December 2004 Issue No. 10 Federation: 940-6001 L ’ Chaim! Email: [email protected]

News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona Jewish Community CELEBRATING HANUKKAH

SUPER BOWL Uno’s set to welcome annual party

The sixth annual Super Bowl party, sponsored in part by the Altoona Jewish Federation, will take place at Uno Chicago Grill on Plank Road in Altoona. The game is set for Sunday, Feb. 6 with kickoff at 6:20 p.m. Jason Kivitz will begin his traditional Super Bowl poll beginning at 5:30. Since both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles have a chance to be in the game, Super Bowl fever is already high, and Federation officials moved swiftly to secure an appropriate venue. “The Super Bowl party has become a The Altoona Jewish Community School held a Hanukkah celebration on fixture on our calendar,” executive director Sunday, Dec. 12. Among the students lighting candles are, from left: Robert Bill Wallen said. “It’s an event everybody Marlowe, Jacob Marlowe, Jimmy Holliday, Meredith Brumbaugh and in the community, from grandparents to the kids, has enjoyed.” Arielle Port. Wallen thanked Greg Morris, owner of Uno Chicago Grill, for his hospitality not FILM FESTIVAL only for this event but for many Federation programs over the years. Cost for the party/buffet will be $10 for March bonus includes Exodus adults. Kids 12 and younger will eat free. “This will be our best year remembers that the film “stimu - Uno’s is closing off two rooms for the yet,” predicts committee chair lated a whole generation of party and is bringing in two large screen Michael Tomor. “Not only do we American Jews to identify with TVs, in addition to the four TVs already in have four great films in February, the State of Israel.” The commit - place, to insure excellent visibility of the but we’ve also decided that the tee feels that Exodus needs to be game. The menu will feature appetizers, time is right to show Exodus .” seen by our younger generations. salads, haddock, seven kinds of pizza, There will be a special show - The festival begins on desserts and drinks. ing on Sunday afternoon March 6 Thursday, Feb. 3. For a complete RSVPs can be made by calling the of the 1960 classic about the lineup, please see page 3 and Federation office at 940-6001. Get in soon birth of the State of Israel. look for the Film Festival brochure that — a crowd of 100-plus is expected. Committee member Joe Silverman will be sent in January. Page 2 News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona Jewish Community L ’ Chaim!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT Around the community By Bill Wallen Comings and goings Joel Chorny will leave on January the Oakland VA Hospital in Pittsburgh Welcome to new members of our 6 to spend a semester abroad in Greece. after a long illness. community! Andy Siegel has joined the Luke was the long-time custodian sports department of WTAJ-TV. Look Mazel Tov at Agudath Achim and later at the for him on camera covering events all Yasher Koach to Andy Gurman, Jewish Memorial Center. over the region. He is originally from who was installed as president of the Philadelphia area. Andy and his Pennsylvania Region of the Union of Thank you wife Michelle are newlyweds and Reform Judaism at their biennial in Special thanks to Greg Morris for reside in Altoona. Dan Keene is anoth - November. his hospitality at the Hampton Inn, er new staff member at WTAJ, where he Congratulations to Irv and Steve which hosted Judy and Fred Meisel works as a videographer. He currently Seltzer, who celebrated 50 years of during both of their visits here. Greg resides in Indiana and is engaged to “helping people communicate better” at has also provided complimentary rooms Lisa Shellhammer . He has joined Phonepower. for other presenters at Jewish events in Temple Beth Israel, and we hope he’ll A great job was done at the the community. be moving here in the near future. Hollidaysburg School’s production of Special thanks to Elliott Bilofsky The Temple also welcomes The Music Man by Gareth Kafka, who for sponsoring the Chanukiah at Cynthia and Perry Vanderglas and played the lead (Henry Hill), Sarah Lakemont Park as part of the annual daughters Ruth and Samantha of Lipitz, who sang and danced, Michal Holiday Lights display. Tyrone and Carol and Marvin Chorny, who played a town lady and Kudos to The Altoona Hospital for Goldberg of State College as new Brittany Thaler, who was the student continuing to have the only public members. The Goldbergs had lived in director. Hanukkiah lighting ceremony in the Montreal prior to moving to our area. To the Altoona Cuve, led by major - Altoona area. The rabbis alternate offi - Dr. Goldberg is a professor of Business ity owner Chuck Greenberg . The ciating annually. This year, Rabbi Administration at Penn State. They Curve recently were awarded as the top Schuman led the service. have two grown children. promotional franchise in all of minor- Agudath Achim Congregation wel - league baseball. Greenberg was honored comes Sharon Van Blerkom Smith in May at the annual Israel Bonds din - La’Chaim anniversary and son Robby as new members. ner in Altoona. This marks the 10th issue of Sharon grew up in Altoona and now La’Chaim, which is published twice a teaches at . She is Passing of a friend year. the daughter of the former Diane To the family of Luke Merrbach , We continue to welcome feedback Adelman . who passed away earlier this month in and contributions from the community. Best wishes to Dr. Kathleen McSharry , who will be leaving our area in March for an exciting new posi - Folk artist to sing at PSU Altoona tion at Brown University. Kathleen was instrumental in bringing Judy Meisel to n Program set for She is a musician, our area. She is the co-author of the January 23. vocalist and linguist (she is curriculum guide for “Tak for Alt,” fluent in seven languages which she presented at the Celebrate Through the sponsor - including Yiddish). Diversity program teacher training in ship of the Institutional She specializes in October. Equity and Diversity Russian, Eastern European Bon voyage to friends visiting Program, Izolde and traditional Jewish folk Florida for all or some of the winter Traktenberg and her trio music as well as the music months – Ethel Fried, Mendel and of Ireland. will be featured at an Honey Covitch, Morris Levine, Irene Traktenberg The program is free Newborn, Ed and Harriett Hand, Interfaith Coffeehouse on and open to the whole com - Jerry and Janet Wayne, Helen Rosch, Sunday Jan. 23, at 7 p.m. in the Slep munity. Join us for Izolde and sample and Henry and Maxine Weinberg. Student Center at Penn State Altoona. coffees and European desserts sup - Adam Schneider left for Fort Izolde was born in Moldavia and plied by some of our bakers. Bragg on December 14 for a month and escaped anti-Semitism there through For more information, call the will then be deployed to Iraq. May he aliyah to Israel with her family. Federation office at 940-6001. be kept safe under the sheltering wings of the Schinah. L ’ Chaim! News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona Jewish Community Page 3

Calendar of events

January 9 Altoona Jewish Community School resumes at Agudath Achim Congregation. Open House & Brunch 10 a.m.-noon. January 13, 20, 27 Interfaith series: Women of Genesis 7-9 p.m. YWCA Altoona January 23 Interfaith coffeehouse featuring Izolde, folk singer 7:30-9 p.m. Penn State Altoona Slep Student Center January 25 Tu B’Shevat A scene from “Gloomy Sunday,” which will be shown February 24 as part January 26 Federation Board of the Federation’s annual Film Festival. meeting 6:30 p.m., Temple Beth Israel February 6 Family Super Bowl Party 2005 FILM FESTIVAL 5:30 p.m. Pizzeria Uno Chicago Grill March 25 Purim March 27 Purim Carnival 10 a.m. JMC 6th annual film series April 23 Passover begins at sundown May 5 Yom Ha Shoach May 13 Confirmation 8 p.m. Temple Beth Israel cued up for February May 15 Final day of Sunday School, Maccabean Games, 10 a.m., JMC. February 3: Taking Sides – 108 min - Shlomi little time to develop his own per - utes , English (made in Germany 2001). sonality. But when one of his teachers Based on fact, Taking Sides dramaticizes detects an extraordinary gift Shlomi never Upcoming B’nai Mitzvah the post-WWII investigation of Wilhelm knew he had, aided by the power of first April 16 Alex Primack 10 a.m. Furtwangler, brilliant Berlin Philharmonic love, Shlomi breaks out of his timid shell, Temple Beth Israel conductor and accused Nazi collaborator. discovering his own independence and May 28 Asher Kline 9:30 a.m. Taking Sides is a thought-provoking potential. Contains adult language. Agudath Achim Congregation exploration of the artist’s social responsi - February 24: Gloomy Sunday – 114 June 4 Allison Cohen 9:30 a.m. bility, and more broadly, of the difficult minutes , German/English subtitles (made Agudath Achim Congregation choice between disloyalty and complicity in Germany 1999). A hit song during the that anyone must make when living under 1930s, “Gloomy Sunday” is the inspira - June 11 Dana Holliday 10 a.m. an evil regime. It features strong acting tion for this marvelous film, a love story Temple Beth Israel and beautiful music. with a twist. Gloomy Sunday flashes back February 10: Marjorie Morningstar – from the 1990s to the early 1930s in 125 minutes , English (made in United Budapest, where three people are caught States 1957). This treasure from the past in a love triangle. This bittersweet love stars Natalie Wood, Gene Kelly and Ed story is full of joy, tragedy and irony; all L’Chaim! Wynn. It is the coming of age story of a tied together by the haunting melody young Jewish woman in the 1950s. The “Gloomy Sunday.” This was the most is published twice annually by setting is New York City and the popular film at this year’s Pittsburgh The Greater Altoona Jewish Catskills. Kelly sings “A Precious Love.” Festival. Federation. Wood is beautiful, and Wynn has a great Sunday March 6: Exodus – 31/2 Editor: Neil Rudel character role. Relive the ‘50s. hours , English, ( 1960). Conscience: Bill Wallen February 17: Bonjour Monsieur Inspired by Leon Uris’ best seller, this Photographers: Henry Weinberg, Rabbi Schlomi – 98 minutes , Hebrew/English extraordinarily moving chronicle of the Ammos Chorny and Carolyn Wallen subtitles (made in Israel 2003). A warm rebirth of a people and the establishment Articles should be submitted to the and witty family comedy that centers on of a nation is the ultimate experience in Federation at 940-6001, Fax 940-6002, Shlomi, a 16-year-old boy who plays the human drama. This classic film stars Paul or e-mailed to [email protected] role of peacekeeper within his chaotic Newman, Eva Marie Saint and Ralph Suggestions and feedback are welcome. family. The pressures of being constant Richardson and features an Academy Printing by A+ Printing, Inc. mediator, confidant and cook leave Award winning score. Page 4 News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona Jewish Community L ’ Chaim!

L’ CHAIM PROFILE Bilofskys feel community’s warmth Name: Elliott and Kara Bilofsky. Address: RR1, Box 626B, Hollidaysburg. Family: Elliott and Kara have three children – Dina (13), Ian (9) and Samantha (4). Education: Elliott graduated from LaSalle University in 1982, the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in ’87 and the Otolaryngology head neck surgery/facial plastic surgery residency in ’93. He received fellowship status in the Academy Otolaryngology head and neck surgery/facial plastic surgery in ’95. Kara graduated Harcum College in ’85. Occupation: Elliott is a physician specializing in Otolaryngology head and neck surgery/facial plastic surgery. Kara is certified medical assistant. Interests: Theater, sports, boating, music, dance. Community involvement: Elliott is currently president of the UPMC-Bedford Memorial medical staff (2002-06). AYSO soccer coach (2000-05), member of UPMC-Bedford Memorial board of direc - tors, member of UPMC leadership council. Kara is a member of the Allegheny Ballet Company Auxiliary. Congregation: Agudath Achim. First memories of being Jewish include: Hebrew School kindergarten class, singing songs, playing games. Going to Shabbat services every Saturday morning. Holiday celebrations. Our strongest Jewish influence at an early age Elliott and Kara Bilofsky celebrated their daughter were: Elliott’s father (the late Herb Bilofsky) and Dina’s Bat Mitzvah in October. Kara’s grandparents (Dina and Solomon Barkon). giving community filled with people who are always We’ve been to Israel: We have not been there willing to reach out and give their time, education, yet, but we would love to go. insight and love. Kara and I love this community and Activities/responsibilities in the Jewish feel as if we have lived here all of our lives, even Community: Elliott is vice president of Agudath though it has only been 10 years. Achim, a member of the Federation board and a My vision (hope) for our Jewish community teacher in the Altoona Jewish Community School. includes: Continued strength of our community. A Kara is a vice president of Agudath Achim greater interaction between Agudath Achim and Sisterhood. Temple Beth Israel, especially with our children. A In our Jewish community, I am most proud: greater commitment of our members to religious The Altoona Jewish community is incredibly warm, a study, worship and volunteerism. L ’ Chaim! News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona Jewish Community Page 5 PERSPECTIVE Jewish education should be for all ages

By Joe Silverman I think that it is so interesting to be Upcoming adult ed programs Jewish! While tradition can be emotionally • Matter of faith series: Thursdays a journey from the streets to discover - very satisfying, Jews have the advantage of at 7:30 p.m. January 13, 20, 27 at the ing his soul in a ten-by-twelve-foot being able to place themselves where they YWCA of Altoona, 224 Union Avenue. prison cell. When Mark was fourteen, feel most satisfied, on both In “Women in Genesis” Rabbi Burt his father died and his world came the spectrum of beliefs and Schuman will lead us in a three-ses - crashing down. Within months, he was the spectrum of practice. sion workshop that explores the role selling stolen goods for the mob out of We have Orthodoxy on one and impact of both the matriarchs and his high school locker, beginning a 20- end of the spectrum and other paradigmatic figures in the year life of crime that ran the gamut Humanistic Judaism on the Genesis narrative. Special emphasis from bar hustles and con games to other, with Conservatism, will be placed on a feminist perspec - check-cashing scams. Mark Borovitz Reconstructionism, and tive within the Abraham faiths: proves that you can change your life Reform in between. Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Bahai. — profoundly. He is now the rabbi at Currently, even fortified •Book review: “the Holy thief”: A Beit T’Shuvah in Los Angeles, the by Jews by choice, we are just a quarter of Con Man’s journey from darkness to House of Return, a rehabilitation facili - one percent of the world population and just light. Rabbi Mark Borovitz was a mob - ty for addicts of all kinds. The review two percent of the U.S. population, but we ster, gangster, con man, gambler, thief, will take place at Temple Beth Israel at have contributed far out of proportion to our and drunk. He has seen it all. Now, in 7 p.m. on January 9. numbers. Throughout Jewish history we find this inspiring memoir, he takes you on heroes aplenty—many scholars and thinkers, Nobel Prize winners this sliver of Now, many Jews protest: I am not “deeply history in the United States. humanity has produced! And if you reach Jewish,” not very “observant,” not frum. Let us look forward to future opportunities into history and pull out just four names, They measure their Jewishness by synagogue and think of the Adult Ed programs,. what an impact they have had on the inhabi - attendance or by theistic conviction. I think The Temple’s Adult Education tants of this planet. Jesus of Nazareth, who this is dead wrong. I would recommend a Committee—Steve Kaplan, Mildred Miller, has literally been deified by a huge propor - broader definition of Jewishness: identifica - Charlotte Morris, and myself— along with tion of the earth’s religionists; Karl Marx, tion with things Jewish. the comparable committee at Agudath Achim whose writings inspired powerful economic I wish that EVERY Jew in Keystone and with the Greater Altoona Jewish and political movements; Sigmund Freud, Country had had the experience that some of Federation, energetically represented by Bill the father of modern psychiatry, who showed us had in September: to hear a luminary from Wallen, welcomes anyone’s ideas, anyone’s that the human will is not the most influential the Jesus Seminar describe what many schol - suggestion for a future project. driver of human behavior; and Albert ars believe should be the Christianity of the Here and elsewhere, many of our brothers Einstein, who revolutionized our understand - future— a Christianity that honors Jesus as a and sisters have all but counted themselves ing of the physical forces within the universe. teacher but not as a god, a Christianity that is out of the family of Israel, feeling disquali - If you shift to another sphere, an individual’s perfectly compatible with the Judaism known fied—wrongly so—by dint of nonobser - emotional needs, considering what Henry to many of us. vance. Never mind the political parties; Murray termed the need for affiliation— as I I also wish that all Jews in Keystone Judaism is a very big tent! Judaism has been told my kids, Judaism is the most valuable Country visited the Library of Congress on described as a civilization, and within this big fraternity/sorority/social club you will ever September 9, to attend the opening of an tent, this civilization, offers, I dare to believe, belong to. exhibit pictorializing the 350 years of Jewish something for everybody. Fast memories of a Yom Kippur in Madison By Neil Rudel UW sports information office. Michael “Who better for the Hagba?” I whispered to For Jewish sportswriters covering college joined me for dinner on Friday night and Mike. football, Yom Kippur can present a chal - accompanied me to the Hillel services on Sure enough, Bernstein was summoned lenge beyond fasting. campus. With the chants the same as they are and proudly hoisted the Torah, creating an I normally do not work on Yom Kippur, here and everywhere, we felt right at home. unforgettable picture. You could tell he was but when Penn State’s kickoff at Wisconsin We repeated the drill Saturday. Early in both enjoying and appreciating the holiday. on Sept. 26 was moved to 5:45 p.m. ESPN, the service, Michael pointed out to me that Bernstein rushed for a career-high 123 I decided to go. Matt Bernstein, the Badgers’ 270-pound yards in Wisconsin’s 16-3 win. I wasn’t I was introduced to a fellow Tribesman, fullback, was in attendance with his family rooting for the Badgers, but I was rooting Michael Burger, a student who works in the (his dad was wearing a bright red shirt). for him. Page 6 News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona Jewish Community L ’ Chaim! Smile for the camera: The Jewish community in focus

Doug Simon and his daughter Phoebe.

Marvin Meisner, Josh Port, Michael Cohen and Boswarth enjoy the summer fellowship.

Youth group potential? Front row (from left): Michal Chorny, Katheryn Schmidt, Erica Schmidt, Kara Schmidt and Alex Schmidt. Back row: Adam Rudel, Mark Thaler, Asher Kline.

Ava Kline (left) takes aim at Ilissa Zimmerman during the summer picnic in August.

Ginger Glass (left) and Sierra Yingling pose fol - David Katz and his mother, Sue. lowing a brief workout. L ’ Chaim! News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona Jewish Community Page 7 Smile for the camera: The Jewish community in focus

Summer barbeque hosts Phyllis and Bruce Thaler.

Ed Hand is joined by wife Harriett (second from right), Marilyn Muhlfelder (second from left) and Irene Wilkinson (right).

When he’s not playing hockey, Scott Cohen likes to wrestle whales.

Ava Kline (left) takes aim at Ilissa Zimmerman during the summer picnic in August.

Neil Rudel and Michael Cohen, both proud Jim From left: Maxine Weinberg, Phyllis Port, Bill Rome clones, enjoy their usual spar. Wallen and Steve Port. Page 8 News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona Jewish Community L ’ Chaim!

TRIBUTE L’CHAIM MILESTONES We remember them So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now part of us, as we remember them Births James L. Jubelirer, 75, died on August 17, music, travel and golf – but above all, he 2004 at his home in loved his family. Jack Philip Werstil, son of Florida. “Jimmy” was the Morris Shullman , 91, died on August 3, Greg and Janine (Kivitz) son of the late Judge 2004. “Skeeke” was a native of Lilly who Werstil, July 26, 2004 Samuel and Darothy (Brett) worked at SKF as a grinder and was a loyal Jubelirer and the brother of volunteer fireman. He served as a captain in Jane Patt Biddle, daughter of Senator Robert Jubelirer. the Army during WWII and was awarded a Maggie Patt Biddle, March 14, Jim grew up in Altoona, Bronze Star and badge for exemplary per - 2002 graduated from Penn State formance for his service in Guam. He resided Jett Michael Herman, son of and Dickinson School of at the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home and is Law and practiced law in Altoona and State survived by his daughter Anita Connor of Mikey and Jennifer Herman College for many years. He loved life, his Lilly. and grandson of Michael family and his many friends, including life - Carol Greenwalt , 75, died on October 18, Herman, July 6, 2004 long buddy Henry Weinberg. He is sadly 2004. Carol was a native of New York City missed by his brother Bob, his children Brad and married her Seymour Greenwalt there in and Jamie and their families and by many 1947. They moved to Altoona, where she B’nai Mitzvah friends. worked for Traveler’s Insurance and was Steven Weiss, April 3, 2004 Paul Blender, 81, died on December 1, 2004. active in Agudath Achim Sisterhood. She is Paul was a native of South Philly who came survived by her devoted husband Seymour, Jacob Marlowe, April 17, 2004 to Hollidaysburg for radio school training their two sons and grandchildren. Adam Rudel, May 29, 2004 during WWII. At high holiday services here, Additional condolences to: Dina Bilofsky, October 9, 2004 he met the love of his life, June Brozgal on the death of her brother Ruth Brande. After the war John Diehl on August 28, 2004. Mark Thaler, he returned to Altoona and Dr. Larry Primack and family on the November 6, 2004 they married. They lived passing of his mother Renee Primack on Alex Schmidt, happily together for 49 August 18, 2004. November 20, 2004 years until Ruth’s passing Andrea and Gabrielle Pollack on the in 1995. He was devoted to death of their grandfather Morris Pollack on her and their children – Jeff October 24, 2004. Weddings and his wife P. Sue, Rhonda Mendel Covitch and Michael Kline and Dorothy Moore and Rev. Mark and Andrew. Paul was a their families on the loss of Dorothy Lariff of kind and gentle man who was active in his Harrisburg. She was Mendel’s sister and Liller, November 27, 2004 synagogue and loyal to Jewish ethics in busi - Michael’s aunt. Our sympathy is also sent to ness and life. He was an artist and loved her husband Hy and son David. Commemorate a milestone There is a lovely and meaningful way to celebrate a simcha, honor a loved one’s memory or send heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery — a generous gift to the Greater Altoona Jewish Federation or one of our special friends. When you pay tribute to someone with a contribution to the Federation, we will commemorate the gift by sending a personalized, beautifully-rendered parch - ment certificate. We have three distinctive designs or we will customize one sure to fit any occasion. L ’ Chaim! News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona Jewish Community Page 9

SENIOR PROFILE THE WAY WE WERE Morris levine A proud member of the greatest generation

On Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2004. Morris was the featured speaker at Tyrone’s American Legion/VFW Ceremony. He was willing to share his story because he remembered newsman Tom Brokaw encouraging WWII vets to tell their stories. Morris spoke of serving from 1942 intil 1945 in various stations in the United States, before going to Europe and being part of the D Day invasion. After being wounded, he was assigned to the USO where he met Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire and members to the Glenn Miller Band. He concluded his remarks by stating “I hope and pray that the present and next generations The Meyer Small (Altoona AZA) basketball team of 1954 will not have to endure what our generation did.” Congregation: Agudath Achim. included, from left, first row—David Burrows, Steve Port, Hometown: Born in Altoona on “Jew Hill,” Larry Alper, Jack Halpern, Neil Port. Back row—Coach Zero lived in Tyrone for 68 years. Conrad, Bob Jubelirer, Howard Evans, Ronnie Getz, Morley family: Parents came to Altoona from Lithuania and married in Altoona. Morris is Cohn, Asher Sky. Ball boy in front is Neil Alper. one of four brothers. His father was first a peddler, then worked for the railroad. He later opened a clothing store and a check cashing business. Morris and wife Bess married in 1945. She passed away in 2001. They have two daughters; Ida Levine and Nancy Siegal and six grandchildren. I’ve been part of the Jewish community: All of his life. First at the Orthodox shul and later at Agudath Achim. Past activities in the general and Jewish community: Morris is a minyonaire, chaired the high holiday honors committee and ushered for many years. He is a 50- year member of Kiwanis and was active in almost every Tyrone civic and business group. Morris was a member of the Tyrone Players and acted in many plays. occupation: Morris opened his shoe store in Tyrone in 1945 with 395 pairs of ladies slippers and he retired in 1988. He still manages the shoe table at the Synagogue’s “nearly new sale.” Best advice ever received: His father told B’nai Brith officers of the Altoona chapter meet with Altoona him “Don’t forget your synagogue; don’t Mayor Allan Hancock in the early 1980s. Those present includ - argue religion or policitics.” ed, from left: Shlomo Dotan, Bill Diamond, Barry Newborn, My advice to others: “Treat your neighbor Joel Hollander, Bob Neidorff and Rick Karp. as yourself and live up to your ideals.” Page 10 News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona Jewish Community L ’ Chaim! COUPLES QUIZ SUNDAY SCHOOL Who belongs to whom? Holocaust survivor

A B shares moving story By Anna Katz After this generation, there will be no living survivors from the Holocaust. Of the survivors, Judith Meisel has made her experience public. She travels all over the D country to talk to Jewish C organizations and schools to relive this tragedy. The Greater Altoona Jewish Federation has wel - comed her to the community on two occasions in the past year, hoping to educate the Jewish community on a big part of our culture’s past. F Meisel’s experience touch - E es people of all ages on dif - Judy Meisel spoke to sun - ferent levels. Someone who day school during her visit has lost a mother or father to Altoona in October. due to murder can connect Holocaust. with Meisel on a personal As I sat there and listened level. to this woman talk about all But for those who just sit the hardships she went and watch this courageous through, I couldn’t help my woman relive her past relate heart from hurting for her or through sympathy. H the tears from streaming G How many times a day, down my face. week, month, year or lifetime During Meisel’s visits, she do we take our life for grant - showed a video of her life ed? during the Holocaust and By listening to someone shared many stories that hap - explain how they almost had pened to her along the way. their life taken away really After the video, she stayed I opens people’s your eyes. It to talk and go through in teaches us to be more grate - depth about the harsh condi - ful and thankful. tions. We aren’t being ruled by a Meisel has touched many dictatorship. We aren’t pro - people’s lives, including hibited to practice our reli - mine, and has given people a gion freely. We aren’t seeing new way to look at life. She our family and friends being also gives a new appreciation killed left and right. We to our religion, Judaism. aren’t living under harsh Barkhu et Adonai ha- Correct answers would be: A) Vicki Sommer and Alan conditions and poverty. We m’vorakh. “Bless God, the Kivitz; D) Madelyn and Jeff Greenberg; F) Paula and aren’t being forced to do One who is to be praised.” Dave Binus; G) Sue Katz and Ralph McKibbin. strenuous labor for hours. We The one who is to be Incorrect answers: B) Dianne Rudel and Hyman aren’t being separated from praised for letting the war Antikol; C) Jordan Bailinger and Michelle Schmidt; E) our families. end and for giving us all that Elliott Bilofsky and Phyllis Port; H) Mildred Miller and Those are examples of we have …especially our Neil Rudel; I) Rey Altberg and Phyllis Thaler. Meisel’s life during the religion. L ’ Chaim! News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona Jewish Community Page 11 2004 REPORT Campaign winding to a close As we count our blessings at Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Greenberg Mr. & Mrs. Emanuel Thanksgiving and Chanukah, Mrs. Eleanor Grossman Rosenberg let us also consider how we can Dr. & Mrs. Andrew Gurman Mr. & Mrs. James Rosenthall meet our responsibility for the Atty. Jo-Anne Halpern Mr. & Mrs. Neil Rudel Jewish people. Your gift to the Mr. & Mrs. Edward Hand Mr. & Mrs. Saul Savitz annual Federation/UJC cam - Mr. & Mrs. Edward Henderson Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Schmidt paign helps enhance Jewish life Mr. & Mrs. Robert Herman Mrs. Fay Schmitt in our community and save Mr. & Mrs. Joel Hollander Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Jewish lives in 57 countries Janet Lurie Housman Schneider throughout the world. We need Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Hurwitz Dr. & Mrs. Jack Schocker your help now. Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Kadane Ms. Reva Schulman It’s not too late to help Mrs. Rosie Karp their contributions: Mr. & Mrs. Yale Schulman Ethiopian, Russian, and Mr. & Mrs. Rick Karp Mr. & Mrs. Clark Adelman Rabbi Burt Schuman Argentine Jews escape poverty Dr. & Mrs. Michael Kline Dr. Reynold Altberg Mr. & Mrs. Steven Seltzer and oppression and enable Mr. Morris Antikol Mrs. Bess Lang many to move to a new life in Ms. Marion Lebendig Mr. & Mrs. Alex Seltzer Dr. & Mrs. Jay Arlick Mr. Irving Seltzer Israel. Mr. & Mrs. Jordan Bailinger Mr. & Mrs. Louis Leopold It’s not too late to feed, Mr. & Mrs. Howard Levinson Mrs. Norma Sevel Mr. & Mrs. Gary Belenitsky Mr. Bernard Shapiro clothe, and provide medication Mr. & Mrs. Harry Benjamin Mrs. Shirley Levinson Atty. Louis Silverman for 250,000 poor elderly Jews Dr. & Mrs. Elliott Bilofsky Dr. & Mrs. Mark Lipitz Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Silverman in Russia and the Former Soviet Mr. & Mrs. David Binus Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Lurie Union. Dr. & Mrs. Howard Black Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Meisner Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Singer It’s not too late to provide job Mr. & Mrs. Larry Bloom Mrs. Mildred Miller Mr. & Mrs. Philip Singer training, mortgage assistance, Mr. & Mrs. Donald Brett Mr. & Mrs. Greg Morris Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Sky daycare for children, and finan - Mr. & Mrs. Hans Breuer Mrs. Charlotte Morris Mr. & Mrs. Israel Sky cial assistance to over 35,000 Mrs. Pat Campbell Mrs. Marilyn Muhlfelder Mrs. Genia Sommer Jews devastated by the econom - Dr. & Mrs. Michael Cohen Mr. Barry Newborn Mr. George Strobert ic collapse in Argentina. Mr. & Mrs. Morley Cohn Mr. & Mrs. Saul Paikin Ms. Sherry Thaler It’s not too late to support our Mr. & Mrs. Donald Devorris Mr. Andrew Parish Dr. & Mrs. William Thaler local Senior Outreach, Youth Mr. & Mrs. Philip Devorris Mr. & Mrs. Burton Parish Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Thaler Educational and Camp pro - Mr. & Mrs. David Dolinger Mr. & Mrs. Jules Patt Dr’s. Jon & Barbara Thaler grams, Film Festival, and other Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Fishbaine Mrs. Shirley Pechter community programs. Mr. & Mrs. Eric Thaler Mrs. Ethel Fried Mrs. Paula Pimentel Dr. Michael Tomor It’s not too late to support our Mr. & Mrs. Ken Germane Mr. & Mrs. Neil Port 2004 Campaign – but it soon Mr. & Mrs. Bill Wallen Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Getz Dr. & Mrs. Josh Port Mr. & Mrs. Henry Weinberg will be! Please send in your Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Port Mr. & Mrs. Edward Giller Mr. & Mrs. Alan Wolkoff pledge card now and your pay - Dr. & Mrs. Larry Primack Mr. & Mrs. Jakob Golant Mrs. Ilissa Zimmerman ment before December 31. Mr. & Mrs. Terry Goldstein Mrs. Helen Rosch We thank the following for Mr. & Mrs. Mike Rosen Dr. & Mrs. Len Zimmerman L’ CHAIM NOTEBOOK Central Pa. debuts new Jewish magazine This new Jewish magazine debuts in and York, and pretty much across the state.” December with a 24-page, full-color issue show - For subscriptions or advertising, contact King casing Jewish life in Central PA. Publishing at 1-800-507-1222. The Federation will It will focus on smaller communities that don’t place copies at the Temple and Synagogue for usually attract media attention such as Altoona, review. Huntingdon, York and Reading. “Hayom,” Jewish music on your computer (Hebrew for today) is published in State College by Check out B’nai B’rith Radio for Jewish King Publishing. Editor Josh Lipowsky states “we music, 24 hours a day. Type in Bnaibrithradio.org wanted to bring together the entire Pennsylvania on the web and download the material to listen to a Jewish community, not just one area, and a wide variety of religious and secular music. sense of mishpacha (family) between Jews in Erie Try it, you’ll like it! The Greater Altoona Jewish Federation Non-Profit Org. US Postage 1308 17th Street PAID Altoona PA 16601 Altoona PA Permit No. 88

Page 12 News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona Jewish Community L ’ Chaim!

May the Hanukkah lights brighten your life all year long