Congregation B’nai Harim Children of the Mountains Congregation B’nai Harim, P.O. Box 757, Pocono Pines, PA 18350/ (570) 646-0100 http://www.bnaiharimpoconos.org

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2018/ VOLUME 24, ISSUE 12 RABBI’S MESSAGE - DECEMBER 2018 Stress is a killer. If it doesn’t kill outright, it wears away our adaptive reserves and tears at our patience, our civility and our souls. You’ve read this, heard this and, I fear, experi- enced it more in the last several years than ever before. Even if you grew up during World War 2 and the Cold War with their air-raids and duck-and-cover drills, you were younger then and not as worn out by constant threats and reports everywhere you turn. You could Rabbi Peg laugh off placards reading “Repent: the end is near.” Kershenbaum But now, our buoyancy is less springy and our optimism less resilient. Unless we take positive steps, we may find that our sour moods begin to take a toll on our physical health. They have certainly put a dent in our emotional well-being already. Some have found that their sense of spiritual well-being has been compromised as well. There are many ways to fight the malaise that sometimes threatens to engulf us. Doctors and health specialists have a cornucopia of remedies. The wellness industry has introduced soothing sup- plements into everything from bath oils to ice cream to dog treats! But sometimes you don’t want to turn to external fixes; you want to salve your soul. That’s where we at B’nai Harim are particularly fortunate. We have many paths to spiritual and emotional repair. When you bring food or warm winter clothing for our collection bins; when you save your clean plastic bags so they may be turned into waterproof mats for the homeless; when you call or visit a friend who is not well; when you join others for lunch or for a Shabbat dinner or for services; when you learn something new, you are taking positive steps toward refuat hanefesh, heal- ing your soul and keeping up your spirit. Participating in other gemilut chasadim, acts of kindness, in the wider world also helps. Volun- teer opportunities abound up in the Poconos and in Florida and anywhere you call home even for a few weeks of the year. As we light our candles against the darkness of the season this Chanukah, let us commit our- selves to engaging in new, positive activities to lighten the world around us and within us. May each of us become a Ner Tamid, a constant, undying flame, for ourselves and others.

NOTICE FROM THE EDITOR by Honi Gruenberg

Several congregants perceived an article in our November newsletter to be a political statement that did not relate to the temple or Jewish issues. As editor, I should ensure that our articles appeal to all of us as Jews and as members of B'nai Harim, regardless of political affiliation. Since my monthly article is on interesting finds on the internet, I found this article: https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Politics-With-Stubborn-Relatives useful. Since we are all family, I think this article will come in handy for all of us who have differing opinions. While we are all firm in our beliefs and often want to share, let’s try to find things that unite us and bring us closer together. Going forward we will no longer publish overtly political articles. Feel free to share them with your local newspaper. Wishing you a wonderful Chanukah (no matter how you spell it!).

Honi Gruenberg

Editor

PAGE ONE/B’NAI HARIM PRESIDENT’S2 MESSAGE - DECEMBER 2018 by Meredith Stempel

In 1949, just four years after WWll and the holocaust ended, the music to the show South Pacific was written. In the words of Oscar Hammerstein in one of the songs: “You’ve got to be taught to hate and fear. … It’s got to be drummed in your dear little ear. … You’ve got to be taught before it’s too late, before you are six or seven or eight, to hate all the people you’re relatives hate. You’ve got to be carefully taught.” If hate and fear are carefully taught and ingrained in the minds of young children then the only way to remedy this and break the cycle is by carefully teaching ethical positive values and responses. When I was a student in public school there was not even a footnote in the history textbooks men- tioning the holocaust. Approximately six million Jews and over five million Gentiles were murdered during the holocaust and it did not even warrant a footnote. We need a license to drive a car, to practice medicine and law, to teach in public schools, but for the most important role one can have, that of a parent, one does not need a license. In order to main- tain licensure in various professions, continuing education courses are required. Why not continuing parenting education courses? Parenting is not all instinctive and intuitive. Health care workers and other professionals are required to take a course in child abuse recognition and reporting. Why not requiring courses in how to prevent it from occurring in the first place? We hold solidarity and memorial services to help us cope and promote goodwill in response to murders arising from bigotry and hatred. With the passage of time the horrific events blow over and we go on with our lives and forget, until the next massacre occurs. We need more emphasis on carefully teaching young and impressionable children that there should be zero tolerance for intolerance, bigotry, bullying, and any hateful, destructive attitude and act. We are all the victims of the massacres at the Texas church one year ago, the Pittsburgh syna- gogue, October 27, the California nightclub, November 7. At the solidarity and memorial service at Temple Israel in Stroudsburg reference was made to John Donne’s poem: ”No Man Is An Island”. The poem poignantly ends with the words: “…never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee”.

KIDDUSH HOSTS Kiddushes are such a delightful part of socializing after a Saturday Morning ser- vice. We always welcome hosts for our Kiddushes. The cost of sponsoring is $65.00 and includes bagels, cream cheese, coffee, tea, orange juice, milk and all needed paper goods. Sponsors are welcome to supplement the Kiddush. To host a Kiddush, call Roberta Pineiro (570) 839-0107.

December 8th - From the Kiddush Fund December 22nd - From the Kiddush Fund

UPCUPCOMING SHABBAT DINNNERS

Friday, December 14th at 6:30 PM Friday, January 11th at 6:30 PM

UPCUPCOMING FLORIDA REUNION

Friday, February 1, 2019 at 12:30 P.M. Florida B’nai Harim reunion will be on at the usual

restaurant. Waterways Cafe on PGA Boulevard, RSVP Maddy Mogel at 561-638-3740.

PAGE TWO/B’NAI HARIM ARE WE FADING AWAY? by George Novick

THE PLIGHT OF JEWISH IDENTITY

Facts of the 21st century. 72% of non-orthodox Jews marry non-Jews. 1/3 of millennial Jews do not identify with Judaism and claim they have no religion. Israel, which so in- spired many of us now alienates many. Assimilation, once the goal of so many of us, may be our Scourge. Let us hope that Judaism, which has shown its capacity to adapt, can adapt. 19th century non-orthodox Judaism did away with certain long term rituals and theol- ogy to adjust to living in an open society. 20th century Judaism had the Holocaust, which gave us an obligation to the murdered, and the establishment of the State of Israel, gave us a homeland and inspired us with dignity and pride. However, the last survivors of the Holocaust will die out in the next few decades and the actions of Israel are the subject of much internal debate. We are now floating around with many of our brethren untether- ed. As Author Tal Keinan has written “create meaning in Judaism or accept extinction.”

to be continued

TIKKUN OLAM by Steven Levine

Our Torah tells us that “He who is gracious unto the poor lendeth unto the Lord and his good deed will HE repay”. Dear congregants your generosity and good deeds of providing warm coats, sweaters, socks, scarves, bedding and jackets to the needy of Monroe County are helping to keep many men women and particularly children much warmer this winter. Your food donations, kosher and non -kosher are helping to feed hungry bellies. It is unfortunate that the need is so great so please keep your donations coming. Your plastic bags are being woven into waterproof, bugproof warm sleeping mats and they are given to many homeless vets and the Red Cross. Trucks are still needed to transport food to various food pantry sites so if you can help with funding or a contact please let me know. You can call me at 570-595-9773.

OUR TEMPLE CALENDAR by Norma Krasne-Levine Please note that the Temple Calendar is no longer created in hard copy covering the entire year. We have entered the electronic age. The calendar is now produced two months at a time. This is done so that there is a more accurate accounting of changes in events and dates and so that you can be up to date with plans. You can always find the colorfully illustrated calendars on the Temple web- site www.bnaiharimpoconos.org In addition, Richard posts the next month when I have completed it; he also lists events on his Weekly Temple Messages. Our Rabbi also posts monthly events on our Temple Facebook Page. I work hard to make the calendars inter- esting and colorful; and I include secular events along with the monthly Shabbat Candle Lighting Times for our area. Dear members, as you can see, you now have a variety of opportunities with which you can keep up with Temple services, functions and events. Shalom!

PAGE THREE/B’NAI HARIM BOOK CLUB NEWS - NOVEMBER 2018 by Barbara Kapitansky

Our next book club selection is “Orphan #8” by Kim Van Alkemade. The story takes place in the early 1900’s when a young family living on the Lower East Side is struck by tragedy. The children are separated and the youngest, a 4 year old girl, is sent to a Jewish Orphanage where she is subjected to medical experiments that leave her disfigured. May years later when she becomes a nurse, and is working for the Old Jewish Home in its hospice wing, she comes face to face with the doctor that harmed her. Now she must choose between forgiveness and revenge. Join us on Saturday, December 8 after the Oneg for a most interesting discussion. We look for- ward to continuing a more in-depth discussion of last month’s selection, “The Brigade.”

NETTING IT OUT by Honi Gruenberg Put on your yarmulke…Here comes Chanukah…So much funukah… To celebrate Chanukah

And so the lyrics to Adam Sandler’s irreverent Chanukah song go. His list of famous Jews includes all Three Stooges. I’m not an expert on – I had a deprived childhood. My Mom thought they were too violent and silly for me to watch. Fortunately, I was permitted to watch any movie that played at the Park Theater on Saturdays, where parents could get an afternoon of “babysitting” for under $1 including theatre admission, food and a call home when their kids needed picking up. The Three Stooges were originally billed as Ted Healy and His Stooges and consisted of Moe Howard (Moses Harry Horwitz) and Ted Healy but were joined in later years with Moe’s brother Shemp Howard (Samuel Horwitz) and then Larry Fine (Louis Feinberg). Shemp left to pursue a solo career and he was replaced by his younger brother better known as Curly (Jerome Lester Horwitz). The Stooges left Ted Healy and from 1934 to 1946 Moe, Larry and Curly produced over 90 short films for . Curly suffered a debilitating stroke in May 1946, and Shemp returned, reinstating the origi- nal lineup, until his death of a heart attack on November 22, 1955. Film actor Joe Palma (Joseph Provenzano) was used as a stand-in to complete four Shemp-era shorts under contract and became known as the "fake Shemp". Joe Besser joined as the third Stooge for two years (1956–57) and left in 1958 to care for his ailing wife. Columbia released all the short films to Screen Gems, who then syndicated the shorts to television, whereupon the Stooges became one of the most popular comedy acts of the early 1960s Comic actor Joe DeRita (Joseph Wardell) became "Curly Joe" in 1958, replacing Besser for a new series of full-length theatrical films. With intense television exposure, the act was very popular throughout the 1960s (except in the Gruenberg household) until Larry Fine’s death in 1975. Curly Joe DeRita agreed with my Mom. He once told an interviewer: “I don't think the Stooges were funny. I'm not putting you on, I'm telling the truth—they were physical, but they just didn't have any humor about them. Take, for instance, Laurel and Hardy. I can watch their films and I still laugh at them and maybe I've seen them four or five times before. But when I see that pie or seltzer bottle, I know that it's not just lying around for no reason. It's going to be used for something. I was with the Stooges for 12 years and it was a very pleasant association, but I just don't think they were funny.” Seven stooges in all. Put on your yarmulke for Moe, Larry, Curly, Shemp, and Joe Besser. “Fake Shemp” Joseph Palma was of Italian ancestry and Curly Joe DeRita was of French- Canadian and English ancestry and for many, all Seven Stooges entertained us for almost 50 years. Read more about the Three Stooges on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Three_Stooges

PAGE FOUR/B’NAI HARIM DONATIONS .

YAHRZEIT FUND GENERAL FUND BEAUTIFICATION FUND

From: Judy Ann Brown From: Harriet Feld From: Lee & Ron Emerson In memory of her Father-in-law, Sol Thank you to the members of B’nai In celebration of their 60th Anniversary Brown. Harim for always making me feel so From: Dorothy Jablonka welcome when I join George and In memory of her Uncle, Edward Beverly Novick for Rosh Hashana. CORRECTION FOR May everyone enjoy good health NOVEMBER ENTRY Konigsberg. From: Shirley Orgel and a happy and prosperous New In memory of her Mother, Anna Year! From: Lee & Ron Emerson Wilder. In honor of Aaron Kershenbaum’s BIG birthday. Previously listed from Lee’s From: George Novick children, the Sapersteins. In memory of his Father, Murray Novick. From: Al & Dorothy Schips Birthdays/Anniversaries/Yahrzeit In memory of Al’s Father, Abraham Rememberances/Shabbat Dates Schips. and Film Festival information - From: David Kane On page 6 In memory of his Mother, Hannah Kane and Grandmother of Amy and SAVE THE DATES Ethan Kane. From: Marjorie & Alan Seger Sun., Dec. 2 - Chanukah Begins In memory of Marjorie’s Step- Sat., Dec. 8 - 9:00 Religious School - 9:30 Choir Warm-up - 10:15 Services Sun., Dec. 9 - Chanukah Party - 12:30 PM - Lake Naomi Club Father, Mark Corinoff. From: Joe & Norma Fisch Sat., Dec. 15- Choir Rehearsal 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Women’s Torah In memory of Joe’s Uncle, Edward Sun. Dec. 16 - 9:30 Board Meeting - 10:30 - 1:30 iEngage Konigsberg. Sat. Dec. 22 - 9:00 Religious School - 9:30 Choir Warm-up - 10:15 Sevices CALLING ALL WHO LIKE TO SING OUR CHOIR NEEDS YOU!

You don't have to know the words or the music. All you have to know is that your voice is important. We rehearse once a month and sing during the next service. Even if you don't want to sing in a group during services, come sing together at practice!

Choir Warm-Up: Dec. 8th and 22nd at 9:30 AM

Choir Rehearsal Dec. 15th at 10:30 AM

TEMPLE JUDAICA SHOP by Norma Krasne-Levine

Brrr-Baby it’s cold outside, so don’t schlep to the Mall looking for bargains. Our Judaica Shop has everything you need for house gifts, ritual items, jewelry, and so much more. If there is something specific that you have in mind and you do not see it in the case, contact me at [email protected] and I will do the shopping for you and get it at the best possible price available. Support our Tem- ple by buying items in our Judaica Shop.

REMINDER

DECEMBER 5, 2018

Last day to sign up for the Chanukah Party.

PAGE FIVE/B’NAI HARIM CELEBRATIONS YAHRZEIT REMEMBRANCE

DECEMBER

1 Cecil Gelbart

3 Alvin Feldman

5 Rose Shapiro Birth- Last First day Birthday 7 Ira Lauscher Name Name Month Day Harry Rachlin

8 Annette Feder Ray Goodstein 30 KISLEV Marcia Joslin Dec. 3 Alla Leybinsky Dec. 4 9 Dolly Littman Gavin 1 TEVET Al Schips Dec. 5 Ray Horowitz Beatrice Kushner Tristen Rachlin Dec. 7 10 Beatrice Ehrenberg 2 TEVET Sara Bedrick Dec. 14 Janet Wile Starr Witty Dec. 24 13 Daniel Grotta Lewis Stolzenberg Jan. 2 14 Joseph Goldfinger 6 TEVET Maddy Mogel Jan. 4 15 William Zarfes 7 TEVET Melvin Mogel Jan. 5 17 Mildred Heymann Alan Wismer Jan. 5 18 Sylvia Stern Lee Emerson Jan. 6 Barbara Feman Jan. 17 19 Michael Schultz 11 TEVET Walter Siegel 11 TEVET Norma Krasne-Levine Jan. 25 23 Joan Feldman Robert Spady Jan. 28 24 Marks Bialick 16 TEVET

25 Edward Bedrick Rae Janet Mustokoff TREE OF LIFE 27 Sidney Gwirtzman Dear friends! Every leaf on our beauti- Ralph Kagan ful Tree of Life is filled with your good news and events. It’s time to order a 28 Lillian May new batch! I am ready to take your 31 Morris Herskowitz orders. Each leaf costs just triple Chai ($54.00) and will be engraved to your specifications. Please call Julia Shaykevich at (570) 620-0104 or ANNIVERSARIES contact her by e-mail at [email protected] to place your order.

MEMORIAL

BOARD Ron & Lee Emerson December 7th REMEMBER YOUR LOVED ONES BY ADDING THEIR Aaron & Rabbi Peg NAMES TO OUR MEMORIAL BOARD— Kershenbaum January 25th The cost for each plaque (one name per plaque) is $236. A minimum of $50 must accompany each request. The IF YOU TAKE PHOTOS balance can be paid over one year for 1 or 2 plaques and/or two years for more than 2 plaques. For further information, please contact Stan Kapitansky, (718) 428- If you take photos at any Temple func- 2140 or e-mail me at [email protected]. Copies of the tion, PLEASE send them to my e-mail order form will be available at the temple, or you may [email protected] and identify the occa- download a copy directly from the web site. sion and the faces. These photos make our publicity more interesting to the community. Stan Kapitansky, Thanks, Lee Emerson Yahrzeit Committee Chairperson

PAGE SIX/ B’NAI HARIM PATRONIZE B’NAI HARIM’S ADVERTISERS YOUR PRINT PROJECTS ARE OUR PRIORITY Let The UPS Store print your next project. No job too large or small - Newsletters, flyers, manuals -A variety of finish options-

413 ROUTE 940, MT. POCONO, PA 18344 (570) 839-8010 (570) 839-8020 Store [email protected]

The Area’s Only Jewish Assisted Senior Living So Much Comfort So Close to Home

465 Venard Rd. Clarks Summit, PA 18411 Phone: 50-585-4400 Fax: 570-585-4500

Website: www.elangardens.org

JEWISH FAMILYSERVICES Jewish Family Service is in need of Kosher food and toiletries marked with a recognized symbol. Please remember to bring a donation of at least one item when you visit the synagogue. All items must be kosher, unopened and within the expiration date on the packaging. If each one of us brings one can or box of food each time we come to the Temple, it will make a real difference to the needy in our commu- nity. You can also write a check to “Jewish Family Service of Northeast ” and it will be delivered. It is also tax deductible. Thank you and keep up the great work. We hope you will continue to be generous throughout the year. MISHEBEIRACH LIST Jerry Goodstein When putting a person onto the Mishebeirach List, it should be with person’s permission. YAHRZEIT NOTIFICATION Would the person like to be listed with their Eng- lish or Hebrew name? Please include a contact name and telephone number so that Rabbi Peg Our Yahrzeit list is open not only to those may follow up with the person or with the member who who have plaques, but to the entire congre- placed the name on the list. Our policy now states that the gation. This will allow you to remember list will be limited to members and their immediate family your loved ones on their anniversary date. (parents, grandparents, siblings and their spouses, children The forms available at the Temple can be completed and and their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses). Con- returned directly to me. With this information, a reminder gregants are strongly encouraged to mention any person will be sent to you at the appropriate time, and the name of aloud at the appropriate time during the service, so we can your loved one will be added to our kaddish list for that date. pray for their improved health. REMEMBER TO HAVE THE PERSON’S NAME REMOVED, IF THE PERSON NO If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me LONGER NEEDS TO BE ON THE LIST. directly at [email protected], 718-428-2140 or 570-646- 4668. WEEKLY ONLINE ANNOUNCEMENTS Sincerely, In addition to the monthly newsletter, we publish a Stan Kapitansky weekly online newsletter for all members with e-mail Yahrzeit Committee Chairperson addresses and Internet access. If you do not want to re- ceive email announcements or cannot access the Internet, please call Richard Feman 570-355-5124 or 516-481-6114.

PAGE SEVEN/B’NAI HARIM Congregation NEED SOME CHICKEN ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER SOUP B’nai Harim NEED A CALL FROM This is your newsletter, and we want your input. When PO Box 757 RABBI? you have any news to share, please let us know so we 5349 Pocono Crest Road KNOW SOMEONE WHO can publish it. Pocono Pines, PA, 18350 DOES? th http://www.bnaiharimpoconos.org Deadline is the 20 of the month. News can be sent PHONE: (using WORD) to Paula Guenst at [email protected]. Message Center The newsletter is published each month. Newsletter (570) 646-0100 The members of B’nai Harim subscriptions are available for $18 per year to non- are a very caring, close group E-Mail: but sometimes a member needs members of Congregation B’nai Harim. Please contact [email protected] a little extra help. If you Barbara Feman. DIRECTIONS know of someone who needs a In addition to the monthly newsletter, we distribute Driving East on Route 940, turn right phone call or a visit, please weekly online announcements to all members with at the Pocono Pines traffic light at Route either encourage them to call e-mail addresses and Internet access. If you have not 423, continue on Pocono Crest road the Rabbi directly or email her (formerly Sullivan Road) about 1&1/2 been receiving this please contact Richard Feman at miles. Synagogue on left (before reach- yourself to let her know one of ing 940). her congregants needs help. 570-355-5124 or 516-481-6114. Driving West on Route 940, turn left at intersection of Pocono Crest Road (formerly Sullivan Road), and the Syna- gogue will be on the right.(approx. 1/10th of a mile). NEW ADDRESS? If you have recently moved, please send your new information to Honi Rabbi: Peg Kershenbaum Pres.: Meredith Stempel Gruenberg at [email protected]. She will update the Membership VP: Al Wismer list and generate a new list. Sec.: Carol Yates Treas.: Steve Bram Editor: Honi Gruenberg DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES FOR THE DEC. NEWSLETTER IS NOV. 20TH. Member of the URJ - Union For Reform Judaism Next Board Meeting date: Sunday, December 16th at 9:30 AM. To be RECURRING SCHEDULES put on the agenda, contact Meredith Stempel at (570) 242-6244 no later

Services Sat. 10:15 AM than five days prior to the meeting. Shabbat Dinner Fri. 6:30 PM Religious School Sat. 9:00AM

CONGREGATION B’NAI HARIM PO Box 757 5349 Pocono Crest Road Pocono Pines, PA 18350

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

PAGE EIGHT/B’NAI HARIM