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VOLUME XI, NUMBER 18 SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 U.S. Department of Education reopens Rutgers case, considers new definition of antisemitism BY JACKSON RICHMAN “ZOA filed the first case of campus [of antisemitism]. We wholly support this told JNS: “EMET is extremely grateful (JNS) – At the same time that the U.S. antisemitism that the U.S. Department of effort by the DOE, and hope this will be to Kenneth Marcus, an outstanding de- Department of Education is reopening a Education’s Office for Civil Rights ever utilized and applied in the face of those fender of civil rights, for using the State seven-year-old case concerning Rutgers agreed to investigate under Title VI of who alienate the pro-Israel and Jewish Department definition of antisemitism, University allowing discrimination against the Civil Rights Act, ensuring that Jewish community on campus.” which includes examples of demonizing Jewish students, the agency is expected to students would be protected from harass- Tammi Rossman-Benjamin, director and placing a double standard upon Isra- adopt a new definition of antisemitism. In ment and discrimination in the same way of the AMCHA Initiative, said, “The el. For far too long, Jewish students on doing so, Assistant Secretary of Education that other ethnic and racial groups have International Holocaust Remembrance campuses have been subject to harassment for Civil Rights Kenneth L. Marcus said been protected since the law was enacted Alliance definition of antisemitism, used and discrimination simply for supporting that the Obama administration neglected in 1964,” Klein said. by our own State Department to identify the state of Israel.” evidence suggesting that the New Jersey The complaint alleges that a Jewish incidents of antisemitism across the globe Roz Rothstein, co-founder and CEO state school aided and abetted a hostile student was physically threatened by the and endorsed by more than 50 countries, of StandWithUs, an international Israel campus for Jewish students, according to outreach coordinator of the university’s is the global gold standard for identifying education organization, said “We believe The New York Times, which first reported Center for Middle East Studies, who post- all current manifestations of antisemitism in open debate about Israel, freedom of the move. ed antisemitic comments about the student – both classic antisemitism and the brazen, speech and protecting students from dis- In his role, Marcus, who founded and on Facebook. Another claim points to a in-your-face, Israel-related antisemitism crimination. That is why we fully support led the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Hu- Jewish student being physically harassed that we see more and more of on campuses the DOE in adopting the IHRA definition man Rights Under Law, leads the office by other students on Facebook. these days. of antisemitism. The E.U., Canada, U.S. that enforces civil-rights laws prohibiting Finally, at an anti-Israel event titled “In fact, our research demonstrates State Department and most of the orga- schools from discriminating based on “Never Again for Anyone,” an anti-Israel that while incidents of classic antisemi- nized Jewish community already use this ethnicity, color, race, disability, national student group called “Belief Awareness tism continue to outnumber incidents of definition. The campaign against it is a origin and age. The Education Department Knowledge and Action” discriminated Israel-related antisemitism, it is the Isra- cynical effort to shield anti-Israel and will be using the U.S. State Department’s against pro-Israel and Jewish students el-related incidents that are significantly antisemitic extremists from accountability working definition of antisemitism. by imposing and selectively enforcing an more like to contribute to a hostile campus for their hate.” The Zionist Organization of America, admission fee against them. for Jewish students,” she continued. “The Earlier this year, the Anti-Semitism which filed a complaint against Rutgers, Alums for Campus Fairness responded IHRA definition accurately and appro- Awareness Act was introduced in both praised the move. “The ZOA has for years that “while free speech is essential on cam- priately captures how antisemitism is houses of Congress. If enacted, it would been fighting antisemitism, standing up for pus, hate speech is something that must expressed on college campuses today, and require the Department of Education to Jewish students and against antisemites to be addressed directly. Many countries all we commend the Department of Education adopt the State Department definition in make American campuses “safe spaces” over the world recognize the challenges for using it.” determining whether certain incidents may for Jews,” ZOA President Morton Klein that face the Jewish people and therefore Sarah Stern, founder and president violate anti-discrimination laws like Title said in a statement. have recognized this working definition of Endowment for Middle East Truth, VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Israelis want American Jewish help in promoting religious pluralism, study finds BY BEN SALES points since 2012. Seventy percent back (JTA) – For years, American Jewish government recognition of all forms of groups have agitated for more religious marriage, including civil marriage – an pluralism in Israel. And year after year, increase from 53 percent in 2009. Six- the Israeli government has acted as if At right: Conservative ty-six percent support the three major the country’s demographic and political Jews prayed at Rob- denominations of Judaism – Orthodox, realities make any kind of substantial inson’s Arch in Conservative and Reform – enjoying equal reform impossible. Jerusalem on July 30, status in Israel. The latest version of an annual survey 2014. (Photo by Robert Nearly half support recognition of all disputes that claim: It shows that Jewish Swift/Flash90) forms of Jewish conversion, while an ad- Israelis disapprove of how their govern- ditional 28 percent support a liberalization ment handles religious issues. It shows that of current conversion regulations. More they want more liberal religious policies. See “Study” on page 6 And it says they want American Jews to intervene in the debate. The one wrinkle is that when Jewish supports religious pluralism. The survey As it does every year, the survey found Federation Israelis talk about “religious freedom,” questioned 800 Jewish Israelis in July that Jewish Israelis are far more liberal on they are mostly talking about a different set and has a margin of error of 3.5 percent. religious issues than their government. of issues than their American counterparts. “The overwhelming majority views The government’s religious policies on Facebook American Jewish institutions have poured negatively the government’s policy on are largely administered by the haredi The Jewish Federation of Northeast- their energy into changes at the Western religion and state, opposes practically Orthodox Chief Rabbinate, which only ern Pennsylvania now has a page on Wall and blocking restrictions on Jewish every aspect of any decision or any issue, recognizes Orthodox rabbis, Orthodox Facebook to let community members conversion. But Jewish Israelis mostly whether it’s the [military] draft or mar- weddings, Orthodox conversion and Or- know about upcoming events and keep care about quotidian issues like public riage or public transit on Shabbat,” said thodox kosher certification. Israel bans connected. transit on Saturdays and government Rabbi Uri Regev, the founder and CEO nearly all public transit on Shabbat. It funding of yeshivas. of Hiddush. “The public does want free- does not recognize same-sex marriages Those are some of the takeaways from dom, does oppose government decisions performed in the country. Candle lighting an annual survey of attitudes among Jew- and policies. The public wants Diaspora But two-thirds of Jewish Israelis September 21...... 6:44 pm ish Israelis on religion and state conducted Jewish involvement in promoting reli- support separation of religion and state, September 23...... 6:40 pm by Hiddush, an Israeli organization that gious freedom.” representing an increase of 10 percentage September 24...... after 7:39 pm INSIDE THIS ISSUE September 28...... 6:31 pm September 30...... 6:28 pm Campaign Chai-lites Sukkot Starting a tradition October 1...... after 7:27 pm A look at the programs the Jewish Sukkot recipes; a new book looks The Russian village of Lyubavichi October 5...... 6:20 pm Agency for Israel runs, which at the etrog fruit and how it is hopes to become a pilgrimage site PLUS receive UJA Campaign funds. part of changing Jewish customs. for Chabad-Lubavitch followers. Opinion...... 2 Story on page 5 Stories on pages 12 and 17 Story on page 15 D’var Torah...... 8 2 THE REPORTER ■ SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 A MATTER OF OPINION Why Jews now find themselves in the eye of the Western storm BY MELANIE PHILLIPS Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel In Britain, too, it now appears, antisem- blame because of their “inordinate attention (JNS) – Antisemitism is now a major than their own countries. itism is considered less important than to the possibilities of the ‘black market’ and issue in the West. In Britain, there are The party recently decided to adopt the anti-racism. In a recently surfaced 2013 a lack of pleasant standards of conduct as continuing convulsions over rampant an- definition with all its examples. But it added video, Corbyn claimed that “Zionists” who evacuees.” tisemitism in the Labour Party. In America, a caveat defending “free expression” about objected to a speech by the Palestinian Only when the enormity of the Holo- there was outrage over the presence of Israel – which seemed to be an attempt to envoy to Britain at a meeting in London caust was finally revealed after the war the virulent Jew-hater Louis Farrakhan at muddy the definition to enable members to “don’t understand English irony,” even did hatred of Jews become unsayable. It Aretha Franklin’s funeral. In France and continue to defame it. This caveat was itself though they had “lived in this country for thus went underground – until the left’s other European countries, Jews are under a compromise drafted to ward off an attempt a very long time, probably all their lives.” adoption of the Palestinian narrative made siege from violent Muslims. by Corbyn to allow members to label Israel’s This suggestion that British Jews who it sayable again. The really disturbing thing, though, is policies or even its very existence as “racist.” supported Israel were not fully British was Now the Arabs who want to wipe out that so many are not outraged by this. For a Within hours of Corbyn thus declaring his a classic and incendiary antisemitic trope. Israel are regarded falsely and grotesquely troubling number of people, antisemitism hand, unauthorized posters were plastered It provoked the former chief rabbi, Lord as the victims of the Jews. As a result, west- is no longer considered a big deal. Either on central London bus shelters, declaring Jonathan Sacks, into an unprecedented ern antisemites are once again licensed to it is denied or minimized, as in Europe, “Israel is a racist endeavor.” political intervention when he denounced treat Jews with disgust. Because Israelis or it is relegated down the pecking order Even after all this, however, polls Corbyn as “a dangerous antisemite.” take up arms to defend themselves against of prejudices. suggest the British people remain uncon- The Labour leader’s video remarks extermination and thus kill some of their Consider. The past few months have vinced that the Labour Party is institution- were, said Sacks, the most offensive attackers, they are viewed as aggressors. produced an apparently unstoppable ally antisemitic. People are puzzled that statement made by a senior politician since Jews can only be considered victims if they stream of poisonous bigotry among the Jews are making such a fuss. “Why 1968, when the MP Enoch Powell made are passive, helpless and, above all, dead. Labour Party members and supporters are they so thin-skinned?” they ask. his infamous “rivers of blood” speech. Since relatively few Israelis are being directed at both Israel and Jewish people. In America, a similar moral myopia This seminal diatribe attacked the pres- killed, they are said to be up to the Jews’ The party’s far-left leader, Jeremy Corbyn, grips the left. Farrakhan, a Black Pow- ence of black people in Britain and thus habitual trick of claiming to be victims has himself been revealed time and again er demagogue who has praised Hitler, ended Powell’s career. Corbyn’s “irony” in order to manipulate the world to their as not only supporting Israel’s terrorist described Jews as “satanic” and called remark, said Sacks, was “divisive, hateful advantage. Israelis are thus presented attackers, but defaming Israel as wanton Judaism a “gutter religion,” was given and like Powell’s speech it undermines obsessively, falsely and malevolently killers and racists. He also championed an a seat of honor at Franklin’s funeral the existence of an entire group of British as brutal, willful killers of the innocent. obscene mural depicting hook-nosed Jews alongside former President Bill Clinton. citizens by depicting them as essentially This unique demonization is profoundly manipulating the world’s finances on the The U.S. Jewish community erupted in alien.” Yet Sacks himself was promptly antisemitic. But the Israel-bashers really backs of the exploited poor. fury and disgust. But the left didn’t see a attacked on the grounds that the sinister do think it is legitimate criticism – because This crisis came to a head over the attempt problem. Why not? impact of Powell’s speech was in a totally they believe these deranged and demon- by Corbyn and his acolytes to cherry-pick How could Clinton share a platform different league from Corbyn’s remark. strable falsehoods are actually true. the International Holocaust Remembrance with such a man? How could all the other All this suggests a deep failure to under- They resent the claim of antisemitism Alliance definition of antisemitism. They progressively minded folk there, the kind of stand the unique nature and significance of because they think it’s constantly used to wanted to junk its examples of antisemitism people who would flounce off a platform if, antisemitism as not only innately hateful, give the Jews in general a free pass for involving Israel, such as comparing it to the for example, Steve Bannon was on it (which, but murderous and a signature marker of their misdeeds. But these “misdeeds’ are Nazis, calling it a racist state or accusing indeed, others threatened to do at an event profound irrationality. lies. The Israel-bashers believe that they to be staged by The New Yorker, as a result There is, however, an even darker con- are true because they are antisemites. of which its editor pulled the plug on his text for British indifference to antisemitism. This is why Labour’s antisemitism planned Bannon interview at that event), Long-suppressed British government problem cannot be solved. Far beyond fail to raise any objection to Farrakhan’s archive papers, recently disclosed to The the unlovely person of Corbyn himself, presence alongside them at the funeral? Times of London, have revealed that British it is rooted in bigotry over Israel that has “ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the The answer is that, if there’s a clash prejudice toward Jews increased relent- become the default position of mainstream Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson progressive politics. And that, in turn, is Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. between supporting Jews and supporting lessly during World War II. Confronted black people, the latter will always win by reports of rising antisemitism, officials part of a broader picture. President: Douglas Fink – even if they say vile things about Jews. decided that the Jews themselves were to See “Storm” on page 8 Executive Director: Mark Silverberg

Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman Layout Editor: Diana Sochor Assistant Editor: Ilene Pinsker Too few Jews, Pew! Where are the “secular Production Coordinator: Jenn DePersis Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown maximalists”? The Sunday brunchers? OPINIONS The views expressed in BY ANDREW SILOW-CARROLL of Jewish identity itself, which allows a Who else are we missing? Just like the editorials and opinion pieces are those (JTA) – The Pew Research Center’s Jew to be defined by belief, biology, re- SJMs deserve their own category, allow of each author and not necessarily new typology of religion puts Americans ligious practice, peoplehood, nationality me to suggest a few more: the views of the Jewish Federation of into seven broad categories ranging from or whether or not he works as a lawyer ‹‹ Seder Perennials: Attend a seder every Northeastern Pennsylvania. Sunday Stalwarts (“active in their faith and for the Trump Organization. year, but insist on not enjoying it. LETTERS The Reporter welcomes congregations”) to Solidly Secular (“hold It’s why we call Judaism a family: There ‹‹ Bagels and Lox-smiths: Fiercely tradi- letters on subjects of interest to the are people you’d really prefer weren’t part tional about choosing where they go for Jewish community. All letters must be virtually no religious beliefs”). signed and include a phone number. In between are the Relaxed Religious, of your family, but, you know, probate law Sunday brunch. The editor may withhold the name who say religion is important, but don’t makes it hard to disown them. I was told. ‹‹ Media Resisters: Spiritual life is fo- upon request. hold much with traditional practices; the So Pew finds Jews on both ends of the cused on finding fault withThe New York ADS The Reporter does not necessar- Diversely Devout, who believe in that religiosity spectrum. But the pollsters also Times’ Israel coverage. ily endorse any advertised products old-time religion, but also psychic crystals miss a few key Jewish categories, under ‹‹ Spiritually Woke: Retweet devastating and services. In addition, the paper and other new age enchantments; and the the laughable idea that there are only seven takedowns of a political foe and call it is not responsible for the kashruth of Spiritually Awake, who seem to believe kinds of Jews. Hell, there are 10 kinds of tikkun olam. any advertiser’s product or establish- in heaven and hell the way I believe in Jews in any given minyan – and that’s ‹‹ Un-Relaxed Religious: Follows along ment. Marie Condo: I know I should declutter only 10 people to begin with. in the Torah portion just in case the reader DEADLINE Regular deadline is two my house, but it ain’t gonna happen. Take, for example, the Shabbat Ironist. makes a mistake and the rabbi, gabbai, weeks prior to the publication date. What I found most interesting about the He or she is the kind of Jew who goes to cantor and eight other people don’t yell typology is the way Jews seem to blow synagogue every week, but does a lot of out a correction. FEDERATION WEBSITE: up the whole thing. eye-rolling. The kind of Jew who doesn’t ‹‹ Diversely frum: Thinks he lives in a www.jewishnepa.org According to Pew, “Jewish Ameri- believe in God, but will quit her synagogue multicultural neighborhood because men HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: cans are the only religious group with board if it doesn’t serve potato kugel at can be seen in leather, velvet and knitted Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA substantial contingents at each end of the kiddush. The kind of Jew who shows up kippot. 18510 typology.” In other words, while most in a ton of jokes, including this one: ‹‹ Jewish-Adjacent: Doesn’t identify E-mail: [email protected] evangelicals are deeply religious, and Cohen’s son asks his atheist father why Jewishly, but enjoys suspension of alter- Fax: (570) 346-6147 Catholics and Mormons tend to cluster he goes to shul. nate side of the street parking on Jewish Phone: (570) 961-2300 toward the believer side of things, about “Because Goldberg goes to shul,” his holidays. one in five U.S. Jews are, ahem, Shabbat father says. And where do I fit in? I call myself HOW TO REACH Stalwarts, and 45 percent consider them- “What difference does that make?” Professionally Jewish, which isn’t one THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: selves nonreligious. “Goldberg goes to shul to talk to God,” of the Pew categories, but really should Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 No surprise there: Every recent study his father says. “I go to shul to talk to be. I define it as “draws a paycheck for E-mail: [email protected] shows that Jews are divided among the Goldberg!” passing judgment on the lives of his SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: affiliated and the unaffiliated, the engaged The late sociologist Charles Liebman co-religionists.” Phone: (570) 961-2300 and unengaged, the Alan Dershowitzes even had a name for this: “secular Jewish Andrew Silow-Carroll is the editor-in- and the Adam Sandlers. That’s a quirk maximalist.” chief of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 3 COMMUNITY NEWS Congregation B’nai Harim welcomed Rabbi Gershom Sizomu With the help of Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania and of congregants Dr. David and Lori Abramowitz, Phyllis and Ira Miller, Barbara and Rich- ard Feman, and Irene and Lew Stolzenberg, Congrega- tion B’nai Harim welcomed Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, chief rabbi of Uganda and a member of Uganda’s Par- liament (and future presidential hopeful). Sizomu spoke about the 100-year history of the Abayudaya Jewish community in Uganda and about the challenges they have met over the century. He spoke of the “terrible days of the dictator Idi Amin and the miracle of his overthrow on Pesach 1979.” The defeat of the tyrant during the festival of freedom inspired Rabbi Gershom to study for the rabbinate. The community’s practice met with the approval of a Conservative Beit Din (rabbinic court) from the United States in the early Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum years of this century and this summer members sent Dr David and Lori Abramowitz with Rabbi Gershom and Mark Silverberg, executive director of the Jewish their first Birthright group to Israel. Sizomu showed a Sizomu of Uganda. Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania. video he had just received from the students bursting into Hebrew songs as they were greeted at Ben Gurion rabbinic authorities in Israel. He feels sure that with a dental clinic to serve Jews, Christians and Muslims in Airport by a crowd of welcomers from the IDF and that recognition, many from his tribe of 2,000 would the area. The big focus for the future, he said – now that other groups. They all danced together as shofarot make aliyah. the malaria problem is under control – will be digging were blown and “all were embraced by friendly arms.” He also spoke of the improvements that he and the wells for pure water. Sizomu said he hopes that this promising beginning organization Be’chol Lashon have made, with the help Sizomu will continue his United States tour for the bodes well for the recognition of the Abayudaya by the of philanthropists like David Abramowitz who has built next few weeks. Scranton Hebrew Day School begins its 71st year The Scranton Hebrew Day School began its 71st year Rosenberg, director of development, said, “Over the kick-off event of the new school year,” said a school before Labor Day to allow teachers and students time past four years, there has been a great turnover in the representative. “Our thanks to the PTA and the many to learn about the upcoming Jewish holidays. school. More than 50 percent of the families in the volunteers who assisted with this undertaking.” The new school year comes with the arrival of many Scranton Hebrew Day School are new. These families new families who have or will be joining the Scranton come from all sectors of the Jewish community and Jewish community in the very near future. Rabbi Dovid add to the beautiful collage that makes up our student body. The diversity of our enrollment is what makes our school so special.” DEADLINES Rabbi Nosson Adler, head of school, added, “The NEWS IN BRIEF SHDS is known for its quality Jewish and general The following are deadlines for all articles and studies program and the over 15 percent increase in photos for upcoming Reporter issues. From JTA the number of new families in the school, as well as DEADLINE ISSUE House legislation supports $38 billion many other new families who have moved or will be Monday, Sept. 17, early...... October 4 moving to Scranton this year, is invigorating.” Thursday, October 4...... October 18 aid package for Israel The first week was highlighted with a PTA back The U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure to school barbecue on August 29. “It was wonderful Thursday, October 18...... November 1 that would codify into law the $38 billion defense aid to see so many parents, teachers and children at this Thursday, November 1...... November 15 package for Israel over 10 years that was negotiated in the final days of the Obama administration. The U.S.-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2018 approved Sept. 12 gives the defense package the imprimatur of YOUR Congress, which would keep any future president from AD reneging. The $38 billion deal negotiated in 2016 is the most generous ever to Israel. The Senate passed COULD the act in early August. In the House, the measure was introduced by two Florida representatives – Ted Deutch, BE a Democrat, and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Republican. HERE! AIPAC said in a statement that the legislation “seeks to ensure that Israel has the means to defend itself, by For information itself, against growing threats – most significantly Iran’s on advertising, contact Bonnie Rozen presence on its northern border.” The act also expands at 1-800-779-7896, a stockpile of weapons that the United States keeps in ext. 244 or bonnie@ Israel, which may access the stockpile in wartime. It thereportergroup.org also enhances Israel’s qualitative military edge and urges space research cooperation between Israel and the United States.

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER ■ SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 Bais Yaakov held annual tribute dinner Bais Yaakov of Scranton tribute dinner and how they are still missed. He took Although the rest of his family perished, and cousin all perished, while he and his honoring Yosef Menachem and Razel the opportunity to express his friendship he survived with his father. father survived. He was transferred to Rnandez and in memory of Leonard Ber- and gratitude. Following Rashkin, Gold- The dinner concluded with a speech Buchenwald and Bergen Belsen, where kowitz o.b.m. was held on August 26 at stein spoke about the contribution Yosef about Berkowitz by Rabbi Mayer Elefant, he often said he felt fortunate because he Beth Shalom. Close to 150 people attended Menachem and Raisel Hernandez have his son-in-law. He spoke about not needing worked in the kitchen and managed to get the dinner catered by Suzanne Severe. made to the Scranton community. He then to make any kind of presentation because food, and give it to others, as well. Opening remarks were given by Rabbi presented them with a silver mezuzah as the legacy a person leaves behind is in He was liberated in 1945 and went Yisroel Brotsky, rav of Beth Shalom, a token of the esteem the school feels fact what he has presented in his lifetime. on to a displaced persons camp for two where the Bais Yaakov classes are held. for them. “Although he survived as an only child years. He then came to the United States Brotsky spoke about the importance of “The Scranton community is very for- and saw the churban (destruction) of his to start life anew. He married a survivor Bais Yaakov and the many different roles tunate to have in their midst, the Hernan- family, he was zoche (worthy) to see his and began to build a family. it plays in the community. The girls feed dez family originally from Puerto Rico, family in its banyan (building). He leaves “He was always grateful for the free- residents daily at the Jewish Home of Paterson and then Buffalo,” said a school behind many grandchildren and great- dom this country bestowed on him, as well Northeastern Pennsylvania, visit the res- representative. “The Hernandez family grand children all doing avodas Hashem,” as the many immigrants and survivors idents, do activities for the yomim tovim traveled not only from place to place, but said a school representative. of the horrors of the Holocaust,” said a (holidays), and deliver challah to the on a journey that took them to higher and Berkowitz was born in a small village in school representative. “He never took residents of Webster Towers and other higher levels of avodas Hashem. They Romania with a population of under 800. his freedom for granted, and expressed people as well. They also help new moth- eventually met with Rabbi Goldstein and He arose at 5 am to go to shul and ched- his gratitude to Hashem over and over. ers and visit people. They offer tutoring decided to settle in Scranton. Both Mr. and er, and then continued on to mandatory The Bais Yaakov education he gave his services to children in need. The girls Mrs. Hernandez are actively involved in public school. Taunted for being Jewish, daughter was integral to the rebuilding are involved in all aspects of chesed in the well-being and success of the Bais he persevered until he was needed to help of this family, the source of so much the Scranton community. Yaakov, whenever a need arises they can be his father earn a living. Berkowitz’s family nachas and the continuation of its rich The master of ceremonies, Rabbi Sam- called upon to roll up their sleeves and fill had a matzah oven in their house, which the legacy.” In his memory, Bais Yaakov will uel Sandhaus, development director of that need, whether helping out at different whole village would use to bake matzah. be establishing the Leonard Berkowitz the Jewish Home, offered remarks about programs and fund-raisers to filling the He was deported to Auschwitz with Scholarship Fund to aid students needing the importance of the school, as well. He Bais Yaakov wish list, the Hernandez’s are his parents in 1944. His mother, aunt financial assistance. introduced the video speakers, including always ready to answer the call. They are Rabbi Mordechai Dov Fine, who was loyal friends and neighbors. Mr. and Mrs. unable to be present. He spoke about the Hernandez are raising their family in a longevity of the school and its importance home imbued with Torah life and chesed, Israeli students unearth a to the community. Fine also spoke “glow- hallmarks of the Bais Yaakov experience. ingly” of the Hernandez family who “do so We are honored that they chose the Bais much” for the school and the community. Yaakov to educate their daughters.” 1,700-year-old coin “They are there before you ask, always Yosef Menachem works at the David knowing how to help. They are exemplary Elliot Poultry Farm, where he maintains BY JNS STAFF mosaic floor typical of that era. parents, and ones the Bais Yaakov is proud and repairs its equipment. In addition, (JNS) – Students from schools in the The students are helping with the of. They are prominent members of the he works on his own. Raisel bakes and Lev Hasharon Regional Council helping excavation as part of the local council’s Toiras Chessed Community led by Rabbi decorates cakes professionally. Both are on an archaeological dig on the Sharon Karev program, which is designed to Avrohom Goldstein as their rav.” said to use their talents to reach out and plain have unearthed an ancient coin interest young students in history and The guest speaker, Rabbi Shmuel help people enhance their Yiddishkeit. dating back to the year 300 C.E., among which spearheaded the first excavation at Rashkin, flew in from Buffalo, NY, to pay Fine then spoke about Leonard Ber- other finds. the Kilodia site. Relics were unearthed in tribute to the Hernandez family, who he has kowtiz, Moshe Eliezer Ben Dov, father of Most of the finds at the Kilodia site the very first dig. known for many years. He spoke about the Esther Elefant. Berkowtiz, originally from near Moshav Kfar Yavetz, east of Netan- Cohen-Tabor said, “What’s nice asset they were to the Buffalo community Romania, was a survivor of Auschwitz. ya, date to the early Muslim period (700- here is that local children are coming 1050 C.E.). They include glazed bowls, to investigate a site very close to their wine jugs, decorative bronze weights, homes, and are discovering and getting a bronze bell and semiprecious stones. to know the children who lived in the The coin predates all these discoveries same place 1,000 years ago. The great by several centuries. thing about this project, other than the The excavation is a joint project with archaeological aspect, is that it’s mainly Ariel University and is being overseen educational,” she continued. “One of the by archaeologist Ahiya Cohen-Tabor. students said that if he had something Researchers believe that Kilodia was like this in his backyard, he wouldn’t populated in the Byzantine period, based touch his phone. For me, that’s the most on the discovery of a wine press with a important thing.”

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ewish Federa the J tion To get Federation updates via email, on ’s e uEffective immediately,ma yo il re lis rregister on our website pleaseA send all articles & adst? to Weour send updated new announcements E-mail andaddress, special www.jewishnepa.org event details weekly to those who wish to receive them. [email protected]. Send Dassy Ganz an email if you would like to join the list. Pledge or Donate [email protected] online at www.jewishnepa.org/donate SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 5 UJA CAMPAIGN CHAI-LIGHTS Scranton Reporter 5 x 15 7/8 Jewish Agency for Israel Last year’s $975,647 UJA Campaign of programs it supports or operates ben- allocated 27.8 percent, or $271,354, to efit well over a million Israelis and Jews Israel and Jewish assistance overseas worldwide every year. through the Jewish Agency for Israel (or The Jewish Agency sponsors dozens JAFI) and the Joint Distribution Committee of programs that serve to connect Jews to (or JDC) enabling them to carry on their Israel and to each other. It organizes the services to Jews in need in Israel and programs into several different categories: around the world as defined below. SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL’S For almost 90 years, the Jewish Agency PROGRESSIVE JEWISH STREAMS has been the champion of the Jewish story. In 2017, the Jewish Agency supporting Once JAFI achieved its original goal of Israel’s progressive Jewish streams by establishing a secure homeland in Israel, allocating $2.66M to educational pro- it turned to helping Jews in peril come grams earmarked for Reform programs home. As the needs of the Jewish People (40 percent), Conservative programs (40 continued to change, so did JAFI’s re- percent) and Modern Orthodox programs sponse. JAFI’s mission today is to ensure (20 percent) in Israel which included UJA that every Jewish person, no matter where funds provided to the following organi- Featuring the largest kosher selection of fresh meat, poultry, they are in the world, feels an unbreakable zations and their programs: bond to one another and to Israel. ‹‹ Israel Movement for Reform and Pro- dairy, frozen & grocery in the Central New York area. Whether it’s making aliyah possible, or gressive Judaism (Reform) connecting people in Israel with communi- ‹‹ Hebrew Union College (Reform) – ties overseas, or caring for our brothers and Jewish Institute of Religion in Jerusalem –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– sisters to honor Herzl’s vision of a model ‹‹ Masorti Movement (Conservative) 16 oz.•Wide, Medium or 13 oz. society in Israel, JAFI brings our fellow ‹‹ The TALI School Network and Israel Extra Wide•Where Available Select Varieties Jews together. Through its wide range of Reform Movement elementary school Mrs. Miller’s Wolff’s program experiences, JAFI offers ways for networks (Reform) Egg Noodles Kasha Jewish people to get to know one another ‹‹ The Schechter Institute of Jewish Stud- by working, living and studying together. ies and the Schechter Rabbinical Seminary 2 $ 99 It is the largest Jewish non-profit or- (Conservative)

/ –––––––– ganization in the world and is funded by ‹‹ Midreshet Yerushalayim 5 1 our UJA dollars. Its mission is to “inspire ‹‹ United Synagogue of Conservative ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Jews throughout the world to connect Judaism (Conservative) 16 oz. 14.1 oz. with their people, heritage and land, and ‹‹ OU Israel (Orthodox) Onion or Cheese Where Available empower them to build a thriving Jewish ‹‹ The International Young Israel Move- Golden Gourmet Osem Chicken future and a strong Israel.” ment (Orthodox) It is best known as the primary orga- ‹‹ Yeshiva University (Orthodox) Potato Pierogies Consomme nization responsible for the immigration ‹‹ Bar/Bat Mitzvah programs 2 49 (aliyah) and absorption of Jews and their ‹‹ Services for youth-at-risk /$ families from the Diaspora into Israel. This support significantly bolsters the 7 –––––––– 4 Since 1948, the Jewish Agency for Israel presence of these movements in Israel, has been responsible for bringing more strengthens their impact, and helps ensure –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––12 oz. or Vita Sliced than three million immigrants to Israel, essential religious diversity and inclusion, 14.1 oz. Canister Smoked Salmon 3 oz. and offers them transitional housing in “ab- affecting hundreds of thousands of Jewish Osem Vita Party or sorption centers” throughout the country. Israelis. Around 600,000 Israelis partic- Mini Mandel Lunch Herring The Jewish Agency also played a ipate each year in the programs funded central role in the founding and the through Jewish Agency allocations to the building of the State of Israel, including religious streams. 99 99

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Prices effective Sunday, September 23 thru Saturday, November 10, 2018. Ê Check out the Federation’s website at www.jewishnepa.org 6 THE REPORTER ■ SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 Amy Bach, author who researches criminal justice system, awarded $100,000 Charles Bronfman Prize BY JOSEFIN DOLSTEN data that people can use so they can see how Prize is presented annually to a Jewish humanitarian under NEW YORK (JTA) – Amy Bach has their county’s justice system is working,” she the age of 50 whose work draws on Jewish values. (Bach, won the 2018 Charles Bronfman Prize for said in a phone interview. now 50, was 49 in time for the nomination deadline in her research in statistics about the criminal Measures for Justice currently provides January.) Previous recipients include Israeli writer Etgar justice system. The organization announced data for free on its website about six states’ Keret, KIPP charter schools network co-founders Mike on September 5 that it was giving the Jewish criminal justice systems, including statistics Feinberg and Dave Levin, and Gift of Life founder Jay humanitarian award to Bach, a lawyer and about case outcomes from arrest to post-trial. Feinberg. The prize was created by Ellen Hauptman and award-winning author. She is the founder and The data can be filtered by categories such Stephen Bronfman – together with their spouses Andrew executive director of Measures for Justice, an as defendants’ race and ethnicity, sex, age Hauptman and Claudine Blondin Bronfman – in honor organization that provides data on the crim- and offense type. The organization plans to of their father Charles, a Jewish philanthropist and inal justice system across the United States release information about 14 additional states co-founder of the Taglit Birthright program. Bach told JTA she was “thrilled” to receive Amy Bach won the 2018 by 2020, Bach said. Charles Bronfman praised Bach’s work in a statement. the prize, which carries a $100,000 award. Charles Bronfman “It’s foundational that we need to see the “Amy’s work revealed a critical gap in our criminal justice She said she will give her prize money to her Prize for her research problems in the criminal justice system before system, and she developed an ingenious method for filling organization. “It means so much to the work in statistics about the we can fix them,” Bach said. “Otherwise, it,” he said. “She epitomizes the concern for social justice that we’re doing and to all the people on our criminal justice system. we’re flying blind.” and entrepreneurial spirit that the prize recognizes.” team who’ve worked so hard to create public (Photo by John Schlia) Founded in 2004, the Charles Bronfman See “Bach” on page 8

Study Continued from page 1 than 70 percent want increased public transit on Shabbat. Israelis observe Shabbat partially or fully. And given the dom and pluralism in Israel.” That includes 65 percent of “There is a consistent and continual decline in people’s choice between different types of weddings, most would those who voted for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu preference for the Orthodox option,” Regev, a Reform still opt to be married in an Orthodox ceremony – either in the 2015 election. Netanyahu froze a compromise rabbi, said regarding marriage. “The self-righteous claim under the Chief Rabbinate s auspices or outside of it. last year – backed by American Jewish groups – that of the Rabbinate to be the authentic, authoritative, legit- But while 76 percent of Jewish Israelis express would have expanded a non-Orthodox prayer plaza at imate representative of halachic Judaism is not borne dissatisfaction with the current government’s religious the Western Wall. out by the people.” policies, it may not make a difference. Israelis have not The Western Wall has been the top religious policy The survey does have some good news for fans of historically voted on religious issues, prioritizing security priority for American Jewish groups over the past several Israel’s religious status quo. On issue after issue – from and economic concerns. Even so, the survey found that years, but it doesn’t register with non-haredi Jewish conversion to marriage to kosher certification – younger most Jewish Israelis are more likely to vote for a political Israelis. They told Hiddush that their most important respondents favored more traditionalist policies than their party if it supports increasing religious freedom. religious issues were, in order: reducing government elders. While more than 80 percent of respondents over “If they waver between party A and party B, and funding of Orthodox yeshivas, instituting civil marriage age 50 support separation of religion and state in Israel, party A took a strong stand on this issue, it s going to and allowing public transit on Shabbat. American Jewish for example, only 42 percent of those under 29 do. win brownie points with the voters,” Regev said, add- groups have also pushed for civil marriage, but have not Regev said part of this divide is due to high haredi ing, however, that “It will depend on what happens, to spoken out significantly on the other two issues. birth rates. But he said it’s also due to “an element of a great degree, shortly before the elections,” which are “It’s not about giving carte blanche to American contrarianism you find in young people.” scheduled for next year. Jewry,” Regev said. “It’s saying these are things we feel And while only 22 percent of Israelis identify as Whether or not they vote on religious issues, Jewish strongly about... and we welcome your help. Clearly there religious or haredi – and 13 percent self-identify as Israelis say they want Diaspora Jewry’s help in advancing is a disconnect over the wall. The wall, unlike marriage, Conservative or Reform – a greater part of the population religious pluralism. Two-thirds expressed support for is a symbol of what many American Jews feel so strongly has traditional religious tendencies. Nearly half of Jewish Diaspora groups “working to strengthen religious free- about that in Israel is seen as a marginal issue at best.”

Each year at this time the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania calls upon members of our community to assist in defraying the expense of issuing our regional Jewish newspaper, The Reporter. The newspaper is delivered twice of month (except for December and July which are single issue months) to each and every identifiable Jewish home in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As the primary Jewish newspaper of our region, we have tried to produce a quality publication for you that offers our readership something on everything from opinions and columns on controversial issues that affect our people and our times, to publicity for the events of our affiliated agencies and organizations to life cycle events, teen columns, personality profiles, letters to the editor, the Jewish community calendar and other columns that cover everything from food to entertainment. The Federation assumes the financial responsibility for funding the enterprise at a cost of $26,400 per year and asks only that we undertake a small letter writing mail campaign to our recipients in the hope of raising $10,000 from our readership to alleviate a share of that responsibility. We would be grateful if you would care enough to take the time to make a donation for our efforts in bringing The Reporter to your door.

As always, your comments, opinions & suggestions are always welcome.

With best wishes, Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of NE Pennsylvania 601 Jefferson Avenue Scranton, PA 18510 SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 7 In Israel, discovering a shared reality through disability inclusion BY MA’AYAN GUTBEZAHL with a disability before they join my program, and their (JNS) – The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has dragged experiences are often rather jarring at first,” she says. on for so long and with such persistence that many have These experiences impact the students “so signifi- begun to wonder if it is has simply become Israel’s new cantly” that they often consider quitting the program “normal.” Despite the constant fighting and amplified early. However, they rarely ever do. Felsenthal-Berger tensions between the two populations, some hopeful explains that this initial hesitation is typically followed pockets of coexistence do exist. by dedication and perseverance once the students take One such example can be found at Ono Academic some time for introspection and begin to understand the College in Jerusalem, where an experiential education importance of the task at hand. program focused on disability inclusion brings together “Learning to work with people who look and behave young Jews and Arabs to develop educational program- very differently is challenging, but they instinctually re- ming for a segment of society that is often neglected. alize that sticking with this work is a societal imperative The program was created by Dr. Noorit Felsen- that is also personally rewarding,” she says. thal-Berger, a psychologist who began her career by Together, the diverse group of students tackles 100 hours comparing the maternal identity of secular and haredi of field work in special education, engaging in hands-on (ultra-Orthodox) women. Her comparative research on experiential learning activities with groups of children with A student in the disabilities inclusion program at different groups within Israeli society eventually led her disabilities at different sites throughout Jerusalem, which Ono Academic College in Jerusalem worked with a to focus on students with special needs – those who learn culminates with a capstone workshop. Perhaps the most community member on a painting project. (Photo by differently than the general population and are largely important element of the program is that the students are Ma’ayan Gutbezahl) under served. Bringing her expertise to Ono, Felsen- given the freedom to create and initiate projects of their own thal-Berger created a hands-on program in disability for the children and communities to which they are assigned. they will never be able to change Israel’s “status quo,” and studies that quickly became popular with young Arab and “The projects are an opportunity for students to look that there is a possibility that Arabs and Jews will always be Jewish students who were trying to understand their own outside of themselves and see the inherent humanity at odds with one another. Yet through their work with the identities within the complex milieu of Israeli society. that all of us possess, no matter how different that other disability community and each other, they often become “Many of my students have never even met someone person may seem on the outside,” says Felsenthal-Berger. galvanized in ways that allow them to make positive changes, The experience extends beyond the scope of the projects realizing that they have the power to forge their own paths developed for the children with disabilities to the team in life and influence the world around them. members themselves, a collection of students with diverse Rasha Aliyan, one of students in the program, was backgrounds. Working side by side in the classroom and raised in the eastern Jerusalem Arab neighborhood of on the same projects in the field, the “intense, emotional” Beit Safafa. For years, she lived next door to a boy with experience, which is void of politics, often unites the disabilities, but rarely interacted with him. After joining Arab and Jewish students, allowing them to see beyond the disability-studies program at Ono, she became in- their cultural differences and work toward a common terested in learning more about her neighbor and made goal for the greater good. “For my students, being able an effort to get to know him. to reach out to someone else and make their world better “When I started the program, I told my neighbor about has the side effect of allowing them to see commonalities it. He was so happy that I was helping the disability com- between people who are different on the surface, while munity and learning about people like him,” she recounts. Students with the disabilities inclusion program at Ono simultaneously boosting their own self-esteem,” explains “I wanted to be closer to him – to really understand his Academic College in Jerusalem. (Photo by Ma’ayan Felsenthal-Berger. “It is in an empowering experience.” struggles and how I, and society, could help him and Gutbezahl) Many of the program participants grow up believing that See “Inclusion” on page 12 SHDS Back to School BBQ hosted by the PTA on Aug. 29th

Volunteers and guests enjoying the BBQ. Parents being served at the SHDS opening BBQ.

One of five new families who were welcomed Welcoming table at the door. this September at SHDS. SHDS grandparents Moshe & Etty Fink manned the grill. Anyone remember the picnics up at the Fink Farm in Mt. Cobb?

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 8 THE REPORTER ■ SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 D’VAR TORAH Ha’azinu – The call to listen BY RABBI DANIEL SWARTZ, TEMPLE HESED of all that listening and hearing. As I read it, it seems OF SCRANTON to be speaking in a particular way to me, saying: if the Ha’azinu, Deuteronomy 32:1-52 whole universe is supposed to be tuning in, what am I, Ha’azinu (give ear), the second-to-last Torah portion, in my all-too-distracted life, missing that I should be consists almost entirely of a lengthy poem, written as listening to? We now can hear the dings and bings and if it were declaimed, or perhaps sung, by Moses to the rings and buzzes of phones and computers all day, every gathered Israelites at the border of the Promised Land, his day. We can stream music continuously, or stream one final statement before death. Striking gems of metaphors show after another, without actually paying attention sparkle throughout the poem. For example (Deuteronomy to anything. And too often, we pay little attention to 32:11), God is compared to a nesher, usually translated those around us, and even less to the world around us, as “eagle” but more likely the griffon vulture, a huge because we are caught up in reading a text, watching a bird, roughly the size of a California condor. The grif- screen, being distracted by the latest “alert” that floods fon vulture is fierce and large, but it is also amazingly our awareness till we aren’t alert at all. graceful as it soars, as well as being an attentive parent, So I’ve started a personal practice of chanting this supposedly lifting its nestlings up on its wings as they verse. First, I chant it with the traditional Torah trope. learn to fly. Elsewhere, God is described as “the Rock Then, for as long as I need to be, I’m silent, listening that gave birth to you” (Deuteronomy 32:18) – another to everything going on around me – whether it’s birds figure of speech uniting strength with nurturing, power singing or squirrels scurrying by or cars on a distant with tenderness. These apparently self-contradictory road. I let my awareness flow out as far as my ears can images help us imagine God in new ways even as they hear, perhaps even a bit further. Then, using a melody I show that God is inherently beyond all images. composed, I start chanting the verse over and over again, But my favorite verse is the one that opens the parasha letting the words really sink into me. Lastly, when I feel (Deuteronomy 32:1): “Give ear, O heavens, and I will like I’ve really absorbed the sounds and the words, I go speak; hear, O earth, the utterances of my mouth.” With silent again, asking myself – and the earth, the heavens, this soaring language, Moses is depicted as speaking not and the Holy One – what I particularly need to listen to merely to those Israelites present before him, but rather and pay attention to on that day. to the entire world, from the earth to the heavens, not just I don’t succeed in doing this every day, and sometimes for that moment but for all eternity. And, having called the even when I’ve chanted for a while, I find that I’m still eternal universe to witness, what does he ask of it? To listen. distracted, not paying attention and not truly listening. Now, you might be thinking to yourself, if I had the But every time I do manage to sit still and really listen, attention of the entire universe, wouldn’t I ask for some- I do hear something new and worthwhile. It reminds me thing more momentous than “to listen?” But actually, that Torah isn’t something that happened once upon a there are very few things that are of more consequence time. It keeps on happening all the time – if I heed the than the simple act of listening. Indeed, the key word of call to listen. the entire book of Deuteronomy is Shema. Of course, it appears in Deuteronomy 6:4, in the phrase sometimes called “the watchword of the Jewish faith”: “Hear, O Israel, Adonai is your God, Adonai is One.” Here and elsewhere it means not only hear, but also understand, both intellectually and emotionally, as in “I hear you.” Furthermore, it can mean to pay attention and to heed, to not only deeply and completely hear but also to put into action what one has heard. Again and again, Deuteronomy JOFEE Network Gathering in Oct. teaches us the importance of really listening and truly AJewish Outdoor, Food, Farming and En- hearing – and the dire consequences when we don’t. vironmental Education Network Gathering Which brings us to this week’s parasha, the climax will be held from October 11-14 at Tamarack Camps, Ortonville, MI. The gathering will focus on “Transforming Ourselves to Transform the Bach Continued from page 6 World.” Those attending will have the opportunity to Rosalie Silberman Abella, a justice on Canada’s Su- engage with issues around sustainability, food systems, preme Court, said in a statement on behalf of the prize’s gender and Jewish connections to the land; explore De- judges that Bach’s research helps improve the situation troit and the surrounding area while learning from local of marginalized people. “Prison impacts some of the leaders dedicated to reviving land and neighborhoods; most disadvantaged,” Abella said in a statement. “Amy’s and experience Shabbat together, as one community, in initiatives go toward taking care of people who can’t take the woods of Tamarack Camps. care of themselves, addressing universal issues of pov- Speakers scheduled for the event include Elizabeth Andre, erty, race, indigenous populations, the undereducated.” Ph.D., professor of outdoor education; Mark Morey from Bach, a graduate of Stanford Law School, first started the Institute for Natural Learning; Rabbi Arthur Waskow investigating the criminal justice system as part of an from the Shalom Center; Amy Meltzer from the PJ Library. article for The Nation about an overburdened public Rabbi Zelig Golden from Wilderness Torah; and more. defender who had little time for his clients. That story For more information or to register, visit https://hazon. prompted her to look further at how people were being org/jofee/network-gathering/. treated in the justice system and culminated in the pub- lication of her book “Ordinary Injustice: How America Holds Court.” In the book, which won the 2010 Robert F. Kennedy Book Award, Bach looks at how the shortcom- Storm Continued from page 2 ings of the criminal justice system affect ordinary people. Israel is the paradigm nation-state, while Jewish A year later, Bach founded Measures for Justice. She principles lie at the very core of Western civilization. says she draws inspiration from Judaism. “In terms of In Britain and America, a culture war is being waged my Jewish values, it’s making the world a better place against the west and the nation state. Who can be sur- and trying to make visible the invisible harm that people prised, therefore, that the Jews are at the very center of have to suffer on a daily basis,” she said. that battleground. She added that her goal is both to help people in the Melanie Phillips, a British journalist, broadcaster criminal justice system who are suffering and people and author, writes a column for JNS every two weeks. working in the system who “want to do the right thing, Currently a columnist for The Times of London, her President: Merle Turitz but can’t see the problem yet.” personal and political memoir, “Guardian Angel,” has Contact number: 570-421-8781 Bach lives in Rochester with her husband, John Mark- been published by Bombardier, which has also published man, a physician at the University of Rochester Medical her first novel, “The Legacy,” released in April. Her work Center, and their 10-year-old son, Leo. can be found on her website, www.melaniephillips.com.

9:30 Mon. pm SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 9 10 THE REPORTER ■ SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 11 2019 UJA/FEDERATION CAMPAIGN HOW ARE OUR ANNUAL UJA DONATIONS & THE ANNUAL HERE’S HOW THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF INCOME FROM OUR PERPETUAL ANNUAL CAMPAIGN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA BRINGS US TOGETHER ENDOWMENT (P.A.C.E) FUNDS SPENT? WHO...who we are… The Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania is the parliament of the Jewish communities of Northeastern PA Your gift to the Federation’s 2019 UJA Campaign, together with the income received annually from our endowed UJA Campaign gifts whose Mission is to rescue the imperiled, to care for the vulnerable, to support Israel, and to revitalize and perpetuate provide funds to meet the ongoing humanitarian and social service needs of our local and global Jewish communities and Israel. Jewish life in Lackawanna, Monroe, Wayne, and Pike counties. It is comprised of many devoted volunteers whose Regionally, the agencies funded for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 from our 2018 UJA Campaign ($975,647) include the ….. efforts are supported by the contributions of more than 800 generous financial donors and endowment benefactors. YOU can join us by attending any of our events or programs or by bringing us an idea to enhance the quality of • Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania • Yeshiva Beth Moshe Jewish life in our communities. • Scranton Jewish Community Center • Bais Yaakov of Scranton • Jewish Family Service of Northeastern Pennsylvania • Jewish Fellowship of Hemlock Farms Religious School • Chabad of the Abingtons/Jewish discovery Center • Scranton Hebrew Day School • Bnos Yisroel of Scranton • Scranton Ritualarium (Mikvah) • Jewish Resource Center of the Poconos WHAT…what we do… • Temple Hesed Religious School • Jewish Heritage Connection Federation is a regional Jewish philanthropic organization created to fulfill the social service needs of Jewish Internationally, a significant portion of our total UJA Campaign dollars, 28% - one of the highest percentages in the American Federation system, was transferred to the Jewish Agency community members of all ages in Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties. It oversees local community for Israel (J.A.F.I.) and the Joint Distribution Committee (J.D.C.) to meet the social, humanitarian, cultural, and emergency needs of our People in Israel, and from Paris to Munich, from relations issues and through its membership in the Jewish Federations of North America, it shares a portion of its Singapore to Santiago; from Brussels to Budapest, and to the far reaches of the former Soviet Union – wherever Jewish communities are imperiled, threatened, or struggling to survive funds to sustain, improve and enrich the lives of Jewish people in Israel and throughout the world through its annual and retain their Jewish heritage - specific details of which will appear in future Reporter issues. UJA Campaign and the income from its Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowments. OUR ANNUAL UJA DONATIONS AND THE ANNUAL INCOME FROM OUR UNRESTRICTED ENDOWMENT FUNDS ALSO SUPPORT… • The Reporter newspaper - Issued (free of charge) to each and every identifiable Jewish household in Lackawanna, Monroe, Wayne and Pike counties WHERE…where to find us… • NEPA Jewish Film Festivals - NEPA Federation-sponsored Jewish Film Festivals (2007, 2009 and 2016) The Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania is located in the Jewish Community Center of Scranton, 601 • NEPA Jewish Film Lending Library - available at no cost to Federation agencies to assist them in their local programming needs Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510. You can also find us and pledge to our annual UJA Campaign on-line at www. • NEPA Federation Missions to Israel - Sites have included Caesarea (the ancient Roman port built by Herod the Great on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea), Rosh Hanikra (on the Israeli- jewishnepa.org or simply call 570-961-2300 (ext. 4). Lebanese border), Tiberias (on Lake Kinneret), Safed (where the Kabbala had its beginnings) and the Golan Heights in the north. In Jerusalem, sites have included the Western Wall of our ancient Holy Temple, a visit to the Byzantine Cardo, Yad Vashem (Israel’s Holocaust Memorial Museum) and shopping at Machane Yehuda (Jerusalem’s largest open-air market). In the Judean Desert, sites have included the ancient Roman fortress of Masada, the Dead Sea, archeological excavations (finding several ancient artifacts including a 2,000-year old amulet during one of our digs), planting trees, visiting the Machal Monument near Jerusalem, visiting a secret underground bullet factory in Rehovot that was built during the War of WHEN…when we started… Independence, and attending a talk at Independence Hall in Tel Aviv in the very room where the modern Jewish State of Israel was declared by David Ben Gurion on May 14th, 1948 The Federation formed in the aftermath of World War II when a group of Scranton’s Jews decided to help rescue Jews • NEPA Federation Missions to Harrisburg (in coordination with the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition) that involved discussions with our State representatives on matters affecting our striving to escape the perils of Hitler’s ravaged Europe. Dozens of thankful refugees came to Northeast Pennsylvania Jewish communities such as senior health care issues, passage of anti-hate legislation, social security benefits, and funding Holocaust education in PA public schools to find jobs and a place to live. As other communities in Northeast Pennsylvania joined forces and shared financial • Israel Emergency Campaigns - Conducted during times of crisis in Israel (Operations Defensive Shield (2002), the Second Lebanon War (2006), Operation Cast Lead (2008-2009), resources, Federation grew into an extended family of caring volunteers. In 2000, the Scranton-Lackawanna Jewish Operation Pillar of Defense (2012) and the Stop the Sirens Campaign (2014) in Gaza Federation expanded into the Jewish communities of Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties and became the Jewish • Celebrate Israel Parades - Participation in New York’s annual Celebrate Israel Parade along NY’s 5th Avenue (the only Pennsylvania Federation that participates in this Celebration) Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania. We are now one family united in a common cause – the perpetuation of • Teen Holocaust Symposiums – For the past 30 years, these 2-day Symposiums have been held in Scranton each May and host an average of 1,400 middle and high school students Jewish life in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Israel, and in many countries around the world where Jews are vulnerable, from Northeast PA and Upstate New York schools each year – students who learn of the Holocaust through films, plays, and discussions with survivors and death camp liberators imperiled and in need. • Disaster relief efforts in Northeast Pennsylvania, Israel, the U.S. and around the world – Efforts have included fundraising for the Louisiana Flood Relief Fund (2016), Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, Harvey and Irma, earthquakes in Nepal and Haiti, as well as the Israel Wildfire Relief Campaign in northeastern Israel. • Capital grants provided to our agencies and Hebrew Schools – Federation capital grants are paid from the Federation’s unrestricted endowment fund income to cover major capital WHY…why we’re needed… repairs undertaken by our agencies including the Scranton Jewish Community Center, the Scranton Ritualarium (Mikvah), the Jewish Fellowship of Hemlock Farms Hebrew School (Lords Valley), the Jewish Heritage Connection, the Jewish Discovery Center/Chabad, Congregation Beth Israel (Honesdale) and the Scranton Hebrew Day School The Jewish Federation represents not only our communities in Northeast Pennsylvania, but it is a branch of national and international Jewish organizations. We communicate and translate the needs from these umbrella organizations • Program grants provided to our agencies and Hebrew Schools – Grants for creative and innovative programs have also been issued to Temple Israel of the Poconos (Stroudsburg), to our community and back. Our membership in the Jewish Federations of North America system fulfills our the Jewish Fellowship of Hemlock Farms (Lords Valley), Jewish Family Service of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Congregation B’nai Harim, the Scranton Jewish Community Center, the Scranton Hebrew Day School, Temple Israel (Scranton) for Family Life Education programs, and other NEPA Jewish agencies responsibility for offering a dedicated and responsible connection to Klal Yisroel…our Jewish brethren worldwide. It is truly the parliament of the Jewish communities of Northeast PA, and its Board of Trustees reflects this. Community Relations (CRC) initiatives - CRC initiatives have included the development and coordination of Letters to the Editors of local and regional public newspapers in support of Israel and Israeli actions during times of war; hosting community rallies in support of Israel; arranging private meetings on political and economic matters between visiting Israeli officials and state and federal-elected representatives, participating in radio talk shows involving Israel (during Israel emergency situations), featuring seminars on Israel-related subjects at local universities (Marywood University) and synagogues, sponsoring Buy Israel Goods Day each March 30th, publishing pro-Israel editorials and articles in NEPA general circulation newspapers countering any pro-BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) letters published, Jewish and general community support for Israel through community lectures HOW…how you can help… on “Textbook Bias in America” & “Machal” - U.S. and Canadian volunteers who contributed to the birth of the modern State of Israel The Federation provides opportunities to volunteer and participate in many arenas. Give of your valuable time for a • Co-sponsorship of programs with our affiliated agencies in the Poconos - including co-sponsoring Men’s Club programs with the Jewish Fellowship of Hemlock Farms (Lords Valley) one-time or ongoing volunteer experience. Have your voice heard by considering being active on one of our many and the Jewish Resource Center (JRC) in Stroudsburg …in addition to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Artists Street Fair (Stroudsburg); the Matisyahu “Festival of Light” Concert at the Federation committees (from disaster relief programs like Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina to emergencies involving the Sherman Theater (Stroudsburg), and the Poconos Musical Tribute Evening – “From Shtetl to Broadway to Israel - A Celebration of Jewish Peoplehood” at Stroudsburg High School survival of the State of Israel; from community relations to UJA to a wide variety of Federation-sponsored programs, • OU Job and Relocation Fair - Financial support for NEPA Jewish Federation participation in the NY-based OU Job and Relocation Fair designed to attract Jewish families and business and the raising and allocating of funds to over 15 local and regional educational, social service, recreational and persons to our region cultural organizations and agencies that comprise the organized Jewish communities of our region. • Co-sponsorship of programs for Purim, Chanukah, Teen Leadership trips to Israel, Kristallnacht and Yom HaShoah (Israel Independence Day) with the Jewish Community Center in Scranton Your Campaign contributions allow Federation to respond to the many service and programming needs in our • Sponsorship of goodwill programs including Breast Cancer Awareness Programs and Tzedakah Tzeason (the collection of warm winter coats for the needy) and Koshertroops.com – providing Chanukah gift baskets for Jewish soldiers in the armed forces community, the U.S., Israel and worldwide. Our Mission is to build community, and each person who gives of their time as a volunteer or donates money, contributes immensely to that goal. • Innovative programs designed for community outreach including the Women’s Art Program – Spirited Art; The Great Escape and funding for PJ Library • Planning - Conducting research on Jewish demographics in Pike, Wayne, Monroe and Lackawanna counties and sharing the data with Federation’s agencies • Security seminars relating to anti-Semitic threats and vandalism to Jewish summer camps in the Poconos Your involvement makes us strong. The Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania has earned a reputation as a trusted, effective Jewish charity that makes a significant impact on our region. Your support through our annual UJA Campaign and/or through the establishment of a Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (P.A.C.E.) Fund sustains a caring, compassionate community that unites in good times or bad to take care of each other and to celebrate Jewish life together. 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 • (570)961-2300 • www.jewishnepa.org 12 THE REPORTER ■ SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 Here’s some savory for Sukkot if you’ve had enough sweet stuff at the New Year BY MEGAN WOLF 2 English cucumbers, 3 Tbsp. olive oil (JTA) – So much at the Jewish New Year is sweet – washed and quartered 2 Tbsp. hot water first fruits, honey, honey cake. By the time Sukkot rolls 2 cups cherry tomatoes, 2 large bunch broccoli, around, we’re often looking for something savory to washed and quartered washed with ends removed offset it all. In a small bowl, whisk Kosher salt to taste Regardless of the time of year, we have some favorites tahini, lemon juice and hot In a blender, combine in our house. One is smoked salmon with cream cheese water, season to taste with garlic with olive oil and hot and vegetables on an everything bagel. This menu is a salt. water until well mixed and riff on that very dish, but with a lighter and healthier In a large bowl, combine the garlic chopped. take on the very foods that make the flavors so delicious. vegetables and toss to mix Place broccoli in a large For a time saver, the fish can be crusted ahead of the tahini mixture. Plate the saute pan over medium heat, Ten Garlic Broccoli Rabe time and set, covered, in the fridge. This salmon is also tahini salad first followed Creamy Tahini Salad then pour garlic oil mixture (Photo by Megan Wolf) delicious served cold the next day. by a piece of salmon. Top (Photo by Megan Wolf) on top. Cook until the broc- Everything bagel spices are now sold commercially, each plate with leftover coli is just cooked through and tender, but still bright but they are also very easy everything bagel mix. green, about 4-5 minutes. (You may loosely cover the to make at home. TEN GARLIC BROCCOLI RABE pan to help the steaming process.) The liquid will have EVERYTHING BAGEL 10 cloves garlic, peeled evaporated. CRUSTED SALMON 1 tsp. poppy seeds 1 tsp. sesame seeds Continued from page 7 1½ tsp. kosher salt Inclusion 1½ tsp. dried garlic change the way that we look at people with disabilities.” youth. “We all had an amazing connection throughout the 1½ tsp. dried onion Aliyan also became a mentor to a 16-year-old girl, course. We worked well together and learned a lot from ½ tsp. red pepper flakes, who is blind and has cerebral palsy, at Ilanot, a school each other. In the end, we realized that our differences optional for children with severe disabilities in western Jerusalem. weren’t so drastic, and we had more in common than Everything Bagel Crusted 4 5-6-ounce salmon filets Although the girl is from Beit Safafa, Aliyan had never we could have ever expected,” says Aliyan. Salmon (Photo by Megan 2 Tbsp. olive oil crossed paths with her prior to meeting her at Ilanot. While Jewish-Arab friendships remain taboo through- Mix the spice ingredients Wolf) Aliyan’s interactions with individuals with disabilities out much of Israeli and Palestinian society, personal together in a small bowl and in her own community inspired her to create her own experiences can prove lasting and powerful. They can crust each piece of salmon with the spice mix. project, which would partially integrate Ilanot students be used as a tool to chip away at a status quo steeped in Heat half the olive oil in a skillet over medium into Beit Safafa public schools in an effort to bring the conflict and tension, and make way for a brighter future. heat, then cook 2 pieces of salmon skin side down community’s children together. “I come into class and For Ono’s disability studies students, those experiences for about 3 minutes, flip and cook on the seeded my students are all so excited to see me – to see someone have changed how the young participants view each side another 5 minutes or so until cooked through who knows them and who accepts them. Our connections other and reshaped their worldview. to your liking. Repeat with the other 2 two pieces are real and mutual, and I have realized that there isn’t “I grew up in Beit Safafa right next to the Jewish of fish. Set aside. much of a difference between us after all,” she relates. neighborhood of Gilo,” explains Aliyan. “While Jews CREAMY TAHINI SALAD While working to promote disability inclusion and and Arabs live side by side every day, we don’t get to ¼ cup tahini education in her community, Aliyan also became friends know each other and don’t really see each other as full 2 lemons, juiced with many of the Jewish students who collaborated with people. Having experiences like this opens your eyes for 2 Tbsp. hot water her on the Beit Safafa project, realizing that they were also the first time. There is just so much there that you didn’t Salt to taste not nearly as different as she had been led to believe in her see before. But once you see it, it changes you forever.” SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 13 14 THE REPORTER ■ SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 Campaign Continued from page 5 services tailored to the needs of the Ethiopian community. ‹‹ Machon Le’Madrichim trains Jewish counselors of in communities around Israel. The other six house immigrants from around the world Zionist youth movements around the world to give them ‹‹ Youth Villages provide safe, cost-effective boarding – primarily the FSU, North America, South America, tools for conducting educational, Zionist programs in school settings for almost 1,000 young people ages Europe and the Middle East. their home communities when they return to them. It 12-18 with severe emotional, behavioral and family ‹‹ Rescue – The Jewish Agency’s aliyah infrastructure was founded in 1946 by the World Zionist Organization. problems. The four Jewish Agency Youth Villages help brings Jews suffering persecution or economic distress Traditionally, thousands of alumni from South America, them succeed in and complete high school and enter the to Israel. the United States, South Africa, Australia, North Africa Israeli army with their peers. ‹‹ Centers for Young Adults provide ulpan classes, ac- and Europe participate in the program annually. ‹‹ Project TEN brings together young Israelis and their commodations and a range of services to ease absorption ‹‹ Na’ale allows Jewish teenagers from the Diaspora to Jewish peers from across the globe to work on sustainable for olim ages 18-35. These Centers include Beit Brodetzky study and earn a high school diploma in Israel. Students projects in developing regions. in Tel Aviv; Ulpan Kinneret in Tiberias for high school start the program in ninth or 10th grade and graduate after ‹‹ Derech Eretz is an army preparatory program for graduates looking for job or army preparation; kibbutz the 12th grade with a full Israeli matriculation certificate. young people from Israel’s outlying regions with few ulpans which combine Hebrew instruction with volunteer During the first year, students follow an intensive Hebrew educational or professional opportunities. The program work on 10 different kibbutzim; and the Ulpan Etzion language program so that by the end of their first year helps launch them on a path of engaged citizenship and network for college graduates and young professionals. they are able to speak, read and write in Hebrew. The lifelong success. ‹‹ Ulpans (intensive Hebrew language programs) are program is fully subsidized by the Israeli government. ‹‹ Kol Ami is an army group that brings together Israeli arranged for new immigrants include five hours of im- The Na’ale scholarship includes fully subsidized tuition, and Diaspora Jews and delves into issues of Jewish mersive language instruction, five days a week for five a free air ticket to Israel, room and board, health insur- peoplehood and Israel engagement. months. The programs are offered free of charge to all ance, trips and extracurricular activities. Na’ale offers ‹‹ Young Communities are groups of idealistic young new immigrants. Ulpan instructors are certified by the different types of schools all over Israel for candidates Israelis who commit to settling long-term in Israel’s high- Ministry of Education. to choose from, including secular, national religious, need areas and creating social development programs ‹‹ TAKA combines ulpan studies with pre-academic ultra-Orthodox, kibbutz and urban boarding schools. that increase local quality of life. The Jewish Agency preparatory courses for immigrants headed to Israeli ‹‹ Israel Fellows to Hillel involves Israeli young adults provides program grants and professional expertise, and, colleges who wish to polish their skills. who have completed army service and university study. in some cases, helps the groups build self-sustaining ‹‹ Wings encompasses an array of services including The Campus Fellows travel for two years to North Amer- social-entrepreneurship enterprises. practical guidance and personal mentorship for young ican university campuses with the goal of empowering ‹‹ NET@ gives high-performing teenagers an oppor- immigrants who join the Israel Defense Force as lone student leadership and promoting positive engagement tunity to rise above their families’ socio-economic soldiers far from their families. with Israel. The aims of the Israel Fellow program are backgrounds by training them in marketable computer ISRAEL EXPERIENCES to “create an ongoing Israel presence for Jewish stu- skills, leading to certification as computer and network The Jewish Agency’s Israel Experience programs dents and the broader community, partner with student technicians through Cisco Systems. The program is in bring thousands of young Jews from around the globe organizations, campus study abroad offices, Jewish and addition to the participants’ high school course load and to Israel to get to know the country and to deepen their Israel studies departments, local Jewish Federations, also increases their English comprehension skills. Jewish identities. These programs include: Israeli consulates and Jewish Community Centers and ‹‹ Loan Funds assist entrepreneurs and business owners ‹‹ Taglit-Birthright Israel, which provides 10-day educa- to follow through with Taglit-Birthright trip alumni via in Israel to open or expand their businesses through tional trips to Israel for Jews ages 18-26 from around the one-on-one meetings and special programs and events JAFI loans with highly attractive conditions. The Jewish world, completely free of charge. The Jewish Agency is the to keep them active and to encourage them to continue Agency acts as a partial guarantor for the loans to support largest organizational partner in this initiative and is directly their Jewish journeys while in college.” Last year, 90 those businesses that otherwise would have a difficult involved in bringing thousands of Jewish participants on Israel Fellows were sent to campuses in North America, time qualifying for loans or presenting the necessary Taglit-Birthright each year with a special focus on facilitating South America, and other regions. collateral for them. Taglit-Birthright experiences and related programming for ‹‹ Shlichim (Jewish Agency “emissaries”) are active in EMERGENCY PROJECTS communities in need and for Russian-speaking Jews in the communal organizations, Jewish schools, community During the 2006 Lebanon War, the Jewish Agency former Soviet Union and Germany. centers, synagogues and youth movements. There are also moved 50,000 children from northern Israel to 50 residen- ‹‹ Onward Israel was created by the Jewish Agency summer shlichim who serve in Jewish summer camps. tial camps out of rocket range, and 12,000 children went and organizes six-10-week professional internships in They serve as a central resource for Israel education in to Jewish Agency-equipped camp-style day cares held in Israel for students and young professionals who have local communities. Last year, the Jewish Agency sent community centers. After a number of absorption centers previously visited Israel on Taglit-Birthright or another 1,570 short-term emissaries to summer camps and 383 were hit by rockets, the Jewish Agency moved 2,100 new group tour. Participants come in groups, all from the long-term emissaries to countries around the world. immigrants to safety and distributed 2,700 bomb shelter same community or organization. ‹‹ Programs for Russian-speaking Jewry – Almost three kits, as well. It also established a micro-business loan ‹‹ Masa Israel is an organization founded in 2004 by decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union only an fund in the north to boost the local economy. the government of Israel’s Office of the Prime Minister estimated 20 percent of the 800,000 Jews across the broad During the Israel-Gaza War of 2008-09 (Operation Cast together with the Jewish Agency. It includes a portfo- expanse of what is now the FSU are meaningfully en- Lead), more than 12,000 children enjoyed respite activities; lio of more than 200 programs in Israel for Jews aged gaged in Jewish life. Around the world, Russian-speaking 300 educators were trained by the Jewish Agency to work 18-30 including study programs, service programs and Jews are estimated to comprise more than three million with children living through trauma during that conflict; career development – programs which include academic people, but their participation in local “mainstream” supplemental educational activities were offered to more semesters, internships, teaching fellowships, volunteer Jewish communities is exceedingly low. JAFI, therefore, than 2,000 students; an S.O.S. Emergency Fund for Victims programs, gap-year programs, high-tech career devel- runs programs for them (in the former Soviet Union, of Terror was established to help more than 200 people opment tracks and pre-aliyah programs. Programs last North America, Germany, Australia and Israel) that fall whose lives were directly affected by the rocket attacks. In from two-12 months. It sponsors more than 10,000 into four strategic areas of priority: (1) camping, youth addition,100 bomb shelters were renovated in the region participants per year. Masa provides significant schol- education and counselor training (2) leadership training during Operation Cast Lead and 500 more were added during arships to participants, performs high-impact outreach, (3) visits to Israel and (4) the facilitation of aliyah from the Israel-Gaza War of 2014 (Operation Protective Edge). and operates alumni activities. the former Soviet Union and Germany. During Operation Protective Edge, the Jewish Agency ‹‹ Israel Tech Challenge is a partnership between the ‹‹ FSU Summer and Winter Camps introduce young arranged for children from Israeli areas in the line of fire Jewish Agency, the Government of Israel’s National Russian-speaking Jews in the former Soviet Union to to enjoy “days of respite” for fun activities in regions Cyber Bureau and other partners and donors. It offers their Jewish heritage. Staffed by trained local counselors less likely to experience air raids. According to the or- trips to Israel of varying lengths for students and young and Russian-speaking Israeli counselors, participants ganization’s Annual Report, they provided 73,500 such professionals (aged 18-30) with knowledge in the field are introduced to Jewish history, Jewish customs and experiences. Additionally, they provided 2,000 hours of of computer science and programming. The programs practices and Israel. The camps are followed up by year- therapy for new immigrants, mental health intervention offer visits with Israeli hi-tech professionals and academ- round Jewish educational activities. and financial support to 340 “lone soldiers,” gave 120 ics, along with experience or training in coding, cyber ‹‹ Partnership2Gether or P2G (previously known as grants from the Fund for the Victims of Terror, and dis- security and/or data science. Partnership 2000) connects some 550 communities tributed 1,300 scholarships in March 2015 to students around the world in 45 partnerships. who lived close to the Gaza border. ‹‹ The Global School Twinning Network connects During the spring and summer of 2018, the Jewish schools in Israel to Jewish schools around the world Agency received $500,000 from the Jewish Federations usually as part of a P2G partnership. Students share of North America to help relieve suffering in southern projects and communicate via Skype and Facebook. Israel caused by Hamas’ “kite arson” attacks and to Last year, the Network included 1,200 schools serving provide trauma counseling and support for a growing about 78,000 children and teens. number of Israelis who have been impacted by increased ‹‹ The Jewish People Policy Institute was established strife along the Gazan border. The funding will allow in 2002 by JAFI as an independent professional policy hundreds of children from Israel’s southern border com- planning think tank to promote the identity, culture, munities to participate in the Jewish Agency’s Summer prosperity and continuity of the Jewish People. Every Respite Camp which offers children a reprieve from year, Jewish leaders participate in JPPI’s conferences and their daily hardships. JAFI grants were also made to meetings that forecast the Jewish condition. Participants local organizations to purchase critical equipment such have included Dennis Ross, Shimon Peres, Natan Sha- as radio transmitters and fire carts, to bring experienced ransky, Malcolm Hoenlein and Tzipi Livni. The Institute volunteer American firefighters to Israel, and to support conducts meetings, publishes reports and position papers trauma counseling for the most vulnerable. and produces contingency plans that help the development Your gift to our 2019 UJA Campaign will cover of Jewish communities around the world. services like these and more, and in so doing will send ‹‹ Jewish Social Action – An integral part of JAFI’s a message to our people here, in Israel and throughout mission is to assist populations in need in Israel and the world that we are with them. around the world. For thousands of years, we have been a people bound ‹‹ Youth Futures is a JAFI-sponsored community-based together in values and beliefs, in dreams, in heritage initiative for mentoring at-risk pre-teens and adolescents. and in destiny. Only by remaining that way will we, the Last year, approximately 800 trained Youth Futures staff Jewish people, continue to thrive. members worked with 15,000 students and their families Am Yisroel chai. SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 15 Tiny Russian village dreams of starting its own Jewish pilgrimage tradition BY CNAAN LIPHSHIZ investment in infrastructure with the aim of cultivating LYUBAVICHI, Russia (JTA) – At the age of 92, an unlikely source of income: Western tourism. Valentina Prilashkevitch and her twin sister, Claudia, The Prilashkevitch sisters, for their part, are about to need to cautiously negotiate the dirt road leading to their have their street paved for the first time since the village wooden home in this tiny village near the Belarus border. was established. The reason? It leads to an ancient Jewish In winter, frost could easily mean a broken hip for the cemetery. “It is all thanks to the Jews,” said Valentina twins. The risk of falling returns in summer, when the Prilashkevitch’s grandson, Sergey Levashov. swampy earth turns to soft powder. Standing shirtless amid the chickens roaming his Asphalt is one of many basic amenities missing from grandmother’s yard, he said, “I think it’s a very good that this horsefly-infested village of 200. Its dilapidated houses this place is beginning to become known internationally lack electricity, running water, central heating, indoor toi- for its tradition of coexistence with the Jews. More good lets and a steady supply of cooking gas. Some members things can come to us for it.” of the graying population here are so poor that they still More good things are already happening to Lyubavi- use horse-drawn vehicles and rely on backyard farming chi, according to Yuri Ivashkin, the mayor of the district for sustenance. But things are beginning to turn around where the village is located. “A deal to lay down cooking for Prilashkevitch and her neighbors because their village gas pipes was signed this summer, there’s a new hotel Rabbi Jehoshua Raskin shared a ride with other is the cradle and namesake of Chabad-Lubavitch – con- that’s about to be built here. Come back in five years. visitors to Lyubavichi, Russia, on August 26. (Photo sidered one of the largest and most influential Chasidic You won’t recognize this place,” he told JTA. by Cnaan Liphshiz) movements in Judaism. Ivashkin, who lives in the nearby city of Rudnya, came In recent years, the village has started to attract to Lyubavichi on September 2 to attend the dedication of is called Hatzer Raboteinu Nesieinu Belubavitch. That hundreds of visitors every month, prompting the local a fence around another Jewish cemetery. It contains the fenced compound, where in 2016 about 500 Chabad authorities to undertake what in local terms is a massive remains of two 19th-century rabbis, Menachem Mendel rabbis from across the former Soviet Union convened for Schneersohn and Shmuel Schneersohn – respectively a conference, is located in a part of Lyubavichi where the the third and the fourth sages of the Chabad movement, town’s Chabad sages had once lived with their families which was based here for a century before World War and disciples. I. Chabad has only had seven supreme spiritual leaders. Lyubavichi was founded approximately 500 years ago, The fencing was a preservation project headed by the according to some accounts, by a Rabbi Meir who named it European Jewish Cemeteries Initiative, or ESJF. The in reference to his people’s love (“lyubov” in Russian) of God. nonprofit organization has completed similar projects For Jews in czarist Russia, it was prime real estate because in 102 cemeteries across Eastern Europe with funding it was one of the points closest to Moscow within the Pale from the German government. “Initiatives like these of Settlement – the western provinces to which Jews were are vital because of neglect, economic and agricultural restricted until the communist revolution of 1917. development, and vandalism,” said Rabbi Isaac Schapira, Hundreds of them settled in Lyubavichi, which became the founder and chairman of the ESJF board. Separately, a major shtetl – Yiddish for a predominantly Jewish town. Chabad has undertaken another project at the cemetery – In the early 19th century, Lyubavichi became home to to pull up headstones swallowed by the marshy ground. Dovber Schneuri – Chabad’s second supreme spiritual While the cemetery certainly attracts some pilgrims, leader, or admor. He turned Lyubavichi into a hub of District Mayor Yuri Ivashkin, center, and his employees the real engine behind the growth in Jewish tourism is Jewish learning. Jews from across Eastern Europe would stand outside a Jewish cemetery in Lyubavichi, Russia, Chabad’s 2008 opening of an information center. About come to seek advice and guidance, many of them settling on August 26. (Photo by Cnaan Liphshiz) 12 people are based permanently at the center, which See “Village” on page 16

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ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 16 THE REPORTER ■ SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 Village Continued from page 15 to join the hard core of the Chabad movement, according Today, the 70-year-old Raskin travels across Russia and residents resent the local pilgrimage and the crowds, noise to the late historian Moshe Tzinovitch, who published beyond giving lectures about Judaism to far-flung Jewish and even crime that it brings. an essay about the town’s history in 1943. communities. “I am brought in to give strength to commu- Uman has seen several protests featuring antisemitic But Chabad followers fled the town in World War I nities from Brazil to Australia,” he said on the six-hour car rhetoric in recent years, as well as agitation by the xe- as the German army advanced on it. Hundreds of Jews ride from Moscow to the fence-dedication ceremony, which nophobic far right. This hostility is exacerbated by some remained in the interwar period until the Nazis killed he said he decided to join at the spur of the moment when rowdy Jewish visitors, but it is unfolding amid a dramatic them in 1941. The center of the movement shifted from a friend told him about it. “Lyubavichi is where I draw that increase in nationalism and antisemitic incidents in Ukraine Russia to Poland and, following World War II, to the energy. I come whenever I can.” following a 2014 revolution in which the far right played United States. But even with devotees like Raskin, the number of a “prominent” role. Few Jews visited this place under communism, when visitors here is a fraction of the traffic to the site of -Eu By contrast, Lyubavichi has seen almost no anti-Jewish it was behind the Iron Curtain. But the visitors began rope’s largest Chasidic pilgrimage: the Ukrainian city agitation. Earlier in August, antisemitic graffiti appeared trickling in during the early 1990s. By 2000, the town of Uman, located 500 mile south of Lyubavichi. About on the external wall of the Chabad compound here. But was seeing dozens of visitors each month. Since then, the 30,000 visitors, mostly from Israel, arrive in Uman each Ivashkin said the suspect in that incident was a man number of visitors to Lyubavichi has climbed to about year on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, to visit from the city of Murmansk, hundreds of miles north of 10,000 annually, according to Gavriel Gordon, a Chabad the grave of Rabbi Nachman, an 18th-century luminary Lyubavichi. rabbi tasked with preserving the movement’s heritage who founded the Breslov Chasidic movement. Russian authorities are quick to punish perpetrators sites. Gordon said plans are underway to restore, based But whereas Uman is an established destination, Ly- of antisemitic hate crimes. Chabad leaders enjoy a high on archived maps, a part of the original shtetl, whose ubavichi has yet to realize its potential, said Ivashkin, the degree of access to Putin, and under him have become houses were taken apart and used for construction during district mayor. “I know Uman. There is no reason why the undisputed leading force in Jewish communal life communism. Lyubavichi shouldn’t match and surmount it in terms of in Russia. For now, though, the most authentic characteristic of attracting Jewish tourism,” he said. “There are certainly challenges attached to making a shtetl life seems to be the horse-drawn carriages used Ivashkin’s favorable attitude to Jewish tourism – a place like Lyubavichi a major site for pilgrimage,” said by some of the villagers. They regularly come out to common approach by officials in Russia under President Gordon, the Chabad caretaker. “But it can make a huge greet large groups of Jews, offering short rides and selfie Vladimir Putin – is in and of itself a major difference to the contribution to the spirituality of the Jewish people, and to moments for tips. one prevalent in Uman, where many of the city’s 70,000 the material situation of this very poor village.” In recent years the village changed the names of some of its roads to highlight its Jewish heritage. The main road is now called Derech Lubavitch, Hebrew for Lubavitch Way. Another is now Chabad Street. The Prilashkevitch twins live on Schneersohn Road, carrying the last name of five generations of Chabad leaders. Some of the village’s houses boast a fresh coat of paint, including bright yellow, pink and green – a common At right: Visitors scheme in Belarus and western Russia. But even newly explored one of the painted houses here are so old and poorly maintained Jewish cemeteries that they lean outward at strange angles, seemingly in Lyubavichi, ready to collapse. Russia, on August The residents collect water in buckets from faucets, 26. (Photo by or water points, on main roads. Cnaan Liphshiz) Many of the visitors to Lyubavichi today are devoted Chabadniks. One is Jehoshua Raskin. The Russia-born rabbi moved to Israel in 1967, only to return to Russia after communism to “make Judaism great again” there, as he put it. He has one son serving as an emissary of Chabad in Uganda, another in Cyprus and a third in Budapest. SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 17 BOOK REVIEW The etrog and changing Jewish customs BY RABBI RACHEL ESSERMAN available during that time period. Plus, the etrog tree oranges, grapefruit, limes, lemons, pomelos, pomegran- Among the requirements for celebrating Sukkot produces fruit through the complete yearly growing cycle ates, peppers, eggplants, and even etrogim handing in are waving the lulav and etrog. This ritual is common and, once picked, it dries rather than rots. Samaritan sukkot.” knowledge for anyone who observes the holiday and The author notes that the etrog is not mentioned Moster outlines three developments that occurred many believe this practice has remained the same from in the Bible as one of the fruits of the land of Israel. during Second Temple times that explain why the biblical to contemporary times. That last statement When it arrived, it was seen as the fruit of the ruling phrase per ‘es hadar came to mean the etrog. (The is not historically true, though, at least according to class. It also stood out for other reasons: “It was bright following is an over simplistic version of his thought, David Moster’s fascinating “Etrog: How a Chinese and true yellow, which was rare in the land, and mys- which is best read in detail.) He believes the change Fruit Became a Jewish Symbol” (Palgrave Macmillan). teriously not grown for consumption. It had a fragrant in observance began when religious leaders decided While the prose of this short (fewer than 140 pages) citrus aroma that smelled like nothing else.” The etrog that written texts would now offer the only correct work is a bit dry, the material offered will intrigue those needed irrigation to grow, unlike native fruits, and, instruction to serve God. That meant the use of per interested in biblical commentary, Jewish history and if there was not sufficient rain, the crop would fail. ‘es hadar in Leviticus had to reconciled with the Hebrew grammar. Moster ties the idea of rainfall to Sukkot because, observance of the holiday in the biblical book of Ne- Moster focuses on two explorations: one is an at- over time, the holiday became connected to the rainy hemiah. The different customs practiced in the past tempt to discover the real meaning of the phrase per ‘es season. He notes that, in Second Temple times, it was were seen as irrelevant. hadar, which is found in Leviticus 23:40 and describes thought that neglecting to celebrate Sukkot would These same religious leaders also thought that the the holiday, while the second looks at how and when lead to a drought. written text contained hidden messages from God and the etrog traveled from China to the Middle East. The The fact that the etrog did not arrive until such a late would no longer accept the simple meaning of the author also offers a hypothesis as to why the etrog was time period creates even more difficulties when attempt- words as the final answer on religious practices. With chosen as a symbol of the celebration. Noting that the ing to understand what per ‘es hadar actually means. the ascendance of the ancient rabbis and halachah (le- phrase per ‘es hadar is ambiguous, Moster explains Moster outlines the many different possibilities offered gal rulings), religious practice began to be regulated; how commentators have translated it as either “the by commentators over the ages. His book includes di- that included strict measurements and regulations for fruit of a beautiful tree” or “the beautiful fruit of any agrams showing alternative ways of understanding the what would qualify as a sukkah, and the correct hidden tree.” The Hebrew phrase, though, does not specify a specific grammar of the phrase and a wonderful graphic interpretations of phrases. Moster notes, “The restric- particular fruit or tree. Since the etrog is not indigenous organizer that outlines all the different possibilities tive nature of [halachah] allowed for the limitation of to Israel, he believes that, even if the phrase in Leviticus depending on how you answer a specific question. Mo- per ‘es hadar to the etrog and no other fruit. It did not is referring to a specific fruit, it could not have been ster’s own interpretation – that it should be translated matter that Sukkot was originally meant to celebrate the referring to the etrog. That fruit did not arrive in the as “choice fruit trees,” meaning those that were ripe at summer fruit harvest, which included grapes, figs, dates, land of Israel until after 539 B.C.E., when the Persian that time – is convincing particularly when added to his pomegranates, and olives. Those fruits were no longer Empire conquered the Babylonian one. historical analysis of how Sukkot came to be celebrated relevant because the phrase per ‘es hadar no longer Citrus fruits were originally native to China and with the etrog. meant ‘choice tree-fruit’; it now meant ‘the beautiful Moster believes the etrog’s “center of origin” was in To support his theory, Moster looks at Jewish, Sa- tree-fruit,’ that is, the etrog alone.” Yunnan. From there, he traces its appearance in India, maritan and Christian uses of religious symbols. While “Etrog: How a Chinese Fruit Became a Jewish Sym- where it became used in medicine and served as a fertil- the lulav and etrog are frequently found in Jewish reli- bol” challenges readers to look differently at the biblical ity symbol for Buddhist and Hindu religions. After the gious mosaics, they were not included in Samaritan and text and the development of Jewish customs. Moster Persians conquered part of India, they brought the fruit Christian ones. The Samaritans also celebrated Sukkot does an excellent job discussing the topic and offers an to their homeland and planted it in “paradise gardens.” differently. Moster writes, “To this day, Samaritans build easy-to-understand look at the complexities of Hebrew They created the same type of gardens throughout their their sukkot out of dozens of different hanging fruits and grammar. This book would be a welcome addition to the empire, including the land of Israel, and the etrog proved vegetables, choosing the most ripe and beautiful ones bookshelf of anyone curious about how Judaism evolved popular. Part of its appeal was that few citrus fruits were as the per ‘es hadar. It is common to see apples, pears, from biblical to contemporary times.

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 18 THE REPORTER ■ SEPTEMBER 20, 2018

September 2018

Feature Films *A Tale of Love and Darkness - Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman directs and stars in the emotional and thought-provoking story about Fania, a young wife and mother in war-torn Jerusalem, during the early years of the State of Israel. Stifled in her relationship and weary from the tedium of her new life, Fania creates fantastical stories for Amos, her 10-year-old son, amazing him with tales of adventure and beauty— stories that would influence the boy to become a writer himself. Based on the international best-selling memoir by Amos Oz. Denial - Based on the acclaimed book Denial: Holocaust History on Trial, Denial recounts Deborah E. Lipstadt’s legal battle for historical truth against David Irving (BAFTA nominee Timothy Spall), who accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust denier. In the English legal system, in cases of libel, the burden of proof is on the defendant, therefore it was up to Lipstadt and her legal team, led by Richard Rampton, to prove the essential truth that the Holocaust occurred. *Fanny’s Journey- In 1943, 13-year old Fanny and her younger sisters were sent from their home in France to an Italian foster home for Jewish children. When Nazis came to Italy, their caretakers organized the departure of the children to Switzerland. Based on a true story. Hidden in Silence- During the Nazi occupation of Poland,Catholic teenage Stefania Podgorska chooses the role of a savior and sneaks 13 Jewish into her attic. *Loving Leah: A Hallmark Hall of Fame Classic - A handsome Washington, D.C. doctor and a young New York woman fall in love at an unusual time...after they get married. Leah Lever is married to an Orthodox rabbi, Benjamin Lever, whose brother, Jake, is a successful cardiologist and a non-practicing Jew. Jake is stunned when Benjamin dies suddenly, but not as stunned as when he is told that, under an ancient Jewish Law, he is expected to marry the childless Leah to carry on Benjamin’s name. The only alternative is to go through a ceremony where Jake must deny his brother’s existence. For Jake, that’s unthinkable, so impulsively he suggests to Leah that they get married and maintain a secretly platonic relationship. Eager to pursue her own dreams, Leah gladly accepts. Their oversimplified plan to live separate lives under the same roof proves challenging when Leah’s suspicious mother shows up unexpectedly. The harder they try to disguise their “pretend” marriage, the more their appreciation for each other’s worlds grows - and out of understanding, a real love develops. Loving Leah is a heart-warming story. Munich - Inspired by real events, Munich reveal the intense story of the secret Israeli squad assign to track down and assassinate the 121 Palestinians believed to have planned the 1972 Munich massacre of 11 Israeli athletes. ( The Jewish Film Library also owns the movie “Twenty One Hours in Munich” about the massacre at the Olympics). Music Box - In this intense, courtroom thriller, Chicago attorney Ann Talbot agrees to defend her Hungarian immigrant father Mike Laszlo against accusations of heinous war crimes committed 50 years earlier. *Norman - Norman Oppenheimer (Richard Gere) lives a lonely life in the margins of New York City power and money, and strives to be everyone’s friend. His incessant networking leads him nowhere until he ends up befriending a young but charismatic politician, Micha Eshel at a low point in his life. Three years later, the politician becomes the Prime Minister of Israel. Norman uses Eshel’s name to leverage his biggest deal ever: a series of quid pro quo transactions linking the Prime Minister to Norman’s nephew ,a rabbi, a mogul, his assistant and a treasury official from the Ivory Coast. Norman’s plans soon go awry, creating the potential for an international catastrophe he must struggle to prevent. Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer is a comedic and compassionate drama of a man whose downfall is rooted in a human frailty all too easy to forgive—a need to matter. Remember - Remember is the suspense-filled story of Zev, an Auschwitz survivor who discovers that the Nazi guard who murdered his family some seventy years ago is living in America under an assumed name. The Devil’s Arithmetic - Sixteen year old Hanna Stern was a typical American teenager who ignores her family’s heritage until a mystical Passover seder takes her back in time to German-occupied Poland on an emotional journey of life, death and survival. The Impossible Spy - The story of the life and death of Israel’s most celebrated spy, Elie Cohen. *The Last Butterfly -This World War II drama stars Tom Courtenay as the famous French Mime Antoine Moreau. Ordered by the Nazis to provide ‘the greatest show of his life’ for use as propoganda showing the kinder side of the Nazis as the war draws to a close, Moreau decides to risk everything to tell the world the real truth behind this monumental lie, and although as a mime he is pledged to keep his lips sealed, his voice must be heard. *The Women’s Balcony - Discover Israel’s #1 film of the year! An accident during a Bar Mitzvah celebration leads to a gender rift in a devout community in Jerusalem. *The Wedding Plan - A poignant and funny romantic comedy about love, marriage and faith in life’s infinite possibilities. *The Zookeeper’s Wife - In 1939 Poland, Antonina Zabinska (two-time Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain) and her husband successfully run the Warsaw Zoo and raise their family in an idyllic existence. Their world is overturned, however, when the country is invaded by the Nazis and they are forced to report to the Reich’s newly appointed zoologist (Daniel Brühl). To fight back on their own terms, the Zabinskis risk everything by covertly working with the Resistance and using the zoo’s hidden tunnels and cages to save families from Nazi brutality. Non-Feature Films Above and Beyond - In 1948, just three years after the liberation of Nazi death camps, a group of Jewish-American pilots answered a call for help. As members of Machal- “volunteers from abroad”- this ragtag band of brothers not only turned the tide of the war; they also embarked on personal journeys of discovery and renewed Jewish pride. *Body and Soul: The State of the Jewish Nation - A powerful documentary sets the record straight eloquently and comprehensively. It not only shows the undeniable historical connection between the Jewish People and the Land of Israel, but also succeeds in debunking propaganda, myths and misinformation that have become accepted as truth by many people. Follow Me - The story of the fantastic rescue at Entebbe and the loss of Yonatan Netanyahu (brother of the Prime Minister). The Jewish Film Library also owns an Israeli film about the rescue at Entebbe entitled “Operation Thunderbolt” Hava Nagila (the Movie) - Hava Nagila is a documentary romp through the history, mystery and meaning of the great Jewish standard. *I’m Still Here - Real Diaries of young people who lived during the Holocaust. Jews and Baseball (narrated by Dustin Hoffman) Israel: The Royal Tour - A delightful tour headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and travel correspondent Peter Greenberg. Nicky’s Family - The amazing story of Sir Nicholas Winton who created, on his own, a Kinder-transport in Czechoslavakia saving 669 children from the Nazi inferno. No Place on Earth - The harrowing story of Esther Stermer and her family and friends who escaped extermination by the Nazis by hiding in an underground cave is unearthed by accident when cave explorer, Chris Nicola stumbles upon remnants left behind by the cave dwellers. *Rosenwald - Rosenwald tells the incredible story of Julius Rosenwald, the son of an immigrant peddler who never finished high school, who rose to become the President of Sears. Influenced by the writings of the educator Booker T. Washington, this Jewish philanthropist joined forces with African American communities during the Jim Crow South to build 5,300 schools, providing 660,000 black children with access to education in the segregated American South. The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg *The Prime Ministers: The Pioneers and Soldiers and Peacemakers - A two disc-set based on the international best-seller by Ambassador Yehuda Avner (New films denoted with an asterisk *)

SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 19 NEWS IN BRIEF From JTA the monitor post. Lawmakers and Jewish communal organizations have chafed at the Book claiming Israel intentionally maims Palestinians wins Trump administration’s failure to name someone to the antisemitism monitor post since Donald Trump became president, citing a perceived spike in antisemitism worldwide. academic prize Under the legislation, the antisemitism monitor would be the primary adviser to the U.S. A book that claims Israel intentionally debilitates Palestinians in order to maintain government in monitoring and combating antisemitism and would not have extraneous control over them has won a prize from the National Women’s Studies Association. duties. The president must nominate a candidate for the position within 90 days of the “The Right to Maim: Debility, Capacity, Disability,” by Rutgers University professor legislation becoming law. “Tragically, antisemitism is on the rise across the globe,” Jasbir Puar, was a co-winner of the association’s 2018 Alison Piepmeier Book Prize, Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL), co-chairman of the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating which is awarded for scholarship that focuses on feminist disability studies. The book, anti-Semitism, said in a statement following the legislation’s passage in the House. published last year, argues that in addition to killing Palestinians, Israel purposefully “The bipartisan Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act reinforces maims them in order to maintain control over them. “Alongside the ‘right to kill,’ I noted our nation’s leadership in fighting this scourge by elevating the position of special a complementary logic long present in Israeli tactical calculations of settler colonial envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism to the rank of ambassador and ensuring rule — that of creating injury and maintaining Palestinian populations as perpetually that the special envoy is solely focused on this important task. ...History teaches us debilitated, and yet alive, in order to control them,” Puar wrote in the book’s introduction. that antisemitism is defeated only when it is confronted directly. The Special Envoy “The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have shown a demonstrable pattern over decades of to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act is a strong step forward as Congress seeks sparing life, of shooting to maim rather than to kill.” Duke University Press’ description to defeat global antisemitism.” The other co-chairs of the Bipartisan Congressional of “The Right to Maim” says it argues that “the Israeli state relies on liberal frameworks Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism who cosponsored the bill are Reps. Chris of disability to obscure and enable the mass debilitation of Palestinian bodies.” Puar, a Smith (R-NJ); Nita Lowey (D-NY); Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL); Eliot Engel (D-NY); professor of women’s and gender studies, is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment and Kay Granger (R-TX); Ted Deutch (D-FL); and Marc Veasey (D-TX). The legislation Sanctions movement against Israel known as BDS. She sparked controversy in 2016 by still must pass the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the full Senate. reportedly claiming in a speech that Israel harvests the organs of dead Palestinians. The Department of Women’s and Gender Studies at Rutgers congratulated Puar on the prize. Israeli judokas to participate in UAE tournament under their Tel Aviv to host 2019 Eurovision contest own flag Tel Aviv will host the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest and not Jerusalem, Israel’s capital Israeli athletes will participate in an international judo competition in the United city, the preferred site of the Israeli government. The semifinals will be held May 14 Arab Emirates under the Israeli flag and with its national anthem played at medal and 16, with the grand final on May 18, at the Expo Tel Aviv International Convention ceremonies. The announcement was made earlier in September by the International Center, both the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality and the Eurovision Song Contest announced Judo Federation. In July, the federation, known as the IJF, canceled two international on Sept. 13. Both Jerusalem and Eilat also vied to host the world’s largest live music tournaments, the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam and the Tunis Grand Prix, “until govern- event, which last year attracted 186 million television viewers. Some 20,000 tourists mental guarantee is given to ensure free and equal participation of all nations at the are expected to arrive in Tel Aviv to participate in Eurovision activities. The Israeli said events.” In 2017, five Israeli judokas won medals in Abu Dhabai, but tournament government had insisted at first on holding the contest in Jerusalem – the host country organizers refused to play Israel’s national anthem. The Israeli competitors also were typically hosts the event in its capital city – but relented on another site following the required to wear the uniform of the International Judo Federation and received their controversy over the U.S. recognition last year of the city as Israel’s capital and a sub- medals under an IJF flag. The UAE event in the capital of Abu Dhabi was reinstated sequent fear of boycotts. Israel won the right to host the 2019 Eurovision after singer after the UAE Judo Federation confirmed in an official letter sent to the IJF that all Netta Barzilai won the competition in May. Israel, which has won the contest four times, nations participating in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam will do so under equal conditions. will host for a third time, having previously staged Eurovision in Jerusalem in 1979 and “The historic decision will thus allow all nations to display their national insignia and 1999. Israel has participated in Eurovision 42 times since its first appearance in 1973. national anthem, including Israel,” the IJF statement said. “The International Judo Federation salutes the efforts of the UAE Judo Federation as well as the fair-play and House passes bill raising level of antisemitism envoy position mutual friendship and respect shown by the UAE authorities, which represent a huge to ambassador step forward in establishing and promoting peaceful relationships between all nations The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that upgrades to ambassador of the world,” the statement also said, adding that “IJF remains committed to the fight level the position of special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism at the State against any discrimination in sport and to using sport as a tool for reconciliation and Department. The Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act was promotion of peace and moral values in the world, inspiring the new generations.” authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), who helped write the 2004 law that created The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2018 will take place Oct. 27-29. P A C E Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment Your gift to the Annual Campaign DOES A WORLD OF GOOD. Endowing your gift allows you to be there for the Jewish community of NEPA forever. A Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) is a permanent fund that endows your Jewish community Annual Campaign gift as a lasting legacy. A PACE fund will continue to make an annual gift in perpetuity on your behalf. To determine the amount you need to endow your entire campaign gift, multiply your current annual gift by 20. You can fund your PACE by adding the JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA to your will, or by making the Federation a beneficiary of your IRA. All contributions to establish a PACE are tax deductible. Let your name be remembered as a blessing. Endowments can be created through a variety of vehicles, some of which do not necessitate funding during your lifetime yet still provide your estate with considerable tax benefits. They also enable you to perpetuate your commitment to the Annual Campaign in a way that best achieves your own personal financial and estate planning goals. Examples Of Ways To Fund Your Pace Gift Are: * outright contribution of cash, appreciated securities or other long-term capital gain property such as real estate * charitable remainder trust * gift of life insurance Using appreciated property, such as securities or real estate, * charitable lead trust affords you the opportunity to eliminate the income tax on the * gift of IRA or pension plan assets long-term capital gain, will in some instances generate a full * grant from your foundation income tax charitable deduction and will remove those assets * reserved life estate in your residence from your estate for estate tax purposes. * bequest

For more information contact Mark Silverberg at [email protected] or call 570-961-2300, ext. 1. ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 20 THE REPORTER ■ SEPTEMBER 20, 2018