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

Enriching Lives Volume 47, No. 10 October 2017 Tishri-Heshvan 5778

ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by1 the Jewish0 Federation1 of Reading/Berks7

Your Federation Supports: 2018 Annual Community Campaign Jewish Education Food Pantry kicks off with Oct. 15 dinner Friendship Circle

Chevra Federation’s Leadership Gifts anyone interested in attending the Dinner on Oct. 15 marks the start reception and dinner with Dr. Wittes. Community Shabbat of the 2018 Annual Community For those who are unable to Campaign. attend the dinner, there will be a free Reading Jewish Film Series The event will be held this year at and open community lecture by Dr. Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, Wittes at 7 p.m. followed by a dessert PJ Library and our speaker is Tamara Wittes, reception. Jewish Family Service Senior Fellow at the Brookings You can register for the Leadership Institute - Center for Middle East Gifts Dinner or the community lecture Jewish Cultural Center Peace. online at ReadingJewishCommunity. The dinner begins with a org or by email to brendas@jfreading. Lakin Holocaust Library reception for Dr. Wittes at 4:30 p.m. org or by calling Federation at & Resource Center A contribution of $1,200 per person 610.921.0624. toward the 2018 Annual Community Registrations are requested no Israel & Overseas Campaign is recommended for later than Oct. 9. Camp Scholarships Leo Camp Lecture to feature constitutional scholar Israel Trips By Amanda J. Hornberger laws and technologies necessary to Jewish Community Privacy and security are two hot- accomplish these goals. He describes button topics currently in the news. In the challenges for businesses and High School a speech titled “The U.S. Constitution: citizens of living in the world of Facebook Emergency Support Honoring the Past, Imagining the Future” and Google where everything we do is Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of recorded and it’s hard to escape your Lakin Preschool the National Constitution Center, will past. address these and other pressing issues Our speaker is also a leading Richard J. Yashek Lecture regarding our constitution and privacy expert on the Supreme Court and the Transportation concerns. Rosen will give the 38th judicial system. His latest book, Louis Annual Leo Camp Memorial Lecture at D. Brandeis: American Prophet, was Maimonides Society Albright College on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at published on June 1, 2016, the 100th 7:30 p.m. anniversary of Brandeis’s Supreme Court Your Jewish Legacy Rosen is one of the leading speakers Confirmation. and writers on the issue of privacy and Special thanks to the Camp family 92ND ST Y Programs security in America. He is a strong for sponsoring this annual lecture, in Joint Distribution Committee advocate of using well-designed laws memory of Leo Camp, a beloved member and technologies to strike an effective of our community. Meir Panim and reasonable balance between liberty, The lecture will begin at 7:30 p.m. privacy, and security, and he offers on Tuesday, Oct. 24th in the Chapel at for more information, please contact Annual Campaign a penetrating account of why some Albright College and is free and open Amanda at [email protected] or Jewish Agency for Israel are reluctant to adopt the appropriate to the public. If you have questions or call 610-921-0624.

Yemin Orde

School Education Programs Reading community steps up after hurricanes

Interfaith Unity Council Our Reading Jewish community should continue to raise serious health concerns, first-aid responders also flew from Israel to be proud to have raised more than $18,000 to especially for many seniors. Florida. In addition, the Israeli government Israel Advocacy support the relief efforts in hurricane ravaged One hundred percent of funds raised sent $1 million to Houston for relief efforts. areas. will be used to help those victimized. Your IsraAID is a non-governmental Youth Events Among those affected, Hurricane Harvey funds supported the efforts of three relief organization committed to providing life- Great Decisions Series brought catastrophic damage to hundreds organizations. JFNA immediately set up saving disaster relief and long-term support. of Jewish families and multiple Jewish the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund to help For over a decade, its teams of professional Jewish Community community institutions. In Houston, nearly meet urgent needs such as food, medicine, medics, search & rescue squads, post- three-quarters of the city’s Jewish population cleaning supplies, and trauma counseling trauma experts and community mobilizers, Relations Council live in areas that were flooded, and nearly and to enable rebuilding. Our network of have been first on the front lines of nearly every Jewish-owned business and institution local and international partners means we every major humanitarian crisis in the 21st Community Holiday Programs felt the impact. One thousand Jewish families can respond quickly and effectively to these century. Victims in Charleston, S.C.; Haiti; Women’s Philanthropy have been displaced from their homes for emergencies. Sierra Leone; ; Japan; Jordan 8-12 months. Several of the largest Jewish Your funds also supported IsraAid, one of and have all been helped by IsraAid Jewish Federations institutions were heavily damaged and cannot the teams Israel sent to aid Florida, Texas, emergency response actions. reopen until remediation and rehabilitation Mexico, Haiti, and the Caribbean to help And your funds also helped NECHAMA, of North America is completed. Although Hurricane Irma’s recovery efforts. Their volunteers rushed to a U.S. voluntary Jewish organization that Counseling Services unexpected shift to Florida’s west coast help in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey provides natural disaster preparedness, spared most of Florida’s largest Jewish in Texas and then proceeded to Florida to response, and recovery services nationwide. Leo Camp Lecture population centers from what could have help local people pick up the pieces after that NECHAMA volunteers are planning to be been a terrible disaster, long-term power devastating storm. Eight experts in search in Texas and Florida for at least six months Shabbat B’Yachad outages in Florida’s hot and humid climate and rescue, and medical and psychological providing relief and repair assistance. Page 2 SHALOM October 2017 Legacy gifts ensure strong future for community By Richard Nassau received that many of us might consider remains the cornerstone of what you do for Development Director routine. You have provided them with our Jewish community. Your legacy gift is The next time answers to questions, “how will I feed my later. It is a critical way that ensures we can someone asks, “What child or get to the doctor or find services remain a strong Jewish community. do you do,” tell them that will help my parents? There are also concerns that a legacy you make a difference Having stability is so very important. It gift is an all or nothing gift. It is not. For in people’s lives. It is makes a difference in people’s lives and many, the Jewish community is their first not a humble statement should not be taken lightly. choice, but it is not their only choice. So it and yes, it does sound The beginning of a new Jewish year is with a charitable bequest. Studies have awkward when repeated reminds me of how fortunate I am. It also found that American Jews are more likely to

n t out loud. However, it is reminds me of how uncertain life can be. leave a bequest to many different charities, also true. You may not It is a time when I think about the past and not just the Jewish ones. I am proud to say think about it much or have a chance to talk with others about the future. I speak that nearly one-quarter of American Jews see it in action every day, but you do make with family and friends about changes that provide for charities in their wills. This is e a real difference in lives. occurred and we discuss the transitions nearly twice the number of people outside We’ve started a New Year. My wish for we’ve all experienced. When I do this, I of the Jewish community who leave a the year is that all the thanks I hear from admit it makes my life feel very unstable. charitable gift in their will. people for all you do is bundled and given Stability, especially for our community, Please take a moment to consider directly to you. Each individual thank-you is why you keep hearing from me about adding a charitable bequest in your will for has a story, a reason. Yet, there are certain creating your Jewish legacy. How your a Jewish cause you care about. It is easy m themes that repeat and run through many of legacy gift brings stability to our future. It to do. Your Jewish legacy means a stable them. One that I find meaningful at this time serves as the foundation we need for an future. Youare the source that can ensure in the Jewish calendar is stability. People uncertain future. we remain a vibrant Jewish community.

p are thankful because you have given them When I bring up the subject of legacy Contact me, [email protected], for stability in their life. gifts, there is a concern that it will cause more information about how you can bring You have given people a stable us to lose our focus and overlook today’s stability into lives and continue making a foundation because of services they’ve needs. Please know, your annual gift difference for others. o

l Global partnerships with your Jewish Federation Your partnership with Jewish Federation of the Jewish state and Jewish communities when U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Henry Reading/Berks enriches our local community. everywhere. One of the many ways it does Morgenthau, Sr. wired New York philanthropist e Your reach also extends beyond Berks this is by bringing Jews to Israel and Israel to Jacob Schiff to ask for money to help Jews County. You build communities, connect Jews. JAFI’s work provides engagement with suffering in Ottoman Palestine. World War I people, and help those in need through the Israel that is meaningful. It facilitates Aliyah left in its wake the seeds of many additional

v work of Federation’s national and international and works to build a better society in Israel. catastrophes—pogroms, health epidemics, partners. It is through these organizationals Its work energizes young Israelis and their famine, revolution, and economic ruin—and that you impact more Jewish lives throughout worldwide peers to rediscover a collective JDC played a major role in sustaining Jews the world every day than any other single sense of Jewish purpose. in Palestine and rebuilding the devastated e organization. The three global partners of the Led by Natan Sharansky, JAFI’s Board communities of Eastern Europe. JDC’s relief Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks: of Governors oversees a global partnership activities, emigration aid and rescue operations Jewish Federations with representatives of federations in North were critical following the Nazi rise to power of North America – JFNA America, leadership of the religious streams and the outbreak of World War II. After the

D JFNA serves as the central address of and heads of world Jewish organizations war, JDC mobilized to support and resettle North American Federated Jewry. Under the centered in USA, representatives of world survivors, help reconstruct the remnant JFNA umbrella, the Federation movement Zionist organizations, mayors in Israel, communities of Europe, create a network of Annual Campaign protects and enhances the well-being of representatives of the Israeli society, and social welfare services in the fledgling State of Women’s Philanthropy Jews worldwide. Collectively among the top representatives of the political system Israel, set up an extensive assistance program 10 charities in the world, JFNA represents in Israel and leaders of Keren Hayesod for Jews in North Africa and the Muslim world, Maimonides Society 148 Jewish Federations and more than 300 campaigns throughout the world. This broad and provide discreet relief behind the Iron independent Network Communities. Together representation ensures that Jews around Curtain. JDC services in displaced persons’ Your Jewish Legacy they provide more than $3 billion annually the world collectively decide on the Jewish camps helped Holocaust survivors start Chai Circle for social welfare, social services, and Agency’s programming in coordination and new lives. With the fall of communism, JDC educational needs. Annual and emergency understanding with the Israeli government. established cultural and educational programs L’Chaim Society campaigns raise over $900 million each year American Jewish Joint Distribution to foster a sense of Jewish identity in Eastern with an additional $2+ billion coming from Committee – the Joint Europe and developed an innovative welfare Book of Life associated foundations and endowments. JDC is the world’s leading Jewish and relief system for needy elderly and Letter of Intent JFNA services build the capacity of local humanitarian aid organization. It helps Jews Holocaust survivors. Jewish communities, helping Federations learn in need and has done so for more than 100 Today JDC works in some 70 countries from one another, developing affinity groups, years. Its work reaches beyond the Jewish to alleviate hunger and hardship, rescue and providing training, collateral materials and community, providing immediate relief for Jews in danger, create lasting connections seed funding for innovation. JFNA also brings victims of natural and man-made disasters, and to Jewish life, and help Israel overcome

Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks Non-Profit Organization together community leaders and serves as a long-term development assistance worldwide.Jewish Cultural Center, PO Box 14925 the social challenges of its U.S.most Postage PAID vulnerable Reading, PA 19612-4925 Permit No. 2 readingjewishcommunity.org Reading, PA leading advocate in the fields of caregiving, JDC was founded during WorldChange War Service Requested I, citizens, both Jewish and non-Jewish. aging, philanthropy, disability, foreign policy, Enriching Lives homeland security and health care. Volume 47, No. 7 September 2017 Elul 5777-Tishri 5778 In Washington, JFNA lobbies to secure $10 billion in public funds that flow to ShalomThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Community published by09 the Jewish Federation 17 of Reading/Berks Jewish communities. Funds that support A newspaper serving the Jewish community of Berks County, thousands of agencies serving people of all Your Federation Supports: Pennsylvania, andJewish published Education monthly, September through June, under backgrounds, including hospitals, nursing Food Pantry 2017 totals the Jewish FederationFriendship Circle of Reading/Berks. Funded by the Annual Jewish homes, community centers, family and Chevra as of Sept. 15 children’s service agencies, and vocational Community Campaign.Community Shabbat Reading Jewish Film Series training programs. JFNA partners with the PJ Library General Offices:Jewish Family Service 1100 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 125 Jewish Community government of Israel and a variety of agencies Jewish Cultural Center Lakin Holocaust Library Wyomissing, PA 19610 Campaign to secure the Jewish State; helping the most & Resource Center Phone: Israel & Overseas 610-921-0624 FAX: 610-929-0886 vulnerable groups, including immigrants and Camp Scholarships $250,633 Holocaust survivors; and strengthen and Web site: Israel Trips www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org Jewish Community *Includes transfers from Donor rebuild Jewish life throughout the world. High School Jewish FederationEmergency of Support Reading Advised Funds The JFNA system identifies, supports Lakin Preschool Chair: Richard J. Yashek Lecture Haia Mazuz and addresses the full range of social service President: Transportation William D. Franklin issues, provides lifesaving humanitarian Maimonides Society Communications YourDirector: Jewish Legacy Mark Nemirow, Editor relief, supports breakthrough programs for 92ND ST Y Programs Proofreaders: Joint Distribution Committee Federation staff all ages, and sustains the Jewish community Meir Panim Annual Campaign today and for future generations. The opinions expressed inJewish Shalom Agency for Israel are of the writers and not the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks Yemin Orde

Jewish Agency for Israel – JAFI School Education Programs Since 1929, the Jewish Agency has been Interfaith Unity Council Israel Advocacy working to secure a vibrant Jewish future. The Youth Events Great Decisions Series Jewish Agency is considered to be the Jewish Jewish Community Relations Council world’s first responder, prepared to address Community Holiday Programs Women’s Philanthropy

emergencies in Israel, and to rescue Jews Jewish Federations from countries where they are at risk. of North America Counseling Services JAFI serves as a main link between Leo Camp Lecture Shabbat B’Yachad October 2017 SHALOM Page 3 From the President’s Desk Taking responsibility for one another By William D. Franklin wide spectrum of political beliefs and counter the growing polarization within We are excited to bring many President Jewish practices. Yet, despite this our Jewish communities and within the interesting and relevant speakers in the As I read the last diversity, our community came together United States. He suggested that we coming year to lead us in constructive Torah portion before and raised over $18,000 for the victims need to encourage civil discourse and learning about the critical issues we are Rosh Hashanah during of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Jewish enter these conversations with humility, facing. Plans for 2018 also include a Shabbat services, I was communities across America raised over i.e. “admitting we may be only 80 percent community celebration of Israel’s 70th struck by its beginning: $18 million for these victims. Here was right and not a 100 percent right” so that birthday and a mission to Israel. Stay “You are standing, all strong evidence of us actualizing this the conversations are constructive. tuned. of you, before your wonderful Jewish value and it reinforced Our future events include our film In the New Year, your Jewish God.” Here, Moses for me the purpose of building and series, which will feature “Hummus” and Federation will work to provide introduces the concept nurturing a strong Jewish community. shared tastings of different hummus educational and entertaining programs of arevut — a community’s responsibility To that end, we recently sponsored recipes with our Muslim friends, and for all ages. As we approach the High of one for another, under which every a community get-together where David “Body and Soul,” a movie followed by a Holidays, Andi and I wish you a happy, Jew is obligated to help every other Jew. Bernstein, President of Jewish Community discussion exploring the relationship of healthy sweet year. In Reading, we are blessed with a Public Affairs (JCPA), discussed ways to African-Americans and American Jews. L’Shanah Tovah. Message from the Chair My family’s strong connection with Israel By Haia Mazuz two sisters living in Israel bear a great while continuing my tour through Kaplan Federation Chair responsibility in helping Mom continue See Page 11 to learn more with Shai. In 1975, I was living in Israel. Best wishes for a to live in her own home. The least I can about Kaplan Medical Center I had moved there after marrying Meir in healthy and happy do is pitch in. So a little bit of museum 1971. My maternal grandfather (opa to new year from myself, visiting (only once this time), theater kind in the Middle East, let alone Israel. his grandchildren) had emigrated to Israel Haia, and my husband attendance (none this time due to a Professor George explained that almost from the US 2 years after my grandmother Meir Mazuz. medical emergency), but lots of time with all the necessary services to practice had died in 1970. He had been taken ill in I’d like to share mom. cutting edge cardiology treatments had 1974 and spent 2 weeks at Tel Hashomer with you details my Kaplan Medical Center at the southern already been implemented at Kaplan. hospital (in Ramat Gan, just north of Tel connections with end of town is owned by Clalit, the Some examples: Aviv) where I visited him several times. Israel and the city of largest of HMOs in Israel. Clalit insures They utilize an intra-arterial camera My mother had flown to Israel since his Rehovot in particular. 52 percent of the Israeli population. The in coronary arteries to ascertain that condition seemed serious even though Meir and I visit family in Israel at least hospital serves a population of about 1 stents were optimally deployed in diabetic the doctors weren’t sure what was wrong. twice yearly. Most of both our families million people yet is considered relatively patients’ blood vessels. Those vessels The conditions at the hospital- live in Israel — surviving parents, aunts, small with roughly 500 beds. tend to be extremely uneven, and sprawling over a large area, different uncles, siblings, nieces, nephews. I knew nothing about Kaplan other challenging for stenting. sections separated by outddor multi-bed Our visit this time was planned around than this is where family from Rehovot Special day treatment centers are wards, all these which I walked through the wedding, on Aug. 23, of my sister went when in need of ER services, available to heart failure sufferers, at Kaplan on Sept. 1 were just as I Judy’s daughter, Yael. Yael Franco is the hospital care, some diagnostic testing not to prevent deteriorating function and remembered them at Tel Hashomer, 43 second of four children, her three siblings available in outpatient clinics. And then I rehospitalization. This is very proactive years ago. being brothers. was educated — Lou Balcher of American medicine and rare to see even here in Kaplan today provides much the same Since we planned to be in Israel in Friends of Kaplan Medical Center was the US. It saves lives, improves quality level of medical care that Tel Hashomer late August, Meir’s brother Haim planned introduced to me. It was an eye opening of life and saves money . does now. the Bat Mitzvah of his Yael, the youngest experience for Meir and I me. We knew The rehab department has been There is a new pediatric care center of his four children, a day before the we wanted to meet with management extraordinarily successful. When patients’ which while smaller, is reminiscent of wedding. So we had the pleasure of and physicians to hear about the plans benefit periods expire for outpatient Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in its “dancing” at two simchas back to back. for new state of the art Cardiology Center. rehab, most would willingly pay out of design. It is not yet completed. In addition we spent time with Meir’s During our next visit to Israel we were pocket to continue there. Those fees are I decided then and there I would do mother. She is 95 and living at home with unable to schedule such a visit. And this high enough to generate a profit for the my utmost to help Kaplan in its goals for her youngest daughter. Meir returned to time again Meir didn’t find the time. So I hospital, but for now most available time the future- investing in revamping the home and work after nine days. set up a meeting with chief of Cardiology, slots are needed for recently discharged campus to provide the best possible care I stayed on to spend two additional Professor Jakob George (Kobi) and patients. for the citizens of South Central Israel. weeks with my mother Erika, age 89. assistant to the CEO, Shai Alderoty for Despite delivering outstanding There is a long term goal for the entire Mom lives in a small apartment on Sunday, Sept. 1, at 9 a.m. (CEO Carlos medical care, efficiency is sacrificed by medical center. But long term goals are the 20th story of the tallest high-rise in Gruzman was away at the time.) lack of centralization. A cardiac patient met incrementally. Rehovot. On that morning I sent Shai a text needing an MRI or CT scan is wheeled Building a cardiac center will address She lives alone but close to my sister message that I would not need the through long walkways or corridors to the health issues of a large number of Mimi (a half-mile) and not very far from parking space he had offered me when get to the imaging department. Wards patients. Heart disease is still the number Judy in Jerusalem (an hour if traffic isn’t I came to meet with him because I had have multiple patients per room and one killer in the developed world. horrible). spent the night sleeping at Kaplan after multiple rooms share toilets and showers There is so much more to tell about Her building is situated only a few my mother was admitted. I already had throughout the hospital. this “little engine that could”. Nov. 8 blocks south of the Weizman Institute of a space. The surgeon who admitted her Meticulous planning and thought had Carlos Gruzman (CEO), Shai Alderoty, Science, a powerhouse among Israeli said he hoped it would be no longer than been given to the layout of the floors and Professor George will be in Reading research institutions. Rehovot is less than two days, for IV antibiotics and to monitor of the new center. Economies of scale hoping to enlist your attention as they 20 miles south of Tel Aviv. Its population her condition. drove it. I was shown a scaled model explain their mission. Consider joining is around 132,000. Thus I began my most recent — not of a building or fancy shell- but of the conversation — be you part of the My parents made Aliyah to Rehovot acquaintance with Kaplan hospital by all the floors, rooms, nursing units, test medical community or not. from New York City in early 1985, after spending a few hours on Shabbat in centers- all the operations portions of I am reminded of the years I lived in my father, then 67, underwent bypass the ER and then a night on the surgical the center. Each floor was on a separate New York City — the first time I visited surgery. At the time the decision was ward. Previous experiences had included model- and I could see how things Liberty Island and climbed the Statue of made that they sell their retail business accompanying my mother to various aligned horizontally and vertically. This Liberty was when family and friends from and retire to Israel. Dad had long wished test centers over the past several years functionality is what Professor George Israel came to the U.S.. I hadn’t taken to live in Israel. My mother was 56. Meir and another ER visit when she was not passionately presented. much interest in seeing it until then. So and I and our two older children had admitted. Prior to that my father had Walking through the various much of what is unique about Rehovot moved to Reading a year and a half spent his last days in Kaplan’s internal sections of the current heart center remained at arms length, despite my earlier, from Iowa (where he finished his medicine ward, having been admitted what profoundly impressed me was being there frequently over more than cardiology fellowship). due to aspiration pneumonia (at age 82). that Professor George was greeted 30 years. They had chosen Rehovot because Shai came to the room and introduced everywhere, whether by physicians, So much of what is unique about my sister Mimi had settled there after himself to my mother. He inquired why I technicians, nurses, ancillary the Reading Jewish Community was studying to be a nutritionist at the Hebrew hadn’t called him about our visit to the employees, or patients- with warm explained to me by someone who was a University Faculty of Agriculture, Food ER the day before. My reply was that wonderful smiling faces. It was very newcomer to this community four years and Environment in Rehovot. everything went smoothly so we felt no evident that this doctor had great ago. He held up the mirror. Mom and Dad had two daughters in need to have him intervene. It was not personal relations with all around him. I often refrain from submitting an article the U.S. and two in Israel. Financially, busy at the ER. And while I was mightily impressed at to the Shalom from the chairmanship. You Israel was far more affordable for their He made certain all her needs all the cutting-edge procedures brought are a warm and generous community. meager retirement income than New were met. From there we proceeded to to Kaplan by Kobi George — without What else needs to be said? I thank you York City. Two additional reasons to Professor George’s office. the evidence which I felt and observed for the privilege of chairing this board. settle there. I was meeting with the team to hear of a caring compassionate heart in a We’ll continue working together on Most of my time in Israel after Meir about plans for building a state of the physician, patients would not be best reaching out and building new leadership. flew back home, was dedicated to being cardiology center at Kaplan. It would be served. L’shana Tova Tikateivu V’ techateimu ומתחתו ובתכת הבוט הנשל with my family, Mom in particular. The the most comprehensive center of its I had a strange sense of nostalgia Page 4 SHALOM October 2017 Enjoy the international flavor of hummus

By Amanda J. Hornberger Family Restaurant. Come try out some of What delicious superfood has the power the many various recipes for hummus and to bring Muslims, Christians and Jews find your favorite! together, not to mention secret recipes The 2018 Reading Jewish Film Series and a Guinness World Record? Hummus, is co-sponsored by the Rubin Educational of course! Fund of the Jewish Federation of Reading Beyond the mystique and competition, and Fox Theatres. Admission is $5 per beyond arguments over who makes the film or $30 for the series of seven films. best hummus and even beyond religious All films will be shown on Wednesday and political divides, “Hummus! The Movie” evenings at 7 p.m. at FOX EAST. Tickets showcases the personal stories of the can be purchased at the theater beginning colorful men and women who simply live at 6:30 p.m. the day of the screening, and their lives and love their hummus. This series tickets can be bought at the JCC. lighthearted documentary is the next film in Cash and checks are accepted. the 2018 Reading Jewish Film Series and The complete list of dates and films for will be shown on Wednesday, November the 2018 Reading Jewish Film Series can 1 at 7 p.m. at FOX EAST, 4350 Perkiomen be found below: Avenue, Exeter Township (next to Boscov’s Nov. 1 — “Hummus! The Movie”* with African American Museum East). the Islamic Center of Reading April 4 — “Fanny’s Journey” In partnership with the Islamic Center Dec. 13 — “There are Jews Here” May 16 — “The Venice Ghetto, 500 of Reading, there will be a complimentary Jan. 24 — “The Women’s Balcony” Years of Life”* hummus tasting following the film March 7 — “Body & Soul: An American screening, courtesy of the Wyomissing Bridge”* with the Central Pennsylvania *Special event following screening Join us this fall for series of free, fun Movie Mondays By Amanda J. Hornberger the four generations of a Jewish and two others, attempts to rob the time operator who befriends a young Come enjoy cinematic treats at immigrant family that created Russ bank where his deceased father had politician at a low point in his life. the JCC! We will continue hosting and Daughters, a Lower East Side worked. This comedy of errors was Three years later, when the politician Movie Mondays this fall, on the lox and herring emporium. a big hit in our 2015 Reading Jewish becomes an influential world leader, first Monday of each month, free of On Nov. 6 join Patrick Stewart Film Series. Norman’s life dramatically changes charge. So gather your friends and in the Israeli comedy “Hunting Finally, on Dec.2 we’ll see the for better and worse. visit to the JCC! Elephants.” Shown in English and new drama “Norman: The Moderate All films will be shown at 2 p.m. at We’ll kick the series off on Oct. Hebrew with subtitles, the film Rise and Tragic Fall of a New the JCC. Popcorn will be provided. 2 with “The Sturgeon Queens.” follows Jonathan, a 12-year-old York Fixer,” starring Richard Gere. We hope to see you for Movie This American documentary follows boy, whom with his grandfather Norman Oppenheimer is a small Mondays this fall! Experience a re-created wooden synagogue in film

By Amanda J. Hornberger Filmmakers Yari Wolinsky the film captures the echoes of College is happy to sponsor this Follow the journey of Rick and and Cary Wolinsky go behind World War II while revealing an special FREE screening of Raise Laura Brown as they reconstruct the the scenes to reveal the Browns’ optimistic and creative time in the Roof. The screening will take elaborate roof and painted ceiling of decade-long endeavor to re- Jewish history that has been lost. place in the Klein Lecture Hall

Center Jewish Cultural the Gwoździec synagogue, an 18th create a nearly lost piece of Polish At one time, there were some 200 (Center for the Arts) at Albright. century structure that rivals the Jewish history. This briskly paced wooden synagogues across the Seating is limited to 75 and is 92nd St. Y Programs greatest wooden architecture in detective tale examines how the Polish-Lithuanian countryside. first-come, first serve. Game Nights history, in the documentary “Raise synagogue was built, who built it, None survived destruction during If you have questions or the Roof.” The film will be screened and why. With the Browns leading the Nazi occupation of Poland. need directions, please contact Community Shabbat at Albright College on Wednesday, more than 300 students and The Lakin Holocaust Library Amanda at amandah@jfreading. Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. professionals from 16 countries, and Resource Center at Albright org or 610-921-0624. Reading Jewish Film Series

Great Decisions Interfaith Mitzvah Day CASTING CALL! Yom Ha’atzmaut

PJ Library “Trial of Aaron”

PJ Our Way Saturday, Nov. 18 at RCOS

Leo Camp Lecture No acting experience or Tech Tuesday memorization is required. Attend Yom Hazikaron two rehearsals to learn the details of Art Exhibits the script, characters, and situation.

Yom Hashoah “Trial of Aaron” will take place at RCOS on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. Annual Meeting and Picnic

Purim Carnival Cast: Joshua, the judge Richard J. Yashek Bailiff Memorial Lecture Hur, the prosector Kristallnacht Remembrance Milcah, Aaron’s attorney

Youth Events Eldad, an elder, witness for the prosecution, expert on the Ten Commandments Purim Masquerade Party Azubah, a gentle 18-year-old-girl, intern Bridge in Milcah’s office Chevra Imnah, a Levite, witness for the Mahjong prosecution, hostile to Moses and Aaron Trips to NYC/Philadelphia Aaron, the defendant Lakin Holocaust Library Foreman of the jury

& Resource Center Interested? Please contact Amanda at Shabbat B’yachad [email protected] or 610-921-0624 Community Calendar October 2017 SHALOM Page 5 JCHS celebrates a Sephardic Rosh Hashanah By Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner Students of the Reading Jewish Community High School celebrated Rosh Hashanah with a unique “snack” experience: an especially Sephardic approach to the symbols that are placed on the Rosh Hashanah dining table. Some symbols are deliberately chosen in order to the first time that they are eaten in a while, and thus they justify also the recitation of the “shehechiyanu” blessing after the appropriate food “berakha” (blessing), especially on the second day of the holiday. These are foods that are also puns on the Hebrew name or text associated with each that also reflect the spirit and attitude of Rosh Hashanah season, and some continue throughout the “Ten Days of Repentance.” For example, “beets” in Aramaic is “silka. ” It sounds like the Hebrew word “siluk,” which means “removal.” Therefore, a “kavannah” — or “kavvanot” in plural — is a statement reflecting our intention and mindset for the celebration of the season. In this case Chase Weizer, left, enjoys a hat made by classmates who put his illustration page from Shira Simon’s American we recite: “Yehi ratzon milfanecha Adonai Jewish Experience class to good use. At right, Jamie Zamrin gets a look at some of the symbols of the Sephardic Eloeinu she istalku oyevenu,” “May it be High Holiday Seder. your will Eternal God that our enemies will be removed.” it be Your will, God, that our merits increase. blessings recited. Some Sephardi or Mizrachi Jews were (Rubia resembles the word for increase, Watch for announcements. accustomed to placing a fish head or even yirbu.) Instead of string beans, Jews from Oct. 15 Schedule for JCHS a ram’s head on the table — cooking the Libya mix sugar and sesame seeds to On Oct. 15 JCHS will meet at Reform brains separately for the meal – and reciting a symbolize plenty, because the grains are so Congregation Oheb Sholom for classes, kavvanah to symbolize our wish to be heads, tiny and numerous that they can’t be counted. beginning at 5:30. Class length will be not tails; leaders, not stragglers. Baghdadi Before eating pumpkin or gourd (k’ra): adjusted to encourage students to attend Jews were uncomfortable with the fish-head May it be Your will, God, to tear away all the community presentation at 7 p.m. by and discontinued with it because the Hebrew evil decrees against us, as our merits are Tamara Wittes, the speaker at this year’s for fish is “dag” and is related to the Hebrew proclaimed before you. (K’ra resembles the Annual Leadership Dinner and the following h Education for “worry.” words for “tear” and “proclaimed.”) community lecture. Vegetarians re-enact this Seder with a Before eating spinach or beetroot leaves Bio-ethics and Jewish values “head” of lettuce, cabbage or cauliflower, as (selek): May it be Your will, God, that all We addressed recently the sale of we did with the teenagers. the enemies who might beat us will retreat, exotic animal skin kippot (“yarmulkes”). Other fruit and vegetable symbols and we will beat a path to freedom (Selek The Jewish Telegraphic News Agency blessed and eaten, generally before reciting resembles the word for retreat, yistalku). reported that for a few days, exotic animal- “hamotzi” include: Before eating leeks, chives, or scallions skin kippas were something of a sensation • Pomegranates are said to have 613 (karti): May it be Your will, God, that our in Israel, some selling for $1,000 each. seeds, the same number as mitzvot in the enemies be cut off. (Karti resembles yikartu, Curious locals and journalists rushed Torah. On Rosh Hashanah we eat a fresh the word for “cut off.”) Jews from Persia tear to a Judaica store in the Old City here pomegranate preceded by the blessing:“Yehi the scallions and throw them behind their to marvel at the new luxury-marketed Ratzon Mil’fa’necha, Adonai Eloheinu She backs and over their shoulders. Sometimes crocodile, python, and cowhide Jewish nirbeh zechuyot ke rimon.” “May if be your they then even say the actual names of the head coverings. Our class wondered about will that may we be as full of mitzvot as the enemies they want to destroy. the appropriateness of supporting the sale ewi s pomegranate is full of seeds.” Kitchen plans of such expensive head-coverings for a • Before eating the carrots (g’zar): May Plans are in place for special hands- Jewish event or celebration. Another asked it your will, God, that the pronouncement on evening sessions ­— requested by the whether animals died just for the sake of J (“g’zaerah”) against us be turned to include us students each year — in the kitchen for their skins for this use, or was a creative in the Book of Life; we provided hummus for holiday “goodies.” Current plans have person taking advantage of skins and hides reserved time for us in the RCOS kitchen which otherwise could not be used. We the carrots to dip as a modern snack touch. Camp Scholarships • Before eating dates (tamar): May it be for Hanukkah, Purim and pre-Passover. addressed the dilemma of using animals your will, God, that enmity will end. (Tamar Program plans have been published by Rabbi for human advantage, especially for food, Israel Trips Dov with countless downloads in past years and we considered the use of non-kosher resembles the word for end, yitamu.) Jewish Community • Before eating pomegranate: May we and now we will be able to offer for each animals for observant Jews — e.g. pig holiday one of these “scrumptious” recipes valves in medicine, pig skin for shoes. be as full of mitzvot as the pomegranate is High School full of seeds. – and variations as the students develop. Rabbi Dov shared an essay written Dr. • Before eating apple: May it be Your will, Of course, the learning component is the Asher Meir, who writes widely on Jewish Lakin Preschool basis for the holiday celebration, the history values and principles in Jewish ethics, a God, to renew for us a good and sweet year. Better Together • Before eating string beans (rubia): May behind the recipe(s) being used and the contemporary expert but not the only opinion on these subjects - Animal Suffering: The Jewish View. He raised the competing values of animals and human beings, the degree of their cognitive and emotional competence, concluding that animals and people are kindred spirits, but far from equals, in his WYOMISSING OPTOMETRIC CENTER opinion. Thereafter, we considered another case: The Best Care In Sight! Doctors at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical 24/7 Medical Eye Emergencies Refractive Surgery Co­management Center successfully operated on a Palestinian Comprehensive Vision Care Glenn S. Corbin, OD Vision Therapy/Orthoptics man from the Gaza Strip suffering from a rare Post Concussion Syndrome Low Vision Rehabilitation Kerry J. Burrell, OD disease known as “tree man syndrome.” He Specialty Contact Lenses Color Blindness Glasses Karen L. Heaney, OD could not find treatment anywhere else in the Diabetic Retinopathy Macular Degeneration Heidi L. Sensenig, OD, MS Middle East. Pediatric Eye Care Routine Eye Care Michael D. Burkhart, OD Mohammed Taluli, 42, arrived at the Contact Lenses Glaucoma Optical Services Amanda S. Legge, OD Cataracts hospital with large growths on his hand, Orthokeratology Perry C. Umlauf, OD Infection caused by complications from human Allergy wyo-opto.com Dry Eye papillomavirus infection, which can be cancerous. WYOMISSING DOUGLASSVILLE MYERSTOWN JCHS students were also urged to 50 Berkshire Court 1050 Benjamin Franklin Hwy. W. 356 West Main Avenue speak soon with their parents and personal Wyomissing, PA 19610 Douglassville, PA 19518 Myerstown, PA 17067 physicians about multiple vaccinations Phone: 610­374­3134 Phone: 610­385­4333 Phone: 717­866­1400 against infections with HPV types 16 and 18, two high-risk HPVs that cause about 70 percent of cervical cancers and an even higher percentage of some of the other HPV- associated cancers . Page 6 SHALOM October 2017 New concept in continuing at home for seniors

By Sari Incledon, M.Ed. Wellness is the primary focus of nonrefundable membership fee ranges Pathstones Pathstones, and the goal is that members from $35,000-$64,000, and members by Phoebe is a live at home for as long as possible using pay a monthly fee from $411-$454, new program in monitoring, intervention and preventative depending upon which plan they pick. Berks County that programming. A wellness coordinator helps To enroll, members must be relatively provides continuing Pathstone members to proactively navigate healthy and independent at time of

e care at home for current healthcare needs and includes diet enrollment. The application process Independent adults and nutrition assessments as well as home includes a medical review, financial who prefer to age safety and medication evaluations. As evaluation and home assessment. at home instead of more care is needed Pathstones provides The fees for Pathstones offer tax c moving to a retirement comprehensive services similar to those benefits and there are discounts for existing

i community. People offered by long-term care communities. long term care policies and for couples and who choose this type of program do not want These may include in-home nursing multiple plans are offered. Membership to burden friends and family with caregiving. care, companionship, live-in support, services are portable throughout the United They hope to avoid needing a nursing transportation to and from medically States so snowbirds could benefit from this v home and are interested in preserving necessary appointments, physical therapy program. their financial assets. Joining Pathstones and medication management all while If you are interested in learning more

r provide guaranteed lifetime (medically members live in the comfort of their own about this program you can contact related) services. In Pennsylvania four homes. Pathstones by Phoebe’s membership other cities have Patestones programs Like retirement communities coordinator Cindy Moser at 610-794-6700 operating and it is overseen by state with a buy-in fee, memberships or [email protected] or call me at 610- e regulations. are not inexpensive. The one-time 921-0624.

Sharing the holiday’s sweetness S l y i m a F Volunteers key to success h at monthly JFS Food Pantry

By Carole Robinson and assisted clients in selecting Jewish Family Service and bagging food items. Their operates a monthly Food assistance is invaluable, and Pantry at the Olivet Clubhouse their kindness is appreciated in Pendora Park. The by our clients. groceries purchased from the If you would like to Greater Berks Food Bank are contribute food to help needy supplemented by donations of families in Berks County, JFS canned and packaged food. In accepts donations of canned order to receive food, families goods, pasta, cereal and other must have an income based on nonperishable food items. We

ewi s federal poverty guidelines. In also collect plastic grocery September, we supplied 8,000 bags to use at our pantry. We pounds of food to 164 families. have donation bins located at Jewish Federation delivered baskets of apples and honey

J This accomplishment would the JCC and at Lakin Early to 10 nonprofits throughout the city of Reading with the not have been possible without Education Center. If you would message, “have a sweet, healthy and happy year and join the dedication of our 25 Food like to volunteer at our food Food Pantry us in our celebration of Rosh Hashanah!” Pictured are the Pantry volunteers. They helped pantry, please contact Sari at staff at Olivets Pendora Clubhouse receiving their apples. carry in the boxes of food, set [email protected] or 610- Friendship Circle it up on tables, opened boxes, 921-0624. Counseling Services

Transportation Financial Assistance Jewish Family Service recommends … Hospital and Home Visitations Family Friendly Animal Fun Living with Loss

Information and Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, Halifax, Pa., features exotic animals and safari tours

Referral Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown, features North and South American animals

Case Management ------

Holiday Programs Two free petting zoos, both serving ice cream: Oley Turnpike Dairy, Oley Turnpike Road at Route 662, Oley Hayloft Candles and Petting Zoo, Leola, Lancaster County October 2017 SHALOM Page 7 JFS promotes activities for all generations

Special thanks to our PJ Library participants for putting together 60 apple and honey care packages to be delivered to our seniors at Friendship Circle and in nursing homes for Rosh Hashanah. Above, PJ Library participants are pictured with Pennsylvania Honey Queen Kayla Fusselman, who led our program on Sept. 10. At left, our youngest volunteer delivers packages to a senior citizen.

Rabbi Brian Michelson of Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom welcomes the New Year with a discussion The Better Together program connecting local teenagers and senior citizens is back for another year at our of High Holiday traditions at Friendship Circle. Jewish Community High School. Please contact the Federation office if you’d like to participate.

Jewish Family Service programs 2017 Planning for Retirement

If you are planning to retire in the near future, our two informational programs can help you make important decisions.

At the Jewish Cultural Center 1100 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing

Wednesday, November 8 at 7pm Wednesday, November 15 at 7pm “Basic Introduction to “Maximizing Social Security Medicare” Benefits” Speaker: Phyllis Dessel, community volunteer, Speaker: Earl Schultz Retired from Berks County Area Office of Aging Strategic Wealth Advisory, Birdsboro Learn the following: Learn about all the parts of Medicare: Strategies to maximize your benefits Medicare Part A- hospital insurance How benefits are calculated: how to coordinate benefits with your spouse Medicare Part B- medical insurance Common mistakes that may cost retirees thousands in lifetime benefits Medicare Part C- Medicare Advantage plans What the new law means for your social security decision Medicare Part D- prescription drug plans

These events are FREE and ALL are invited to attend! Minimum registration is required. Please RSVP to Sari Incledon (610) 921-0624 or email [email protected] “Maximizing Social Security Benefits” RSVP by October 28 “Basic Introduction to Medicare” RSVP by November 7 Page  Shalom March 2010 Community News Obituaries

Lucy Suzanne Knoblauch L. (Sulman) Moyer. He is also survived Zeidman, 96, Wyomissing. by his daughters, Aileen D., widow Surviving are a son, Bruce F., of Neal H. Endy, of Pennside, and E. husband of Geraldine L. Zeidman, of Roxanne, wife of Les Walker, of Batavia Page 8 SHALOMShillington; a brother, Harry Knoblauch, Ohio; sons, Stan B. , husbandOctober of Kristine 2017 husband of Edith Knoblauch, of Reading; K. Moyer, of Sinking Spring and Jay Obituaries Phyllis W. Knoblauch, 92, of ofa Daniel sister, Ruth Boone Balis Homestead of Wyomissing; and andan H., husband of Margaret R. Moyer, of Reading. Phyllis graduated from activeseveral participant nieces and nephews.of the Janssen Muhlenberg Township. Other survivors Sidney Sokoloff, 91, of Wyomissing Penn State in 1946 and devoted her Conference Center--- at Penn State are grandchildren: Brett A. Endy, Chad and formerly of Philadelphia. Sidney energies to art and fashion design. Berks.Irene S. Zeidman, 62, Wyomissing. M. Endy and Elizabeth K. Moyer; and was a member of the Navy during She received her master’s degree ShePhyllis is survived is survivedby her brother by Bruceher great-grandchildren, Carson N., Logan World War II and an Industrial Plumber with honorsImages at the age from of 80. She daughter,F., husband Amy of Geraldine Knoblauch-Dubin L. Zeidman C., Ardyn N. and Ava L. Endy at the Philadelphia Navy Ship Yard was a voracious reader, a talented andof Shillington. her husband, David, of New --- for many years. He is survived by his artist, sculptorYemin and Orde a lifelong York City; and her --- sons Joel and Shirley Robinson of B’nai B’rith son, Dr. Joel Sokoloff and wife, Lisa, learner.Area Phyllis resident was and recentengaged college with PeterRobert Knoblauch Berger, 54, of Reading. Reading. Apartments. Survived by her Friendship of Exeter Township and his daughter Reading’sgraduate cultural Jessica life. Flamholz She createdsent us OtherHe survivors was the former include spouse her ofthree Lea Circle friends. Sandra Bogin of Michigan. There are workshopsthese pictures for thefrom her1994 recent Native visit grandchildren,Berger, Reading. her brotherHe is survived Fred and by --- also six grandchildren and four great- Americanto Yemin Festival Orde, anat Israeli the Reading village sistertwo daughters, Ilena and Molly numerous R. Berger, nieces State Louis Malamud, 95, formerly grandchildren. Museum,for children was head and youth of the supported Friends andCollege, nephews. and Bethany S. Berger, of Temple. He is survived by a son, by our Federation. Reading; and one brother, Dr. Barry M. Mitchel, husband of Laura Malamud, Berger, husband of Kathleen A. Vieweg, of Las Vegas; grandchildren Barry Boston, Mass. husband of Johna Malamud, Deborah --- Babbit-Malamud and Sheri Malamud; All Around the Town______David Moyer, 85, Reading. and great-grandchildren: Jessy Babbit, By MazelJoan G. Tov Friedman to Rabbi Matthew birthBadal ,of who Gavin has receivedHayes onthe Sept.honor 3.of Davi He Wernick is survived to by Brian his wife, and Marjorie Joy Carly Malmud and Ian Malamud. AbelsonCongratulations and Dr. Shirito Korey Cohen Blanck on Delightedbeing chosen parents as the Childare Brooke Advocate and of Wernick. theirand to engagement. Edith Blanck on the birth of Zachthe Year Pistelli for the Stateof Manassas, of Pennsylvania. Va. *** their new granddaughter*** and great- *** PlanWe love for good your news Bar/Bat about members Mitzvah of & Wedding Guests! granddaughter!Congratulations to new MazelBest wishes tov toto our grandparents Berks County our community! Please share it by emailing grandparents Ellice*** and Rich Corinneathletes competing and Andy in the Wernick 2010 Maccabi and [email protected]. GunterMazel Tovand to greatthe Bluestone grandmother Family: greatGames: grandparents Esther and Shalom Newspaper (Joan Friedman) ToMiriam David andNeugroschel Marianna on theiron newthe SidEmily Bratt & Jaredon the Baksic birth, swimming of Ethan Until next time: Shalom! daughter and to grandparents Eric and Andrew Blickle, basketball 5” (2 col.) x 7” Marissa. Matthew Eisenberg, swimming Questions? *** Hannah and Alexis Glassmire, Contact Jodi Gibble, Marketing Director 2017-18Congratulations Jewish to Charles andCommunity swimming Calendar Corrections/Updates Brenda Diamond on the engagement Brandon Missan, soccer READING The Highlands at Wyomissing of Addtheir son Brett and to grandfather Al 2801 Papermill Road 2000 Cambridge Ave., Wyomissing, PA 1910 DiamondJaime .Komeni – add Birdsboro 19508 Wyomissing, Pennsylvania 10-288-3405 *** Until next time: Shalom! RichardMazel Tov Simons to Rosalind – 539 Hyman Spring and St., Reading[Email allPA your 19601 simcha – 484-258-4211news to joan@ GROUP RATES AVAILABLE her daughter, Attorney.Cathy Hyman friedman.net] Change of Address Call Alice for a Site Tour Paul and JoKEEP Cohn – UP 18 WITHTimberline THE Drive, COMMUNITY Wyomissing 19610 (610) 736-2082 ✦ www.reading.homewoodsuites.com MarshaVisit Goldberg www.readingjewishcommunity.org – 3000 Windmill Road – Rm. 13B, Sinking Spring 19608 Joel Knoblauch – 619 Walnut Street, Reading 19601 Daniel and Stephanie Kuppersmith – 103 Oak Street, Collegeville 19426 Alan and Marjorie Leisawitz – 8 Franklin Court, Newton, CT 06470 II hadhad nono idea!idea! Phone number correction II hadhad nono idea!idea! ou’ve worked hard to accumulate your wealth. We hear this again and again from residents of The Highlands. Joel and Marsha Adelman – 610-780-5063 Korey Blanck – 610-468-3269 Trust it to someone who will work even harder to • People are so friendly. Claire GreenfogelY – 610-743-5958 grow your assets and provide you with peace of mind • There’s so much for me to do. Deceased • I love the independence and as you plan for the future. From financial planning and Kenneth Goodman Shirley Jacobs Phyllis Knoblauch Sidney Sokoloff privacy at The Highlands. investment management to custom credit solutions, • I don’t worry about my future. deposit products and more. Clermont Wealth Strategies • Dining is like a fine restaurant. • My kids are so glad I’m here. – personal, focused and highly confidential. • I feel like I’m at a resort. • This was a smart and valuable

EnGage C ommunity News financial decision. 2017 Shalom • They do things first class. Financial Planning Comprehensive Investment Management in new friendships. • I wish I’d moved here sooner. Custom Credit Solutions Bank Deposit & Convenience Products Contributors • I love it here! Wealth Preservation & Transfer Services Retirement Planning We wishCome to thank tour the The Highlands. followingFind out membersfirst hand why it is the best place for retirement living. CLERMONT WEALTH STRATEGIES of our community for AT Iftheir you’re generous exploring options support and choices forof your Shalom, retirement in years, addition be sure to call us for a tour. You too can be a part of thisto wonderful those lifestyle.listed in We our have every- 1.866.332.8393 thing Septemberfrom a studio apartment issue to gracious cottages. We would love to meet you clermontwealth.com and answer your questions. SPONSOR $118 - $153 Securities and Insurance Products: Paul & Solange Mintz Not FDIC-Insured • Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency Call for lunch and a tour today. No Financial Institution Guarantee • May lose value • Not a deposit 10-775-2300 SUPPORTER $36 - $71 EQUAL HOUSING www.thehighlands.org OPPORTUNITY +++++ Ellen & Don Abramson Tali Fox Bernard & Toby K. Mendelsohn 610-775-2300 2000 Cambridge Ave. Valerian & Svetlana Popov Wyomissing At The Highlands

TheHighlands.org A member of Reading Health System October 2017 SHALOM Page 9 Israel endures, and Israel prospers By Rabbi Matthew Abelson recognize that “the truth is, we are all living new picture, in September Prime Minister Kesher Zion Synagogue in Israel. It’s just that some of us haven’t Benjamin Netanyahu became the first Israeli The Yamim Noraim realized it yet,” as the public intellectual Sam prime minister to visit Latin America. The is a period that allows Harris wrote in July 2014. heads of state in Argentina, Colombia, and us to reflect on the While they never stood alone, Israelis Mexico received him graciously. many facets of being relied primarily on one another. Indeed Israel While the acute period of teshuva Jewish. One of the most still faces threats, but it has demonstrated (repentance) — the ten days between Rosh profound facets of being that it can endure persistent violent attack Hashana and Yom Kippur — has concluded, Jewish is the tie that and international defamation. In the last year teshuva is not complete until Simchat Torah. we feel to the state of alone, in fact, Israel elevated its diplomatic I encourage you to include in your teshuva a Israel. Because Israel relations with numerous countries. To wit, re-visiting of your relationship to the Jewish is such an enormous 1) while still not public, Israel’s ties with state. Do not allow a concept of perfection to source of joy and pride for me, I’d like to several Sunni Arab states have developed be the enemy of the good. Israel embodies share with you some of my thoughts about privately in ways unimaginable a decade goodness in a way that promotes the the Jewish state. ago; 2) Prime Minister of India Narendra possibility of humanity, redemption, and — During the 1990s, when I was a teenager, Modi’s three day trip to Israel during the yes — shalom (peace). Wondrously, Israel I remember the horror I felt when I would week of July 2 —‚ the first-ever to Israel by endures and Israel prospers. American Jews come downstairs to the breakfast table and an Indian PM — highlighted the increasingly ought to decide that in the coming year, they see on the front page of the newspaper a close relations between India and Israel; 3) in will participate in that endurance and that report about yet another suicide bombing early September, the new Secretary-General prosperity rather than remain indifferent, in Israel. The Oslo peace process had of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, aloof – or God forbid – critical-to-the-point-of- been underway since September 1993, but visited Israel and promised that under his unloving-and-unsupportive. For Judaism, the al News instead of reconciliation with its neighbors, leadership, the UN would seek to be more Jewish people, and the Torah’s teaching to Israel suffered a rash of one of the most impartial toward Israel, which has suffered continue, Israel must endure. Let us commit pernicious forms of terrorism seen anywhere discriminatory treatment in the General ourselves in this corner of the Diaspora to

n in the world. Assembly, the Human Rights Council, doing our part to strengthen the present and Israelis’ capacity for endurance allowed and UNESCO; and 4) rounding out the future of the Jewish state. them to withstand that assault. During that decade, many Europeans and some October � Tishri- Cheshvan o Americans thought that if they propitiated the Arab and Muslim worlds and sided against Israel, they would be spared the same Shabbat Candle Lightings Torah Portions assaults. European public opinion turned t i progressively against Israel, and European October 4 October 5/Tishri 15 leaders frequently suggested that terrorism (Erev of first day of Sukkot) Sukkot was simply the outcome of Israel’s military 6:23 p.m. 7:19 p.m.

a and civilian presence in Judea and Samaria, October 6 October 7/Tishri 17 commonly known as the occupation of the 6:20 p.m. Chol HaMo’ed Sukkot (Exodus 33:12-34:26) West Bank. The record of American Jews during October 11 October 12/Tishri 22

g the 1990s was, unfortunately, mixed. While Hoshana Rabbat Shemini Atzeret the American Jewish community publicly 6:12 p.m. 7:09 p.m.

stood by Israel when Hamas or Fatah, the October 13 October 14/Tishri 24 dominant faction in the Palestinian Authority, e Simchat Torah B’reisheet (Genesis 1:1-6:8) committed or incited a terrorist act, a 7:43 p.m. component of American Jewry allowed the r headlines of major media outlets to guide October 20 October 21/Cheshvan 1 5:58 p.m. Noach (Genesis 6:9:11:32) them in their view of Israel. Frightened of

terrorism, they postponed visiting Israel – sometimes indefinitely. October 27 October 28/Cheshvan 8 g When Al-Qaeda struck the twin towers at 5:49 p.m. Lech-Lecha (Genesis 12:1-17:27) the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, Americans received a bitter taste of what

Israelis had endured for more than eight years. In the months that followed the attack, a newfound empathy developed among Americans who had otherwise not been particularly moved by the rash of suicide

bombings perpetrated against Israelis during the 1990s. Americans recognized that jihad and Islamist terror did not merely target the

C o n Jewish state of Israel, but the United States too. During the last three years, the sense Chabad of solidarity with Israel that characterized Kesher Zion post-9/11 America returned. Terrorist attacks in a host of European and American cities Reform Congregation — including Paris, London, San Bernardino, Orlando, and Barcelona — led many to Oheb Sholom

LOCAL CONGREGATIONS AND SERVICE TIMES REFORM CONGREGATION OHEB SHOLOM (610) 375-6034 Wednesday, Oct. 4: Erev Sukkot service, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6: 6 p.m., followed by dinner in the Sukkah Saturday, Oct. 7: Tot Shabbat at 4 p.m. at Oley Turnpike Dairy Wednesday, Oct. 11: Simchat Torah/Consecration, 7 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 13, 20 and 27: 7:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28: Sophia Horowitz Bat Mitzvah, 4 p.m. CHABAD CENTER OF BERKS COUNTY (610) 921-0881 Saturday mornings: 9:30 a.m.; Friday evenings: 6:30 p.m. KESHER ZION SYNAGOGUE (610) 374-1763 Thursday and Friday, Oct. 5-6: Sukkot service, 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 12: Shemini Atzeret, 9:30 a.m.; Simchat Torah, 7:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13: Simchat Torah service, 9:30 a.m. Other Weekly services Saturdays: 9:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. at Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, 555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing CONGREGATION SHOMREI HABRITH Page 10 SHALOM October 2017 Immigrant from Iran thrives thanks to Yemin Orde

Yemin Orde graduate Erez Hakiki arrived Erez is a frequent visitor at Yemin Orde in Israel at the age of 16 from Tehran, Iran, and remains in close contact with staff. with little more than a dream for a Jewish He often returns to speak with its youth life as a proud and productive Israeli. and, as a graduate, reminds them to study With no Hebrew language skills or hard and remain hopeful for a bright future. family to help and encourage him, Erez While attending college, Erez received was welcomed at Yemin Orde Youth Village financial assistance from Yemin Orde at the where he received the emotional and its Graduates Day ceremony, an important academic support he needed to learn, gain annual program that provides academic confidence and thrive. scholarships and financial assistance to Yemin Orde is supported by local dollars alumni in times of need. through the Jewish Federation of Reading’s “Yemin Orde helped me build the moral Israel Now campaign. and value-laden life I wanted. I am honored Erez studied hard at Yemin Orde and to share this vision with other youth,” he became involved in many of the Village’s said. extracurricular activities. He learned to play Erez said, even today, he must often work the drums in its music program and was twice as hard as his Israel-born counterparts an active volunteer throughout the year. in writing reports. He is grateful for the Even during the summer months when strength of character he developed at Yemin most students would leave the Village, Erez Orde and enjoys sharing his experiences remained at Yemin Orde to assist disabled with the next generation. youth who attended a unique recreational “For me, Yemin Orde is special because program. its support doesn’t stop after you finish high “Yemin Orde connected me to my school. The Village continues to support all of Judaism and to Israel. I also appreciate how Technology, where he received a B.A. in its graduates who have a dream,” said Erez. the Village helped me connect to my cultural Engineering and Education. His college “It is important to share my experiences heritage,” Erez said. “I received the greatest degree enabled Erez to enter Israel’s Navy with other Persian Jewish communities so gift that could be — an education. I learned as an officer, where he continues to serve, they can learn about Yemin Orde and feel to not give up on my dreams — to go for it!” full-time, as an ammunitions expert. Today, connected to the land of Israel.” Following high school graduation, Erez is fluent in Hebrew and Farsi and holds Erez, 34, lives in Jerusalem and is Erez attended the Jerusalem College of the rank of major in the IDF’s Naval forces. married. He has two daughters. Overseas Project brings special volunteers to Meir Panim The Hebrew prophet Isaiah teaches that Rabbi Tuly Weisz, CEO of Israel365, when joy is decreased, increasing our good Jerusalem will be rebuilt through righteous acts volunteered with his wife, Abby; daughter deeds, particularly through giving love and and the giving of charity. To fulfill the words of Shaindee; and a friend. The family expressed care to Israel’s neediest citizens, has special the prophet, the Meir Panim charity organization joy at helping and being able to share meaning.” created a “Vision of Isaiah” project. “Though their bounty with others. Shaindee Weisz Meir Panim’s Jerusalem free restaurant Meir Panim welcomes volunteers all year and her friend distributed decorative and is located near the city’s central bus station round to serve lunch at our free restaurant-style delicious cookies in honor of her bat mitzvah. in order to make it as easy as possible for soup kitchens located throughout Israel, we The 12-year-old wanted to fulfill a Biblical people to get their food. “People need to eat reached out to Members of Knesset, Bridges commandment for this special rite-of-passage a nutritious meal every day,” said Sternbuch. for Peace and newsmakers asking if they would by feeding the hungry and downtrodden. “For many, the meal that the volunteers like to volunteer at this special time of year By fulfilling the “Vision of Isaiah” through serve them is their only food for the day. and, hopefully, help speed the redemption,” feeding Israel’s hungry, Meir Panim brings We do all that we can to ensure that Israel’s said Goldie Sternbuch, Director of Overseas joy to those who experience mournful, hungry impoverished citizens receive daily a proper Relations for Meir Panim. and lonely lives all year round. “Israel’s and delicious hot meal. “The response has been heartwarming poverty-stricken citizens struggle every day Meir Panim is supported by local dollars and participants have been very moved by to find joy in their lives,” said Sternbuch. through the Jewish Federation of Reading’s their experience.” “Especially during this tragic time of year Israel Now campaign.

& I srael U.S. envoy: World must see Israel’s treatment of Syria’s wounded

Jewish Agency The world should hear about Israel’s a month after the U.S. brokered significant conditions. quality treatment of Syrian patients in its Israeli-Palestinian economic agreements According to Katz’s office, Greenblatt’s for Israel hospitals, U.S. Special Representative for dealing with electricity and water. visit focused on an initiative to connect International Negotiations Jason Greenblatt Transportation and Intelligence Minister the Haifa Port via the Beit She’an railway Yemin Orde said after visiting Ziv Medical Center in Israel Katz, who accompanied Greenblatt, link to the Jordan River Crossing/Sheikh Jewish Federations Safed. “These are the stories of Israel said the visit was held in the framework Hussein Bridge border point with Jordan, the world needs to hear, and stories like of ongoing meetings with Greenblatt “to and southward to Jenin, where Palestinians of North America this show how peace in the region can be enhance economic and infrastructure could connect to it. The plan, called “Tracks possible,” Greenblatt said. initiatives which will benefit all parties in the for Peace,” would also give Jordan, Saudi Joint Distribution According to a U.S. Embassy statement, region.” Arabia and the Gulf states access via rail Committee some 3,500 Syrian wounded have been In July, Israel and the Palestinian links to the Mediterranean through Israel’s treated in Israeli hospitals, including more Authority signed an agreement on a new ports in Haifa and Ashdod. Meir Panim than 1,000 at Ziv. power substation in Jenin and the sale by Mordechai briefed Greenblatt on the Greenblatt also went to the Gilboa Israel to the PA of 33 million cubic meters security and economic situation in the crossing near Jenin to look at and hear about of water each year, agreements Greenblatt northern West Bank, as well as initiatives various Israeli-Palestinian economic projects said were examples of how the two sides Israel is advancing to develop the economy there. His visit took place a little more than can cooperate to improve Palestinian living and “improve the fabric of life in the region.” October 2017 SHALOM Page 11 Local event to focus on Israeli cardiac care innovations On Wednesday evening, Nov. 8, communities to learn more about these Center, Dr. Carlos Gruzman. Dr. Gruzman the Maimonides Society of the Jewish groundbreaking techniques in heart care. is a participant and expert in Israeli world Federation of Reading/Berks is pleased Kobi George’s innovative procedures rescue missions and Israel’s achievements to bring Professor Kobi George, Director have won numerous medical awards, in Global Medical Rescue. Together they of the Heart Institute, Kaplan Medical including The Kellerman Prize from the will present their vision of Israeli future l

Center, Rehovot, Israel to share the latest Israeli Cardiology Society, The Zigler advancements in heart care, including the i high-tech medical innovations performed Prize from Technion, and the Yosefa and development of the largest hi-tech cardiac on cardiac patients in Israel. Professor Leonid Alschwant Prize for research in center in the Middle East. Their discussion c George has been providing similar seminars Medicine in the field of immunology of includes the background on the innovation throughout Israel. The Maimonides Society atherosclerosis. that has gone into this project, along with will also be reaching out to invite members At the event, Kobi George will be the involvement and role of governmental n of the Allentown and Harrisburg medical joined by the CEO of the Kaplan Medical medical administrations in Israel A look inside the little Israeli hospital that could u o Jpost.com largest community of former Ethiopian Herzfeld Geriatric Hospital, old but considered Directors-general of relatively small public immigrants (nearly two-fifths of all those the best geriatric facility in the south, will in

Israeli medical centers don’t have it easy. who came from that country), as well as two years close down and move to a new C They must spend time and effort fund- the country’s second-largest ultra-Orthodox building being constructed on the Kaplan raising abroad, as matching funds from community, many immigrants from the former campus. Herzfeld gives inpatient care to their owners for development are usually Soviet Union, a large Sephardi community, thousands of Israeli seniors, and it serves as s dependent on collecting money from donors. aging Holocaust survivors and minorities. a “halfway house” before their return home

Competing for funds with well-oiled Though Kaplan is located in the center of after surgeries, strokes and other ailments. n friends organizations of larger and world- the country, it was vulnerable to rockets and The new Herzfeld will include advanced renowned medical institutions is brutal, missiles from Gaza in Operation Protective rehabilitative technology, day clinics, especially when people abroad have heard Edge two years ago, and while it did not take diagnostic and treatment facilities and o neither of their hospitals nor even the cities any direct hits, several did explode nearby. additional half-house facilities.

where they are located. The hospital treated most of the wounded Together with Herzfeld’s 231 beds, the t i That’s the predicament of Dr. Carlos civilians from Ashdod and other places in combined Kaplan campus will have more Gruzman, who runs Clalit Health Services’ the vicinity. than 700 beds, making it a large medical Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot as well Affiliated with the Hebrew University- center. There will be only two patients per a as the Herzfeld Geriatric Hospital in Gedera Hadassah Medical School, Kaplan is an room in the new building. l south of Ashdod. In office since last fall, academic and teaching hospital for medical As delivering babies is prestigious and

Gruzman replaced the retiring Professor students in their clinical years. There are financially rewarding to hospitals, Kaplan is e Jacob Yahav, a gastroenterologist and 554 general, 75 day care, 17 dialysis and 54 building a mini-hotel for women to recover pediatrician who came to Kaplan — named newborn beds as well as 10 surgical theaters, for a few days after delivery. for the country’s first finance minister, Eliezer four ambulatory operating rooms and 26 “We will be the first medical center owned R Kaplan — in 2007. emergency room beds. Nearly 150,000 by Clalit to have one. We will also have a The 63-year-old Gruzman, who was people were treated at its emergency facility where families can spend Shabbat born in Buenos Aires and studied medicine rooms, 50,000 admitted, 7,000 babies born and holidays to be near their relatives who t y in Argentina before his aliya to Israel in and 14,000 operations last year. It has are hospitalized,” Gruzman said. 1977, was most recently director-general of a nursing school, a school for retraining Heavy charges for parking in hospitals are i Hasharon (Golda) Medical Center in Petah immigrant doctors and a school for radiology a widespread national problem.

Tikva. technicians. Its scientists/ physicians conduct “We set a limit to NIS 20 a day, but we n Four years before he settled here, he basic and applied research together with have a shortage of parking spaces on and came here as a doctor to help out during the colleagues at the nearby Weizmann Institute around the campus. We are going to build u Yom Kippur War. of Science. a structure with over 1,000 parking places.” Married with four children, the friendly Gruzman noted that the hospital cares As for the high price of food for visitors immigrant doctor received a master’s degree deeply about community outreach and in many Israeli medical centers, Gruzman in health systems administration from Ben- educating the public about health promotion said that the next public tender for kiosks m Gurion University of the Negev, interned at and disease prevention. and public cafeterias will invite companies Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba, specialized “We hold health promotion days in that offer inexpensive sandwiches and in intensive care and anesthesia and filled collaboration with local authorities and beverages.

various administrative posts in Clalit. municipalities in the region; run a lecture The director-general said 60 percent of m He served in the Israel Defense Forces as series with a panel of our doctors for the staff members rolled up their sleeves for flu head of the trauma sector of the Israel Defense general public; submit articles on health shots last year. This is a high rate, but we Forces’ military medical school and was a to local newspapers; offer activities for want more, as the vaccination is effective o member of aid delegations to help survivors of expectant couples and pregnant women; lead and safe. I always make the rounds in a massive in Turkey and the Jewish Internet forums; and run special events for departments every autumn to persuade the C community building disaster in Buenos Aires, Ethiopian immigrants,” he said. staff to get a shot.” the volcano disaster in Cameroon. Gruzman As a hospital, Kaplan offers all inpatient And even though almost 170 years have also was an intensive care unit physician at and outpatient services except for organ passed since Hungarian physician Ignaz Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer and transplants and neurosurgery, said Gruzman. Semmelweiss discovered that doctors and Emek Medical Center in Afula. But he doesn’t want such advanced nurses who observe sanitary conditions by A longtime resident of Kfar Saba, Gruzman services, as “the number of procedures in scrupulously washing their hands with soap has just headed for Philadelphia for his first the country is relatively small. There should and water effectively eliminate hospital fund-raising trip to the U.S. as hospital be specialized centers so they accumulate infections, the rate is not 100 percent in director. Kaplan’s sole friends organization, experience and have high success rates,” Kaplan, as it isn’t in any medical center. located in the Pennsylvania city, is holding said the director- general. “We do observations of staff members to an event to memorialize Yoni Netanyahu, Kaplan does not have an in-patient encourage them to always wash their hands, who fell in the Entebbe rescue mission of psychiatry department, but it does boast but sometimes they get lazy or forgetful.” hijacked Israeli airline passengers in Uganda a day hospital for both children and adults Asked about his hospital’s relationship four decades ago. who need psychiatric care. There is also an with the country’s largest health fund, “I want American supporters to know more outpatient facility for oncology patients, but Gruzman said it is “very good. I have no J ewis h about my hospital and to get to know them,” not an inpatient cancer ward. reason to complain. They make great Gruzman told The Jerusalem Post in an “And our AIDS center is veteran. We contributions to us. When we raise donations interview before his flight to the U.S. provide free dental treatment for HIV for development projects, they give us JSchool Ed Established in 1953 with 88 inpatient patients from all over the country.” Men who matching funds twice or three times the size beds in hastily built barracks to absorb the need prostate surgery appreciate Kalan’s of what we raise. For example, they will Programs growing immigrant and local population of minimally invasive “green laser” – purchased help us to buy a fusion machine to do better Interfaith Unity 50,000 living in neighboring towns, cities and with donations – that removes tumors with no biopsies of the prostate. At present, when agricultural settlements, Kaplan has had to bleeding. It evaporates the malignant growth, we remove tissue for examination, we can’t Council hurry to upgrade itself to today’s advanced said Gruzman. always find all cancerous tissue. The fusion state of medicine. Since 2010, Kaplan has carried out machine integrates ultrasound of the whole Community Today, the hospital serves a catchment considerable construction of new facilities. gland so doctors can see exactly where to Speakers area of some one million Israelis – more than These include a state-of-the-art day surgery biopsy and do fewer removals of suspect 10 percent of the whole population – many of center, intensive care units, a speech and tissue. Israel Advocacy them from the lower socioeconomic strata. hearing institute, a catheterization theater “We will need some $190 million, some They live not only in Rehovot but Ashdod, and an obstetrical emergency room. A from donors and some from Clalit, for our Emergency Yavne, Ness Ziona, Kiryat Malachi, Rishon cardiology center now being built on the heart center. In a decade,” he continued, “if Campaigns Lezion, Ramle, Lod and Gedera, as well as campus will, said the director-general, be the we get significant donations from abroad, the numerous kibbutzim and moshavim. The largest of its kind in the Middle East. Kaplan campus will look completely different diverse population includes the second- Gruzman is pleased to note that Gedera’s from the way it looks now. Page 12 SHALOM October 2017 Our community stands in solidarity after Charlottesville Our Reading Jewish community joins “There is no comparison between rally was one of the largest showings Because we remember our own Jewish and non-Jewish communities the protesters, who brought hate and from hate groups in decades. We believe history, we must redouble our fight to throughout the United States in violence to the streets of one of the that we must continue to work toward a shape our present and our future. We expressing heartfelt condolences to symbolic birthplaces of American more just and equitable society in which do this as Jews, as Americans and as the three families of those who died democracy, and the counterprotesters,” we can all live together. These values are global citizens by standing up today for needlessly due to a rally by hate groups said David Bernstein, Jewish Council for what makes America the great country our own dignity and for the dignity of all in Charlottesville, Va. Public Affairs president and CEO. “The that it is today.” human beings. Israel Book Club: ‘The Fight for Jerusalem’

By Moisey Schneider religious capital of ancient Israel. The was a Jewish majority for the first time country and under constant threat of and Andi Franklin Hebrew Bible refers to the Holy City since Romans defeated Bar Kochba in starvation.” The U.N. was not moved to Dore Gold’s “The Fight for Jerusalem” nearly 700 times. And the author writes the second century. By the beginning offer protection and maintained a hands- is an indispensable history of the Holy that Jerusalem remained at the heart of the First World War in 1917 there off policy. Therefore, on June 8 when City and a thoughtful analysis of future of the collective identity of the Jewish were 45,000 Jews in Jerusalem out of a the IDF liberated the Old City, Moshe possibilities. The author is president of people for centuries even after ancient total population of 65,000. In 1920, the Dayan announced: “We have reunited the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs Israel lost its independence. League of Nations Mandate recognized the torn city, the capital of Israel. We and served as Israel’s ambassador to Historically, Jerusalem has been the the Jewish right to Palestine. It is clear have returned to this most sacred shrine, the United Nations as well as diplomatic magnet that pulled the Jewish people that Jews possess historical claims to never to part from it again.” envoy to Egypt, Jordan and Persian Gulf back to their ancestral homeland well the Holy City. Since the Israelis liberated Jerusalem, states. He argues that if Jerusalem is before the creation of Israel in 1948. During the 1967 Six Day War, Israel the American and Israeli approach has to be a free city where all faiths may be The Jewish immigrants to Jerusalem repeatedly asked Jordan to refrain focused on the protection of the holy practiced and all holy sites protected, in the Ottoman Empire period came from attacking. However, it entered the places and not on restoring Arab control. it will have to remain under Israeli from all parts of the world. In 1842, war and over the course of three days, All faiths have been free to worship sovereignty. the total population of Jerusalem was beginning June 5, more than 180 young at their holy sites unless there are Jerusalem was the political and 15,150 of which 7,120 were Jews. It Jewish soldiers fell fighting against legitimate security issues and all holy Jordanian forces. The Israeli victory sites have been restored, preserved and liberated the Old City and reunited protected. Unfortunately, the question of Jewish Jerusalem for the first time in Jerusalem sovereignty has once again almost 2,000 years. emerged as an international issue. Best wishes for a The author concludes that while There are two modern complications Happy, Healthy & Arab Nationalists could not assert to the peace of Jerusalem. The U.N.’s their historical rights to Palestine, newly articulated position on a shared Peaceful New Year the Jewish people had an ancestral Jerusalem has only radicalized the right that was acknowledged by the Palestinians and broadened their international community. They were aspirations well beyond Gaza and the Bernard & Toby K. Mendelsohn the true indigenous population of the West Bank such that no diplomatic country that had been forcibly removed, initiative has been able close the but their bond with the land had never gap between the parties. In addition, been severed. In Jerusalem, the Jews Jerusalem has become a focal point had restored an overwhelming majority for Muslim apocalyptic views and even without the Balfour Declaration or terrorist groups. More than that, the the League of Nations Mandate. Palestinian actions and incidents The question that remains is how demonstrated that they were seeking May you have a can the holy sites of all faiths be to erode aspects of the previous status sweet & prosperous best protected. Historically, when quo at Jerusalem’s holy sites. Gold Christians occupied Jerusalem, Jews believes that any change in the status New Year. and Muslims were restricted; and when quo in Jerusalem will lead to far worse Ellen and Don Muslims occupied Jerusalem, Jews and violence and will provide fuel for a Abramson Christians were restricted. In 1921, the dangerous conflagration. British appointed Hajj Amin al-Husseini At the end of the book he states that as grand mufti. He fought against there is no realistic negotiated solution any Jewish presence in Jerusalem. for Jerusalem, nor is internationalization Under Jordan’s jurisdiction, most of the a viable option. The historical record has Don’t miss it… Jewish Quarter was reduced to rubble, shown that only a free and democratic the Jewish population was evicted or Israel has protected and will continue to taken prisoner, and Jewish religious truly protect the freedom for all faiths in Sigma Alpha Rho sites were converted into stables. Jerusalem and that keeping Jerusalem Tombstones from Jewish cemeteries open for all faiths is understood to be a were used to pave roads and used as historical responsibility of the State of Reunion floors in latrines. David Ben-Gurion Israel and not a break from international remarked in April 1948, “The Jews of norms or practice. the Old City of Jerusalem have been Please join us on Nov. 15 to discuss Jewish High School Fraternity under siege for several months and Alan Dershowitz’s “What Israel Means 100th Anniversary of Brotherhood completely cut off from the rest of the to Me.”

Sunday – October 15, 2017 10:00 am

Marriott Hotel 1201 Market Street Phila, PA Save

For Registration and the Other Information date! www.sar100.com 17th Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom Jewish Food & Cultural Festival jerry segal - 267-250-4295 [email protected]

stuart discount - 215-518-0472 [email protected] Sunday, Nov. 5 October 2017 SHALOM Page 13 Build a Sukkah at Home Depot with PJ Library By Amanda J. Hornberger The experts at Home Depot will be kids ages 4-9 but younger children are Just in time for Sukkot join your PJ teaching our group how to make our own welcome if parents feel comfortable. Library friends for a Sukkah building wooden Sukkahs. We will be using wood This is a FREE event but RSVP is activity. We will be meeting in the training and nails for this project so every child required by September 29 to Amanda room of the Wyomissing Home Depot at needs an adult to join them for safety at [email protected] or 610-921- 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1. reasons. The activity is geared towards 0624. * Outdoor fun at JCC youth event on South Mountain

By Amanda J. Hornberger the South Mountain YMCA Camp on camp we will get moving! Enjoy some fall fun outdoors at Sunday, Oct. 8. After lunch at the Our group will have their choice of a variety of activities including archery, fishing, map quest, climbing tower and a low ropes course. Youth ages 6-13 are invited to join in the fun! Our group will meet at the South Mountain YMCA Camp, 201 Cushion Peak Road Reinholds, at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8. Parents or guardians are required at drop off to sign waivers, and pickup is at 3 p.m. The cost is $15 per child including lunch. All children are invited and if you need financial assistance please contact Sari Incledon at 610-921- 0624. Please RSVP with payment to Brenda by Monday, Oct. 2 at [email protected] or 610-921- 0624.

Join us Oct. 7th at 4:00 pm for a special To t Shabbat at Oley Turnpike Dairy!

bat

b

Questions Answers

1. v¨FUx Decorations

2. c ¨k U k Simchat Torah

3. Q©f§x Brachot

ha 4. v¨rIT ,©j§n¦G Willow

5. ,If¨r§C Four Species

6. ,IFUx Sukkah

7. ohyUJh ¦ e ¦ Sukkot S Activities offered for a fee 8. ih¦zhP§ ¦ JUt Ushpizin include a hayride, play area, 9. Guests dIr,¤ § t corn maze, & the zoo. Havdalah 10. oh¦bh¦n©v ,¨g¨C§r©t Tishrei

t at 5:15pm. All attendees will be 11. uh¨,§x S’chach treated to an ice cream cone after 12. ohj§ ¦ rIt Shemini Atzeret Havdalah. Sponsored by Nick & Tr a c y

13. v¨FUx©C cJ ¥ h ¥k Myrtle Rossi and David & Anna Bluestone. Event is weather permitting and 14. h¥r§J¦T Fall o no rain date. RSVP requested 15. ,¤r¤m©g h¦bh¦n§J Sitting in the Sukkah (but not required) by Noon on 16. ohx¨ ¦ s©v Etrog Fri., 10/5 at 610.375.6036 or 17. ,Ic¨r©g Lulav T [email protected] Page 14 SHALOM October 2017 Israel rushes significant disaster aid in wake of world disasters Israeli humanitarian-aid groups president of UH. They were joined by made their way to Florida as the worst 12 search-and-rescue veterans who hurricane on record barreleld into the are trained for rescues on land and sea, state threatening tornados, catastrophic diving teams, veteran EMS and natural storm surges, strong winds and flooding, disaster personnel, as well as a group of and sending more than 7 million people UH Psychotrauma and Crisis Response fleeing from their homes. Unit members. Other Israeli aid teams were making The teams from IsraAID will be their way to Mexico, which was hit by a involved primarily in debris removal, deadly earthquake on Thursday night, helping community members clean up and are offering aid to communities in their homes, and offering psychosocial Haiti and the Caribbean, also devastated support. ZAKA by the powerful Hurricane Irma. organization has also announced that it “We’ve never seen anything like this,” has established two command centers in said Mickey Noam-Alon, from IsraAID. Miami, manned by tens of volunteers, to “There are so many massive events offer assistance to the local communities. going on worldwide.” The command centers are equipped “This kind of reaction from Israel is with generators, sleeping bags, food not unusual these days,” said Raphael and water, and relevant search, rescue Poch, International Media Spokesman for and recovery equipment. More ZAKA United Hatzalah. “Since the earthquake volunteers are standing by in the New in Nepal in 2015, Israel has become York area. experts in search and rescue and “We intend to offer help in the best disaster aid. We are a country that knows and most professional way we can, how to do this well, and we are happy focusing on evacuation of stranded to share our knowledge with the rest of residents and treating the wounded,” said the world.” ZAKA International Rescue Unit chief (Rabbi Moshe Chanowitz remained to Ambassador to Mexico Yoni Peled to the Israeli aid efforts now underway officer Mati Goldstein. aid local residents).The same day ZAKA southern states of Oaxaca and Chiapas, include: Haiti and the Caribbean also rescued a group of Jewish tourists, which were hit the hardest by the deadly Florida IsraAID has had a team of aid including medical students, from the U.S. quake. Three teams of volunteers from workers on the ground in Haiti since and Canada who were stranded on the Texas IsraAID, ZAKA Search and Rescue the catastrophic earthquake there in island and seeking shelter in St. Martin’s Israel responded in force when Organization and the Israel Rescue January 2010. These workers have medical school. Hurricane Harvey inundated the city Coalition (IRC), all of whom rushed to trained Haitian first responders, and Mexico of Houston and its surroundings with help in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey have now begun distributing aid to IsraAID flew to Mexico and the flood water. Aid teams from IsraAID, the in Texas, proceeded to Florida to help locals in the north of the island, who border of Guatemala following the IRC and ZAKA sent first-aid responders local people pick up the pieces after have been affected by flooding from massive 8.1 earthquake that struck to the city to help clear debris and the devastating storm. Eight experts in Hurricane Irma. the region and will be assessing what give psychological first aid to the search and rescue, and medical and The organization has sent volunteers long term aid to bring to the devastated traumatized population. Some of these psychological first-aid responders from from Haiti to one of the Caribbean islands region.“We are looking at long term aid workers are still in Texas helping The IRC and United Hatzalah also flew worst affected by the storm. ZAKA is technological programs, such as clean local communities. iAID also distributed from Israel to Florida. also considering whether to send aid water,” said Zahavi. solar lanterns to people left without “Our teams began assembled data to islands destroyed by the storm. The quake, which hit offshore in the power. and connecting with local teams on the ZAKA Search and Rescue Organization Pacific, sparked a tsunami warning along The Israeli Foreign Ministry also sent ground in Florida as well as the Israeli volunteers, together with representatives the coast of Central America, and caused several tons of supplies and donations consulate and getting regular updates from Israel, New York and Holland, widespread damage and destruction, via its embassy in Washington, DC. This and assessments from the ground,” managed to airlift Sarah Chanowitz, killing at least 90 people. was distributed by IsraAID. The Israeli said Dov Maisel, director of international the wife of the Chabad emissary to St. The Israeli Foreign Ministry also Ministry of Diaspora Affairs also sent operations for the IRC as well as vice Martin, and their five children to safety sent aid to Mexico in cooperation with $1m. in humanitarian aid for victims of the Israeli Embassy in Mexico. The aid the hurricane. package coincided with a previously On Friday, two medical clowns from planned visit to the Central American the Dream Doctors Project touched down country by Prime Minister Benjamin in Houston to provide unique laughter Netanyahu. therapy to the victims of Hurricane The aid package was delivered by Harvey.

KZ CHINESE AUCTION • Prizes • Food • Fun •

Sunday, November 12, 2017 Kesher Zion Synagogue Independent Living 555 Warwick Dr. Wyomissing, PA 19610 and Personal Care Call Heather or Jill at 610-616-5112 and ask about our DOORS OPEN AT 12 PM. For more information, contact: SPECIAL RATES FOR COUPLES! CALLING STARTS KZ 610-374-1763 AT 1:00 PM [email protected] MANOR AT MARKET SQUARE • 803 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601 • www.manoratms.com LOCATED 1 BLOCK FROM SANTANDER ARENA! October 2017 SHALOM Page 15 Yiddish Lotto

Friendship Circle enjoyed a deli “nosh” and a delightful game of Yiddish lotto led by local maven Esther Bratt. Esther started the program with a Yiddish joke. As she called out the Yiddish words, she peppered her remarks with Yiddish phrases. There was no “kvetching” as the 25 seniors in attendance shouted out Yiddish sayings and had a wonderful afternoon.

Trust the pest experts With over 80 years of experience, we’ve seen and Join Rabbi Michelson for solved just about every pest problem imaginable. Lunch and Learn in the Sukkah at Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom • Termite Control • General Pest Control Tuesday, October 10th • Bird & Bat Control • Mosquito & Tick Control 11:30 am -1:00 pm • Bed Bug Control • Weed Control • Ant & Spider Control • Year Round Protection Catered Deli Lunch by Hymie’s Delicatessen of Merion, PA Call Ehrlich at (855) 226-0075 or visit jcehrlich.com offering deluxe sandwiches & wraps, 2 choices of salads, drinks, & dessert $10 per person. Pediatric and Adult Patients Your check is your reservation. Treating Ear, Nose, Throat Problems Please submit payment to the Thyroid Nodules, Neck Masses & Sinusitis Temple office by Tuesday, Oct. 3 Bring your friends! Members & non-members welcome. Physicians: James P. Restrepo, M.D., FACS, ECNU Transportation available from The Highlands. Contact Kay Fashnacht Charles K. Lutz, M.D., FACS at 610-775-2300. Jeffrey S. Driben, M.D., FACS, ECNU Scott J. Cronin, M.D.

Nurse Practitioner: Rosemarie Montgomery Lunch and MS, CRNP, FNP-C Learn in the Sukkah!

Audiologists:

Kathleen D. Vivaldi, AuD, FAAA Melanie A. Appler, AuD, FAAA Matthew R. Bonsall, AuD, FAAA

Providing diagnostic and rehabilitative services for all types of hearing loss, for any age group. Hearing and Balance Disorders State of the Art Hearing Aid Fittings In House Hearing Aid Repairs

ENT Head & Neck Specialists, PC 985 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing 610-374-5599 • www.ent-hns.net Page 16 SHALOM October 2017

38th annual Leo Camp memorial lecture

the u.S. Constitution: honoring the Past, Imagining the Future Presented by Jeffrey Rosen President and CEO, National Constitution Center

From Drones to Facebook and Google, new technologies are transforming the shape of privacy and free speech. The Supreme Court this year will confront a pathbreaking case about the future of digital privacy, but lawyers at Facebook and Google will have as much to say about the future of free speech and privacy as Supreme Court justices. In this talk about the U.S. Constitution, past, present and future, Jeffrey Rosen will discuss how to translate constitutional values of free speech and privacy into a digital age.

tues., Oct. 24, 2017 7:30 p.m., Wachovia Theatre Albright College Experience Event Free and open to the public

Sponsored by

For more information, call 610-921-0624. October 2017 SHALOM Page 17 May 2010 Shalom Page 10 Federation Honorial - Memorial Card Information HonorialsHonorials and and Memorials Memorials ContributionsContributions may may be be made made to to the the following following Funds: Funds: Please mail your payment with complete information to the Jewish FederationUJA-Federation Jewish Campaign Community Campaign $10 $10 Federation, PO Box 14925, Reading, PA 19612-4925 or bring to the Jewish Jewish Family Service $10 Jewish Family Service $10 Cultural Center, 1100 Berkshire Blvd, Suite 125, Wyomissing. You may set up Leo Camp Lecture Fund $10 a “savings account” for the purpose of sending cards. Please contact the JFSLeo FoodCamp Bank Lecture Fund $10 $25 Jewish Federation at 610-921-0624 for further information. JFS TaxiFood Transportation Bank Program $25 $25 Contributions as of Sept. 15 HolocaustJFS Taxi Transportation Library & Resource Program Center $20 $18 Contributions as of April 16 Holocaust Library & Resource Center $18 Jewish Family Service Doris Levin Fund $10 UJA-FederationIn memory of: Campaign PJDoris Library Levin FundFund $10 $10 In honorJoseph of: Zmroczek (Kathleen Roeberg’s father) – Cheryl and Eric Farber, Al Harry & Rose Sack Fund $10 andSarah Betsy Simon’s Katz engagement – Vic and Dena Hammel Michael ClyminEvelyn (Ellen Thompson Abramson’s father) Fund – Susan and Richard D’Angelo$10 Alma and Ed Lakin’s new home – Vic and Dena Hammel, Mildred & Ivan Frank Mehringer – Edith Mendelsohn In honor of: Gordon Federation Jewish Community Campaign SamBirth Goodman’sof Corinne engagementand Andy Wernick’s – Alma and grandson Ed Lakin Ethan – Al and Betsy Katz, In honor of: JimAlyse and Jackye Corbin’s Barrer marriage – Carol and Bernie Gerber, Alma and Ed Lakin DorisBirth Levin of Andrew Fund and Susan Oppenheimer’s daughter Annie Megan – Birth of Sid and Esther Bratt’s great-grandson Ethan – Jim and Jackye Barrer Sue Viener’s Birthday – Yvonne & Rob Oppenheimer JudyIn memory & Neal of: Jacobs Birth ofof SelmaJayne Kleinman’sCutler’s great-grandson new grandson Jacob Howard - Debbie – Jim Goodman and Jackye and Barrer, John Dr. Walter Gershenfeld – Stephanie and Dennis Arbige, Carole and Mike Rabbi Abelson’s engagement – Tammy and Jeff Mitgang MoyerBarbara Nazimov Robinson BirthEngagement of Carol andof Samantha Gordon Perlmutter’s Slomowitz newand grandsonKevin Klein – Debbie – Ethel Goodman Engel and Shoshana Tannenbaum – Carole and Mike Robinson In memory of: John Moyer Joseph Zmroczek (Kathleen Roeberg’s father) – Carol and Bernie Gerber,Holocaust Anzie Library and Edward and GoldenResource Center Get well: In memoryMuriel Levitt of: (Sharon Berman’s mother) – Debbie and David Goldberg HaroldThank Leifer – Robyou and to Yvonne the Oppenheimer Sileski Family, Lillian Shoshana Tannenbaum – Ken and Mary Holt, George and Sue Viener, Sue Phyllis Knoblauch – Rob and Yvonne Oppenheimer, Dena and Vic Hammel and Stephen Silverberg and Paul Meilik for Schlanger, Gordon and Carol Perlmutter, Leah Kanter-Salis, Rosemary and John Evelyn Thompson Nursery School Fund Deegan, Naum and Lyudmila Ger, Louis and Katherine Danzico, Florence and In memorytheir of:contribution to Lakin Preschool in the EvelynMarvin Segal, Thompson Vic and Dena Nursery Hammel, School Emma Fund Holder, Susan Gallagher, Mildred & Shoshana Tannenbaum – Beth and Bob Caster InIvan memory Gordon, of: Carrie & Stephen Latman, Judy, Bob & Susan Pollack, Anna & Moisey Meilik Fund. Schneider,Phyllis NormanKnoblauch & Rita – BethWilikofsky, and Bob Audrey Caster Williams, Alan and Esther Strauss, Jewish Family Service Jay and Evelyn Lipschutz, Carol and Bernie Gerber, Barbara and Seth Rosenzweig, In honor of: DorisJohn Castrege Levin Memorialand family, Michael Fund Geraci, Maxine & Dick Henry, Piekara Family, Birth of CarolTheir and Gordon generosity Perlmutter’s new is grandsonappreciated. – Sue and George Viener, InLaura honor Higgins of: Betsy and Al Katz Marriage of Carole and Mike Robinson’s son Andrew – Debbie and David Bat Mitzvah of Fran Mendelsohn’s granddaughter – Rosalye Yashek Goldberg and family Friendship Circle In memory of: Get well: Israelis training Shoshana Tannenbaum – Jill and Gladys Skaist Harold Leifer – Glenn and Gaye Corbin Palestinian farmers Holocaust education spreading in Berks County Israel21c.com July was a month full of depressing Continued from Page 5 also that the students are genuinely On a wider note, there have justice and Holocaust remembrance today. news regarding diplomacy among Israel, silence is not the reason why survivors interested in hearing their stories. I know been many recent developments in I am heartened to hear that three additional the Palestinian Authority and Jordan. are invited in. Instead, that factor is my students were genuinely interested in Holocaust education in Berks County schools in Berks County will be offering Yet far from the headlines, cooperation present because of the immense respect hearing Hilde’s story and many still talk and the surrounding areas. Within these courses for their students. across these populations was thriving at students have for these individuals and about it now, several weeks later. the past month I have met with two Though the fourth quarter of the the Galilee International Management individuals who are in the process school year has begun, there are still Institute (GIMI) in Nahalal, a city in of developing a Holocaust course to many additional opportunities that northern Israel.  be offered at their local high school. remain. I just spoke to an undergraduate During July alone, GIMI gave a One gentleman was from Lancaster ethics class at Penn State Berks  training course to Jordanian, Palestinian County. The other, Gerry Evans, is a regarding the ethical/moral implications and Israeli olive-oil producers, taught teacher at Hamburg High School. I of the Holocaust. I found the students farmers from Palestinian Authority **Please watch for the announcement of the date, time Spring Kickoff have been in contact with two other to be receptive and inquisitive and  territories to grow avocados for export, and location of Back to BBYO Night in your January 14 local teachers, Pete Ruckelshaus at have been asked to deliver a similar and began planning a tele-course for chapter/community!Location TBD Twin Valley and Jim Konecke at Wilson program in the classes that the same Open to ALL Jewish teens in grades 8-12 Gazan computer engineers meant to High School. Pete has resurrected a professor also teaches at Reading Area Regional Kickoff  We’re kicking off the second half of the BBYO year in a big way! lead to remote employment at Israeli course on Holocaust Literature at Twin Community College. September 10 Save the date – more information to follow! companies. “This is nothing new for us,”  Valley, and its first offering is during As mentioned above, Kim Yashek, Spirit of Philadelphia, Penn’s Landing, PA says GIMI President Joseph “Yossie” Open to ALL Jewish teens in grades 8-12 International Convention (IC)the current fourth quarter. He is very daughter of the late local Holocaust Shevel. “We’ve been cooperating with Come celebrate the official start to an incredible year of February 15-19 excited about offering this course to survivor Richard Yashek, is speaking at the Palestinians for the last 30 years.” BBYO as we cruise the Delaware River! Take in the Orlando, FL his students and has even lined up Twin Valley, Hamburg and Fleetwood. Established in 1987, GIMI develops breathtaking views, meet new friends and dance the night Open to all paid members inseveral grades guest9-12 speakers including Rabbi Right now Albright College is hosting and presents advanced capacity-building away! Dinner will be served. IC is an opportunity to becomeBrian more Michelson, familiar with Kim BBYO Yashek on the and Hilde an exhibit titled, “Stories Among Us: international level, experience innovative Shabbat services, take courses for professional personnel from Gernsheimer. Washington State Connections to the Regional Leadership Training Institute (RLTI) part in community impact projects and connect with Jewish teens all over the world. But local and regional Jim Konecke is teaching at Wilson Holocaust, Lessons in Genocide.” The September 15-17 from all around the world. needs are never far from GIMI’s radar. Central Junior High but will be moving up exhibit includes the stories of five Holocaust Camp Kweebec, Schwenksville, PA The avocado-growing course came out to Wilson High School at the beginning survivors and one liberator and has Open to all paid members in grades 9-12 New Convention- Name TBD of GIMI’s awareness that the healthful This convention focuses on the development of participants’ March 16-18 of next school year. He will be offering a received good reviews. It is definitely avocado is in great demand in Europe leadership skills through interactive programming, skills Location TBD course on Nazi Germany. His students worth a visit! It will be at Albright’s Gingrich and that Israelis could help Palestinian workshops and teen-led training sessions. Open to all paid members inwill grades be studying 8-12 this period of German Library through May 10. farmers join them in offering a quality This year, Liberty Region ishistory introducing in depth, a brand including new regional a study of the *** product for this market. Tournies Convention convention! With two tracksrise (one of for anti-Semitism, new members theand initialone for period of Jennifer Goss teaches social studies older members) we’re excited to introduce new and exciting The GIMI course for Palestinian November 3-5 the Holocaust and the Final Solution. The in the Fleetwood School District and Harrisburg JCC, Harrisburg, PA programs, services, and experiences to Liberty Region. avocado growers was partially funded latter part of the course will look at post-war specializes in Holocaust education. Home Housed by the Israeli Foreign Ministry. Israel Open to all paid members in grades 9-12 March of the Living (MOTL) avocado exports to Europe have During this convention weekend, teens compete to show April 8-23 grown to roughly 100,000 tons in chapter spirit in many different activities ranging from water Poland and Israel Plan for your Bar/Bat Mitzvahrecent years. & Wedding Guests! polo to debate – there is an event for everyone! Open to ALL Jewish teens in grades 9-12 MOTL is a two weeks-long program focused on Holocaust GIMI organized a training course Fall Fest with South Jersey Region (SJR) education, remembrance and celebration of the Jewish peoplehood designed for Palestinian agricultural November 18 in Israel. extension officers, who will then share Location TBD their newfound knowledge with farmers. Open to ALL Jewish Teens in grades 8-12 Spring Fling Convention Funding was provided by the Israeli Join us for an experience that Jewish teens won’t want to May 4-6 Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the miss and can’t get anywhere else! We’ll be joined by our Camp Kweebec, Schwenksville, PA European Union through the agency of friends in BBYO South Jersey Region (SJR) for a large-scale Open to all paid members in grades 8-12 Economic Cooperation Foundation, a Tel concert experience – stay tuned for more exciting details to As the culmination of the program year,READING this convention allows Aviv-based nonprofit think tank founded come! teens to listen to State of the Region2801 addresses Papermill from Road their regional presidents, hear and take part inWyomissing, Life Ceremonies Pennsylvania given by outgoing in 1990 to build, maintain and support seniors, and elect the Regional Board for the following calendar Israeli-Palestinian and Israeli-Arab year. GROUP RATES AVAILABLE cooperation. “We have many alumni in the West Bank so once we announced ForCall more Aliceinformation for a about Site anyTour of these the program they helped us spread the LIBERTY REGION events, contact [email protected]. word, and 28 people registered,” says Shevel. (610) 736-2082 ✦ www.reading.homewoodsuites.com Page 18 SHALOM October 2017

A special screening presented by the Lakin Holocaust Library and Resource Center Wednesday, OctOber 18, 2017 7 p.m., Klein Lecture Hall, Experience Event

Raise the Roof provides a window into a time that is often clouded by fictional representations like Fiddler on the Roof and overshadowed by the tragic realities of the 20th century. Artists Rick and Laura Brown are not Jewish or Polish, yet they set out to rebuild Gwoździec, a magnificent wooden 18th century synagogue in Poland that was later destroyed by the Nazis. Their vision inspires hundreds of people to join them, using their hands, old tools and techniques to bring Gwoździec’s history, culture, science and art back to life.

FREE ANd oPEN To THE PuBLiC

Copyright Trillium Studios. Courtesy of The National Center for Jewish Film