September 2019 Elul - Tishrei 5779 - 5780

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

September 2019 Elul - Tishrei 5779 - 5780 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. 8 September 2019 Elul - Tishrei 5779 - 5780 ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by0 the Jewish9 Federation1 of Reading/Berks9 Your Federation Supports: Jewish Education Preview the 18 authors taking part Food Pantry in first season of Literatour Berks Friendship Circle By Amanda J. Hornberger The Literatour Berks committee has Chevra The Literatour Berks committee is been working extremely hard since May thrilled to announce the line-up for our to plan this program, and we cannot Community Shabbat first season of Literatour Berks! Please wait to bring these amazing authors Reading Jewish Film Series see page 10 in this edition of Shalom for a to our area! complete list of authors, dates and venues. Save the Date for our first Literatour PJ Library The community is invited to a preview Berks author event on Monday, Oct. 7, night to learn more about the authors at 7 p.m. at Exeter Community Library. Jewish Family Service coming to Literatour Berks, purchase Author E.R. Ramzipoor will be at Jewish Cultural Center some of the authors’ books and learn the library to discuss her debut novel, more about how the community can “The Ventriloquists,” based on a true Lakin Holocaust Library support this new endeavor. story of resistance during World War The preview night will be held Monday, II. & Resource Center Sept.9 at 7 p.m. at two locations! Stop Special thanks to The LGBT Center of Israel & Overseas by the JCC or Exeter Community Library season of Literatour Berks, I have been Greater Reading for being a community to previewMonday, Literatour September Berks 9, 2019 materials. at 7 p.m. JCC thrilled and Exeter and Community humbled Library by the community partner on this event. Camp Scholarships Light refreshments will be servedLiteratour at Berks both Preview Night Interested in supporting Literatour? support. locations. You’ll alsoCome belearn able more toabout purchase the 18 autho rs visitingA complete Berks this listyear! of sponsors, patrons Patrons and sponsors from the Israel Trips a_______________________________________________________________ Literatour Berks tote bag to carry these and friends______________________________ of Literatour Berks will be community are encouraged to help Jewish Community fantastic reads over the next year! published in the October Shalom, but support this amazing new collaborative Monday, October 7, 2019 at 7 p.m. Exeter Community Library Literatour Berks will featureE.R. Ramzipoor I could not write this without saying program! High School 16 events from October throughThe Ventriloquists THANK YOU for your kind words, Contact Richard Nassau at June. support and enthusiasm for this new [email protected] or 610-921- Emergency Support Presented in partnership with the LGBT Center of Greater Reading. As coordinator of the inaugural project. 0624 to find out more. Lakin Preschool Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at 7 p.m. Location Provided Upon Registration Richard J. Yashek Lecture Angela Himsel A River be a Tree Transportation New era in Jewish education A program of Women’s Philanthropy of Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks. Maimonides Society ____________________________________________________________________________________ Your Jewish Legacy to get underway Sept. 8 Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. Wachovia Theatre, Albright College 92ND ST Y Programs Thomas Wolf By Mark Nemirow The Nightingale’s Sonata: true, or it’s showing only one side. There are The next era in local TheJewish Musical education Odyssey of Lea Luboshutz people who are talking of boycotting Israel Joint Distribution Committee th begins Sunday, Sept. 8, as40 Israeli Annual educator Leo Camp Memorial Lecture for things that are not true or are much more Meir Panim AdiProgram Shalev includes comes Curtis to InstitutReadinge musicians to help performing with César Franck’s “Sonata for Violin and Piano”. complex than people can really understand, our high school, develop youth activities saying that ‘this is right’ or ‘this is wrong.’ Annual Campaign and adult programsPresented andin partnership be an withon-site the Camp family and Albright College. “What most people know about Israel is representative_______________________________________________________________ of Israel to our Jewish and _____________________ related to politics. Israel has so much more Jewish Agency for Israel non-Jewish community.Monday, December 2, 2019 at 7 p.m. Exeter Community Library to offer, like food, art, business startups, etc. Yemin Orde Federation is partnering with theTiffany Israeli Shlain “I’ll try to bring my story as much as I 24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week company Bonim B’Yachad, which means can, because I want to show my Israel.” School Education Programs “working together” in Hebrew. Bonim Adi looks forward to working with Interfaith Unity Council B’Yachad combines outstanding Israeli many different age groups and developing educators with cutting-edge technology. messages appropriate for each. Her Israel Advocacy It provides strong online educational audience may include members of Hillel Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 7 p.m. Location Provided Upon Registration programs that we can collaborativelyDawn Raffel chapters at local colleges. Youth Events customize to address theThe needs Strange of Case our of Dr. Couney: “When l arrive, I will try to find out what How a Mysterious European Showman Saved Thousands of American Babies Great Decisions Series students. people need, what they want to know The JewishA Community program of Maimonides High School Society of Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks. and what I can bring that will make them Jewish Community will meet Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon know Israel better and maybe to feel more Adi Shalev at the JCC. Federation leaders met with connected to it.” Relations Council local families Sunday,in August December to discuss 15, 2019 some at 4 p.m. ExeterAdi, Community 25, resides Library in Modi’in, Israel. While As has been past practice, parents must Community Holiday Programs of the plans for the school.Joni Among Klein-Higger them and Barbaraserving Sharf in the Israeli military, she was a sign up their children for the program. The are greater collaboration withBarnyard the Bubbe’slocal Hanukkahsergeant in the Education and Youth Corps. cost to participating students is just $250 for Women’s Philanthropy youth groupsPresented such by PJas Library NFTY, of Reading BBYO with and suppor Shet from has the Sueconsiderable B. Viener Memorial experience Fund of working the year thanks to funding from the Jewish NCSY. School will not be inJewish session Federation on ofwith Reading/Berks. young people from outside Israel to Federation of Reading’s education budget Jewish Federations weekends __________________ those groups are__________________ having major ____________help them better_______________________ understand the country. and the generous support of the Edna Rubin of North America events. Some weeks students will spend Adi said she is excited to work with Youth and Education Fund. Though Edna their school time doingFor community More Information service people- 610-921-0624 in the Reading and Lancaster areas. is no longer with us, the impact of her quiet Counseling Services projects or going on educational trips. “My main goal is to bring Israel to the generosity makes it possible for us, our To Register - ReadingJewishCommunity.org/home/literatour Leo Camp Lecture Another goal is to increase contact community in different ways,” she said. children and grandchildren to celebrate and between children in our community and “First of all, I’ll bring my Israel, my story understand our heritage. Shabbat B’Yachad their counterparts in the Lancaster area. and my experience from living here, Families with children in grades 8-12 are Lancaster’s Jewish community is partnering because Israel is not necessarily what we encouraged to get involved and see what with us to bring Adi Shalev to our area as a all see in the media and what we hear in this great new program has to offer. Please Shaliach, an Israeli emissary who will reach demonstrations. join us Sept. 8 and on succeeding Sundays out to our Jewish and general communities “I think that in general the media is to help build a stronger community of young and develop programs for all ages. showing something that is not necessarily Jews with a greater understanding of Israel. Page 2 SHALOM September 2019 All working together By Richard Nassau people and families in our community. place that now better meets her needs. Development Director Think of “Rose,” fashioned from JFS continues to provide outreach It is because of the many people helped every day by services, ensuring she remains active you that our Jewish Jewish Family Service. She is a widow and involved with our community. community is so living in the same house she bought Your support of Federation’s vibrant and active. with her husband when they were first Community Campaign makes it possible t The range and married. They raised their children here for JFS to have the resources to help depth of programs in Berks County, but the closest now people like Rose. offered by JCC, our lives about four hours away. In the coming months, we’ll be synagogues, Jewish As Rose aged, her family realized
Recommended publications
  • Shavuos 5780 H a K
    Shavuos 5780 H A K Sivan - Av 5780 O May - August 2020 L Solihull & District Hebrew Congregation www.solihullshul.org Tel:0121 706 8736 [email protected] Registered charity no. 1100938 Dear Friends, On Shavuot, in the year 2448 (1312 BCE), the Jewish nation gathered at the foot of Mount Sinai to receive the Torah from G-d, men, women and children. Also present were the souls of all Jews of all generations. Together we heard G-d proclaim the Ten Commandments and together we proclaimed “We will do and we will Listen”. The Talmud relates that when Moses heard G-d’s voice in the Sanctuary, a miraculous phenomenon occurred. Although the Divine voice was so loud as to be audible far beyond the confines of the Sanctuary, the sound was miraculously cut off at the Sanctuary entrance and went no further. Moshe was compelled to enter the Sanctuary in order to hear it. The Chassidic commentaries explain why it was necessary for the voice of G-d to be cut off at the Sanctuary entrance and go no further: It is G-d’s desire that Man serve Him out of free choice, and that “G-d’s voice”-His call, message and teaching-be brought into the world by man’s service. The “voice of G-d” is a revelation of G-d. A place which the Almighty sets aside as an established location for repeated revelations of G-dliness, a place where His voice is heard again and again, is a place possessing a higher order of sanctity.
    [Show full text]
  • The Laws of Shabbat
    Shabbat: The Jewish Day of Rest, Rules & Cholent Meaningful Jewish Living January 9, 2020 Rabbi Elie Weinstock I) The beauty of Shabbat & its essential function 1. Ramban (Nachmanides) – Shemot 20:8 It is a mitzvah to constantly remember Shabbat each and every day so that we do not forget it nor mix it up with any other day. Through its remembrance we shall always be conscious of the act of Creation, at all times, and acknowledge that the world has a Creator . This is a central foundation in belief in God. 2. The Shabbat, Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, NCSY, NY, 1974, p. 12 a – (אומן) It comes from the same root as uman .(אמונה) The Hebrew word for faith is emunah craftsman. Faith cannot be separated from action. But, by what act in particular do we demonstrate our belief in God as Creator? The one ritual act that does this is the observance of the Shabbat. II) Zachor v’shamor – Remember and Safeguard – Two sides of the same coin שמות כ:ח - זָכֹוראֶ ת יֹום הַשַבָתלְקַדְ ׁשֹו... Exodus 20:8 Remember the day of Shabbat to make it holy. Deuteronomy 5:12 דברים ה:יב - ׁשָמֹוראֶ ת יֹום הַשַבָתלְקַדְ ׁשֹו... Safeguard the day of Shabbat to make it holy. III) The Soul of the Day 1. Talmud Beitzah 16a Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish said, “The Holy One, Blessed be He, gave man an additional soul on the eve of Shabbat, and at the end of Shabbat He takes it back.” 2 Rashi “An additional soul” – a greater ability for rest and joy, and the added capacity to eat and drink more.
    [Show full text]
  • Bryan Glazer Family JCC Event Center the Event Center Continues to Be One of the Premier Venues in Tampa
    St. Petersburg, FL 33707 St. Petersburg, FL 6416 Central Avenue Tampa Jewish Press of Inc. Bay, Tampa The Jewish Press Group of www.jewishpresstampa.com VOL. 32, NO. 2 TAMPA, FLORIDA A AUGUST 9 - 22, 2019 12 PAGES Hosts rebut Helping to cre- ate the Con- nect program attacks on for newcom- ers included: from left, Toby new Jewish Goldin, Car- lyn Neuman, The Jewish Press Group Tampa JCCs PAID U.S. POSTAGE of Tampa Bay, Inc. Bay, Tampa of PRESORTED radio show & Federation’s STANDARD Chief Develop- By BOB FRYER ment Officer Jewish Press Alissa Fischel, In its short history on commu- Honor Rodgers, nity radio station WMNF-88.5FM, Phillip Shat- “Third Opinion,” a program with tan and Elena news and opinions about Jews Khaidov. and Israel, has drawn praise from Bay Area Jews, but sharp criticism JustJust Compliedaa fromnosh...nosh... JTA news service from some others, casting a shad- ow over the show. Tampa introducing new, friendly Richard Stone, Florida’s first One upset listener blasted the Jewish senator since Civil War, dies show in an email with a subject approach to rolling out welcome mat Richard Stone, Florida’s first Jewish senator since line that begins: “Shutting off the the Civil War and an adviser on the Camp David Peace Israeli Government Propaganda This fall, the Tampa JCCs & Federation will unteers to build on and redevelop a program the Accords, has died. Machine.” launch Connect, a new program designed to organization offered in years past. The group, Stone died July 28 at the age of 90.
    [Show full text]
  • T E M P L E B E T H a B R a H a M Sale of Chametz Form on Page 17
    the Volume 32, 31, Number Number 7 7 March 2013 2012 TEMPLE BETH ABRAHAM AdarAdar/Nisan / Nisan 5773 5772 R i Sale of Chametz Form on page 17 Pu M directory TEMPLE BETH ABRAHAM Services Schedule is proud to support the Conservative Movement by Services/ Time Location affiliating with The United Synagogue of Conservative Monday & Thursday Judaism. Morning Minyan Chapel 8:00 a.m. Friday Evening (Kabbalat Shabbat) Chapel 6:15 p.m. Advertising Policy: Anyone may sponsor an issue of The Omer and receive a dedication for their business or loved one. Contact us for details. We do Shabbat Morning Sanctuary 9:30 a.m. not accept outside or paid advertising. The Omer is published on paper that is 30% post-consumer fibers. Candle Lighting (Friday) The Omer (USPS 020299) is published monthly except July and August March 1 5:45 p.m. by Congregation Beth Abraham, 336 Euclid Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610. March 8 5:52 p.m. Periodicals Postage Paid at Oakland, CA. March 15 6:59 p.m. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Omer, c/o Temple Beth March 22 7:05 p.m. Abraham, 336 Euclid Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610-3232. © 2013. Temple Beth Abraham. The Omer is published by Temple Beth Abraham, a non-profit, located at Torah Portions (Saturday) 336 Euclid Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610; telephone 510-832-0936. It is March 2 Ki Tisa published monthly except for the months of July and August for a total of March 9 Vayakhel-Pekudei ten issues per annum. It is sent as a requester publication and there is no March 16 Vayikrah paid distribution.
    [Show full text]
  • Halakhic Guide for the Laws of the Three Weeks Matan Women's Online Responsa Bein Ha-Metzarim
    Halakhic Guide for the Laws of the Three Weeks Matan Women's Online Responsa Bein ha-Metzarim ,(’between the straits’ or ‘dire straits‘) בין הַּמְ צָרִ ים The three weeks of mourning, also known as begin on the 17th of Tammuz, the day on which the walls of Jerusalem were breached in the time of the Second Temple, and end on the 9th of Av, on which the First and Second Temples were :in reference to Eicha 1:3 בין הַּמְ צָרִ ים destroyed. The midrash (Eicha Rabbah 1:29) coined the name “All her pursuers overtook her between the straits.” Based on the Mishnah and the Gemara (m. Taanit 4:7; b. Taanit 29a30–b), the laws of mourning only apply on the week of Tisha B’Av (or, according to another position, from Rosh Hodesh Av). The expansion of some of these laws to the Three Weeks was a development of later generations. This later development resulted in a significant division between various customs, and a varied approach by modern-day poskim to a variety of situations (such as the question of leniency regarding children). In general terms, the laws of mourning may be divided into three: a. General Laws of Mourning (similar to mourning the death of a close family member). These include avoiding haircuts and laundry. According to the Mishnah (m. Taanit 4:7) this level of mourning begins on the week of Tisha B’Av. The Gemara (29b) cites R. Meir’s position which prohibits laundering from Rosh Hodesh Av (based on the verse “And I will end all her rejoicing: Her festivals, new moons, and sabbaths” (Hos.
    [Show full text]
  • Pre-Purim Happy Hour February 21 (See Page 5) Magician Eric Vaughn to Perform at the Pre-Purim Happy Hour
    Jewish Community Center January/February 2018 • Tevet/Adar 5778 America’s First Ladies February 7 (see page 6) Pre-Purim Happy Hour February 21 (see page 5) Magician Eric Vaughn to perform at the Pre-Purim Happy Hour Begins January 29 (see page 13) Stephanie Baines, Aging Mastery Facilitator TheJKC.org/HeritageCenter Heritage Center The Heritage Center is a program of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City serving older adults. It is made possible with major funding from the Menorah Heritage Foundation This Calls for of Greater Kansas City, Jewish Federation of Kansas City and the United Way of Greater Kansas City. a Celebration! Office Hours 8:30am - 4:30pm The Heritage Center has officially been re-accredited by the National Institute of Senior Centers Mission The mission of the Heritage Center is to positively impact our community by creating opportunities for healthy aging in a welcoming Jewish environment. Accreditation National Institute of Senior Centers Let’s Celebrate Together Heritage Center Committee March 8 • 4:00-6:00pm Stephen Feinstein Bonnie Rosen Billie Lash Phil Rubenstein Heritage Center Loretta Levine Vivian Schlozman Efi Kamara Ann Stern Drop in to enjoy delicious Rod Minkin Mike Rogovein appetizers and live entertainment by The Don The Heritage Center Committee Warner Ensemble is an advisory committee of the Heritage Center. The purpose of the committee is to identify the needs and interests of older adults served by the Heritage The Heritage Center is committed Center and to advise The J staff to implementing quality programs and board members regarding and services. By achieving national matters of concern, priority and accreditation, our community can be potential innovation.
    [Show full text]
  • Halachos of the Three Weeks 5775
    HALACHOS OF THE THREE WEEKS 5775 The three-week period beginning with the 17th of Tammuz (Friday Night, July 3rd) and ending with the fast of the 9th of Av (observed this year on the 10th of Av - Sunday, July 26th) is a period of mourning for the destruction of Jerusalem and the two Batei Mikdash. The mourning intensifies as we move closer to Tisha B’Av. I. Restrictions of “The Three Weeks” 1. Weddings/Engagements. Weddings are prohibited. Engagements are permitted, though engagement parties should be postponed until after the Three Weeks. 2. Music. It is prohibited to play or listen to music. Even a student should not practice during the Three Weeks unless his/her skills will be set back considerably by the lack of practice. According to most, this prohibition includes taped music. Although it may be permissible to listen to tapes with singing alone (“acappella”), it is preferable to refrain from the joy associated with music altogether. Singing is permitted on Shabbos. 3. Haircutting is prohibited for both men and women. In cases of need, children’s hair may be cut. 4. Shaving is prohibited according to most authorities, if not needed for business purposes. A woman may shave her legs even during the Nine Days. 5. Home beautification may continue until Rosh Chodesh (Thursday Night, July 16th). However, it is best not to begin painting or beautification of the home during the Three Weeks. If there are no other dates available, one may begin during this time. 6. Important Purchases that require the berachah of “shehechiyanu” should be avoided, i.e.
    [Show full text]
  • Yemen & the 9Th of Av
    Yemen & the 9th of Av by: Rabbi Jeremy Rosen Ever since I first visited a Yemenite community in Israel way back in 1958, I have had a soft spot for and a very strong affiliation to Yemeni Jews for their warmth and deep religious devotion. And, of course, their food and dress. I was impressed to see how Yemeni children could read the Torah from any angle. Back in Yemen there was a shortage of printed books. They studied sitting around a single text and had no choice but to read from various angles. I found their pronunciation of Hebrew so much more beautiful and accurate than the Germanic Israeli style pronunciations we are familiar with today. Altogether, they seemed to me to be so much more authentic than the western acculturated Jews I had grown up amongst. Most Jews today know little about the incredible suffering they had to endure under oppressive Muslim rule in Yemen. One often hears it said that Jews had it better under Islam than they did under Christianity. Sadly, that is not entirely true – and the Jews of Yemen, like those of Persia, suffered far more than the rest. A thousand years ago, the Yemeni community came under pressure from Muslims to convert. A false Messiah promised them relief and, instead, he was beheaded. They turned to Moses Maimonides (Rambam) in Egypt for spiritual guidance and support. In his Iggeret Tayman you can read how he tried to strengthen their resolve by demolishing the claims of Islam and the False Messiah. He became their authority and he wrote more letters and responsa to the Jews of Yemen than to any other Jewish community.
    [Show full text]
  • “From the Borscht Belt to the Great White Way” – Jewish Comedy Topic
    March 17-23, 2017 Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton Volume XLVI, Number 11 BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK “From the Borscht Belt to the Great White Way” – Jewish comedy topic for next BD luncheon By Paula Rubin In his talk, Cali will explore several intelligence, culture and/or a defense mech- Fordham University, Cali taught Latin Philip Cali will speak on Saturday, March aspects of comedy and Jews, including anism play a role. While explaining these for 19 years in addition to being a public 25, on Jews and comedy “From the Borscht why there are so many Jewish comedians. questions and other related entertainment school administrator for 13 years. He has Belt to the Great White Way.” His talk will According to organizers of the program, topics, Cali will share one-liners from also taught 19 courses for Lyceum. follow the free luncheon after Shabbat ser- 80 percent of all comedians at the end of Jewish comedy. For more information on how to sponsor vices at Beth David Synagogue, 39 Riverside the 20th century were Jews. The program A graduate with an M.A. in library all or part of a luncheon or how to make a Dr., Binghamton. The entire community has will discuss what draw show business has science from SUNY Geneseo and a B.A. donation to the Beth David Shabbat Lun- been invited to all of the events. for Jews, and how factors such as history, in major classics, Latin and Greek from cheon Fund, call the synagogue at 722-1793. Intersisterhood program to be held on April 5 The annual Intersisterhood program will will be served.
    [Show full text]
  • Gesh Spring 2018
    THE S P R I N G K A L L A GN F T Y C H I EC A G O ASR E A R E GHI O N H ' 1 8 TRYING NEW THINGS MEET NEW BOARD! #NEVERAGAIN Hear from NFTYite Lillie Get to know the newly Reflect on the recent events Murphy about her elected members of your regarding gun violence experience coming to 5778-5779 Regional Board! prevention and learn how a NFTY event for the first you can take action through time. NFTY. What's up in NFTY-CAR? Hey NFTY Chicago! These past couple months have been full of action for our region. We just recently had our 5778-5779 regional elections where we elected our new regional board, ate a lot of Chinese food, and even got some delicious ice cream afterwards! We've also been planning for our Spring event, Kolbo/Spring Kallah (Sprolbo) with NFTY Northern (which will be over by the time you read this- hope you had a great time)! Across NFTY as a whole, many teen leaders are joining together to action for Gun Violence Prevention. During the National Walkout and March For Our Lives, so many NFTYites are sharing their voices and making a difference. The work we are all doing is beyond amazing, and I know we will be heard. -Rachel Schless, 5777-5779 NFTY Chicago CVP Table of Contents NFTY Word Scramble Cover Ighaocc Eaar Gneroi ______________________ 1)What's up in NFTY-CAR? 2) Scrapbook Nalrieog Abodr ______________________ 3) Word Search Pleetm Yhuto Rpugo ______________________ 4) Trying New Things Zbuz ______________________ 5) Meet New Board! Lafl Laaklh ______________________ 6) #Neveragain Twerni Akhall ______________________ Lrbosop ______________________ Ciofkfk ______________________ : y e K h C e r A o g a c i R a e R , n o i g e o i g d r a o B l a n T , o Y e l p m e h t u B , p u o r G z z u l a K l l a F , , h a l K r e t n i W a l l a b l o r p S , h K , o f f o k c i Ask a NFTYite- Why do YOU love NFTY? NFTY is an Having a Jewish I love NFTY, I love NFTY community is really amazing because it's a environment important to me and because of the NFTY CAR is an place where I where I get to amazing kehillah to be emphasis meet and part of.
    [Show full text]
  • 2021 Spring Summer Bulletin- Purim, Pesach and Shavuot
    YOUNG ISRAEL OF MONTREAL BULLETIN email: [email protected] Vol. 72 - No. 2 Feb. - Sept. 2021 Purim and Pesach are on the horizon and it is time to craft and share a message in preparation. It is the nature of matters in Spirituality that future events already inform the present. Al- though it is winter outside, we are already aware of and antici- pating spring and rebirth. Purim is a multifaceted celebration of redemption from grave and sweeping dan- ger. A Klal Yisroel in exile succumbed to an ideology of assimilation and enabled a scion of the evil paradigm Amalek to plot their destruction. There arose a great man Mordechai who led them back to their creator and allegiance to his Torah. The resulting series of miraculous interventions serve us for posterity as an unwa- vering source of knowledge that Hashem’s providence is always amongst us. Nissan begins a new year in the festival cycle building on the close of the last years cycle Adar. We see circles connecting and then rising higher and await the devel- opment of the final Geulah from the collected total of our Avodas Hashem in all generations. Times are challenging, it should be very clear to all that our understanding is limited as is our capacity to protect ourselves. The message of Pesach is Emunah to affirm that we recognize Hashem’s omnipotence and his loving care for his chosen people. We recline as royalty and relate in wonder and awe the miracles wrought to set us free and educate us for posterity.
    [Show full text]
  • REVIEWS September/October 2013 Volume III, No
    Association of Jewish Libraries REVIEWS September/October 2013 Volume III, No. 3 In The Spotlight Levine, Karen. Hana’s Suitcase: Anniversary Album. (Holocaust Remembrance series). Toronto: Second Story Press, 2012. 174 pp. $24.99. (9781926920368). Ages 9 and up. Hana’s Suitcase received unanimous approval from the Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee in 2002. When the award was presented to Karen Levine at the AJL Conference in Toronto the following year, AJL members had the added privilege of hearing from Hana’s brother George; the event brought tears to most attendee’s eyes. Ten years (and over thirty printings) later, an expanded version of the book has been re-issued. The original text is still here. It includes Hana’s life in Moravia, her fate during the Shoah, her life in Terezin, and her death at the age of thirteen at Auschwitz. Alternating with Hana’s biography, the book tells of her rediscovery by Fumiko Ishioka, director of the Tokyo Holocaust Center and its Children’s Section. The original story ends with the arrival of George Brady, Hana’s brother, and his welcome to the Tokyo museum. Following the 2004 Afterword, the Anniversary Album contains 65 pages of additional material. It includes new statements by Karen Levine, Fumiko Ishioka and George Brady; memories by survivors who knew Hana and George as children; covers of 34 international editions; information about the documentary movie and play based on Hana’s life; and a wealth of photos, stories, and poems by children (primarily in Canada but also in the U.S.) who have been moved by the book.
    [Show full text]