honor of: Campaign PJDoris Library Levin FundFund $10 $10 In honorRosalye of: Yashek’s special birthday – Doris and Elliott Leisawitz 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 FederationAlma and EdJewish Lakin’s Community new home – CampaignVic and Dena Hammel, Mildred & Ivan Frank Mehringer – Edith Mendelsohn InGordon memory of: Sam Goodman’s engagement – Alma and Ed Lakin Charles Lock (Lisa Levine’s father) – Ellen and Don Abramson, Jill, David, JFS Food Pantry SethAlyse & Remi Corbin’s Nuddle marriage Southeastern – Carol Berksand Bernie Internal Gerber, Medicine Alma Associates and Ed Lakin Doris Levin Fund In honor of: Sue Viener’s Birthday Rob and – Yvonne Yvonne & Oppenheimer, Rob Oppenheimer Carol and Bernie Gerber, Anzie In memory of: Jack Schnee – Sarah Simon’s engagement – Sue Schlanger andBirth Edward of Selma Golden Cutler’s great-grandson Jacob - Debbie Goodman and John Dr. Walter Gershenfeld – Stephanie and Dennis Arbige, Carole and Mike Zach Simon’s engagement – Sue Schlanger Moyer – Anzie and Robinson In memory of Dr. Sanford Sternlieb (Jeffrey Sternlieb’s father) Marriage of Bruce and Sharyn Cohen’s daughter Jackie – Sue Schlanger EdwardBirth Goldenof Carol and Gordon Perlmutter’s new grandson – Debbie Goodman and Shoshana Tannenbaum – Carole and Mike Robinson John Moyer Friendship Circle Fund In honor of: InHolocaust honor of: Library and Resource Center GetSamantha well: Weisberg’s wedding – Debbie, David, Scott, Mark and Abby Goldberg In memorySarah Simon’s of: engagement – Glenn and Gaye Corbin Harold Leifer – Rob and Yvonne Oppenheimer Shoshana Tannenbaum – Ken and Mary Holt, George and Sue Viener, Sue Schlanger,Get well/speedy Gordon recovery: and Carol Perlmutter, Leah Kanter-Salis, Rosemary and John Jewish Family Service Dr. Eric Bluestone – Glenn and Gaye Corbin InEvelyn honor Thompsonof: Nursery School Fund Deegan, Naum and Lyudmila Ger, Louis and Katherine Danzico, Florence and In memoryHerb Schneider of: celebrating his 101st birthday – Louise Zeidman InMarvin memory Segal, of: Vic and Dena Hammel, Emma Holder, Susan Gallagher, Mildred & Shoshana Tannenbaum – Beth and Bob Caster IvanCharles Gordon, Lock Carrie (Lisa & Stephen Levine’s Latman, father) Judy, – Glenn Bob and& Susan Gaye Pollack, Corbin Anna & Moisey In memory of: Schneider,Eli Ellner Norman – Glenn & andRita Gaye Wilikofsky, Corbin Audrey Williams, Alan and Esther Strauss, JewishSy Youngerman Family Service – Richard and Mindy Small JaySy and Youngerman Evelyn Lipschutz, – Ethel Carol Engel and Bernie Gerber, Barbara and Seth Rosenzweig, In honorDr. Sanford of: Sternlieb – Cheryl and Eric Farber John Castrege and family, Michael Geraci, Maxine & Dick Henry, Piekara Family, BirthCharles of Carol Lock and (Lisa Gordon Levine’s Perlmutter’s father) –new Sharon grandson and Julian – Sue Syret and George Viener, LauraSue B. Higgins Viener Memorial Fund (PJ Library) BetsyJack and Schnee Al Katz – Cheryl and Eric Farber, Sharon and Julian Syret In honor of: Bat Mitzvah of Fran Mendelsohn’s granddaughter – Rosalye Yashek Danielle Radosh’s Bat Mitzvah – Michele and Ben Leisawitz – Michele and Ben Get well/speedy recovery: FriendshipSharon and Circle Ron Berman’s daughter Kate’s wedding Leisawitz In memoryAl Diamond of: – Ruth Isenberg Get well: Shoshana Tannenbaum – Jill and Gladys Skaist Harold Leifer – Glenn and Gaye Corbin HolocaustIsraeli orthopedist education teachesspreading deformity in Berks County treatments in Africa Continued from Page 5 also that the students are genuinely On a wider note, there have justice and Holocaust remembrance today. Fromsilence online is not newsthe reason sources why survivors ininterested Baltimore in hearing are considered their stories. the I knowbest been many recent developments in I am heartened to hear that three additional areDirector invited ofin. the Instead, Pediatric that Orthopedics factor is inmy thestudents field werein terms genuinely of training interested and in Holocaust education in Berks County schools in Berks County will be offering Unitpresent Professor because ofMark the immenseEidelman respect from teaching,hearing Hilde’s and the story city and hosts many the stillleading talk and the surrounding areas. Within these courses for their students. Rambam’sstudents have Ruth for Rappaportthese individuals Children’s and conferencesabout it now, severaland courses,” weeks later. Eidelman the past month I have met with two Though the fourth quarter of the Hospital in Haifa recently led a training continued. “Unfortunately, most of these individuals who are in the process school year has begun, there are still for dozens of doctors from Africa to treat doctors don’t manage to secure entry of developing a Holocaust course to many additional opportunities that pediatric orthopedic deformities. visas for the U.S., and as such, are be offered at their local high school. remain. I just spoke to an undergraduate “There are many people in Ethiopia denied access to this information. This One gentleman was from Lancaster ethics class at Penn State Berks with problems that are taken care of in is the reason why we decided to bring County. The other, Gerry Evans, is a regarding the ethical/moral implications other countries at much earlier stages,” the training to them.” teacher at Hamburg High School. I of the Holocaust. I found the students Eidelmantold the Jerusalem Post. “In Two doctors from the U.S. joined have been in contact with two other to be receptive and inquisitive and Israel, like in many other Western him on his mission, Professor John local teachers, Pete Ruckelshaus at have been asked to deliver a similar countries, they know how to diagnose Herzenberg, a senior doctor in the field Twin Valley and Jim Konecke at Wilson program in the classes that the same problems on time and treat them in a from Baltimore, and Professor Christof High School. Pete has resurrected a professor also teaches at Reading Area timely manner. This helps these patients Radler, also renowned in the field. course on Holocaust Literature at Twin Community College. to enjoy a higher quality of life and prevent The course was sponsored by CURE Valley, and its first offering is during As mentioned above, Kim Yashek, their conditions from deteriorating.” International, a nonprofit dedicated the current fourth quarter. He is very daughter of the late local Holocaust Fifty doctors from Ethiopia and to providing medical care to children excited about offering this course to survivor Richard Yashek, is speaking at surrounding countries participated in suffering from orthopedic and neurological his students and has even lined up Twin Valley, Hamburg and Fleetwood. the four-day course in The Black Lion conditions, along with POSNA, the Pediatric several guest speakers including Rabbi Right now Albright College is hosting Hospital in Addis Ababa. “The institutions Orthopedics Society of North America. 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 the Final Solution. The in the Fleetwood School District and latter part of the course will look at post-war specializes in Holocaust education. Plan for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah & Wedding Guests!

READING 2801 Papermill Road Wyomissing, Pennsylvania GROUP RATES AVAILABLE Call Alice for a Site Tour

(610) 736-2082 ✦ www.reading.homewoodsuites.com Page 18 SHALOM January 2019