May 8-14, 2020 Published by the of Greater Binghamton Volume XLIX, Number 19 BINGHAMTON, TC to hold adult ed. virtual program on “Jewish Bioethics During a Pandemic” on May 17 Temple Concord will hold a virtual adult of the event. “When we run out of these which of these criteria we think are Gary Gerson served as senior rabbi education program called “Jewish Bioethics vital supplies and equipment, what ethi- ethical, and review some of our Jewish of Oak Park Temple B’nai Abraham During a Pandemic with Dr. Carol and Rabbi cal criteria do we use to decide who gets sources which address ethically difficult in the Chicago suburbs from 1979-2009. Gary Gerson” on Sunday, May 17, at 10:30 treated and who does not? Who decides? decisions. What do our texts tell us about Now rabbi emeritus, he teaches courses in am, on Zoom. To register for the program Do we assign higher value to some lives, such decisions? There will be time for Jewish text, Kabbalah, Jewish thought and send an e-mail to Templeconcordbingham- do we use an algorithm based on medical discussion.” comparative religion. Gerson holds master’s [email protected]; a link will be sent prior criteria alone, or a simple lottery? We will Dr. Carol Gerson is a retired pediatric degrees in religion and psychology, along the program. review some of the algorithms offered otolaryngologist and an active mohelet with with rabbinic ordination, a doctorate in “We are reading daily about the short- for guidance to medical staff faced with a doctorate in bioethics. She is a faculty ministry with an emphasis in psychology age of personal protective equipment, ven- crisis decisions.” member of the medical schools of North- and religion, and certification as a family tilators and hospital beds,” said organizers Organizers added, “We will debate western and Tulane universities. therapist. TC and URJ Congregations to hold virtual “Fireside Chat” with Sarah Hurwitz on May 14 Temple Concord, as part of the CCAR ministration, she was chief speech writer College and Harvard Law school. asked attendees to make contributions to of Smaller URJ Congregations, for Hillary Clinton on her 2008 presidential There is no charge for the program and Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger, or will hold a virtual “Fireside Chat” with campaign. Hurwitz is a graduate of Harvard Hurwitz, who is not receiving a fee, has their local food bank. Sarah Hurwitz, former speech writer for the Obama administration and author of “Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Film Fest Committee calls first virtual Life – in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There)” on Thursday, May 14, at 8 pm. The event will be hosted by Rabbi showing “a success” Leah R. Berkowitz of Congregation Kol Ami, in Elkins Park, PA. People are asked By Reporter staff film discussion on April 27, which was Hubal continued, “Now that we’ve to register in advance at https://us02web. The Jewish International Film Fest of led by social psychologist Steve Gilbert, shown one film, the Committee will zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_21xdJLD- Greater Binghamton held its first ever professor emeritus at SUNY Oneonta. consider whether a second film should kRUaXKNxbEqpFaA. The event will virtual event. The film screened was “This was not how we originally planned be shown. I want to thank the commu- also be streaming on Facebook at www. “Crescendo,” which told the story of to hold the Film Fest,” said Susan Hubal, nity for making this a success and for facebook.com/events/872676536583238/. world-famous conductor Eduard Sporck, chairwoman of the Film Fest Committee. showing that we are all in this together From 2009-17, Hurwitz served as a White who accepted a job to create an Israe- “However, the number of virtual events have – holding out a hand to help each other House speech writer, first as a senior speech li-Palestinian youth orchestra. Almost 50 been increasing during this crisis and people in so many ways.” writer for President Barack Obama and then households signed up to view the film, are hungering for connection. We thought For information about the Film Fest as head speech writer for First Lady Michelle which was available free for a 48-period. this would be a good way to do something or the showing of other films, see future Obama. Prior to serving in the Obama ad- Twenty-six people attended the Zoom for our community.” issues of The Reporter. Spotlight Jewish resources to occupy your family during social distancing – part 7

By Reporter staff ‹ YIVO’s 2020 Summer Program will challenging times, both individually and home” fashion. The museum offers -in A variety of Jewish groups are offering take place online this year. The six-week collectively, is an essential path to personal formation at www.nmajh.org/wp-content/ online resources – educational and recre- summer intensive offers language renewal.” Visit https://hashivenu.fireside. uploads/2020/04/Kid-Curator-Exhibi- ational – for those who are not allowed out classes from beginner to advanced levels fm/ for more information and to sign up tion-Clothing-lesson-042920.pdf about of the house. Below is a sampling of those. and a wide variety of cultural enrichment for e-mails from the site. how to help students understand “what The Reporter will publish additional listings activities. Conducted via Zoom from ‹ The Middle East Forum calls itself “an clothes can tell us about history.” Children as they become available. June 29-August 7, YIVO’s 2020 Summer activist think tank, deals with the Middle are asked to take pictures or videos of their ‹ Tablet Magazine is now offering the Program will run in full, with a number of East, Islamism, U.S. foreign policy and “exhibition” and share them using the podcast “.” According to innovations and additions to meet the needs related topics, urging bold measures to hashtags #NMAJHOR or #HistoryAtHome! Tablet, “hosted by Unorthodox’s Stephanie of the virtual classroom. The application protect Americans and their allies.” It ‹ The Jewish Museum of -FIU, Butnick and Liel Leibovitz, Hebrew School deadline has been moved to Monday, May holds webinars on these topics. Information https://jmof.fiu.edu/, is offering a variety is a new weekly game show, featuring real 29. To learn more or to apply, visit https:// about upcoming webinars and tapes of past of online programming, including virtual kids answering questions about all things summerprogram.yivo.org. webinars can be found at www.meforum. tours led by museum curators and the Jewish! There are songs, quizzes and so ‹ Chabad offers a variety of videos and org/webinars. new program “Thursdays at Three with much more. The show is designed for kids classes online at www.chabad.org/mul- ‹ offers virtual conversa- Jacqueline Goldstein,” which will feature 7-12, but fun for all ages. It doesn’t matter timedia/video_cdo/aid/2530155/jewish/ tions about a variety of subjects, including conversations with artists. Visit the website if you’re a student or someone with Courses.htm. Topics include Talmud, arts, politics and health. To listen or view for more information. no formal Jewish education; all are welcome prayer, prayer book, Tanya, Jewish history the programs, visit https://forward.com/ ‹ Jewish Insider is now offering Zoom pro- at Hebrew School.” For more information and more. tag/events/. grams with politicians, actors and more. For or to hear the episodes, visit https://www. ‹ Hashivenu is a podcast about Jewish ‹ The National Museum of American more information or to sign up for the site’s tabletmag.com/podcasts/hebrew-school/ teachings and practice around resilience. Jewish History is looking for children daily update, visit https://jewishinsider.com/. episode-1-class-is-in-session. It believes that “cultivating resilience in to be clothing curators of their “stay at See “Resources” on page 4 INSIDE THIS ISSUE “Porch minyans” Crowdfunding PPEs Special Sections With synagogues shuttered, The rise of coronavirus correlates A Jewish initiative crowdfunds Legal Notices...... 4 “porch minyans” are growing in to a rise in antisemitism in NY and gear for health-care workers to Book Review...... 4 and other communities. NJ Jewish communities. protect them against coronavirus. Congregational Notes...... 6 ...... Page 3 ...... Page 5 ...... Page 7 Classifieds...... 8 Page 2 - The Reporter May 8-14, 2020 Opinion My guardian angels Day 31: Like By Eli Beer Christians and Druze – had, each in Reprinted from Hayom their own way, prayed for me. I heard clockwork (JNS) – I caught coronavirus in about the prayers of members of the By Carin M. Smilk the , of all places. Far Jewish community in Miami and (JNS) – As the skies move into that dusk-like hue on from Israel and my family. A few days across the United States, of a group Fridays, it almost feels like time slows down. after Purim, I was feeling unwell. of American Christians I’d spoken to, I start to relax after another crazy-busy week. I realize My temperature rose, so I entered of an Indian group and many others. that for some, these corona times have been dull, lonely self-quarantine. Two days later, I There were also angels close or frustrating being all cooped up, but not for me. Not for was hospitalized at University of around me. Dr. Joel Sandberg and us. In an odd way, it has become more hectic as we bump Miami Hospital with a serious case his wife, Adele, who made sure I into each other on the steps, turn the volume up or down of pneumonia, barely able to breathe. was getting the best treatment and on our devices and answer our respective phones. When the test results came back, it United CEO Eli Beer arrived at kept my family updated. Dr. Miriam Soon, though, I’ll be sitting at the dinner table with was official: I had COVID-19. Ben-Gurion International Airport near Tel Adelson, whom I know personally, all of my favorite people, sharing bread and wine, and A few days later, my doctors told Aviv by private jet after recovering from a doctor who saved many people conversation from the week. We sit longer, talk more and me they would need to induce a coma COVID-19 at a hospital in Miami on April over the course of her life and the think less. and put me on a ventilator. 21. (Photo by Yehuda Haim/Flash90) publisher of Israel Hayom, extended I’m always reminded of something a former work col- For 30 years, I’ve been working her kindness to me, prayed for me and league (and good friend) said one Friday while we were in emergency medicine as a paramedic. I founded United ensured that I got the treatment and medicine that quite still in our newspaper office finishing up. We both had Hatzalah, whose volunteers have saved many lives. The simply saved my life. rare window seats and looked directly into an apartment terms “coma” and “ventilator” are familiar to me, and I When I had recovered sufficiently, she brought me building in . She would take the bus was very scared. back to Israel on a private plane belonging to her and her back to the Oranges in , while I walked the 15 When I woke up, a month had passed. husband, Sheldon. When I got off the plane, I met my blocks home to my place. At first, I didn’t know where I was. The doctors explained wife and children with great excitement. The first step She stopped by my office to drop off some copy and my situation and what had happened. They said I was at was hard. I realized it was the first step of my long road turned her head to look outside. She commented on how nice the start of a long road to recovery. I was sad to find that to independence. it was every week that the couple across the street would I’d missed Passover, my favorite holiday, but I was very This Independence Day, my wish was that the state of light candles and set the table for a fancy dinner. I must happy to talk to my family, my wife and children. Israel and all its citizens can continue standing on our own, have looked at her too long because she asked, “What?” “Dad, what did you dream about while you were asleep?” both as individuals and as a nation. That we continue to “It’s . That’s what they’re getting ready for. It my youngest daughter asked me in our first conversation. close ranks, take it upon ourselves to help each other and starts after sundown, like clockwork,” I replied. “I think I dreamed about angels,” I answered. But worry about people other than ourselves. That is how we will Ah. She nodded and got it. She isn’t Jewish and grew it was no dream – there were angels, angels from all grow stronger, and that’s how we’ll beat the coronavirus. up in Washington state (and now lives in bucolic Oregon), over the world, who took care of me. I discovered that I thank God for healing me, the doctors who treated me but she’d been in long enough to observe when I was told what had been happening around me and my angels, who enveloped me in prayers, love and all the Jewish life. She smiled, liking it for what it was and all that time. mercy, up close and from afar. what she thought it to be. They told me about Yosef Chaim Kadosh, who celebrated Eli Beer is the founder of United Hatzalah of Israel, That memory brings extra light to my Fridays. his bar mitzvah recently. A cancer patient fighting for his a volunteer-based emergency medical services organiza- It’s funny – and always revealing – when we have mo- life, twice a day he read psalms for my recovery. They tion, and president of U.S.-based organization Friends of ments to peek back into our lives. When we’re reminded told me how 6,000 Hatzalah volunteers – , Muslims, United Hatzalah. See “Day” on page 3 In My Own Words Various personal, societal and political thoughts RABBI RACHEL ESSERMAN, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Alone time interested, I brought my Abby Cadabby Muppet doll into political figures to think before they speak. As I write this, I’ve been rediscovering my inner introvert. I’m not my home office for the day. That was actually a lot of fun. 58,356 Americans have died of the virus (at least, that we exactly a hermit since most weekdays I communicate with The social divide know of). That is more American deaths than occurred Reporter staff via numerous e-mails over the course of the My recent reading has led me to discover yet another during the 10-year Vietnam War. While researchers should day. I’ve also had Skype/Zoom conversations with friends. social divide in our country based on whether to open look at all options in order to treat or cure COVID-19, pol- (One of those is not new: the friend lives out of state and, our economy quickly or slowly. I’m not talking about the iticians should not be suggesting possible treatments, nor since I received the cochlear implant, we’ve been talking “who-cares-if-the-old-folks-die” or the “you-can’t-tell- making jokes about them. I am partly referring to President almost weekly.) There are other aspects of my social life us-what-to-do” folks, but rather those facing fears it’s Donald Trump’s suggestion about injecting a disinfectant missing, though, particularly attendance at synagogue difficult for many of us to grasp. Those of us with safety into our body, but there are other politicians who are worse: services. I still am not getting on the computer during nets (savings to sustain us during hard times or those of those who have talked about people sacrificing themselves Shabbat, although I have been on Zoom for Havdalah us able to work from home) can more easily side with a for the economy. services on Saturday nights. (That includes Rabbi Barbara slow opening since, even if we’ve lost some funds, we’re Many of these people call themselves pro-life in other Goldman-Wartell telling a story, something I love,) still doing OK. Others – those who fear permanent loss circumstances, but how can you be pro-life when you are I do worry about returning to The Reporter office. Since of their jobs or never being able to get out of debt – have willing to risk people dying? Does that make you pro-life I’ve been listening to more music, I’ve found myself singing more difficulty envisioning the need to open slowly. Some unless it affects the economy? Are you willing to gamble when I’m working. I don’t mean in a quiet way, but, rather, people don’t understand – or perhaps care – that they are with the lives of another 100-200,000 people? Then there’s my belting the song out at the top of my lungs. That really risking their lives and the lives of everyone around them. Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman, who is wants to let lifts my mood, but it’s probably just as well that no one can But others have a different fear: that of being out on the her city be used as a “control group” for reopening: basi- hear me. I have tried to keep staff morale up: I recently de- streets – having no money for food or rent – and never cally, just open up the city and casinos, and see how many clared a Friday Bring-Your-Favorite-Doll/Stuffed-Animal being able to get back on their feet. people die. Fortunately, the governor of the state doesn’t to work day. One person admitted that request made her This virus also impacts those who have had no choice agree with her, nor are workers willing to be guinea pigs shake her head, but her philosophy when dealing with me about working: they continue at their minimum-wage jobs for her experiment. is “if it keeps Rachel sane, then just roll with it.” For those (which are considered essential) because they can’t afford By the way, I don’t actually think President Trump meant to stop. This includes such businesses as grocery stores, for people to take him literally about injecting disinfectants, drugstores and restaurants. The staff often don’t have a but, unfortunately, there are people who take him at his choice. Even if they wanted to stay home, they know if word. Some actually called the CDC, medical hotlines or Correction they don’t go in now, their job won’t be waiting for them their doctors asking if this was safe. Even worse, President The byline for the “On the Jewish food scene – The joy when this is over. Some are working in unsafe conditions; Trump later tried to claim he was joking. Is that really of pickles” column in the May 1 issue of The Reporter others have caught the virus. They make it possible for the any better: how can you joke about treatments about this was missing. The article was written by Rabbi Rachel rest of us to have our needs met while we stay safe at home. disease when so many people are burying and grieving for Esserman, who welcomes people’s thoughts about their Watching what they say their dead? People’s lives are nothing to joke about, and favorite pickles. During times of crisis, it is especially important for our political leaders ought to know that.

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

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Editorial/News Regular weekly deadline is noon, Wednesday, for the following week’s newspaper. www.thereportergroup.org May 8-14, 2020 Page 3 - The Reporter With synagogues shuttered, “porch minyans” grow in Brooklyn By Dovid Zaklikowski praying on the porches on her Montreal, Quebec, block, (JNS) – The streets of Crown Heights in Brooklyn, NY, “as a token of appreciation since they’ve been coming out were eerily empty at 7 pm on a recent Thursday. Normally, onto their porches to pray. But the singing and prayers have children are out playing and parents rushing home from already been such a gift!” work or errands, with crowds of people out now that the Using only his first name so as not to draw attention, days are getting longer. But since mid-March, when local Michel [last name held on request], 71, an administrator at doctors advised the community to shut down because of a local boys’ day school in Crown Heights, prays all three the spread of the deadly coronavirus, this is the way it has daily prayer services with a minyan. “This is davening for been in the neighborhood, which has been inundated with me,” he said, using the Yiddish word for praying, saying cases of COVID-19. that without a minyan, his prayers don’t feel real. “That is With few cars on the road, other sounds can be heard the way I was trained from childhood, and that is the way during the day, such the murmur of prayer services. For I feel most comfortable doing it.” the Orthodox, communal prayer services are like praying From his porch, there is no minyan that he could pray in synagogue. Theoretically, they can be held anywhere with, so he goes to nearby ones mostly on other blocks. (think El Al flights to Israel), as long as it has a minyan – a Michel rattles off the times and locations of several places quorum of 10 Jewish males over the age of 13. where an afternoon prayer service can be found these days. Jewish residents in the Crown Heights neighborhood of With synagogues shuttered in communities worldwide, He notes that for his own safety, some locations will not Brooklyn, NY, participated in a “porch minyan” on April praying on the porch – or “porch minyan,” as it’s been let him join since he is over the age of 65, and others say 30. (Photo by Dovid Zaklikowski) dubbed – has become the new norm in many Orthodox that only those who are on their own porch can join. communities across the globe. The one leading the prayers, Rabbis across the globe have banned the porch minyan it’s hard to keep a face mask on, people naturally begin to known as the chazzan, says them in a booming voice so the on various grounds. In March, the Beit Din, or rabbinical gather around each other, and he has even seen worshippers words can be heard in other places farther away. court, of Crown Heights made it clear that even an outdoor bring children – meaning a father could have to chase after For the most part, such services have been received by minyan is prohibited, saying “it is our opinion that indi- them and mistakenly come dangerously close to others. non-Jewish neighbors with appreciation. “Our neighbours viduals should daven alone in their houses at this time.” Braun says his home has a porch, and he could easily just delivered this lovely gift to all homes on our street,” (One of the three rabbis who signed the letter succumbed join a minyan. Nevertheless, he won’t do it because “be- Jennifer Dorner posted on Facebook, about those who were to COVID-19.) sides the health concerns, there’s a host of halachic [Jewish Despite this, as week upon week of staying home has law] concerns.” started to wear people down, the “porch minyan” phenom- Other rabbis have permitted these prayer sessions, enon has increased in the neighborhood. including one of the local rabbis on the Crown Heights “I can’t wrap my head around it,” says Eli Uminer, rabbinical board (who did not sign the original letter). Rabbi who himself has been sick with the coronavirus. “If it is a Berel Bell, a member of the rabbinical court in Montreal, question of life or death, one is allowed to even desecrate initially wrote to his community in March, advising that Shabbos [the Sabbath]. In Jewish law, it states that you they not to hold outdoor minyans. More recently, however, do this even if there is less than a one out of a thousand he has joined one himself, and under certain conditions has percent chance of dying.” permitted others to do the same. He says that while many remain on porches, some come In Crown Heights, which runs along Eastern Parkway from other streets and stand close to the home of the prayer – where on a spring day thousands might be walking – leader. “I think that in terms of the virus, if done right it Michel says about health concerns, “I am not near people, could be OK. But in reality, it never ends up that way; there is social distancing, you are standing six feet away therefore, they should be banned.” from people, and you cannot even have a conversation.” An Orthodox Jewish man in the Crown Heights Uminer says that even without those conditions, for Just before the afternoon prayer services on one street, neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, joined a “porch minyan” many, especially those in homes that are small and crowded Dr. Reuben Ingber notes that it was wonderful to have the on April 30. (Photo by Dovid Zaklikowski) with family members, “it’s more about cabin fever.” possibility to pray from his porch with a minyan. “I don’t The issue of crowding came to the forefront this week see anything wrong with it,” he says. “Do you want to join?” after a funeral for a rabbi in the nearby neighborhood of Detective Vincent Martinos of the Crown Heights Po- Williamsburg drew hundreds of Orthodox Jews from the lice Department, agrees. He says the porch minyans have Day Continued from page 3 Satmar community, leading to a stern rebuke from Mayor been fine according to the city’s ordinances. From what of a saying or joke, an old song that dredges up bits of the Bill de Blasio on Twitter. De Blasio later apologized for See “Porch” on page 7 past and those people associated with it. This stay-at-home his remarks, which were widely condemned as antisemitic period has come with that as I’ve picked through old clothes for singling out the Jewish community. and photos, kid drawings and all the other thousand things Under orders signed by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo you don’t usually have time for. in March, public gatherings of any size or any reason are Still, I’m ready to get back to normal, whatever that strictly forbidden. may be. I could really use a movie, a trip to the library, a Rabbi Yosef Braun, one of the three rabbis in Crown bagel with a friend. Heights who signed the original letter prohibiting the There’s a new awareness, but also an old longing. minyans, spoke about the topic in a Zoom class in April, I said this as I approached my birthday on May 4. You saying that nothing changed from the ruling in March. He know, that day – “May the Fourth Be With You.” (And notes that it is too complicated and too difficult to keep yes, I once met “Chewbacca” at an elementary-school social distancing, even on the porch. This is especially true function on my big day.) during morning prayers, and on the Sabbath and holidays, Last year, my husband and I had dinner out, just the two when prayers are longer. During those times, he explains, of us, and a late-night coffee and long walk. The weather, near-perfect at the start of spring, was, well, near-perfect. The Care You Need - in the Home You Love This year, I’m thinking of pizza. 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[email protected] howardhanna.com Page 4 - The Reporter May 8-14, 2020 Off the Shelf Hollywood and Jewish refugees RABBI RACHEL ESSERMAN Before I read the press release for “The Sun and Her husband 43 – was based on financial rather than political connected to people of interest to the House Un-American Stars: Salka Viertel and Hitler’s Exiles in the Golden Age reasons. Unsure of whether or not they would be staying Activities Committee. Viertel, who was not a communist, of Hollywood” by Donna Rifkind (Other Press), I’d never in the U.S., they left their three sons in Europe. However, had not been concerned with the politics of her friends heard of Salka Viertel. While I knew that many Jewish the boys soon joined them and they made a permanent during the war because she had more important worries. and non-Jewish refugees who were actors, writers and home in . Her fears were personal: she didn’t know the status of her directors worked in Hollywood or New York, her name Unfortunately, Viertel could not find work as an actress family in Europe – those who lived in territories conquered was completely unfamiliar. Yet, Viertel not only wrote and began writing treatments and screenplays. Among her by the Nazis. Were they alive or dead? But any connection successful treatments and screenplays, but turned her best-known films were “Anna Karenina” (1935), “The to communism in the post-war years could destroy a career. California home into a European-style salon – creating a Painted Veil” (1934) and “Queen Christina” (1933). At In additional to writing about Viertel’s life, Rifkind talks safe and comfortable place for those who felt rootless in one point she was so successful, she was one of the highest about those who frequented her open houses. The most a country far different from their own. paid screenwriters in Hollywood. She often worked with famous were the Mann brothers, Heinrich and Thomas. Rifkind feels that women’s accomplishments during Greta Garbo and, for a long time, the two were so close Although both were well known in Europe, Thomas was the Golden Age of Hollywood have either been lost or that Garbo spent a great deal of time in Viertel’s home, more successful in the U.S. Many of the other writers ignored. She notes that, while women worked in every especially when she wanted to escape the press. It was in are less familiar. For example, writer Bruno Frank, who studio department, histories of those times rarely mention that home that Viertel held her Sunday open houses to which left Europe in 1937, worked on such films as “A Royal them. She also found something similar occurs in the books came not only European refugees, but many successful Scandal” (1945), “Northwest Passage” (1940) and “The about European refugees: they so focus on men that one Hollywood writers, directors and actors. As more refugees Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1939), sometimes as a named might believe no women suffered the pain of exile. As tried to escape from Europe, Viertel worked with different writer and other times without credit. Viertel was also for Viertel, Rifkind not only wants her accomplishments groups to raise money for them, in addition to helping friends with Christopher Isherwood, the British writer acknowledged but to restore her reputation. She writes them find work in Hollywood. She did this while being of the short stories “Goodbye to Berlin” (which were that Viertel has been called a number of unpleasant names, the major source of income in the household. Her husband, later adapted into the play “I Am a Camera,” and then including gossipmonger, fraud, moneygrubber and witch, who was often away working on projects, usually didn’t the Broadway musical and film “Cabaret”). He lived in to name just a few. Part of Rifkind’s task is to show the make enough money to support himself so Viertel had to her garage apartment and often entertained Garbo when true Viertel: the one who worked hard to create a home send him funds while he lived in another city or country. Viertel was busy working. for her family and tried to help other refugees in need of The Viertel marriage had its ups and downs. Both spous- “The Sun and Her Stars” contains a great deal of detail work or solace. es had affairs, including some that lasted years. They still in its more than 400 pages. Not all the details were of equal In order to understand Viertel, Rifkind places her life remained close to each other for decades even with these interest, particularly some of the very personal facts about in context. Viertel was born to an affluent Jewish family affairs, although Berthold finally asked for a divorce in Viertel’s marriage. At times, the book’s focus was uneven: on the outskirts of the Austro-Hungarian empire. After order to marry someone else. Viertel’s longest romance did the story of sun (Viertel) was eclipsed by that of her stars deciding to become an actress, she lived in a variety of not end in marriage: her lover wanted children and finally (those who visited her salon). However, Rifkind does an cities in Europe, including Weimar-era Berlin. She married broke it off to marry someone younger. excellent job not only bringing Viertel’s accomplishments Berthold Viertel, a writer and director for stage and film, Viertel never planned to leave the U.S., but after World to light and proving she was a remarkable woman, but and gave birth to three children. The decision to move to War II, she had difficulty finding work and moved to portraying the lives of those refugees who felt lost in the the United States in 1928 – when Viertel was 39 and her in the 1960s. That’s because her name became New World and those who found success.

Resources Continued from page 1 ‹ Lilith Magazine’s blog writers continue to add new Thrive, a project of the Jewish Teen Education and En- more.” For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ material, some about dealing with COVID-19. The blogs gagement Funder Collaborative, Collective Compassion events/663576081059631/. can be found at www.lilith.org/blog/. is a national response to the growing wellness needs ‹ The Yiddish Book Center now has a web page ded- ‹ The Hadassah-Brandeis Institute is offering images from of teens. “Dozens of events and experiences, many in icated to its almost weekly virtual events. Most events its current exhibition at www.brandeis.edu/hbi/artist-pro- partnership with artists and organizations, draw on the will be available to a little number of people on Zoom, gram/exhibition.html. power of Jewish creativity, culture, learning and values to but open to all on the center’s Facebook page. For more ‹ Jewish community organizations are bringing the support teens – and the adults that care about them,” ac- information, visit www.yiddishbookcenter.org/visit/ power of “Collective Compassion” to National Mental cording to the Collective Compassion website. For more calendar-events. Health Awareness Month. Created by Jewish Teens information, visit www.collectivecompassion2020.com. ‹ Limmud, https://limmud.org/, is holding a variety of ‹ The Center for Jewish History offers a “Genealogy Cof- virtual event. The site says its mission is to “make acces- fee Break” on Facebook on Tuesdays at 3:30 pm. The ge- sible some of the world’s most dynamic Jewish educators, Moving any time soon? nealogy discussion is led by a librarian from the Genealogy performers and teachers, working in a variety of educa- Or just leaving town for a few months? Institute at the Center for Jewish History. Videos of previous tional styles – lectures, workshops, text-study sessions, meetings are also available for review. Visit www.facebook. film, meditation, discussions, exhibits and performance.” Whether you’re moving across town com/watch/centerforjewishhistory/501317183869918/ to Events take place across the world. To learn more, click or across the country, please let The Re- take part in the live program or view the videos. on events and pick events by region. porter know so you can stay up to date on ‹ Pardes scholars and Ramah Darom educators will hold For more resources, see the last six issues of The Reporter community news and quickly receive the a Pardes Beit Midrash B’Darom Yom Iyun (Day of Learn- or visit www.thereportergroup.org/Article.aspx?aID=5484, paper at your new (or temporary) address! ing) on Sunday, May 17, from 11 am-3 pm. The theme www.thereportergroup.org/Article.aspx?aID=5499, www. E-mail [email protected] with “Reporter this year is “Holy Relationships: Exploring Our Spiritual thereportergroup.org/Article.aspx?aID=5502, www. Address change” in the subject line, or call Identity.” Pardes says, “We will examine the current state thereportergroup.org/Article.aspx?aID=5512, www. 607-724-2360, ext. 254, to let The Reporter of our relationships with the Divine, what it means to in- thereportergroup.org/Article.aspx?aID=5519 and www. know about your new address. habit holiness and how to own our spiritual identities and thereportergroup.org/Article.aspx?aID=5527. LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY: The 644 Gage Road, LLC NOTICE OF 13903. Purpose: any lawful activities. material suppliers. Our goals for this and specifications should be directed name of the limited liability company FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY ______project are: MBE: 20% WBE: 10% to Brenda Wilson at Two Plus Attention is: Beston Home Inspection Services, COMPANY (“LLC”) SDBOB: 6% as well as a preference Four Construction Co. bwilson@ LLC (the “Company”). The date of Notice of Formation of EPL Rentals, to Section 3 subcontractors and twoplusfour.com (315) 437-1808. Attorneys filing of the Articles of Organization Articles of Organization of 644 LLC suppliers. of the Company with the Secretary of Gage Road, LLC filed with the Work areas include: landscaping, State was April 8, 2020. The county in NYS Secretary of State (NYSS) Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of Plans will be available in a designated framing and trim carpentry, insulation,

which the principal place of business on 4/17/2020. Office of LLC is in State of NY (SSNY) on 04/27/2020. area for viewing at the following siding, roofing, doors, windows, Published by the Jewish Federation of the Company shall be located is Broome County. The Secretary of Office location: Broome Co. SSNY locations (by appointment): drywall, flooring, painting, bath of Greater Binghamton Broome County. The Secretary of State designated as agent for service designated as agent of LLC upon - Two Plus Four Construction Co accessories, appliances, cabinets, fulfills the requirement State has been designated as agent of process against it. NYSS shall whom process against it may be – 6737 Myers Road, E. Syracuse, countertops, blinds, plumbing, HVAC, of “newspapers of of the Company upon whom process mail process to 1963 Bradley Creek served. SSNY shall mail process NY 13057 – contact Brenda Wilson electric and all associated building general circulation.” against it may be served. The Rd, Endicott, NY 13760. Business to: The LLC, P.O. Box 783, Johnson [email protected] (315) materials. Very reasonable rates Secretary of State shall mail a copy of purpose: any lawful activity. City, NY 13790. Purpose: any lawful 437-1808 and a broad circulation any process against the Company, to ______activities. - The SEPP, Inc. Office – 53 Front Please notify me immediately if makes The Reporter a Hinman Howard & Kattell, LLP, Attn: ______Street, Binghamton, NY 13905 – you are interested in submitting a great choice for your Robert W. Carey, 80 Exchange Street, Notice of Formation of Mushock contact John Bernardo (607) 723- proposal by completing the box at the legal advertising! Suite 700, Binghamton, NY 13901. Development LLC Two Plus Four Construction Co. 8989 bottom of this letter and then faxing or Partnership The purpose of the business of the is the General Contractor for the emailing it to our office. All proposals Notices Company is any lawful business Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of construction of 17 duplex buildings Plans will be available for online should be mailed or faxed to Two plus Surrogate’s purpose. State of NY (SSNY) on 07/17/2006. (34 family units) in the Fairmont Park viewing at the following locations: Four Construction Co. at the address Citations ______Office location: Broome Co. SSNY development in the town of Union, - The Builders Exchange of the or fax number above. All proposals Changes of Name designated as agent of LLC upon NY. The project known as Fairmont Southern Tier – www.bxstier.com – are due by Friday May 22nd by 2:00 Bankruptcy 607 Construction LLC NOTICE whom process against it may be Park Apartments is a scattered contact Cheryl Plahanski cheryl@ p.m. attention Brenda Wilson. Notices OF FORMATION OF LIMITED served. SSNY shall mail process to: site; duplexes will be constructed bxstier.com (607) 771-7000 ______LIABILITY COMPANY (“LLC”) The LLC, 1137 Simon Road, Endicott, on Woodland Avenue, Oak Street, - Syracuse Builders Exchange – Trustee Sales New York 13760. Purpose: any lawful Poplar Street, and Birch Street. We www.syrbex.com – contact Monica Notice of Formation of KGBC, LLC Auction Sales Articles of Organization of 607 activities. plan to start construction in May Noble (315) 437-9936 Construction LLC filed with the ______of 2020. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of Foundation Sales NYS Secretary of State (NYSS) Plans will be available for online State of NY (SSNY) on 04/22/2020. Mortgages on 4/8/2020. Office of LLC is in Notice of Formation of BRAVE2BU, This project IS TAXABLE viewing on-line and/or purchase at: Office location: Broome Co. SSNY Foreclosures Broome County. The Secretary LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of Davis Bacon Wage Rates DO NOT www.planandprint.com or at Plan & designated as agent of LLC upon of State designated as agent for State of NY (SSNY) on 04/16/20. APPLY to this project. Print Systems at 6160 Eastern Ave., whom process against it may be To place your ad or service of process against it. NYSS Office location: Broome County. Syracuse, NY 13211, (315) 437-5111. served. SSNY shall mail process to: for information, shall mail process to 434 Cloverdale SSNY designated as agent of LLC We are especially interested in Contact Two Plus Four Construction The LLC, 106 Washington Avenue, contact Bonnie Rozen Road, Chenango Forks, NY 13746. upon whom process against it may be receiving proposals from NYS for access code to view plans. #1, Endicott, New York 13760. at 724-2360, ext. 244 Business purpose: any lawful activity. served. SSNY shall mail process to: Certified MBE / WBE, SDVOB Purpose: any lawful activities. or bonnie@ ______4132 Gregory Rd., Binghamton, NY and Section 3 subcontractors and Any questions regarding the plans thereportergroup.org. May 8-14, 2020 Page 5 - The Reporter Rise of coronavirus correlates to rise in antisemitism, especially in Jewish areas of New York and New Jersey By Faygie Holt to go into Lakewood and assault members of the Jewish (JNS) – As 2019 came to close, the New York met- community with a baseball bat. A 56-year old-female from ropolitan region recorded “extremely high” numbers of Suffern, NY, in Rockland County, was arrested and charged antisemitic incidents. Lawmakers, community leaders, law with making a terrorist threat. “In this particular case, the enforcement and ordinary citizens expressed the importance arrest was based on a bomb threat,” the Ramapo Police of tolerance and respect for all people. Department said in an online posting. It seemed to work for a short time, anyhow. Then the “No one should use COVID-19 as an excuse to promote COVID-19 outbreak began, and as fears of the novel coro- antisemitic conspiracy theories or stereotypes,” New Jersey navirus ramped up, so, too, did antisemitism. This time, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal told JNS. “The virus though, with people locked in their homes, people took to does not discriminate in who it affects, and people must not the Internet to spread their hate. use the virus as an excuse to discriminate or to foster hate.” “Since the beginning of March 2020, we have been While there have certainly been Jews in Monsey and receiving disturbing information on accusations on Jews, Lakewood who have violated stay-at-home orders – some Zionists and Israelis, as individuals and as a collective, have even been arrested or issued summons by local author- for causing and spreading the coronavirus,” noted a report ities – the vast majority of residents have been following on global antisemitism issued on April 27 by the Kantor mandates and staying home, and have become increasingly Center for the Study of Contemporary European Jewry at concerned about the hate they are seeing being spewed online. University and the European Jewish Congress. Joel Petlin, a resident of Monsey who also serves as Among those charges, many of which are surfacing the superintendent of the Kiryas Joel School District, a online, are allegations that Jews have poisoned water wells Chasidic town some 25 miles away, says it’s as if someone – an accusation, the report notes, that has been around since Image of an antisemitic Twitter user advocating for the “set up to play this gotcha game because they think if one medieval times—that Jews or Israel is using the virus to heavily Jewish town of Lakewood, NJ, to be “nuked.” Chasidic Jew is doing something, it’s the end of the world. destabilize the world economy and gain control; Jews or (Photo courtesy of Screenshot) I think it’s latent antisemitism that comes out at this time, Israelis have already produced a vaccine to the virus and will and it doesn’t reflect that we are all in this together as one sell it to the rest of the world for a large profit; the virus is protest what they believe are mass violations by members of county… and we should be helping people rather than punishment because Jews have not accepted Christ; and that the Jewish community of local stay-at-home orders. Regardless using this as an opportunity to attack. Jews created the virus as a weapon against Muslims and Iran. of the original poster’s intentions in these claims, those who “There will always be a few outliers who don’t represent “During times of crisis, people too often turn to scape- comment on these posts often ratchet up the tension. the group,” continued Petlin, “and because of those few goats, and such a troubling trend is beginning to emerge In some cases, posters have threatened to take matters bad actors, we are attacked online unfairly for those few with COVID-19,” says Jennifer Rich, executive director into their own hands. Just what that means, however, is random acts that don’t represent us.” of the Rowan Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies left up to the imagination and leads to fear and concern Rabbi Avi Schnall, the New Jersey director of Agudath at Rowan University in New Jersey. “Antisemitism is up, among residents. Israel of America, agrees. “To say we are not listening to and we can expect that battles over reopening the country “We’ve seen this type of veiled threat that walks right up the rules because 10 people or 20 people got together, what and how the virus spread will conjure up old tropes. As to the line and stops just short, and leaves it up to the inter- about everyone else? There are 150,000 people [in Lake- people note that this is the worst international crisis since preter to determine what they mean by that,” says Alexander wood] and everything’s empty. The shopping plazas are the Second World War and as we just marked Yom Hashoah, Rosemberg, deputy regional director New York/ New Jersey shut down, the schools are shut down, the synagogues are it is a reminder that we need to be especially vigilant in region for the Anti-Defamation League. “But many in the shut down. It shows a certain amount of irresponsibility” combating antisemitism wherever it arises.” community, when they see that, will be afraid and will see to just report on Lakewood and suggests an “underlying Rich adds that the rise in antisemitism related to the it as a direct threat much more than a veiled threat.” bias for people to buy into it. virus “seems to be part of a broader trend in this instance. Rosemberg says that while it is up law enforcement and “If you’re going to report on Lakewood when 10 people The ‘anti-other’ – antisemitic, anti-Chinese, racist, xeno- prosecutors to determine the nature of a criminal offense, are gathering,” he continued, “then you need to balance it phobic – rhetoric is everywhere.” the concern centers on “the connection between the things by all the wonderful things are doing.” A survey by the Anti-Defamation League, which was that happen online and eventuality of things we may see Among those initiatives are food drives to minority taken in January and released recently, had identified online expressing themselves in the real world because you may communities, including Hispanic families, who have been antisemitism as an already troubling trend even before the have individuals taking these statements and acting on them.” out of work since the outbreak began with no paychecks coronavirus outbreak. It found one in seven Jews have ex- In at least two incidents, law enforcement believed the and no way to feed their families. perienced harassment online, and more than one in 10 has online threats crossed the line of what is acceptable. A “This pandemic has the capacity to bring out the best experienced a “severe form of harassment such as being 43-year-old man from Howell, NJ, was arrested for making and the worst in people, and it has done so already,” says physically threatened as a result of the religion.” terroristic threats after he sent direct messages threatening Grewal, “but we will get through this if we join together.” Online antisemitism has only increased in recent weeks and taken various forms, including “Zoombombing,” where an online programs being conducted by Jewish groups Don’t miss the boat...advertise! are interrupted by neo-Nazis or white supremacists who managed to log into the virtual program. Contact Bonnie Rozen at 725-9182 (cell) or In the heavily Jewish towns of Monsey, NY, and Lakewood, [email protected]. NJ, people have taken to Facebook and Twitter almost daily to Quick Reference Guide to Planned Giving Use this planned giving quick reference guide to help determine the best strategy for achieving your philanthropic and financial goals. For further information or assistance, please contact Shelley Hubal at 724-2332 or [email protected] If Your Goal is to: Then You Can: Your Benefits May Include: Make a quick and easy gift Simply write a check now or use a credit card An income tax deduction and immediate charitable impact Avoid tax on capital gains Contribute long-term appreciated stock or other securities A charitable deduction plus no capital gains tax Defer a gift until after your death Put a bequest in your will (gifts of cash or a share or the residue of your estate) Exemption from federal estate tax on donations Receive guaranteed fixed income that is Create a charitable gift annuity partially tax-free Current and future savings on income taxes plus fixed stable payments Avoid the two-fold taxation on IRA or other Name a charity as the beneficiary of the employee benefit plans remainder of the retirement assets after your Tax relief to your family on inherited assets lifetime

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Weekly Parasha Our sages’ words of wisdom Emor, Leviticus 21:1-24:23 RABBI ZALMAN CHEIN, EDUCATION COORDINATOR, CHABAD OF BINGHAMTON

This week’s Torah portion, Emor, begins: “And the Lord with those outside of our households. Communication My greatest teacher and role model was my father, Rabbi said to Moses: ‘Speak to the kohanim, the sons of Aaron, and teaching are taking new forms, as we rethink how we Mordechai Leib ben Chaim Dovber of blessed memory, and say to them: ‘Let none [of you] defile himself for a dead maintain connections with our friends, family and students. who recently passed away on the seventh of Nissan, March person among his people.’” (Leviticus 21:1) Rabbi Shlomo At this time of year, between the holidays of Passover 31. He lived by these teachings of the sages. He taught us Yitzchaki, known as Rashi, in his classic commentary on and Shavuot, “Ethics of the Fathers” is traditionally studied. by example, and we strive to follow in his footsteps. On the Torah, points out that the verse seems to repeat itself, Our sages’ words of wisdom offer insight and guidance to the (surely rare) occasions that he had to discipline us, his using both of the terms “speak” and “say.” Rashi explains us as we teach, learn, communicate and connect. children, he did so with the utmost respect for us, turning that the two expressions of speech refer to two messages that Here is a sampling of their teachings: “Who is wise? One it into a teaching moment. He would ask the guilty party Moses was to convey to the priests: First, the prohibition who learns from every man.” “The dignity of your student to bring a sefer, a Jewish text, that discussed the area of against kohanim (priests) coming in contact with the dead. should be as precious to you as your own.” “A bashful one offense, and we would study it together until we understood Secondly, the adult kohanim were instructed to “speak” to cannot learn, a short-tempered person cannot teach.” “Let on our own how to rectify our behavior. the minors and teach them these laws. your home be a meeting place for the wise... drink thirstily Let us try to take advantage of this time to strengthen We find ourselves in unprecedented times. Social distanc- of their words.” “Scholars, be careful with your words.” relationships and be there for others. May we soon be able ing prevents normal gatherings and in-person conversations “A safety fence for wisdom is silence.” to meet in person again, in good health. Congregational Notes Norwich Jewish Center Temple Israel Orientation: Inclusive Synagogues limit face-to-face Orientation: Conservative Rabbi: David Regenspan gatherings Rabbi: Geoffrey Brown Address: 72 South Broad St., Norwich, NY 13815 Address: 4737 Deerfield Pl., Vestal, NY 13850 Contact: Guilia Greenberg, 336-1523 Area synagogues have announced that Phone: 723-7461 and 231-3746 Purpose: To maintain a Jewish identity and meet the needs they are limiting face-to-face gatherings. Office hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 am-3:30 pm; Fri., 8 am-3 pm of the Jewish community in the area. E-mail: [email protected] Adult Ed.: Saturday morning study is held at 10 am. Call for That means there will be no services or Website: www.templeisraelvestal.org more information and to confirm. programming held until further notice. Service Schedule: Tuesday, 5:30 pm; Friday, 5:30 pm; Saturday, 9:30 am Temple Brith Sholom Some meetings, services and classes will On Fridays and Tuesdays at 5:30 pm, services will Affiliation: Unaffiliated be available online or by phone. be led by Rabbi Geoffrey Brown via Zoom. The Torah Address: P.O. Box 572, 117 Madison St., Cortland, NY 13045 For specific information regarding services portion is Leviticus 21:1-24:23 and the haftarah is Phone: 607-756-7181 Ezekiel 44:15-31. President: Bruce Fein, 607-423-3346 (including online services), meetings and Service leaders: Lay leadership On Saturday, May 9, Havdalah services will be held Shabbat services: Either Friday evening at 7:30 pm or Saturday classes at any of the area synagogues, 9 pm and led by Rabbi Geoffrey Brown via Zoom. at 10 am from Rosh Hashanah to Shavuot. Holiday services contact them by phone or e-mail. On Sunday, May 10, Torah study will be held at are also held. Check the weekly e-mail for upcoming services. 12:30 pm and led by Rabbi Geoffrey Brown via Zoom. Contact the president to get on the e-mail list. Temple Israel is collecting for CHOW during regular Religious School: Students are educated on an individual basis. business hours. The bin is between the two sets of glass Temple Brith Sholom is a small equalitarian congregation Beth David Synagogue serving the greater Cortland community. Congregants span Affiliation: doors at the entrance. Buzz to come in the first set of the gamut of observance and services are largely dependent Rabbi: Zev Silber doors to access the bin. on the service leader. The Friday night siddur is “Likrat Address: 39 Riverside Dr., Binghamton, NY 13905 Shabbat,” while the Saturday morning siddur is “Gates of Phone: 722-1793, Rabbi’s Office: 722-7514 Temple Concord Prayer.” The community extends a warm welcome to the Fax: 722-7121 Affiliation: Jewish student population of SUNY Cortland, as well as the Office hours: Mon. closed; Tues. 10 am-1 pm; Wed. closed; Thurs. Rabbi: Barbara Goldman-Wartell residents of local adult residences. 9 am-1 pm; Fri. 10 am-1 pm Address: 9 Riverside Dr., Binghamton, NY 13905 Beth David e-mail address: [email protected] Office hours: Tues.-Fri., 10 am-2 pm Rabbi’s e-mail: [email protected] Phone: 723-7355 Rohr Chabad Center Website: www.bethdavid.org Fax: 723-0785 Affiliation: Chabad-Lubavitch Facebook: www.facebook.com/bethdavidbinghamton Office e-mail: [email protected] Rabbi Aaron and Rivkah Slonim, Directors Website: www.templeconcord.com E-mail: [email protected], rslonim@ Regular service times: Friday, 8 pm; Saturday, 10:35 am, chabadofbinghamton.com Temple Beth-El of Ithaca when religious school is in session. Address: 420 Murray Hill Rd., Vestal, NY 13850 Affiliation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Hebrew school: Hebrew school meets at 4:15 pm and 5:15 Phone: 797-0015, Fax: 797-0095 Rabbi: Miriam T. Spitzer pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year unless Website: www.Chabadofbinghamton.com Rabbi Emeritus: Scott L. Glass otherwise noted. Rabbi Zalman and Rochel Chein, Education Address: 402 North Tioga St. (the corner of Court and Tioga All services and programs are online only. Friday night E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] streets), Ithaca, NY 14850-4292 Rabbi Levi and Hadasa Slonim, Downtown and Development Phone: 273-5775 Shabbat services will start at 7 pm for the month of May. Chabad Downtown Center: 60 Henry St., Binghamton E-mail: [email protected] and [email protected] Friday, May 8: Shabbat services at 7 pm at https:// E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Website: www.tbeithaca.org binghamton.zoom.us/j/350204323, by calling 1-929- Rabbi Yisroel and Goldie Ohana, Programming President: Randy Ehrenberg 205-6099 and entering meeting ID # 350 204 323, or by E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Sisterhood President: Julie Paige visiting www.facebook.com/templeconcord. Regular service times: Daily 7:30 am, Friday evening 6 pm, Director of Education: Rabbi Suzanne Brody Saturday, May 9: Torah study at 9:15 am at https:// Shabbat morning 9:30 am, Maariv and Havdalah one hour Administrative Assistant: Jane Griffith after candle-lighting time, Sundays 9:30 am. Services: Friday 8 pm; Saturday 10 am, unless otherwise binghamton.zoom.us/j/342411102 or by calling 1-929- To join the mailing list, for up-to-date information on adult announced. Weekday morning minyan 7:30 am (9 am on 205-6099 and entering meeting ID # 342 411 102. education offerings or to arrange for a private tutorial, for Sundays and legal holidays). Saturday, May 9: “Havdalah with a Bonus” at 7 pm details concerning the Judaica shop and resource center, or Religious School/Education: September-May: Classes meet on at https://binghamton.zoom.us/j/526246866, by calling for assistance through the Piaker Free Loan Society or Raff Sunday, 9 am-12:30 pm and Wednesday afternoons, 3:45-5:45 1-929-205-6099 and entering meeting ID 526 246 866, Maasim Tovim Foundation, call Chabad’s office at 797-0015. pm. The Midrashah (eighth grade and high school) classes will or by visiting www.facebook.com/templeconcord. Chabad will be holding pre-Shabbat virtual programs. meet at times designated by their respective teachers. Friday, May 15: Shabbat services at 7 pm at https:// For more information, visit www.JewishBU.com/ Adult Ed.: Numerous weekly courses, several semester-long courses and a variety of mini-courses and lectures are offered binghamton.zoom.us/j/350204323, by calling 1-929- S2020Partnership. throughout the year. Call the temple office for more details. 205-6099 and entering meeting ID # 350 204 323, or by visiting www.facebook.com/templeconcord. Penn-York Jewish Community Saturday, May 16: Torah study at 9:15 am at https:// President-Treasurer-Secretary: Harvey Chernosky, 570- Kol Haverim binghamton.zoom.us/j/342411102 or by calling 1-929- 265-3869 Affiliation: Society for Humanistic Judaism 205-6099 and entering meeting ID # 342 411 102. B’nai B’rith: William H. Seigel Lodge Address: P.O. Box 4972, Ithaca, NY 14852-4972 Purpose: To promote Jewish identity through religious, Phone: 607-277-3345 Saturday, May 16: “Havdalah with a Bonus” at 7 pm cultural, educational and social activities in the Southern E-mail: [email protected] at https://binghamton.zoom.us/j/526246866, by calling Tier of New York and the Northern Tier of , Website: www.kolhaverim.net 1-929-205-6099 and entering meeting ID 526 246 866 including Waverly, NY; Sayre, Athens and Towanda, PA, Chairwoman: Abby Cohn or by visiting www.facebook.com/templeconcord. and surrounding communities. Kol Haverim: The Finger Lakes Community for Humanistic Sunday, May 17: “Jewish Bioethics During a Pan- Judaism, is an Ithaca-based organization that brings people demic” adult education learning program with Dr. Carol Congregation Tikkun v’Or together to explore and celebrate Jewish identity, history, culture Affiliation: Union for Reform Judaism and ethics within a secular, humanistic framework. KH is part and Rabbi Gary Gerson on Zoom at 10:30 am. Send an Address: PO Box 3981, Ithaca, NY 14852; 2550 Triphammer of an international movement for Secular Humanistic Judaism e-mail to [email protected] to Rd. (corner of Triphammer and Burdick Hill), Lansing, NY and is affiliated with the Society for Humanistic Judaism, a register for the program. Phone: 607-256-1471 national association with over 30 member communities and Website: www.tikkunvor.org congregations around the country. Established in the spring of Temple Beth El of Oneonta E-mail: [email protected] 1999, it offers celebrations of Jewish holidays, monthly Shabbat Affiliation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Presidents: Lauren Korfine and Shira Reisman pot-lucks, adult education, a twice-monthly Cultural School for Rabbi-Cantor: George Hirschfeld Rabbi: Brian Walt children, and a bar and bat mitzvah program. Address: 83 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820 Religious School Director/Admin. Coordinator: Naomi Wilensky KH welcomes all individuals and families, including those from Mailing address: P.O. Box 383, Oneonta, NY 13820 Services: Fridays at 7:30 pm unless otherwise noted. mixed religious backgrounds, who wish to strengthen the Jewish Phone: 607-432-5522 Intergenerational Shabbat, music services, and other special experience in their lives and provide their children with a Jewish Website: www.templebetheloneonta.org services. Call for the weekly schedule. identity and experience. E-mail: [email protected] Religious School: Preschool through seventh-grade classes Regular service times: visit the temple website for days of meet on Sunday mornings. Friday, May 8, light candles before...... 7:52 pm services and times Sixth-grade Hebrew and seventh-grade b’nai mitzvah classes Religious School/Education: Religious School, for grades meet on Wednesday afternoons. Saturday, May 9, Shabbat ends...... 8:54 pm kindergarten through bar/bat mitzvah, meets Sunday mornings. Adult Ed: Mini courses throughout the year. Adult Hebrew Friday, May 15, light candles before...... 8 pm For the schedule of services, classes and events, see the offered regularly. Call the office fordetails. Saturday, May 16, Shabbat ends...... 9:01 pm website. May 8-14, 2020 Page 7 - The Reporter Jewish initiative crowdfunds gear for health-care workers to protect against coronavirus By Josh Hasten Jordan’s father, and well-established large umbrella Jewish (JNS) – With more than one million Shalom Elcott, works organizations on board, such as the Jewish confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United as the philanthropic Federations of North America and the Jew- States to date, many of the hardest-hit states curator at Samueli ish Funders Network, to be active partners include those with large Jewish populations Foundation, a family in the campaign. “In just five weeks, he – New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, foundation focused on brought longtime established organizations Pennsylvania, and California. As health, education, the together in a powerful partnership with Jew- a result, Jewish nonprofit organizations Jewish community and ish leaders from around the world,” he said. in the heath-care arena, including nursing Israel. He has been part Jakubowski says that $408,000 has homes and assisted-living centers, hospice of the managing team been raised so far for the campaign during facilities and those who provide homecare on the campaign, work- this “soft launch” stage, with the official for Holocaust survivors and other vulnerable ing with Jakubowski, crowdfunding aspect of the campaign populations, have witnessed overwhelming Feldman and repre- having commenced on April 29, Israel’s fatality rates as a result of the pandemic. sentatives from other Independence Day. The campaign goal is Unwillingly to sit idly by, a group of organizations. currently $3 million. “next generation” young communal Jewish As someone who Elcott says that of the total amount raised so leaders and heads of nonprofit Jewish or- The arrival of supplies to Cedar Sinai Park Assisted Living in has had many more far, it is remarkable that more than $100,000 ganizations have mobilized, along with the Portland, OR, in April. (Photo courtesy of JNS) years of experience in was donated by people living in Israel. “The mainstream Jewish community, to launch a the nonprofit sector, he Jewish Funders Network in Israel has been world-wide emergency campaign – called told JNS that Jakubowski reached out has much praise for such quick mobilization extremely generous even as demands in Israel “Pledge to Protect” – to purchase and deliver and got his organization on board to work during an intense time of crisis. He says [as a result of the virus] are herculean.” life-saving personal protective equipment to together on the critical project. “We have Jakubowski was able to get mainstream See “Initiative” on page 8 the above-mentioned front-line protectors. a wide network, including 90,000 alumni. Alex Jakubowski, executive director I was able to put KAHAL in touch with at KAHAL, an organization that connects some of our people to start setting up a your ad Jewish students studying abroad with ex- data network, and to manage and plot the Hopler & Eschbach Happy Chanukah from periences in their host communities, told distribution operation.” could be Hopler & Eschbach JNS that in February that “KAHAL saw At the same time, he added, “we realized, Funeral Home the writing on the wall.” we needed someone for that last mile – the here! “A new family tradition” Funeral Home “Since we have students in China and actual delivery. So we tapped into our stu- “A new family tradition” around the world, we decided to change dent network and alumni, and they stepped For information Personal Service our whole organization and become a up as volunteers to actually pick up and on advertising, Professionalism Personal Service COVID-19 support organization,” he said. deliver the equipment to the institutions.” contact Experience You Can Trust Professionalism Jakubowski says he realized that he was AEPi CEO James Fleischer noted that Bonnie Rozen at Experience You Can Trust hearing pleas for help over and over again “the mission of Interna- 607-725-9182 (cell) COMPARE OUR PRICES from the same segments of the health-care COMPARE OUR PRICES tional Fraternity – to develop the future We charge far less than other area funeral homes We charge far less than other area funeral homes community. “There is a global shortage leaders of the world’s Jewish communities or bonnie@ of PPE equipment in nursing homes and – is in clear evidence in this program. We thereportergroup.org Kurt M. Eschbach, Funeral Director Kurt M. Eschbach, Funeral Director hospice care. These frontline workers, es- are proud that our undergraduate and alum- 483 Chenango Street Binghamton 483 Chenango Street Binghamton pecially those outside of a hospital setting, ni brothers are playing a vital role in this 607-722-4023 607-722-4023 are not given equipment by state govern- amazing project… The fact that so many of www.HEfuneralhome.com www.HEfuneralhome.com ments. They are not the first priority. We these undergraduates recognize the needs of Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton also learned that this equipment needs to their global community and the importance be imported at outrageous prices.” of tikkun olam at a time like this, means Utilizing KAHAL’s global network and that we are doing our job for the future of partnering with other Jewish organizations, Jewish communities.” We connect you to the Jewish community a well-oiled procurement, shipment and Jakubowski said the PPE has been or- distribution chain for PPE equipment was dered from places all over the world, includ- Passover Blessings from L’Shanah Tovah from set up quickly to assist caregivers at more ing China, Hong Kong, and other than 200 Jewish institutions throughout countries. One of the obstacles, he says, Hopler & Eschbach Hopler & Eschbach the country that support not only Jewish is “fierce competition,” as well as delays workers, but people of all faiths. in shipping and receiving the equipment. Funeral Home Funeral Home Thanks to the initiative, as of April 28, “When shipments are delayed, we must “A new family tradition” “A new family tradition” nearly two million pieces of PPE had been create opportunities to get these agencies Personal Service Personal Service delivered to local agencies and communities what they need,” he said. Professionalism Professionalism – surgical mask, gloves, gowns and other Jakubowski is quick to praise AEPi for equipment – with the goal of reducing the stepping up to the plate. In one instance, he Experience You Can Trust Experience You Can Trust risk of transmission of the novel coronavi- says that thousands of disposable gowns COMPARE OUR PRICES COMPARE OUR PRICES rus. All of this came even before the “hard worn to treat those in isolation needed to be We charge far less than other area funeral homes We charge far less than other area funeral homes launch” of the campaign, as much more dropped off. He adds that “alum Jordan Elcott Kurt M. Eschbach, Funeral Director Kurt M. Eschbach, Funeral Director is needed. created the initiative with AEPi chapters, and Jay Feldman, managing director at the got the gowns and more items delivered. 483 Chenango Street Binghamton 483 Chenango Street Binghamton Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity Foundation, Without that gear, it could have cost lives.” 607-722-4023 607-722-4023 www.HEfuneralhome.com www.HEfuneralhome.com Porch Continued from page 3 he has seen, people have been staying on Michel says that even with the porch their private property, wearing masks and minyans, he is craving for more normal Love ? Want to make certain they’re available keeping to social-distancing rules. times, when everyone can go back to Love TheThe ReporteReporter’sr’s weeklyholiday c coverage?overage Want to help ensure it continues? every year? Make a tax deductible donation to ! While he acknowledges some issues have normal prayer services. He is especially Then please make a tax deductible donationThe to TheRepor Reporterter ! occurred in the past six weeks at Chabad looking forward to being called to the World Headquarters on Eastern Parkway, Torah, to look inside and kiss it, as is The Reporter brings you news of the local community, as well as national they were taken care of quickly. “Our com- customary. “It is weird,” he offers. “A lot munity has done exceptionally well with of things are weird today. But you have to and international news. social distancing,” he reports. live with the current situation.” You can also access current and past issues and articles on Coming to our July 17 issue... www.thereportergroup.org, and late-breaking local news on The 2020 Annual The Reporter’s Facebook page (The Reporter Group). Community To donate, please fill out the form below.

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From JNS.org vice president of the Mobileye group. Intel had previously Ph.D. in linguistics from the University of Texas-Austin in Netanyahu: High Court disruption of invested in Moovit in 2018. 1987, has most recently focused her work on the emergence Spate of antisemitic incidents in Europe of new sign languages, developing models of sign-language unity deal could lead to “catastrophe” phonology and prosody, according to The Jerusalem Post. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on May 4 draws warning from WZO She has also authored or co-authored three books, such as The that he hopes Israel’s High Court of Justice does not interfere (Israel Hayom via JNS) – Following a series of antisemitic Story of Israeli Sign Language. “The study of sign languages in the formation of a new government, saying that it could incidents across Europe in recent days, World Zionist Orga- illuminates the universal human genius for language, and it is lead to the “catastrophe” of Israel going back to elections for a nization Vice Chairman on May 4 called for only through language that we can formulate and share ideas, fourth time in just over a year. Netanyahu’s remarks came as the urgent action. “Antisemitic events have become commonplace science and art,” said Sandler. “Through this work, contact with High Court heard petitions against the national-unity agreement for the Jews around the world. Unfortunately, for worldwide the deaf world has taught me that in diversity there is unity, if reached between his Likud Party with Benny Gantz’s Blue and governments, the window of time to build a plan to eradi- we can open our minds to both. Our sign-language theater of White in March. The court was expected to deliver its ruling that cate antisemitism is running out,” said Hagoel. Among the the body reaches across the barrier between deaf and hearing week. “We hope the court doesn’t interfere. It doesn’t need to antisemitic incidents were inscriptions such as “Juden Raus” audiences, leading to profound shared experience.” She added interfere. There is the will of the people, the clear expression of (Jews out) appearing on the walls of a cemetery in Soveria that “the mission and values of the American Academy of Arts the will of the people,” said Netanyahu, according to Reuters. If Mannelli in southern Italy and swastikas and antisemitic and Sciences bring together seemingly disparate approaches the court disrupts the coalition agreement, he said, it “increases slogans being painted in the stairwell, on the sidewalk and to understanding and improving the human condition, and I the chances that we will be dragged to fourth elections, some- in front of the house of Sherlock Baines (65), a Jew living in am proud and deeply honored to become a member.” thing that will be a catastrophe.” After drawn-out negotiations, Dusseldorf whose parents were concentration camp inmates. Ramadan TV series about Gulf Jews Netanyahu and Gantz reached an agreement in March whereby In Berlin, a woman was speaking Hebrew with her children the two will share the premiership, with Netanyahu serving as while shopping when a foreign man turned to them and said, draws controversy prime minister for the first 18 months, after which Gantz would “These Jews are everywhere, get away from here, Zidovsky A Ramadan TV series aired by the private Saudi-owned serve as premier for the next 18 months. scum” (in Polish, “Zidovsky” can be translated to “Jew”; in satellite channel MBC that shows Jews in a positive light has Intel buys Israel’s Moovit app for $900 Russian it is an antisemitic word). “Bystanders noticed the drawn the ire of some in the Arab world, who say it promotes antisemitic insult without responding to it,” said the WZO the normalization with Israel at a time when the is million in a statement. In Weimar, Germany, portraits of survivors planning to annex parts of the West Bank. The show, “Umm Intel, the world’s largest chip maker, is buying Israeli of the Buchenwald concentration camp on display as part of Haroun” (“The Mother of Aaron”), portrays a Jewish com- app Moovit for $900 million, in a move meant to advance an open-air exhibition were vandalized. Hagoel warned that munity in the Gulf at the time Israel was founded, according its plan to develop self-driving cars. The purchase of the such incidents will only increase as the coronavirus crisis con- to an AP report published on May 3. “I wanted to write this eight-year-old Israeli company, that collects information on tinues. “Coronavirus-related antisemitic events will escalate drama to deliver the message that our societies were much transportation services, was announced on May 4, accord- and become even more violent and physical,” said Hagoel. more tolerant than they are today, and people should go back ing to the AP. Moovit helps users plan their trips by using American-Israeli linguistics professor to the same values,” Ali Shams, the show’s head writer, told the data it gathers from public transportation, ride-hailing the AP. However, he added that “we differentiate between Jews services and other services. Intel plans to combine Moovit inducted into arts and sciences academy and Israel. Israel occupied Palestine and committed atrocities with Mobileye, another Israeli firm, which specializes in An American-Israeli professor of linguistics at the Uni- against the Palestinian people.” Producer Emad al-Enazy self-driving technology and which Intel bought for $15 versity of Haifa and founding director of the northern Israeli said the show was developed by MBC, Kuwaiti and UAE billion in 2017. Mobileye revenue jumped from $210 institution’s Sign Language Research Lab was inducted into production companies, with no government involvement. million in 2017 to $879 million last year, according to the the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Wendy Sandler The show, he said, had nothing to do with normalization. report. Mobileye CEO Amnon Shashua is going to manage is the fifth Israeli women to be a member of the academy, Sea of Galilee is almost full, but its Moovit, which will come under Mobileye’s aegis. Moovit joining past notable members such as Charles Darwin, Al- co-founder and CEO Nir Erez will become an executive bert Einstein and Nelson Mandela. Sanders, who earned her beaches remain empty The Sea of Galilee was less than 5 inches from its maximum capacity on May 3 – its highest level in two decades – but due to restrictions on travel due to the coronavirus pandemic, its beaches remain empty. Spring is typically a busy time at Israel’s largest freshwater source, with travelers coming from across the country and beyond to enjoy the large lake, rejuvenated by winter rains, and visit the many tourist sites in the area. The Kinneret today provides some 25 percent of Israel’s drinking water and was once considered endangered due to Israel’s growing water needs, the dryness of the region and concern that PLUMBING the delicate ecological balance of the freshwater sea would be thrown out of balance, leading it to become impotable. Concerns & HEATING reached a fever pitch just three years ago when the Kinneret We Also Do Natural Gas Conversions & All Plumbing Work reached its lowest level in a century – 212.95 meters (698 feet) Free Estimates • Fully Insured • Residential & Commercial We Install, Service & Repair... below sea level. That led Israel to create desalination plants Furnaces • Air Conditioners along the Mediterranean coast, beginning in 1997. Today, some Water Heaters • Gas Fireplaces 585 million cubic meters of seawater per year are desalinated SERVING BROOME & TIOGA COUNTIES in Israel: the Soreq plant provides 150 million cubic meters per year, the Hadera plant 127 million, the Ashkelon plant [email protected] 754-6376 118 million, the Palmachim plant 90 million and the plant 100 million, according to Israel’s Ministry of Finance. your ad could be here! The Kinneret now stands at 208.92 meters below sea level, a Gary Riley rise of 13.22 feet in just three years. For information on advertising, contact Reform movement cancels summer Bonnie Rozen at 724-2360, ext. 244 or I’ll drive you or [email protected] camps, Israel trips out of virus worries I’ll deliver your vehicle near or far, As some states begin to reopen for business, a number of Jewish summer camps have announced that they will be pets welcome! closed for the season because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The Union for Reform Judaism released a statement on April References Available 30 announcing that all of its movement’s camps and planned 607-760-0530 Israel trips are officially canceled for summer 2020. The deci- [email protected] sion affects thousands of families across North America.In a statement, URJ’s leadership said “although we have continued to plan, prepare, pray and hope for another transformative summer, the risks posed by COVID-19 threaten our most HANDYMAN sacred values: the health and well-being of our children, staff 4 SENIORS, INC. and faculty that attend camp, along with their communities All your home back home. These risks also compromise our ability to pro- maintenance and vide the excellence in programming and participant care that repairs, along with COOK’S TREE SERVICE are hallmarks of URJ camps.” Also making the decision to in-home care services. close is Camp Ramah Darom in Georgia. At least one other RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL related camp, Ramah in the Rockies in Colorado, has canceled • Shopping • Laundry • Errands • Doctor Visits its first session, though will monitor conditions to see if its • Organizing • Bed changes second session can take place. Other camps are expected to Fully Insured make their decisions in the next few weeks. • Senior Sitting • Meal prep Free • Access Ramps Estimates Our • Grab Bars 52nd Year • Safety Conversions Initiative Continued from page 7 John Jacoby NEW YORK CHAPTER CERTIFIED Perhaps most importantly are the results of the campaign Valerie Jacoby ISA ARBORIST on the ground, as reported by the agencies themselves that (Licensed & Insured) are being assisted during these difficult and frightening times. 888-540-0320 Professionals In All Phases Of: According to a representative of the Kline Galland Home www.handyman4seniors.com · Tree Care · Tree Stump Removal for the aged in Seattle, “We just tested all our residents this · Trimming Trees Shrubs & Tall Hedges · Tree Insect & Disease Identification & Treatment weekend and came back with zero positive cases. We all know this is 100 percent because we have the PPE to treat WWW.COOKSTREESERVICE.NET our patients safely and responsibly. You all are saving lives.” 607-748-2347 For more information about the campaign, visit www. 4 Pumphouse Rd Vestal, N.Y. jewishtogether.org/pledgetoprotect.