April 24-30, 2020 Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton Volume XLIX, Number 17 BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK One week remains in the Chesed Challenge By Reporter staff so proud of our community and the way or not to hold the Chesed Challenge, but call Binghamton my home.” The Jewish Federation of Greater we have stepped up to this challenge, even community members stood up immedi- Donations may be sent to the Jewish Binghamton announced that the Chesed during these difficult times. We are all in ately to show that we should continue,” Federation, 500 Clubhouse Rd., Vestal, Challenge is entering its final week. An this together and the community has shown she said. “Chesed means loving-kindness NY13850, with “Chesed Challenge” on the anonymous donor has pledged to double just how strong and caring we are.” and that is what our community has shown subject line. To donate online, visit www. any new gift, up to $10,000, given to the Hubal noted that, although she was these last several weeks. I am proud to jfgb.org and click on Chesed Challenge. Federation by Thursday, April 30. disappointed that the brunch with Re- “We are entering our last week of the bekka Goldsmith never took place, the Chesed Challenge,” said Shelley Hubal, community response has exceeded her executive director of the Federation. “I am expectation. “We had debated whether Film Fest to go virtual By Reporter staff The Jewish International Film Fest of Greater Bingham- JFS to host video ton is going virtual. “Rather than cancelling the Film Fest, we have decided to transform conference on COVID-19 it,” said Shelley Hubal, execu- Jewish Family Service will hold a video be geared toward the aging population tive director of the Jewish Fed- conference on “How to Manage Isolation, and their support network. Resources will eration of Greater Binghamton, Anxiety and Stress Around COVID-19” be shared. Bleier and Shea will answer which sponsors the Fest. “This on Friday, May 1, from 1-2 pm. It will participants’ questions. was not how we expected the be an interactive video conference lead “We know that most people are stressed Film Fest to happen, but online by Rita Bleier, chairwoman of the Jewish out because of the virus,” said Shea. “For gatherings are the new normal, Family Service Committee, and Rose Shea, those who are older and/or alone, the stress and I’m excited to jump in and director of JFS. Both are licensed clinical can be greater due to isolation. Join us to try this.” A scene from “Crescendo” social workers. learn how to deal with your anxiety and The Film Fest will show Topics will include various strategies stress, and share your ideas with others.” “Crescendo” (106 minutes, in German accepts a job to create an Israeli-Pales- for dealing with the stress and uncertainty To register for the event, visit www. and English), which has been called “a tinian youth orchestra. He finds himself around the pandemic. The conference will jfgb.org. remarkable theatrical movie and contri- dealing with what seem to be unsolvable bution to the worldwide efforts toward problems. The young musicians on both understanding, humanity and peace.” sides are unable to form a team due to Virtual Yom Ha’atzmaut People will be able to register on the new the continuing conflict between Israelis Federation website, www.jfgb.org. The and Palestinians. The question becomes film will be streamed free for up to 100 whether Sporck can help both sides computers. On Saturday, April 25, after overcome their distrust and hatred, and celebration on April 29 Shabbat ends, a link to the film will be perform together in a concert due to take The Jewish Federations of North America hour, star-studded event. And be sure to sent to those who sign up in advance. place in three weeks. The film is loosely will hold a virtual Yom Ha’atzmaut celebra- stay tuned in. You won’t want to miss a The film will be available for viewing inspired by the West-Eastern Divan Or- tion on Wednesday, April 29, from 2-3 pm. minute of the day’s festivities – all planned on your personal devices for 48 hours. chestra, conducted by Daniel Barenboim. “We invite you to be part of an extraor- by top organizations from across North On Monday, April 27, a local professor “Join us for a film the committee unan- dinary virtual event,” said organizers of the America and around the world on the theme will facilitate an online video meeting to imously agreed was a must-see,” Hubal event. “Join celebrity guests, world leaders of ‘What Israel Means to Me. What Israel discuss the film. said. “I’m looking forward to hearing and people from all around the globe for Means to Us.’” “Crescendo,” directed by Dror Zahavi, people’s comments on the film. If this a worldwide celebration of Israel’s 72nd To sign up now to register for the live tells the story of world-famous conductor is successful, we may screen other films Independence Day! Livestream this one- event, visit http://jfeds.org/YomHaatzmaut. Eduard Sporck (Peter Simonischek), who the same way.” Spotlight Jewish resources to occupy your family during social distancing – part 5

By Reporter staff resources, including a “Virtual Shabbat ‹ The Yiddish Book Center has a podcast ‹ The Jewish Book Council is now holding A variety of Jewish groups are offering Box,” at www.reconstructingjudaism.org/ called The Shmooze, which “includes virtual events. The next event is “Virtual online resources – educational and recre- connect/pandemic-resources. conversations with Jewish culture makers, Unpacking of the Book: Borders of Home,” ational – for those who are not allowed out ‹ YIVO announced a new initiative to plus news and stories related to Yiddish which will take place on Thursday, April 30, of the house. Below is a sampling of those. collect first-hand accounts of the effects of literature, language and culture.” Current from 7-8 pm. This event will feature authors The Reporter will publish additional listings the COVID-19 pandemic on Jewish life. and previous episodes can be found at Esther Safran Foer and Keith Gessen in a as they become available. The online form can be found at yivo.org/ www.yiddishbookcenter.org/language-lit- conversation with Stephanie Butnick of ‹ Yad Vashem is offering a new online share-your-story. erature-culture/the-shmooze/. Tablet Magazine. Registration is free, but exhibition marking the 75th anniversary to ‹ Jewish Women Archive has a new sec- ‹ The Museum of the Jewish People requested in advance. For more information, the liberation of the Buchenwald Concen- tion of interactive tools for students and at Beit Hatfutsot in Israel is offering visit www.jewishbookcouncil.org/events tration Camp by U.S. Armed Forces and the adults, https://jwa.org/teach/activities. The online tours at www.bh.org.il/live-on- and click on the title of the event. 75th anniversary of the end of World War worksheet can be downloaded and print- line-tour-beit-hatfutsot/. The tour is done ‹ The Book of Life is hosting the series II. The exhibition’s online collection of ed. Answer keys are also included where over Zoom using an iPad, and lasts around “Books in the Time of Coronavirus,” which artifacts relating to liberation can be found applicable. New worksheets will be added 45 minutes. According to its website, allows authors or illustrators of new Jewish at www.yadvashem.org/artifacts/featured/ periodically. “The tour works best if each participant books for children or adults to speak about liberation.html. ‹ Respectability, an organization that seeks has a computer that they can sit at with their books. The podcast can be found at ‹ Reconstructing Judaism is offering to ensure children and adults with disabil- headphones during the tour. Due to time https://jewishbooks.blogspot.com/2020/04. “Resources for Living in the Time of ities receive education, training and em- differences between Beit Hatfutsot in Tel ‹ The Zionist Organization of America COVID-19” at http://evolve.reconstruct- ployment opportunities, has been holding Aviv and participants around the world, has started a ZOA Online Book Club. The ingjudaism.org/covid19resources. It is virtual events. For more information, visit we will do our best to accommodate your club is open to anyone, even those who have also offering a variety of other pandemic www.respectability.org/category/events. schedule.” See “Resources” on page 3 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Netanyahu still PM Fiscal news News in brief... Special Sections Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Israel sells record $25B in bonds; “Palestine” spraypainted on Legal Notices...... 4 Netanyahu retains his post in unity “HoloCoin” cryptocurrency users UMass Hillel; Monsey shul Book Review...... 4 agreement with Benny Gantz. buy/sell ashes of Shoah victims. attacker unfit for trial; and more. Personal Business Services...... 5 ...... Page 3 ...... Page 5 ...... Page 8 Classifieds...... 8 Page 2 - The Reporter April 24-30, 2020 Opinion From the Desk of the Federation Executive Director

With gratitude SHELLEY HUBAL

A little piece of chocolate around 3 pm has always at nothing to remove any barriers to keeping us safe. Working on the Chesed Matching Gift Challenge been my guilty pleasure. During these challenging times, There are other ways to reduce stress. Music has the has been a gift to me during this time of isolation. I have added a new way to reduce stress and bring a power to heal. I am blessed to have a son and husband There is comfort in continuing the work I have come glimmer of hope to my day. It is a surprise to me that who, most nights, like to pick up the guitar, filling the to love. So many have called or written or sent a gift. listening to Andrew Cuomo’s press conferences are a house with their singing and strumming. Walking has All are appreciated and I hope that people continue comfort. His candidness eases my mind. I like that he been my favorite form of exercise and a mental health to reach out and give. Your contributions are making is not above groveling for what he needs. I like that he tonic for many years. Starting the day with a peaceful a difference for us all. I want to give a shout out to explains the minutiae of what is going on. He is genuinely walk always quiets my mind and now that the days Marilyn Bell, the Federation Campaign chairwoman. a man in the middle of mayhem, who is doing his best are longer, I treasure an after dinner walk with my Her energy and commitment are second to none. I send to work his way out of this for the good of the people. husband. Connecting with community members on the Marilyn my genuine gratitude for all she does. A big Among the charts and graphs outlining the devastation, phone, in a Zoom meeting or Zoom minyan, also brings thank you, too, to our anonymous donor. Your support he often sprinkles in short, mundane stories about his some light to the day. Is it work to stay connected and of our work and community is an inspiration. Catholic school days or his upbringing. He looks and upbeat during this unprecedented time? You bet it is. My prayer is that you are all staying in good health sounds exhausted, but he genuinely has hope that we If you are looking for some extra support, I hope you and finding ways to have some comfort in your day. will get through this pandemic. You can’t fake that. It will join Jewish Family Service on May 1 for a special We are sharing the fears and sorrows of the world right has been a refuge for me to know the person in charge video conference on easing anxiety and stress. Please now, but the goodness of humanity is there, too. Look- is not perfect, but who is giving it his all and will stop go to the Federation website, www.jfgb.org, to register. ing forward to being together again, hopefully soon. Why is this night different from all other nights? By Rabbi Moshe Shmaryahu freedom. Aren’t we, here in the 21st century, experiencing my students from kindergarten through grade five at the The story of the Exodus is known to all, and we repeat something similar? Aren’t we isolated from one another only Jewish school in the area, questions are important. the Passover celebration every year. It’s something like a and without many of our freedoms? They must learn to ask questions and learn to deal with birthday for each one of us, which we celebrate with great Even though most people are obeying instructions, many different answers. joy every year. are still losing their lives, though the reason for the deaths We must admit that the Creator gave us a perfect For me, this Passover is the most special one I have today is different. Research to defeat the coronavirus is world with a balanced ecosystem in place. Do we celebrated in my entire life. progressing, and the necessary medicines will be found. humans behave correctly and in balance with the A sentence we read in the haggadah says that man We will then be free of this pandemic, just as the Israelites ecosystem? Man seems to enjoy the world at the same must see himself as having been freed from Egypt. were freed from Egypt. They overcame their obstacles and time as exploiting it. There is not proper planning Until now, I did not really know what that meant. I came to their destination in peace. Once again, with God’s to prevent plant gases from destroying the delicate wonder, “What do I, a person in the 21st century, have help, we will do the same. balance in the atmosphere. This adds to the warming in common with an event that happened 3,332 years After the people became free, God told the Israelites of the earth. Man is destroying our valuable Amazon ago?” In fact, today I see no really big difference that, if they do not want the plague to return, they must rainforest, without thinking about the future of the between what happened then in Egypt and what is obey his laws and do what is right and good in His eyes and earth and the future of our children. These selfish happening today. in the eyes of man. We, too, need to learn and follow the actions are man’s sin. I hope we will learn how to pro- The Israelites were forced to stay in their houses on same path: doing good and right, as we prepare solutions tect nature, and how to correct the mistakes, because, Passover, both because of God’s command, and because for our challenges and obstacles. if we don’t, with our own hands we are bringing the there was a raging plague outside. The people were There is an important question, here, perhaps a fifth end of humanity closer. isolated from one another, and everyone was in danger question: “Why did God bring us the 11th plague, and Rabbi Moshe Shmaryahu is the head of Judaic studies of death The Israelites were slaves; they were without why does it seem that nature is fighting us?” As I teach at Hillel Academy of Broome County. In My Own Words

Playing with our lives RABBI RACHEL ESSERMAN, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Hubris: that’s one of my coworker’s favorite words. The let them guide my hand. I am going to stop worrying about doing so because he’s trying to keep all New Yorkers alive. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “exaggerated money and think about people’s lives. I’m going to stop He’s admitted when he doesn’t know something, including pride or self-confidence.” A person with hubris thinks thinking this is a conspiracy to undermine my presidency, the science of COVID-19, or the best way for us to return he knows more than anyone else and, therefore, makes but rather one of the worst crises the world has ever faced. to normal life. He’s also stated that he’s worried about a better decisions than anyone else, even those with more I am going to do everything in my power to help all the second wave of illness. Letting us know that there is so experience and knowledge than he has. citizens of this country.” much we don’t know – that we don’t have the medical If you think I’m describing President Donald Trump, If President Trump did this, I would stand up and cheer. science or experience for – makes me feel more secure then you are right. A video showing his numerous “I-know- I would be proud of him and admire his courage. Being able than someone who acts as if he knows everything or that more- about-[fill in the blank]-than-anyone-else” statements to admit that you were wrong is a real sign of leadership. this problem is easily solved. made for a funny video a few months ago – that is, a few Being willing to admit that you don’t know everything is As of this writing, I know one person who has died months before the world experienced the crisis caused by the only way to learn and grow. Being willing to change of the virus. I know several people who became sick, in- COVID-19. Before you complain we are not supposed to at any age is a sign of maturity. I keep praying he will as- cluding a young man who is still not feeling well several talk politics during this time, I’m not. I’m not talking about sume a real mantle of leadership, but with each COVID-19 weeks later. There is no way to predict how many deaths the election, or Democrats and Republicans. I’m talking death, my hope fades. will occur. So, please, Mr. President, set your ego – your about saving people’s lives. Whatever you may think of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s hubris – aside and help all the citizens in all our states – I would love to hear our president use these words at a politics (and there are times I have not agreed with him), regardless of whether they voted for you, or whether their press conference: “I was wrong not to take this more seri- I admire his leadership in this crisis. He’s made tough, governors were “nice” to you. Become a president of whom ously. I am now going to listen to the medical experts and and sometimes controversial, decisions. But it’s clear he’s we all can be proud.

Executive Editor Rabbi Rachel Esserman Layout Editor Diana Sochor Advertising Bonnie Rozen Suzanne Holwitt, President Bookkeeper Kathy Brown

Shelley Hubal, Executive Director Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton Production Associate Christi Sturdevant 607-724-2332 ~ www.jfgb.org BINGHAMTON, NY Proofreaders The Reporter Editorial Committee Barbara Bank, Eleanor Durfee, Fran Ferentinos, Rachel Coker, chairwoman OPINIONS Leah Ferentinos, Rebecca Goldstein Kahn, Rebecca Goldstein Kahn, Ben Kasper, The views expressed in editorials and opinion pieces are those of each author and Merri Pell-Preus, Ilene Pinsker, Heidi Thirer Toby Kohn, Richard Lewis, not necessarily the views of the Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton. Robert Neuberger, Dora Polachek LETTERS The Reporter welcomes letters on subjects of interest to the Jewish community. HOW TO REACH THE REPORTER All letters must be signed and include a phone number; names may be withheld upon request. Mail ~ The Reporter, 500 Clubhouse Rd. 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Editorial/News Regular weekly deadline is noon, Wednesday, for the following week’s newspaper. www.thereportergroup.org April 24-30, 2020 Page 3 - The Reporter Readings by Rosenberg By Rabbi Rachel Esserman Facebook friends with Rosen- for the Boston Globe for 20-plus to fit what people might want or need.” The Most people are looking for ways to keep berg. Plus, the readings are taped years – and still read children’s same is true for the poems she chooses, active and connected while social distancing. so those unable to watch at those books, this seemed like a natu- although she noted, “I am trying to choose a Some are able to find a way that brightens times can view them later. ral fit. As a Binghamton school wide variety of poems and poets that I love.” other people’s lives. That’s true of Liz Rosenberg wanted to make board member, I kept thinking Rosenberg said that she enjoys doing the Rosenberg, a novelist, poet and professor at good use of her time at home. about kids and their families readings and believes others feel the same. Binghamton University. Rosenberg is doing “I wanted to find some way stuck at home all day.” “It’s a danger-free party every morning weekday readings on Facebook: Stories for to be helpful,” she said in an Her decision about which and night,” she added. “And everyone is Children at 11:11 am and Poems for Adults e-mail interview. “And, since I book to read each day is simple: welcome. It’s been amazing to see all the at 11:11 pm. The readings are open to the write children’s books, reviewed “I pick whatever book makes me people who stop by to watch – including general public, not just to those who are children’s books – reviewed them Liz Rosenberg happiest at that time and seems some of my favorite living authors.” News analysis Netanyahu cements electoral victory with large “national emergency government” By Alex Traiman post with Netanyahu serving as vice prime be forced to relinquish multiple ministerial (JNS) – After a protracted battle across minister. The two opposing parties will portfolios in the new alignment and seems three successive national elections and split portfolios in an excessively large and likely to have little influence over govern- several weeks into an extended coronavirus expensive 36-member cabinet, stretched to ment policy, despite Netanyahu’s insistence crisis, Israel’s political stalemate ended satisfy the outsized ministerial demands of that he will maintain the principles of his on the eve of Yom Hashoah, Israel’s an- Gantz’s political camp. right-wing political bloc. nual Holocaust Remembrance Day, with In addition to Netanyahu’s Likud Par- Even without Yamina, the national the formation of a national emergency ty – by far the largest faction in the new emergency government creates a large par- government. coalition with 36 mandates – and Gantz’s liamentary majority, with at least 72 MKs The agreement was signed April 20 be- half of the former Blue and White alliance out of 120. During the first six months, the tween Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with 17 mandates, the government will be government will focus specifically on the and challenger Benny Gantz after weeks of joined by Israel’s two ultra-religious parties, continued public safety hazard and econom- negotiations. It brings the political rivals Shas and United Torah Judaism totaling 16 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ic repercussions of the coronavirus crisis. into the same coalition government and seats, which back Netanyahu, as well as held a press conference at the Prime Alex Traiman is the managing director averts a costly fourth election that had been three small independent political factions Minister’s Office in Jerusalem on March and Jerusalem bureau chief of Jewish News tentatively scheduled for later this year. – Labor, Gesher and Derech Eretz totaling 12. (Photo by Alex Kolomoisky/POOL) Syndicate. The unity alignment finally cements Ne- five seats, which each supported Gantz in tanyahu’s electoral victory, as the embattled the third election. Meretz MK Tamar Zandberg attacked prime minister is now widely expected to The unity arrangement was facilitated Gantz for aligning with Netanyahu, stating The Jewish Community wishes add another year and a half to his terms by Gantz’s splitting of the larger Blue and that “the one who was supposed to be the to express its sympathy to the now lasting 11 consecutive years and 14 White alliance that had challenged Net- ‘Prime Minister of Change’ chose to raise family of years in total. anyahu in the three successive polls. Two a white flag tonight.” She added that Gantz Knesset Member Yariv Levin, who factions, led by secularist Yair Lapid and “sold the mandate we gave him,” and said Ronald Greenblott led Likud’s negotiating team, said that hawkish former Defense Minister Moshe that the new coalition “isn’t an emergency “a national emergency government is the Ya’alon, respectively, chose to break ranks government, but a government that poses right and logical thing at this time,” and with Gantz and head to the opposition, where an emergency to Israeli democracy.” The Jewish Community wishes explained that unity is necessary to “address they will be joined by Netanyahu nemesis Meanwhile, the small right-wing Yamina to express its sympathy to the the economic and health challenges that are Avigdor Lieberman and his Russian Yisrael Party, which has long supported Netanyahu family of facing us.” Levin is expected to be appointed Beiteinu Party, the far-left Meretz faction and is led by outgoing Defense Minister Knesset Speaker. and the larger Joint List of anti-Zionist Naftali Bennett, is weighing whether or Barbara Phillips “I congratulate the prime minister and Arab parties. not to join the government. The party will MK Benny Gantz on the important agree- Polls over the last several weeks showed ments they reached, and am convinced that that Netanyahu was likely to increase his together we can lead Israel toward a better already large electoral advantage, receiv- future,” he said. ing as many as 40 mandates and firmly As part of the arrangement, Netanyahu establishing a right-wing government in will remain prime minister for the next an upcoming fourth election. By forcing 18 months, with Gantz serving as defense Gantz into dividing his large Blue and minister and vice prime minister, after White alliance, Netanyahu cut his political which Gantz will assume the nation’s top opposition down to size.

Resources Continued from page 1 not read the books. To receive information, For more resources, see the last four sign up for its newsletter at https://nyc.zoa. issues of The Reporter or visit www.there- org/?s=Online+book+club. portergroup.org/Article.aspx?aID=5484, ‹ EarthCam, www.earthcam.com/world/ www.thereportergroup.org/Article.aspx- israel/einharod/?cam=einharod, shows ?aID=5499, www.thereportergroup.org/ viewers the farms in Ein Harod, Israel, with Article.aspx?aID=5502 and www.there- a live streaming webcam. portergroup.org/Article.aspx?aID=5512.

Donations may be sent to the Federation, 500 Clubhouse Rd., Vestal, NY 13850, with “Chesed Challenge” on the subject line. To donate online, visit www.jfgb.org and click on Chesed Challenge. ÊVisit us on the web at www.thereportergroup.org Page 4 - The Reporter April 24-30, 2020 Off the Shelf Yiddish in America RABBI RACHEL ESSERMAN

I never learned to speak Yiddish, except for a few words some of the works. My favorite sections were “Eat, En- Wedding” by Abraham Cahan (which seems an accurate almost everyone knows, for a reason that will resonate with joy, and Forget” (about food) and “The Other America” portrayal of the hard times immigrants faced), I. B. Singer’s many people. Yiddish was the language that my grandpar- (about Yiddish culture outside the United States). The “The Cafeteria” (with its not-very-pleasant characters) ents spoke when they didn’t want my mother to understand very short selection taken from Aaron Lansky’s memoir or Blume Lempel’s “Oedipus in Brooklyn” (that left me what they were saying. My mother only knew a smattering “Outwitting History” reminded me how wonderful that shuddering). My preference was the essays. For example, of the language and that very limited vocabulary was passed book was. Lansky tells of how, when recovering books Paul Buhle’s “Di Freifheit, A Personal Reflection” not on to me. However, Yiddish language and culture did in- from older speakers of Yiddish, they needed three people: only tells of his time at the Yiddish paper, but offers a fluence American life and, if you believe “How Yiddish two to carry the books and one to sit with the owner and fascinating look at Jewish politics, particularly the left Changed America and How America Changed Yiddish” eat all the food they’d prepared. “Kosher Chinese” by who supported communism in Russia before learning edited by Ilan Stavans and Josh Lambert (Restless Books), Matthew Goodman talks about the development of Jewish just how horribly wrong that experiment went. The se- America also influenced Yiddish. food in America, including those that became part of lection from the play “Messiah in America” by Moyshe In their preface, the editors note that Yiddish has been mainstream American culture. The section also included Nadir was a satirical look at messiahs, show business and called a language without an address or homeland, or discussions on particular kinds of Jewish foods and two capitalism that left me wishing the whole play had been thought of as just a list of funny words. They want to show sets of recipes (some from the makers of Crisco. which included. Cynthia Ozick’s “Sholem Aleichem’s Revo- readers the true Yiddish – or perhaps Yiddish culture – that appeared in a pamphlet originally published in 1933). lution” offered not only an excellent look at the writer they think is sexy and radical. This is not a nostalgic look The selections in “The Other America” offer a dif- and his work, but an analysis of how he made writing in at one’s grandparents or great-grandparents – although the ferent view of Jewish life. In “A Room Named Ruth,” Yiddish literarily acceptable. Several of the essays about essays, articles and poems feature authors from the late novelist Ruth Behar presents a political and personal Yiddish as a language – from the section “The Mother 1900s to contemporary times – but a way of showing that look at Jewish life in Cuba. Goldie Morgentaler dis- Tongue Remixed” – were also interesting. Yiddish is still alive. The editors also note that Yiddish cusses teaching Yiddish in Canada in “Bontshe Shvayg “How Yiddish Changed America and How America language and culture was not monolithic: it was as diverse in Lethbridge,” which also includes a Jewish history Changed Yiddish” contains a wide variety of material, as the number of Jewish immigrants who came to the of the area. This section also offered my favorite short some of which was more appealing than others. However, western hemisphere. These immigrants and their offspring story in the collection: “Camacho’s Wedding Feast” by the volume, which fills 400 pages, did show just how vital changed American culture, while also being influenced by Alberto Gerchunoff, a delightful tale of thwarted love Yiddish was and the potential it contains today. Lovers that same culture. in Argentina. of Yiddish will, of course, want to get their hands on this The book is divided into six sections, although the Many of the Yiddish short stories were not particular- collection. Anyone curious about American Yiddish culture decision about what to place where seems arbitrary for ly cheerful, whether it was the opening tale “A Ghetto may also find it of interest. Saying “I Do” when the world keeps issuing “Don’t’s” By Eliana Rudee She said that every time Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin (JNS) – Despite the expanding limitations on events and Netanyahu announced new restrictions, “I held my breath. gatherings in the context of the rising global coronavirus It was horrible.” pandemic, Jewish couples in Israel are finding innovative “It was really, really stressful, and it was a strange ways to continue with their wedding plans. Jewish Israeli process leading up to the wedding because every time a couples Shira and Ronen Raz, and Miriam and Mickey new restriction was put in place, we thought by the time Polevoy planned their weddings for March and April, our date came around, we’d all have to be quarantined and respectively, both wedding on March 19 in the presence couldn’t get married,” Ronen similarly told JNS. of close family and friends, a rabbi and photographer, and “I calmed down once we postponed the reception both postponing their larger receptions with guests. because I couldn’t not have a date – something to look Shira and Ronen had originally planned a “big Jewish forward to,” said Shira. Israeli wedding” with 250 guests in Israel’s north on March Adena Mark Kapon, event planner and founder of A 19, but as their wedding date was just two weeks away, Israel to Z Events Israel, has been working with her clients who began to limit the number of people allowed at gatherings still want to get married within regulations, as well as and began ordering quarantine for people coming from wedding vendors who are struggling to survive. Working abroad. Shira’s immediate family, coming from the United with clients over the past several weeks, she told JNS, has States, made it to Israel just hours before they would have Miriam and Mickey Polevoy celebrated a “significantly indeed been “more emotions than logistics. needed to quarantine for two weeks upon arrival. smaller” wedding in Jerusalem due to restrictions from “It’s changing constantly, and it is not the same today “It was really stressful,” Shira told JNS. “During the the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Avigail Tresgallo as it was a week ago,” she said. process, we were living one day at a time.” Photography) See “Saying” on page 7

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LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY: Attention The name of the limited liability process against it may be served. State has been designated as agent The Secretary of State has been of New York is hereby designated as company is: 220 Stage Road, LLC The post office address to which the of the Company upon whom process designated as agent of the Company agent of the LLC upon whom process (the “Company”). The date of filing Secretary of State shall mail a copy of against it may be served. The upon whom process against it may be against it may be served. The post Attorneys of the Articles of Organization of the any process against the LLC served Secretary of State shall mail a copy of served. The Secretary of State shall office address to which the Secretary Company with the Secretary of State upon him or her is: 2859 Route 13, any process against the Company, to mail a copy of any process against the of State shall mail a copy of any was March 9, 2020. The county in Cortland, NY 13045. Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP, Attn: Company, to Attn: Daniel Mastey, 256 process against the LLC served upon Published by the which the principal place of business 5. The character or purpose of the Ryan M. Mead, 80 Exchange Street, State Line Road, Windsor, NY 13865. him or her is: 21 Timberbluff Court, Jewish Federation of the Company shall be located is business of the LLC is any purpose Suite 700, Binghamton, NY 13901. The purpose of the business of the Binghamton, NY 13903. of Greater Binghamton Broome County. The Secretary of allowed by law. The purpose of the business of the Company is any lawful business 5. The character or purpose of the fulfills the requirement State has been designated as agent ______Company is any lawful business purpose. business of the LLC is any purpose of “newspapers of of the Company upon whom process purpose. ______allowed by law. general circulation.” against it may be served. The NOTICE OF FORMATION of ______Secretary of State shall mail a copy of VitalUS Real Estate LLC. Articles NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Very reasonable rates any process against the Company, to of Organization filed with the NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY: NOTICE OF FORMATION OF and a broad Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP, Attn: Secretary of State of New York LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY: The name of the limited liability LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY: The circulation makes Christina J. Graziadei, 80 Exchange (SSNY) on 02/20/2020. Location: The name of the limited liability company is: The Self Stories, LLC name of the limited liability company The Reporter a great Street, Ste. 700, Binghamton, NY Broome County. SSNY designated company is: Channel Investors, LLC (the “Company”). The date of filing is: Beston Home Inspection Services, choice for your 13901. The purpose of the business as agent for service of process on (the “Company”). The date of filing of the Articles of Organization of the LLC (the “Company”). The date of legal advertising! of the Company is any lawful business LLC. SSNY shall mail a copy of of the Articles of Organization of the Company with the Secretary of State filing of the Articles of Organization Partnership purpose. process to: VitalUS Real Estate LLC Company with the Secretary of State was March 17, 2020. The county in of the Company with the Secretary of Notices ______at 23 Oakdale Rd, Johnson City, NY, was March 11, 2020. The county in which the principal place of business State was April 8, 2020. The county in 13790. Purpose: Any lawful purpose which the principal place of business of the Company shall be located is which the principal place of business Surrogate’s Notice of Formation of THE HAIR ______of the Company shall be located is Broome County. The Secretary of of the Company shall be located is Citations KITCHEN, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed Broome County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent Broome County. The Secretary of with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 182 WIN, LLC NOTICE OF State has been designated as agent of the Company upon whom process State has been designated as agent Changes of 02/25/20. Office location: Broome FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY of the Company upon whom process against it may be served. The of the Company upon whom process Name County. SSNY designated as agent COMPANY (“LLC”) against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy against it may be served. The of LLC upon whom process against Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the Company, Secretary of State shall mail a copy of Bankruptcy it may be served. SSNY shall mail Articles of Organization of 182 Win, of any process against the Company, to Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP, any process against the Company, to Notices process to: 15 Penna Rd., Johnson LLC filed with the NYS Secretary to Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP, Attn: Richard C. Lewis, 80 Exchange Hinman Howard & Kattell, LLP, Attn: City, NY 13790. Purpose: any lawful of State (NYSS) on 3/9/20. Office Attn: Jon J. Sarra, Esq., 80 Exchange Street, Ste. 700, Binghamton, NY Robert W. Carey, 80 Exchange Street, Trustee Sales activities. of LLC is in Broome County. The Street, Binghamton, NY 13901. 13901. The purpose of the business Suite 700, Binghamton, NY 13901. ______Secretary of State designated as The purpose of the business of the of the Company is any lawful business The purpose of the business of the Auction Sales agent for service of process against Company is any lawful business purpose. Company is any lawful business NOTICE OF FORMATION OF it. NYSS shall mail process to 182 purpose. ______purpose. Foundation LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Baldwin Street, Johnson City, NY ______Sales UNDER NEW YORK LIMITED 13790. Business purpose: any lawful NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIABILITY COMPANY LAW activity. NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 607 Construction LLC NOTICE Mortgages ______LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY: UNDER NEW YORK LIMITED OF FORMATION OF LIMITED Foreclosures 1. The name of the limited liability The name of the limited liability LIABILITY COMPANY LAW LIABILITY COMPANY (“LLC”) company (“LLC”) is Trinity Valley NOTICE OF FORMATION OF company is: People Grow Together, To place your ad or Dairy LLC. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY: The LLC (the “Company”). The date of 1. The name of the limited liability Articles of Organization of 607 2. The date of filing of the Articles of name of the limited liability company filing of the Articles of Organization company (“LLC”) is 33 South Construction LLC filed with the for information, Organization with the Secretary of is: Tammy S. Lippman LCSW, PLLC of the Company with the Secretary Washington St LLC. NYS Secretary of State (NYSS) contact Bonnie Rozen State is March 12, 2020. (the “Company”). The date of filing of State was February 20, 2020. 2. The date of filing of the Articles of on 4/8/2020. Office of LLC is in at 724-2360, ext. 244 3. The County within the State of New of the Articles of Organization of the The county in which the principal Organization with the Secretary of Broome County. The Secretary or bonnie@ York in which the principal office of the Company with the Secretary of State place of business of the Company State is March 19, 2020. of State designated as agent for thereportergroup.org. LLC is located is Cortland. was February 25, 2020. The county in shall be located is Broome County. 3. The County within the State of New service of process against it. NYSS 4. The Secretary of State of the State which the principal place of business York in which the principal office of the shall mail process to 434 Cloverdale of New York is hereby designated of the Company shall be located is To advertise, contact Bonnie at 724-2360, LLC is located is Broome. Road, Chenango Forks, NY 13746. ext. 244 or [email protected] as agent of the LLC upon whom Broome County. The Secretary of 4. The Secretary of State of the State Business purpose: any lawful activity. April 24-30, 2020 Page 5 - The Reporter “HoloCoin” cryptocurrency offers users to buy/ sell ashes of Jews burnt in Holocaust By Shiryn Ghermezian JEWS were created, the team is airdropping JEWS and (JNS) – A antisemitic website that is now shut down [it] is up to you if you wanna save them or let them burn.” offered users the opportunity to trade a cryptocurrency A thread on the website 4chan about the HoloCoin called the “HoloCoin,” a reference to the Holocaust, in discusses those who purchased the cryptocurrency, saying, which Jews and the ashes of Jews burnt can be purchased “Thank you to everybody who signed up and received your or sold. TheHolocoin.net, which was purchased on April 2 initial shipment of 500 JEWS. While initial shipments have and registered with the website-building platform Square- ended, any wallet that registers according to instructions Space, is no longer accessible. However, the valueless on TheHoloCoin.net will receive 50 JEWS every other virtual currency is still being traded on trading platforms week. JEWS may be purchased anytime.” such as ForkDelta. The message continued saying, “Any JEWS neither StopAntisemitism.org was one of the first to draw at- airdropped nor purchased will continue to burn at the rate tention to the antisemitic cryptocurrency. “This has to be A screenshot of a thread on the site 4chan discussing the of 4,107 per day – the rate at which 6 million are burned one of the most vile and atrocious antisemitic incidents we “HoloCoin.” (Screenshot courtesy of StopAntisemism.org) in four years. Thank you goyim for saving JEWS. Please have yet to come across,” Liora Rez, executive director of cntinue to save JEWS, before they are burned and turned StopAntiSemitism.org, told JNS. “For someone to erect 20” token, which means it is designed for use on the to ASH.” and orchestrate a plan where they can buy the ashes of dead Ethereum platform, an open-source blockchain-based The 4chan thread also features the cryptocurrency’s Jews as currency on a trading platform clearly shows the distributed computing platform, and may be transferred emblem: a large circle with “Remember The 6 Million” blatant hatred of Jews that exists in society today.” to a cryptowallet. around its border with a large blue Star of David in the Holocoin.net offered two currencies – “JEWS” and The cryptocurrency quickly found its way onto online center, along with the letters “HC.” The banner photo for “ASH” – and its founders are online users that go by the forums and social-media sites. A page on the website Reddit HoloCoin’s Twitter page has a Star of David that says usernames “Smaug Hitler” and “30YearOldHimmler.” that promotes HoloCoin describes it as “a cryptocurrency “ash” around it, with a shadow in the background of the The virtual currency is being promoted as an “ERC- that recreates the Holocaust” and says that “15,300,000 Pepe the Frog meme. Israel sells record $25 billion in bonds as investors show confidence in economy By Israel Kasnett The reason for this sale was due to Israel’s need to rusalem School of Business Administration at the Hebrew (JNS) – To cover the rising costs of the coronavirus fund a substantial stimulus package announced recently University of Jerusalem, told JNS that the sale of century pandemic, and a near total economic shutdown, Israel’s by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He said bonds is “very not common” and “shows the great confidence treasury sold a whopping $25 billion in long-term bonds. that his government plans to assist individuals and small that the world financial market has in the Israeli economy. The sales, which took place as the world grapples with businesses with a NIS 80 billion ($22 billion) package to “It is great evidence of our ability to raise funds even in dif- economic uncertainty, represent an indication of confidence help the economy weather the global pandemic. ficult times, and the amount offered is very important,” he said. by investors in the nation’s economy and future, experts say. During a video conference arranged by the Israel De- “The economy is not going to do well in 2020,” he Israel priced the three-part dollar transaction with maturities mocracy Institute, former governor of the Central Bank of acknowledged. “For this reason, during such a difficult of 10, 30 and 100 years, which was the first time the country Israel Karnit Flug commended the bonds offer, and told time, the Israeli government must step in and provide some offered 100-year or century bonds. Additionally, while the JNS that as the world is entering into recession “it was a support, and for this it needs a lot of funds.” Israeli government initially only aimed to sell $5 billion in very important move to go ahead, not wait and issue bonds. “The 100-year issue is a testament to the country’s bonds, it instead attracted more than $25 billion with 400 “We saw a very successful issuance of bonds by the Min- financial strength and its solidification in international mar- investors from 40 different countries taking part in the offering. istry of Finance,” she said. “The issuance of 100-year bonds kets,” said Hizkiyahu. “The offering will be an important Israel’s Accountant General Rony Hizkiyahu, the man is also a statement of confidence in the Israeli economy.” pillar in financing government activity in the near future.” responsible for the offering, said, “The largest-ever bond Flug said that the measure came as a result of a necessity for The offering included $2 billion of 10-year bonds at an issue in the history of the state demonstrated the confidence financing the massive government, and “it was very well done.” annual interest of 2.75 percent and $2 billion of 30-year among large and quality investors worldwide in the strength “This was an important statement by investors that they bonds at an annual interest of 3.875 percent. Israel sold one of Israel’s economy, especially as the country copes with really believe in the Israeli economy,” she added. billion of the century bonds at 4.5 percent annual interest. the coronavirus crisis.” Zvi Wiener, professor of finance and the dean of the Je- See “Bonds” on page 8

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Weekly Parasha Blood and impurities Tazria-Metzora, Leviticus 12:1-15:33 RABBI RACHEL ESSERMAN, EXECUTIVE EDITOR, THE REPORTER GROUP The Torah has interesting reactions to the spilling something that only God usually does: create life. The What does it mean to be impure? In contemporary of blood of animals and humans. For example, Jews blood that accompanies a birth is most likely the reason times, impurity is considered a negative thing. That’s are not allowed to eat an animal’s blood. This was true for the rules concerning what occurs after childbirth. not true in biblical times. Bodily secretions – whether even when Jews were not prohibited from hunting, as The woman who has given birth is considered impure semen from men or menstrual blood from women – biblical law requires hunters to drain the blood from an for a period of time – seven days if she gives birth to were just a few of the ways people become impure animal after killing it. One of the rituals performed at a boy and 14 days if she gives birth to a girl. Added to during the course of their lives. This impurity was the Temple in Jerusalem was the sprinkling of blood on this is another period of time – an additional 33 days of not a sin, but a fact of life. Almost everyone would the altar during sacrifices. Blood was thought to contain impurity for a boy and an additional 66 days for a girl. at some point in their lives become impure, whether the life force of animals and humans. Losing blood Parashat Metzora speaks of two types of bodily se- through bodily discharges or touching an impure object. through an injury or illness could easily mean death. cretions: male and female. The Torah focuses on bloody What is interesting is that, after the destruction of the However, there are other times that humans produce discharges for women, whether it’s during her menstrual Second Temple, the rules changed. While men were no blood – times that do not equal loss of life – and both period or any other time she bleeds. (For example, a longer considered impure if they had an emission and appear in the two parashot, Tazria and Metzora, read miscarriage, although that is not specifically mentioned objects were no longer considered impure, the rules this week. One is childbirth and the other menstruation. in either parasha.) The biblical restrictions were far less surrounding menstruation were not only kept, but the In parashat Tazria, we read about childbirth. Not than rabbinic ones – she only has to wait seven days total time period of impurity increased in length. That was only is childbirth dangerous (women still die when giv- after her discharge begins before she can become pure just one of the ways the ancient sages adjusted and ing birth) and bloody, but it’s the one time humans do again. The ancient rabbis added another seven clean days. adapted biblical law. Congregational Notes Beth David Synagogue Temple Concord Affiliation: Orthodox Union Synagogues limit face-to-face Affiliation: Union for Reform Judaism Rabbi: Zev Silber gatherings Rabbi: Barbara Goldman-Wartell Address: 39 Riverside Dr., Binghamton, NY 13905 Address: 9 Riverside Dr., Binghamton, NY 13905 Phone: 722-1793 Area synagogues have announced that Office hours: Tues.-Fri., 10 am-2 pm Rabbi’s Office: 722-7514 they are limiting face-to-face gatherings. Phone: 723-7355 Fax: 722-7121 Fax: 723-0785 Office hours: Mon. closed; Tues. 10 am-1 pm; Wed. closed; That means there will be no services or Office e-mail: [email protected] Thurs. 9 am-1 pm; Fri. 10 am-1 pm programming held until further notice. Website: www.templeconcord.com Beth David e-mail address: [email protected] Regular service times: Friday, 8 pm; Saturday, 10:35 am, Rabbi’s e-mail: [email protected] Some meetings, services and classes will when religious school is in session. Website: www.bethdavid.org be available online or by phone. Hebrew school: Hebrew school meets at 4:15 pm and 5:15 Facebook: www.facebook.com/bethdavidbinghamton pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year unless For specific information regarding services otherwise noted. Temple Beth El of Oneonta (including online services), meetings and All services and programs are online only. Friday night Shabbat services will start at 7 pm for the month of April. Affiliation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism classes at any of the area synagogues, Rabbi-Cantor: George Hirschfeld Friday, April 24: Shabbat services at 7 pm at https:// Address: 83 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820 contact them by phone or e-mail. binghamton.zoom.us/j/350204323, by calling call 1-929- Mailing address: P.O. Box 383, Oneonta, NY 13820 205-6099 and entering meeting ID # 350 204 323, or Phone: 607-432-5522 visiting www.facebook.com/templeconcord/. Website: www.templebetheloneonta.org Temple Beth-El of Ithaca Saturday, April 25: Torah study at 9:15 am at https:// Affiliation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism E-mail: [email protected] binghamton.zoom.us/j/342411102, or by calling 1-929- Regular service times: visit the temple website for days of Rabbi: Miriam T. Spitzer services and times Rabbi Emeritus: Scott L. Glass 205-6099 and entering meeting ID # 342 411 102. Religious School/Education: Religious School, for grades Address: 402 North Tioga St. (the corner of Court and Tioga Saturday, April 25: Havdalah with a bonus at 7 pm kindergarten through bar/bat mitzvah, meets Sunday mornings. streets), Ithaca, NY 14850-4292 at https://binghamton.zoom.us/j/526246866, by calling For the schedule of services, classes and events, see the Phone: 273-5775 1-929-205-6099 and entering meeting ID # 526 246 866, website. E-mail: [email protected] and [email protected] or visiting www.facebook.com/templeconcord/. Website: www.tbeithaca.org Kol Haverim President: Randy Ehrenberg Affiliation: Society for Humanistic Judaism Sisterhood President: Julie Paige Address: P.O. Box 4972, Ithaca, NY 14852-4972 Director of Education: Rabbi Suzanne Brody Temple Israel Phone: 607-277-3345 Administrative Assistant: Jane Griffith Orientation: Conservative E-mail: [email protected] Services: Friday 8 pm; Saturday 10 am, unless otherwise Rabbi: Geoffrey Brown Website: www.kolhaverim.net announced. Weekday morning minyan 7:30 am (9 am on Sundays Address: 4737 Deerfield Pl., Vestal, NY 13850 Chairwoman: Abby Cohn and legal holidays). Phone: 723-7461 and 231-3746 Kol Haverim: The Finger Lakes Community for Humanistic Religious School/Education: September-May: Classes meet on Office hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 am-3:30 pm; Fri., 8 am-3 pm Judaism, is an Ithaca-based organization that brings people Sunday, 9 am-12:30 pm and Wednesday afternoons, 3:45-5:45 E-mail: [email protected] together to explore and celebrate Jewish identity, history, pm. The Midrashah (eighth grade and high school) classes will Website: www.templeisraelvestal.org culture and ethics within a secular, humanistic framework. meet at times designated by their respective teachers. Service Schedule: Tuesday, 5:30 pm; Friday, 5:30 pm; KH is part of an international movement for Secular Adult Ed.: Numerous weekly courses, several semester-long Saturday, 9:30 am Humanistic Judaism and is affiliated with the Society for courses and a variety of mini-courses and lectures are offered On Fridays and Tuesdays at 5:30 pm, services will be Humanistic Judaism, a national association with over 30 throughout the year. Call the temple office for more details. led by Rabbi Geoffrey Brown via Zoom. member communities and congregations around the country. Temple Israel is collecting for CHOW during regular Established in the spring of 1999, it offers celebrations of business hours. The bin is between the two sets of glass Jewish holidays, monthly Shabbat pot-lucks, adult education, Congregation Tikkun v’Or a twice-monthly Cultural School for children, and a bar and Affiliation: Union for Reform Judaism doors at the entrance. Buzz to come in the first set of bat mitzvah program. Address: PO Box 3981, Ithaca, NY 14852; 2550 Triphammer Rd. doors to access the bin. KH welcomes all individuals and families, including those (corner of Triphammer and Burdick Hill), Lansing, NY from mixed religious backgrounds, who wish to strengthen Phone: 607-256-1471 the Jewish experience in their lives and provide their children Website: www.tikkunvor.org Penn-York Jewish Community with a Jewish identity and experience. E-mail: [email protected] President-Treasurer-Secretary: Harvey Chernosky, 570- Presidents: Lauren Korfine and Shira Reisman 265-3869 Rohr Chabad Center Rabbi: Brian Walt B’nai B’rith: William H. Seigel Lodge Affiliation: Chabad-Lubavitch Religious School Director/Admin. Coordinator: Naomi Wilensky Purpose: To promote Jewish identity through religious, Rabbi Aaron and Rivkah Slonim, Directors Services: Fridays at 7:30 pm unless otherwise noted. cultural, educational and social activities in the Southern E-mail: [email protected], rslonim@ Intergenerational Shabbat, music services, and other special Tier of New York and the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania, chabadofbinghamton.com services. Call for the weekly schedule. including Waverly, NY; Sayre, Athens and Towanda, PA, Address: 420 Murray Hill Rd., Vestal, NY 13850 Religious School: Preschool through seventh-grade classes and surrounding communities. Phone: 797-0015 meet on Sunday mornings. Fax: 797-0095 Sixth-grade Hebrew and seventh-grade b’nai mitzvah classes Website: www.Chabadofbinghamton.com meet on Wednesday afternoons. Temple Brith Sholom Rabbi Zalman and Rochel Chein, Education Adult Ed: Mini courses throughout the year. Adult Hebrew offered Affiliation: Unaffiliated E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] regularly. Call the office fordetails. Address: P.O. Box 572, 117 Madison St., Cortland, NY 13045 Rabbi Levi and Hadasa Slonim, Downtown and Development Phone: 607-756-7181 Chabad Downtown Center: 60 Henry St., Binghamton Norwich Jewish Center President: Bruce Fein, 607-423-3346 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Orientation: Inclusive Service leaders: Lay leadership Rabbi Yisroel and Goldie Ohana, Programming Rabbi: David Regenspan Shabbat services: Either Friday evening at 7:30 pm or Saturday E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Address: 72 South Broad St., Norwich, NY 13815 at 10 am from Rosh Hashanah to Shavuot. Holiday services Regular service times: Daily 7:30 am, Friday evening 6 pm, Contact: Guilia Greenberg, 336-1523 are also held. Check the weekly e-mail for upcoming services. Shabbat morning 9:30 am, Maariv and Havdalah one hour Purpose: To maintain a Jewish identity and meet the needs of Contact the president to get on the e-mail list. after candle-lighting time, Sundays 9:30 am. the Jewish community in the area. Religious School: Students are educated on an individual basis. To join the mailing list, for up-to-date information on adult Adult Ed.: Saturday morning study is held at 10 am. Call for Temple Brith Sholom is a small equalitarian congregation education offerings or to arrange for a private tutorial, for more information and to confirm. serving the greater Cortland community. Congregants span details concerning the Judaica shop and resource center, or the gamut of observance and services are largely dependent for assistance through the Piaker Free Loan Society or Raff on the service leader. The Friday night siddur is “Likrat Maasim Tovim Foundation, call Chabad’s office at 797-0015. Friday, April 24, light candles before...... 7:37 pm Shabbat,” while the Saturday morning siddur is “Gates of Chabad will be holding pre-Shabbat virtual programs. Saturday, April 25, Shabbat ends...... 8:39 pm Prayer.” The community extends a warm welcome to the For more information, visit www.JewishBU.com/ Friday, May 1, light candles before...... 7:45 pm Jewish student population of SUNY Cortland, as well as the S2020Partnership. Saturday, May 2, Shabbat ends...... 8:46 pm residents of local adult residences. April 24-30, 2020 Page 7 - The Reporter

Saying Continued from page 4 Shira’s stress was also partly eased by social-media as these are important traditions and commandments that support groups for brides during the outbreak of the coro- make us who we are and keep us going as a nation, even navirus, she said, where brides-to-be discussed possible under threat of life, such as pogroms and concentration refunds if venues canceled or postponed; posted photos camps,” she said. of their weddings; and supported each other emotionally In 2015, recalled Kapon, a bride (Sarah Techiya Litman) throughout the changing world around them. In an Israeli who lost her father in a terrorist attack got up from sitting WhatsApp group, Israeli venues and companies also shiva to get married in Jerusalem, inviting the public to showed their support, offering their venues and free gifts her wedding. for couples negatively affected by the new restrictions. “While I agree with social-distance guidelines that we In Jerusalem, Mayor Moshe Leon opened a room in should take seriously, people are forgetting the significance City Hall for couples that needed a venue, free of charge, to the wedding date, even under such challenging circum- with food provided for the 10 or fewer people present at stances. The same way that your husband or beshert is the ceremonies. “We did two weddings there last week,” chosen before you’re born, they say that about the wedding Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Fleur Hasson-Nahoum told JNS. date as well, so it is important to keep [it]. That’s what we “We were looking for ways to make people’s lives easier do,” related Kapon. and have a lot of space in City Hall, with our committees Shira similarly pointed out that “there were Jewish and Shira and Ronen Raz had originally planned a “big Jewish meeting much less,” she said, which resulted in “this lovely Israeli brides who got married in grocery stores and on Israeli wedding” with 250 guests in Israel’s north on March initiative from the mayor.” rooftops in order to keep their wedding date.” 19. (Photo by Orange Photographers) Leon, who sang one of the traditional Jewish blessings In the end, Shira said, “it wasn’t my dream idea, but it at one of the wedding ceremonies, told JNS of the “great worked out perfectly. I believe everything happens for a a concept to run to do mitzvot, and I really experienced privilege” it was to offer the blessing to the bride and groom. reason, and the atmosphere was really relaxed and intimate. that,” she told JNS. “We are in a hard time, but we will pass it together,” he Our vows were pretty long, and we felt comfortable enough Miriam, who was a part of the same WhatsApp group said, wishing luck to the newlyweds. to say them in front of everyone, the rabbi danced and sung, as Shira, noted that “it seems quite common [in Israel] for With Shira and Ronen’s immediate families present, and and it was really fun and a good vibe that fit us [as a couple]. brides to do a quick ceremony and push off the party. There as older family members and guests coming from abroad “If I had to do it again, I wouldn’t have changed a is something Jewish or Israeli about it, both in terms of the began to cancel, they decided to have a smaller ceremony in thing,” she added. importance of bringing light during this difficult time, as a synagogue that could hold up to 20 people, and postpone Ronen agreed: “It feels it worked out perfectly and for well as superstition around postponing weddings.” their celebration at their planned venue to August so they the best, and we are both super happy.” “With 10 people, we got married right then and there,” could “still celebrate with family and friends like both of On the same night of March 19, about 80 miles south- said Mickey. “I got into my tuxedo and Miriam into her us dreamed of doing.” east of Shira and Ronen, Miriam and Mickey Polevoy wedding dress. I could not have planned a more beautiful, “We had been engaged for a year and four months before made the “day of” decision to get married at midnight at a better or happier wedding in an eternity. My beautiful the wedding, so we were ready to get married,” Ronen told family friends’ Jerusalem apartment with about 10 people bride, Miriam, was all that mattered. She shined brighter JNS, who had also heard from his rabbi that Jews are not present. With Miriam’s mother in town from Australia for than the sun in her wedding dress walking up to our pre- supposed to wait to get married if they are able to keep their expected April 16 wedding, who needed to return determined chuppah at midnight, as she was obviously their wedding date. before any borders were closed and as flights were being always meant to do.” While those in the wedding industry are asking couples canceled, Miriam and Mickey scrapped their original plan “We were joined by our closest family and friends for to postpone their weddings for economic purposes, ex- of getting married in front of 350 guests in central Israel – a an intimate and joyful chuppah in Baka,” said Miriam. plained Kapon, many are indeed going forward with them wedding that they planned as “a combination of an Israeli After the wedding, Mickey related that he felt “very in accordance with the Jewish tradition. “In Jewish history, and chutznik [foreign-born] wedding – classy, but down relieved of months of pressure. Jews have risked their lives to continue having Jewish to earth and not formal.” “Planning a wedding during the corona pandemic isn’t weddings, circumcisions, women going to the mikvah, “At 9 pm [on March 19], Prime Minister Netanyahu easy at all,” he said. “Every time you plan, something gets got on the screen and declared that a new regulation was canceled or changed. But the moment we got married, all that to come into effect once it was signed, and that Israel’s disappeared. It didn’t matter anymore,” continued Mickey. “I mobility would be severely hindered,” Mickey told JNS. couldn’t have dreamt, hoped or prayed for a more beautiful, “We didn’t know whether this regulation would prohibit better or happier wedding in my wildest dreams.” our chuppah. With everything that we planned put into question already twice, we just decided that we weren’t going to wait just to hear that our chuppah is prohibited, so we decided that right there, in the middle of the night, Moving any time soon? we were getting married.” Or just leaving town for a few months? His brother came to his wedding in work clothes, and Whether you’re moving across town his dad wore an older suit of Mickey’s. or across the country, please let The Re- “Planning a new chuppah in two hours at midnight can porter know so you can stay up to date on only be done in Israel. Only Israelis are flexible and daring community news and quickly receive the enough to pull that off,” he maintained. paper at your new (or temporary) address! Apart from the “sad moment” when Miriam realized E-mail [email protected] with “Reporter Miriam and Mickey Polevoy scrapped their original plan that she would have to exclude people from the ceremo- Address change” in the subject line, or call of getting married in front of 350 guests in central Israel. ny because of the regulations, “there was no question in 607-724-2360, ext. 254, to let The Reporter (Photo by Avigail Tresgallo Photography) my mind that this was a race against the clock. There’s know about your new address. Quick Reference Guide to Planned Giving Use this planned giving quick reference guide to help determine the best strategy for achieving your philanthropic and financial goals. For further information or assistance, please contact Shelley Hubal at 724-2332 or [email protected] If Your Goal is to: Then You Can: Your Benefits May Include: Make a quick and easy gift Simply write a check now or use a credit card An income tax deduction and immediate charitable impact Avoid tax on capital gains Contribute long-term appreciated stock or other securities A charitable deduction plus no capital gains tax Defer a gift until after your death Put a bequest in your will (gifts of cash or a share or the residue of your estate) Exemption from federal estate tax on donations Receive guaranteed fixed income that is Create a charitable gift annuity partially tax-free Current and future savings on income taxes plus fixed stable payments Avoid the two-fold taxation on IRA or other Name a charity as the beneficiary of the employee benefit plans remainder of the retirement assets after your Tax relief to your family on inherited assets lifetime

Make a large gift with little cost to you Contribute a life insurance policy you no Current and possible future income tax longer need or purchase a new one and deductions designate a charity as the owner

Reduce taxable income from IRA Required Make a qualified charitable donation directly Reducing taxable income Minimum Distributions from your IRA (after age 70½)

ÊVisit us on the web at www.thereportergroup.org Page 8 - The Reporter April 24-30, 2020 NEWS IN BRIEF

From JNS.org air defenses had downed several missiles near the central nean to markets in Europe. Turkey, with decades of tensions UMass Amherst Hillel spray-painted town of Palmyra fired from Israeli fighter jets. This is the with Greece and Cyprus, and more recently with Israel, has third such attack reported in the past three weeks, according strongly opposed the pipeline. It also recently signed an with word “Palestine” in Arabic to the AP. According to the U.K.-based monitory group agreement with Libya’s Tripoli-based government setting Hillel at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst was Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the strikes targeted maritime boundaries that conflict with those envisioned by spray-painted in red with the word “Palestine” in Arabic, Iranian facilities and Iran-backed fighters in the desert near Israel, Cyprus, Greece and Egypt. announced Hillel on April 21. Officials at the Jewish organi- Palmyra, in Homs Province. It said that the Israeli jets had Trump to “temporarily suspend zation on college campuses said it is in communication with entered Lebanese airspace. The alleged attack comes soon the Amherst Police Department. “This cowardly act of hatred after Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was immigration” due to pandemic towards the Jewish community amidst a time of global crisis in Damascus meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad U.S. President Donald Trump said on April 20 that he and on Yom Hashoah, the Holocaust Remembrance Day, is and his Syrian counterpart, according to the report. A week would sign an executive order temporarily suspending immi- reprehensible,” posted UMass Amherst Hillel on Facebook. earlier, an Israeli drone fired two missiles at a vehicle near gration to the United States due to the coronavirus pandemic. It continued, “Our UMass Jewish community is resilient and the Syria-Lebanon border carrying a pair of Hezbollah “In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the strong, and in the face of this hate we will only deepen our members, according to a Hezbollah official. Neither of need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I commitment to empowering students to build vibrant com- the Hezbollah members was wounded in the attack, the will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend munity based on values of love, respect, justice and peace.” official said. Speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity, immigration into the United States!” Trump tweeted. No Judge rules Monsey machete-attack the official said that one of the missiles detonated near the other details were given about the move. Trump previously vehicle while the second hit after the driver abandoned it. stopped travel from China and Europe in an attempt to slow suspect deemed unfit for federal trial Cyprus: Turkish gas drilling is an “act the spread of the virus throughout America. Visa processing The suspect accused of the Dec. 28 machete attack at a by the State Department has been suspended for weeks home and prayer hall known as Rabbi Rottenberg’s Shul of piracy” because of the virus, according to the AP. in Monsey, NY, injuring five of the 100 or so celebrants at The Cypriot government accused Turkey on April 20 of Israel transfers advanced coronavirus a Hanukkah candle-lighting party and leading to the death again attempting to drill for gas in its waters where it has of 72-year-old Yosef Neumann, is unfit for federal trial, a exclusive economic rights. “This new illegal ‘act of piracy’ detection device to Gaza hospital judge ruled on April 20. Grafton Thomas, 37, was previously constitutes a further severe violation of the sovereign rights and Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the indicted by a federal grand jury and pleaded not guilty to jurisdiction of the Republic of Cyprus, contrary to international Palestinian Territories (or COGAT) announced on April five counts of obstructing the free exercise of religion in law,” the Cypriot government said in a statement, according to 12 that it had transferred an advanced medical device used an attempt to kill, a federal hate crime. Judge Cathy Seibel the AP. The government said that Turkish drilling ships were to detect coronavirus to the Gaza Strip. The device, called said that “the defendant is presently suffering from a mental heading for waters south of Cyprus in an area it has exclusive a PCR machine, is used for detection of COVID-19, said disease or defect rendering him mentally incompetent to the rights over and which it has licensed energy companies Eni COGAT on Twitter, adding that it will be at Shifa Hospital extent that he is unable to assist properly in his defense.” She of Italy and France’s Total to carry out exploratory drilling in. in Gaza City. The machine, also called a thermal cycler, was ordered Thomas to be hospitalized for up to four months, Cyprus said that it was the sixth time in less than a year that donated by an unspecified international organization with after which his status will be re-evaluated. The April 20 Turkey had tried to drill in Cypriot waters, with Ankara first help from the World Health Organization to greatly increase ruling does not apply to the state charges Thomas also faces. sending a drill ship to the area in July with a warship escort. the number of coronavirus tests being carried out in the Gaza Reportedly, Thomas could face an upgraded state murder The European Union has repeatedly condemned Turkey’s Strip. According to Gaza authorities, there have only been charge due to Neumann’s death. exploration in Cypriot waters, and has imposed asset freezes a few confirmed coronavirus cases in the Gaza Strip as of Syria claims that Israeli jets carried out and travel bans on two top officials for the Turkish-owned April 12. In recent weeks, COGAT has also donated medical Petroleum Corporation, according to the report. Earlier this supplies, food, drugs and antiseptics to the coastal enclave, strike near Palmyra year, Israel, Cyprus and Greece inked a massive new pipeline which is run by the Hamas terror organization. Syrian state media on April 20 reported that the country’s deal to transport natural gas from to the eastern Mediterra- Danon slams claims Israel is impeding P.A. efforts to combat coronavirus Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon “strongly criticized” a letter by the Palestinians to the U.N. Security Council accusing Israel of impeding efforts by the Palestinian Authority to combat the coronavirus pandemic in the West Bank. “As Israel remains open and able to help the Palestinians living under P.A. rule to combat the spread of the coronavirus, the P.A. only remains interested in continuing its diplomatic warfare against Israel,” Danon PLUMBING said in a recent statement. “The Palestinian leadership will have to choose between slandering or receiving support & HEATING from Israel. It cannot have both,” he continued. “Its rhetoric We Also Do Natural Gas Conversions & All Plumbing Work against Israel, the [Israel Defense Forces] and the Jewish Free Estimates • Fully Insured • Residential & Commercial people is inciting, baseless and threatens to undo any prog We Install, Service & Repair... - Furnaces • Air Conditioners ress we’ve made in combating the virus.” In his letter to Water Heaters • Gas Fireplaces the U.N. Security Council, Palestinian representative to the SERVING BROOME & TIOGA COUNTIES United Nations Riyad Mansour claimed that IDF soldiers are spitting on Palestinian cars and homes, and dumping [email protected] 754-6376 trash, needles and used gloves between villages. He also accused Israel of forcing Palestinian workers to return to P.A.-controlled territory through wastewater tunnels, so to your ad could be here! smuggle them past P.A. authorities mandating coronavirus Gary Riley For information on advertising, contact testing. In last March, Special Coordinator for the Middle Bonnie Rozen at 724-2360, ext. 244 or East Nickolay Mladenov praised the recent cooperation I’ll drive you or [email protected] between Israel and the Palestinians in the fight against the I’ll deliver your vehicle near or far, coronavirus pandemic. pets welcome! 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This is important because the HANDYMAN other ways to raise funds, such as raising taxes, is difficult 4 SENIORS, INC. to do during a crisis.” All your home Wiener emphasized that a great way to raise funds maintenance and without placing additional stress on a financially strained repairs, along with COOK’S TREE SERVICE population during a crisis “is not to put an additional bur- in-home care services. den on the Israeli population and businesses, but to allow RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL foreigners to lend the state money.” • Shopping • Laundry While Israel is not the first country to sell century • Errands • Doctor Visits • Organizing • Bed changes bonds – other countries such as Mexico, Argentina and Fully Insured Austria have also done so – it is a milestone for the Jewish • Senior Sitting • Meal prep Free • Access Ramps Estimates state and demonstrates its financial stability, as well as the Our • Grab Bars 52nd Year confidence investors have in its future. • Safety Conversions In what is perhaps proof that world financial organi- John Jacoby NEW YORK CHAPTER zations have huge confidence in Israel’s financial future, CERTIFIED Bank of America Securities, Barclays Bank, Goldman Sachs Valerie Jacoby ISA ARBORIST (Licensed & Insured) and Citibank acted as underwriters for the bond issuance. Credit ratings by Moody’s, S&P and Fitch standing 888-540-0320 Professionals In All Phases Of: at A+ Stable, AA- Stable and A1 Positive, respectively, www.handyman4seniors.com · Tree Care · Tree Stump Removal · Trimming Trees Shrubs & Tall Hedges demonstrate why Israel has gained the confidence of · Tree Insect & Disease Identification & Treatment prominent investors. WWW.COOKSTREESERVICE.NET Israel is now projected to increase its deficit spending 607-748-2347 from between 3 percent to 4 percent to 8 percent to 9 per- 4 Pumphouse Rd Vestal, N.Y. cent as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, forcing the country to think about ways to cover the gap.