Messenger Cheshvan—Kislev 5779

Volume 160 Number 3 The Temple of Loving - Kindness

November,2018 Messenger Cheshvan—Kislev 5779

Temple Hesed, 1 Knox Road, Scranton, PA 18505

Bus Trip to Philly Planned Gov. Robert P. Casey Medal to be Awarded to Rabbi, Two Others The entire Temple Hesed nwnepa.org/casey as soon homebuyers, hundreds of community is cordially invit- as possible. improved properties and ed to attend the annual over $120 million worth of awarding of the Governor The Governor Robert P. Ca- investment into local neigh- Special points of interest: Robert P. Casey Medal for a sey Medal for a Lifetime of borhoods. There are individ- Lifetime of Service to our uals in our community who, • Pittsburgh Tragedy Service is presented annual- own Rabbi Daniel Swartz. ly by NeighborWorks® North- like NWNEPA, have faithfully • Chanting Circle eastern Pennsylvania invested their time and tal- The award will be presented (NWNEPA). ents in the betterment of the • RAC Condemns Trump on Thursday Evening Novem- quality of life in northeastern Transgender Proposal ber 15, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. For over 35 years, NWNEPA Pennsylvania. This honor ~ at the Hilton Scranton & has faithfully served the named in tribute to the late Conference Center. In addi- greater northeastern Penn- governor ~ is intended to tion to the medal presenta- sylvania community by em- acknowledge their efforts, tions, there will be a Cocktail powering individuals and and most importantly, to Reception with hors d’oeu- families through homeown- allow the rest of us to learn vres and complimentary bar. ership education & promo- from their service. tion, property rehabilitation The price for the event is and neighborhood revitaliza- NWNEPA is pleased to pre- $50.00 per person . Those tion. sent the 2018 honorees: Inside this issue: who are interested in attend- Jack Tighe, Reverend Her- ing should make your reser- This work has resulted in bert B. Keller, S.J. and Rabbi vations and payment at thousands of educated Daniel Swartz. Donations 2

Rabbinical Reflections 3

Co-President’s column 4

Gender Affirming Clothing Fair, November 10th and 11th from noon till 4 p.m. Calendar 5 You can now drop off your gen- get good deals, and raise some tly used clothing at Temple money in the process for the Yahrzeits 6 Hesed for NEPA's first Gender NEPA Youth Shelter. We do Affirming Clothing Fair. The need a few volunteers on both clothing fair is a chance for the 10th and the 11th -- let the URJ/RAC News 9 people who are transitioning, Temple office know if you're have recently transitioned, able to help out, and please aren't binary, etc. to try out dif- pass on this info to anyone you Back Congregation Information ferent types of clothing in a think might be interested. Page safe, supportive environment, Page 2 Messenger

BUILDING FUND MILTON M. AND Sandy Cooperman Donations to MIRIAM E. FRIED-

Temple MAN SCHOLARSHIP In Honor of the Yahr- FUND Hesed zeit of Beloved RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Mother, Sadie Ler- FUND ner In Honor of the Yahr- zeit of Jerome M. Janet Slawitsky Friedman In Honor of the Yahr-

Paula and Jim Kane zeit of Miriam E. Mazel Tov to Sue Friedman Meyer on Achieving The Davis Family her Bat Mitzvah In Honor of the Yahr- zeit of Miriam E. Sandy Cooperman Friedman In Honor of the Yahr-

Paula and Jim Kane zeit of Paula Yudkin Call the Temple Albert office at (570) ROSELLE B. AND The Davis Family 344-7201 to LOUIS A. FINE ME-

donate or for MORIAL FUND RABBI’S DISCRE- more TIONARY FUND Wishing Larry Gold-

Information. en continued good In Honor of the Yahr- health The minimum Congratulations to zeit of Louis A. Fine Sandy Cooperman donation that Rabbi Swartz for re- Toni Cerra can be ceiving the Lifetime

acknowledged Achievement Award by mail and in the Messenger is $10.

Major credit or debit cards accepted. Volume 160 Number 3 Page 3

Rabbinical Reflections

Why Interfaith, Why not? how small their numbers were an “ambassador for Judaism” By Rabbi and realized that they could be everywhere from the Abington more effective if they partnered Community Garden to the Daniel J. hen you with larger religious groups. Friends of the Poor Thanksgiv- Swartz, get this, ing dinner (which in part is why Spiritual WRabbi Marjorie and I will have It also increasingly became an they’ve asked us, for the sec- just finished celebrating our 7th ideal, something that Jews ond year in a row, to host the Leader, could be proud of. American wedding anniversary (how can Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Temple we still be newlyweds if we’ve Jews spoke of the “Jewish mis- that kicks off the whole week of been married 7 years al- sion” to be “a light unto the Thanksgiving festivities, on Hesed, ready?!?!) and will be arriving in nations.” Our long history of Friday, November 16th – see Toronto for the Parliament of exile, global wanderings, and the article about it elsewhere in the World’s Religions, the frequent misfortunes was cast this Messenger) And our com- world’s oldest and largest inter- in a new light – it was all part of munity has, by being welcoming faith gathering/movement/ God’s plan to bring Jews to all to communities that have felt organization. I’ll report on the corners of the world to share marginalized in NEPA, such as Parliament itself when I get the teachings of the prophets, immigrants and the LGBT com- back, obviously, but in the not to convert others to Juda- munity, also become a haven meantime I wanted to reflect on ism as much as to spread the for those who aren’t Jewish and the whole idea of interfaith key values of our tradition – for aren’t likely to become Jewish, work, particularly why I do it at example, that all people are but are incredibly grateful that all and how it is changing, even created in God’s image and so they can find any religious com- in the four years since I was at equally deserving of dignity and munity that opens its doors to the last Parliament, held in rights. For many Jews, this idea them. I’ve had so many people 2014 at Salt Lake City, Utah. of “mission” became THE most come up to me after a chanting important part of their Jewish circle who have said, thank you The Jewish community in Ameri- identity. so much for hosting something ca has been involved in inter- “(W)e play a In the 21st century, particularly like this! And the reason Queer faith efforts long before the NEPA approached us to host word “interfaith” was coined. in the past 10 years, interfaith unique role here work has continued to evolve. the Gender Affirming Clothing But for much of the early history Fair on November 10th and 11th of this work, the chief motiva- First of all, a majority of new in NEPA, and we “Jewish” families are now inter- (which you can read about else- tion was at least partly self- where in this Messenger) is serving. One way to put it faith – so the lines between need to recog- “interfaith” and “Jewish com- because they know they are not would be: “if Christians get to just tolerated but rather cele- know us better here than in the munity” efforts are blurred. And nize how valua- brated here. old country, there won’t be pog- as fears of pogroms continue to roms.” Rabbi Isaac Mayer fade, as Jews feel more and Of course, Temple Hesed’s first ble that role is to Wise, the founder of American more secure in our joint identi- duty is to our own families. But Reform Judaism, had a much ties as Jewish Americans, we we play a unique role here in the entire com- more optimistic vision. He be- have less and less need to justi- NEPA, and we need to recog- lieved that people in America fy our Jewishness through some nize how valuable that role is to munity.” didn’t have long-entrenched mission. It’s just who we are, the entire community. I hope religious prejudices. And so, if like some of our neighbors you’ll come to one or more of they came to learn about Juda- might be Catholic or Protestant our interfaith events this month ism, they, unlike their close- or Muslim or Hindu or None of and see what I mean – whether minded forebears, would come the Above. So now interfaith it is our Chanting Circle on the to recognize its beauty and work becomes a way to really 10th, the Clothing Fair, or the get to know not only others, but soon, the majority religion of Interfaith Service. our country would be Judaism! to see ourselves anew through other’s eyes. By the time we get to the 20th century, things had shifted And then there’s the special somewhat. As American Jews nature of interfaith work here in became more and more in- Northeastern PA. While the volved in a variety of social jus- Jewish community has old roots tice causes, from public educa- here, there is still much of our tion to workers rights to health area with little to no knowledge Rabbi Daniel J. Swartz and safety campaigns, inter- of Judaism – so here, interfaith faith cooperation was seen as a work sometimes has to start key tactic. Jewish leaders saw with the basics. I feel like I’m Page 4 Messenger

Esther’s Thanks to Those Who Participated Dear Temple Hesed Family, CoThe-President’s tragic news we’ve Page witnessed in Pittsburgh touches us all and breaks our hearts. As we go forward, I wanted to make sure that you knew of several actions that we at Temple Hesed and our broaderlasting community about anare hour, taking, with and also to let you know that I wel- I am “wearing two hats” as I Bycome Esther your ideasAdelman, about how we should respond — please feel free tomainly respond interactive to this letter, sermons to call me, or to set up an appointment for us to talk in person. write this message. As Co- and a lot of schmoozing af- Co-President President and Chair of the Our Federation executive director, Mark Silverberg, has already reachedterwards. out to the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. I’ve told Mark that I personally as well Worshipas everyone Committee, at Temple I wouldHesed stand ready to help in whatever way we can. In the next few days, Temple leadership will meet togetherlike withto express the other my Jewish deepest congregations, We welcome agencies, your and com- organizations in our area to consult with the Scranton police and other appropriate people about what security measures we may need to take in the short term. And, as a symbol of our solidarity, we will addthanks the names to all ofwho those participat- killed in Pittsburghments. to Your our inputKaddish is im-list for the traditional Sheloshim period. ed in the High Holy Day ser- portant to us, so please We have anther connection with Tree of Life: Temple member Rich Mates and his twin, Robert, marked their Bar Mitzvah at Tree of Life in 1963. vices. Past presidents, offic- share your thoughts and ideas. There is always room I also hope that Temple Hesed willers, continue board to members serve as anda safe old and welcoming place for us to have the longer-term conversations about what we can do to better addressand new the membersviolence and of ourdivisions infor our improvement. society. For this reason, Temple Hesed was featured in a very thoughtful piece on WNEP, whichcongregation is worth checking added their out: https://wnep.com/2018/10/27/scranton-rabbi-laments-mass-shooting- at-pittsburgh-synagogue/ May 5779 be a good year for special touches to these all of us. As a reminder, we already have scheduledsolemn moments. for our November It is your 9th service a social action roundtable featuring Shari Jacobson, the volunteer leader of “Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense” and an active member of her synagogue. We will have a slightly short- ened service starting at the regulardevotion time of 8 that pm. makes Instead our of a Torah discussion during the service, at the conclusion of the service, we’ll gather round some tables, andTemple as we trulypartake a place of the of Oneg Shabbat, Shari will lead a discussion on why she founded “Moms Demand Action,” as well as what actionsHesed. we can take. This is how she describes her work: Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is a nonpartisan, all volunteer organization committed to preventing the roughly 36,000 gun deaths Americans experience every year. We support the Second Amendment and common-sense legislation that promotes gun safety. Moms Demand Action envisions a country where all childrenRabbi and Swartz’s families leadership, are safe from gun violence. We educate, motivate, and mobilize supporters to take action that will result in strongeras always,laws and was policies outstanding. to save lives. I hope this can be an occasion for us to have an honest and open discussion“If you’ve been about moved by what our High Holywe canHis do sermons and what were directions exception- we think ourEsther society should Adelman take. Day services, please try us on Shabbat.” Lastly, I wanted to share with you al.the He statement deserves put our out greatest by Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the president of the Union for Reform Judaism, which really expresses the feelingspraise we all He share: continues to be an inspiration to our congre- The slaughter of our brothers and gationsisters aspraying we grow in their in our holy synagogue this Shabbat in Pittsburgh breaks our collective heart. The murders took place during a prayerspirituality service and in ourthe Treethirst of for Life congregation where, like synagogues all around the world, they were reading from Genesis recountinglearning. how Abraham welcomed perfect strangers into his tent. How painful and ironic that we live in a time when we have to temper our loving welcome of strangers as we protect our communities from violence and hate. There is much that is unknown about today’s horrific killings. We will learn more over the next hours and days. We will continue to work with our nation’s synagogues and otherEd houses Snitko’s of worshipdeep feelings and law for enforcement to enhance security and provide effective protections for our communities – and our nation.our music This aretime most the Jewish evident. community was targeted, in what may be the worst anti-Semitic attack in American history. Other times itSome has been melodies African are-Americans. comfort- Or Sikhs. Or Muslims. Or members of the LGBTQ community. Or too many others. What we know is this: the fabric holding our nation together is fraying. It is our task to ensure that it does not come apart. We mourn as one people ing;along others with all are people uplifting. of conscience. All are truly inspirational, and

added another dimension to the services. May we help spread Hesed in our world,

We owe a huge “thank you”

to Marlene, who takes care Rabbi Daniel better days better of the In Pitttsburgh. of Tree Life, many details that allow Temple Hesed to func- tion at this time and all

throughout the year.

If you’ve been moved by our High Holy Day services, please try us on Shabbat, when there is a more inti- mate setting, with services Volume 160 Number 3 Page 5

November 2018 Schedule of Events

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat • Date — Briefly describe the event here, including time and place.

• Date — Briefly describe the event here, including time and place. 1 2 3 • Date — Briefly describe the event here, including time and place. Services 8 pm • Date — Briefly describe the event here, including time and place.

• Date — Briefly describe the event here, including time and place.

• Date — Briefly describe the event here, including time and place. 4 5 6 7 8 9 Services 8pm 10 Chanting Circle 10:30am/ Roundtable Gender Affirming Moms/guns Clothing Fair Noon—4 pm**

11 Clothing Fair 12 13 14 15 Gov. Casey 16 Potluck Din- 17 continues noon to Medal Award 6 ner 6 pm & Inter- 4 p.m. pm @ Hilton faith service 7pm Services 8pm 18 19 20 21 22 Thanksgiving 23 No Services 24 Day

25 26 27 28 Board Mtg 29 30 Services 8 p 6 p.m.

Holidays 5779 (2018—2019) Torah Portions Rosh Hashanah— Yom HaShoah— Sept. 9—10, 2018 May 1—2, 2019 Name Civil Date Hebrew Date Yom Kippur — Yom HaZikaron Sept. 18—19, 2018 May. 7—8, 2019 Chayei Sarah Nov 3, 2018 25 Cheshvan 5779 Toldot Nov 10, 2018 2 Kislev 5779 Sukkot— Vayetze Nov 17, 2018 9 Kislev 5779 Yom HaAtzmaut May 8—9, Sept. 23—30, 2018 Vayishlach Nov 24, 2018 16 Kislev 5779 2019 Sh’mini Atzaret—Simchat Lag B’Omer — May 22—-23, Torah —Sept. 30—Oct. 1, 2019 More information is available from www.reformjudaism.org 2018 Shavuot— Hanukkah — June 8-9, 2019 Dec. 2--10, 2018 Tisha B’Av— Tu B’Shvat —Jan.20—21, “No one knows whose shoe Aug. 10—11, 2019 2019 Selichot —Sept. 21, 2019 pinches except the person Purim— March.20-21, 2019 Jewish Holidays begin at sunset. Dates specified are for evenings. who walks in it.” Passover— Yhat means they run from sundown Apr. 19—26, 2019 until dusk on the last day if the Holiday. http://www.yiddishwit.com Page 6 Messenger

Week Ending November 3 (Service November 2) Yahrzeits and *Myer Alperin, *Ray D. Goldstein, *Caroline Roos Jacobs, Bonnie Pashkow, *Richard S. Graham, *Daniel Jacobs, Maxine Ostro, Robert Siragusa, Personal *Jeanne Weiss Antenson, *Isadore Goodman, *Irving Adelman, *Ethyl Gelfand, Hyman Mates, *Phillip Salsburg, *Hilda Landau, *Sadie Cohen, *Max A. Folk Notes Week Ending November 10 (Service November 9)

*Nathan Weinberg, *Hannah Driesen, *Aaron Gelfand, *Irving Sarlin, *Isador Gevanthor, *Regina R. Rosenthal, *Mary B. Sadow, *Rena Yanover, *Nathan B. Epstein, *Helen Friedman Giles, *Harry Ecker, *Albert Lenchner, *Stella Rose Mayfield, *Ralph Needle Get Wells Week Ending November 17 (Service November 16) —Larry Golden —Janet Slawitsky —Jane Knobel —Edward Snitko, *Ann Brandwene, Simon Levine, *Ruth B. Marmelstein, *Beulah Davidow Block, *Emilie Midas, *Betty Wand, Harry Lebowitz, *Katherine Swartz, Hilde Gardner, Sr. —Rich Mates *Lena Endfield, Edith Gardner, *Alton Golden, *Helen W. Vogel, *Atty. Louis A. Fine, *Murray A. Cohen —Charlotte

Milliken Week Ending November 24 (Service November 30) —Charlene Ostro

—Joel Ostro *Ralph Mendel, *Rose Wormser Strauss, Jack Newman, *Leopold Brodrick, *Herbert M. Ball, *Rose Bud Leventhal, *Louis Slawitsky, *Ida Needle, *Ida Gutman, Nettie Slawitsky, *Lillian —Emily Trunzo Ziman, *Lena Kurlancheek Silverstein, *Hyman Weiss, *Brian David Schneider, *Steven Rex Tepper, *Hannah Klein Smith, *Albert Pace, *Frank Cohan, *Richard Oppenheim, Leo Moskovitz

Week Ending December 1 (Service November 30)

*Sophie Stone, *Philip Ungar, *Jack Goldman, *Selma Berger, *Susan Lonstein, *Anne J Lipsins, *Jacob Ackerman, Kate Cooperman, *John Ross Lauer, *Dr. Jonas Selverstone, *Albert Jacobs, *Miriam Parker Gelb, *John J. Gaffney, Arthur Selznick

The Pittsburgh 11: • Sylvan Simon, 87, of Wilkinsburg (married to Ber- nice Simon) • Joyce Fienberg, 75, of Oakland • Daniel Stein, 71, of Squirrel Hill • Richard Gottfried, 65, of Ross Township • Melvin Wax, 88, of Squirrel Hill Rose Mallinger, 97, of Squirrel Hill • • Irving Younger, 69, of Mt. Washington • Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, of Edgewood

• Cecil Rosenthal, 59, of Squirrel Hill (brother of David Rosenthal) • David Rosenthal, 54, of Squirrel Hill (brother of Cec- il Rosenthal) • Bernice Simon, 84, of Wilkinsburg (married to Sylvan Simon) Volume 160 Number 3 Page 7

Pre Hanukkah Crafts, Dinner and Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Each year on the Tuesday be- within and outside of Temple dinners. While, obviously, it is fore Thanksgiving, the Friends Hesed, are welcome to join us not traditional to collect money of Poor serves a fabulous for the dinner. Because this is on Shabbat, we make an excep- Thanksgiving dinner to thou- just a few weeks before Hanuk- tion at this service to honor our sands of people at the Scranton kah and less than a week be- interfaith colleagues and the Cultural Center. The following fore Thanksgiving, we will have important work they do to com- day, the Family to Family pro- some crafts for kids (and adults bat poverty in our community. gram donates several thousand who wish!) to make to decorate additional Thanksgiving baskets their homes for both Hanukkah We hope you will come to this for families in need to take and Thanksgiving. Please RSVP joyous interfaith celebration, home so they can have a happy to the office if you wish to at- which, like last year, will feature holiday together. And for the tend the dinner, so that we can music, readings, and even second year in a row, these plan for the correct numbers. dance from a variety of faith interfaith Thanksgiving activities traditions. We do need some will be kicked off by an Inter- There is no charge for the din- volunteers to help greet all our faith Thanksgiving Service at ner, the craft activities, or the guests for the evening – please Temple Hesed, on Friday, No- service. However, the service, let Rabbi Daniel know if you’d vember 16th at 7 p.m. which is cosponsored by the like to help out. Friends of the Poor, Family to This year, for the first time, we Family, and the Scranton Minis- are having a potluck dinner at 6 terium, traditionally has a p.m., before the service. Every- “collection plate” to raise need- one in our community, both ed funds for the Thanksgiving

Interfaith Chanting Circle: Digging Deep In our November Chanting story of Isaac re-digging the portive and diverse group is Circle, held on the 10th at wells of Abraham and look at all about! 10:30 a.m., we will explore the stories of Miriam and the the theme of “digging deep.” well, we will explore through chant, study, and sharing What hidden wells can we how we can find more mean- reach when we don’t stop at ing in our lives by digging the surface, but instead more deeply. reach deep within ourselves? What is blocking us Everyone is welcome – no from searching deeply, and prior chanting experience is how can we dig around our necessary. Come experi- blocks? As we consider the ence what this warm, sup-

No Service on the 23rd

In keeping with our custom, there will be no services on the Day after Thanksgiving. Kaddish will be said for Yahr- zeits for the week ending Nov. 24 on Nov. 30. Temple offices will be closed Nov. 22 and 23. Page 8 Messenger

Psalms: Poetry for Your Life this Autumn; Women of the Bible and Talmud in the Spring

Rabbi Daniel will be teaching three separate adult educa- tending. tion classes this year. In the Spring, Rabbi Daniel will teach a four-session course First up, on three Sundays, November 18th, December 2nd, on women of the Bible and Talmud. We’ve all heard of and December 9th, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. is a class some of them, like Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron – exploring the most quoted section of the Bible: the Psalms. but even she has a “secret identity” and hidden stories such as her miraculous well. But there are also others that The biblical psalms cover the gamut of human emotion, you may have no idea about, but who have played fascinat- from despair and abandonment to joy and exaltation. This ing roles in the imagination of Jews and women around the course will look at how we can use these ancient words to world. Heroic characters like Bruriah, Judith, and Serach help us navigate through our modern lives. bat Asher and complicated tales like those associated with We’ll explore how we can turn to various psalms for comfort Lilith, Dinah and Tamar. Find out more about them and or inspiration, or even to challenge our complacency. what their stories can mean to all of us. The course will be Through study, reflection, meditation, music and writing, we on four consecutive Sundays, March 24th, March 31st, April will learn together how to make the psalms companions in 7th and April 14th, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Again, every- our lives, enriching and strengthening us through our jour- one is welcome to attend. There will also be a class on Yid- neys. No Hebrew knowledge or previous Biblical studies are dish culture and expressions in the summer, with more de- required; the class is free and open to everyone. Please let tails to follow. Rabbi Daniel or the office know if you are interested in at-

Inside Story Headline

Annual “Corners of the Fields” Food Drive a Success While our totals were a little short of last year in pounds collected, we more than made up for it monetary donations. Altogether, we collected 1,300 lbs. of food for the United Neighborhood Centers and Jewish Family Services, and we also raised $1,300. Together, our donations of food and money should “We collected 1,300 pounds keep the food pantries stocked till their Thanksgiving drives. Our combined Temple Hesed/Temple Israel Hebrew school students sorted and delivered of food for the United Neigh- the food. borhood Centers and Jewish Family Services, and we also raised $1,300.’’

Volume 160 Number 3 Page 9

Rabbi Pesner Condemns New Immigration Proposal National and New York, NY; October 10, International 2018 - The statement below is and questioned based on ty threat is inconsistent with issued on behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism by Rabbi Joshua allegations of supporting the Israel’s commitment to an News Weinberg, URJ Vice President Boycott, Divestment, and open and free democracy. As for Israel and Reform Zionism: Sanctions (BDS) campaign Dr. Barak Medina, the Provost The URJ calls for the immedi- against Israel concerning of Hebrew University, said on ate release of American stu- which brand of hummus was Monday, “We think it is better

dent Lara Alqasem, who has served at her campus. She to maintain an open discourse been detained by the Israeli was detained notwithstand- and to respond to claims that

government for over a week. ing her intent to matriculate we should be boycotted in a at an Israeli university. pointed manner rather than We are deeply troubled by Ms. The Reform Movement cate- through force.” Alqasem’s detention and or- gorically opposes BDS. But deal after landing at Ben- at the same time, we believe Gurion airport last week to this type of blunt and short- begin graduate studies at the sighted approach toward Hebrew University of Jerusa- activists who pose no securi- lem. She has been detained

RAC Condemns Trump Transgender Proposal

WASHINGTON, DC – In re- legal definition of gender der under the law, Ameri- sponse to the Trump admin- based on biological charac- cans are being caused irrep- istration’s new attempt to teristics at birth, the admin- arable harm by a govern- discriminate against istration is choosing a path ment whose first responsibil- transgender individu- that will not stand the test of ity must always be to protect als, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pes- civil rights, human rights, or its people.“We will continue ner, Director of the Religious history.“Every person creat- to celebrate the diversity of Action Center of Reform Ju- ed in God’s image is entitled the Reform Jewish Move- daism, released the follow- to live in dignity without fear ment that proudly includes Rabbi Pesner ing statement on behalf of of persecution. Unfortunate- transgender clergy, congre- the Union for Reform Juda- ly, this administration has gants, and students. We will ism, the Central Conference repeatedly attempted to de- also push back against any of American Rabbis, and the grade the dignity of efforts to legalize discrimina- wider Reform Movement transgender Americans, tion and defend all individu- institutions:“The Trump ad- causing many to live in fear. als from discrimination aris- ministration’s attack on the Whether it is the attempt to ing from ignorance, fear, status and recognition of bar transgender service- insensitivity or hatred.” transgender Americans un- members from the military, der the law is yet another leave transgender school betrayal of a vulnerable seg- children without needed ment of the LGBT communi- protections, or this new ef- ty. By considering a narrow fort to narrowly define gen- Temple Hesed Phone: 570-344-7201 ABOUT TEMPLE HESED: 1 Knox Road Fax: 570-344-4514 Temple Hesed, a Reform Synagogue founded Aug. 20, 1860, is Scran- Scranton, PA 18505 ton’s first and oldest Jewish congregation. It is one of the earliest congregations to join the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, now the "The Temple of Loving Kindness" Union for Reform Judaism. It has been a member since Dec. 12, 1874. On the Web at: templehesed.org The synagogue serves the needs of individuals and families in Lacka- wanna County and surrounding areas. Situated on Knox Road, off Lake Temple personnel and officers Scranton Road in the East Mountain section of Scranton, the current building opened in 1973. Temple Hesed operates a cemetery on West SPIRITUAL LEADER Warren Street in Dunmore.

Rabbi Daniel J. Swartz The office is open Tuesday-Thursday from 9 a.m.. to 4 p.m.; and Friday 9 570-877-3454 (cell) a.m.. to 2 p.m. 570-344-7201 (office) ([email protected]) Rabbi Swartz is happy to set appointments at any convenient time. Con- ———————- tact him to set a time. The rabbi also has "drop-in" hours every Tuesday OFFICERS from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Friday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Rabbi holds Esther Adelman and Steven Seitchik - Co-Presidents these times open for visits or calls for which an appointment was not or Larry Milliken - 1st Vice President could not be made. Cheryl Friedmann - 2nd Vice President Jeffrey Leventhal - Treasurer The Temple Hesed Cemetery is open for visitation six days a week. Visita- Joan Davis - Secretary tion hours are: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. till dusk Jennifer Novak - Assistant Secretary and it is closed for Shabbat on Saturday. For more information, call the

office. Board Members: Kenneth Ganz, Dale Miller , Robert Hersh, Natalie Gelb, Paula Kane, Carol Leventhal , Judith Golden, Our Partners Include; Donna Kostiak, Loren Selznick, Honorary Life Board Member: Jane Oppenheim

STAFF

Marlene Gianzanti—Office Manager ([email protected]) Edward Snitko-Director of Music Rich Mates-Messenger Editor ([email protected]) Jennifer Rosen Novak Social Media Maven Jeffrey Heilbrunn Webmaster ( [email protected])