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Enriching Lives Volume 50, No.3 March 2020 Adar - Nisan 5780

ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by0 the Jewish3 Federation2 of Reading/Berks0 Your Federation Supports: Matching donation program Jewish Education

Food Pantry Friendship Circle a great opportunity for giving Chevra By Richard Nassau Semitism, as well as cultural The result guarantees we annual campaign. Community Shabbat Federation is asking every programs such as speakers, remain a strong and vibrant Increased revenue ensures person to consider increasing the Jewish Film festival and Jewish community now and in Federation can continue Reading Jewish Film Series their gift or to make a first- more. And this is all being the future. providing cultural programs time gift to the community done with greater cooperation That is why a group of such as speakers, Jewish Film PJ Library campaign. Federation does than ever before with Reform committed donors have Festival, Literatour Berks, PJ Jewish Family Service so much for the Jewish Congregation Oheb Sholom, established a matching gift Library events and community community and the people of Kesher Zion Synagogue and pool. Every new or increased Shabbat. It allows Federation Jewish Cultural Center Berks County. Chabad-Lubavitch of Berks gift to Federation’s Community to develop services that are Lakin Holocaust Library Federation is the central County. Campaign will be matched helping fellow Jews and organization that connects all If the Federation is dollar for dollar by this confront issues like the growing & Resource Center of us — especially on issues to continue meeting the pool. The goal is to expand problem of anti-Semitism. such as helping fellow Jews growing demand for program Federation’s programs and To donate online – Israel & Overseas in need, support for Israel, opportunities and services, we services through a substantial ReadingJewishCommunity. Camp Scholarships the growing problem of anti- also need to grow the campaign. increase in Federation’s org.

Israel Trips

Jewish Community 16th Annual Yashek Lecture

High School Emergency Support What did America do to save Lakin Preschool Richard J. Yashek Lecture Jews during the Holocaust?

Transportation By Amanda J. Hornberger Drawing on previously Maimonides Society “It is a fantastic commentary unpublished letters, diaries, and on the inhumanity of our times visa records, Dobbs paints a Your Jewish Legacy that for thousands and thousands vivid picture of what it was like to of people a piece of paper with live among increasingly hostile 92ND ST Y Programs a stamp on it is the difference neighbors, waiting for “the piece Joint Distribution Committee between life and death.”— of paper with a stamp” that would Dorothy Thompson, journalist, determine their fate. He describes Meir Panim in 1938. the expulsion of these “unwanted” This year’s Richard J. Yashek German Jews to France in 1940 Annual Campaign Memorial Lecture gets at the and their continuing quest for Jewish Agency for Israel importance of American visas. And he recounts those papers, the heated debate taking place in Yemin Orde specifically the United States over whether from the United or not to admit refugees and School Education Programs States, in the national security threat from Interfaith Unity Council saving a Jewish “Fifth columnists,” both real life during the and imagined. The result is a Israel Advocacy Holocaust. “The page-turning narrative filled with Youth Events Unwanted: The memorable characters facing U.S. Response life-or-death moments that will Great Decisions Series to the Jewish resonate with readers today. “The Refugee Crisis, Michael Dobbs Unwanted” was named the 2019 Jewish Community 1938-1941” is Jewish Book Award winner in the Relations Council the title of the 16th Annual Yashek Holocaust category. Lecture, to be given by author As a foreign correspondent Community Holiday Programs Michael Dobbs on Thursday, for The Washington Post, March 26, at Albright College. Dobbs covered the collapse of Women’s Philanthropy “The Unwanted” by Dobbs communism. He has taught at Jewish Federations tells the story of Jewish families leading universities including from the village of Kippenheim Princeton, Michigan and of North America on the edge of the Black Forest. Georgetown. He is on the staff Thanks to the generous 7:30 p.m. on March 26 in the They were desperately seeking of the United States Holocaust support of Rosalye Yashek and Wachovia Theatre at Albright Counseling Services American visas to escape Nazi Memorial Museum. her daughters in memory of their College. For directions or Leo Camp Lecture Germany. Some made it to the The lecture is part of husband and father, the Richard additional information please United States, after battling our Literatour Berks series of J. Yashek Memorial Lecture call Amanda at 610-921-7214 or Shabbat B’Yachad formidable bureaucratic programs, and copies of “The is in its 16th year of bringing send an email to hrc@albright. obstacles. Some were turned Unwanted” will be available for sale distinguished scholars from edu. back. Some perished along the after the event, courtesy of Reads across the country to Albright to Please note that the Kesher way. Some were murdered in & Company, a local independent discuss Holocaust-related topics. Zion minyan will take place at Auschwitz. It is a German story bookstore and the official book The lecture is free and open 7 p.m. at Albright College on that is also an American story. vendor of Literatour Berks. to the public and begins at Thursday, March 26. Page 2 SHALOM March 2020 Why the Community Campaign? By Richard Nassau continued viability and vibrancy — and the our community campaign. However you Development Director dignity of all of its members. This includes our choose to do so, with time or dollars or a Imagine a world where sisters and brothers who may live thousands of future legacy gift, your decision is making a all people have access miles away but are no less precious to us than difference. Not just today, but for our future. to an active Jewish life, those who live next door. Our work engages In 2020, Federation will continue working where children have food people and builds community. with you to build our Jewish community. No on the table, where all Participating in a centralized campaign matter what your passion is, we are here to can age gracefully and is also a statement about Jewish values. As help you fulfill your charitable goals. Federation where Jews can live Jews, we count on the ability of individuals serves the entire community. Our programs safely. Federations across to uplift the entire collective, and we treasure and social services address a broad scope n t the country harness the our historic desire to be full participants in a of needs. resources of communities to connect people community’s welfare. Like you, we are committed to the Jewish and create this vision. When you donate to our campaign, you value of repairing the world. We believe that Federation campaigns are how Jewish are part of our community and the Jewish working together makes our community better. e communities effectively meet local needs and people. You are providing essential programs I invite you to participate in our vibrant, help Jews and, when needed, other Jewish that serve our diverse Jewish community. You thriving Jewish community. Your gift to communities no matter where they are in the are strengthening the fabric of Jewish life here Federation helps do that by connecting Jews world. Federations are able to address the in Berks County. here in Berks County and across the globe. most pressing needs and issues at a moment’s The funds we raise save lives every day. To make a donation online, go to

m notice. It may be by feeding the hungry, helping the ReadingJewishCommunity.org. In Berks County and elsewhere, unemployed, supporting families with special To discuss, confidentially, the many ways Federation’s community campaigns are needs or funding Jewish education. you can achieve your charitable goals, call me concerned with the entire community — its So thank you to every person who supports 610-921-0624. p Batya Shmueli to share her unique journey o

l of resilience from Ethiopia to Israel Come join us at the JCC the history of the Jewish people. Thursday, March 5, at 7 p.m. to Married with three children, she

e meet Batya Shmueli and learn is completing a dual Master’s how she and ImpactIsrael help degree in Israel history and Israel’s children at risk at Yemin Jewish law at Haifa University.

v Orde’s Youth Village ImpactIsrael continues Growing up on the banks to focus its support on Yemin of the Blue Nile in Ethiopia, Orde Youth Village and has Batyta’s story is one of transition expanded its national educational

e from agrarian village life to the movement, called the Village Way, fast pace of modern Israel. to all segments of Israel’s diverse Batya is responsible for society, including Jews, Arabs, finding established Israelis Druze and Bedouin, religious,

D who are willing to give their secular, and youth of all cultures time, experience and financial and countries of origin, serving resources to help children more than 2,500 educators and Annual Campaign and graduates of Yemin Orde 22,000 youth in 55 educational Youth Village. Arriving in Israel communities in Israel. Women’s Philanthropy in 1991 she and her family The traditions and values Maimonides Society lived in a caravan adjacent to of Judaism are woven into a small town in the Galilee. every aspect of life at Yemin Your Jewish Legacy After high school, she served Orde. Come meet Batya and in Israel’s Navy with an elite learn firsthand how your Jewish Chai Circle commando unit and received Federation’s financial support is a B.A. from Haifa University, helping next-generation Israelis Batya Shmueli will tell her captivating life story at a special event Thursday, March 5, L’Chaim Society at the Jewish Cultural Center in Wyomissing. where she studied teaching and improve their lives. Book of Life

Letter of Intent Thank You to United Way of Berks County The Jewish community wishes to extend its thanks to United Way of Berks County for its continuing support. Funding from United Way of Berks County helps Federation’s Jewish Family Service provide vital community programs. These include: The Jewish Family Service Food Pantry - serving 175 families each month. Transportation service subsidies - every day 5 to 10 homebound elderly or disabled people are able to maintain their DONATE NOW independence. TO OUR JFS Friendship Circle – once-a-week 20+ seniors meet for lunch, JEWISH education, and most importantly socialization. COMMUNITY Social services - over 300 people throughout the year receive CAMPAIGN counseling, case management, outreach, home and hospital visits and assistance when needed. Please visit All of these programs result because of United Way of Berks County ReadingJewishCommunity. donations. org

Make your gift Federation’s Jewish Family Service is proud to be a partner today! organization of United Way of Berks County.

March 2020 SHALOM Page 3 From the President’s Desk Staying focused on our community’s Jewish continuity

By William D. Franklin Judaism with Jews and non-Jews. He He is thrilled that the effect of “Shtisel” dinners at the JCC and expanding our President said that Jews do not have a tradition of is to educate and break down barriers Shabbat B’Yachad program. Two rabbinic living in isolation — to exist we must be between Jews so that see each other. Since Jewish education is at the core comments have been part of a community. He reflected that his And third, our Israel Book Group of Jewish continuity, Adi continues our percolating in my mind. weekly Friday night Shabbat dinners with discussed Dennis Ross’ and David high school program and will be starting The first is from Rabbi family and friends have strengthened his Makovsky’s Be Strong and of Good ‘lunch and learn’ Hebrew classes next Lord Jonathan Sachs: and his family’s connection to Judaism Courage. The book’s key message is month. “Judaism is a religion of and the Jewish community. how four Israeli prime ministers — David In addition to providing food and other continuity. It depends Second, Yehonatan Indursky, co- Ben-Gurion, Menachem Begin, Yitzchak items for children, we continue to support for its very existence creator and producer of the popular Rabin and Ariel Sharon courageously Yemin Orde and Meir Panim and our on the willingness of Israeli TV show “Shtisel,” spoke about safeguarded Israel’s security and future by Shelicha, Adi, led an effort to collect used successive generations to hand on their his Orthodox Jewish upbringing and narrowing their focus to preserving Israel Halloween costumes to send to needy faith and way of life to their children, and his experiences after leaving Yeshiva as a Jewish and democratic state to ensure Israeli children for Purim. on the loyalty of children to the heritage of Ponevezh. While many people who Jewish continuity for future generations. To ensure a dignified and rich life for their past.” The second is from the great walk away from such a strict way of As we plan for the future, we are also our seniors, Sari and Carole lead our Talmudist Adin Steinsaltz, who once life tend to expend tremendous energy focused on our community’s continuity. weekly Friendship Circle lunches with said that a Jew is not someone whose criticizing their former way of life and the Our goal continues to be ensuring that speakers and entertainers and regularly grandparents are Jewish but someone people who remain in that lifestyle, he all people have access to an active visit to counsel and keep connected with who wants his or her grandchildren to chose a different path. He continued to Jewish life, where children have food those who cannot travel. be Jewish. respect his Orthodox background, and on the table and other items they need, Unfortunately, in this time of increased We recently had three community he maintained, as best as possible, his where all can age gracefully and where anti-Semitic acts, the Federation is working events that echoed this idea. First, Mark relationships with family and friends. Jews can live safely, here, in Israel, and with our three synagogues to secure state Oppenheimer, the author of “The Newish Such connections enabled him to around the world. and federal grants to enhance security Jewish Encyclopedia” and co-producer of become a bridge in many ways between To support active Jewish lives, we are and protect our community. the podcast “Unorthodox,” spoke to us the Orthodox world and the secular world, following up on our successful Community We will not let cost be a barrier to of his experiences living and discussing helping one better understand the other. Shabbat with regular smaller Shabbat enduring rich Jewish life here in Reading. Costume drive shows the power of community By Adi Shalev about Israel. At the beginning of February, I Thanks to your generosity, the shared with you that there are at-risk drop-off box was so filled with kids in Israel whose families don’t costumes that we couldn’t close it! have the ability to buy costumes Together with the box and bags for the very colorful and fun Purim that other people gave me, we celebration. are sending to the kids in Israel a I didn’t know what to expect when respectable amount of costumes, and I reached out to you. it’s all thanks to you! Because I got the chance to know I’m sure everyone there will you a little bit since I arrived here, I appreciate it, and I’m so appreciate had a good feeling. and grateful to be part of this great I know that this is a community community. that cares about others and cares Toda Raba! Conference offers insight on fighting anti-Semitism

By Margo Levin faces and the pursuit of peace. sides must win.” how to fight anti-Semitism and find Bill Franklin and I recently It’s difficult to have civil discourse Both issues are core threats to our common ground on Israel. We hope attended the Jewish Council for Public in these times because too often when continuation as a Jewish people — you will join as we move forward in Affairs (JCPA) 2020 Conference in listening we are trying to classify a here in Reading, across the U.S., in this uncomfortable time. Washington, D.C. person, not to hear what he or she Israel and around the world. I hope to see you on March 30 Agenda items covered many says. We can start from a place of at 7 p.m. at the JCC when Michael current troublesome issues: mass When arguing issues, we need humility, building bridges instead of Fromm, National Chair of JCPA, and incarceration, Jewish values and to try to get behind the scene to walls by using the right language. David Bernstein, the JCPA’s President responsibility regarding climate understand the real concerns being Bill and I will be working to and CEO, talk about the fight against change, the balance between expressed and identify the story schedule programs to helpJewish us Federation learn of Reading/Berks anti-Semitism and BDS.Non-Profit Organization Jewish Cultural Center, PO Box 14925 U.S. Postage PAID Reading, PA 19612-4925 Permit No. 2 individual rights and discrimination, behind the disagreement readingjewishcommunity.org Reading, PA Jewish values on poverty and human Dr. Tal Becker serves as the Change Service Requested needs, and speaking about Israel in Legal Adviser of the Israeli Ministry Enriching Lives Volume 47, No. 9 September 2017 Elul 5777-Tishri 5778 progressive circles. of Foreign Affairs and has been a But the issues I thought most senior member of the Israeli peace relevant to our Jewish community negotiation team in successive rounds ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by0 the Jewish9 Federation1 of Reading/Berks7 A newspaper serving the Jewish community of Berks County, dealt with how to fight anti-Semitism of peace negotiations. He reported Your Federation Supports: and how to keep the American Jewish that when Israeli and American Jews Pennsylvania, andJewish published Education monthly, September through June, under Food Pantry community together by having civil were asked, “What is required to the Jewish FederationFriendship Circle of Reading/Berks. Funded by the Annual Jewish Chevra discussions about Israel. secure the Jewish future,” Israelis Community Campaign.Community Shabbat Reading Jewish Film Series

Unfortunately, we live in an age answered, “a strong state of our own” PJ Library when anti-Semites are emboldened; and expressed a pessimism about the General Offices:Jewish Family Service 1100 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 125 Jewish Cultural Center many believe that it’s OK to make world. They believe anti-Semitism is Lakin Holocaust Library Wyomissing, PA 19610 & Resource Center bigoted remarks and do acts of anti- here to stay. Phone: Israel & Overseas 610-921-0624 FAX: 610-929-0886 Web site: Camp Scholarships www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org Semitism. American Jews, on the other Israel Trips And we see anti-Semitism both hand, have a different answer. They Jewish Community Jewish Federation Highof School Reading from the political right and the left. believe that the Jewish people can Emergency Support Chair: Lakin Preschool Robert M. Caster, CPA The philosophy of anti-Semitism thrive in communities that are open, Richard J. Yashek Lecture President: Transportation William D. Franklin contributes to violence against pluralistic and progressive, and they Maimonides Society Communications YourDirector: Jewish Legacy Mark Nemirow, Editor other minorities as evidenced by are optimistic about the future. 92ND ST Y Programs

Proofreaders: Joint Distribution Committee Federation staff the shooting at the black church in Dr. Becker believes that these Meir Panim Charleston, S.C., and the mass killing different perspectives drive the Annual Campaign Jewish Agency for Israel of Hispanics in El Paso, Texas. We arguments today. The opinions expressed in ShalomYemin Orde are of the writers and not the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks School Education Programs can’t fight one ‘ism’; we must work to He further posited “that good Interfaith Unity Council Israel Advocacy fight them all. Every genocide begins arguments that endure are worthwhile Youth Events with words. and that we as Jews are obliged to Great Decisions Series Jewish Community The other disturbing relevant issue argue but listen to and have respect Relations Council Community Holiday Programs discussed was how to deal with the for the position we disagree with. Women’s Philanthropy Jewish Federations growing polarization within the Jewish In the end, peace cannot be of North America Counseling Services community on the challenges Israel thought of as a zero-sum game. Both Leo Camp Lecture

Shabbat B’Yachad Page 4 SHALOM March 2020 Busy March follows exciting February for Israel education

By Adi Shalev What a busy month we had in February! We had Hebrew high classes, activities and a great Shabbat dinner! We watched the interesting movie “The Angel,” and we got to know the story about the Egyptian spy who worked with Israel and Egypt right before the Yom Kippur War. We cooked Arais and made Israeli salad as part of the Israeli cooking series (and it was delicious!) We as a community collected costumes for at-risk kids in Israel! I was so excited to see your mobilization for the cause; I know for sure that I’m in a good community. And finally, the wonderful Yonatan Indursky, “Shtisel” creator, shared with us his very personal and fascinating story about his childhood growing up in the Orthodox Haredim world of Jerusalem and his transition to the secular community in Israel. So, what should you expect for during March? • Hebrew high classes and activities (Sundays, March 8, 22, 29) • Israeli movie night will feature the documentary movie “Mekonen” (March 12) • Israeli cooking class where we will make Sabich and Israeli salad • Hebrew classes with me (starting on March 16, see ad on Page 16) • Lecture by Avezu Fanta, who will share her story and the background of the Ethiopian-Jewish community in Israel (Albright College, March 24) • Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom religious school activities I look forward to seeing you at the different programs and events. Any questions or requests are welcome! Adi Shalev Shlicha @adi_shalev Recent events in Israel education locally included, clockwise from top, an appearance by “Shtisel” creator Yonatan Indursky, a lecture on Israeli elections by Adi Shalev, [email protected] and an Israeli cooking program at Albright College. March 2020 SHALOM Page 5 Israel Book Club: ‘Be Strong and of Good Courage’

By Moisey Schneider nationalism, then we shall speak to political camp. At the same time, Begin are the one who does all the operations? & Andi Franklin them in a different language.” Although ordered the destruction of Osirak, Iraq’s Because you never ask for written orders. Dennis Ross and David Makovsky’s he was not able to create Israel in time nuclear reactor, despite the anger of You just do it.” This ‘just doing it’ was the “Be Strong and of Good Courage” has to save the victims, the Holocaust was the international community. He was essence of his character. As a Prime two parts. The first describes four Israeli a constant reminder to him of why a fearless in pursuing what was best for Minister, Sharon would adopt policies prime ministers and the difficult decisions Jewish state was needed. Ben-Gurion the Jewish state. Under his leadership, that seemed to contradict his actions they made to preserve the country’s was a visionary and understood what was the Knesset approved the Camp David as a military commander. Confidentially, Jewish and democratic character. Each necessary for the Jewish State to emerge framework for peace with Egypt and in he conveyed a far-reaching proposal to of these leaders ceded or tried to cede and survive. Despite his concessions, 1979 the first treaty between Israel and Arafat that would have shocked Israelis land for the good of the democratic state nobody doubted his devotion to building Egypt was signed! and Palestinians. But it was rejected. of Israel. The authors’ intent is to show a Jewish, democratic country after two Yitzhak Rabin possessed few of the Realizing that bilateral negotiations how all of these prime ministers had to millennia of Jewish homelessness. attributes associated with diplomacy. would never be successful, he unilaterally narrow their vision of Israel to preserve Israel’s sixth Prime Minister, Henry Kissinger, who dealt with him evacuated the Jews from Gaza in an values that they felt were primary and Menachem Begin, was born into war extensively, described his essence attempt to preserve a secure Jewish state. critical. The second part is where the and never gave up the hope for the as being taciturn, shy, reflective and Unfortunately, less than four months later authors continue their personal argument rescue of the Jewish people, to whom resentful of small talk. His career in the Sharon suffered a devastating stroke. for a two-state solution. he was deeply devoted. He fled the IDF shaped him. Nothing made more of Hamas, dedicated to the destruction of Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Nazis, suffered under the communists an impact on him than his experiences in Israel, violently took over Gaza in 2007. Ben-Gurion, never deviated from his and as an Irgun leader fought the British, Israel’s 1948 War of Independence. The They have since launched three wars goal of establishing a state for the Jewish who were against Jewish immigration silence of his dead soldiers was a bitter against Israel, shot more than 10,000 people in their historic homeland. Against to Palestine. Even though Ben-Gurion memory for the remainder of his life and missiles into Israeli civilian areas, and all odds, under his watch an ancient state had accepted the proposed partition focused his goals on protecting Israel’s their continuing campaign of incendiary was reborn. He foresaw the existential and declared Israel’s statehood, it was soldiers and citizens. balloons has devasted the agricultural perils faced by the Jews of Europe and Begin’s accomplishment to get the British As the IDF’s Chief of Staff he was land of southern Israel. how Zionism offered a solution. out of Palestine by leading an armed the architect of the victory in 1967. He Gaza is ruled by Hamas in a Ben-Gurion understood that Jewish revolt. He also prevented a civil war by was Israel’s Defense Minister from totalitarian government; the Palestinian statehood would come at a steep price, but refusing to fight against other Jewish 1984 to 1990 and was responsible for authority in Judea and Samaria is also democratic values were indispensable. militias. dealing with the disputed territories and a totalitarian entity. The U.N. special He saw the gathering storm in Europe Although he had many disagreements the Intifada. Rabin’s care for human coordinator recently reported that under and worked to develop a Jewish state to with Begin, Ben-Gurion in 1961 admitted life led him to probe the possibility of Palestinian jurisdiction conditions for the be a haven for immigration. that the face of history would have been making peace with the PLO during his rule of law are nonexistent. Hezbollah He believed that reconciliation with different if he had known Begin then second term. In pursuit of peace Rabin undemocratically controls southern the Arabs must at least be tested. as he knew him now. Begin believed recognized the PLO and signed the Oslo Lebanon, and Bashar al-Assad’s tyranny However, his talks with them diminished that Israel’s military was necessary. Accords with Yasir Arafat. has Syria in flames. his expectation of peace, and the 1936 He also believed in Jews’ historical Unfortunately, the Oslo Accords were Israel’s Natan Sharansky successfully riots reinforced his skepticism. He knew, rights to the land and basic equality for unsuccessful. Though Arafat preached argues that non-democratic governments therefore, that only partition could create Jews and Arabs. At Camp David, he peace, Palestinian terrorists continued will never make peace since they will an independent Jewish state. Ben-Gurion weighed the risks and decided Israel’s killing Israelis. This showed the Israeli always need an external enemy on said, “I am not in favor of war, but if the national interests were more important people that the Palestinians were not which to focus their people’s anger and Arabs behave in keeping with barren than the anger of those in his own interested in peaceful coexistence nor that the continuation of a peace process the creation of a Palestinian State, but negotiated with tyrants will always be only the destruction of the Jewish one. futile. Israel’s 11th Prime Minister, Ariel Although the authors of this book Sharon, was born in British Mandate argue for a two-state solution, until major Palestine in 1928. He participated in all problems such as recognizing Israel’s of Israel’s wars, rising to become one right to exist are resolved, the two-state of Israel’s best known and most daring solution seems at best indefensible and generals. He played a prominent role worse, irresponsible and dangerous. in Israel’s military efforts in the War *** of Independence, the counterterror Our next Israel Book Group meeting operations of 1950, the Suez campaign will be Wednesday, April 22, at 7:30 in 1956 , the Six-Day War of 1967, and p.m.to discuss Yaacov Lozowick’s “Right the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Moshe to Exist - A Moral defense of Israel’s Dayan said to him, “Do you know why you Wars”. WANTED COWPOKES TO JOIN US FOR PURIM SERVICE, MEGILLA READING, SONGS AND SILLINESS MONDAY, MARCH 9 AT 6PM TUESDAY, MARCH 10 AT 9:30AM

Come dressed as your INTRODUCING THE favorite COWBOY, MEGA GROGGER CONTEST Design and make the COWGIRL, or WESTERN Most CREATIVE CHARACTER! most OUTLANDISH, most UNIQUE GROGGER! Bring it to services and the best 555 Warwick Drive one will win a prize! Wyomissing, PA 19610 610-374-1763 www.kesherzion.org Page 6 SHALOM March 2020 Best-selling author to speak at Literatour Berks By Amanda J. Hornberger a grief he cannot name, a frustrated sign copies of her book which will Jenna Blum is a New York wife struggling to compete with a be available for purchase through Times Bestselling author whose ghost she cannot banish, and a the Literatour Berks official book first novel, “Those Who Save daughter sensitive to the pain of vendor, Reads & Company of Us,” has been a favorite since both her own family and another Phoenixville. Space is limited and its release in 2002. Blum will be lost before she was born. registration is required. You can coming to Reading with her latest Spanning three cinematic register by calling the library at novel on Monday, March 2, as part decades, “The Lost Family” 610-678-4311. of Literatour Berks. is a charming, funny, and Blum’s appearance in “The Lost Family” creates a elegantly bittersweet study of the Literatour Berks is presented by vivid portrait of marriage, family, repercussions of loss and love. Jewish Federation of Reading/ and the haunting grief of World Join us on Monday, March 2, Berks in partnership with Exeter War II in an emotionally charged, at 7 p.m. at the Sinking Spring Community Library and Sinking beautifully rendered story that Public Library (3940 Penn Ave.) Spring Public Library. Thank you spans a generation, from the for a conversation and reading to the sponsors and patrons of 1960s to the 1980s. Blum brings to with Jenna Blum. Literatour Berks for making this the page a husband devastated by Following her talk Blum will event possible. Jenna Blum Documentary captures Hasidic variation of #MeToo Movement in Jewish film series

By Amanda J. Hornberger Hatzolah has actively prevented women from In honor of Women’s History Month, participating in their emergency care corps female empowerment is the theme of the and now made it known they were not going next film in the Reading Jewish Film Series. to make space for the women’s solution that is “93QUEEN” follows Rachel “Ruchie” Freier, RREEADINGADING Ezras Nashim. But, these women were refusing a no-nonsense Hasidic lawyer and mother of to take no for an answer.” six, who is determined to shake up the “boys JJEWIEWISSHH The 2020 Reading Jewish Film Series is club” in her Hasidic community by creating co-sponsored by the Rubin Educational Fund Ezras Nashim, the first all-female ambulance FFILMILM of the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks corps in New York City. “93QUEEN” will screen and Fox Theatres. Tickets can be purchased on Wednesday, March 4, at 7 p.m. at Fox SESERIRIEESS at the Fox Berkshire box office (800 Berkshire Berkshire, 800 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing. 20I5 Blvd., Wyomissing), kiosks, or online at www. Admission is $8 ($6 for JCC members). 2020 foxshowtimes.com. All seats are reserved “93QUEEN” is set in the Hasidic enclave of heated recliners, and seat selection takes Borough Park, Brooklyn, where EMS services place at the time of purchase. We highly long have been the province of men. Though encourage you to purchase tickets in advance. the neighborhood is home to Hatzolah, the own hands to provide dignified emergency Save the date for the final selection of the largest volunteer ambulance corps in the medical care to the Hasidic women and girls 2020 Reading Jewish Film Series:

Center Jewish Cultural world, that organization has steadfastly of Borough Park. Sunday, May 17, 3 p.m. — “Picture 92nd St. Y Programs banned women from its ranks. Director Paula Eislet said: “As an Orthodox of His Life,” an American documentary Now Ruchie and an engaging cast of Jewish woman myself, I immediately understood about legendary Israeli photographer Amos Game Nights dogged Hasidic women are risking their that the formation of Ezras Nashim would be Nachoum on his quest to photograph a wild reputations — and, literally, the futures of a significant cultural disruption to the gender- polar bear, with an in-person discussion with Community Shabbat their children — by taking matters into their segregated Hasidic community. For decades, the filmmaker, Dani Menkin. Reading Jewish Film Series

Great Decisions

Interfaith Mitzvah Day

Yom Ha’atzmaut

PJ Library

PJ Our Way

Leo Camp Lecture

Tech Tuesday

Yom Hazikaron

Art Exhibits

Yom Hashoah

Annual Meeting and Picnic

Purim Carnival

Richard J. Yashek

Memorial Lecture

Kristallnacht Remembrance At left, members of the Lebanon Jewish community joined us for the “Newish Jewish” event with Mark Oppenheimer on Feb. 9. Pictured with Mark are Sindy Bueno, Rabbi Sam Yolen, Neil Schaffer and Sherry Kaylor. At right, Paul Delfin meets the author. Youth Events Purim Masquerade Party Wyomissing featured on ‘Unorthodox’ podcast Bridge connected with our community [The committee is] booking is and hope that others Chevra By Amanda J. Hornberger Forty community members and really enjoyed his time good authors and running will learn what we (and Mahjong enjoyed a fun afternoon with here. In fact, during the next great programs. The people Oppenheimer) know … that Mark Oppenheimer of Tablet’s week’s Unorthodox podcast they bring in are asking smart the greater Reading Jewish Trips to NYC/Philadelphia Unorthodox podcast on Feb. Oppenheimer spoke of his time questions. Wyomissing … community is strong, smart 9. Oppenheimer was visiting in Wyomissing! was amongst the greatest and engaged! The Literatour Lakin Holocaust Library as part of Literatour Berks and In the podcast entitled afternoons of my life. It is how Berks committee even spent & Resource Center told the story behind his latest “Whole Hearted” Oppenheimer it ought to be. Truly engaged additional time speaking with book, “The Newish Jewish describes his visit to our and grateful.” Oppenheimer after his talk … Shabbat B’yachad Encyclopedia.” community: The audience We are thrilled for the so look out for our interview Friendly and extremely was filled with “super curious recognition of what a great with him on an upcoming Community Calendar personable Oppenheimer interesting people of all ages. Jewish community Reading Unorthdox podcast. March 2020 SHALOM Page 7 ‘Shtisel’ creator: Life journey leads to creation of hit Netflix series By Amanda J. Hornberger that “it’s not hatred or alienation, but we simply don’t A large crowd gathered at the JCC on Feb. 13 to see them”. That moment gave birth to “Shtisel”. hear Yehonatan Indursky tell his life journey. Indursky Indursky described the impact of “Shtisel” in described his childhood in a Haredi neighborhood Israel. The show has changed the perspective and of Jerusalem as “completely separate from secular understanding of the Orthodox in the country and Israeli culture.” At age 15 Indursky was accepted into allows the audience to “see the person behind the one of the best Yeshivas in Israel, Ponevezh Yeshiva, stereotypes.” The creator described the show as but after three years he realized that he no longer a “series about human beings and conflicts, not belonged there. necessary related to Ultra-Orthodox.” Indursky also Upon his return to Jerusalem Indursky found a new let us know that “Shtisel” is a huge success with passion for cinema and described how it changed members of the Haredi community through illegal him. He later enrolled in the Sam Spiegel Film School. screenings. During a class project for film school Indursky dressed The good news for fans is that Indursky and back in his Orthodox clothing (black pants, white his team are hard at work on Season 3, which will shirt, black jacket) and saw a film school classmate hopefully be released in the next year. We are so on the bus. The classmate did not recognize him, and grateful to Adi Shalev for arranging Indursky’s visit Indursky understood for the first time how the secular and for letting us get a behind the scenes look at the Israelis viewed the Ultra-Orthodox. Indursky stated show and its creator! Yehonatan Indursky More highlights from Literatour Berks

Saul Austerlitz, left, signs a copy of “Generation Friends for a super fan Feb. 3 at the Exeter Community Libraty. At right, Barbara Ostfeld, the first female cantor, speaks in January. Page 8 SHALOM March 2020 Something serious to consider at Purim

By Rabbi Brian Michelson Alternatively, is it King Ahasuerus, the Before you are six or seven or eight Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom fool and the bystander, who goes along To hate all the people your relatives It is easy to tell a with Haman quite passively and lets him hate story in which there is do as he pleases. Haman may be the You’ve got to be carefully taught.” a good guy, a bad guy, villain but he is not the only bad guy in I do not remember a period in my a beautiful damsel, and this story. lifetime when I was this fearful of anti- a character who adds a It may be comforting to point a finger Semitism, or when the Purim story bit of mirth to the story. at the person who acts on his prejudice seemed so relevant. We cheer for the and hate, but more often than not, it Every one of our teens have hero and boo the villain, takes others to get him or her there. encountered anti-Semitism in school or and we can laugh at the It takes people to incite the villain. It on the field. foolish antics of the takes others to express quietly their However, the problem is not ours intermediary who adds an element of bigotry and intolerance to inspire others alone. We are living in a world where non- humor to the story. to take another step and move on to inclusionary language and hate speech That is how we tell the story of violence. Haman did not just happen. is becoming an everyday occurrence. We Purim. He was created in a cultural and social cannot defend ourselves and ignore the We take great pleasure at booing background. prejudices against others. Haman. Can anyone doubt that he is To quote the words of the song from As we celebrate Purim this year, the bad guy? In reality, there is nothing South Pacific, maybe we should do so with a little less simple or lighthearted about this story. “You’ve got to be taught to hate and joy and more with an awareness that It is a story about genocide. fear Haman is out there. If we look at the story critically, it is You’ve got to be taught from year to He is standing along with the courtiers not always clear whom the real villain year and the indifferent leaders who are is. It’s got to be drummed in your dear willing to pretend that hate is not real. Haman is not the only villain, and he little ear Instead of booing Haman to make

al News may not even be the most dangerous You’ve got to be carefully taught. ourselves feel as if the evil has been one. King Ahasuerus appointed Haman You’ve got to be taught before it’s vanquished, maybe we should stop and his number one man on his cabinet. too late ask if Haman is not alive and well. ThePage Megillah  says, “The King advanced Shalom March 2010

n him and seated him higher than any of his fellow officials.” Immediately, the Page  courtiers begin bowing down to Haman, ShalomCommunity News March 2010 “For such is the King’s order,” they say. LOCAL CONGREGATIONS AND SERVICE TIMES o Yet, the Megillah never tells us that the REFORM CONGREGATION OHEB SHOLOM (610) 375-6034 people had to bow down to Haman.Community This NewsFriday, March 6: ShabbatObituaries service, 6 p.m. was, apparently, their choice. When Friday, March 13: Shabbat service, 7 p.m., followed by speaker U.S. Rep. Lucy Suzanne Knoblauch L. (Sulman) Moyer. He is also survived

t i Mordechai does not follow the others, Chrissy Houlahan , 96, Wyomissing. by his daughters, Aileen D., widow they become angry with him. “Why do ObituariesSaturday, March 14:Zeidman Tot Shabbat, 10 a.m. Surviving are a son, Bruce F., of Neal H. Endy, of Pennside, and E. you disobey the king’s orders?” they Friday, March 20: Shabbat service, 7:45 p.m. husband of Geraldine L. Zeidman, of Roxanne, wife of Les Walker, of Batavia ask. Mordechai explains that he is Lucy Friday,Suzanne March Knoblauch 27: Musical Shabbat, L. (Sulman) 7 p.m. Moyer. He is also survived a a Jew and Jews do not bow down to Zeidman, 96, Wyomissing. Shillington;by a brother, his daughters, Harry Knoblauch, Aileen D.,Ohio; widow sons, Stan B. , husband of Kristine CHABAD CENTER OF BERKS COUNTY (610) 921-0881 others. Surviving are a son, Brucehusband F., of Edithof Neal Knoblauch, H. Endy, of of Reading; Pennside, K. and Moyer, E. of Sinking Spring and Jay Saturday mornings: 9:30 a.m.; Friday evenings: 6:30 p.m. Angry with Mordechai for not husband of Geraldine L. Zeidman,a sister, of Ruth Roxanne, Balis of wifeWyomissing; of Les Walker, and ofH., Batavia husband of Margaret R. Moyer, of following the crowd, the courtiers go Shillington;KESHER a brother, ZION Harry SYNAGOGUE Knoblauch,several nieces (610)Ohio; and 374-1763sons, nephews. Stan B. , husband ofMuhlenberg Kristine Township. Other survivors g to Haman and say: “Mordechai the Jew husbandWeekly of services Edith Knoblauch, Saturdays: of Reading; 9:30 a.m.; K.Thursdays, Moyer,--- of 7:30 Sinking p.m. Spring andare grandchildren:Jay Brett A. Endy, Chad a sister, Ruth Balis of Wyomissing;Irene and S.H., Zeidman husband, 62, of Wyomissing. Margaret R. Moyer,M. Endy of and Elizabeth K. Moyer; and won’t bow to you. What are you going CONGREGATION SHOMREI HABRITH to do about it?” It is only then that several nieces and nephews. She is survivedMuhlenberg by her Township. brother Bruce Other survivorsgreat-grandchildren, Carson N., Logan Images from--- F., husbandare of grandchildren: Geraldine L. ZeidmanBrett A. Endy, C., Chad Ardyn N. and Ava L. Endy e Haman decides to get rid of Mordechai by buying off the king and killing all the Irene S. Zeidman, 62, Wyomissing.of Shillington. M. Endy and Elizabeth K. Moyer; and --- Jews in Persia. YeminShe is survived Orde by her brother Bruce great-grandchildren, --- Carson N., LoganShirley Robinson of B’nai B’rith r Who is the real villainImages in the story from Area residentF., husband and recent of Geraldine college L. ZeidmanRobert C.,Berger Ardyn, 54, N. Reading.and Ava L. Endy Apartments. Survived by her Friendship March � Adar-Nissan of Purim? Is it Haman, who attempts graduateof Jessica Shillington. Flamholz sent us He was the former spouse--- of Lea Circle friends. to pull the trigger? IsYemin it the courtiers Orde these pictures from her recent --- visit Berger, Reading.Shirley He Robinsonis survived of by B’nai B’rith --- Area resident and recent college to Yemin Orde,Robert an IsraeliBerger village, 54, Reading.two daughters,Apartments. Molly R. Survived Berger, byState her Friendship Louis Malamud, 95, formerly

g who incite Haman to violence and turn Shabbat Candle Lightings on Mordechai becausegraduate he Jessicais different? Flamholz sent usfor childrenHe and was youth the supported former spouse College, of Lea andCircle Bethany friends.Torah S. Portions Berger, of Temple. He is survived by a son, these pictures from her recent visit by our Federation. Reading; and one brother, Dr. Barry M. Mitchel, husband of Laura Malamud, MarchBerger, 6 Reading. He is survived Matchby 7/11 Adar --- to Yemin Orde, an Israeli village 5:44 twop.m. daughters, Molly R. Berger,Berger, StateTetzaveh husband (Exodus Louis of Kathleen 27:20 Malamud-30:10 A.) Vieweg,, 95, formerlyof Las Vegas; grandchildren Barry for children and youth supported College, and Bethany S. Berger,Boston, Mass.of Temple. He is survived byhusband a son, of Johna Malamud, Deborah by our Federation. MarchReading; 13 and one brother, Dr. Barry MarchM. Mitchel,14/Adar 18--- husband of Laura Malamud,Babbit-Malamud and Sheri Malamud; All Around the Town______6:51 p.m. Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35) Berger, husband of Kathleen A. Vieweg, David Moyerof Las, 85,Vegas; Reading. grandchildrenand Barry great-grandchildren: Jessy Babbit, By Joan G. Friedman Badal, whoMarch hasBoston, 20 received Mass. the honor of He March is survived husband21 / 2 5 Adar by of his Johna wife, Malamud, Marjorie DeborahCarly Malmud and Ian Malamud. Congratulations to Korey Blanck being chosen6:58 p.m.as the Child Advocate--- of Vayak’helBabbit-Malamud Pekudi (Exodus 35 and:1-40 :3Sheri8) Malamud; All Around andthe to Town______on the birth of the Year for the State of Pennsylvania. Edith Blanck March 27 David Moyer, 85, Reading. March and28/3 Nissan great-grandchildren: Jessy Babbit, theirMazel new tovgranddaughter to Deborah Frank and great- on the *** By Joan G. Friedman Badal, who has received the honor of 7:06 p.m. He is survived by his wife,Plan MarjorieVayikra forCarly ( Leviticusyour Malmud 1Bar/Bat:1-5:26 and) Ian Malamud. Mitzvah & Wedding Guests! Congratulations to Koreybirthgranddaughter! Blanck of her sixthbeing grandchild, chosen as Jace the Child Frank, Advocate Best of wishes to our Berks County

and to Edith BlanckC o n on theborn birth Jan. of 28the to Joshua Year *** for and the RachelState of Frank Pennsylvania. athletes competing in the 2010 Maccabi of Westport, Conn. their new granddaughter and Mazelgreat- Tov to the Bluestone*** Family: Games: Plan for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah & WShalomedding Guests! Newspaper (Joan Friedman) granddaughter! To David and MariannaBest*** wishes on theirto our new Berks CountyEmily & Jared Baksic, swimming Chabad *** daughterWe love and goodathletes to grandparents news competing about Eric membersin the and 2010 MaccabiAndrew Blickle, basketball 5” (2 col.) x 7” Mazel Tov to the BluestoneofMarissa. Familyour community!: Games: Please share it by Matthew Eisenberg, swimming (Joan Friedman) Questions? Kesher Zion Reform CongregationShalom Newspaper To David and Marianna on emailingtheir new [email protected] *** & Jared Baksicor calling, swimming Hannah and Alexis Glassmire, Contact Jodi Gibble, Marketing Director daughterReform andCongregation to grandparentsthe Eric CongratulationsJCC and office Andrewat 610-921-0624. to Blickle Charles, basketball and swimming Oheb Sholom Invites You 5” (2 col.) x 7” Marissa. Brenda DiamondMatthew on the Eisenberg engagement, swimming Brandon Missanto Attend, soccer Our READING Questions?The Highlands at Wyomissing Oheb Sholom *** of their son BrettHannah and to grandfatherand Alexis Al Glassmire , 2801 PapermillContact Road Jodi Gibble,2000 Marketing Cambridge Director Ave., Wyomissing, PA 1910 Congratulations to CharlesDiamond and. swimming Wyomissing, Pennsylvania 10-288-3405 Brenda Diamond on the engagementObituaries Brandon*** Missan, soccer Until next time:READING Shalom! The Highlands at Wyomissing of their son Brett and to grandfatherMazel Al Tov to Rosalind Hyman and [Email all yourFeaturing simcha2801 Papermill news Representative to Road joan@ GROUP2000 RATES Cambridge AVAILABLEFriday, Ave., Wyomissing, PA 1910 , 72, of Diamond. her Gayledaughter, (Levin) Attorney. KastenbaumCathy Hyman friedman.net] Wyomissing, Pennsylvania Reading. Gayle attended the University of Chrissy Houlahan Call Alice for aMarch Site Tour 13th 10-288-3405 *** Until next time: Shalom! Mazel Tov to Rosalind HymanPennsylvania, and received[Email all her your master’s simcha from news to joan@ GROUPU.S. Representative RATES AVAILABLE Chrissy Houlahan is an Air Force Temple UniversityKEEP and took UP courses WITH through THE COMMUNITY her daughter, Attorney.Cathy Hyman friedman.net] veteran, engineer, entrepreneur, and educator(610) who is736-2082 ✦ www.reading.homewoodsuites.com Gratz VisitCollege, www.readingjewishcommunity.org Penn State Berks and Callcontinuing Alice her forcareer a ofSite service Tour as the first woman ever World Affairs Council. Gayle was involved to represent Pennsylvania's 6th District in Congress. KEEP UP WITHin programs THE her COMMUNITY children enjoyed including Chrissy is the daughter & granddaughter of Holocaust (610) 736-2082 ✦ www.reading.homewoodsuites.com Visit www.readingjewishcommunity.orgGirl and Boy Scouts and religious school. survivors who came to America with nothing. She grew She taught reading in the Reading School up in a military family; her parents met when her father District and served as president of Kesher and grandfather flew P3s in the same Navy squadron. Zion Synagogue and its Sisterhood. Gayle She earned her engineering degree from Stanford with an ROTC scholarship that launched herII service in thehadhad nono idea!idea! is survived by herou’ve husband, worked Michael, hard and to accumulate yourU.S. wealth.Air Force and Air Force Reserves,We and laterhear earned this again and again from residents of The Highlands. her four children: Joshua of Reading; Isaac Trust it to someone who will work evenher M.S. harder in Technology to & Policy from MIT. She’s a mom • People are so friendly. and his wife,Y Allison, of New York; Hannah IIand a longtime hadhad resident of Southeastern Pennsylvania.nono idea!idea! II hadhad nono idea!idea! • There’s so much for me to do. ou’ve workedof Philadelphia;hard to accumulategrow and your Kate Holsappleassets your wealth.and and provide her you with Wepeace hear of mind this again and again from residents of The Highlands. Shabbat Service at 7:00 pm. Oneg/Speaker at 8:00 pm • I love the independence and Trust it to someonehusband, whoKevin,as you will of San planwork Francisco. for even the harderfuture. toFrom financial planning and Y • People are so friendly. privacy at The Highlands. grow your assets and provideinvestment you with managementpeace of mind to custom credit solutions, • There’s so much for me to do.• I don’t worry about my future. • I love the independence and as you plan for the future. Fromdeposit financial products planning and more. and Clermont Wealth Strategies • Dining is like a fine restaurant. privacy at The Highlands. • My kids are so glad I’m here. – personal, focused and highly confidential. investment management to custom credit solutions, • I don’t worry about my future.• I feel like I’m at a resort. deposit products and more. Clermont Wealth Strategies • Dining is like a fine restaurant.• This was a smart and valuable • My kids are so glad I’m here. – personal, focused and highly confidential. financial decision. • I feel like I’m at a resort. • They do things first class. Financial Planning Comprehensive Investment Management • This was a smart and valuable• I wish I’d moved here sooner. Custom Credit Solutions Bank Deposit & Convenience Products financial decision. • I love it here! • They do things first class. Financial Planning Wealth PreservationComprehensive & Transfer Investment Services ManagementRetirement Planning • I wish I’d moved here sooner. Custom Credit Solutions Bank Deposit & Convenience Products Come• I love tour it here! The Highlands. Wealth Preservation & Transfer Services Retirement Planning Find out first hand why it is the best place for CLERMONT WEALTH STRATEGIES Come tour The Highlands.retirement living. AT Find out first hand why it is the best place for If you’re exploring options and choices CLERMONT WEALTH STRATEGIES retirementfor your retirement living. years, be sure to call AT us for a tour. You too can be a part of If you’re exploring options andthis choices wonderful lifestyle. We have every- for your retirement years, be sure to call 1.866.332.8393 thing from a studio apartment to gracious us for a tour. You too can becottages. a part of We would love to meet you clermontwealth.com this wonderful lifestyle. 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EQUAL HOUSING www.thehighlands.org OPPORTUNITY +++++ March 2020 SHALOM Page 9 Help available for purchasing hearing aids By Sari Incledon, M.Ed. extreme poverty, war and social unrest. The According to a report published in I would like to thank “Hearing the Call” website has information the Journal of the American Medical Annette Peppard on all their volunteer programs, locally and Association, uncorrected hearing loss (Doctor of Audiology) globally and ways to participate in helping may raise the risk of mental and physical for sharing this their important work. health problems and leads to higher important information Jewish Family Service wants to spread hospitalization rates and health care in order to help the word to encourage people in need of costs. In addition, the report found that people with impaired help purchasing hearing aids, that help is untreated hearing loss is associated with e hearing. Annette available. Individuals who earn up to 250% a greater risk of depression, dementia, works as a consultant of the Federal Poverty Level ($30,350 for heart attacks and falls. Hearing loss is

with Berks Hearing one person, $41,150 for a person in a two directly connected to social isolation and c Professionals. Since person household) may qualify. vastly limits our ability to comprehend

2006, Berks Hearing Professionals has Patients can find information at and communicate effectively. In addition, i been associated with the national nonprofit the website: www.hearingthecall.org/ untreated hearing loss may lower one’s “Hearing the Call” and its local affiliate, greaterreading or you can call 610-750- earning potential.

“The Greater Reading Hearing the Call.” 6107. Qualified individuals are asked to Thanks again to Annette Peppard v The work of the nonprofits is to improve give back to the community by volunteering for making us aware of the important the quality of lives of local residents for 10 hours. For people unable to volunteer, community outreach service Berks Hearing by providing affordable hearing aids to there is a volunteer bank that can be used Professionals and Greater Reading Hearing r individuals who need financial assistance. to provide volunteer hours for them. the Call provides. In addition “Hearing the Call” provides With this program the cost of the hearing Whether you qualify for this program or

services to hearing impaired people around aids is only $100 per aid. Patients will be not, Annette is willing to meet you at our e the globe in locations in the Mideast, Africa able to make payments over time with no office to do a preliminary hearing screening. and South America. Their work in audiology interest. They must be paid in full before If hearing loss is detected, you would need has expanded to a “Hearing the Call Art getting the aid/aids. There is a 60-day trial to continue an evaluation at an audiologist’s

Initiative”, which uses art as a therapy. period. Only adults qualify for this program office. For more information call JFS at S This program gives voice to children and since children from low income families are 610-921-0624. families displaced and traumatized by covered by Medicaid.

Balancing act at Friendship Circle l y i m a F h ewi s

Martha Sitler from Berks Encore demonstrates exercises to improve balance at a recent Friendship Circle gathering. J

JFS Movie Monday Food Pantry March 23 – “The Women’s Balcony” Friendship Circle Israeli comedy hit from 2017. An accident during Counseling Services a Bar Mitzvah leads to a rift between men and Transportation women in a devout community in Jerusalem. It is a portrait of a modern Financial Assistance community struggling to balance tradition with progressive values. Hospital and Home Visitations

April 27 – “Tel Aviv on Fire” Living with Loss Don’t be fooled by the title. This 2019 comedy highlights the absurdity of Information and war and proves it’s possible to find humor amid cultural conflict. Referral May 11 – “The People Vs. Fritz Bauer” Case Management In this 2015 German film. Attorney General Fritz Bauer in 1957 Germany Holiday Programs receives crucial evidence on the whereabouts of Adolf Eichmann. Not trusting the German justice system, Bauer contacts the Israeli Mossad and by doing so, commits treason. Page 10 SHALOM March 2020 JFR and Meir Panim: How your dollars help From Federation staff place has enabled so many wonderful women’s group. They are continuing were able to secure a large donation You Jewish Federation of Reading volunteer programs and has become a their coursework on building self- of essential winter supplies to continues to support the charitable pillar of the Dimona community. esteem and confidence. This course distribute to the clients of the work of Meir Panim in Israel. Here are Meir Panim in Sderot has impacted these ladies in such Meir Panim Tiberias Branch. The several examples of how our money It was a busy week at Meir Panim’s a positive way, and one participant generous donation included over is being put to use. Nir Am Neighborhood Youth Center. shared, “I can’t believe how much I am 100 children’s winter jackets, space IDF Battalion volunteers The center had a talented magician learning from a workshop on styling, heaters, heavy comforters and The IDF’s 450th Battalion took perform a live magic show and the not only about dressing but how I view blankets. some “time off” to volunteer at the teens were amazed with his tricks. myself and how I share myself with Israel has been experiencing a Meir Panim Dimona Branch. The He also taught them how to perform the world.” particularly difficult winter with record- soldiers worked together to organize some magic on their own! The teens also participated in a breaking rainfall and flooding across food packages to be delivered to In partnership with the Sderot woodworking workshop which was the country. The thoughtful staff needy families in the community. Municipality, the center hosted a a group favorite from last year’s identified their communities’ needs The soldiers also spent quality special young women’s evening with program. This year, the teens are and quickly ran to help anyone who time with the Holocaust Survivors who learning activities and important working together and building a new needed it. attend the Senior Day Center. It was confidence building discussions. This seating area for themselves to use in While the staff is primarily focused heartwarming to see the heroes of is part of a new initiative to create a the center. on fighting hunger at the Meir Panim Israel, both young and old, enjoying support group specifically tailored to New winter coats restaurant-style soup kitchen in each other’s company. young women. for clients in Tiberias Tiberias, they are also committed to It is so heartwarming to see the Similarly, the Ben Gurion Center Yehudit, the Tiberias Branch helping their clients in any way that Dimona Branch full of life! This special held fun activities for the young manager, and Ziva, her assistant, is needed. One woman’s story shows power of Yemin Orde

From Federation staff “Yemin Orde helped me integrate into At the age of 16, Liora Zenou was Israeli society and be proud of being uneasy with fielding questions about her able to live here. I learned how to be religious beliefs from classmates in her more independent and how to focus on Toulouse, France, community. She was important tools needed to grow into a uncomfortable explaining why she could mature young adult, building my self- not eat at their homes, why she could esteem and confidence, too,” Liora said. not eat the meat at school, and why she Her younger brother, Eitan, joined her stayed home Friday nights. at Yemin Orde in 2015. Liora graduated In 2013, Yemin Orde Youth Village from Yemin Orde’s high school in 2017. opened its program for young French She decided to become an Israeli citizen, immigrants due to the increase in French officially made Aliyah and joined the Jews fleeing to Israel as a result of the Israel Defense Forces. rise in anti-Semitism. Liora and her family Liora served as an artillery fighter and, were thrilled to learn about Yemin Orde’s thanks to the self-confidence she learned at program and its excellent school and, in Yemin Orde, she applied and was accepted 2014, the Village welcomed her. into Israel’s prestigious officer training At the start and without Hebrew skills, school. “I know that I can always come back Liora felt alone and homesick. A group of here. This is my home,” said Liora. French youth who had arrived at the Village Liora’s parents and her younger sister earlier than Liora embraced her as a new are now making Aliyah, which means the friend and helped alleviate her fears. family can be reunited in Israel. “I realized that I was not alone in this Liora’s story is a good example of the situation,” Liora said. support Yemin Orde, supported by local Liora’s teachers supported her Federation dollars, provides its graduates: learning and always made time to Scholarships (stipends for academic, ensure she understood the day’s lessons. vocational and gap-year programs) She excelled in math and science and Village Liaison for Graduate-Soldiers Liora Zenou enjoyed extra-curricular activities such (staff members attend IDF ceremonies and Reunions (class reunions at Yemin help newly released soldiers adjust to as running, photography, ceramics and remain in contact with graduate-soldiers Orde) civilian life) pottery. throughout their service Care packages for soldiers without Special events (weddings, These outlets helped her relax Networking opportunities (the family in Israel celebrations and other life cycle events and work through her emotions in Village provides social and professional Mentoring (Retired IDF veterans are hosted at the Village) an expressive and therapeutic way. networking platform) March 2020 SHALOM Page 11 Literatour Berks, Federation win award Interfaith movie event

Literatour Berks co-chairs Amanda Hornberger and Nancy Russo with the award the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks received at the Berks County Public Library System Annual Awards 2019. Federation won Outstanding Community Organization Award presented to a local nonprofit in recognition of its support of the public libraries in its community. We’re honored to have received this award and are thankful for the support of the Exeter Community Library and Sinking Spring Public Library for our new Literatour Berks series!

EXPLORE THE SIDDUR An interfaith audience gathered for a screening of the new documentary American Muslim at the Goggleworks Film Theatre on Feb. 16. Pictured here are Nora Elmarzouky and filmmaker Adam Zucker who participated in a post film discussion AT KESHER ZION together. Elmarzouky is a Muslim activist and daughter of Elsayed Elmarzouky, president of the Islamic Center of Reading. Learn the history of our prayers, the structure of our services, experience the beauty of the poetry, and the wisdom of our tradition in a monthly class taught by Rabbi/Hazzan David Sislen.

First semester schedule: February 13 March 12 May 14 June 11 The second Thursday night of the month, 6:30-7:30 pm (Minyan will follow the class)

Please register at the Kesher Zion office xtraordinary or contact us for more information: E BEAUTY [email protected] or [email protected] 555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing, PA 19610 610-374-1763 The Highlands at Wyomissing represents an ideal – and trusted – model of inspired, engaging, extraordinary living for seniors. You’ll see and feel it the moment you arrive on our beautiful campus. When you walk through our doors, you’ll feel the excitement, camaraderie and vitality. Most importantly, you’ll feel a real sense of community.

Visit Our Campus. EXPERIENCEExtraordinary Come se the Barer & Wie dffeence! 610.775.2300 • TheHighlands.org 311 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 19611 BarrerAndWhite.com 610-376-3956

James G. Barrer, DMD Douglas W. White, DMD 2000 Cambridge Avenue • Wyomissing, PA 19610 Page 12 SHALOM March 2020 Israeli company pilots clean water project in Gaza Strip

From online news sources left to rely on very expensive options For years, Israel has been utilizing to access water. its innovative spirit to help solve Watergen’s solution is simple: the world’s greatest challenges. Producing clean and fresh-drinking Around the world, Israeli technologies water out of air, through an atmospheric are used to address humanitarian water generator (AWG). The GEN-M crisis and to promote community machine can produce up to 800 liters development. of water per day and only requires In Gaza, the Israeli company electricity to work. It is also equipped Watergen has launched a pilot project, with solar panels to provide the machine in the neighborhood of Abasan al- with another, sustainable, source of Kabira, to provide a solution for power. Gazan’s urgent need for accessible The machine uses the humidity clean-water. existing in the air: the air collected by At the moment, Gaza’s main source the machine is cooled, creating water. of water is from a coastal aquifer. Its The water then goes through physical, supply of water has been depleting over chemical and biological treatment the few decades due to over-extraction. followed by a mineralization process to As a result of water pollution, over 90% maintain its cleanliness, tastiness and of water from the aquifer is unfit for healthy quality. consumption. Gazans are therefore For the pilot, GEN-M has been set up in Abasan al-Kabira’s municipal a press release. building. “The introduction of Watergen into The pilot is a cooperative efforts Gaza is not only a proof of concept between Watergen, Israel’s Arava for a cutting-edge technology but a Join us next time! Institute for Environmental Studies, proof of concept that Palestinians March 14th at 10:00 am the Palestinian organization Damour and Israelis can do more than launch for Community Development and the attacks at each other. We can, instead, Abasan al-Kabira municipality. work together to improve lives, solve “Responding in accordance with humanitarian problems, build trust, our belief that every human being, and restore hope,” said David Lehrer, bat regardless of race, gender or religion Director of the Arava Institute. hab has a fundamental right to clean- The Coordination and Liaison otS drinking water, we are helping some Administration (CLA) to the Gaza TMembers and non-members are A musical, story-filled, interactive hour for of Israel’s next-door neighbors gain Strip oversaw the transportation of invited. No registration is required. children through grade 2. Bring your family access to freshwater, a resource that the GEN-M into Gaza through the Tot Shabbat services are held & friends to celebrate with Rabbi Michelson is lacking in Gaza. We hope that our Kerem Shalom Crossing. CLA said the Saturday mornings at 10:00 am at and stay for a pint-sized oneg of juice, Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, challah, fruit, & child-friendly treats! provision of an AWG will help solve shipment is part of a policy that seeks 555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing the water crisis and serve as a step to prevent any further deterioration to unless noted. Please call the Temple office with any questions, FUTURE TOT SHABBAT DATES: forward towards mutual collaboration the humanitarian crisis in Gaza for its * 610.375.6034. April 25, May 16, & June 13 in the Middle East,” said Watergen in lack of water.

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Federally insured by NCUA March 2020 SHALOM Page 13 A Presidents Day filled with fun and good works

Children made the most of their Presidents Day holiday with some special activities coordinated by the JCC. At left, Adi Shalev leads kids in an Israel-USA matching game. At right, children participate in the PJ Our Way “Bowl to Strike Out Illiteracy” event at Berks Lanes. Children were invited to collect used or new books to be donated to the Ready Set Read program in Berks County. Bowlers, from left, are Adam Leisawitz, Leah Leisawitz, Rose Leisawitz, Gabrielle Gurwitz, Lena Bluestone, Felicity Bluestone, Ari Bluestone, Luca Rossi and Zachary Tomlinson.

Come hear what amazing things we’re planning for your children this summer at Camp Gan Izzy. Join us for an informative meeting March 1 at the home of Traci & Nick Rossi. Contact Chana Lipsker at [email protected] or 610-334-1577 for details.

Come se the Barer & Wie dffeence! 311 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 19611 BarrerAndWhite.com 610-376-3956

James G. Barrer, DMD Douglas W. White, DMD

There is a place like home...

Manor at Market Square’s spacious and bright Daybreak Neighborhood provides a calming, home-like environment to those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Our compassionate staff is trained in the latest care techniques to provide specialized activities and the highest-quality care to your loved one.

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803 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601 • www.manoratms.com Page  Shalom March 2010

Page 14 Jewish FamilySHALOM Service March 2020 DoDiscussion you remember? of addiction important to all By Sari Incledon, M. Ed. will not be limited to issues dealing with Others) provided the following statistics. For every person who has a at lunch and collected for the meal — ­a • We only had Luden’s cough • A rubber heel from the By TootieWe invite Moyer the entire adolescents. Drug and alcohol abuse is According to Dr. Jay Holder, Medical substance abuse problem, several • At the old JCC off Hampden taxi cost $1 extra. drops. shoemaker was used to play hopscotch. community to attend a a problem for all age groups, and we all Director and founder of the Exodus others are affected. Those affected Boulevard, Mary Ziemba and myself went • We used a telephone book — • We had no clothes dryers. We • You couldn’t eat ice cream after program Jewish Family need to know more about it. Treatment Center in Miami, chemical may be spouses, parents, children, around to every table at Friendship Circle now all you need is a smartphone. hung clothes outside or put them on the eating fish. Service is sponsoring: In a recent article, “Overcoming dependency is the number one secret siblings, grandparents – all are hurt radiator. • Here are some old time names, “What Every Family Denial” (Na’amat Woman Winter 2009/10) in the Jewish community. Reportedly, in different ways. What can we as a • We used only Ivory soap to wash see if you remember: Needs to Know about Barbara Trainin Blank wrote: “Alcohol and up to 50 percent of patient populations communal organization do to address our face — now there are many soaps Clara Bow, Fanny Brice, Lon Alcohol and Drug chemical dependency don’t discriminate, in some residential treatment centers the problem? Awareness is an important and cleansers. Chaney, Jackie Cooper, Betty Grable, Abuse & Addiction: An affecting Jews and non-Jews alike, and are Jews – as are 20 percent of those first step and we invite everyone in the • The Pagoda was for “making out” Ken Maynard, George Raft and Fay Interactive Dialogue women as much as men. Addiction calling national drug hot lines (yet Jews community to share questions and for every teenager. Wray. with David Rotenberg.” and alcoholism can be found in every comprise less than 3 percent of the U.S. concerns at our above mentioned • Supermarkets had someone • You took piano lessons when This program will be held Wednesday, socioeconomic and religious segment of population). Chemical dependency is the program on April 28. outside to help you put bags in your car. you were young and hated to practice, April 28 at 7 p.m. at the JCC. the Jewish community”. third leading killer in the U.S. It is also an Our program is free, though • Our kids took a dime or quarter aren’t you glad now that your mom made David is the executive director of An article on the JACS Web unreported and/or unknown contributor reservations are requested. For more to school every week to buy a stamp for you keep taking lessons. Adolescent Youth Services at Caron site (Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically to deaths caused by car accidents, heart information, call Sari at 610-921- a government bond. • I just started playing the Foundation, however his presentation Dependent Persons and Significant attacks, suicides and strokes. 0624. • No pacifiers, I had four kids and harmonica. never used one. • Do any of you “youngsters” BERKS ENCORE PROVIDES FREE TAX PREPARATION Volunteer Opportunities Available – • SomeJewish words Family today Service that seeks are volunteersremember toDrumhellers help our seniorsswimming pool? FROM TRAINED VOLUNTEERS commonly used in television programs It had a dirt bottom and had homes to rent today — we “never”with used grocery those shoppingwords for and the other summer. errands. If you do, please let me Was your household income less than $50,000 in 2009? when weIf were you young. have some time, call Sariknow. or Carole at 610-921-0624. Household income may be higher in some cases, • During the summer months we This is all my brain can think of for but call 610-374-3195 for more details. ate breakfast and went out to play, ate now. Stay well and happy — smile at lunch and went out toJewish play, and Family then ate Servicesomeone thanksevery day. See you later Call today to schedule an appointment from now until April 15. supper and went out Dr.to play Jeffrey until dark. Blankalligator! D.D.S. Berks Encore, 40 N. Ninth St., 610-374-3195 for providing professional services to our client.

Enjoy Tax Benefits While Contributing to BERKS ENCORE RECEIVES AWARDS Jewish Family Service Vehicle Donation Program Congratulations to Berks Encore employees Carolyn Krebs and Martha Sitler for receiving one of the Social Security Administrations highest awards for their providing the public with Call Sari at 610-921-0624, Call Sari at information covering Social Security issues. e-mail [email protected] 610-921-0624or go to Berks Encore enables older adults to achieve a better quality of www.charitableautoresources.com life by providing a comprehensive program of services, referrals, or email education and advocacy. For more information call Berks Encore [email protected] at 610-374-3195 or visit them at www.Berksencorepa.org

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610.898.7700 March 2020 SHALOM Page 15 Celebrating nature at Tu B’Shevat Seders

Local Seders marking the New Year for the Trees were held at Jewish Family Service’s Friendship Circle, left, and at a joint program held by Kesher Zion Synagogue and Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom.

14 Meeting Areas (up to 1333 Guest) • 209 Spacious Guestrooms • 7 Spacious Suites Business Center • Cheers American Bistro & Bar

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON READING 701 Penn St., Reading PA 19601 T (610) 375-8000 • F (610) 375-8001 DoubleTreeReading.com Page 16 SHALOM March 2020 Every time Palestinians say no to a peace plan, they wind up with less

From online news sources to getting less tomorrow. deliver dramatically better prospects for maximum rather than working toward the The following column by Bret Stephens That isn’t to say that the plan, as it the Palestinian people, not tokens of plausible. History rarely goes well for those was first published in The New York Times now stands, can come as anything but self-importance for their kleptocratic and who try to live it backward. and the newspaper’s website. a disappointment to most Palestinians. repressive leaders. For all the talk about Trump’s plan Regarding President Donald It allows Israel to annex its West Bank That begins with improving the quality being dead on arrival, it says something Trump’s peace plan for the Israeli- settlements and the long Jordan Valley. of Palestinian governance, first of all that it has been met with an open mind by Palestinian conflict, the instant It concedes full Israeli sovereignty over by replacing leaders whose principal some Arab states, including Saudi Arabia conventional wisdom is that it’s an undivided Jerusalem. It conditions interests lie in perpetuating their misrule. and the United Arab Emirates. They know a geopolitical nonstarter, a gift to eventual Palestinian statehood on If Abbas — now in the 16th year of his only too well that the Arab world has more Benjamin Netanyahu and an electoral full demilitarization of a Palestinian elected four-year term of office — really important challenges to deal with than ploy by the president to win Jewish state and the disarming of Hamas. had Palestinian interests at heart, he Palestinian statehood. They know, too, votes in Florida rather than Palestinian It compensates Palestinians for lost would step down. So would Hamas’ cruel that decades of relentless hostility toward hearts in Ramallah. territories in the West Bank with remote and cynical leaders in Gaza. That the the Jewish state have been a stupendous It may be all of those things. But nobody territories near the Egyptian border. The peace plan insists on the latter isn’t an mistake. The best thing the Arab world will benefit less from a curt dismissal of the map of a future Palestine looks less like obstacle to Palestinian statehood. It’s a could do for itself is learn from Israel, not plan than the Palestinians themselves, an ordinary state than it does the MRI of prerequisite for it. demonize it. whose leaders are again letting history a lung or kidney. At the same time, it’s also essential That ought to go for the Palestinians pass them by. Then again, much of what the plan to temper Palestinian expectations. The as well. The record of Arab-Israeli peace efforts gives to Israel, Israel already has and Jewish state has thrived in part because, The old cliché about Palestinians can be summed up succinctly: Nearly every will never relinquish — which explains dayenu, it has always been prepared to never missing an opportunity to miss an time the Arab side said no, it wound up with why the plan was hailed not only by make do with less. The Palestinian tragedy opportunity has, sadly, more than a bit of less. Netanyahu but also by his centrist rival has been the direct result of taking the truth in it. Nobody ought to condemn them That was true after it rejected the 1947 Benny Gantz. Critics of Israeli policy opposite approach: of insisting on the to make the same mistake again. U.N. Partition Plan, which would have often insist that a Palestinian state is created a Palestinian state on a much necessary to preserve Israel as a Jewish larger footprint than the one that was left democracy. True enough. But in that after Israel’s war of independence. It was case, those critics should respect the Kids in the Kitchen for Tu B’Shevat true in 1967, after Jordan refused Israel’s painful conclusions Israelis have drawn entreaties not to attack, which resulted in about just what kind of Palestinian state the end of Jordanian rule in the West Bank. they can safely accept. It was true in 2000, when Syria rejected More important, however, is what an Israeli offer to return the Golan Heights, the plan offers ordinary Palestinians — which ultimately led to U.S. recognition of and what it demands of their leaders. Israeli sovereignty of that territory. It was What it offers is a sovereign state, mostly true later the same year, after Yasser Arafat contiguous territory, the return of prisoners, refused Israel’s offer of a Palestinian state a link to connect Gaza and the West Bank, with a capital in East Jerusalem, which led and $50 billion in economic assistance. to two decades of terrorism, Palestinian civil What it demands is an end to anti-Jewish war, the collapse of the Israeli peace camp bigotry in school curriculums, the restoration and the situation we have now. of legitimate political authority in Gaza and It’s in that pattern that the blunt the dismantling of terrorist militias. rejection by Palestinian leaders of the Trump plan — the Palestinian president, Taken together, this would be a historic Mahmoud Abbas, denounced it as a achievement, not the “scam” that liberal “conspiracy deal” — should be seen. critics of the deal claim. The purpose Refusal today will almost inevitably lead of a Palestinian state ought to be to

“Kids in the kitchen” Tu B’Shevat edition at Chabad was a fun afternoon of fruit smoothie making, flower pot decorating and edible flowers.

Kesher Zion Synagogue

SUNDAY TRIVIA SUNDAY APRIL 26, 2020 TIME at Kesher Zion Synagogue 3:00-5:30PM 555 Warwick Drive Wyomissing, PA 19610 COME OUT AND JOIN KZ FOR A COMPETITIVELY FUN NIGHT 610-374-1763 OF TRIVIA WITH PROFESSIONAL”TRIVIA GUY” JIM MARLIN [email protected]

Admission: $ 8.00 per person, payable at the door Teams: Teams up to 8 people-either prearranged or arranged on the spot Prizes: Gift Certificate or cash prizes to top 3 teams Food: Enjoy delicious munchies & desserts with soda or coffee ** FREE GLASS OF WINE INCLUDED**

RSVP ON OR BEFORE MONDAY APRIL 20, 2020

555 Warwick Drive Wyomissing, PA 19610 610Ͳ374Ͳ1763 [email protected] March 2020 SHALOM Page 17 New pension law can have profound impact on estate planning

By Richard Nassau until the year after you turn 72. SECURE Act, an individual beneficiary of The SECURE Act can have a Late last year Congress enacted • Removal of Age Limitation for a retirement plan could leave plan assets profound impact on your estate plan. “The Setting Every Community Up for Contributions to Traditional IRAs. If in a tax-deferred status for many years by We urge you to consult with charitable Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019” you have earned income, you may be spreading annual withdrawals over the giving professionals at the Federation (SECURE Act). It is the most significant eligible to make deductible contributions life expectancy of a younger beneficiary and your own professional advisers to pension reform law in more than a decade. to a traditional IRA regardless of age. in what was called a “Stretch IRA.” The assure that your plans are updated for The SECURE Act, which took effect Previously, individuals were prohibited SECURE Act changed that. With limited these and other important changes. Jan. 1, makes several significant changes from making contributions beginning in exceptions, it requires inheritors other For more information contact in the tax rules for qualified pension plans the year they turned 70½. than your spouse to take full distribution Richard at 610 921 0624 or RichardN@ and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). • IRA Charitable Rollover Age within 10 years, possibly increasing the JFReading.org If you have significant pension and IRA Unchanged. The Act does not change the tax bite. You may want to designate one Disclaimer: The Jewish Federation holdings, it is imperative that you review age of 70½ years at which you become or more charities, such as the Federation, of Reading/Berks does not give legal these changes and their potential impact eligible to take advantage of the IRA as your IRA beneficiaries and leave other advice. The views expressed here are on your estate and gift plan. The changes Charitable Rollover and make Qualified assets to family members. for informational purposes only and will have substantial repercussions for Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from • Alternative to Stretch IRA. Consider are not intended or written to be used, retirement and wealth transfer planning, your IRA directly to a charity such as the making a charitable remainder trust the tax- nor may they be used, as legal advice. especially in the area of accelerating Federation. This means that even if you are free beneficiary of IRA assets and provide In particular, and without limiting the taxation of inherited IRAs. not yet required to take RMDs, you may for (taxable) trust payments of a fixed dollar foregoing, donors seeking tax or legal Significant provisions include: benefit from the IRA Charitable Rollover if amount or a percentage of the trust’s assets advice on which they may rely should • Increase in Age for Required Minimum you are age 70½ or over. Note, however, to your heirs over their lifetimes. consult their own professional advisers. Distributions (RMDs). The Act raises the that your QCDs will be reduced by any trigger age for taking RMDs from 70½ to post-age 70½ deductible IRA contributions. 72. If you did not reach age 70 ½ in 2019 • Elimination of most “Stretch” IRA or earlier, you will not be subject to RMDs distributions. Prior to enactment of the

REFORM CONGREGATION OHE B SHOLOM 04.04.20 THIS YEAR’S RUTH & IRVIN BALIS VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION AWARD WILL BE PRESENTED TO MIRIAM GAVIGAN

SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2020 COCKTAILS AT 6:00 PM DINNER AT 7:00 PM

Pediatric and Adult Patients RSVP BY MARCH 20 Treating Ear, Nose, Throat Problems Thyroid Nodules, Neck Masses & Sinusitis

Physicians: James P. Restrepo, M.D., FACS, ECNU Charles K. Lutz, M.D., FACS Jeffrey S. Driben, M.D., FACS, ECNU Scott J. Cronin, M.D. Adam P. Vasconcellos, M.D. You’re Invited to:

Nurse Practitioner: Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom Rosemarie Montgomery First Night Community Passover Seder MS, CRNP, FNP-C Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at 6:00PM

Catered by Boscov’s Ala Carte Catering Adults: $ 36.00 Children (6‐13 years): $ 20.00 Children 5 & under: FREE

MENU: Matzo Ball Soup, Gefilte Fish, Horseradish, Turkey with Matzah Stuffing on the side, Baked Salmon w/ Mango Salsa, Vegetables, Matzah, Desserts, & Beverages (Decaf, Coffee, Juice, Tea, & Wine) Hoping to see all of you as we gather together as a community to share our Seder Meal!

Audiologists: Your payment is your RSVP and due to the RCOS Office by Monday, March 23, 2020. Kathleen D. Vivaldi, AuD, FAAA Please send completed reservation form & check made payable to RCOS: Melanie A. Appler, AuD, FAAA 555 Warwick Drive Matthew R. Bonsall, AuD, FAAA Wyomissing, PA 19610. If financial assistance is necessary, please contact Sari Incledon at Jewish Family Service 610‐921‐2766. NO RESERVATIONS will be accepted after Monday, March 23. NO WALK‐IN SEATING WILL BE Providing diagnostic and rehabilitative services for all types of hearing loss, for any age group. AVAILABLE. RSVP WITHOUT PAYMENT WILL NOT BE ACCOMODATED. Hearing and Balance Disorders State of the Art Hearing Aid Fittings # of Adults: x $30.00/each = Phone: E‐Mail: In House Hearing Aid Repairs NAMES (first & last):

# of Children (6‐13) x $18.50/ea.ch= # of Children (0‐5) (need high chair?) yes

ENT Head & Neck Specialists, PC NAMES (first & last):

985 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing

610-374-5599 • www.ent-hns.net TOTAL # ATTENDING: TOTAL PAYMENT SUBMITTED =

Please indicate any seating preferences: * Please provide the names of all attending the Seder so we can make everyone feel welcome with a name tag! * Page 18 SHALOM March 2020 Israeli researchers race to find solutions to coronavirus

Israel21c.com worldwide healthcare community. Israeli startup MeMed aims to help Currently it can take two days to Two Israeli startups and an Sonovia has sent its antimicrobial officials detect people harboring the get test results on the virus. This is Israeli university are ramping up polyester-cotton fabric to be tested virus before any symptoms appear. a long, inefficient wait and in China, activities geared to battling the current in China for effectiveness against For epidemics such as coronavirus, many people have died while waiting coronavirus epidemic and future coronavirus. These textiles could be Eden said MeMed is working with for the results, while others run the risk epidemics. made into washable facemasks as well collaborators around the globe to of spreading the contagion. Sonovia is focused on protection, as other protective garments and even see whether “some derivatives of this The new technology, developed while MeMed and Bar Ilan University hospital linens. technology” could detect infectious by Dr. Amos Danielli of the Alexander are working towards very early In hospital tests against various patients in the pre-symptomatic stage. Kofkin Faculty of Engineering, uses a diagnosis. bacteria and fungi, Sonovia’s zinc Bar-Ilan University in Ramat Gan combination of optics and magnetic Sonovia and another Israeli oxide-impregnated material maintained announced that a new technology particles to rapidly test 100 saliva company, Argaman Technologies, are a lower level of microbial growth in developed by one of its professors samples of patients potentially infected racing to get their novel antimicrobial comparison with standard hospital could reduce the diagnostic time of with the virus and reduce the diagnostic technologies to China and the textiles. coronavirus to just 15 minutes. time to 15 minutes.

READY TO TELL YOUR STORY? Federation’s My Story video project is an opportunity for you to tell your story and speak

Contact us. We’ll help you tell your story. about your connection to the Jewish community. Call Federation 610.921.0624. Email - [email protected]

To view completed stories search -Jewish Federation of Reading at YouTube.com March 2020 SHALOM Page 19 Israeli discovery could help premature infants on respirators Israel21c.com Israel Institute of Technology discovered airflow were overlooked,” said doctoral the upper respiratory tract of a premature More than 10% of babies worldwide another source of damage from student Eliram Nof. baby. They hope this model can be are born prematurely. Many of them ventilators previously unknown: an air “In the present study, we discovered used for further experiments to better need a respirator to pump air into jet at the exit of the tube inserted into the for the first time that due to its location understand how to reduce injury to their underdeveloped lungs. Although mouth of the baby. inside the baby’s trachea, this jet exerts infants on respirators. the treatment can be lifesaving, it can “Until now, it was known that the strong shear forces on the epithelial Described in their article in the damage the babies’ lung tissue. tube could cause abrasive injury to the tissue — the layer of cells that covers the Journal of The Royal Society Interface, Researchers at Israel’s Technion- delicate tissue, but the effects of the upper airways. These forces can cause the Israelis’ respiratory tract simulator damage, including inflammation, which was built after prolonged research and poses a real risk to the premature infant.” mathematical modeling. Nof and his collaborators — Prof. The researchers say that adjusting Josué Sznitman of the Technion’s respiratory protocols to the flow Biofluids Lab and Dr. Dan Waisman, configuration in the baby’s respiratory director of the Newborn Unit at Carmel system may reduce damage and improve Medical Center — made their discovery these infants’ chances to develop a thanks to their unique silicone model of normal respiratory system.

Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom presents the FIFTH ANNUAL Michael’s Classic Limousine proudly offers first-class chauffeured transportation for weddings, proms,

parties, conventions, concerts and Enjoy a rollicking "All Sinatra" musical shows, airport trips, and special events. comedy retelling of the Book of Esther — Serving Berks, Schuylkill, Lancaster, open to the ENTIRE Jewish community! Lehigh and surrounding counties, we RSVP by February 28 will take you to your destination in style C'MON, to ensure a seat for the dinner and show with 24-hour door-to-door convenience. LET'S Monday, March 9, 2020 SWING! at OHEB SHOLOM: 6:00 pm — Megillah reading To make a reservation (Not intended for young children) email [email protected] 6:30 pm — Dinner (includes pasta, gluten-free pizza, salad and wine) or call 610-929-4919 7:00 pm — Purim Play 7:50 pm — Dessert

Michael’s Limousine is located at Adults (13 and older): $10 each Children 3 to 12: $6 each 41 North Centre Avenue, Leesport. Children 2 years and under: FREE! ($1 of each admission will be donated to MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger) Visit us on Facebook: PLEASE RSVP BY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 if you plan REFORM CONGREGATION OHEB SHOLOM to attend. Send a check for the total amount to the Oheb facebook.com/MichaelsClassicLimo Sholom office (555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing, PA 19610) 555 Warwick Drive•Wyomissing, PA 19610 and enclose a note with the check to tell our office manager 610. 375. 6034 that the money is for the March 9th Purim event. [email protected] Page 20 SHALOM March 2020 Bari Weiss’ address to the ‘No Hate, No Fear’ march

By Richard L. Cravatts, PhD Romans he laughed. He laughed and he New York Times columnist Bari told his students that he could finally fulfill Weiss gave the following speech at a the commandment to love God with all solidarity march in New York. There of his being. were an estimated 25,000 people in I am a Jew because even after the attendance: heart of Judaism and Jewish sovereignty My name is Bari Weiss. were destroyed my people refused to I am a proud American. I am a accept the logic of history and disappear. proud New Yorker. And I am a proud And I am a Jew because some of our Jew. greatest renewals took place in exile. I am not a Jew because people I am a Jew because my people hate my religion, my people, and my have been targeted and despised and civilization. murdered by the Nazis and Soviets. Not for a single moment does Jew- I am a Jew because evil hates my hatred, like the kind we are seeing in this people. city, make me a Jew. I am a Jew because my people I am a Jew because of the audacity managed to turn destruction into and the iconoclasm of Abraham, the first redemption by returning to their land Jew of all. The whole world was awash after 2,000 years. in idols and he stood alone to proclaim I am a Jew because our Founders the truth: There is one God. saw themselves as new Israelites. I am a Jew because my ancestors I am a Jew because the biblical were slaves. words on the Liberty Bell — proclaim New York Times columnist Bari Weiss speaks at a January solidarity march in New York. And I am a Jew because the story liberty throughout the land! — rang they are, who are standing up against us has no color or class or politics or of their Exodus from Egypt, their out from the righteous mouths of this humiliation, pressure and abuse to affirm language. liberation from slavery, is a story country’s abolitionists as they fought the justness of Zionism. I am a Jew because Jews do not that changed human consciousness for universal freedom in this New I am a Jew because my brothers cause Jew hatred. Ever. forever. Jerusalem. and sisters in England and France are Today, as in so many times in history, I am a Jew because our God I am a Jew because it was Emma battling the anti-Semitism of populist there are many forces in the world commands us to never oppress the Lazarus who etched the biblical thugs and the anti-Semitism of politicians insisting that Jews must disappear or die. stranger. injunction to welcome the stranger onto in parliament. Some say it bluntly. Some cloak it in the I am Jew because Ruth, the first the consciousness of America when she I am a Jew because I refuse to stay language of progress. convert to Judaism, told her mother- wrote the words: “Give me your tired, silent in the face of injustice. But I am a Jew because of I know in-law Naomi, “your people will be my your poor, Your huddled masses yearning I am a Jew because I have no that there is force far greater than that. people and your god will be my god,” to breathe free.” patience for leaders who speak boldly And that is the force of who we are and reminding us of the centrality of the I am a Jew because of the martyred while failing to take the actions necessary the force of our world-changing ideas. Jewish people to Judaism. of Tree of Life and Chabad of Poway and to protect our community. The Jewish people were not put on I am a Jew because of Queen Esther, Jersey City. And I am a Jew because of Or for partisan hacks that claim anti- Earth to be anti-anti-Semites. We were who understood that she had attained her the courage of those who fought back in Semitism is the exclusive domain of their put on Earth to be Jews. royal position in order to save her people Monsey and who then, immediately after political opponents. We are the people whose God never from destruction. the attack, gathered together to sing. Or for leaders who believe they can slumbers or sleeps, and so neither can I am a Jew because the Maccabees And I am Jew because my brothers and fight Jew-hatred while making political we. were the original resistance. Because sisters in Crown Heights and Boro Park alliances with anti-Semites. We are the lamplighters. they modeled for us — and for all peoples and Williamsburg who refuse to hide their I am a Jew because I refuse to lie. We are the ever-dying people that — how to resist the temptation of self- Judaism. I am a Jew because Jews are of refuses to die. erasure. I am a Jew because of students every color and class and politics and The people of Israel lives now and I am a Jew because when Rabbi across this country who refuse to be language. forever. Akiva was being tortured to death by the smeared and denigrated because of who And I am a Jew because hatred of Am Yisrael Chai.

KESHER ZION SYNAGOGUE INVITES YOU TO A SPIRITED, TRADITIONAL, AND INTERACTIVE SECOND NIGHT COMMUNITY PASSOVER SEDER Conducted by Rabbi/Hazzan David B. Sislen PLEASE JOIN US FOR Thursday, April 9, 2020 - Services at 6:00 p.m. Seder to follow KESHER ZION’S 2020 PASSOVER CELEBRATION

Thursday April 9: KZ Passover Shabbat Services at 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush

Passover Second Night Service and Seder 6:00 p.m. Conducted by Rabbi/Hazzan David B. Sislen

Friday, April 10: KZ Passover Festival Services 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush

Kosher for Passover meal catered by Boscov’s A La Carte Caterers Saturday, April 11: Shabbat Chol Hamoed Services 9:30 a.m. Cost: Adults—$36.00/Children (6-13) - $20.00/Children 5 & under free Menu: Matzah Ball soup, gefilte fish, turkey, Tuesday, April 14 KZ Passover Service and Dinner at 6:30 pm. potato kugel, vegetables, wine, matzah, and dessert. Vegetarian entrée available upon request with reservation only (Same pricing as above) Reservations and payment (Check payable to Kesher Zion Synagogue) Wednesday, April 15: KZ Passover Services 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush Must be sent to the Kesher Zion Office by March 23, 2020

If you are in need of transportation to the Seder, please contact the KZ Office (610) 374-1763. Thursday, April 16: KZ Passover Services 9:30 a.m. If financial assistance is necessary, please contact Sari Incledon at Jewish Family Service (610) 921-2766. with Yizkor followed by Kiddush I/We will be attending the Thursday, April 9th Passover Seder Meal at Kesher Zion Synagogue, 555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing, PA 19610. We are returning our reservation form and check made out to Kesher Zion Synagogue Deadline for reservations: Thursday, March 23, 2020.

$36.00 each adult x ______$ ______$20.00 each child x ______$ ______(Children 5 & under are free) Request for vegetarian entrée x______

Total $ ______

NAME ______PHONE #______SHALOM Page 21ב״ה March 2020 White supremacist groups expand propaganda efforts

From online news reports woes,” Levin said. “Pamphlets and JEWISH WOMEN’S CIRCLE They are a staple of any college stickers represent the biggest little bang campus: leaflets, posters and stickers for the buck, enabling them to stir the pot promoting clubs, meetings and parties. somewhat, but with little risk of arrest.” From afar, they look innocuous — and ADL data show that white supremacist most are. But upon closer inspection, propaganda is growing across the Ladies Kosher a growing number are promoting white country, not only on college campuses. supremacist propaganda. The distribution A total of 2,713 cases, an average of of such propaganda on campuses nearly more than seven per day, were reported doubled last year, to 630 reported nationwide last year, compared with incidents from 320 in 2018, the Anti- 1,214 in 2018. The highest activity was Defamation League reported. There reported in California, Texas and New Cooking Classes were 410 reported incidents in the fall, York. But every state except Hawaii JOIN US FOR AN EVENING more than double any previous college reported at least one incident. term since the organization began its Two-thirds of the incidents were WITH HAIA MAZUZ tally in 2016. attributed to the Texas-based Patriot The ADL attributed part of the Front, whose missives reflect the belief Haia will teach us how to make a delicious increase to greater vigilance from that their ancestors conquered America Tunisian meat & couscous dish those reporting the propaganda. “This and granted it to them alone. Hear about some of the Tunisian Jewish customs is all about optics and entry points to a Over a 48-hour span in Chicago broader white supremacist movement,” in late September and early October, said Oren Segal, vice president of the the Patriot Front barraged Wilbur SUNDAY, MARCH 15 · 4.00PM Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Wright College, Moody Bible Institute Chabad of Berks County Extremism. “We need to understand and Northeastern Illinois University that there is a connection, ideologically, with messages, according to the Anti- 2320 Hampden Blvd from a piece of propaganda on Defamation League’s data. these campuses to an attack in our FBI Director, Christopher Wray, told $12 communities.” the House Judiciary Committee that RSVP by March 11 [email protected] The proliferation of propaganda can violent extremists motivated by race were be traced to the white supremacist rally considered a threat equivalent to foreign in Charlottesville, Va., in 2017 that turned terrorist organizations such as ISIS. deadly when a man drove into a crowd Extremist groups are doubling of counter protesters, said Brian Levin, down to amplify their infrequent public director of the Center for the Study of activities, Segal said. A flier posted on Hate and Extremism at California State an online forum can resonate with some University, San Bernardino. people, he said, motivating them to post “After Charlottesville, white physical propaganda in their community supremacist organizations were left that spreads hateful narratives and reeling and splintered organizationally anxiety. “Their ideas are seeping in,” by adverse publicity, doxxing and legal he said.

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WHITE STAR TOURS Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank a liate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. 1019-03472 MayPage 2010 22 SHALOMShalom MarchPage 2020 10 Federation Honorial - Memorial Card Information HonorialsHonorials and and Memorials Memorials ContributionsContributions may may be be made made to to the the following following Funds: Funds: Please mail your payment with complete information to the Jewish UJA-Federation Campaign $10 Federation, PO Box 14925, Reading, PA 19612-4925 or bring to the Jewish Federation Jewish Community Campaign Cultural Center, 1100 Berkshire Blvd, Suite 125, Wyomissing. You may set up Jewish Family ServiceService $10 a “savings account” for the purpose of sending cards. Please contact the Leo Camp LectureLecture FundFund $10 Jewish Federation at 610-921-0624 for further information. JFS FoodFood BankBank $25 JFS TaxiTaxi TransportationTransportation ProgramProgram $20 ContributionsContributions asas ofof April Feb. 16 17 Holocaust Library & Resource CenterCenter $18 Doris Levin Fund UJA-FederationLeo Camp Lecture Campaign Fund Doris Levin Fund $10 In honormemory of: of: PJ Library Fund SarahGrace Simon’sMitgang engagement – Sharon Scullin – Vic and and Dena Jim Rothstein Hammel Michael ClyminHarry (Ellen & Abramson’sRose Sack father) Fund – Susan and Richard D’Angelo Alma and Ed Lakin’s new home – Vic and Dena Hammel, Mildred & Ivan Frank MehringerEvelyn – Edith Thompson Mendelsohn Fund GordonFederation Community Campaign In memorySam Goodman’s of: engagement – Alma and Ed Lakin AlyseShirley Corbin’s Mazer marriage(Andi Franklin’s – Carol andmother) Bernie – RichardGerber, Almaand Mindy and Ed Small Lakin Doris Levin Fund Jan and Jonathan Simon SueAlison Viener’s Rotenberg Birthday – Radene – Yvonne Gordon-Beck & Rob Oppenheimer In memoryMiriam Neugroschelof: – BirthDr. Jeffrey of Selma Frank Cutler’s – Carol great-grandson and Bernie Gerber Jacob - Debbie Goodman and John Dr. Walter Gershenfeld – Stephanie and Dennis Arbige, Carole and Mike MoyerMervin Lewis – Carol and Bernie Gerber LakinRobinson Preschool Fund BirthI. Leon of KaplanCarol and – CarolGordon and Perlmutter’s Bernie Gerber new grandson – Debbie Goodman and In memoryShoshana of: Tannenbaum – Carole and Mike Robinson John Moyer Stanley Goldman – Jess and Robin Drezner Jewish Family Service Holocaust Library and Resource Center InGet memory well: of: FriendshipIn memory of: Circle Fund HaroldShirley Leifer R. Mazer – Rob (Andi and Yvonne Franklin’s Oppenheimer mother) – Doris and Elliott Leisawitz, In memoryShoshana of: Tannenbaum – Ken and Mary Holt, George and Sue Viener, Sue Jan and Jonathan Simon Schlanger,Dr. Jeffrey Gordon Frank and Carol– Glenn Perlmutter, and Gaye Leah Corbin Kanter-Salis, Rosemary and John EvelynGrace Thompson Mitgang – Carol Nursery and Gordon School Perlmutter Fund Deegan,Mervin Naum Lewis and – Lyudmila Glenn and Ger, Gaye Louis Corbinand Katherine Danzico, Florence and In memoryDr. Jeffrey of: Frank – Jan and Jonathan Simon MarvinGrace Segal, Mitgang Vic and – Dena Glenn Hammel, and Gaye Emma Corbin Holder, Susan Gallagher, Mildred & ShoshanaMervin Lewis Tannenbaum – Joan and – Beth Steve and Schuldenfrei, Bob Caster Diamond Credit Union, Myra IvanShirley Gordon, Mazer Carrie &(Andi Stephen Franklin’s Latman, Judy, mother) Bob & Susan– Glenn Pollack, and AnnaGaye & Corbin Moisey Baylin, Rebecca Noll, Carol A. Hannahoe Schneider, Norman & Rita Wilikofsky, Audrey Williams, Alan and Esther Strauss, Jewish Family Service Jay and Evelyn Lipschutz, Carol and Bernie Gerber, Barbara and Seth Rosenzweig, In honor of: John Castrege and family, Michael Geraci, Maxine & Dick Henry, Piekara Family, Birth of Carol and Gordon Perlmutter’s new grandson – Sue and George Viener, Laura Higgins Betsy and Al Katz Bat Mitzvah of Fran Mendelsohn’s granddaughter – Rosalye Yashek Friendship Circle In memory of: Get well: Shoshana Tannenbaum – Jill and Gladys Skaist Harold Leifer – Glenn and Gaye Corbin Holocaust education spreading in Berks County

Continued from Page 5 also that the students are genuinely On a wider note, there have justice and Holocaust remembrance today. silence is not the reason why survivors interested in hearing their stories. I know been many recent developments in I am heartened to hear that three additional are invited in. Instead, that factor is my students were genuinely interested in Holocaust education in Berks County schools in Berks County will be offering present because of the immense respect hearing Hilde’s story and many still talk and the surrounding areas. Within these courses for their students. students have for these individuals and about it now, several weeks later. the past month I have met with two Though the fourth quarter of the individuals who are in the process school year has begun, there are still of developing a Holocaust course to many additional opportunities that  be offered at their local high school. remain. I just spoke to an undergraduate One gentleman was from Lancaster ethics class at Penn State Berks CHABAD OF BERKS INVITES YOU TO B”H County. The other, Gerry Evans, is a regarding the ethical/moral implications teacher at Hamburg High School. I of the Holocaust. I found the students ž ñTzefat have been in contact with two other to be receptive and inquisitive and local teachers, Pete Ruckelshaus at have been asked to deliver a similar  Twin Valley and Jim Konecke at Wilson program in the classes that the same Purim in High School. Pete has resurrected a professor also teaches at Reading Area course on Holocaust Literature at Twin Community College.  Valley, and its first offering is during As mentioned above, Kim Yashek, the current fourth quarter. He is very daughter of the late local Holocaust excited about offering this course to survivor Richard Yashek, is speaking at  his students and has even lined up Twin Valley, Hamburg and Fleetwood. TUESDAY An Israel themed Purim Bash several guest speakers including Rabbi Right now Albright College is hosting ñž Tel Aviv Brian Michelson, Kim Yashek and Hilde an exhibit titled, “Stories Among Us: MARCH 10, 2020 Gernsheimer. Washington State Connections to the 5.30PM Jim Konecke is teaching at Wilson Holocaust, Lessons in Genocide.” The Chabad of Berks County ñžJerusalem ñž Central Junior High but will be moving up exhibit includes the stories of five Holocaust 2320 Hampden Blvd to Wilson High School at the beginning survivors and one liberator and has of next school year. He will be offering a received good reviews. It is definitely course on Nazi Germany. His students worth a visit! It will be at Albright’s Gingrich will be studying this period of German Library through May 10. history in depth, including a study of the *** ñž Be’er Sheva rise of anti-Semitism, the initial period of Jennifer Goss teaches social studies the Holocaust and the Final Solution. The in the Fleetwood School District and • Megillah Reading latter part of the course will look at post-war specializes in Holocaust education. • Israeli style dinner with falafel, pita, chummus, shwarma & more Plan for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah & Wedding Guests! • Have your picture taken at the Western Wall ñž Negev • Caricaturist in Tzfat’s artists quarter • Squeeze you own “Jaffa” orange juice • Create care packages for our dear Israeli soldiers We’ll provide packaging. Please bring items READING to pack such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, deodorant etc. 2801 Papermill Road Wyomissing, Pennsylvania • Come dressed in Israeli costume GROUP RATES AVAILABLE $12 ADULTS · $8 CHILDREN RSVP [email protected] or 610-921-0881 Call Alice for a Site Tour This is event is generously sponsored by Dr. Jerry Marcus (610) 736-2082 ✦ www.reading.homewoodsuites.com