Jewish Federation of Reading Non-Profit Organization Jewish Cultural Center U.S. Postage PAID PO Box 14925, Reading, PA 19612-4925 Permit No. 2 www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org Reading, PA Change Service Requested

Jewish Federation of Reading Non-Profit Organization Jewish Cultural Center U.S. Postage PAID JewishPO Box Federation 14925, Reading, of Reading PA 19612-4925 Non-Profit OrganizationPermit No. 2 Jewishwww.ReadingJewishCommunity.org Cultural Center U.S. PostageReading, PAID PA POChange Box 14925, Service Reading, Requested PA 19612-4925 Permit No. 2 www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org Reading, PA Change Service RequestedShalom The Journal of the Reading Jewish Community Published as a community service by the Jewish Federation of Reading, Pa.

JewishVolume Federation 40 of No.Reading 3 MARCh 2010 Adar-NisanNon-Profit Organization 5770 Jewish Cultural Center U.S. Postage PAID PO Box 14925, Reading, PA 19612-4925 Permit No. 2 www.ReadingJewishCommunity.orgINSIDE Reading, PA Change Service RequestedShalom1100 Berkshire Boulevard The Journal ofShalom the Reading JewishIt’s been Community an Publishedincredible as a community year. service Hope by you’ve the Jewish beenFederation here! of Reading, Pa. TThehe JJournalournal ofof the ReadingIt is hardJewish to believe Community.Community that a year Published Published has gone as as by a a since community community we relocated service service to the by by Jewish the the Jewish Jewish Cultural Federation Federation Center at of1100 of Reading, Reading, Berkshire Pa. Pa. Volume 40 No.Boulevard 5 in Wyomissing. If you haven’tMAY been here,2010 we hope to see you in the very near future.Iyar-Sivan For those of you 5770 who VolumeVolume 45, 40 No. No. 5 5 use the Center regularly or from ‘timeMAYMAY to time’,2015 2010 we always appreciate your visits and encourage Iyar-SivanIYAR-SIVAN your feedback. 5770 5775 INSIDE And, thank you all for your support throughout the year! ReflectionsINSIDE on Paul D. Cohn, President,‘Beneath Jewish Federation the of Helmet: Reading Cindy Special Balchunas, Chair, screening Jewish Cultural Center Committee Passover ShalomTammy K. Mitgang, Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Reading/Jewish Cultural Center The Journal of the Reading Jewish Community Published as a community service by the Jewish Federation of Reading, Pa. Page 12 There is noand free conversation lunch — withor is former there? IDF soldier Volume 40 No.By Amanda 3 J. Hornberger MARCh 2010 Adar-Nisan 5770 Most American By Paul D. Cohn County Jews have gone to the JCC’s preschool to look at all expenditures, making sure that we 18-year-olds are Federation president for its excellent learning curriculum.Many times are being good stewards of your contributions. focused on graduating FreeINSIDE Jewish The 2010 Jewish the preschool is a gateway for Jewish families in We are making progress in all areas of your PulitzerProgram winner at high school and books for FederationEllen Azrael, JewishLarry Rotenberg Annual and Hilde GernsheimerBerks County, where they can meet and make Federation. We are now in a position to focus FreeAlvernia Jewish to hanging out with their 1100 Berkshire Boulevard kidsdelivers available Campaign is under way.Photo by Jeremy Drey: Courtesyfriends of with Reading other Eagle Jewish families. In addition, on those programs and services that our booksfocus foron Ellenfriends. Azrael, The Larry same Rotenberg and Hilde Gernsheimer Leo Campthrough Lecture This campaign is the since the school is open to everyone, it provides community wants and needs. kidspeace available is true for Israeli Photo by Jeremy Drey: Courtesy of Reading Eagle Federationat Albright Federation’s majorIt’s source been an incrediblea diversity experience year. at an earlyHope age. you’veHowever been the bottom here! line is that we are through teenagers,Making with the sure we never forget Page 2 of funding, and it helps • Cultural Programs and Services — The asking for, and need your help. And guess FederationPage 3 exceptionIt is being hard thatto believe that a year has gone by since we relocated to the Jewish Cultural Center at 1100 Berkshire Page 5 support the many important Federation provides many interesting and what? People do need a free meal every so MakingmostByBoulevard Paul are alsoD. Cohn headed in sureWyomissing. we If andyou never political haven’t context, been forget here,nothing we can hope to see you in the very near future. For those of you who programs and services that requested programs and services.Lectures, often. Seniors do enjoy the company and Page 3 forFederation their obligatory Chairman mask the darkest side of human help Jewsuse inthe our Center community regularly and abroad. or from Most ‘time films, to time’,discussion we groups,always and appreciate holiday events your are visits friendship and encourage that our services your feedback.provide. Parents Federations Byservice PaulAs I inD. writethe Cohn Israeli andbehavior.Could political context, one view nothing our ability can Michael Fromm of you are not new to the Campaign, And,and are thank just you a few all examples. for your In supportaddition, the throughout Federation theare year! relieved as they drop their preschooler helping Federationarmythis aftercolumn high Chairman school.it Mika Foxmaskand responsibility the darkest to side “never of forget” human as namedGuitarist to JCPA accustomed to why this is such an important allocates funds to local synagogues to help off at our school, knowing that their child is in in Haiti is theAsThe day I filmwrite after “Beneath behavior.Couldan obligation? Ione think view so. ourNo matterability Reflectionsto perform on partPaul of your D. Federation.Cohn, President, Others Jewishmay be Federationnew with their of Reading programs. WeCindy offer Balchunas, programs and Chair, excellent Jewish hands. Cultural Jews Center in Israel Committee and around the Guitaristat boardannual thistheyour Helmet” columnFederation isit a coming-of-age storyandhow responsibility that hard it is to to recall “never the forget” horrific as PassoverPage 4 to our community.Tammy Here are K. a Mitgang,few points Executivethat I services Director, that bring Jewish our communityFederation together. of Reading/Jewishworld are gratefulCultural for Center the funding we supply. tomeeting perform isfollowssponsored the day the after journey our of five Israeli highanevents obligation?school of the Holocaust,I think so. Nothose matter who would like you to consider: • Israel and Jews around the world Making a pledge to the Campaign is more at annualPage 2 yourgraduatesHolocaust Federation who are drafted into thehowsurvived, army. hard and it is tothe recall generations the horrific that Page 12 • Jewish Family Services — JFS now — Federation has a long and rich history of than the money, at least it should be. It should meetingPage 2 sponsoredThanksRemembrance to the our support of Fox Theatres,eventsfollowed, Jewish of the have Holocaust, to remember those who and HolocaustservesThere all age groupsis no and is free dedicatedsurvived, lunchto and helping the generations Israel. — Although thator isour worldthere? is rapidly be your way of saying that you believe in and Foes of Israel FederationDay, which of Reading is proud tocontinue host a to handput the to talkevents about of herthe army experience. war, I’m grateful that I got to experience how my Remembrancemaintaining and strengthening thefollowed, quality havechanging, to remember Israel isand still a young country, and support our local Jewish community. It should start Pagecampaign 2 freewas screening held at of “Beneath the Helmet”Holocaust on into modern-day“After that (trip context. to Poland), I wanted to join the work influences the soldiers defending Israel and Jewish high school Day,ofBy individual Paul which D. Cohn and family life in thecontinue Jewish to putunfortunately,County the Jewsevents have ofsome thegone groups to the JCC’sand countriespreschool beto lookyour at way all expenditures, of saying that making you want sure tothat help we toCelebrating question Thursday,Kesher MayZion 14, at 7 p.m. at Fox Berkshire,Survivors needarmy. to It strengthenedcontinue to talk my connection with how I felt the country unifies during the time of conflict.” moving forward with wascommunity.Federation held presidentJFSat runs a monthly foodHolocaust pantry intodofor modern-day itsnot excellent recognize context. learning Israel’s curriculum.Many right to peaceful times PhotoJewsare being byaround Jeremy good the Drey:stewards world. Courtesy It of should your of contributions.Reading be your Eagle way withnation’s Ethiopian 800Synagogue. Berkshire Boulevard, I want to Wyomissing. thank about Please their experiencestoward Israel. and It madeeducate me feel like I wanted to give The screening is free, but seating is limited. Program at KesheropenThe to bothZion2010 the JewishJewish and non-JewishSurvivors needcoexistence.the topreschool continue is Givento a gatewaytalk its forchallenges, Jewish families Jews in ofWe saying are making that you progresshave resources in all areasto help of others your CelebratinglegitimacynewJews plans noteKesher the Zionchange Synagogue in date from for whatJews was and non-Jewsback somehow,” alike. Fox said. To hear Mika’s firsthand We kindly ask for advanced reservations at 610- Alvernia to Synagogue.communities,Federation Jewish helpingI want Annual all to to thank meet theirabout dietary their experiencesthroughoutBerks County, and the educate where world theyhelp canIsrael meet with and funding make PhotowhoFederation. byare Jeremy less We fortunate, Drey: are nowCourtesy and in aat ofposition times Reading destitute. to Eaglefocus with EthiopianPage 9 announcedhosting this previously. event, as well as Jews aroundaccount the world after continue the screening to will add another 921-0624 or [email protected]. Visit the focusPage 7on Kesherneeds.Campaign DidZion is you underSynagogue know way. JFS for coordinates Jews and non-Jewsandfriends resources alike.with other so sheJewish can families. remain strongIn addition, and Iton should those be programs your way toand say services you care. that our JewsPage 4 thankIn addition Dr. Minna to the Brombergscreening, wefor are behonored victims of anti-Semitism.dimension to the In addition, film’s story. “I’m proud of my army Federation’s website or www.beneaththehelmet. peace hostingtransportationThis campaign this event, for the is elderlyas the well and as infirmed Jews and around vibrant.since the theworld Our school continue funding is open to also to helpseveryone, Jews it providesin other communityFor everyone wants who and hasneeds. already pledged, I toher have spiritual Mika Fox,leadership. a former Tammy Reading Israelresident faces newservice and existingand what enemies. I’ve taught my soldiers over this com to view a trailer and learn more about the thankprovidesFederation’s Dr. counseling Minna major Bromberg tosource members for of ourbe Jewishvictims of anti-Semitism.countriesa diversity who experience In addition, want to at move an early to Israel, age. or who say However“thank you.” the For bottom those line of you is thatwho arewe stillare Page 4 whoMitgang served did in anthe excellentIDF from 2012-2014,job However, on withpast each year passing and a half.year weWhile I would never wish for film. Page 2 community?of funding, andIn addition, it helps JFS provides an have• Cultural serious needsPrograms in their and own Services country. — The waitingasking tofor, pledge, and need I am your asking help. for Andyour guess help. Holocaust herof facilitatingspiritual leadership. the afternoon’s Tammy Israelare losing faces our new Holocaust and existing survivors enemies. and Holocaust outreachsupport the program many andimportant acts as a clearinghouse FederationAs I mentioned provides above, many the interestingfunds raised and by Pleasewhat? Peoplepledge donow. need As ayou free have meal previously every so SurvivorsJewish Family Band Mitgangsession. Mydid thanks an excellent also go to Danjob However,their families, with alongeach passingwith the yearvaluable we education forprograms other agencies and services in our that area. As economic therequested Campaign programs represent and the services.Lectures, largest portion of heardoften. meSeniors say, Jewsdo enjoy have thea rich company tradition and of HolocaustService ofTannenbaum,Everyone’s facilitating coordinatorthe afternoon’s of theinvited arestories losing and our memoriesHolocaust to Familysurvivorsthey have and to Fun Day Annual Meeting performsspreadingFederations at Yom in conditionshelp Jews inhave our worsened,community JFSand abroad.has seen Most an thefilms, Federation’s discussion budget.groups, Lastand yearholiday you events helped are leadingfriendship by thatexample. our services All of us, provide. no matter Parents how education session.Holocaust My Library thanks alsoand goResource to Dan theirpass families, to future along generations. with the valuable Venues HaShoahhelpingBerks event Byincreaseof youAmanda are in notpeople J. newHornberger lookingto the Campaign, for help. and are contributejustPlease a few joinexamples. $600,000 us on Sunday, In to addition, the Campaign.June the 14, Federation for A the few Hillslargeare Pool relieved or small(right asthe across they contribution, dropthe street their have preschoolerfrom a chance the spreadingPage 8 in Tannenbaum,Center, a partnership coordinator between of the the storiessuch as and the memories United States they Memorialhave to in Haiti accustomedWho said toan why annual this meetingis such an has important – toJCC’s be Federation’syearsallocates ago, funds our Annual Campaign to localMeeting synagogueswas and over family $1 million.to fun help playground).tooff become at our school, leaders.We’ll alsoknowing It all have adds that lots up. their Allof FREEchildof us iscan in BerksPage 11 7 HolocaustFederation• Lakin Library Earlyand Albright Educationand Resource College. Center passHolocaust to future Museum, generations. the Holocaust Venues apreschoolpart boring of your affair? and Federation. kindergarten This year’s Others have annual amay long meeting be history new day!Sowith youJoin their canus programs. for see fellowship that ourWe annual andoffer time Estherprograms campaign together Bratt and is food,changeexcellentLarry fun, gamestheRotenberg hands. world and Jews withfor activities thegrandchildren in Israelbetter. for and the Talya around whole and the Eli Center,I also a partnership want to thankbetween Hilde the suchCenter as atthe Albright, United Statesthe Anne Memorial Frank Page 4 Federationwillofto providing ourbe heldcommunity. andat quality a parkAlbright Here educationand College.are everyone a few in apoints is Holocaustnurturing, invited! that I Museum,asmoreservices a community. important the that Holocaust bring thanWe’ll our ever. be community at The the Federation Wyomissing together. has family!worldFree are lunch…I grateful don’t for the think funding so. It weis worth supply. its Page 7 Gernsheimer, Ellen Azrael and House in Amsterdam, and the Yad Esther Bratt Thepositivewould business like environment. you portion to consider: Many will be generations brief so we of Berkscan Hillstaken •Playground Israel steps toand help from Jews reduce 12-5 around pm.our expensesEveryone the world andis weightLookLarryMaking inRotenbergfor gold. amore pledge with specific tograndchildren the Campaigndetails Talya in is andthe more Eli JEWISH LarryI also Rotenberg want tofor thank sharing Hilde their CenterVashem at Holocaust Albright, memorialthe Anne inFrank Israel Gernsheimer,focus• Jewishon the fun! FamilyEllen Azrael Services and — HouseJFS now in Amsterdam, invited— Federation to FREE and the swimminghas Yad a long at and the Wyomissingrich history of comingthan the weeks. money, Hope at leastto see it shouldeveryone be. there! It should FAMILYFoes of SERVICE: Israel personalserves all stories. age groupsEach story and had is itsdedicated serve as to valuablehelping educational Israel. Although and our world is rapidly be your way of saying that you believe in and Jewish Family Larryown senseRotenberg of sadness, for sharing fear and their (at Vashemhistorical Holocaust repositories. memorial in Israel startHelping campaign seniors personalmaintaining stories. and Each strengthening story had its theserve quality as valuable changing, educational Israel isand still a young country, and support our local Jewish community. It should to questionService times)of individual renewedYemin and hope family and resolve.Ordelife in the JewishAll graduate of us haveunfortunately, a responsibility some soars to groups and thanks countries be your to way program of saying that you want to help Jewishprepare Familyfor next ownStill, sense it was of difficult sadness, to fearlisten and to (atand historical“never forget” repositories. and to stand up for our nation’s times)community. renewed JFS hope runs and a monthlyresolve. food Allpantry of us havedo not a responsibility recognize toIsrael’s right to peaceful Jews around the world. It should be your way phaseServicePage of their 6 lives comprehend When Ukraine their stories.resident If Sashaanyone Rosenbaum rights and beliefsEthiopia as Jews.and Brazil, We must who are learning Hebrew and legitimacy Still,open it wasto both difficult the toJewish listen toand and non-Jewish “never forget” coexistence.and to stand up forGiven our its challenges, Jews of saying that you have resources to help others washas 16,any herdoubt country about wasthe Jewishin upheaval, continue her to attendingeducate thosehigh school. who do The program is supported Page 6 comprehendcommunities, their helping stories. all If toanyone meet theirrights dietary and beliefs throughout as Jews. the We world must help Israel with funding who are less fortunate, and at times destitute. Page 15 fatherpeople’s had will died to survive,three years one earlieronly notand believe her inby the local Holocaust dollars through or who the Jewish Federation of Page 7 hasneeds. any doubtDid you about know the JewishJFS coordinates continue to educateand resources those who so shedo can remain strong and It should be your way to say you care. motherneeds to was study having the Holocaust. a hard time attemptmaking to twistReading’s the truth of Israel what Nowactually campaign. people’stransportation will to forsurvive, the elderly one andonly infirmednot believe and in vibrant.the Holocaust Our funding or who also helps Jews in other For everyone who has already pledged, I endsAlthough meet. Rosenbaum’s one can study parents the hadhappened. been Again,Rosenbaum, a special thank now you 31 and living in Chicago needsprovides to study counseling the Holocaust. to members of ourattempt Jewish to twist countries the truth of whatwho actuallywant to move to Israel, or who say “thank you.” For those of you who are still divorcedevents leading — her up father the Holocaust Jewish, herand mother to Hilde, not. Ellenand and Larryworking for sharing as atheir software Trudy Katzengineer and Ellen and Azrael David, Larry and Alison Rotenberg community?Although oneIn addition,can study JFS the provides happened. an Again,have a specialserious thank needs you in their own country. waiting to pledge, I am asking for your help. try Whileto put exploringthese events her Jewish into historical identity, Rosenbaum thoughts and consultant, memories with spoke us. recently at Temple Solel in Jewish Family eventsoutreach leading program up the and Holocaust acts as and a clearinghouse to Hilde, Ellen and LarryAs I mentionedfor sharing their above, Trudy the Katz funds and raised EllenPhotos Azrael by by PleaseBarbara pledgeDavid,Nazimov Larry now. except and As asAlison you noted haveRotenberg previously Service attendedfor other a agenciessummer campin our where area. sheAs economicmet a girl Paradisethe Campaign Valley, represent Ariz., to illustrate the largest the portion success of heard me say, Jews have a rich tradition of try to put these events into historical thoughts and memories with us. Photos by Barbara Nazimov except as noted 2010 totals whoconditions had recently have immigratedworsened, to JFS Israel. has “She seen was an ofthe Yemin Federation’s Orde graduates. budget. Last Solel year has you ahelped five- leading by example. All of us, no matter how as ofPage Feb. 8 19 fullincrease Yashekof light inand people sunshine lecturelooking … shefor help.was soto happy focus yearcontribute relationship on $600,000 France with to Yeminthe Campaign. Orde. During A few large or small the contribution, have a chance andYashek •so Lakin different Early from Educationlecture everyone Centeraround to me– JCC’s focusand congregationalyears onago, our France tripsCampaign to Israel, was participants over $1 million. visit to become leaders. It all adds up. All of us can Jewish hadpreschool thisThis freedom andyear’s kindergarten about Richard her,” have RosenbaumJ. Yashek a long historysays.efforts theSo to villageyoubetter can andunderstand see deliver that our moneythese annual and campaign supplies is change the world for the better. That’slecture when will she be decided held Thursday, to make aliyah. May Afterterrible collected events actuallyfrom the accomplished congregation. Community of providingThis year’s quality Richard education J. Yashekin a nurturing, efforts moreto better important understand than ever. these The Federation has Free lunch…I don’t think so. It is worth its she6, convinced at 8 p.m. herin Memorialmother that Chapel it was ata goodtheir aims?For OrRosenbaum, have they Yeminactually Orde gave her Campaign positivelecture environment. will be held Many Thursday, generations May of Berksterrible takenevents steps actually to help accomplished reduce our expenses and weight in gold. idea,Albright Rosenbaum College. made The aliyah speaker at 16. will “I begot luckydistorted a sense historical of security understanding and connection. “The $110,708 6, at 8 p.m. in Memorial Chapel at their aims? Or have they actually becauseRichard I went J. Golsan, to Yemin Ph.D., Orde,” a sheprofessor says. and challengedfeeling of community the notion and of feeling the of belonging Albright College. The speaker will be distorted historical understanding 20152010 totals ofYemin French Orde at TexasYouth A&M Village, University. atop Mount uniqueness is very of strong,” the Holocaust she said. as well When as Rosenbaum Richard J. Golsan, Ph.D., a professor and challenged the notion of the Sascha Rosenbaum with Rabbi John Linder of Temple Solel, as of April 19 CarmelHe is inthe northern author orIsrael, editor was of foundedmore the in terriblegraduated singularity from ofthe the village, fate of sheits deferred her as of April 16 of French at Texas A&M University. uniqueness of the Holocaust as well as 2010 totals 1953than after a dozen the Holocaust books. Heto take has inbeen the wavea victims? of army This service lecture andwill explorewent to these Technion — Israel Home” program for Yemin Orde graduates He is the author or editor of more the terrible singularity of the fate of its as ofJewish April 19 childrenvisiting coming professor to Israel at the without Sorbonne their families,in issues Institute through ofa discussionTechnology, of recentmajoring in biology. who need a place to stay. “Otherwise, I would Jewish Community than a dozen books. He has been a victims? This lecture will explore these Community accordingParis, where to Jackie he taught Louk, courses regional on director the works of About of literature a year and later, film she as realizedwell as she disliked have gone in the street,” she says. “I was 19.” visiting professor at the Sorbonne in issues through a discussion of recent CampaignCampaignJewish Westernmemory States of World Friends War of IIYemin in postwar Orde. the 1990’sher major trials ofand French wanted citizens to switch on to computer After that, Rosenbaum completed her Community Paris, where he taught courses on the works of literature and film as well as $199,540 FrenchToday, Yemin literature Orde andhouses culture. about 400 teenagerscharges science. of crimes Since against she humanity didn’t want for to get stuck army service, then returned to Technion and memory of World War II in postwar the 1990’s trials of French citizens on Campaign$273,000 ages 15-18,For more most ofthan whom three have decadessuffered trauma complicity studying in the something Final Solution. she had no interest in, she completed her degree in computer science. *Includes transfers from French literature and culture. charges of crimes against humanity for in theirFrance lives. has At Yemin been Orde,preoccupied the teenagers with find aThe quit lecture school, is andheld herin memoryscholarship of and housing “I feel very empowered in my life, and Yemin Donor Advised Funds For more than three decades complicity in the Final Solution. $273,000 home,traumatic a family momentsand a future, and This events year, the of village Richard were J. Yashek, discontinued. a Holocaust So without survivor a place to live, Orde has played a big role in getting me to feel France has been preoccupied with The lecture is held in memory of hasits children recent from past. France, But the have former national Soviet Union, and longtimeshe turned Berks to YeminCounty Orde’s resident. “Home Away From this way,” she says. traumatic moments and events of Richard J. Yashek, a Holocaust survivor 2010 totals its recent past. But have national and longtime Berks County resident. as of Feb. 19 Jewish Community Campaign $110,708 Page 2 SHALOM May 2015 Thank you By Richard Nassau difference in people’s lives. we say, “Come, we have food.” granted. But many do not. Development Director But the generosity of our Our 2015 Annual Jewish Whether you count bag by bag, Last year, community is not just about Community Campaign is now pound by pound or dollar by dollar, because of amazing numbers. It is about underway. Your gift, large or small, you can make a critical improvement your support for providing for the most vulnerable helps sustain many programs, in the lives of our community. Given Federation’s 2014 among us. It is about the values including feeding the hungry here with consciousness or even with Annual Jewish that we as a community recognize in Reading as well as in Israel. love, your contribution is always Community and embrace — such as the belief It may help feed a family with meaningful. Campaign, Jewish that no one should ever go hungry. children, an elderly widower, an For more information about Family Services If you were to visit the JFS Food adult with a critical illness. Every the JFS Food Pantry and how (JFS) was able to Pantry, you would see firsthand dollar counts. you can support our 2015 Annual make a huge impact on families how your help impacts so many Every grocery bag filled with Campaign, please contact me at in need. In fact, because of your people. It is our obligation and our food is a reflection of our strength [email protected] or 610- help we were able to provide honor to provide sustenance to as a Jewish community and our 921-0624. and distribute 60,000 pounds the mother who never expected to concern for each person or family Thank you again for what you of food last year. That is an see her children go hungry. When receiving it through our food have already given. And thank you amazing number and only one someone in the community says, pantry. To some, a bag of food in advance for the gift you give way your contribution made a real “I am hungry, my child is hungry,” is something we may take for today. Students take part in summer programs with help from Federation Several local Jewish students & Jeffrey Weizer and are recipients of Student Camp and attend schools in the Education Awards, a Federation program Blue Mountain School that provides monetary awards to help District. support their participation in programs Molly Nemirow, that nurture Jewish identity: a sixth-grade student The following will attend Camp at Reiffton School, Harlam in Kunkletown, Pa. Exeter Township. Aspen Weizer Chase Weizer Easton Weizer Molly Nemirow Eliana Alweis Chase Weizer, a ninth-grade student, She is a daughter of Easton Weizer, a seventh-grader, and Mark and Geri Nemirow. daughter of Richard and Julie Alweis. Camp and Education Awards, visit Aspen Weizer, a fourth-grader. Chase, Eliana Alweis, a fifth-grade student at *** www.ReadingJewish Community.org or Easton and Aspen are children of Drs. Ilene Montessori Country Day School.She is a For more information on Student contact Bill Franklin at 610-921-0624. Meir Panim providing meals for Israel’s many hungry children

The 2012 National Insurance rather than individual students, so dining setting to those in need. The Institute’s report on poverty as not to single out and embarrass purpose of this setting is to maintain statistics in Israel revealed there a disadvantaged child. Meir Panim’s firm commitment to are more than 756,900 children Meir Panim is supported by local preserve the utmost respect and living below the poverty line; about dollars contributed to the Jewish dignity of its patrons. 25 percent of them go to sleep Federation of Reading’s Israel Now The free restaurants are hungry at least a few times per campaign. designed to have the look and feel month. Teachers have reported that of a restaurant, with tasteful decor Children who are constantly students who were previously and ambiance. Daily menus are hungry cannot focus on their irritable, easily distracted and even designed by a nutritionist to include schoolwork, and their academic violent have become significantly all of the main food categories and performance suffers. They leave meals to poverty-stricken children, more attentive and composed vitamins that are vital for proper for school with empty stomachs ages 5-11, enrolled in kindergartens, during classes since taking part in nutrition, which needy individuals and go to bed hungry. Additionally, elementary schools and after- the program. The meals also serve can ill-afford. Diners also have the the lack of basic nutrition during school programs throughout Israel. to remove a major source of tension option of taking home packaged the critical early years of life The meals are supplied for a in the classroom as poorer children food to eat in the privacy of their causes irreversible, lifelong health token $1 per meal, and those that are no longer going hungry while own homes. problems. Without intervention, cannot afford even this small sum others eat their lunch. The meals are served by these children, an integral part of receive the meals for free. Thus, In 2014, Meals for Children volunteers who provide more than Israel’s future, are at risk for a life these children are guaranteed at supplied 100,800 nutritious lunches just a hot, nutritious meal - they of continued poverty, substance least one nutritious meal a day to over the course of the 160-day offer a warm smile, a sympathetic abuse, or crime. safeguard their continued health school year, feeding 630 hungry ear, and a helping hand to our Meir Panim’s Meals for Children and advancement. Meir Panim’s children in Israel every day. Every patrons. Program supplies hot, nourishing meals are offered to entire classes, Meir Panim children’s meal includes The atmosphere at the Meir one serving of protein (meat), Panim free restaurants is relaxed carbohydrate, vegetables and fruit. and warm. Over time, camaraderie Michael Fromm elected The meals are individually wrapped develops and the restaurants and delivered daily via Meir Panim’s become a “second home” for many refrigerated trucks and vans. of the patrons. Troubled diners open to JCPA Board of Directors Another important aspect of Meir up to the caring volunteers who are Panim’s food services is its network always ready to listen, encourage, Mazel Tov to Michael Fromm for of free restaurants in distressed and assist in any way possible. being elected to serve as Reading’s cities throughout Israel. The free Meir Panim operates these soup community representative on the restaurants are Meir Panim’s idea kitchens in six cities throughout Israel: Jewish Council on Public Affairs’ of soup kitchens. They are designed Haifa, Tiberias, Tsfat, Jerusalem, Or (JCPA) Board of Directors. to look like restaurants which Akiva, and Dimona serving about 1,220 For more than 70 years, the JCPA provide quality food in an exclusive meals day or 300,000 meals per year has served American Jewry and Israel by identifying issues, formulating policy, developing strategies and programs, and communicating a strongly united Innovative services provided to Jewish communal voice. It is dedicated to: safeguarding the rights of Jews here homeowners and business owners and around the world; the security of the state of Israel; and preserving and for over 80 years. promoting a just American society that furthers harmonious interreligious, inter Reading. “Given the insecurity around ethnic interracial and other intergroup the world and especially in the Middle • General Pest Control • Termite Control relations. East; the complicated and destructive • Bed Bug Control • Bird Control “Michael’s election comes at an campaign to delegitimize Israel; the important time for us and will serve plight of the poor; the continuing • Bioremediation • Vegetation Management our community well in ensuring assaults on our environment; and the timely, comprehensive two-way stalemate on so many issues locally communications on the significant and nationally, show that these are 610-372-4500 issues we face,” said Bill Franklin, the times when Michael’s to JCPA’s www.jcehrlich.com president of the Jewish Federation of leadership is important.” October 2012 SHALOM Page 3 Looking forward to a great New Year May 2015 SHALOM Page 3 DON’T MISS OUT By Alvin Katz in need. Providing food, assistance with visit, among other sites, Yemin Orde, and Be sure to pick up the October From the President’s Desk Chairman expenses and many other aspects of getting Meir Panim, which we support through I want to take this those less fortunate back on their feet. your contributions. Yemin Orde is a youth Berks County Living time to wish all of you a Our ܁nance committee has been working village in the Carmel mountains near Haifa magazine featuring a special We are one people very Happy and Sweet overtime ensuring that our funds are well which caters to youth in need, providing supplement produced by the New Year. cared and accounted for. I also want to them with shelter, emotional support and Jewish Federation of Reading. By William D. Franklin or perhaps Brazil? After 2,000 years of As“Now we inenter contrast into the — not 300 but more recognizeyou are Reform, Tammy Conservative, Mitgang and Orthodox,her entire an excellent education. Meir Panim is, for President exile can you honestly speak about a Newthan 3,000Year, yearswe reflect ago, the Jews left the Federation/JCCReconstructionist staff or who unaffiliated work tirelessly — we the lack of a better description, similar to Special thanks to Campaign Last month I single nation, a single culture? Can you onland what of Egypt. we have forare you. one people. Whether you live in what we would call a soup kitchen but with Co-Chairs Howard & Victoria attended a lecture at speak about a single heritage or perhaps accomplished“I would kindlythis past request from you Exeter,As we Wyomissing enter the New or ReadingYear, I am — happy we are to a different concept. Here those in need can Franklin and Marshall a single Jewish tradition?” yearMr. Secretaryand what challengesthat on one lie aheadof your for trips us announceone people that and we one have community. a Mission to Israel get hot meals that are SERVED to them, not Hafetz for spearheading the on David Ben Gurion Ben Gurion answered him as inaround the coming the world, year. try Your and meetFederation 10 Jewish has this monthIt is why in conjunctionwe tell the story with the at Passover, Allentown cafeteria style as here in the States, so that project, which raised $19,200 for given by Dr. Ilan S. follows: “Look, Mr. Secretary of State providedchildren manyin different interesting countries. programs And andask Federation.teach the lessons With the ofnumbers Yom Hashoah participating, and they don’t feel like they are getting a handout. Federation! See Page 7 for a list Troen, Brandeis — approximately 300 years ago the speakersthem: this past year. We have attended thisYom should Hazikaron be a very and worthwhile celebrate Mission. Yom In addition, Meir Panim serves thousands of advertisers and patrons. University’s Stoll Mayflower set sail from England and on it to those“‘What less was fortunate, the name maintained of the our leader state TheyHaztmaut. will be visitingIt is why many we sites care and for meeting each of hot meals to schoolchildren throughout Professor of Israel were the first settlers who settled in what certi܁edwho took theNursery Jews out School. of Egypt? We How completed withother some and well-knownwhy the Reading names in Jewish Israel Israel and maintains a Goodwill-like facility Look for it at local retailers and Studies, and learned the following would become the largest democratic along very did successful it take them Gratz before College they gotprogram to the politicscommunity and military. continues I feel certain to support that many the to help furnish clothing and furniture to those wonderful story: superpower known as the United States forland our of teenagers Israel? What and dida wonderful they eat duringsenior ifneedy not all here of them in Reading,will return inwith Israel a better and in need. For both of these organizations and libraries and at the Berks Encore In 1954, when Ben Gurion was Prime of America. Now, do me a favor — go program.the period Our when Jewish they Family were wandering Service has in understandingthroughout the of world, Israel suchand its as position currently in Jews throughout the world who receive your Senior Expo Oct. 23 at BodyZone. Minister, he traveled to the U.S. to meet out into the streets and find 10 American againthe desert? done a Andwonderful what happenedjob helping tothose the thein Ukraine. world and the Middle East. They will support, I thank you. with President Eisenhower to request his children and ask them the following: Fromsea when the they President’s encountered Desk it?’ To maintain our “oneness” is why the assistance and support in the early and “What was the name of the Captain of “Once you get the answers to these Federation continues to support Jewish difficult days of the State of Israel. the Mayflower? How long did the voyage questions, please carefully reconsider education and camps and engage the John Foster Dulles, who was then take? Beingthe question that Almayou have just asked community in Jewish programs and secretary of state, confronted Ben Gurion “What did the people who were on me!” activities. It is why we must work to and challenged him as follows: the ship eat? What were the conditions By TammyWe remain K. Mitgang “Am Echad- Lev Eastensure troubled that future her, generationsand she knew continue that ground in Ethiopia — the Jewish Agency bears their name, and as the ܁rst female “Tell me, Mr. Prime Minister —­ who of sailing during the voyage? PresidentEchad” — “One People-One Heart.” lifeto know for Israel our and — their though story it is and a why ܁rst-­world for Israel and the American Jewish Joint President of the Jewish Federation of do you and your state represent? Does “I’m sure you would agree with me WhetherAlma Lakin you would agree be or disagree with economyyour help like and the thoughts, USA, of washow dif܁cult best to and Distribution Committee (JDC) — feared Reading, she and Dan Tannenbaum, it represent the Jews of Poland, perhaps that there is a good chance that you won’t thePrime ܁rst Minister to Netanyahu pooh-­pooh or President complicated.accomplish this, are so important. for the Ethiopian Jewish community’s an executive director of the Federation, Yemen, Romania, Morocco, Iraq, Russia get a good answer to these questions. anyObama, notion we thatare oneshe people. Whether WhenThank Iyou. interviewed her for a video safety when rebel forces threatened brokered a partnership with her alma was amazing, special that recognized her and her husband, to overrun Mengistu Haile-Mariam’s mater, Albright College, that would or that she inspired the Ed’s community service and the Commmunist government. establish the Holocaust Library and The essential Israel at 67 extraordinary in others. establishment of the Holocaust Library What followed was one of the most Resource Center on the campus. Petite, big hearted and and Resource Center at Albright College, dramatic rescue operations in Israel’s Being Alma meant tireless service By Larry Rotenberg Yishuv battled, and was victorious over deliberate,California or time New spent York. she ndidWhile not talk the about Israeli her Prime efforts Minister to raise history. Over 34 hours and four minutes, and no fanfare — certainly no pictures Chairman the armies of all the surrounding Arab withWell, Alma there was are never not many things in the moneyhad plenty and ofresettle criticism Soviet about Jews his inrecent our 34 Israeli cargo and passenger planes if she was expected to be in them. We are approaching countries. aboutMiddle her. East that have improved since I community.Washington Instead, appearance, she spoke he earnedof how worked around the clock, airlifting 14,310 Accolades were not her style; but she the 67th birthday of And so, three years after the greatest heardShe that cared argument. about othersBut one —thing strangers, that thrilledpraise, shefor goodness was to meet sake, with from Natan the press and Ethiopian Jews to Israel from Addis was not without opinion — thoughtful modern Israel. And calamity suffered by the Jewish people; familyhas changed and friends. is the acknowledgement, And she worked byto Avitalin the United Sharanksy Arab Emirates. — refuseniks who at Ababa. Alma would have beamed having and at times, determined. But, no matter what a happy occasion was followed by the greatest miracle in improveall, that far the from world being the — hereproblem at in the home, in extraordinarynEssentially, personal an alliance risk andhas sacri܁cebeen heard MK Sholomo Molla’s incredible life what she put her efforts behind, you could it is. 2,000 years. Israelregion, and Israel around has becomethe world. much When more you of helpedformed to between spark and Israel, later and ignite all the a global Sunni story that he credits to the work of the be sure that she was right by your side, The State of Israel Israel went on to greater and greater werethe solution. with Alma, it was all about you, it movementStates, against to free any Soviet possible Jewry. aggression Between Federation system that saved his life. working hand in hand with you and others officially came into achievements, becoming a powerhouse wasIn you spite who of wereall the front attempts and center to isolate and 1990from Shiiteand 1997, Iran. Federation’s Operation (see page 5) to do great things. being on May 15, of industry, invention, technology, and madeand to to delegitimizefeel special. the Jewish State, ExodusSo as campaign we approach nationally Israel’s raised birthday, $1 Alma shared her excitement and pride Alma considered herself privileged 1948. But because military strength IsraelAlma has believed become that the we anchor are responsible of stability, billionwe have to rapidly much rescueto be thankful and resettle for. I more can’t that helped to raise nearly $1 million to have enjoyed so much of life. One of that day was Shabbat, David Ben- But one thing always rankled me fornot each only other for accordingitself, but to thealso principles for the thanimagine one amillion world Sovietwithout Jews the Jewish in Israel State. and locally toward the capital campaign that her favorite memories was crossing over Gurion, the father of the Jewish Nation, when my non-Jewish friends spoke ofsurrounding chesed (caring Arab countries. and compassion), Just a few, NorthAnd hopefully America. future PS – Almagenerations marched will with be would build the U.S. Holocaust Memorial into Jordan when the borders with Israel read the Declaration of Independence about the Jewish State. And here I am Torahand by (Jewish no means learning), all inclusive tikkun examples: olam othersin the samein our position. community “Am on Israel the National Chai” — Museum in Washington, America’s were reopened. “To think, she would on the afternoon of Friday, May 14 (The talking about educated, sophisticated (repairingnIsrael the is word)the only and countrytzedakah in (social which Mallthe people in Washington of Israel areduring alive one and ofwell. the national institution for the documentation, reminisce; “that we along with other occasion was observed April 23 on this professionals. What was even more justice).Arabs have And electedher life wasa significant an embodiment number largestWhen marches it comes in American to the history. US-Israel That study and interpretation of Holocaust Federation mission-goers, met with King year’s Jewish calendar). annoying, was that these same friends ofof thoseKnesset principles. members, inspite of spewing rallyrelationship, would become in spite a ofturning the glitches point in here this history. She reଂected on the mixture of Hussein. Ed and I were so fortunate.” Why do I remember such details? were familiar with my zealous Zionism. venomShe believedagainst the in thecountry bold whichcollective has movement.and there, Israel remains the strongest raindrops and tears that fell the night of Her family was her heart. She Because my Bar Mitzvah took place on So I could only imagine what they would ofallowed Federation them thisand freedom. knew that together pro-AmericanShe spoke fortressabout thein a unity flaming of theand its dedication as she, Ed and others from considered a better world, her Shabbat, May 15, in what then was called say, when I was not there. we n couldIsrael andmobilize Egypt ܁nancial constantly and social Jewishunpredictable world region.that resulted The American in the our community donned their construction responsibility and life — a special reward. the Great Synagogue of Copenhagen, And the essence of their assertion resourcescooperate tothat keep could Hamas rescue in Ghaza Jews, in Operationmilitary aid Solomon to Israel rescue is some mission of thatthe hats and toured the vast and important I think those of us who knew Alma were Denmark. Yes, that same place which was this: if only Israel did not exist, strengthencheck. the Jewish people and tookbest placeUS currency in May spent.1991. TheNot statea single of structure. the truly the fortunate ones. was so tragically in the news recently. then the Middle East would peaceful literally,nIsrael change and Egypt, the world. Jordan, and Saudi Israel,American together soldier with has Jewishhad to die Federation for Israel, At home in Berks County, the JCC’s Alma Lakin passed away Aug. 27 at I can remember all of us listening and quiet, and essentially that all the ArabiaThe constantlyongoing turbulence coordinate in intelligence the Middle ofwhile North thousands America’s have major died partners in Iraq on andthe Lakin Early Education Center preschool the age of 82. with both fear and thrill, as the small Jews should just pack up and move to and strategy against ISIS. Aphganistan, for a very dubious return. What does the BDS movementFederation want? mission to Israel begins Oct. 21 By Ronald Hendel One matter that is ambiguous is the supportsA joint human mission rights, composedthis goal seems of chairedin Palestine by Michael … is and committed Susan Fromm to ending and Berks County will be joining the group purpose and heightened appreciation There has been a lot of rancor recently specific goal of this group. In a recent communityunobjectionable. members But fromwhat theis the Reading actual VictorIsrael’s and occupation Dena Hammel. and Incolonization addition to on the mission. and connection to Jewish identity. at the University of California at Berkeley op-ed in the campus newspaper the Daily areacontent and of the those Lehigh rights? Valley This will is leave a matter for Mitgang,of all Arab Jayne lands.” Kleinman, By “all Cultural Arab Centerlands,” The Reading Jewish community has Mission participants will visit Reading’s about the practices and politics of Students Cal, two members of SJP stated: “Cal Israelthe SJP Oct. usually 21. obfuscates in its campus programthe SJP directormeans Israeland Mark within Goldstein, its pre- bene܁ted from teaming with the seasoned Israel Now projects — two important for Justice in Palestine. This group SJP will continue to vocally support the campaigns.For the Reading community, it is the Executive1967 borders Director as ofwell Jewish as the Federation territories of mission-goers from the Allentown area humanitarian efforts that both save organizes anti-Israel demonstrations and Palestinian call for boycott, divestment ܁rst The mission national theorganization Federation is more has ledin theoccupied Lehigh in Valley 1967. will This staff is explicitthe mission. in other and Lehigh Valley Federation’s “well- and change lives — Yemin Orde Youth events on campus, including the February and sanctions (BDS) against Israel until moreforthright. than At15 itsyears. annual A goal meeting of Federation in 2011, manifestos,Rabbi Brianincluding Michelson the “Statement from of oiled” mission process. Village in the Carmel Mountains and Meir distribution of fake eviction notices to it respects Palestinians’ human rights.” Presidentthe SJP adopted Tammy severalMitgang “Points and Federation of Unity.” CongregationGuiding Principles” Oheb on Sholom the SJP and Berkeley Rabbi “Mark Goldstein and his staff have Panim’s new nutrition center in Kiryat students in campus dorms. Since everyone at Berkeley leadership,The first thepoint Reading is: “Students mission foris co- Justice Yosef Lipsker, Chabad-LubavitchContinued on Page of 4 created over the years a network of Gat, where the community will dedicate resources and processes that have the kitchen that was made possible bene܁ted our community — newbies, thanks to the Reading community’s if you will, when it comes to mission funding efforts. SHALOM planning. And, we are neighbors. The The dedication will be a big thank you It’s Simcha Supplement time A newspaper serving the Jewish community of Reading, Pennsylvania, mission project is just the start of future to our community and a proud moment. A newspaper serving the Jewish community of Reading, Pennsylvania, and published monthly, September through June, under the Jewish joint efforts,” Mitgang said. With two out of every ܁ve children in and published monthly, September through June, under the Jewish Federation of Reading. Funded by the Reading United Jewish Campaign. There are many details that need Israel living below the poverty line, If you had or are having a bar/bat mitzvah or graduation Federation of Reading. Funded by the Reading United Jewish Campaign. to be addressed when moving a group Meir Panim’s network of soup kitchens, (high school or higher) in your family this Jewish year, General Offices: 1100 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 125 of more than 50 people across Israel. restaurants and feeding centers, ensure General Offices: 1100 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 125 share the good news with the community. Please Wyomissing, PA 19610 Jewish Federation of North America’s warm, nutritious meals for thousands of Wyomissing, PA 19610 Phone: 610-921-0624 FAX: 610-929-0886 Missions Department and its staff in children and families every day. submit a few sentences about the person and their Phone: 610-921-0624 FAX: 610-929-0886 Web site: www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org Israel along with Kenes Tours will further At Yemin Orde, the group is anxious to Web site: www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org accomplishment, along with a photo. ensure that each and every day of the see ܁rsthand the progress that has been Jewish Federation of Reading mission is maximized. made at the village since the wild܁res Chairman:Jewish Federation of ReadingAlvin Katz Federation missions are travel devastated it in 2010. Text and photos can be sent to [email protected] or to President:Chairman: TammyLarry Rotenberg K. Mitgang experiences unlike any other. Along The group is honored that Chaim Peri, the Federation office. CommunicationsPresident: Director: MarkWilliam Nemirow, D. Franklin Editor with visits to historic and sacred sites, beloved educator and director of Yemin Proofreaders:Communications Director: EstherMark Nemirow, Strauss & Editor Federation staff museums and popular tourist destinations, Orde for 30 years, will personally be hosting Member:Proofreaders: AmericanFederation Jewish staff Press Association DEADLINE IS HERE. Federation missions provide exclusive, the group during a tour and lunch. TheMember: opinions expressed in Shalom are Americanof the writers Jewish and not thePress Jewish Association Federation of Reading PLEASE SUBMIT MATERIAL IMMEDIATELY insider access to residents, community Young people from the village will join leaders, area experts, and political the group for the tour and share their TO BE ASSURED PUBLICATION IN JUNE. The opinions expressedDeadline in Shalom for theare of November the writers and notissue the Jewish is Oct. Federation 5 of Reading personalities and provide a sense of experiences. Next deadline, May 5 June issue is last edition before summer break Page 4 SHALOM May 2015 BDS movement Kids from the Bronx: Continued from Page 3 proposals. Whether a binational state — website. The first principle is “an end to or even a “post-national” state — in Israel Dinner and conversation at Chef Alan’s colonial systems of governance in the West and Palestine is a desirable and practical Bank, Gaza, and Israel.” The national BDS solution can be questioned. But the point website states similarly that “population is to know what one is arguing about, what “Just Kids From the Bronx” transfer, apartheid and colonialism are the goals are of a particular movement. Arlene Alda in Conversation with Regis Philbin and Alan Alda prohibited and constitute internationally Without this knowledge, one is simply a wrongful acts which render unlawful passive sheep responding to manipulative Saturday, May 16, at 7 p.m. Israel’s entire legal and political regime.” rhetoric. As Noam Chomsky, who is The core principles of the SJP and the critical of the BDS movement, counsels, Chef Alan’s American Bistro, BDS movement therefore call for an end “Those who are sincerely dedicated to the to the State of Israel. Accordingly, both are Palestinian cause should avoid illusion and 525 Penn Avenue, West Reading opposed to a two-state solution, in which myth, and think carefully about the tactics Israel and Palestine live peacefully side they choose and the course they follow.” Buffet dinner, $15 per person by side. One of the writers of the Daily Cal People should advocate political op-ed, Kumars Salehi, makes this explicit in positions with which they agree. This Join your friends for drinks, dinner and conversation at Chef Alan’s for this a recent article about BDS in the Berkeley means becoming informed about the special yapped presentation of the 92nd Street Y. After socializing and dinner Journal of Sociology. He writes that the goals of various platforms and parties. I watch Just Kids from the Bronx before finishing up with dessert! BDS movement “provide[s] an alternative would urge students at Berkeley — and analysis to the segregationist paradigm of everyone else — to become informed What was it like to grow up in the place that has bred influencers in just ‘two states for two people.’ ” According to him about these issues. Then make up your about every field of endeavor today? The Bronx is where Al Pacino, Carl and other BDS spokespeople — including mind about what positions you truly Reiner, General Colin Powell and so many other leading artists, athletes, U.C. Berkeley professor Judith Butler — the support and which ones you oppose. goal is a binational state of Palestine, which Don’t be swayed by angry rhetoric on scientists and entrepreneurs spent their formative years. Three of Bronx’s will take the place of Israel. This means that either side of an emotional issue. As favorite sons and daughters get together to reflect on stories fromArlene the SJP and BDS oppose the official position Immanuel Kant urged us all (quoting Alda’s new book, “Just Kids from the Bronx,” and to share memories of of the U.S., Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Horace), Sapere aude, “Dare to know.” where it all began. Join them for an indelible portrait of the Bronx and the Arab League and the European Union, Ronald Hendel is the Norma and America from back in the day to modern times. which all call for a peaceful two-state solution. Sam Dabby professor of Hebrew Bible People of goodwill can argue and Jewish Studies in the Department of Please RSVP by May 8 to 610-921-0624. intelligently about the merits of these Near Eastern Studies at U.C. Berkeley.

A Federation dollar goes a long way. See what difference your dollars can make!

v $120 IN THE FORMER SOVIET UNION can help nourish a child with food and medical support, and provide relief from the bitter winter for one year

v $250 IN ISRAEL can enable a person with a disability to learn vital skills in an independent living workshop

v $500 IN ETHIOPIA can provide anesthesia to surgically correct a life-threatening spinal condition

v $400 IN ARGENTINA can provide a child with all the essential vaccinations he or she needs to stay healthy

v $660 IN INDIA can feed a home-bound person for a year with hot meals-on-wheels for the elderly

v $1,00 IN HUNGARY can send a child to the international Jewish summer camp Szarvash to discover their Jewish heritage

The above programs—run by our overseas partner JDC— are just a few examples of what your dollars can do.

Because when you give to Jewish Federation of Reading you give to the world.

May 2015 SHALOM Page 5 Spiegelman explores world of ‘Maus’ and beyond at lecture By Mark Nemirow Pulitzer Prize-winning artist and author Art Spiegelman offered a packed Albright College auditorium a fascinating journey through the history of comic books and his own life and work during the 35th annual Leo Camp Memorial Lecture April 21. Spiegelman’s lecture was illustrated with many examples of his work and that of other artists who influenced him. Spiegelman’s talk was wide-ranging, but at the center of it all was his most famous work, “Maus,” which used cats and mice to tell his own family’s story of Holocaust survival. “Maus,” which won him the Pulitzer in 1992, was an enormously influential work that paved the way for other artists to use the medium of comics to tell serious stories that are accepted by adult readers. Spiegelman went into great detail about the power of comics and how simple drawings accompanied by short bursts of words can get into readers’ heads like no other medium. He described how comic book pages are carefully constructed to achieve certain effects. “Everything I know, I learned from comic books,” he said, discussing his longtime fascination with the medium and the many influences on his work, everything from familiar classics such as “Little Orphan Annie” to MAD magazine and the horror comics that caused Art Spiegelman explains a clip from “Maus” during the Leo Camp Lecture. Photos courtesy of Dr. John Pankratz, Albright College. tremendous controversy in post-World War II America. In an enormously informative, occasionally outrageous and often funny talk and multimedia presentation, Spiegelman looked back on his life and varied career, from working on such products as “Wacky Packages” and “Garbage Pail Kids” trading cards to his more serious, and often controversial, work illustrating covers for magazines such as The New Yorker. He also explained how the success and impact of “Maus” have followed him throughout his life since then. Spiegelman described how he developed the idea for the story in the early 1970s, a time, he said, when the Holocaust was not a topic widely addressed in popular culture. That made it an interesting subject for him to explore. He worked on the project Art Spiegelman’s family tree before the Holocaust, left, and after. David Camp throughout the 1980s, publishing it in serial form in a magazine that he and cartoon that used his father’s words Holocaust survivor who went on to way it revolutionized an art form. his wife started. almost verbatim. become a widely respected businessman The event also featured remarks from The heart of the story is based on Spiegelman’s ability to convey and community leader. The annual Albright President Dr. Lex McMillan, interviews Spiegelman did with his own the experiences of Jews during the lecture at Albright was established in who noted the continued excellent father, a Holocaust survivor, about his Holocaust through a new medium had his honor by the Jewish Federation of relationship between the college and experiences during that period. During an enormous impact, said David Camp, Reading. the local Jewish community, particularly one particularly moving part of his who delivered the introduction for David Camp said “Maus” meant a the Federation, as evidenced by the lecture, he played an excerpt from one Spiegelman at the lecture. great deal to him for the way it reflected Camp lecture and the Lakin Holocaust of those interviews while displaying a David is a son of Leo Camp, a his own father’s experiences, and for the Resource Center on campus. Renowned artist to headline Jewish festival in Pottstown

World-renowned artist Mordechai Belt to Broadway,” Israeli style dancers, areas of interest: painting, Judaica, and who attend will have the first opportunity Rosenstein will showcase his unique Klezmer music by Klezmer with Class, the beauty of each letter of the alphabet. to browse Rosenstein’s work and reserve art during a scholar-in-residence wine tasting, Judaica vendors, childrens’ The public is invited to experience pieces they would like to purchase. program at Congregation Hesed Shel activities, and much more, including Rosenstein’s art at several events, Rosenstein will continue with his Emet in Pottstown, May 28-31, and his delicious ethnic foods to enjoy at the beginning with a 1½-hour class, “Art for painting the day of the festival, and his residency will be the centerpiece of the event and take home. All Ages,” Thursday evening, May 28, work will be available for viewing and congregation’s first Jewish Heritage Presentations and activities will be at 7:30 pm. This class will explore the purchase. All events are free of charge, Festival on Sunday, May 31. open to the public and aside from food Hebrew alphabet as art. but a $10 donation is suggested for the “We are so excited to present and other purchases, there is no charge. Sabbath services will be held May 29 Thursday evening class. Congregation the Jewish Heritage Festival,” says A highly acclaimed artist born and at 7:30 pm. Following services, all are Hesed Shel Emet is located at 575 N. congregation president, Amy Wolf. “We raised on Philadelphia’s Main Line, invited to attend an informal 45-minute Keim Street in Pottstown. are at a turning point in our own 125- Rosenstein was a member of Akiba presentation by Rosenstein. He will share For updates and specific times for the year history. We wanted to do something Hebrew Academy’s first graduating class. his art and some surprising stories of who Jewish Heritage Festival and Mordechai ‘big’ and invite the community at large Later, while a student at the Philadelphia owns some of his pieces. Rosenstein’s visit, check the congregation to help us celebrate and learn about College of Art, he was deeply influenced The public is also invited to an Artist’s website (www.hesedshelemet.org) or us. Congregation Hesed Shel Emet is a by abstract expressionists such as Van Reception following Havdalah services the Jewish Heritage Festival page on vibrant and exciting group.” Gogh and Matisse, and he also became May 30. During this two-hour event, Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ Other festival events will include fascinated by Hebrew calligraphy. Over Rosenstein will share a powerful slide jewishheritagefestival?pnref=story), or Reading Theater Project’s musical time, Rosenstein developed his own show and stories about artwork he has call the synagogue office at 610-326- comedy production, “From the Borsht unique style to reflect his three major created, and answer questions. Those 1717. Page 6 SHALOM May 2015 Congregational News Shavuot offers powerful lessons that still resonate today

By Rabbi Brian Michelson with the offering at the Temple of have given me” (Deuteronomy 26:5- the produce of the land. The concern Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom a token amount of the early barley 10). The land is a gift, its ability to of the Torah, said Nahmanides, was At the end of May harvest and the launching of the seven produce life and sustenance is a gift, that one might conclude that since the we will celebrate the week count (Sefirat HaOmer). Seven and our own freedom, strength and ritual obligations had been fulfilled, no third of the major weeks later, when many more crops intelligence are gifts. This needs to further obligations applied. Therefore, festivals, Shavuot. were ready for harvest, the farmer’s be acknowledged. This is an ancient the seeming redundancy reminds us We are accustomed obligation to offer the first fruits took model for all time. that though we may feel virtuous having to translating Shavuot effect. This ritual was clearly meant In Leviticus 23, in the middle of acknowledged God’s gifts personally, as the Feast of to be a timely reminder that we are presenting the ritual requirements for our obligation is incomplete. The corner Weeks, since it falls neither outright owners of our land Shavuot, the Torah added the following: of the field and the gleanings must still seven weeks and one nor as self-sufficient as we think. Yes, “When you reap the harvest of your be left for those in need. day after the first day we may be blessed with some control land, you shall not reap all the way Judaism is concerned that human of Passover. However, in the Torah, over the means of production, and we to the edges of your field, or gather nature will cause those of us who are Shavuot is known by two additional may work long, hard hours to produce the gleanings of your harvest; you well off to say “My own power and the names: the income that we enjoy. It was shall leave them for the poor and the might of my own hand have won this 1. “Chag Ha-Katzir” (“The Harvest precisely at the time when a person’s stranger: I am the Lord your God.” wealth for me” (Deuteronomy 8:17). Festival”), because it came at the time mastery of his or her destiny loomed Most of the traditional commentators The rituals of Shavuot are meant of year when the work of harvesting large, that the ancient Israelite was were puzzled by this verse, which to remind the beneficiaries of the the year’s produce was beginning; and asked to make a journey to give up seemed redundant — Leviticus 19 had blessings of affluence to acknowledge 2. “Yom Ha-Bikkurim” (“The Day the first of the year’s produce. Most already given this command — and the true source of those gifts. More of First Fruits”), because it was the important, the gift was accompanied out of place in an enumeration of ritual than that: Shavuot reminds to be good occasion on which the first yields of by an acknowledgment: “My father observances. stewards of the resources with which the major crops were set aside to be was a fugitive Aramean…he went An astute and far-reaching we have been entrusted. We do this brought to the Temple and presented down to Egypt…the Egyptians dealt solution to this puzzle was offered by by never forgetting God’s less fortunate to the priests. harshly with us...The Lord freed us Nahmanides (Moses ben Nahman - children, and by using our resources to The Shavuot season actually from Egypt… I now bring the first 13th century). He noted the rituals of lift them up. This is “the kind of festival begins on the second day of Passover, fruits of the soil which You, O Lord, this festival included those relating to that God has chosen” (Isaiah 58:6-8). Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom presents “The Cantor’s Tisch”

LOCAL CONGREGATIONS AND SERVICE TIMES KESHER ZION SYNAGOGUE (610) 374-1763 Weekly services Saturdays: 9:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. Friday Evening Service – Please call for service information Babysitting available upon request with one week’s notice REFORM CONGREGATION OHEB SHOLOM (610) 375-6034 Friday, May 1: 6 p.m. Fridays, May 8, 22 and 29: 7:45 p.m. Friday, May 15: New Member Shabbat, 7 p.m. Saturday, May 16: Tot Shabbat, 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16: Easton Weizer Bar Mitzvah, 5 p.m. Saturday, May 30: Talia Spillerman Bat Mitzvah, 4 p.m. CHABAD CENTER OF BERKS COUNTY (610) 921-0881 Saturday mornings: 9:30 a.m.; Friday evenings: 6:30 p.m. CONGREGATION SHOMREI HABRITH

Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Rachel Schwartz

All classes at noon at Kesher Zion Synagogue KZ Lunchtime Schmooze in May May 5 — Judaism says ______about love. May 12 — Judaism says ______about conforming May 19 — Judaism says ______about revelation All are welcome to join. Please rsvp at [email protected] or call 610-374-1763 May 2015 SHALOM Page 7

Musical Shabbat The show must go on! Despite snowy conditions, more than 80 people came to the Musical Shabbat March 20 at Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom. Fellow congregants joined together in song as flutist Pam Charendoff, clarinetist Neil Hoffman, and young violinist Eliana Alweis performed. Cantoral student Jordan Shaner led the unique musical service. After the beautiful service all were welcomed to a festive oneg. Fragrant fresh flowers adorned each table as members enjoyed an array of edible delicacies including trays of fruit, cheeses, and dips. Scrumptious desserts from Sweet Street were appreciated by all. Another Musical Shabbat is planned for this fall!

Shavuot at Kesher Zion Study and Pray on Saturday, May 23, at 7:30 p.m. Morning services at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 24, and Monday, May 25, including Yizkor on the second day.

Watch for more details Page 8 SHALOM May 2015 A delicious day of learning to cook traditional potato kugel The series of traditional Jewish cooking classes for ladies continued April 19 at Chabad of Berks County with a session devoted to potato kugel. The sixth class in the series will be devoted to cheesecake and is scheduled for May 17 at 6:30 p.m. See ad on Page 6.

Minyan at Kesher Zion on Tuesday evenings 7:30 p.m. in the chapel All are welcome New

Introduce your children to the joy Introduce your children to the joy Introduce your children to the joy of Shabbat. Tot Shabbat is a musical, of Shabbat. Tot Shabbat is a musical, of Shabbat. Tot Shabbat is a musical, Member story-filled Shabbat morning experience story-filled Shabbat morning experience story-filled Shabbat morning experience geared towards families with young geared towards families with young geared towards families with young children through grade 2. Bring your children through grade 2. Bring your Shabbat! children through grade 2. Bring your family and friends to celebrate with family and friends to celebrate with family and friends to celebrate with Rabbi Brian Michelson and stay for Rabbi Brian Michelson and stay for Rabbi Brian Michelson and stay for a pint-size Oneg offering grape a pint-size Oneg offering grape a pint-size Oneg offering grape juice, challah, and child friendly treats. juice, challah, and child friendly treats. juice, challah, and child friendly treats.

May 16, 2015 May 16, 2015 May 16, 2015 June 20, 2015 June 20, 2015 June 20, 2015 Please join us for a special Shabbat Tot Shabbat services are held Saturday Tot Shabbat services are held Saturday Tot Shabbat services are held Saturday mornings at 10am at Reform Congregation mornings at 10am at Reform Congregation mornings at 10am at Reform Congregation service and Oneg to honor new Oheb Sholom located at 555 Warwick Drive, Oheb Sholom located at 555 Warwick Drive, Oheb Sholom located at 555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing, PA 19610. No registration is Wyomissing, PA 19610. No registration is Wyomissing, PA 19610. No registration is members of RCOS, including a required. Please call the Temple office with required. Please call the Temple office with required. Please call the Temple office with any questions: 610-375-6034. any questions: 610-375-6034. any questions: 610-375-6034. “Covenant of Welcome” ceremony.

Friday, May 15, 2015 7:00pm Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom 555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing REFORM CONGREGATION OHEB SHOLOM REFORM CONGREGATION OHEB SHOLOM REFORM CONGREGATION OHEB SHOLOM 555 Warwick Drive 555 Warwick Drive 555 Warwick Drive Wyomissing, PA 19610 Wyomissing, PA 19610 Wyomissing, PA 19610 PH: 610.375.6034 PH: 610.375.6034 PH: 610.375.6034 Members and Non-­‐members are welcome www.ohebsholom.org www.ohebsholom.org www.ohebsholom.org May 2015 SHALOM Page 9 Gratz JCHS News Reading High School of Jewish Studies to open in fall The Jewish Federation of Reading is pleased to life and thereafter our graduates will continue to live announce the eighth year of our High School of Jewish respectfully with others to build a thoughtful, educated Studies. Since Gratz College’s decision to no longer and lawful community. Students and teachers can agree support branch high schools, the Federation has been — if necessary — to disagree but always agreeably, working with Rabbi Dov Lerner and our community whether the issues are religious, political or economic. Rabbis, Rabbi Michelson, Rabbi Schwartz and Rabbi An ad-hoc executive committee has been formed to Lipsker, to design a new curriculum that will ensure bring together our community’s Jewish youth for trips high-quality, relevant Jewish education for our teens. and activities to fulfill the shared missions of all. In this Meetings with the current students were held to get fashion we can meet social goals and educational and their input on interests, likes and dislikes. Our rabbis social action expectations. The Reading High School have also volunteered to teach various classes. We are of Jewish Studies calendar will be coordinated with the excited about the opportunity to reshape our school and Federation, RCOS, Kesher Zion, Chabad, BBYO and the improvements we can create. NFTY; and the calendar of classes and activities will Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner will continue to direct reflect the demands of Greater Reading school districts, our program, and we have affiliated with The North such as test finals, AP and SAT programs. American Association of Community & Congregational Classes will be offered from 6-8:30 p.m. on Hebrew High Schools (NAACCHHS- pronounced school years to remain undecided about any view and to Sundays at the Jewish Cultural Center in Wyomissing. “nachus”) which serves as the umbrella organization continue a search for information, as we also support any Options for class choices will be offered each for supplementary Jewish secondary education of more student’s choice of a spiritual position. We understand that trimester. Tuition fees and activity costs will be held than 40 communities in North America. We will therefore every Jew is continually on a spiritual journey. in line with prior years. At the end of the year, there be in constant communication with teen education We will provide in-class and community experiences will be a new four week term to welcome 7th grade programs throughout the United States. that emphasize the joys of living as a Jew, and students. We remain committed to respecting all those who opportunities for Jewish teens to discover Jewish Participation is open to all Jewish students in 8th wish to join our high school, be they Orthodox, Reform, spiritual fulfillment at home, at synagogue and in the through 12th grades. Conservative, Reconstructionist or unaffiliated. community. Please contact Bill Franklin or Amanda Hornberger Students will study primary texts and traditional Participating in Jewish communal values is part of (610-921-0624) at the Reading Jewish Federation to commentaries. They will be encouraged in these high growing into Jewish adulthood. We hope that in college register or if you have any questions. JCHS celebrates a post-Passover tradition By Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner are really unknown! Branch Director, Gratz JCHS According to one explanation, One of the joys of our Gratz Jewish it is the yahrzeit of Maimon ben Community School classes is the Joseph, the father of the great Jewish social and “yummies” break between philosopher Maimonides. Rabbi classes, and occasionally we feature a Moses ben Maimon — also known celebration from a Jewish community by his acronym Rambam — was a that is unique as well as tasty. scholar in his own right who lived in This year Passover concluded Fez, Morocco, and wrote on Jewish- Saturday evening through Sunday, Islamic relations. He died around 1170. April 12. This encouraged our Gratz In that sense, the students of our Branch to share a bit of Sefardic JCHS branch celebrated Maimouna tradition — Jews of 15th century Iberian after a brief sharing of these facts peninsula and their descendents — we with many choices of ice cream treats call “Maimouna.” and doughnuts. We were unable to Although Maimouna is most well celebrate with a special challah-like known as part of Moroccan Jewish round loaf with a hard-boiled egg culture, increasingly it is being adopted secured in the center with strips in the Jewish world, especially in of dough as do the Libyan Jewish Israel. This celebration of the return to community. and children dressed in costumes like honey was accompanied by singing, chametz features truly expansive food We also respected the ages of the Berbers (native North Africans). dancing, and visiting with friends. banquets of every kind of imaginable our students and refrained from the Arabs who shared their celebration Sounds like fun and a taste of another sweet delicacies for family and friends. North African custom of Maimouna would provide flowers, milk, butter, Jewish culture. Our slice — every pun intended — to recite blessings for the single men honey, wheat, and other produce For the Sabbath after Pesach, of Jewish culture is another expression and women of our youth community for the Jews. Dining tables were when the approaching start of the of our educational program to create that they be married in the forthcoming decorated with flowers, wheat stalks, month Iyar was announced, challah memories as bridges to the future year. and sometimes live fish in bowls (this was sometimes made in the shape of when these young people are going But we did discuss informally time symbolizing birth and fertility). a key. Sprinkled with sesame seeds to be able to share in the direction of with students during the snack break Golden rings were hidden in a bowl representing the mahn (manna) that the various communities where they the possibility of enacting next year containing flour, suggesting hoped began to fall in Iyar (after the Exodus settle in the years ahead. some of the very interesting customs for wealth or blessings. A dairy meal from Egypt, as related in the Torah), However, we had to admit to our of Maimouna: Women wore their of buttermilk, sweets, and special the challah stood for the key to our students that the origins of Maimouna fanciest clothes, girls donned white, pancakes called muflita served with livelihood, which is in God’s hands. Page 10 SHALOM May 2015 Community Passover celebration in Manor at Market Square

Members of the community gathered in the Manor at Market Square on April 7 for a Passover Seder co- sponsored by the Manor and Jewish Family Service. The service was led by Sari Incledon and Carole Robinson of JFS and featured catering by Boscov’s. On April 6 JFS conducted a seder at Berks Heim for residents and their families.

Leon Lonker, Jennie Saft and Mae Levy

Smiles all around the table.

Marcia Gross, Sam Silberstein,Eddie Kazin, Harold Strauss Rita Moyer

Carole Robinson, Floyd Ruttenberg, Martin Rudolph and Sari Incledon May 2015 SHALOM Page 11 Holocaust Survivors Band performs at Chabad

A nationally renowned musical group featuring a pair of Holocaust survivors performed at this year’s Yom HaShoah commemoration, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Reading and held at Chabad of Berks County. The Florida-based Holocaust Survivors Band has gained considerable media attention this year for its remarkable story as well as its musical chops. An article about the band that appeared in the Reading Eagle led to the group’s invitation to perform here. The band played its trademark brand of klezmer music, bringing some joy to an otherwise solemn occasion. Two of the group’s members are Holocaust survivors. The community held its annual ceremony in remembrance of the 6 million Jews killed under the Nazi regime in the 1930s and 1940s, and local survivors and their relatives took part in a candle-lighting ceremony in remembrance.

Members of the Holocaust Survivors Band at Chabad of Berks County. From left are Martin Fried (saxophone, clarinet, flute), Chanarose Sosnowciz (vocals), Reuwen “Ruby” Sosnowciz (vocals, keyboard, accordion), Saul Dreier (drums) and Jeffrey Black (guitar). Sosnowicz and Dreier are Holocaust survivors. Many Holocaust survivors in Israel beset by poverty Having just commemorated and one among the general public. In comparison, the public survey next five years. Holocaust Remembrance Day, it’s Of the Holocaust survivors findings indicated that a majority of The plan essentially calls for disheartening to learn that 50,000 surveyed, 45 percent indicated they the general population, 84 percent the elimination of unnecessary Israeli Holocaust survivors are living felt “alone,” and one out of every five believed the treatment of Holocaust bureaucracy, transferring allowances under the poverty line. had been forced to choose between survivors was “not good.” directly to survivors’ bank accounts in The Foundation for the Benefit food and other necessities during Of the respondents surveyed, 52 an effort to improve their conditions. In of Holocaust Victims in Israel has the past two years due to financial percent believed that a majority of addition, it calls to raise the minimum released its annual report on the insecurity. Holocaust survivors live in poverty, allowances for all Holocaust survivors current situation of Holocaust survivors Chaya Kujikaro, a 76-year-old and only 10 percent said they believed who receive monthly pensions, in Israel on the eve of Holocaust survivor from Romania, could not the Holocaust survivors’ situation was and would entitle survivors to a Rememberance Day. Of the survivors hold back tears as she described her “good or adequate.” 100% discount on pharmaceutical living in Israel, two thirds are women. living situation at the press conference In addition, 56 percent of the drugs included in the health basket, Some 50,000 Holocaust survivors in announcing the report’s findings. public said they did not believe the compared to the 50% deductible they Israel live in poverty, surviving on less Kujikaro and her husband made government had made any change have today. than NIS 3,000 a month. aliya after 1953, and as such she this past year in regard to treating and Furthermore, the national plan calls The report consists of several is not entitled to the same rights assisting Holocaust survivors. for the allocation of NIS 277m. to end elements, including updated statistics as Holocaust survivors who arrived While only 39 percent of those 61 years of disparity and equalize the foundation has gathered, as well as earlier. surveyed said they knew a Holocaust the allowances of the approximately two surveys — one conducted among “I want to ask the government: Why, survivor, 73 percent of the respondents 18,500 Holocaust survivors who made Holocaust survivors, and one among if you made aliya after 1953, are you believe that the public will remember aliya after 1953, with those of survivors the general public. not considered a Holocaust survivor?” the Holocaust even after the death of who arrived in the country earlier. The mortality rate of survivors has she asked. the survivors. “This is a dramatic decision; it is the increased drastically. Approximately Kujikaro lives off of a National Insurance “The mission of the foundation, of first time the government will provide 40 survivors die every day, an average Institute pension with her 90-year-old the government and of Israeli society is direct allowances to survivors without of 14,200 each year. husband, who suffers from heart problems a national task of primary importance, bureaucracy,” said Dichter. The annual report edited at the and is confined to a wheelchair. They are and we have a duty to take care of He added that there remained Brookdale Institute shows that the forced to spend thousands of shekels the welfare of Holocaust survivors “exceptions” to the plan, and that average age of survivors today is 83.3. every month on medications and medical until their last day,” said foundation the foundation was already able to Approximately a third of the survivor treatments, and their apartment is too chairman Avi Dichter. identify a few thousand survivors population (36 percent) live alone and small for the wheelchair to fit into the According to the report, the average whose status remained unclear under have to fend for themselves. Half the bathroom and shower. age of Holocaust survivors in Israel the new proposal. However, despite survivors are widows and widowers. “It is very difficult for us, and we today is 85, and approximately two- this, he said he was “full of hope that Approximately two- thirds (65 percent) don’t see any exit from this [situation]. thirds are women. the money would be transferred to the of those in need of aid are above the Sometimes we just want to end our During the past year, some 70,000 survivors quickly and with maximum age of 80 and 13 percent are above lives, but this is not how we want to people requested assistance from the efficiency.” the age of 90. [die],” she said. foundation. Of those, 65 percent are He further cautioned against In 2014, approximately 490 She is not alone in this predicament. above the age of 80, and 45 percent delaying the implementation of the infirm survivors died every month in According to the survey, 60 percent are above the age of 86. Furthermore, plan, which is set to come up for comparison to the 460 and 430 in 2013 of Holocaust survivors are worried 86 percent live on a monthly income approval at the next cabinet meeting and 2012 respectively. about their financial situation. of less that NIS 5,000 and 66 percent on Sunday. The number of infirm survivors has More than half of them (55 percent) live on a monthly income of up to NIS MK Yifat Kariv (Yesh Atid), also steadily increased. In 2014 about said they were unhappy with the way 3,000. chairwoman of the Lobby for Holocaust 28,000 survivors received nursing care the government treated them, and “The needs of the Holocaust Survivors, said this year’s report from the foundation, up 7.5 percent 61 percent said they had not felt any survivors will increase until 2015, reflected an improvement from from the 26,000 survivors who received difference in the past year regarding and this is a critical time in which the previous years, and stressed the assistance in 2013. Between 2010 government assistance and treatment. foundation expects an increase in importance of the new national plan and 2014 there has been a 25 percent “If the state was a bit more requests,” said foundation CEO Rony to assist survivors. increase in those in need of nursing care. considerate, could help us a little bit, Kalinsky. “The window of opportunity of “Finally there is an understanding The Jerusalem Post reported the how much longer [could] we live?” the next five years is coming to a close, that the time frame for improving following: Kujikaro said. and now we must harness everything survivors’ quality of life is limited, and The report by the Foundation for the The findings also indicated that 43 concerned into concrete actions [to we must act here and now,” she said. Benefit of Holocaust Victims in Israel percent of Holocaust survivors fear enable] a life of dignity for Holocaust “The State of Israel is obligated to consists of several elements, including that the Holocaust will happen again, survivors in Israel.” assist Holocaust survivors and their updated statistics the foundation has and one out of three survivors worries Finance Minister Yair Lapid recently spouses still living among us and gathered, as well as two surveys – one that the younger generations will not announced a NIS 1 billion 10-point enable them to live with dignity and conducted among Holocaust survivors, remember the Holocaust. national plan to assist survivors for the welfare.” Page 12 SHALOM May 2015 Older can be better

By Anne Seltzer Through the years, the composition of her weekly chorus rehearsal. After he eat anything I made. So this is for her Alan and I went to the chorus has changed. Being that a passed away, mom seemed to flourish. son, the attorney from Pennsylvania, Rockville last month majority of the residents are “older,” She started going on bus trips for lunch Alan. It’s one of his favorites, recipe to hear his mom, many have either passed away or on Saturdays, going to movie and compliments of Allison. Doris, perform in the can no longer participate for other lecture nights at Revitz, and working as chorus she sings with reasons. Mom enjoys the rehearsals a cashier in the café a couple mornings Kentucky Pecan Pie at the Revitz House, and especially the concerts, where she a week. They generally attended Bingo 1 c. white corn syrup 1 tsp. vanilla where she lives. Mom can introduce everyone to her son Alan together, and she continues to do that 1 c. dark brown sugar has lived there about from Pennsylvania, who is an attorney. as well. It appears to me that the older 3 eggs, beaten slightly 1/3 tsp. salt 16-17 years. My She is very proud of him. Of course, mom gets, the younger she gets. Her 2 c. chopped pecans, plus handful father-in-law was still alive when they it makes her even happier that she walking is not quite as steady, and she for top of pie* moved to Rockville from Philadelphia. usually has both her children, Sharon has some difficulty getting out of deep 1/3 c. melted butter (or margarine) Mom is the “greeter” at the start who lives in Rockville, and Alan there. chairs, but she is amazing otherwise. 1 unbaked pie shell of each concert, which means that Can’t say that I blame her. Probably healthier than her kids or Combine syrup, sugar, salt, butter she welcomes everyone before the Alan’s father, Herb, passed away their spouses. I truly admire her and and vanilla. Mix well. Add eggs. Pour first song, talks about their director, several years ago, and previous to that hope to live as long and well as she into unbaked pie shell aloready filled Michael, and invites everyone to come mom was his caretaker. He had many is. She has a terrific outlook on life with the chopped pecans. Sprinkle to rehearsals and join the chorus. medical issues, and she looked after and asks for very little. Because mom whole pecans over. Bake at 350◦ for Frankly, I don’t think she understands him quite well. But it made it difficult doesn’t eat sweets anymore, other about 45 minutes or until a knife comes why all the residents aren’t part of the for her to leave the apartment without than Stella Dora cookies and red and out clean. Cool to let set, then enjoy! chorus. Mom sings well and loudly. We him much except for when he went white mints (her blood sugar was a *I use a little more than 2 c. chopped can often hear her voice above the rest. to dialysis three times a week, and little high), she probably would not pecans. Yemen conflict could have devastating impact on region Jewish News Service Recently Yemen’s warring parties Iranian warships have been spotted intervention in Yemen as welcome, As far back as Roman times, Yemen have been subsumed by the regional off the south coast of Yemen. The U.S. insofar as it targets Iran. But we should has had a reputation as a violent place. conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran. is already sending its own warships to be wary of any arrangement that gives Through the ages, Yemen maintained For more than a decade now, Shi’a rebels the region. A tense standoff potentially Arab states a regional policing role. Like this warlike image, with its various tribes from the north known as Houthis have awaits. other Arab states, Saudi Arabia has doing battle with the Ottoman Turks waged war against the Sunni-dominated At this moment the conflict in Yemen responded to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the British Empire. The north won south. Last year the Houthis took over the is unresolved and could well expand. with similar ambitions of its own. In the independence from the Turks on 1918, Yemenite capital, Sana’a, which resulted The fact that 40 percent of the world’s oil long run, the military empowerment of while the south remained under British in the resignation — later rescinded — ships pass through the Bab-el-Mandeb the Saudis could be just as negative rule. By 1967, there were two states in of President Mansour Hadi. This year strait, in the southern part of the Red for Western and Israeli security as an Yemen. The north was oriented towards saw Yemen brought, in the words of Sea, gives some idea of the global impact Iranian nuclear bomb, not the least the Arab states, while the south was a the United Nations, to the verge of total a conflagration in this part of the world because of the Saudi kingdom’s historic run by hardline communist government. collapse. In March, Islamic State entered could have. role as an incubator of radical Sunni In May 1990, however, the communist the fray, in shocking attacks against Shi’a It is tempting to regard the Saudi Islamism. south dissolved itself into a unified mosques that claimed the lives of more Yemen. But unified Yemen quickly than 100 worshippers. And last month, Obituary children: Annah Litzenberger and her became a failed state consumed by the Saudis launched a war against Iran’s husband Michael of Massachusetts, Bernard Horowitz, 89, of conflict. growing influence. Jason Horowitz of Oklahoma, Kevin Reading and formerly of Scranton. Horowitz of Birdsboro, Iris Bellman Bernard was an Army 2nd Tech of Wyomissing and Terry Horowitz of Sergeant serving during World War Kentucky. Other survivors include II. He was an avid writer, musician, his five grandchildren and one singer, poet and crossword puzzle nephew. enthusiast. He is survived by his five

“Commit Yourself to Lifelong Learning. The Most Valuable Asset You’ll Ever Have is Your Mind and What You Put Into It.” – Brian Tracy

Our residents agree. That’s why we’re proud to announce that The Highlands has started an exciting new partnership with Alvernia that allows our residents to attend free Seniors College courses at the University. And for those who don’t want to travel, select courses are offered on The Highlands’ campus! Lifelong Learning . . . It’s just one more way The Highlands is redefining retirement living!

Call today to learn more! 610-775-2300 • www.thehighlands.org 2000 Cambridge Ave • Wyomissing, PA

A member of Reading Health System Page  Shalom March 2010 Community News Obituaries

Lucy Suzanne Knoblauch L. (Sulman) Moyer. He is also survived Zeidman, 96, Wyomissing. by his daughters, Aileen D., widow Surviving are a son, Bruce F., of Neal H. Endy, of Pennside, and E. husband of Geraldine L. Zeidman, of Roxanne, wife of Les Walker, of Batavia Shillington; a brother, Harry Knoblauch, Ohio; sons, Stan B. , husband of Kristine husband of Edith Knoblauch, of Reading; K. Moyer, of Sinking Spring and Jay a sister, Ruth Balis of Wyomissing; and H., husband of Margaret R. Moyer, of several nieces and nephews. Muhlenberg Township. Other survivors --- are grandchildren: Brett A. Endy, Chad Irene S. Zeidman, 62, Wyomissing. M. Endy and Elizabeth K. Moyer; and She is survived by her brother Bruce great-grandchildren, Carson N., Logan Images from F., husband of Geraldine L. Zeidman C., Ardyn N. and Ava L. Endy of Shillington. --- Yemin Orde --- Shirley Robinson of B’nai B’rith Area resident and recent college Robert Berger, 54, Reading. Apartments. Survived by her Friendship graduate Jessica Flamholz sent us He was the former spouse of Lea Circle friends. these pictures from her recent visit Berger, Reading. He is survived by --- to Yemin Orde, an Israeli village two daughters, Molly R. Berger, State Louis Malamud, 95, formerly for children and youth supported College, and Bethany S. Berger, of Temple. He is survived by a son, May 2015 SHALOM by our Federation.Page 13 Reading; and one brother, Dr. Barry M. Mitchel, husband of Laura Malamud, Berger, husband of Kathleen A. Vieweg, of Las Vegas; grandchildren Barry Boston, Mass. husband of Johna Malamud, Deborah --- Babbit-Malamud and Sheri Malamud; All Around the Town______David Moyer, 85, Reading. and great-grandchildren: Jessy Babbit, By MazelJoan G. tov Friedman to Jewish Federation BadalMazel, who Tov has to received Holly Michelsonthe honor of, He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Carly Malmud and Ian Malamud. PresidentCongratulations Bill Franklin to Korey and his Blanck wife, whobeing receivedchosen as a the Doctor Child Advocateof Jewish of Andiand to, onEdith the Blanckbirth of on their the birtheighth of Religiousthe Year for Education the State ofdegree, Pennsylvania. honoris grandchild,their new granddaughter Anna Beverly. andDelighted great- causa, from Hebrew*** Union College- Plan for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah & Wedding Guests! parentsgranddaughter! are Daniel Franklin and Erika JewishBest Institutewishes toof ourReligion. Berks County Guyer of Brooklyn, *** N.Y. The Franklins athletesWe love competing good news in the about 2010 members Maccabi alsoMazel celebrated Tov to the the Bluestone Bar Mitzvah Family of: ofGames: our community! Please share it by Shalom Newspaper (Joan Friedman) theirTo David grandson and MariannaHarry in April. on their Harry new is emailingEmily [email protected].& Jared Baksic, swimming thedaughter son of and Scott to grandparents and Merrie FranklinEric and Andrew Blickle, basketball 5” (2 col.) x 7” ofMarissa. Rochester, N.Y. Matthew Eisenberg, swimming Questions? Until next time: Shalom! *** *** Hannah and Alexis Glassmire, Contact Jodi Gibble, Marketing Director Congratulations to Charles and swimming GardeningBrenda Diamond with on the Vicky engagement Brandon Missan, soccer READING The Highlands at Wyomissing Makeof their son Brettthe and most to grandfather of Alornamental grasses 2801 Papermill Road 2000 Cambridge Ave., Wyomissing, PA 1910 Diamond. Wyomissing, Pennsylvania 10-288-3405 *** Until next time: Shalom! By MazelVicky TovSokoloff to Rosalind Hyman and [Email all your simcha news to joan@ GROUP RATES AVAILABLE herOrnamental daughter, Attorney. grasses Cathymake a Hyman stately friedman.net] accent in any garden. They come in Call Alice for a Site Tour many sizes and colors. A wide variety of grasses areKEEP hardy in UP this WITH region. THE COMMUNITY (610) 736-2082 ✦ www.reading.homewoodsuites.com PhalarisVisit arundinacea www.readingjewishcommunity.org ‘Dwarf Garters’ is a small variegated cultivar perfect as a border in a perennial garden. Festuca cinerea ‘Elijah Blue is even smaller and keeps its blue/green color nearly year round. Errianthus Ravennae (Ravena) is one of the tallest, reaching 10 to II hadhad nono idea!idea! 12 feet and producingou’ve attractiveworked hard seed to accumulate yourDwarf wealth. garters We hear this again and again from residents of The Highlands. heads in the fall. Trust it to someone who will work even harder to OrnamentalY grasses are very low- • People are so friendly. maintainance;grow all theyyour need assets is to and be providecut you with peace of mind • There’s so much for me to do. back or burned once a year. I prefer to • I love the independence and as you plan for the future. From financial planning and let them stand over the winter for both privacy at The Highlands. interest in theinvestment garden andmanagement cover for to custom credit solutions, • I don’t worry about my future. wildlife. Our tradition is to burn them • Dining is like a fine restaurant. on Easter Sunday,deposit weather products permitting. and more. Clermont Wealth Strategies • My kids are so glad I’m here. Some people– cutpersonal, them back focused in the and fall. highly confidential. • I feel like I’m at a resort. If you are going to burn, be sure to check with your municipality for local • This was a smart and valuable regulations. financial decision. Ravenna • They do things first class. SomeFinancial of the Planning most popular grasses Comprehensive Investment Management belong to the Miscanthus sinensis • I wish I’d moved here sooner. group. TheseCustom Creditinclude Solutions ‘Gracillimus’ Bank Deposit & Convenience Products • I love it here! (maiden Wealthgrass), Preservation ‘Caberet’ & Transfer (Japanese Services Retirement Planning silver grass), ‘Purpurascens’ (flame A recital featuring grass), & ‘Variegatus’ (variegated Come tour The Highlands. Japanese silver grass). Switchgrasses are also popular in Find out first hand why it is the best place for Neil Hoffman our area. They begin CwithLERMONT PanicumW EALTH STRATEGIES retirement living. and have names such as Heavy Metal, AT Wednesday, May 13, 7:30 p.m. Hameln, Moudry, & Little Bunny. While If you’re exploring options and choices pampas grasses are tall and attractive, for your retirement years, be sure to call WCR Center for the Arts, they are rarely hardy in our climate. 140 N. Fifth St., Reading New cultivars are introduced every us for a tour. You too can be a part of year, so it would be impossible to cover Elijah Blue this wonderful lifestyle. We have every- Semiretired Reading Hospital pathologist, longtime Berks County resident, Jewish all that you might find at the nursery1.866.332.8393 or in thing from a studio apartment to gracious community leader and avid and accomplished amateur clarinetist Dr. Neil Hoffman catalogs. Be sure to read the plant tag/ grasses can die out in the center due cottages. We would love to meet you will present a recital featuring works by Schubert, J.S. Bach and Mendelssohn. description completely to clermontwealth.comunderstand to overcrowding if not separated from and answer your questions. The final piece on the program will be the sonata for clarinet and piano by Soviet the size (both height and width), sun time to time. composer Mieczyslaw (Mojsze) Weinberg. This piece makes clear elegiac references and water requirements, color,Securities zone and InsuranceIf Products: you are wondering why it’s Call for lunch and a tour today. to his lost family and Yiddish culture of Warsaw and Kishinev that perished in the hardiness, and anyNot FDIC-Insuredspecial care.• Not Insured By byimportant any Federal Government to know Agency the Latin (botanical) No Financial Institution Guarantee • May lose value • Not a deposit Holocaust. knowing these things you greatly names, it’s because several different 10-775-2300 increase the chance of success. It is plants may have the same common EQUAL HOUSING www.thehighlands.org The performance will be for the benefit of Friends of Chamber Music of Reading. also good to check the plant carefully to names, especially in different regions OPPORTUNITY +++++ It will be open to the public with a recommended donation of $25. There will be a assure that it is not potbound and that or countries. In other cases the same catered reception following the event. there is no sign of insects or disease. plant may have more than one common Ornamental grasses also come in name. Using the full botanical name a variety of shapes. Those that stand makes it possible for everyone to straight and tall are called upright. know exactly what plant is being Those that bend are called arching, discussed. The reason is never to BERKS CARDIOLOGISTS, LTD. weeping, or fountain. Growth habits can sound pretentious. All knowledgeable and Diagnostics Imaging Center be running (spread by creeping stems) and reliable sellers will be able to give or clumping (grow in tufts, slowing you a plant’s full botanical name which increasing in girth). Running grasses will also help you to do additional 2605 KEISER BLVD. can become invasive. Clumping research on the Internet. WYOMISSING, PA 19610 FOR AN APPOINTMENT, CALL (610) 685-8500

Gary M. Lattin, MD Hani H. Salha, MD Charles R. Minehart, MD Rajendra H. Solanki, DO Meir Mazuz, MD Ronald J. Polinsky, Jr., MD www.barrerandwhite.com Guy N. Piegari, Jr., MD Michael B. Russo, MD Frank Politzer, MD Christopher B. Rogers, DO 610‐376‐3956 Louis Borgatta, MD Troy W. Trayer, DO Mayank R. Modi, MD Nicholas A. Rossi, DO 311 Penn Ave West Reading Andrew R. Waxler, MD May 2015 SHALOM Page 14 Audience moved by Violins of Hope lecture By Amanda J. Hornberger On Tuesday, March 31, musicologist James A. Grymes from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte examined music and the Holocaust in a lecture titled “Violins of Hope,” as the 11th speaker in the annual Richard J. Yashek Memorial Lecture series. Grymes captivated the audience from the very beginning. His book is based on the relationship that Israeli violin builder and restorer, Amnon Weinstein has with these special violins that were played during the Holocaust and Grymes’ presentation was presented in a similar fashion. Interwoven in the lecture were clips of the film “Amnon’s Journey,” a documentary about Amnon’s trip to his family’s home in Vilna, Lithuania and visit to Auschwitz. The film clips brought the story to life as well as Grymes’ descriptions of various violins and their owners, from his book. Grymes was generous in answering questions after his lecture, and I had the chance to see him connect with our audience firsthand during his book signing after the lecture. All 22 copies of his book, “Violins of Hope,” were sold after the lecture, but you can still read the book if you are interested! A copy of the book is a part of the Lakin Holocaust Library & Resource Center’s collection and can be borrowed from Albright College’s Gingrich Library, or you can find the book wherever books James A. Grymes delivers the annual Yashek Lecture at Albright College. are sold. Photo by Jeremy Drey, courtesy of Reading Eagle. Unique theatrical experience developed by local troupe The Reading Theater Project has listen to couples talk; all are part of the but our production exposes truths To purchase tickets for created a new production, “The Marriage performance. The script was developed about marriage and relationships,” more information, go to Expo(sé),” about marriage in the 21st collaboratively by the members of the Graff said. ReadingTheaterProject.com or call century. Reading Theater Project, and written by Audiences will be able to sit and 484-706-9719. Tickets are $20 in Performances will take place at Sue Lange (Resident Playwright) and watch the performance or move about advance, $25 at the door. Group rates the Olympian Ballroom at 603 Penn Vicki Graff (Artistic Director). the venue to explore the Expo. Actors available. Avenue in West Reading. Opening night “There are several points of action will be among the audience, with the play The Reading Theater Project is Saturday, May 2, at 8 p.m., and the and a number of subplots, but the main unfolding all around the room. Expect to is a multigenerational collective of production will run through May 10. plot line is the growth of a marriage itself,” see music, dance, improv, and scripted performing artists who create new The Reading Theater Project’s Lange said. Actors will also improvise performances. theater in Reading. Since 2003, mission is to make new theater; this with each other off script. Audience The production is supported by the Reading Theater Project has given production’s style and format is a new members will have opportunities to Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the local professional performing artists development for the company. Modeled interact and become part of the event, Berks Arts Council, Masano Bradley an artistic home, with opportunities after Home and Garden Shows and or they can sit and watch the whole and The West Reading Tavern. The for collaboration, development, Wedding Expos, the Marriage Expo(sé) production. play was conceived and created by the showcasing, and personal growth. will immerse the audience in a theatrical “We wanted to push our theatrical Reading Theater Project, is directed by For more information, please visit event. Patrons can listen to speakers, style. We’re calling it an “Expo(sé)” Christine Cieplinski and composed by www.ReadingTheaterProject.com or watch a runway show, visit booths, and because it’s modeled after an Expo, Chris Heslop. call 484-706-9719. In the news Hillel under fire for backing out of J Street conference Hillel President Eric Fingerhut’s the boundaries of acceptable criticism of Hillel and J Street U chapters are closer lifesaving and life-changing inventions, decision to withdraw from a conference Israel but to expose students to a wide than the national dispute would imply. J he said, was an exoskeleton from sponsored by the liberal J Street group variety of views. Refusing to speak to J Street U chapters are often affiliated with ReWalk Robotics. has brought Hillel into conflict over the Street, Ponet said, is not in keeping with their campus Hillel, and a number of Hillel The Nasdaq-listed Israeli firm boundaries of acceptable criticism of that mission. directors will be attending the J Street invented and manufactures the FDA- Israel, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency The latest fracas began on March 9, conference in Washington. approved device for paraplegics, giving reported. when Fingerhut announced that he would ______them the ability to stand and walk. After Two years ago the Open Hillel not appear at the J Street conference Poll notes U.S. split over Israel a short presentation, the company’s movement emerged to challenge Hillel later in the month because some of the What Jewish teen hasn’t said to senior product manager introduced Ret. International’s guidelines for Israel speakers had made highly inflammatory himself or herself, “I want to find a Sgt. Terry Hannigan, an Army veteran activities, which prohibit campus chapters statements against the Jewish state. cure for cancer,” or, “I want to invent and paraplegic who stood up and told from hosting speakers that support Hillel’s chief administrative officer, David something that will help people,” or her story. Hannigan has a progressive divestment from Israel or deny its right to Eden noted that one of the speakers simply, “I want to make the world a better blood disease resulting from her exist. Some see the organization’s policy was Saeb Erekat, the longtime chief place.” The Israeli men and women military service that paralyzes her from as alienating to liberal Jewish students. Palestinian negotiator who had recently who presented last week at the Global mid-chest down. J Street blasted Fingerhut’s decision compared Israel to the Islamic State, Venturing Israel: MedTech & Inclusive She described her life prior to getting to back out, with Sarah Turbow, the or ISIS. Despite such inflammatory Innovation Conference didn’t just dream, the ReWalk device. director of the liberal lobby’s campus arm, statements, both Israel and the U.S. they acted on that dream — and brought “I couldn’t hold myself up on the edge claiming the Hillel leader had chosen to State Department have long dealt with to Pittsburgh the fruits of their actions, of the bed,” she said. “The only physical please his donors instead of engaging Erekat in peace talks, accoring to JTA. The Jewish Chronicle of Pittsburgh contact I had with other people was thousands of students. Several Hillel directors contacted reported.. when I was lifted out of my bed onto the But even within Hillel, several by JTA declined to comment on the Global Venturing Israel brought wheelchair. I saw my life as progressively current and former directors told JTA situation, but Fingerhut did receive together medical industry companies losing more and more ability to function. that Fingerhut’s decision is part of the praise from some quarters. Arinne developing innovative technologies, I was depressed and suicidal. I had no organization’s general rightward drift on Braverman, executive director of the Pittsburgh business and community hope.” Israel and its growing deference to the Hillel at Northeastern University, said leaders, venture capitalists, leaders Then she started walking around the demands of major supporters. her campus was in the midst of debating of the African-American community, room. Rabbi James Ponet, who became a resolution to divest from Israel and professors and students. Alex Spoont, “It was mind-blowing,” Spoont said. director of the Yale Hillel in 1981 and Fingerhut’s stance set an inspiring a finance major at the University of “The fact that she is able to stand up and served as university chaplain prior to example for her students. (Northeastern Pittsburgh, was one of the students who walk like that — it is a miracle. It is one starting a sabbatical in 2014, said that student leaders rejected the divestment attended the March 26-27 conference at thing to hear about something like this. as a university-focused organization, measure.) the university’s Katz School of Business. It is another to see it in real life. It is so Hillel’s mission should not be to police Hillel directors on campuses said that What stood out among the cutting-edge, moving.” Page  15 SHALOMShalom MayMay 2015 2010 JewishJewish Family Family ServiceService CarHelping donation seniors helps sustainand their JFS familiesprograms

PageBy Sari  Incledon, M. Ed. JFS (and get a tax donation at the same Simon and VeeVee Scott. We could not run Pesadich desserts. Thanks toMarch Jeff Bornstein 2010 prepareThank you to Dave for thetime) callnext me at 610-921-0624 stage or Shalomgo to ofthe food theirbank without them. lives and Corinne Wernick for their assistance in Walker for participating www.charitableautoresources.com. On April 2 JFS sponsored a Seder at serving the meal. Generous contributions Byin ourSari carIncledon, donation M.Ed. TheEach earlier month you our foodstart bank planning, serves more the assessingthe Manor yourat Market home Square. to determine The Manor’s if it can communities,made in memory handicapped of Natalie Adelglass accessible by program.If you The or proceedsyour moreand more preparedJewish people. you (In will March be to we respondFamily served meetresidents your changingServicewere joined needs by as residents you age. You of apartments,family and friends independent underwrote and the Seder.assisted parentsfrom his auctioned are like car to182 changes people inthat 62 mayhouseholds). occur as Weyou could age mayProvidence want to House think about and Friendshipmaking changes Circle livingFinally, communities thanks toand the continuing bakers of care the Discussionmostwill help people, support our of addictionsuchnot provide as changes this important in yourimportant health,service mobility without toseniors. your to homeBoscov’s all to help provided you aas delicious you age meal, and retirementKesher Zion communities. religious school and Temple youprograms. want Ifto you “Age would ordedicated social connections.volunteers. Thank you to long- toenjoyed help delay by all. the A need big thankfor a futureyou to move. baker Oheb Sholom’s sisterhood*** for providing us like to learn more about time volunteers Karen Sherman and Norman extraordinaire Sheila Bornstein for furnishing with hamentashen that were distributed to Byin Place”Sari Incledon, in your M. Ed. will Tonot successfully be limited to plan issues ahead dealing you need with Others)If you provided decide that the your following home statistics.no longer ForJewish every Family person Service who wants has toa ownthisWe easy home invite way the andto entire help adolescents.toWilikofsky start thinking and Drugto aboutour and new how alcohol volunteers you abuse want Jan tois Accordingmeetsparticipants your to withneeds Dr. a Jayvast or thatHolder,array you of Medicalgourmetcan no substancethankseniors the in longSocial abuse term Action careproblem, residences.Committee several of communitycommunity. to Aging attend a alive problem as you forage all and age what groups, steps and you we need all Directorlonger live and safely founder and independently of the Exodus there, othersReform areCongregation affected. Oheb Those Sholom affected for programin place Jewish means Family needto take to knowto achieve more aboutthatLiving lifestyle.it. This with Treatmentlearn about Loss Centerother options. in Miami, If you chemical or your mayproviding be spouses,us with Shalach parents, Manot children, – Purim Servicehaving theis sponsoring: health includesIn a recentplanning article, for what “Overcoming you would do dependencyparents are interested is the number in learning one secretabout siblings,gifts for residents grandparents of nursing – allhomes. are hurtThe “Whatand social Every supports Family Denial”if you or ( Na’amatyourMondays, spouse Woman had Wintera Maysudden 2009/10) 10onset and inwhat 24,the options 3:00-Jewish are4:30community. available p.m. Reportedly,call Jewish in“goodies” different were ways. greatly What appreciated. can we Also,as a Needsand services to Know you about Barbaraof a chronic Trainin illness, Blank developed wrote: “Alcohol a disability and upFamily to 50 Service. percent We of patientare knowledgeable populations communalthanks go toorganization the family domembers to address and Alcoholneed to live and safely Drug chemicalor had aFor changedependency more in resources. informationdon’t discriminate, call inabout someSari numerous residentialat 610-921-0624 and treatment varied housingcenters thevolunteers problem? who Awareness helped with is an our important sederim Abuseand independently & Addiction: An affectingThink Jewsabout and your non-Jews home: alike, and areoptions Jews in– asthe are local 20 percentcommunities of those – firstat The step Manor and weat inviteMarket everyone Square in and the Interactivefor as long asDialogue you wish and are able. womenA key asstep much in planning as men. for your Addiction future is callingincluding national subsidized drug hothousing, lines (yetover Jews 55+ communityBerks Heim. to share questions and with David Rotenberg.” and alcoholism can be found in every comprise less than 3 percent of the U.S. concerns at our above mentioned This program will be held Wednesday, socioeconomic and religious segment of population). Chemical dependency is the program on April 28. April 28 at 7 p.m.Living at the JCC. withthe Jewish Loss community”. third leadingWhat killer in thehappens U.S. It is also an afterOur program is free, though David is theDid executive you know directorthe Hampton of InnAn Wyomissing article on is newlythe JACS Web unreported and/orJewish unknown Family contributor Service Foodreservations Pantry are Collection requested. For more AdolescentMonday, Youthrenovated? Services May It’s true,at 11, Caron when 3 - your4:30site family(Jewish p.m. comes Alcoholics,at tothe town, JCC Chemically to deathsa causedhospital by car accidents, stay? heart information, call Sari at 610-921- Foundation, however his presentation Dependent Persons and Significant attacks, suicides and strokes. 0624. Forwhy more crowd information, your home? We call have Sari a heated at 610-921-0624 indoor pool, Join us for this informative seminarWe are servingpresented more by families BERKScomplimentary ENCORE hot PROVIDES breakfast, and FREE a good TAX night’s PREPARATION sleep on our Volunteer Opportunitieseach month! Available Please bring – donations of canned tuna, soup, famous FROMCloud 9 TRAINEDbed. Did you VOLUNTEERSalso know that we wash our Jewish Family Service seeks volunteers to help our seniors with grocery shoppingfruits and and other vegetables errands. to comforters and pillows with every stay? Wouldn’t you want Thursday, May 20 • 11:30 am Was Theyour household Benefit income less than $50,000Bank in 2009? If you have some time, call SariKesher or Carole Zion or at the 610-921-0624 JCC. . at Manor at Market Square yourHousehold lovedA Jewish ones income here Family with may us instead beService higher of worrying Programin some where cases, you’ll Thank you! findbut room? call 610-374-3195 With the Hampton’s for more100% details.guarantee Jewish Family ServiceSome patients thanks require additional CallFind today out to your schedule eligibility youan appointmentcan’t and go applywrong. from for nowbenefits until Aprilonline 15. We also need plastic andcare paper after grocery their hospital bags! discharge. with a counselorHampton in Inn a confidentialWyomissing setting. Dr. Jeffrey BlankPlanning D.D.S. ahead will make Berks Encore, 40 N. Ninth St., 610-374-3195 for providing professionalthings services easier for to you our after client. you leave. 1800 Papermill Road, Wyomissing, PA 19560 Learn about the services available Food Stamps Medical Benefits for you or a loved one! 610-374-8100 Enjoy Tax Benefits While Contributing to CashBERKS Assistance ENCORE RECEIVESLIHEAP AWARDS and more Please RSVP by calling 610-373-0800. Jewish Family Service Vehicle Donation Program CongratulationsTo find to Berks out ifEncore TBB employeescan help you, Carolyn Krebs and Marthacall Sitler Sari for or receivingCarole at one 610-921-0624 of the Social Security Administrations highest awards for their providing the public with Call Sari at 610-921-0624, Call Sari at informationDid covering You Social Know Security issues. e-mail [email protected] 610-921-0624or go to Berks Encore enables older adults to achieve a better quality of FREE parking in INDEPENDENT AND ASSISTED LIVING Jewish Family Service: the Berks Encore www.charitableautoresources.com life by providing a comprehensive program of services, referrals, parking lot Meals • Housekeepingor • Activitiesemail • Transportation education and advocacy. For more information call Berks Encore located at 9th All-Inclusive Monthly Rent • No Buy-ins •offers discounted taxi transportation and Court Street. [email protected] at 610-374-3195 or visit them at www.Berksencorepa.org 803 Penn Street • Reading, PA 19601 to seniors and the disabled? 2347_Shalom_update:Layout 1 3/30/10 12:21 PM Page 1 www.manoratmarketsquare.com • 610-373-0800 •has a monthly need-based food pantry? Living with Loss  Af finityBankPA.com •offers counseling and information formerly Bereavement Group and referral services? Mondays, March  and 22, 3:00- 4:30 p.m.

2131_Shalom_ad:Layout 1 9/8/09 11:57 AM Page 1  For more information call Sari at 610-921-0624  Banking Pediatric and Adult Patients A f f i n i t y B a n k P A . c o m Treating Ear, Nose, Throat Problems Thyroid Nodules, Neck Masses & Sinusitis Tuxedos, boutonnières, the Wcorsagesa andy promIt dresses... Physicians: James P. Restrepo, M.D., F.A.C.S. join us for our truly Charles K. Lutz, M.D., F.A.C.S.  Banking the Way Jeffrey S. Driben, M.D., F.A.C.S. ShoSenioruld B eProm. Nurse Practitioner: Tuesday, May 5 • 1-3pm Rosemarie Montgomery It Swithho entertainment,uld B snackse .and refreshments! MS, CRNP, FNP-C Socialize, make new friends and have fun! Audiologists: Now open in Exeter. Please RSVP by May 3 Kathleen D. Vivaldi, AuD, FAAA to Nicole at 610-616-5112 Melanie A. Appler, AuD, FAAA Doors open at 12:45pm Matthew R. Bonsall, AuD Products that FREE parking available at Berks Encore parking lot make locatedsens ate 9th, and Court Streets. Hearing and Balance Disorders State of the Art Hearing Aid Fittings service that In House Hearing Aid Repairs WmYOaMkISeSsIN fGrie| n RdEAsD.ING SINKING SPRING |803 MU PennHLEN BStreet,ERG | Reading, EXETER PA 19601 985 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing www.manoratms.com • 610-616-5112 610-374-5599 • www.ent-hns.net 610.898.7700

WYOMISSING | READING SINKING SPRING | MUHLENBERG | EXETER

610.898.7700 Page 16 SHALOM May 2015

PJ Library party time

PJ Library families gathered at Kesher Zion Synagogue for Sammy Spider’s Birthday Party April 19. Clockwise, from top left, Rabbi Rachel reads a Sammy the Spider book to the children; children work on their Sammy Spider craft; participants sing happy birthday to Sammy spider with Sammy’s birthday cake

In the news ADL reports anti-Semitism on the rise

U.S. anti-Semitic incidents rose by 21 Amnesty International: In the past, Hamas officials have implications on U.S. policy, both foreign percent in 2014, according to an annual Hamas committed war crimes pointed to the relatively low number of and domestic, concerning Israel. report by the Anti-Defamation League, Israeli civilian deaths as proof that they The study saw that Republicans, by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported.. After a dozen reports by human did not target the general population. The a ratio of more than 2-to-1, thought the ADL counted 912 anti-Semitic rights groups charging that Israel had Israelis attribute the low number of Israeli U.S. should stand behind Israel even if incidents, up from 751 in 2013, with the committed war crimes during its air and civilian fatalities to a combination of the its positions diverge considerably from period surrounding last summer’s Gaza ground offensive in the Gaza Strip last U.S.-supplied Iron Dome air defense American interests. Conversely, those war seeing a surge of incidents. The tally summer, Amnesty International recently system, Israeli air raid sirens, and the who identified as Democrats said the included 36 cases of assault or other focused on the Islamist militant group small payloads and inexact aim of Hamas opposite was true at roughly the same violence, 363 incidents of vandalism, Hamas and other armed factions in rockets. ratio and that American interests override and 513 cases of harassment, threats Gaza, which fired thousands of rockets at The Post noted that the conclusions those of Israel. and events. civilian population centers in Israel during of the Amnesty report were not exactly The Bloomberg Politics poll also found “2014 was a particularly violent the 50-day war. news, especially in Israel. that Republicans had more sympathetic year for Jews both overseas and in the Amnesty’s conclusion: The military After the report was released, Lt. Col. feelings toward Prime Minister Benjamin United States,” Abraham Foxman, ADL’s wing of Hamas committed war crimes, Peter Lerner, a top spokesman for the Netanyahu over President Barack national director, said in a statement. too, by indiscriminately firing unguided Israel Defense Forces, tweeted, “Wow, Obama at 67 percent to 16. Democrats, “Lethal anti-Semitism continues to pose rockets and mortar rounds from civilian self-proclaimed terrorist organization on the other hand, felt more allegiance a threat to American Jews and larger areas in Gaza at population centers in carried out war crimes. Big surprise there! towards the U.S. commander-and-chief society as well.” Israel, the Jerusalem Post reported. #Hamas must be so ashamed.” at a 76 percent to 9 percent advantage. Atttacks outlined in the report ranged According to the newspaper, the 70- The Palestinian militias in Gaza fired The poll also investigated partisan from the shooting spree last April at a page Amnesty report found that rocket more than 4,800 rockets and 1,700 sentiments on the hotly contested issue pair of Jewish institutions in Kansas that and mortar fire from the Palestinian mortar rounds toward Israel, according to of the Iranian nuclear negotiations left three people dead to matters such militants killed 13 Palestinians and six counts by Israel and the United Nations. and their feelings about the tentative as institutinoal vandalism or offensive Israeli civilians. The report contradicted The Amnesty report condemned framework agreement struck between comments on social media.. Hamas claims that the Palestinian deaths Palestinian militias for storing munitions Tehran and world powers. The states with the most anti-Semitic were caused by Israeli airstrikes. Israel in, and launching rockets from, schools, Democrats, by a nearly 3-to-1 ratio, incidents were those with the largest had attributed that tragedy to explosions mosques, a church and at least one said they were more optimistic than Jewish populations. New York led with from a failed rocket launch in Gaza. hospital. pessimistic that a tentative deal with Iran 231 incidents, followed by California (184 The Gaza war left more than 2,100 ______announced this month will contain Iran’s incidents), New Jersey (107), Florida (70) Palestinians dead; seven in 10 of them Poll notes U.S. split over Israel ability to get nuclear weapons and thus and Pennsylvania (48). were civilians and more than 500 were The Jerusalem Post recently make the world safer. Despite the year-over-year rise, the children, according to Palestinian and published a Bloomberg poll’s findings By a 2-to-1 margin, Republicans number of U.S. anti-Semitic incidents U.N. officials. On the Israeli side, 66 that Americans are becoming more were more pessimistic than optimistic in 2014 was still one of the lowest totals soldiers and six civilians were killed, partisan on issues pertaining to Israel about the impacts of a deal. Majorities of recorded since the ADL began keeping including one child. after decades of general bipartisan Americans in both parties say any deal records of them in 1979, the organization Amnesty criticized Hamas for using agreement on matters concerning the Obama makes with Iran should be subject told JTA. Certain kinds of attacks, imprecise weapons such as mortars on Jewish State. to congressional approval, and that Iran however, are on the rise – notably civilian areas, noting that a 4-year-old The poll suggests that the American- is an unreliable negotiating partner attacks by hackers on community and Israeli boy was killed by shrapnel from a Israel dynamic is shifting considerably because it is a theocracy, according to synagogue websites. mortar round fired from Gaza. from previous decades and may have Bloomberg. May 2015 SHALOM Page 17 May 2010 Shalom Page 10 Federation Honorial - Memorial Card Information HonorialsHonorials and and Memorials Memorials ContributionsContributions may may be be made made to to the the following following Funds: Funds: Please mail your payment with complete information to the Jewish FederationUJA-Federation Jewish Campaign Community Campaign $10 $10 Federation, PO Box 14925, Reading, PA 19612-4925 or bring to the Jewish Jewish Family Service $10 Jewish Family Service $10 Cultural Center, 1100 Berkshire Blvd, Suite 125, Wyomissing. You may set up Leo Camp Lecture Fund $10 a “savings account” for the purpose of sending cards. Please contact the JFSLeo FoodCamp Bank Lecture Fund $10 $25 Jewish Federation at 610-921-0624 for further information. JFS TaxiFood Transportation Bank Program $25 $20 Contributions as of April 17 HolocaustJFS Taxi Transportation Library & Resource Program Center $20 $18 Contributions as of April 16 Holocaust Library & Resource Center $18 Holocaust Library & Resource Center Doris Levin Fund $10 In honor of: Doris Levin Fund $10 UJA-Federation Campaign Dr. Larry Rotenberg’s special birthday – Gregory and Stephanie Orzech In honorLarry Rotenberg’s of: special birthday – Debbie Goodman and John Moyer Sarah Simon’s engagement – Vic and Dena Hammel In memoryMichael Clyminof: (Ellen Abramson’s father) – Susan and Richard D’Angelo GetAlma well/speedy and Ed recovery:Lakin’s new home – Vic and Dena Hammel, Mildred & Ivan FrankPaul Safir Mehringer – Rob –and Edith Yvonne Mendelsohn Oppenheimer, Marlene and George Weiss, Anzie GordonShirley Kauffman – Rosalye Yashek and Edward Golden, Debbie Goodman and John Moyer, Judy, Bob and Susan Pollack Sam Goodman’s engagement – Alma and Ed Lakin Ann Merkle – Anzie and Edward Golden JewishAlyse Corbin’sFamily marriage Service – Carol and Bernie Gerber, Alma and Ed Lakin DorisMiriam Levin Oppenheimer Fund – Mary Ann Oppenheimer and Michael Fishbein, Judy, Bob In honorSue Viener’s of: Birthday – Yvonne & Rob Oppenheimer Inand memory Susan Pollackof: BirthLarry ofRotenberg’s Selma Cutler’s birthday great-grandson – David, Jonathan Jacob and - DebbieLeah Rotenberg Goodman and and families John Dr.Doris Walter Brok –Gershenfeld Judy, Bob and – StephanieSusan Pollack and Dennis Arbige, Carole and Mike MoyerBirth of Al and Betsy Katz’s granddaughter Ella Naomi Ages – Sy Youngerman RobinsonArnold Delin – Judy, Bob, Susan and Stephen Pollack In memoryBirth of Carol of: and Gordon Perlmutter’s new grandson – Debbie Goodman and Shoshana Tannenbaum – Carole and Mike Robinson JohnPaul Moyer Safir – Barbara Nazimov, Berna Sherman, Al and Betsy Katz, Edith JFS Taxi Transportation Program In memory of: Mendelsohn, Kevin Horowitz, Bernie Horowitz, Ruth Isenberg, Louise Zeidman, Holocaust Library and Resource Center Paul Safir – Harriet Baskin, Louise Zeidman SaulGet well: and Donna Eisenberg, Michael and Barbara Charnoff, Sy Youngerman, Bettina In memory of: NajerHarold and AnnLeifer (Najer) – Rob Orr and Yvonne Oppenheimer Shoshana Tannenbaum – Ken and Mary Holt, George and Sue Viener, Sue Imy Gellert – Wendy Neuhs, Barbara Nazimov FriendshipSchlanger, Gordon Circle and Fund Carol Perlmutter, Leah Kanter-Salis, Rosemary and John EvelynMiriam Thompson Oppenheimer Nursery– Susan Rigg-Panabecker, School Fund Vivian Stephenson, Kate Mohn, InDeegan, memory Naum of: and Lyudmila Ger, Louis and Katherine Danzico, Florence and SeynaIn memory and Stephenof: Green MarvinPaul Segal, Safir Vic– Tootie and DenaMoyer, Hammel, Glenn and Emma Gaye Holder, Corbin, Susan Herb Gallagher,Schneider Mildred & ShoshanaRuth Cherim Tannenbaum (Pam Weisberg’s – Beth mother)and Bob – Caster Sy Youngerman IvanDoris Gordon, Brok Carrie – Herb & SchneiderStephen Latman, Judy, Bob & Susan Pollack, Anna & Moisey Doris Brok – Sy Youngerman, Bettina Najer and Ann (Najer) Orr 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, InFederation honor of: Jewish Community Campaign LakinJohn Castrege Preschool and family, Fund Michael Geraci, Maxine & Dick Henry, Piekara Family, In honorBirth of of: Carol and Gordon Perlmutter’s new grandson – Sue and George Viener, InLaura memory Higgins of: BetsyErica and Filstein’s Al Katz marriage – Debbie Goodman and John Moyer Doris Brok – Esther and Sid Bratt BatElliott Mitzvah Leisawitz’s of Fran retirement Mendelsohn’s – Cheryl granddaughter and Eric Farber – Rosalye Yashek Paul Safir – Esther and Sid Bratt Michael Kastenbaum’s retirement – Cheryl and Eric Farber Friendship Circle In memoryBirth of Bill of: and Andi Franklin’s new granddaughter – Al and Betsy Katz Get well: Shoshana Tannenbaum – Jill and Gladys Skaist Harold Leifer – Glenn and Gaye Corbin Pro-Israel student leader lets Alan Dershowitz sleep at night Holocaust education spreading in Berks County Jewish News Service Israeli editor, musician, and policy Fellow. It was that trip that charted Jewish organizations and leaders leader to students who are making his course. Continued from Page 5 also that the students are genuinely On a wider note, there have justice and Holocaust remembrance today. have been racking their brains trying Israel’s case on campuses that are “Standing on the beaches of 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 to address the issue of skyrocketing often ideological battlegrounds. Ashkelon, I said, ‘What can I do to 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 anti-Semitism on college campuses. “Who is going to replace us?” help?’” Hayet reflects. “I was too present because of the immense respect hearing Hilde’s story and many still talk and the surrounding areas. Within these courses for their students. But at least one prominent pro-Israel Dershowitz tells JNS.org, speculating young for the army, but I saw myself 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 activist is reassured by the presence on a day when well-known Jewish as part of Israel’s army—here in the individuals who are in the process school year has begun, there are still of a student more than five decades leaders like himself, Irwin Cotler, States, to fight for Israel, to make of developing a Holocaust course to many additional opportunities that his junior. and Elie Wiesel are no longer part of Israel a little better, bigger, and more  be offered at their local high school. remain. I just spoke to an undergraduate “Justin Hayet lets me sleep at the picture. “Jus-tin Hayet — this is a respected.” One gentleman was from Lancaster ethics class at Penn State Berks night,” says Alan Dershowitz, the guy who can really become a major Hayet looked for an organization County. The other, Gerry Evans, is a regarding the ethical/moral implications 76-year-old former Harvard Law leader in the pro-Israel community.” that would give him a vehicle for teacher at Hamburg High School. I of the Holocaust. I found the students School professor. Originally from Pikesville, Md., his passion for Israel advocacy. have been in contact with two other to be receptive and inquisitive and The laundry list of recent anti- Hayet served as a CAMERA Fellow CAMERA was that match, offering local teachers, Pete Ruckelshaus at have been asked to deliver a similar Semitic incidents on college for the 2013-14 academic year. He him the creative platform to be  Twin Valley and Jim Konecke at Wilson program in the classes that the same campuses isn’t pretty. Swastikas hosted a pro-Israel event that drew as expressive as possible on his High School. Pete has resurrected a professor also teaches at Reading Area were painted on the building of a more than 135 students from diverse campus. He later signed on as a course on Holocaust Literature at Twin Community College. Jewish fraternity house at University backgrounds to hear Israel Defense recruiter for The Jewish Agency  Valley, and its first offering is during As mentioned above, Kim Yashek, of California, Davis. Jewish Forces Lt. Col. Anat Berko discuss for Israel’s MASA (Isra-el Journey) the current fourth quarter. He is very daughter of the late local Holocaust candidates for student government at the motivations of suicide bombers program. excited about offering this course to survivor Richard Yashek, is speaking at University of California, Los Angeles who are women and children. He Amid the abundance of  his students and has even lined up Twin Valley, Hamburg and Fleetwood. and Stanford Univer-sity have been penned multiple pro-Israel letters to negative messaging about Israel  several guest speakers including Rabbi Right now Albright College is hosting grilled about their religion. A Jewish the editor in his college newspaper, on campuses, getting students Brian Michelson, Kim Yashek and Hilde an exhibit titled, “Stories Among Us: professor at Connecticut College was published in the Jerusalem interested in studying abroad in Justin Hayet Gernsheimer. Washington State Connections to the has been persecuted over false Post, and was interviewed by the Jewish state is no easy task, Dershowitz says. Jim Konecke is teaching at Wilson Holocaust, Lessons in Genocide.” The accusations that he called for the Israel’s Channel 1 network about says Samantha Robins, recruitment CAMERA-affiliated students have Central Junior High but will be moving up exhibit includes the stories of five Holocaust annihilation of the Palestinians. the pro-Israel movement on col- manager for MASA. But Hayet has indeed come under attack, Skolnick to Wilson High School at the beginning survivors and one liberator and has “Right now is a time of fear,” says lege campuses. He is featured in been among the program’s most says. In 2014, CAMERA Fellow of next school year. He will be offering a received good reviews. It is definitely Gilad Skolnick, director of campus the Jerusalem U film “Crossing the successful recruiters. When the Daniel Vessal was punched in course on Nazi Germany. His students worth a visit! It will be at Albright’s Gingrich programming for the Committee for Line 2,” which provides an in-depth students don’t come to him, “he the face on his Temple University will be studying this period of German Library through May 10. Accuracy in Middle East Reporting look at the rise of anti-Semitism goes and finds them,” Robins tells campus by a violent member of SJP. history in depth, including a study of the *** in America (CAMERA). “We continue on college campuses, the vitriol of JNS.org. But Hayet is not afraid. rise of anti-Semitism, the initial period of Jennifer Goss teaches social studies to see an uptick in anti-Semitism on organizations such as SJP, and the To be an Israel advocate, “People look at anti-Israel activity the Holocaust and the Final Solution. The in the Fleetwood School District and campus and it scares students from steadfast determination of Jewish Dershowitz says, “You have to as only ‘bad.’ Every time I see these latter part of the course will look at post-war specializes in Holocaust education. doing what they are supposed to do students in the face of such attacks. know everything.” He explains that people, my blood boils,” he says. at university—engage in educational All this, and Hayet was not even pro-Israel activists are constantly Through that reaction, the anger and open discourse.” raised in a particularly Zionist family, bombarded with false information. Hayet feels serves as an internal Enter Justin Hayet, a 21-year-old says his mother, Cheryl Hayet. But APlan true voice for yourfor Israel Bar/Bat needs to beMitzvah reminder & that W heedding is still strongly Guests! and student at Binghamton University - Cheryl says she “always encouraged on top of every news story, have emotionally attached to the Jewish State University of New York, who my son to follow his dreams.” the resources to respond to false homeland. says that while many of his peers In 2008, Hayet decided he wanted allegations, and be a flexible thinker, This summer, Hayet will intern “run away and try to ignore” anti- to visit Israel. He enrolled in a according to Dershowitz. Moreover, for Israel’s largest English-language Semitism, he is “running toward it.” leadership development oppor-tunity there is an imperative to present the daily newspaper, the Jerusalem Post. “I want to fix it,” Hayet tells JNS. through the local Jewish Community facts in a compelling way and with While working under the newspaper’s org. Center. In 2009, he traveled to Israel unbounded energy. chief political correspondent and On May 3, Hayet will receive with that group. “ForREADING pro-Israel advocates, there is analyst, Gil Hoffman, Hayet says he CAMERA’s David Bar-Illan Award for “When he got back, the next no vacation,”2801 Papermill says Road Dershowitz, who hopes to gain a better understanding Outstanding Campus Activism award words were, ‘How do I get back?’” met Wyomissing,Hayet through Pennsylvania Israel advocacy of how the Knesset legislature at the media watchdog organization’s Cheryl Hayet recalls. work. works and to deliver a message to annual gala dinner. Chloe Valdary, a Justin Hayet found more than IsraelGROUP RATESadvocates AVAILABLE also need a Israeli leaders: “You have enormous pro-Israel student at the University one way, traveling to Israel eight thick skin, he says. support from so many young people, of New Orleans, will receive a similar times between 2009 and today. His Call“There Alice will for be a peopleSite Tour who attack like me.” award. The David Bar-Illan Award visits included one to Baltimore’s you, hate you, demean you, try Dershowitz says, “I just wish is given in memory of the renowned sister city, Ashkelon, as a Diller Teen to destroy you at every point,” there were more Justins.” (610) 736-2082 ✦ www.reading.homewoodsuites.com Page 18 SHALOM May 2015 Page 4 SHALOM December 2014

SERVE WARM MEALS. DELIVER MEDICINES. GIVEFEED THE HUGS HUNGRY. TO SENIORS AGIVE WORLD HOPE TO THOUSANDS.AWAY. SECURE THE FUTURE. BEFORE YOURBEFORE ALARM YOU GOESFINISH OFF.

It only takes a few minutes to help seniors stay connected to community and continue living in their own homes, Meanwhile,BREAKFAST.It only takes you’ll a few nurture minutes Jewish to change learning, lives in fund our communityfood banks, and offer around job thetraining world. Food— just banksa few forof the needy,solutions care Fed- erationfor seniors, supports Israel with experiences heart, innovation for the young and — decades these are of just knowing some of what the solutions works. It’sFederation time: Donate. supports Volunteer. with heart, Get involved.innovationYour and link decades to getting of knowing started: what JewishFederations.org works. Seize the moment: Donate. Volunteer. Get involved. Your link to getting started: JewishFederations.org

www.readingjewishcommunity.org THETHE STRENGTH STRENGTH OFOF A APEOPLE. PEOPLE . JeJewishwishFederations.org Federation of Reading THE POWER OF COMMUNITY. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY. PO jfederations Box 14925, @jf ederationsReading PA 19612 610-921-0624

Please detach and return with payment to Jewish Federation, PO Box 14925, Reading PA 19612

I want to help Federation make wishes come true this year. Here’s my tax-deductible gift to support Jewish Federation of Reading’s 2014 Annual Campaign and make a world of difference both near my own home and beyond:

Name______Address______$______amount enclosed Checks payable to Jewish Federation of Reading Credit Card: ___Discover ___Mastercard ___Visa Card #______Exp. date______Security Code_____ Name on Card:______Signature______