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VOLUME XIV, NUMBER 1 JANUARY 7, 2021 The Federation to hold virtual showing of film “From to the Cloud” on Jan. 23 The Jewish Federation of Northeast- ments illuminating more than a thousand “From Cairo to the Cloud” was pro- ern Pennsylvania will show the film years of Jewish, Christian and Muslim life duced, directed and filmed by award-win- “From Cairo to the Cloud – The World of in the heart of the Islamic world. ning filmmaker Michelle Paymar. Her the Cairo Geniza” on its website, www. The film includes interviews with independent work has screened at festivals jewishnepa.org, on Saturday, January scholars, librarians and authors. Through around the world, and she has credits as 23, at 8 pm. To view the film, visit the those experts and the words of the medi- a director and writer of documentary and website and click on the link to the film. eval texts themselves, the film seeks to non-fiction television programs for NBC, The link will be live for 24 hours. enlighten all those interested in learning ABC, CBS, PBS, CBC, MTV, CTV, Trav- “For the past few years the Jewish how the Cairo Geniza has impacted the el, Discovery, History and other major Federation has been screening docu- field of Jewish studies, Mediterranean, broadcasters. Paymar received a master of mentaries of interest free of charge to medieval and world history, manuscript fine arts degree in film directing from the our Federation community as part of our studies, codicology and palaeography, American Film Institute and a B.A. from winter programming,” said organizers of and more. the University of California, Berkeley. the event. “This year, you can watch the The film will discuss the different Nick Kitchen, Take One, Cambridge Jewish Film Festival winner ‘From Cairo types of documents found in the geniza, Film Festival Reviews, called the film to the Cloud’ from the comfort and safety which include religious texts and medical “meticulously researched, with a cast of your own home.” prescriptions, literary treasures and love of engaging experts who enlighten and “From Cairo to the Cloud” tells the letters, marriage contracts and business entertain with this extraordinary story. story of the Cairo Geniza, a treasure trove reports, magical amulets and children’s Anyone with a passing interest in history of manuscripts hidden for centuries in the drawings. Manuscripts emerge from every will find all this enthralling.” geniza, or sacred storeroom, of an ancient segment of society, from the impover- among 70 different libraries and collec- Dr. Benjamin Outhwaite, head of Asian in Cairo. The Cairo Geniza ished beggar to the celebrated scholar. tions all over the world. Today, thanks and African Collections and is a collection larger, more varied and, Among the geniza’s many discoveries are to an international effort, the geniza Research Unit, Cambridge University arguably, more significant than the Dead hand-written drafts penned by Moses Mai- archives have been digitally reunited. Library, wrote that it is “the first fully Sea Scrolls. It is not only the largest cache monides, the 12th century rabbi, scholar, After a thousand years of silence, the comprehensive film to examine the whole of Jewish history ever found, it has been philosopher and physician. documents have journeyed from Cairo history of one of the world’s most remark- called a window into a vanished civiliza- After they were discovered, the doc- to the cloud, where they are freely ac- able, but least known, collections… Pay- tion, with half a million manuscript frag- uments in the geniza were dispersed cessible online. mar has brought together all the leading scholars and figures in the field to examine the history of its discovery and expose the importance of its manuscripts. Sumptu- Sharansky responds to antisemitism panel: ously shot, through site visits, interviews with scholars, librarians and authors, and through the words of the medieval texts “Progressives” portray Jews as “oppressors” themselves… Paymar has produced an BY JNS STAFF and are neo-colonialists,” she said. ideal experience… a documentary on (JNS) – Human-rights icon Natan Sha- Anila Ali, president and founder of perhaps the most important archive of the ransky told an event on antisemitism on American Muslims and Multifaith Women’s Middle Ages with high production values December 16 that too many progressive Empowerment Council, stated, “We believe and unquestionable authority.” voices regard Jews as “oppressors,” and that as Muslims we don’t get to define what are not protecting individual freedoms antisemitism is. That is up to Jews.” and human rights. He was speaking at an Relating specifically to the December 2021 UJA event countering a panel the day before on A panel of Jewish activists from 15 panel, she said, “When Tlaib’s office antisemitism headlined by Rep. Rashida diverse backgrounds debated aspects was contacted over this sham of an an- Tlaib (D-MI), Professor Marc Lamont Hill of contemporary antisemitism on tisemitism conference, she only called Pay it forward & give to and journalist Peter Beinart – individuals December 16. (Photo courtesy of out white nationalists.” the 2021 Jewish Federation who have been called antisemitic. Combat Anti-Semitism) A panel of activists from diverse back- of Northeastern Pennsylvania Sharansky was joined by U.S. Assistant grounds debated various aspects of contem- Annual Campaign! Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat from Jews by so-called progressives … porary antisemitism, with many decrying Goal: Anti-Semitism Ellie Cohanim and a range For the so-called progressives, all the the false contradiction too often presented $970,000 of high-level speakers and activists, ampli- world is the fight between ‘oppressors’ between being both progressive and Jewish. fying the voices of actual Jewish leaders to and ‘oppressed.’ ‘Oppressors’ are always Hen Mazzig, a senior fellow at the Tel For information or to provide an accurate account of antisemi- wrong and the ‘oppressed’ are always Aviv Institute, said, “It is so harmful to feel make a donation call tism. The online event was organized by right. There is no such thing as individual that our identity is being challenged – that 570-961-2300 ext. 1 or send your gift to: the Combat Anti-Semitism Movement, justice; it has to be for the group.” we must choose between our progressive Jewish Federation in partnership with the Tel Aviv Institute. He said in the eyes of these voices, values and the fight against antisemitism.” of Northeastern $552,586 Pennsylvania as of Dec. 28, 2020 It took place in the aftermath of the “Jews are guilty of belonging to the wrong Rabbi Sandra Lawson, associate chaplain 601 Jefferson Ave., “Dismantling Anti-Semitism: Winning state – the state of ,” and that “Jews for Jewish Life at Elon University in North Scranton, PA 18510 Carolina, emphasized that “antisemitism is a (Please MEMO your Justice” panel that featured Tlaib, a sup- are accused as a group and Israel is accused pledge or gift 2021 porter of boycotting Israel; Hill, a Temple as a Jewish state.” problem, which is not a left or right problem.” UJA Campaign) University professor who has endorsed Cohanim outlined her own personal That was a point also made by Craig the Palestinian slogan “from the river to and family background from Iran, em- Dershowitz, CEO of Artists 4 Israel and the sea,” commonly viewed as a call to phasizing the hundreds of thousands of president of the Healing Arts Kits and destroy Israel; and the panel’s sole Jewish Jews originally from Arab and Middle Healing Ink. He said, “We need to recog- participant, CNN commentator and New Eastern countries. She said that there is nize that the antisemitism we are seeing York Times columnist Beinart, who has a “pernicious new form of antisemitism” is not one model,” although he noted a publicly rejected the need for a Jewish state. that seeks to erase this history. common theme is often “the perceived Sharansky said “today, there is an at- “This erasure of history allows the power of the Jewish people.” tempt to hijack the cause of human rights accusation that Jews enjoy white privilege See “Panel” on page 8 Candle lighting INSIDE THIS ISSUE January 8...... 4:33 pm January 15...... 4:40 pm Aliyah from Aiding Honduras News in brief... January 22...... 4:49 pm January 29...... 4:57 pm In December, 252 members of Members of Israel’s IDF have U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia, India’s Bnei Menashe community been helping to rebuild hurricane- Kuwait and ; U.S. may PLUS made aliyah to Israel. ravaged Honduras. prosecute Daniel Pearl’s killer. Opinion...... 2 Story on page 3 Story on page 5 Stories on page 8 D’var Torah...... 6 2 THE REPORTER ■ JANUARY 7, 2021 Jewish resources to occupy your family during social distancing – part 18 BY REPORTER STAFF am-1 pm. For more information or additional course list- at the Confederation House in Jerusalem, can be found A variety of Jewish groups are offering online - re ings, visit https://case.edu/lifelonglearning/courses/whole. at www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3MXK6nYxmI&fea- sources – educational and recreational – for those who ‹ ORT Florida Region will hold a virtual book and author ture=emb_logo. The event featured Hadass Pal-Yarden, are not allowed out of the house. Below is a sampling event with Leslie Barry, author of the novel “Newark Men,” one of Israel’s leading vocalists in the Judeo-Spanish of those. The Reporter will publish additional listings which was inspired by the real life story of a Jewish boxer tradition, along with an ensemble featuring some of as they become available. who was trained by the mafia and FBI to fight the rising Jerusalem’s top musicians in the genre. ‹ The Jewish Publication Society will offer its “New American Nazi party. The event will take place on Thursday, ‹ The University of Pennsylvania’s Herbert D. Katz Author Webinar Series, Part II: ‘Antisemitism and the January 14, at 3 pm. The cost is $40 and a question-and-an- Center for Advanced Judaic Studies and the Center for Holocaust: New Dimensions’” free on Zoom. The ses- swer period is included. For more information or to register, Jewish Ethics, an initiative of the Reconstructionist sions are Mordecai Paldiel: “Saving One’s Own: Jewish visit https://events.idonate.com/book-author-leslie-barry. Rabbinical College, will hold a free online lecture series Rescuers during the Holocaust,” on Monday, January 11; ‹ The Jewish Theological Seminary will hold several called “Jews, Race, and Religion.” The 11 sessions, which Salo Aizenberg: “HateMail: Antisemitism in Picture Post- virtual events:” for the World: A Neo-Hasidic begin on January 28, may be taken separately and are all cards” on Monday, January 18; Mark Glickman: “Stolen Perspective” with Rabbi Arthur Green on Monday, held on Thursdays at 1:30 pm. The series uses the prism Words: The Nazi Plunder of Jewish Books” on Monday, January 11, from 7:30- 8:45 pm – for more information of Jewish experience to examine intersections of race and January 25; and Raphael Medoff: “The Jews Should Keep or to register, visit www.jtsa.edu/judaism-for-the-world- religion, drawing lessons from the history of antisemitism, Quiet – FDR, Rabbi Stephen Wise and the Holocaust” on a-neo-hasidic-perspective; an author conversation examining the role of Jews in the racialized culture of Thursday, February 11. All sessions are 7:30-8:30 pm. To “Between the Lines: The Third Daughter” with Talia the United States and exploring the role of race in Jewish register, e-mail [email protected] specifying which session Carner on Tuesday, January 12, at 7:30 pm, with Carner identity. Scholars in Jewish studies, critical race studies one want to attend and an invitation will be sent. discussing her novel about the legal Jewish sex-trafficking and religious studies will share insights and research that ‹ The Siegal Lifelong Learning program at Case Western union that operated with impunity for 70 years, from the in the hope of deepening the conversation about race, Reserve University will offer a variety of lectures during late 1880s until World War II – for more information racism and anti-racism in contemporary society, both 2021. Upcoming courses include “The Revolution/Evolu- or to register, visit www.jtsa.edu/the-third-daughter; American and Jewish. For information about specific tion of Women Learning Torah in Trans-Denominational and “Poetry, Music, and Conversation with Grzegorz lectures or to register, visit https://katz.sas.upenn.edu/ Judaism” with Moria Ran Ben Hai on Wednesdays, January Kwiatkowski” on Tuesday, January 19, at 1 pm – for resources/blog/jews-race-and-religion. 20-February 10, from 1:30-3 pm: “Grand Opera – A Jew- more information or to register, visit www.jtsa.edu/ ‹ Case Western Reserve University’s Siegal Lifelong ish Fantasy: Meyerbeer and Halevy in Focus” with Larry poetry-and-music-grzegorz-kwiatkowski. Learning will host two remote learning series. The first is an Josefovitz on Wednesdays, February 3-24, from 1-3 pm; ‹ A video of the concert “Hidden Voices – Ladino Israeli Speaker Series with Israeli authors, journalists, and and “Law and the Holocaust in Film” with Cathy Lesser Songs from over 100 years ago,” which was part of the television and film writers, including Yehonatan Indursky, Mansfield on Tuesdays, February 9-March 2, from 11:30 Jerusalem Oud Festival and performed on November 22 See “Resources” on page 4 A MATTER OF OPINION Poor advocacy: Kosher slaughter was badly defended BY NATHAN LEWIN rites” only if the animal is stunned before demanded by the dictates of mercy.” They ritual method was a “justifiable legislative (JNS) – The European Court of Justice slaughter. Since stunning before slaughter said that there were “more than 800 notable determination that the stated method of is being slammed by Jewish organizations renders an animal non-kosher (treif), the authorities in the field of physiology” who slaughter is indeed humane.” The three around the world for its decision approving court’s decision effectively permits the had approved of shechita as humane. judges agreed that stunning and Jewish a Flemish law that effectively prohibits prohibition of kosher slaughter (shechita). Intensive lobbying included testimony ritual slaughter “are alternative methods,” kosher and Muslim slaughter of animals. Critics of the decision call it a “frontal before congressional committees by my and that each “is supported by legislative The law upheld by the court concerns the assault” on the basic rights of Jews and father. The deputy administrator of the Ag- history as a justifiable legislative determi- “protection and welfare of animals.” It per- Muslims. They claim correctly that free- ricultural Department’s Research Service nation that the stated method of slaughter mits the slaughter of animals “according dom of religion should prevail even if it also testified before a House committee. is indeed humane.” On this ground, the to special methods required for religious conflicts with protecting animals. But the While affirming the humaneness ofshechi - lawsuit ended with summary judgment in advocates of kosher slaughter did a poor ta, he raised serious doubts about stunning favor of kosher slaughter. job in the European court. Rather than prior to slaughter. He said that electrical The animal-rights group took that deci- defending shechita as entirely humane stunning could result in “undesirable hem- sion, as they had a right to do, directly to – no less so because it is performed on orrhaging” and in “such tremendous spasms the Supreme Court. On October 15, 1974, a conscious animal – they conceded in as to actually break the animal’s back.” the Supreme Court affirmed the decision “ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson court that stunning an animal meaningfully The result was the current federal law. of the three-judge court – Jones v. Butz, Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. reduces the cruelty of slaughter. It recognizes explicitly that “a method of 374 F. Supp. 1284 (S.D.N.Y. 1974), aff’d, President: Esther Adelman One must read the full decision of the slaughter whereby the animal suffers loss 419 U.S. 806 (1974). Executive Director: Mark Silverberg court to know the issues presented to it. It of consciousness by anemia of the brain Neither this history nor the scientifically is apparent from the court’s decision that no caused by the simultaneous and instanta- supported proposition that shechita’s “si- Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman one called the court’s attention to a similar neous severance of the carotid arteries with multaneous and instantaneous severance of Layout Editor: Diana Sochor controversy in the United States Congress a sharp instrument” is an equally humane the carotid arteries with a sharp instrument” Advertising Representative: Corin Porter Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown in 1957, when animal-rights groups pressed alternative. The law describes this as “in is as effective as stunning was presented Production Associate: Christi Sturdevant for the enactment of a federal Humane accordance with the ritual requirements of to the European court. It is clear from Slaughter law. The legislation promoted the Jewish faith or any other religious faith the reasoning articulated in the opinion OPINIONS The views expressed in by those concerned with animal welfare that prescribes” this method of slaughter. that no one gave the European court the editorials and opinion pieces are those directed that before being slaughtered all In 1974, the fears of defenders of evidence that was heard by the American of each author and not necessarily “cattle, calves, horses, mules, sheep, swine shechita were realized. A federal lawsuit congressional committees. The European the views of the Jewish Federation of and other livestock” must be “rendered in- was initiated against the secretary of agri- court assumed that animal welfare, which Northeastern Pennsylvania. sensible to pain by a single blow or gunshot culture on behalf of “friends and guardians it recognized as a permissible legislative LETTERS The Reporter welcomes or an electrical, chemical or other means for all livestock animals now and hereafter goal, required stunning before slaughter. letters on subjects of interest to the Jewish community. All letters must be that is rapid and effective.” awaiting slaughter in the United States,” It held that stunning only affected “one signed and include a phone number. Intending to preserve kosher slaughter the Society for Animal Rights, and the aspect of the specific ritual act of slaughter The editor may withhold the name in the United States, the initial draft pro- Committee for a Wall of Separation and that act of slaughter is not, by contrast, upon request. vided that the law should not apply “to Between Church and State in America. prohibited as such.” This limited restriction, ADS The Reporter does not necessar- any individual who is duly authorized by It claimed that the provision permitting it said, “is appropriate for achieving the ily endorse any advertised products an ordained rabbi of the Jewish religious slaughter without stunning violated the objective of promoting animal welfare.” and services. In addition, the paper faith to serve as a shector.” Recognizing First Amendment’s prohibition against Jewish law was sensitive to animal is not responsible for the kashruth of that Muslim slaughter also prohibited establishment of religion. welfare long before Western civilization – any advertiser’s product or establish- stunning, a later draft exempted “any Under then applicable federal law, the typified by the European Court of Justice ment. individual slaughtering in accordance case had to be heard by three judges. One – ever recognized it as a concern worthy DEADLINE Regular deadline is two with the requirements of any established of those selected at random was Henry J. of human attention. Torah commands weeks prior to the publication date. religious faith.” Friendly, an icon of the federal judiciary. against muzzling an ox while it threshes But Jewish advocates with foresight Another was Judge Edmund Palmieri, a (Devarim 25:4) and against plowing with FEDERATION WEBSITE: (including my late father, Dr. Isaac Lew- federal trial-level judge who is remembered an ox and a donkey together (Devarim www.jewishnepa.org in) saw that such provisions would not today mainly because he had the initiative 22:10) are illustrative. Rabbinic directives HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: give permanent effective protection for and courage to hire a female named Ruth prohibiting the torture of living creatures Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA kosher slaughter. They demanded that the Bader Ginsburg as his law clerk. (tza’ar ba’alei chayim) are well-recog- 18510 legislation explicitly declare that kosher The National Jewish Commission on nized. Jewish religious slaughter should E-mail: [email protected] slaughter of conscious animals is as humane Law and Public Affairs was permitted to have been defended in the European Court Fax: (570) 346-6147 as slaughter after stunning because the intervene as a representative of kosher of Justice because, by its very nature, it Phone: (570) 961-2300 effect of theshechita cut is that the animal consumers. On its behalf, I presented the has always imposed a high standard of immediately loses consciousness. They legislative history of the law to the three animal welfare, and not because respect HOW TO REACH THE provided the congressional committees judges. Judge Palmieri’s opinion for the for religious ritual requires that animal ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: the scientific conclusions of 74 named court said that “the intervenors have welfare be compromised. Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 E-mail: [email protected] experts of veterinary science, including made a persuasive showing that Congress Nathan Lewin is a criminal-defense the detailed opinion of a Nobel Prize was fully and competently advised with attorney with a Supreme Court practice SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: winner in physiology or medicine who had respect to Jewish ritual practices.” He who has taught at Georgetown, Harvard, Phone: (570) 961-2300 personally witnessed kosher slaughter and concluded that the provision authorizing University of Chicago, George Washington declared that it fulfills “every requirement slaughter without stunning by the Jewish and Columbia law schools. JANUARY 7, 2021 ■ THE REPORTER 3 Bais Yaakov happenings “Times are challenging, but at Bais Yaakov the energy U.S. Army, he explained to the girls the importance of ue their Jewish education. So far, students have been prevails,” noted those at the school. The Bais Yaakov a chaplain and how necessary it is for the morale of the attending twice weekly. Anyone post-high school who students are continuing with their ongoing chesed proj- soldiers. Chaplains are available to counsel and also pro- is interested in attending classes should call the school ects. Girls make weekly erev Shabbat (Friday) deliveries vide religious instruction. Sandhaus came prepared with a office at 570-347-5003. of kugels and challah to residents of Webster Towers (a box containing different religious articles such as a Upcoming for the school will be a pizza sale and other senior living residence), as well as to other members of (prayer book), Shabbat candles, a mini-sefer Torah (Torah food fund-raisers. the community who find it difficult to leave their homes. scroll) and other items that chaplains take with them. On Asarah B’Tevet, the 10th of Tevet, Bais Yaakov once The recipients say they are always happy to receive these Two new classes were added this year to Bais Yaa- again participated in the Zechor Yemos Olam Program treats from the girls. Girls have also been sending letters kov’s curriculum. Rabbi Yitzchak Feigenbaum, veteran and students were shown the video “Strike on Heaven,” to people throughout the community, including at Elan principal and a world-renowned teacher from Toronto, is which depicts the Nazis specifically targeting ofrabbanim Gardens (an assisted living facility) and The Jewish teaching a class in “Jewish Beliefs and Philosophy” via (rabbis) and shuls (). It portrayed how Hitler Home. They are not yet able to visit. The residents said Zoom twice a week. With Zoom technology, the school understood that the importance of rabbis and teachers to they are glad to know they are cared about and being is able to take advantage of speakers from anywhere in Judaism and the Jewish people. The video depicted the thought of. the world. Additionally, Rabbi Yisroel Brotsky is teaching victory of Judaism over the hatred of the Nazis. On Veterans Day, the girls listened to a talk from Rabbi a new class on “Hilchos Shabbos (Laws of Shabbos).” Samuel Sandhaus, development director of The Jewish Also new this year is a Bais Yaakov Seminary program Home of Eastern Pennsylvania. A former chaplain in the for post-high school students who would like to contin- DEADLINES Members of India’s Bnei Menashe immigrate The following are deadlines for all articles and photos for upcoming Reporter issues. to Israel DEADLINE ISSUE BY SHAVEI ISRAEL STAFF on behalf of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and Thursday, January 7...... January 21 Ben Gurion Airport, Israel – “I am delighted to have the Home Front Command. Thursday, January 21...... February 4 the honor of bringing members of the Bnei Menashe Since 2003, 2,437 members of the Bnei Menashe Thursday, February 4...... February 18 community to Israel, after many years of waiting,” community have made aliyah, with only 24 members Thursday, February 18...... March 4 said the Minister of Aliyah and Integration MK Pnina of the community making aliyah in 2019. Tameno-Shete. “This follows the approval of a special government decision that I promoted for the immediate aliyah of about 250 new olim.” On December 15, 252 new olim from the Bnei Me- nashe community landed in Israel. Hailing from northeast India, they have preserved the Jewish tradition across generations. Their aliyah is the result of a government decision that was promoted by Tameno-Shete, with the support of the chief rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Baruch Lau; Minister of the Interior MK Aryeh Machluf Deri; and Foreign Minister MK Gabi Ashkenazi. “The Bnei Menashe community is close to my heart. Above and below: Members of the Bnei Menashe Upon assuming the position of minister, I made expe- community arrived at Ben Guiron Airport on December diting the aliyah of the Bnei Menashe community a top 15. (Photos by Eleonora Shiluv) priority,” said Tameno-Shete. “I am happy to have the honor of renewing their aliyah following my advance- ment of a special government decision that was approved unanimously. I will continue acting on behalf of the Bnei Menashe community to ensure and expedite the aliyah of the remaining members of the community in India. We are blessed to see their arrival to Israel during the festival of Hanukkah – this is a tremendous light for us all. We will accompany and help all the olim throughout their process of absorption and we will do everything we can to support their successful integration into Israeli society.” The aliyah of hundreds of members of the Bnei Menashe community follows months of preparation spearheaded by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration in cooperation with the Shavei Israel organization. The olim have been waiting YOUR for many years to make aliyah. Upon assuming the posi- tion of Minister of Aliyah and Integration, Tameno-Shete AD made this issue a priority for the Ministry, which led to the government decision that paved the way for the aliyah. COULD “As we celebrate the festival of Hanukkah and the miracle of the flask of oil, thealiyah of the lost tribe of Bnei Menashe BE after 2,700 years of exile is itself a modern-day Hanukkah miracle and for that we thank Minister Tameno-Shete,” said the founder and chairman of the Shavei Israel organization, HERE! Michael Freund. “The story of this unique community that maintained its connection to the Jewish people and the land For information of Israel down through the generations is powerful and on advertising, inspiring, and I fervently hope that we will soon see all the please e-mail remaining Bnei Menashe make aliyah as well.” advertising@ Out of the hundreds of olim who arrived in Israel, there were some 50 families and 24 single individuals, four thereportergroup.org infants under the age of 2 years old, 39 children aged 12 years old or younger, and 19 seniors aged 62 years or older. The olim will undergo an absorption process at the airport, and from there they will be sent to quar- antine according to Ministry of Health restrictions and

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER I JANUARY 7, 2021 Resources Continued from page 2 Ron Leshem, Emuna Elon and more. The series will take place David Mazower” on Sunday, January 10, at 7 pm; “40 Years the women who inspire us?” on Tuesday, January 26, at 7 from February-June.To see the complete list or to register, visit in Yiddishland: The Book Center celebrates the pm; and more. Many of the programs are free, but some https://case.edu/lifelonglearning/lectures/israeli-speaker-se- Klezmer Conservatory Band” on Sunday, January 24, at 2 require payment. For more information or to register, visit ries. The second is called “Time for 24.” Attendees will study pm; “Murder in the Rue Racine: Five Gunshots that Changed https://streicker.nyc/category/events. themes and structure in each of the 24 books of the Hebrew Jewish History? with David Engel” on Thursday, January 28, ‹ The CCAR Press will hold a virtual book launch for Bible (Tanach) with scholars, writers, educators and public at 7 pm; and the “Sutzkever Essential Prose” book launch, “This Precious Life: Encountering the Divine with Poetry intellectuals from across the country and around the world. with translator Zackary Sholem Berger and scholar Justin and Prayer” by Alden Solovy on Sunday, January 10, People may sign up for individual weeks or the full program. Cammy, on Sunday, January 31, at 2 pm. For more informa- at 1 pm. The program is an hour of prayer, poetry and Classes will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, February 16 tion or to register, visit https://www.yiddishbookcenter.org/ conversation with Solovy and Rabbis Leon Morris and through May 13 (no class during Passover), from 12:30-1:30 events-and-store/virtual-public-programs-calendar. Hara Person. For more information or to register, visit pm. For more information or to register, visit https://case.edu/ ‹ The Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center will hold a variety https://pardes.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMrce-gqDgs- lifelonglearning/lectures/time-24. of virtual events, including Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s “Owner’s GdGyIIeB0Zqss-EUeMObEJFK%20t. ‹ Those who missed the National Museum of American Guide for Anyone with a Brain” on Tuesday, January 12, ‹ The Jewish Museum and Film at Lincoln Center will Jewish History program inducting Harry Houdini and at 7 pm; “The Yiddish Texan: An Evening of Schmoozing present the 2021 New York Jewish Film Festival virtually David Copperfi eld into the Ed Snider Only in America and Songs with Steven Skybell and Zalmen Mlotek” on from January 13-26. Among the fi lms being shown are Gallery and Hall of Fame can fi nd a video of the event Wednesday, January 13, at 7 pm; “From Abraham to Zabar’s “Here We Are,” a tale of parental devotion focusing on a at www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6Bxx1nCIFg. and Everything in Between: An Unorthodox Guide to All dad and his son who has autism; and “Irmi,” a documentary ‹ The Yiddish Book Center is holding weekly virtual Things Jewish” on Thursday, January 14, at 6:30 pm; “Mi- that tells the inspiring life story of Irmi Selver, a Jewish public programs on a diverse selection of topics related chael Chabon and Ayelet Waldman: The 100-Year Struggle refugee who fl ed her hometown of Chemnitz, Germany, in to Yiddish and modern Jewish literature and culture. Up- for Civil Liberties” on Thursday, January 21, at 6:30 pm; the 1930s. There is a cost for the ticket. To learn more, visit coming programs include “Becoming Sholem Asch, with “Natalie Portman: Women Inspiring Women: Who inspires www.fi lmlinc.org/festivals/new-york-jewish-fi lm-festival/. ‹ Gratz College will hold the 2021 Arnold and Esther December Tuzman Memorial Holocaust Teach-In featuring Art 2020 Spiegelman, Pulitzer Prize-winning artist, illustrator and author of “Maus,” on Sunday, March 7, from 1-3 pm. PROJECT JOY Registration will begin in January. For more information, THE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER of SCRANTON visit https://www.gratz.edu/event/arnold-and-esther-tuz- man-memorial-holocaust-teach-gratz-college-save-date. Dear Friends, Thank you so much for remembering Project Joy this year in such a generous way. Due to COVID-19, ‹ The Jewish Theological Seminary will hold the online we had to make many changes, but we were still able to make over 125 children experience a fabulous mini-course “The Questions Jews Ask, The Answers Rabbis Holiday season. Give” with Rabbi Marcus Mordecai Schwartz on Thursdays, Many local organizations such as St. Joseph Center, Lackawanna Children & Youth, and Catherine January 21 and 28, and February 4 and 11, from 1-2 pm. McAuley Center gave us lists of children who needed to have a “special” holiday this year. They re- All sessions are recorded and recordings are accessible ceived gift wrapped toys from their own wish lists, clothing, multiple books, and stuffed animals. Thanks to Joe Hollander’s efforts, special toothbrush kits were donated by the Scranton Primary Health Care to registered participants. The class will look at is class Center. some responses of rabbis to questions through the ages, This year, Jewish Family Services requested multiple gift cards for their families due to COVID-19 safety related to communal governance, daily life and rabbinic precautions. Finally, Children’s Advocacy received gift wrapped games and crafts. controversy. To register, visit https://inspired.jtsa.edu/event/ We missed having our wrappers this year, but Jeff and I wrapped them ourselves at our home. We the-questions-jews-ask-the-answers-rabbis-give/e319105. really look forward to having them back next year for a fun wrapping morning. Special thanks to Vince and Carli Kalinoski who delivered large bags of gifts to St. Joseph Center and ‹ Pardes will present The Sidney and Miriam Brettler Catherine McAuley. We appreciate all of your efforts! Also our gratitude goes out to Mindy and Jessica Memorial Lecture Series 5781/2021: “Women’s Prayers (JCC Staff) and Dan Cardonick for all of their hard work on this project. and Women Pray-ers: From Hannah to Today with Rabbi Dr. Dalia Marx.” The virtual lectures will take place on Mondays, January 11 (“From the Bible to the ”), January 18 (“The Medieval Period: Prayers Composed by Women”) and January 25 (“Opportunities and Challenges Our heartfelt thanks to the following contributors: of Modernity”), at 1 pm. Recordings will be available before the next lecture for rewatching purposes. People may sign up for the lectures individually. For more infor- Elliot and Renee Schoenberg Carol and Jack Nogi mation or to register, visit https://pardes.zoom.us/meeting/ Amos Lodge #136 Susan and Rick Jacobson register/tJwuf-uhpzstHNw6e766VyM_cqGJwL07kvEQ. Scott & Susie Herlands Gail and Mike Greenstein ‹ The Center for Jewish History and the Museum of Chi- Everything Natural Carol & Jeff Leventhal nese in America Collection are holding the online exhibit “Emile Bocian in Chinatown” at https://exhibitionscjh. Esther Friedman Target Dickson City wixsite.com/bocian. The Center for Jewish History will David & Gail Dickstein Rich & Cari Leventhal Mahler hold a virtual exhibit opening “Behind the Scenes of an Eileen and David Feibus Sam’s Club Exhibition: Emile Bocian in Chinatown” on Thursday, January 28, at 4 pm. Co-curators Kevin Chu, collections Esther Adelman Wegmans manager at MOCA, and Lauren Gilbert, senior manager Barbara & Fred Levy Don & Joyce Douglass of public services at the Center, will share a behind-the- Joe & Ruthie Hollander Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club scenes look into Emile Bocian’s life, his collection and Tim & Debbie Shane Faye & Rick Bishop the genesis of the exhibition. Bocian’s grandniece and nephew will also be in attendance to share their mem- Jerry & Lynne Fragin Phyliss & Michael Weinberg ories. For more information or to register, visit https:// Bob & Lainey Ufberg Judie and Larry Golden programs.cjh.org/event/emile-bocian-2021-01-28. Marian & Gary Beckhorn Lindsay Leventhal ‹ Hartman@Home will off er several virtual events: “The Wondering Jew: Israel and the Search for Jewish Identity,” Jim and Jacquie Verano Richard & Carole Fine a conversation with Micah Goodman about his new book, Howard Spizer Janice & Harris Cutler on Sunday, January 24, from 10-11 am (for information or James & Patricia Alperin Mark & Joan Davis to register, visit www.hartman.org.il/event/the-wondering- jew-israel-and-the-search-for-jewish-identity/); and a four Nancy & Chris Dressel Margery Rosenberg part course, “The Texts & Topics Shaping Modern Jewish Connie Baruffaldi Cheryl & Michael Friedman Life” exploring “The New Jewish Canon” with Yehuda Toby Silverman Lisa & Sam Starr Kurtzer, Mijal Bitton, David Zvi Kalman and Elana Stein Laurel & Alan Glassman Barb and Lou Nivert Hain on Wednesday, January 6, and Thursdays, February 4, March 11 and April 29, from 8-9:30 pm (for more in- Jerald and Kerrie Gilbert Frayda Froozan formation or to register, visit www.hartman.org.il/event/ Cal & Doris Leventhal Robin & Jeffrey Jacobson the-texts-topics-shaping-modern-jewish-life/). Steve & Ellen Seitchik Scranton Toyota ‹ The Museum of Jewish Heritage will hold the virtual program “18 Voices: A Liberation Day Reading of Young Michael Mardo & Iris Liebman Jackie and George Fuesko Writers’ Diaries From the Holocaust” on Wednesday, Jan- Paula & Jim Kane Weis Market Clarks Summit uary 27, at 7 pm. The excerpts will be read by actors and Natalie Gelb Beverly Klein public fi gures, including Liev Schreiber, Mandy Gonzalez, Ann & Ed Monsky Elaine Shepard Adam Kantor and Daniel Kahn. For more information or to register, visit https://mjhnyc.org/18-voices-a-liberation- Saul and Sharon Levy Bob & Faye Rosenberg day-reading-of-young-writers-diaries-from-the-holocaust/. Bill & Patti Thomas Margie & Lou Shapiro ‹ The Jewish Review of Books will hold the webinar Susie & Jim Connors “the Blessing and the Curse: A Conversation with With deep appreciation, Adam Kirsch” on Tuesday, January 26, at 7 pm. Abe Socher will talk to poet and literary critic Adam Kirsch Carol Leventhal about his latest book, “The Blessing and the Curse: The Jewish People and Their Books in the Twentieth Cen- Carol Leventhal, Project Joy Chairperson tury.” For more information or to register, visit https:// tikvahfund.zoom.us/webinar/register/7616091756364/ Jeff Leventhal WN_K2-OU50FSqCqeAVzHv1txw. Jeff Levanthal (Best Elf Ever!) For additional resources, see previous issues of The Reporter on its website, www.thereportergroup.org. JANUARY 7, 2021 ■ THE REPORTER 5 IDF provides hope in hurricane-ravaged Honduras BY YAAKOV LAPPIN Speaking to JNS on the final day of the delegation’s (JNS) – Helping a Honduran village hit extremely mission, Shalom said the digital database system used hard by hurricanes to go from being almost empty to by the Home Front Command team played a key part, increasingly being refilled with its inhabitants was called providing a “much brighter picture of the area, and giving “a powerful experience” for members of the Israeli as- decision-makers the ability to know where to prioritize sistance delegation sent there recently. their efforts and allocate resources.” Amir Shalom, the Israel Ministry of Defense repre- The village of Cruz de Valencia saw 280 homes – a sentative to Mexico and Central America, played a key third of the village’s housing – erased in the natural role in organizing the Israel Defense Forces Home Front disaster with families left only with floors. “We decided Command and Ministry of Foreign Affairs delegation, to simply get to this village and bring back its infra- and shared the experience with JNS. structure, electricity and water, and to return villagers “The more we were there, the more we saw people to their homes,” said Shalom. Damage surveys revealed going back to the village,” he said. “We felt that we were The IDF aid delegation conducted a seven-day mission the fastest ways of rebuilding roofs while also marking a real part of the hope of the villagers. They invited us that included a series of operations in the cities of San out residences that were no longer safe for habitation. to their homes. We helped them rebuild. That includes Pedro Sula and La Lima, which were severely affected. Delegation members relied on their experiences and taking the mud out of their homes, clearing the main (Photo courtesy of IDF Spokesperson’s Unit) expertise in multiple disciplines, including past disaster-re- streets and witnessing their incredible dedication.” lief missions. “The Israeli character is about not giving Just days earlier, Shalom recalled receiving a call During their mission, the forces operated advanced up – about striving to engage under challenges and looking from Israel and was told to begin immediate preparations mapping technology for engineering damage assessment. for solutions,” said Shalom. “It was incredible to see all for the delegation’s arrival. This involved coordinating Senior officials of the Honduran government personally of the personnel working in layers of mud hand in hand with the Honduran Defense Ministry and preparing the took part in the delegation’s activity. with the inhabitants to return the village to what it was.” ground for the Israeli delegation’s arrival. The delegation was led by the commander of the National The team also passed on recommendations to the villagers “I’m glad to say that our connection with the Honduran Rescue Unit, Col. (res.) Golan Vach, and consisted of 15 on how to quickly rebuild in the event of a future destructive Defense Ministry is good and thanks to these friendly reservists, accompanied by staff from the Israeli embassy in storm. “We are sure we are leaving an imprint here, a kind relations, we received full support from the country’s Honduras and supported by experts from Israel. It reached of hope for these people. We chose this village because it president,” reported Shalom. “We received everything northeast Honduras – an area severely affected by the two was hit really hard,” said Shalom, adding that Vach decided that we needed, including helicopter and plane transport.” hurricanes – chosen by the delegation as the location where to place the focus on the most difficult challenge. The IDF aid delegation conducted a seven-day mission it could provide a maximum level of assistance. “We leave tomorrow, and this is not a miraculous trans- that included a series of operations in the cities of San “We had clear objectives, which were defined in Israel. formation that occurred here,” he acknowledged, “but at Pedro Sula and La Lima, which were severely affected. First and foremost, the goal was to help Honduras deal least we could influence and give a real supporting push.” It returned to Israel on December 10. with the aftermath in two of its states,” said Shalom. “We The villages in this part of the world are managed The two Category 4 hurricanes, Eta and Iota, struck set out to help the state and civilians at the level of the by committees of locals, and the head of the commit- the Central American country in November, leaving individual. To find ways to return them to their homes.” tee, called “patronato,” gave the delegation a tour of behind mudslides and widespread devastation. With many civilians gathered in shelters, the delega- the damage. Shalom said, “We got to a corner of the The aid delegation came up with a number of ways tion wanted to get them back home as soon as possible. village and she showed us her home, or where it once to provide engineering and medical care. A second objective, he said, was to help state officials stood. Nothing was left. We saw a moving sight after we Simultaneously, the members of the aid delegation deal with and mitigate future disasters. managed to activate a functioning water supply, which helped rebuild the village of Cruz de Valencia, which was As the delegation worked, experts back in Israel con- equals life. When there is water, more people can come most severely damaged, through the refurbishment of tinued to think up solutions and process data, presenting back,” described Shalom. “We did another tour, entering houses in the village, the installation of solar lighting and insights based on data analysis to enhance the delegation’s the homes and asking how we can help. We entered one the connection of a water system. As a result, hundreds decision-making. Israeli health and engineering experts of the homes and saw a mother cooking in her kitchen, of residents returned from shelters back to their homes. held virtual meetings with their Honduran counterparts pots on the gas, the smell of food was present. We saw In addition, engineering surveys and damage assessments to look at solutions for draining floodwater and dealing that they’re coming back. That things are going back were conducted for hundreds of residences, said the IDF. with overflowing damns. to life. And it’s incredible to see these things,” he said.

The Federation is asking members of its communities to support its “Friends of The Reporter” Campaign which seeks to raise $5,000 to assist in funding the newspaper. The newspaper is delivered twice of month (except for December and July which are single issue months) to each and every identifiable Jewish home in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Reporter is the primary intercommunal newspaper of the Jewish communities of Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties. Supplementing synagogue newsletters, bulletins and e-mails, The Reporter is issued to hundreds of Jewish households throughout our region. Over the past several years, the publishing cost of the newspaper has increased dramatically although the newspaper continues to be provided at no charge to members of our Jewish communities in northeastern Pennsylvania. The Federation has assumed the financial responsibility of funding the newspaper at a cost of $23,990 per year and asks only that its readers assist it in raising $5,000 as part of its “Friends of The Reporter” Campaign to offset a small share of these expenses. Your gift to fund our regional Jewish newspaper matters a great deal to our readers and we would be very grateful for your finan- cial support. As always, your comments, opinions & suggestions are always welcome. With best wishes, Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of NE Pennsylvania 601 Jefferson Avenue Scranton, PA 18510 ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 6 THE REPORTER I JANUARY 7, 2021 D’VAR TORAH ABINGTON TORAH CENTER Rabbi Dovid Saks What’s in a name? President: Richard Rutta Jewish Heritage Connection BY RABBI MARJORIE BERMAN lives of Black Americans and on the soul of our country. 601 Je erson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 Shemot, Exodus 1:1-6:1 Each day, as the numbers of COVID-19 mount in 570-346-1321 • website: www.jewishheritageconnection.org The Book of Exodus, which we start his week, is Northeastern Pennsylvania, in the U.S. and in the world, Sunday morning minyan 8:15 am at Elan Gardens, called Shemot in Hebrew. It simply means “names.” I fi nd myself becoming numb. I have done funerals for 465 Vernard Rd., Clarks Summit, PA Why begin the story of exile and redemption by naming? those that have died of the disease, lost beloved congre- What does it mean to know who we are? How does it gants, had friends and family who have been sick with BETH SHALOM CONGREGATION lead to redemption? it, and it is still inconceivable to me. The vastness of the Rabbi Yisroel Brotsky 1025 Vine St., Scranton, PA 18510 (corner of Vine & Clay Ave.) For Jews, names have always been important. To name numbers defi es my imagination to enfold the extent of 570-346-0502 • fax: 570-346-8800 something brings it into being, gives you power over it and those who are suff ering. Weekday - Shacharit: Sun. 8am; Mon.,  urs. & Rosh Chodesh enables you to have knowledge that goes beyond the sur- But Judaism teaches us that this is what we must do. We 6:30 am; Tue., Wed. & Fri. 6:45 am; Sat. & holidays 8:45 am. face. In Genesis, all things come into being simply by being cannot lose sight that each of the two million people who Mincha during the week is approx. 10 minutes before sunset, named by God; God says, “Let there be light,” and there is have died of COVID had family, friends, histories, commu- following by Maariv. light. When Adam, the fi rst earth being, is given the task of nities, homes, hopes... Some of you reading this know this naming the animals, there is an implication that by naming fi rst-hand.The New York Times is doing an ongoing series CHABAD OF THE ABINGTONS/ them, he becomes responsible for them – they are now part called “Those We’ve Lost” with the intent of conveying JEWISH DISCOVERY CENTER of a covenantal relationship. Jewish mystics, according to “the human toll of COVID-19 by putting faces and names Rabbi Benny Rapoport Kabbalistic tradition, could work magic by knowing the to the growing numbers of the dead, and to portray them President: Richard I. Schwartz secret names of God. And the names that we give a child are 216 Miller, Rd., Clarks Summit, PA 18411 in all their variety.” It is both heartbreaking and heartening 570-587-3300 • JewishNEPA.com/minyan imbued with power. The power of hope, of memory, and of to read these obituaries. They are loving and inspirational, Weekly service for Shabbat and all Jewish holidays kavod – of honoring those that have gone before. beautiful and deeply sad. They remind us that behind each Kabbalat Shabbat at sundown (summer at 7 pm) In the last half-century, a powerful and evocative of the daily tallies and the graphs, there are hundreds of Saturday mornings: 9:30 am, Kiddush 11:30 am practice has emerged in relation to the Holocaust. For 24 thousands of human beings that we have lost – those who Call for more information. hours during Yom Hashoah, people read out the names lived lives of failures and triumphs, like all of us. of those that were murdered. By doing so, we remember If we have not personally lost someone, it feels so CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF THE POCONOS that those who were taken were actual humans: mothers, incredibly diffi cult to stay “awake” during this time – to Rabbi Mendel Bendet fathers, sons, daughters, grandparents, aunt, uncles, actually confront our mortality on a daily basis and to 570-420-8655 • website: www.chabadpoconos.com teachers, shopkeepers, scholars, peddlers and farmers. Please contact us for schedules and locations. take in the magnitude of the loss that is all around us. We name those that were lost as a way of remembering But our tradition teaches us in the Psalms, “Teach us to CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL their humanity and their stories – to try to help us attain number our days, that we may attain a heart of wisdom.” A liation: Union for Reform Judaism some grasp the of unimaginable number of those who Sometimes it can be too much. But when we stay con- Rabbi Elliott Kleinman died. By naming those that were killed, we, in small nected to the reality of what is happening and when we President: Liza Roos Lucy measure, confront the reality of the devastation. The give it a name, we keep our hearts open, We have the Contact person: Cheryl Badner, Congregation Administrator Black Lives Matter movement has adopted this practice opportunity to be fi lled with gratitude for the days that 615 Court St., Honesdale, PA 18431 as well, with the injunction, “Say Their Names!” It, too, we are given and to face the grief that lies within us. 570-253-2222 • fax: 570-226-1105 seeks to humanize, to give names and faces and stories Perhaps Shemot – Exodus – begins the story of our CONGREGATION B’NAI HARIM to those that have been taken, and to force us to confront redemption with names because we can only truly A liation: Union for Reform Judaism the reality of what systemic racism has wrought on the See “Name” on page 8 Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum President: Stacy Mitgang P.O. Box 757, Sullivan Rd., Pocono Pines, PA 18350 (located at Rt. 940 and Pocono Crest Road at Sullivan Trail) 570-646-0100 • website: www.bnaiharimpoconos.org Shabbat morning services 10 am-noon; every other Saturday, P A C E Potluck Shabbat Dinner with blessings and program of varying Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment topics, one Friday every month - call for schedule. JEWISH FELLOWSHIP OF HEMLOCK FARMS Rabbi: Johanan Bickhardt Your gift to the Annual Campaign President: Dan Marcus 540 Forest Dr., 1516 Hemlock Farms, Lords Valley, PA 18428 570-775-7497 • e-mail: j [email protected] DOES A WORLD OF GOOD. Friday evening Shabbat service 8 pm Endowing your gift allows you to be there for the Saturday morning Shabbat service 9:30 am Jewish community of NEPA forever. 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Contact person: Jay Schectman, 570-954-9354 515 East Drinker St., Dunmore, PA 18512 Saturday morning Shabbat 7:30 am, also services for Yizkor Examples Of Ways To Fund Your Pace Gift Are: TEMPLE ISRAEL OF THE POCONOS * outright contribution of cash, appreciated securities or other long-term A liation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism * capital gain property such as real estate Rabbi Baruch Melman • President: Shell Farber * charitable remainder trust 711 Wallace St., Stroudsburg, PA 18360 * gift of life insurance (one block o Rt. 191 (5th Street) at Avenue A) 570-421-8781 • website: www.templepoconos.org * charitable lead trust E-mail: [email protected] * gift of IRA or pension plan assets Friday evening Shabbat 6 pm; Saturday morning Shabbat 10:30 am * grant from your foundation TEMPLE ISRAEL OF SCRANTON * reserved life estate in your residence A liation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism * bequest Rabbi: Rabbi Miriam Spitzer Cantor: Vladimir Aronzon • President: Howard Spizer Using appreciated property, such as securities or real estate, a ords you the opportunity to 918 East Gibson St., Scranton, PA 18510 (located at the eliminate the income tax on the long-term capital gain, will in some instances generate a full income corner of Gibson & Monroe Sts.) tax charitable deduction and will remove those assets from your estate for estate tax purposes. 570-342-0350 • e-mail: o [email protected] Mon. &  urs. 7:15 am; Tues., Wed. & Fri. 7:25 am; Rosh Chodesh & Chagim weekdays, 7 am; Shabbat morning For more information contact Mark Silverberg at service 9:30 am [email protected] or call 570-961-2300, ext. 1. JANUARY 7, 2021 ■ THE REPORTER 7 8 THE REPORTER ■ JANUARY 7, 2021 NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org to take custody of Omar Sheikh to stand trial here. We can- bombs at an estimated $478 million, according to The Hill. U.S. says it’s ready to prosecute Daniel not allow him to evade justice for his role in Daniel Pearl’s Separately on Dec. 29, the Defense Security Cooperation abduction and murder.” The Pakistani Supreme Court was Agency announced that approval had been granted for Pearl murder suspect scheduled to resume its hearing about Sheikh on Jan. 5. the sale to Kuwait of eight AH-64E Apache helicopters, The U.S. Department of Justice stands ready to prosecute The Pearl family’s attorney, Faisal Siddiqi, said he expects as well as the remanufacture of 16 of its AH-64D Apache Omar Sheikh, who had his conviction for the 2002 murder the court to rule on the appeal by the end of January. The Longbow attack helicopters to the AH-64E configuration. of American Jewish journalist Daniel Pearl overturned in United States announced a grand-jury indictment against The estimated cost of the sale is $4 billion. The U.S. agency December by a provincial court in Pakistan. In a statement Sheikh for acts of terrorism against Pearl, who at the time also announced the approval of the sale to Egypt of Sniper on Dec. 29, Acting U.S. Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen was working for The Wall Street Journal, as well as an Advanced Targeting Pods (or ATPs) and related equipment said: “We understand that Pakistani authorities are taking American tourist who was kidnapped in India in 1994. for an estimated cost of $65.6 million. steps to ensure that Omar Sheikh remains in custody while U.S. approves $290 million “smart” Jerusalem court orders attorney general the Supreme Court appeal seeking to reinstate his conviction continues. The separate judicial rulings reversing his con- bomb sale to Saudi Arabia to produce authorization for probes viction and ordering his release are an affront to terrorism The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of (Israel Hayom via JNS) – In a decision that could have victims everywhere. We remain grateful for the Pakistani 3,000 “smart” bombs to Saudi Arabia for $290 million, the significant political ramifications, the Jerusalem District government’s actions to appeal such rulings to ensure that Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on Dec. Court on Dec. 29 ordered prosecutors to hand over Attor- he and his co-defendants are held accountable. If, however, 29. The Saudis had requested the GBU-39 Small Diameter ney General Avichai Mandelblit’s authorization for police those efforts do not succeed, the United States stands ready Bomb Munitions, which “will improve Saudi Arabia’s investigations into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. capability to meet current and future threats by increasing Prosecutors have seven days in which to produce the rele- its stocks of long-range, precision air-to-ground munitions,” vant documents to Netanyahu’s defense team. The court’s Panel Continued from page 1 the agency said in a statement. The news came a week after ruling applies to three cases for which Netanyahu is under Arizona State House Rep. Alma Hernandez, a Jewish the U.S. State Department notified Congress it was moving indictment. The prime minister’s lawyers have argued that Mexican American, said, “I am a very progressive Dem- ahead with issuing a license for Raytheon to directly sell to the permission, which the attorney general must grant, ocrat, but being told that I have to choose between being Saudi Arabia 7,500 Paveway air-to-ground precision-guided was only provided retroactively. If that is found to be the part of the progressive movement or support Israel is not case, the prime minister’s attorneys have demanded that something I am prepared to compromise on.” all charges, which Netanyahu vehemently denies, must On the question of where attitudes toward Israel be- be dropped. The court rejected prosecutors’ argument that come antisemitic, Ashager Araro, founder of Batta-Ethi- Name Continued from page 6 the authorizations were not related to the investigation. opian Israeli Heritage Center, commented, “Once you become free when we value every human being, and U.S. policy to label West Bank products say that the Jewish people are the only people who don’t know that every human being counts. Naming helps have the right to self-determination, it is antisemitism.” us to remember who we are, and to see others for who as “Made in Israel” takes effect Mahrinah Shije, executive director of Pueblo Devel- they are. It prevents us from “becoming a number” and The U.S. policy of requiring products made in Israeli opment Commission, called for education toward a better helps us retain our humanity. Whether we are struggling settlements in the West Bank as “Made in Israel” took effect understanding of Zionism as self-determination, saying against the overwhelming grief and isolation of COVID, the week of Dec. 25, according to U.S. Customs and Border “the banning of Zionists from these [progressive] spaces or fighting systemic racism in ourselves and our commu- Protection. CBP published a notice in The Federal Register, the takes authority away from our narratives.” nities, when we name ourselves and each other it helps daily journal of the U.S. government, on Dec. 23. The notice Combat Anti-Semitism Movement Director Sacha us to remember we are created b’tzelem Elohim, in God’s allows for a three-month transition period (until March 23) for Roytman-Dratwa explained that “our event was an image. We are a part of the Divine. We are not created manufacturers to comply with the new guidelines, which were opportunity to set the record straight. The likes of Rep. to be enslaved to one another, to denigrate each other or issued by the U.S. State Department in November, requiring Tlaib and Professor Hill have no right to attempt to define to give up in the face of an unseen but powerful virus. products manufactured in Israeli-controlled settlements in the Jew-hatred, especially given their track record of stoking We are free to make our own choices, to find our way to West Bank to be labeled as “Israel,” “Product of Israel” or antisemitism. Instead, they should listen to the many Jew- becoming partners with God and to attempt to do our part “Made in Israel” when exported to the U.S. Products made ish leaders and activists, like those we heard from today, in healing the world. This is the story of our redemption. in Palestinian Authority-controlled areas of the West Bank who by definition truly understand antisemitism and have Rabbi Marjorie Berman is a spiritual director at the will be marked as products of “West Bank,” while goods dedicated themselves to fighting for minority rights.” Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. produced in Gaza will be marked as products of “Gaza.”

Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania 2021 UJA Campaign WE CAN MAKE THE WORLD BETTER BY WORKING TOGETHER The mission of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania is to rescue the imperiled, care for the vulnerable, support Israel and world Jewry, and revitalize and perpetuate Jewish life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

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Authorized signatureDate MARK SILVERBERG AND DASSY GANZ, CO-CHAIRS OF THE 2021 UJA CAMPAIGN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.