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VOLUME X, NUMBER 16 AUGUST 24, 2017 Your UJA dollars at work, in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Israel and throughout the Jewish World The Jewish Federation of Northeast- Teen Holocaust Symposium at the Hilton They also cover the costs of: ern Pennsylvania is the parliament of Conference Center in Scranton for more ‹‹ Arranging ALIYAH to Israel for thou- the Jewish communities of Northeastern than 1,400 students from schools in sands of Jews now under serious threat Pennsylvania and includes Lackawanna, Northeastern Pennsylvania and upstate in many European countries. They cover Pike, Monroe and Wayne counties. Met- New York the expenses of immigration to Israel and aphorically speaking, the Federation is ‹‹ Grants, from the income of the Federa- facilitate absorption into Israeli society the “garden” and its funded agencies in tion’s Unrestricted Endowment Funds, to through UJA-funded Hebrew-immersion Northeastern Pennsylvania, Israel and many agencies to assist them in offsetting programs at specially-designed absorption around the world are the “flowers” within specific capital repairs to their institutions centers set up throughout Israel, where our garden, and each and every one of and to provide them with critical funds, they are assisted with financial aid, them fulfills an important role in defining through the Grants Committee, necessary counseling, mortgage assistance and job our community. In short, we are “family.” to develop “creative and innovative” placement – all funded exclusively by As such, the Federation raises funds Dr. Joel and Leah Laury, programs UJA dollars; through its annual UJA Campaign and 2018 UJA Campaign co-chairs ‹‹ Through its Community Relations ‹‹ Sending Israeli emissaries to Diaspora allocates these funds locally, regionally Committee, the Federation supports Is- communities to strengthen Jewish identity and internationally for Israel and overseas ‹‹ The conduct of our annual UJA Campaign rael with editorials in local and regional and promote Israel Experience programs Jewish needs through the Jewish Agency ‹‹ Humanitarian relief efforts in response newspapers, and the mainstream media in those communities; for Israel and the American Jewish Joint to national and international disasters and communicates on Israel’s behalf with ‹‹ Providing summer and winter Jew- Distribution Committee in 59 countries ‹‹ Annual missions to Israel elected representative at all levels of state ish-experience camps, Sunday Schools, throughout the world. ‹‹ Israel emergency campaigns during and federal government. The CRC also youth and student activities for Rus- LOCALLY AND REGIONALLY... times of war or other crises provides High Holy Day information to sian-speaking Jews in the former Soviet Last year, the Federation allocated ‹‹ Participation in the annual Celebrate the school superintendents and principals Union, and $656,113 (or 72 percent) of the funds Israel Parade in New York City of the public schools of Northeastern ‹‹ UJA dollars are also used to assist raised during its annual 2017 UJA Cam- ‹‹ The annual Federation Mission to Har- Pennsylvania. These mailings and meet- the victims of terrorism suffering from paign to its many Jewish educational, risburg for discussions with state-elected ings include a schedule of the important post-traumatic stress syndrome, protect social, cultural, recreational and family representatives on matters that affect the Jewish Holy Days with explanations and Israeli schools and school children, and service agencies in Northeastern Penn- Jewish communities of the region, orga- requests to avoid school programming assist in the construction of bomb shelters sylvania, including: nized by the Pennsylvania Jewish Coali- conflicts where possible and to recognize to protect Israelis from missile attacks. ‹‹ Scranton Jewish Community Center tion, the Jewish lobby group in Harrisburg student absences as excusable, and Please join us in reaching our 2018 ‹‹ Jewish Family Service of Northeastern ‹‹ The development of the Northeastern ‹‹ Security-related issues – The Federa- UJA Campaign goal of $910,000 to en- Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Jewish Film Lending Li- tion provides security materials and advice sure that we fulfill our responsibilities to ‹‹ Scranton Hebrew Day School brary, advertised in each and every issue to its agencies on the process for obtaining one another – here, in Israel and around ‹‹ Yeshiva Beth Moshe of The Reporter and available at no charge Department of Homeland Security grants the world. ‹‹ Bnos Yisroel of Scranton to members of the community for high-risk, non-profit Jewish summer Support our annual UJA Campaign ‹‹ Bais Yaakov of Scranton ‹‹ The establishment, with the Jewish camps, institutions and synagogues in by directing your 2018 UJA Campaign ‹‹ Scranton Ritualarium (Mikva) Home of Eastern Pennsylvania and Jewish Northeastern Pennsylvania, especially in pledge or check in any amount to: 2018 ‹‹ Jewish Resource Center of the Poconos Family Service, of the Jewish Resource the wake of increasing acts of antisemitism UJA Campaign, Jewish Federation of (Stroudsburg) Center of the Poconos (Stroudsburg) that across the nation this year. Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson ‹‹ Jewish Discovery Center/Chabad of provides programs for the Jewish commu- ISRAEL AND OVERSEAS NEEDS Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510. the Abingtons nities of the Pocono region Last year, the Federation allocated to Is- You can also donate online through the ‹‹ Temple Hesed Religious School ‹‹ funding for JCC Purim carnivals, Cha- rael and Jewish overseas needs $252,657, Federation’s website, www.jewishnepa. (Scranton) nukah events, Yom Ha’Atzmaut/Israel or 28 percent, of the funds that were raised org, or with the 2018 UJA Campaign pledge ‹‹ Jewish Heritage Connection Independence Day programs, and Israel during its annual 2017 UJA Campaign that card featured in each issue of The Reporter. ‹‹ Jewish Fellowship of Hemlock Farms volunteer programs like Sar El, Birthright ended last May. However you choose to give, please Religious School (Lords Valley) Israel and Holy Day-related programs This represents one of the highest know that whatever gift you make to ‹‹ Temple Israel of the Poconos Hebrew ‹‹ Continuous research on Jewish de- percentages of Israel/overseas dollars our Campaign will be directed toward School (Stroudsburg) mographics in Pike, Wayne, Monroe and contributed by any Federation this size in improving the quality of Jewish life in ...and to many important programs, Lackawanna counties the American Federation system. Northeastern Pennsylvania, Israel and projects and services that include, and ‹‹ The Reporter newspaper Funds were transferred to JAFI and throughout the world. have included... ‹‹ The sponsorship of H.E.R.C.’s annual to the JDC for allocation to Israel and 59 Thank you for caring enough to give. countries around the world, from Singa- We wish you and your family good pore to Santiago, from Athens to Budapest, health and our best wishes for the New and to the far reaches of what is now the Year. Israel faces growing threat former Soviet Union – wherever Jewish Dr. Joel and Leah Laury communities are struggling to survive. 2018 UJA Campaign co-chairs With dollars raised in Northeastern from enemy drones Pennsylvania, the JDC funds relief and BY YAAKOV LAPPIN stages, and posing different levels of threat. rescue services through Hesed Centers JNS.org Israel is a world pioneer in the use of providing free medicines and health care; Federation A quadcopter from the Gaza Strip military drones, being the first to utilize community centers for social and recre- landed in southern Israel in August and them to coordinate strikes on the battle- ational programs; and provides financial the IDF released a short message, saying a field in the 1980s. Today, Israel’s drone assistance to isolated Jewish communities on Facebook unit had arrived to take it away for checks. technology is a global leader, but Israel’s struggling to maintain a semblance of Jew- The Jewish Federation of Northeast- The seemingly mundane incident is, in enemies have begun getting in on the act, ish life for themselves and their families. ern Pennsylvania now has a page on fact, indicative of a growing trend: the and the number of remotely controlled In addition, through JAFI, a portion of Facebook to let community members use of drones by Israel’s enemies. aircraft in their possession is growing. these funds provide for Israel experience know about upcoming events and keep Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic State and Tal Inbar, head of the Space and UAV programs like Masa Israel Journey, the connected. other radical non-state actors have their Research Center at the Fisher Institute Teen Israel Experience and the Birthright own drone programs, each at different See “Drones” on page 4 Israel programs. Candle lighting INSIDE THIS ISSUE August 25...... 7:28 pm Teen tikkun olam Engaging young Jews Judaism in Poland September 1...... 7:17 pm September 8...... 7:05 pm A Jewish teen founds a soap Secular young Jews seeking social Non-Jewish Polish villagers hold project targeting disease and and learning opportunities inNYC a Jewish wedding; Warsaw plays PLUS poverty in the Third World. find them at Meor Manhattan. host to a Yiddish seminar. Opinion...... 2 Story on page 3 Story on page 5 Stories on pages 10-11 D’var Torah...... 8 2 THE REPORTER ■ AUGUST 24, 2017 A MATTER OF OPINION New study reveals Europe’s rising antisemitism forces Jews to leave or hide BY ABRAHAM H. MILLER enced a violent attack in the final five Merah, the 23-year-old Al-Qaida terrorist their Jewish identity when appearing in JNS.org years covered by the study. Although who carried out the Toulouse attack, had public. This appears to perplex the study’s Why do half of French Jews want to the incidence of antisemitism for France said he wanted to kill Jews because of the author, as Russia contains both large Jew- leave France? The rise of violent antisem- is the highest, responses about personal Israeli-Palestinian conflict. ish and Muslim populations. itism beginning around the turn of the attacks during the study’s final five years More recently, the head of the Jewish Yet, the issue is easily resolved. In century has made French Jews justifiably from Swedish and German Jews is not far community of Marseille, France’s sec- Russia, the large Muslim and Jewish pop- concerned about their personal safety. behind. The largest gap in antisemitism is ond-largest city, told his fellow community ulations live in the same country, but are A University of Oslo study published between British Jews and Jews living in members not to appear in public in any generally separated by a vast expanse of in June is one of the most methodolog- Norway, Denmark and Russia. way that would identify them as Jews. land. Most Muslims live in the Eurasian ically sophisticated and comprehensive Jews in France and Sweden are more Who is responsible for the attacks on Caucasus region. Most Jews live in Mos- reports in dissecting the growth of Eu- likely to not attend Jewish events or visit Jews? In every country studied, except cow and Saint Petersburg. rope’s antisemitism problem. Written by Jewish sites because they do not feel safe. for Russia, the perpetrators are dispro- As Europe receives greater numbers Dr. Johannes Due Enstad of the Center More than half of the Jews in France portionately of Muslim backgrounds. A of Muslim migrants, violent antisemitism for Research on Extremism, the study and Sweden avoid wearing, carrying or British study cited in the University of will continue to rise. As the philosophy of documents violent antisemitism from displaying things that would cause others Oslo report notes that the proportion of radical Islam takes hold of more young 2005-2015, analyzing seven countries to recognize them as Jews. This behavior Muslim perpetrators increases in the wake Muslims, so too will the antisemitism based on comparable data for France, the does not rise to the same levels in Germany of “trigger events” in the Middle East. that follows it. The more observant a U.K., Germany and Sweden, with addi- and the U.K., but substantial numbers of In what might be considered a clumsy Muslim is, the more likely he or she is to tional non-comparable data for Norway, Jews in those countries also avoid doing attempt to downplay antisemitism, Ger- be antisemitic, as the University of Oslo Denmark and Russia. things in public that would label them as man authorities do not classify anti-Israeli study notes. Since they feel unsafe as a direct con- Jews out of fear for their safety. incidents as antisemitism. This results in The future for European Jews who want sequence of violent antisemitism, one in Among French Jews, the elevated level absurdity. A Muslim firebombing of a syn- to maintain the distinct characteristics of five Jews in Sweden and the U.K., one of fear probably comes from France hav- agogue can be classified as an anti-Israeli Judaism in public, and who want to go to in four in Germany and, as mentioned ing experienced more violent, dramatic event, but not antisemitic. If any country synagogue unmolested, is not bright. The previously, half of the Jews in France have and fatal antisemitic incidents than other should know better, it should be Germany. unwillingness of European authorities to considered emigrating. But it is not just European countries. The barbarous attack Is Kristallnacht going to be reinterpreted call antisemitism what it is simply means something that Jews think about. In 2015, on a Jewish school in 2012 in Toulouse, as not antisemitism, but a demonstration that Jewish emigration from the continent 10,000 Western European Jews departed where three Jewish children and a rabbi for racial purity? will increase. for a new life in Israel, the largest number were killed, undoubtedly contributed The only country where antisemitic Abraham H. Miller is an emeritus leaving Europe since 1948. greatly to the insecurity of France’s Jews. incidents are not disproportionately per- professor of political science, University There is no upward or downward trend This event came on the heels of one of the petrated by Muslims is Russia, and it is of Cincinnati, and a distinguished fellow in the period measured. There is a con- major surveys used in the newly released the only country in the University of Oslo with the Haym Salomon Center. Follow sistently elevated level of antisemitism University of Oslo study. Mohammed study where Jews do not fear to express him on Twitter @salomoncenter. compared to the 1990s. French Jews are more likely than German, Swedish and British Jews to have personally experi- Finding my mother alive again by watching her Holocaust tape BY LINDA PRESSMAN going anywhere, her tchotchkes weren’t There were her seven daughters and our (Kveller via JTA) – On June 28, 1998, going anywhere and that furniture wasn’t seven husbands and the 13 grandchildren. “ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson my mother sat down to be interviewed going anywhere. One sister was pregnant right then, due in Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. for the Shoah Foundation. It was her As a matter of fact, my mother had September, and, as the camera rolled, she th President: David Malinov 68 birthday. already engaged in a 25-year battle to keep patted her belly and said, “This will be the Executive Director: Mark Silverberg The interview took two days. She and the house up to date, ripping out flooring, final grandchild, No. 14.” But there were the interviewer sat comfortably in my redoing doors and walls. This space was even more: my daughter the following Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman mother’s living room, her pride and joy. its newest incarnation. year and two step-grandchildren. Layout Editor: Diana Sochor They sat there across from one another, None of us had listened in during Assistant Editor: Michael Nassberg This was where she showcased her best Production Coordinator: Jenn DePersis furniture, the furniture she had bought as the interviewer asking questions now and the filming, allowing our mother and Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen a new homeowner in Skokie, IL, in 1960 then, my mother answering, telling her the interviewer their privacy, but that Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown and which had moved to Arizona with story, and the camera recorded. When wasn’t the whole reason. None of us us in 1973. the interview concluded, my mother had listened into our mother’s stories of OPINIONS The views expressed in The room was filled with her most was asked to gather her family, so that the war pretty much all of our lives. We editorials and opinion pieces are those precious items: china and glassware, we could appear at the ending to show were the type of children of survivors of each author and not necessarily marble tables and ornate damask couch- that not only had she survived, but she who couldn’t run far enough from her the views of the Jewish Federation of es. These items declared my mother, had thrived, and that these children and memories. Our mother loved to pepper Northeastern Pennsylvania. more than anything else, a permanent grandchildren were all proof that Hitler every conversation with some anecdote LETTERS The Reporter welcomes citizen of this country. Her house wasn’t did not kill off all the Jews. See “Mother” on page 14 letters on subjects of interest to the Jewish community. All letters must be signed and include a phone number. The editor may withhold the name LETTERS TO THE EDITOR upon request. ADS The Reporter does not necessar- ily endorse any advertised products BBYO program to DC focused on community service and services. In addition, the paper To the Community: ‹‹ Joyful Market, a free farmer’s market; in the lives of others. It was a wonderful is not responsible for the kashruth of I just got back from the B’nai B’rith ‹‹ A Wider Circle, which provides gen- experience for me personally and I hope to any advertiser’s product or establish- Youth Organization Summer Passport tly used furnishings to people living in bring new ideas to our local BBYO Chap- ment. Program, Stand UP DC. poverty; and ter so that we can get involved in more DEADLINE Regular deadline is two Stand UP DC is a two-week program ‹‹ Street Sense, a newspaper run by people community service activities in our area. weeks prior to the publication date. focused on aiding and advocating for people experiencing homelessness. I would like to thank the following fam- FEDERATION WEBSITE: experiencing homelessness and hunger. I also attended Shabbat services ilies and organizations that sponsored my www.jewishnepa.org I was with 18 other Jewish teenagers and dinner at the Sixth and I Historic trip. I am very grateful for their support: from around the country, and my room- Synagogue, visited the Holocaust Mu- ‹‹ The Gelb Family (The JCC Bruce HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: mate was from Switzerland! seum and heard the touching story of a Lewis Gelb Fund) Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA The first night we arrived at our dorm Holocaust survivor. ‹‹ The Glassman Family (The JCC Glass- 18510 at George Washington University, we had Along with the other service activities, man Youth Leadership Fund) E-mail: [email protected] a program in which we openly discussed we also worked with Mazon: A Jewish ‹‹ The Jewish Federation of Northeastern Fax: (570) 346-6147 any stigmas we had toward people experi- Response to Hunger to simulate how Pennsylvania, and Phone: (570) 961-2300 encing homelessness, and we were mostly people lobby Congress to advocate for ‹‹ B’nai B’rith Amos Lodge. all shattered by the end of the program. the homeless. I would also like to thank the Jewish HOW TO REACH Our main focus was on direct service. Community service is very important Community Center staff, Tim Frank and THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 Our group volunteered at a variety of orga- to me. I enjoy helping others and making Dan Cardonick for helping me coordinate E-mail: [email protected] nizations in DC. I was able to volunteer at: their days a little bit brighter. While at my outreach activities for scholarships. ‹‹ D.C. Central Kitchen, the nation’s Stand UP DC, we provided food service Sincerely, SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: leading community kitchen; almost daily to many people experiencing Talia Sullum, Phone: (570) 961-2300 ‹‹ Dog Tag Bakery, which supports dis- homelessness in the DC area. It was hard BBYO – JCC of Scranton Chapter abled veterans and their caretakers; work, but it felt great making a difference President AUGUST 24, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 3 COMMUNITY NEWS Congregation B’nai Harim lists High Holiday services

BY LEE EMERSON ‹‹ Friday, September 22, at 10:15 am – member and ‹‹ 5:30 pm – Neilah Congregation B’nai Harim will conduct services for community Rosh Hashanah free services ‹‹ 6:15 pm – Havdalah the Jewish High Holidays. YOM KIPPUR, THE DAY OF ATONEMENT ‹‹ Approximately 6:30 pm, at Lake Naomi Club House ‹‹ Wednesday, September 20, at 7:30 pm – Rosh Ha- ‹‹ Thursday, September 28, at 7:30 pm – Kol Nidre service – break the fast shanah eve ‹‹ Friday, September 29, at 10:15 am – morning services Congregation B’nai Harim is a Reform Jewish ‹‹ Thursday, September 21, at 10:15 am – Rosh Hashanah ‹‹ 2 pm – family and children’s service congregation located just off of Route 940 in Pocono ‹‹ 1 pm, at Lake Naomi Club Beach – Tashlich, the ‹‹ 2:30 pm – study session with Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum Pines. For High Holiday tickets and information, call symbolic casting away of previous sins ‹‹ 4 pm – afternoon services the message center at 570-646-0100 or visit www. ‹‹ 4 pm – family and children’s service ‹‹ 5 pm – Yizkor service bnaiharimpocono.org. Armed with soap, Jewish teen targets disease and poverty in the Third World BY ABIGAIL PICKUS they could sell, the program also offered an opportunity Ultimately, Kamen said, SOAP offers a straightforward Article sponsored by the Helen Diller Family Foundation to earn a living. solution to a problem that, though simple, has devastating Sydney Kamen has always been concerned with Four years on, the project, which Kamen dubbed consequences. helping others. SOAP – So Others Are Protected – now has 13 hotel “It’s not a special vaccine or surgeons to do cleft In 2004, when genocide was raging in the Darfur suppliers and 14 community partners in countries such palate repairs,” she said. “It’s something as simple as a region of Sudan, Kamen’s mother announced that in- as India, Myanmar and Kenya, and has produced and small glob of antibacterial glycerin.” stead of Chanukah gifts that year, Kamen and her sister distributed more than 50,000 bars of recycled soap. This article was sponsored by and produced in should research and select a charity to support. At Jewish SOAP became its own nonprofit in 2014, when Kamen partnership with the Helen Diller Family Foundation, religious school on Sundays, Kamen went on service was a high school junior. which sponsors the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards, trips to soup kitchens, and through Georgetown Day This summer, Kamen was named one of 15 recipients annually awarding $36,000 to Jewish teenagers School, he spent time at a women’s shelter in downtown of the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards, a prize from demonstrating exceptional leadership in repairing the Washington, DC. the Helen Diller Family Foundation that awards $36,000 world. Nominations/applications for 2018 are now open. Her first experience with aid work in a developing each to up to 15 Jewish teenagers across the country for This article was produced by JTA’s native content team. country was when she was 15, when she fought to par- their work repairing the world. ticipate in a 10-week relief mission to Haiti for dentists Since 2007, the program has awarded more than $3 and oral surgeons. million to 99 teenagers whose work spans everything She was hardly deterred by the fact that she wasn’t from helping homeless youth to improving the fuel DEADLINES a dentist – or an adult, for that matter. In Haiti, Kamen economy of school buses. The following are deadlines for all articles and Now 20 and a junior at Dartmouth, Kamen speaks traveled around the country in blistering heat helping set photos for upcoming Reporter issues. up clinics offering oral care. Adults with severe abscess- with the experience of a seasoned agent of social change. es came, bringing children whose teeth were damaged “We view soap as a cost-effective and urgently needed DEADLINE ISSUE from eating flour mixed with soil because they could public health intervention in our partner communities, Thursday, August 24...... September 7 not afford to buy food. and not as a novelty for international distribution and Thursday, September 7...... September 21 “That kind of exposure was eye-opening to me,” consumption,” Kamen said. “The biggest thing for me Monday, September 18, early...... October 5 Kamen recalled. is sustainability and self-empowerment.” d Nevertheless, Kamen was surprised to learn on a Kamen is also a U.S. Army ROTC cadet. She has Tuesday,Your ad October coul 3, early...... October 19 sophomore year service trip to Thailand how something received widespread recognition for her work, including be here! as basic as soap and water is a luxury for many – one the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Kamen said they can ill afford to forego. she was thrilled to learn that she’d been recognized by For information on advertising, “Over 1.8 million children die every year from diar- the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards. please contact Bonnie Rozen at rhea, but this is something that can be prevented with “It’s a lot to try to juggle running this organization 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 or hand-washing,” Kamen said. “Hand-washing with soap full-time while being in school,” she said. “It’s very [email protected] can cut Ebola in half.” easy to get frustrated and struggle with the balance. I’m Then Kamen had an idea: What if luxury hotels do- still a 20-year-old girl who wants to go for a hike. This nated their unused soap? kind of validation is encouraging and reminds me what By the time she returned to Thailand and Myanmar a wonderful thing it is to be recognized and supported.” the following summer, Kamen had come up with a fully developed idea for a project that would not just deliver soap to those who needed it, but also help local women spread the message about the importance of soap in maintaining health – and pay them in the process. Kamen spent her time in Asia laying the groundwork. She arranged for the soap’s delivery, trained women and girls to recycle and remake the soap, taught them about sanitation and health, and paid them to share their knowledge in their home communities. Armed with soap

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! For information on advertising, please contact Bonnie Rozen at 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 or bonnie@ thereportergroup.org

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER ■ AUGUST 24, 2017 Amid outcry over hotel’s signs singling out Jews, Swiss lawmaker raps Israel for tolerating haredim BY JTA STAFF urged “Jewish guests” to shower before no intention of discriminating against the first while wearing T-shirts and they alone (JTA) – Commenting on a public outcry entering the pool and access a refrigerator Jewish community.” were allowed, as a courtesy, to put food in over signs that urged Jews at a Swiss hotel at set times. Observant Jews who were In a statement to the media, Ho- the staff’s refrigerator. “I may have select- to shower before entering the pool, a state staying at the hotel stored kosher food tovely’s office did not demand Swiss ed the wrong words; the signs should have lawmaker from Geneva said “Israel should in the hotel refrigerator. authorities apologize for the incident. been addressed to all the guests instead of apologize for its excessive tolerance of The signs generated a storm of She did, however, urge the prosecution Jewish ones,” she added. ultra-Orthodox Jews who prevent peace criticism, including by the Simon of the person responsible for posting the The sign about the pool read: “To in Palestine.” Wiesenthal Center, at whose urging signs. Her statement said that Israel’s our Jewish Guests: Please take a shower Roger Deneys, a Socialist representa- the hotel was removed from the on- ambassador to Switzerland requested before you go swimming and although tive at the Grand Council of Geneva, made line reservations service Booking. the Swiss Foreign Ministry deplore the after swimming. If you break the rules, the assertion on August 16 on Facebook. com. Israel’s deputy foreign minister, hotel staff’s actions. I’m forced to cloes the swimming pool Deneys deleted his comment shortly Tzipi Hotovely, said that the incident Ruth Thomann, who runs the hotel, told for you.” [sic] after posting it and apologized for having reflected the prevalence of antisemitic JTA on August 14 that she removed the The sign about the refrigerator read: written “nonsense,” the online edition sentiments in Europe at large. signs shortly after they were put up. She “To our Jewish guests: You are allowed of the Swiss Le Matin daily reported on Deney told Le Matin he had reacted said she meant no offense to Jews and that to approach the fridge between the August 17. “too fast and stupidly” because he was she merely sought to convey information hours: 10.00-11.00 in the morning and Over the August 13 weekend, signs angry at Hotovely for her “disingenuous relevant only to the Jewish guests. 16.30-17.30 in the evening. I hope you placed at the Paradise Apartments in reaction, in which she demanded apolo- Thomann said only the Jewish guests understand that our team does not like to Arosa, some 80 miles southeast of Zurich, gies from Switzerland.” He added: “I had were entering the pool without showering be disturbed every time.”

Drones Continued from page 1 for Air and Space Strategic Studies in siderable money to develop. Hezbollah’s plex,” Haviv said, noting that it will be the Israeli city of Herzliya, told JNS.org drones include guided rockets that can be filled with autonomous drones, some of about two types of developing threats. launched from the UAV at targets on the which have the ability to fly like a flock The first is the enemy use of commercial ground a few miles away. “They could, of birds in formation. drones, such as those produced by the DJI in principle, fly over Lebanon and fire at To defend an area as large as a state, company, which Inbar said are “very good targets in Israel,” Inbar said. fighter jets and surface-to-air missiles are vehicles. They are accurate and you can “Hamas is working on achieving that the tools to get the job done, said the UAV plan their flight paths. Controlling them is capability too. The Hamas drones have Research Center’s Inbar. Israel has used comfortable and they can carry payloads.” rockets, but they’re not yet guided. You both to shoot down enemy drones that in- In Syria, Islamic State has used com- don’t have to be a super engineer to im- A drone camera used by the Hamas terror truded its air space from Gaza and Lebanon mercial drones to drop a variety of explo- prove these capabilities,” he added. group in Gaza. (Photo by Abed Rahim in recent years. In a minority of cases, the sives on targets, Inbar said. But even the Haim Haviv, head of the Integrated Khatib/Flash90) Israeli Air Force missed its target. In the mere presence of these drones could be Electronic Warfare Systems for Mountains future, laser guns might also play a part used as a weapon. “If they enter a protected Terrain program at the Israeli defense com- automatically protecting designated areas. in shooting drones out of the sky, he said. area, they could disrupt something like pany Elbit Systems, said, “We can say that ReDrone detects the presence of drones Inbar issued a cautionary note about air traffic. If you’re running Ben Gurion capabilities once reserved for big organiza- using its variety of sensors, and disrupts what could happen during a full-scale International Airport, and suddenly you tions and militaries are now in the hands of their communications and navigational conflict, when Israel’s skies would be see two to three quadcopters landing, you smaller groups like Hamas, ISIS (Islamic systems, blocking radio signals and sat- crowded with incoming rockets and wouldn’t be giving anyone permission to State) and others.” These elements are using ellite transmissions that the drone needs Israeli air defense interceptors. “During take off or land,” said Inbar. “high-performance commercial drones to to know where to fly. such times, the freedom to maneuver, and The second category of threat is the gather intelligence and launch strikes at “The ReDrone system is already being the ability to send an F-16 into the sky larger fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehi- people and vehicles” on the ground, he told sold. We are seeing a lot of interest in the to shoot down a drone, won’t always be cles (or UAVs), which are present in the JNS.org. A drone purchased on eBay arrives solution we offer, and are in the midst of there,” he said. arsenals of Hamas and Hezbollah. Hamas ready to begin gathering intelligence, he carrying out checks with a variety of clients in The future will see terrorist entities has its own fixed wing drone production said, delivering quality visual images from Israel and around the world, while continuing develop heavier drones armed with high- program in Gaza, Inbar said, describing afar. Dropping bombs is more complex, but to develop these capabilities,” Haviv said. er-quality weapons, and on Israel’s side, those aircraft as “relatively simple.” Hamas can be done with some relatively simple Looking ahead, Haviv believes com- improved counter-measures, Inbar added. is experimenting with placing weapons adaptations, Haviv said. mercial drones will become involved in One day, he said, the sight of drones under the wings of these UAVs, he added. Elbit sells a defensive counter-measure a growing number of security incidents. defending the skies against other drones Hezbollah, by contrast, imports in- to the threat of commercial drones in the As the threat grows, interest grows ac- may not be science fiction. “Not only is dustrially produced, sophisticated Irani- service of terrorists. It is called ReDrone, cordingly from militaries and civilian that possible, it is desirable,” said Inbar. an-made military drones, which cost con- and it provides “full peripheral defense,” security providers, like police forces and “Patrolling the skies is a boring mission. airports. All of them are searching for If you can assign a UAV to do that, and ways to defend themselves. “The future install a lot of ammunition on it, that would To get Federation updates via email, battlefield is becoming increasingly com- be a good thing.” rregister on our website Jewish Federation of NEPA www.jewishnepa.org

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Send Dassy Ganz an email if you would like to join the list. [email protected] AUGUST 24, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 5 This kippah could save the lives of kids with allergies BY GABE FRIEDMAN Seewald, told JTA. “We see a great need parent hosting a play date – that they should be careful. (JTA) – At 3-and-a-half-years-old, Peretz for this kippah, and we truly believe this Plus, Peretz, who is a member of an Orthodox household, Apfelbaum may not completely understand it design will help save lives.” already wears a yarmulke every day. yet, but some kitchens can put his life in danger. The company recently put the allergy alert Chanie, a member of the Chasidic Chabad-Lubavitch The Brooklyn boy is allergic to peanuts, skullcap on its website and, according to See- movement, was worried, too, about Peretz running around cashews, pistachios, flax seeds, mustard wald, has already sold a few hundred. Though from house-to-house in her community’s summer bunga- seeds, coconut, peas, eggs and beef. Some the skullcaps are still unavailable in stores – low colony in upstate New York. She started a WhatsApp of the foods give him hives, but the nuts The “Allergy Alert” iKippah has about 180 retailers as customers, group to message other parents about her concerns, and can send Peretz into anaphylactic shock. kippah (Photo by iKippah) in addition to its direct-to-consumer website she helped make the colony nut-free. The inherent risks make it impossible to test – the company plans to make them available But the worries never totally disappear for the parent the severity of some of the allergies, meaning he could for wholesale soon based on the unexpected demand. of a child with severe allergies, especially when he or have other, unexpected reactions to some of those foods. Food allergies have increased markedly in the United she is very young. It is an extremely distressing situation for his mother, States in recent years. Research by the U.S. Centers for “I always remind him, but I can’t trust a 3-year-old Chanie. But the 36-year-old mother of five from Crown Disease Control has shown that food allergies in children to remember that he always has to ask before [he eats Heights is doing something other than worrying. Chanie rose by 50 percent between 1997 and 2011, possibly from something] and say ‘I’m allergic,’” Chanie said. Apfelbaum came up with a simple, clever idea to notify others overuse of antibiotics or increased hygiene, which shields “I wanted something on him so that when someone that her son has severe allergies: an “allergy alert” kippah. children from being exposed to infectious agents during looks at him, they say, ‘I can’t just give him food from The skullcap, which Chanie helped design with the the critical immune system-forming years. my kitchen,’” she said of her kippah’s design. “It just Brooklyn-based company iKippah – an online retailer with Chanie – a popular kosher food blogger under the mon- makes me a little more secure.” bright designs like the one inspired by “The Very Hungry iker Busy in Brooklyn with more than 33,000 Instagram Still, it took Chanie a little time to become accustomed to Caterpillar” – is navy blue with a red circle on the front that followers – has borne witness to the trend. She said Peretz her son wearing the same kippah every day – she used to help contains the words “Allergy Alert.” It also says “flip for info” used to wear a bracelet noting his severe allergies, but Peretz pick out a skullcap that coordinated with his clothes. -- the underside has lines to write down the child’s allergies. she feared it wasn’t prominent enough for others to see. “You get so used to [using] one that matches every “We loved Chanie’s idea immediately,” Sarale See- The kippah is an easy way to inform anyone serving outfit, and now he can only wear that,” Chanie said with wald, who founded iKippah with her sister-in-law, Dina food to an allergic child – at camp or restaurants or a a laugh. “But it’s worth it.” Secular young Jews come here for socializing, Torah learning BY JOSEFIN DOLSTEN religious – come every week to the signature event by and socially networked. There’s a high rate of geographic NEW YORK (JTA) – The scene inside the brick-walled the Manhattan chapter of Meor, an Orthodox Jewish and occupational mobility,” Cohen said. “People move locale minutes from Union Square has the typical trap- outreach and education group. This is significant at a around a lot, they’re hard to find, they’re looking for pings of a New York hangout. On a recent Wednesday, time when reaching millennials remains a significant friends, romantic relationships, building their careers, 20-somethings in jeans and button-downs crowd around challenge for many Jewish organizations. so they have lots of other pressures, needs that Jewish tables, raising their voices to be heard over the loud pop Many young American Jews, like their non-Jewish involvement doesn’t quite address.” music. The bar is stocked with bottles of Heineken and counterparts, are not seeking religious engagement, said Meor Manhattan caters to a demographic that has Blue Moon, wine and mixers for cocktails. Steven M. Cohen, a research professor of Jewish social already expressed interest in exploring its Judaism: It’s the second part of the evening that sets it apart: policy at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Reli- alumni of campus programming by Meor or its partner Downstairs, the group gathers in a book-filled room to gion. “We’re starting off with a low demand constituency organization and funder, Olami, a network of Orthodox hear rabbis lecture about topics such as the weekly Torah who’s not looking for Jewish engagement, as opposed groups seeking to counter assimilation by reaching out portion, the Jewish calendar, the Jewish perspective on to their predecessors,” Cohen told JTA. to unaffiliated students. Approximately 60 percent of the human nature and antisemitism. The hardest age group to engage is the post-college set, participants in the weekly Wednesday event are alumni of Some 120 young Jewish professionals – largely not he said. “They’re not already accessible and organized See “Learning” on page 6

Each year at this time the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania calls upon members of our community to assist in defraying the expense of issuing our regional Jewish newspaper, The Reporter. The newspaper is delivered twice of month (except for December and July which are single issue months) to each and every identifiable Jewish home in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As the primary Jewish newspaper of our region, we have tried to produce a quality publication for you that offers our readership something on everything from opinions and columns on controversial issues that affect our people and our times, to publicity for the events of our affiliated agencies and organizations to life cycle events, teen columns, personality profiles, letters to the editor, the Jewish community calendar and other columns that cover everything from food to entertainment. The Federation assumes the financial responsibility for funding the enterprise at a cost of $26,400 per year and asks only that we undertake a small letter writing mail campaign to our recipients in the hope of raising $10,000 from our readership to alleviate a share of that responsibility. We would be grateful if you would care enough to take the time to make a donation for our efforts in bringing The Reporter to your door.

As always, your comments, opinions & suggestions are always welcome.

With best wishes, Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of NE Pennsylvania 601 Jefferson Avenue Scranton, PA 18510 ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 6 THE REPORTER ■ AUGUST 24, 2017

Learning Continued from page 5 Meor or Olami campus programming, according to Meor old financial services professional who attends Meor “It probably would have taken a lot more time, and it Manhattan’s executive director, Rabbi Shmuel Lynn. Manhattan events twice a week. “It’s so inclusive, nobody would have taken a lot more effort on my part to search “We’re not chasing anybody; it’s people who want to is going to say anything to you,” she said. “They’d rather out that information,” she said. come,” Lynn said. “But again, if the crowd is not pitched have you there than not be anywhere. I really like that Since moving to New York last summer, she has the right way, they’re not going to want to come. If it’s a about the mentality of the organization.” attended only a couple of events at Meor Manhattan. meat market, if it’s a singles’ scene, if it’s a place that can be Green said attending classes at Meor has made her “I think it’s a really fantastic forum for people who are exploited, people are not going to come from work or leave want to live a more observant lifestyle. “I think definitely trying to learn more and trying to grow more and try- work if they don’t feel comfortable. That’s why the basis of long term [I see myself becoming more observant], not ing to understand their own identity, and I think Meor our program is the [Meor Olami] alumni connection.” this week – but maybe next week,” she said with a laugh. Manhattan does wonderful work, it’s just not the right Meor, which launched in 2005, is active on 21 colleges Green grew up in a small Jewish community in place for me [anymore],” she said. and universities across the country, offering paid classes Huntsville, AL, and had little knowledge of Judaism Instead, Grossman prefers attending classes at her on Judaism, trips to Israel and other programming. The before taking a class with the Meor group at Emory Orthodox synagogue in Washington Heights. “I don’t remaining 40 percent are mostly friends of alumni. University in Atlanta. There she learned “what Shabbat think their audience is already religious people,” she “It’s intelligent, it’s sophisticated,” Lynn said. “We’re really entailed, and knowing that kosher was a lot more said of Meor. “I think their audience is specifically those not advertising to every Cohen and Goldberg on Facebook than not eating pork,” she said. people who are looking and trying to understand more in New York. It’s a lot of word of mouth.” Glicklich, too, expressed a desire to become more and are trying to grapple with their Jewish identity.” Dave Glicklich learned about Meor as a student at observant, though he was not sure when that would Lynn said Meor educators provide attendees with infor- American University, attending a weekly seminar at the happen. “I need to know why I am doing something, mation so they can make their own decisions about how nearby George Washington University for which he was and that’s an important part of Meor for me,” he said. to identify and practice Judaism. “It’s our job to provide paid to attend – a common practice among outreach groups. He added: “It’s easy to live your life in a secular way them with very legitimate, sourced, trustworthy informa- Participants who complete one eight-week Meor program – all my friends are, my family is – and that’s how I live tion and experiences to help them find the answers to the can earn a $300 stipend or a heavily subsidized trip to Israel. now. It’s about finding balance with what’s meaningful for questions that they have, and sometimes help them even “[I]t got me hooked” said Glicklich, a 23-year-old devel- me and what’s realistic, but there’s always a connection formulate the questions in life and help them pursue the opment associate at the World Union for Progressive Judaism. that’s there. I feel very strongly about defining as such conversations that are going to help them grow,” he said. Meor was Glicklich’s first real experience with and raising a family in a Jewish way and continuing that.” Though the Meor educators come from a variety of studying Jewish texts, and it opened up the possibility Rivka Grossman has already made the change. Growing backgrounds – some are from Israel, while others are of adding more spirituality to his life, he said. “It was up in San Diego, Grossman was “deeply involved” in her from the United States and Australia, and some identify as riveting, fascinating. I realized that I was living my life family’s Reform synagogue. But after a trip to Israel her Zionists while others don’t – they all are Orthodox. “Yes, in a way that had maybe less meaning than I wanted to. junior year of college, where she came in contact with the staff members we have are people who believe in the I felt like it gave more purpose,” he said. observant Jews, she wanted to learn about Judaism from a Torah, who live very connected integrated Jewish lives, Glicklich now attends events about once or twice a traditional perspective. Upon returning to campus at George they are keeping Shabbat – not [just keeping] Shabbat week at Meor’s Manhattan location, which launched in Washington University in Washington, DC, Grossman one week and not Shabbat another week. They’re role 2015 and is the only one offering programming target- started attending classes with Meor. “At that time I didn’t models,” Lynn said. “People are going to take from them ed to college graduates. In addition to the Wednesday know that I was going to be religious, but I wanted to know” what they want, and they’re going to be inspired to do event, it also offers smaller classes about Jewish texts more about traditional Judaism, said Grossman, a 23-year- whatever they are inspired, but these are educators who and Hebrew, subsidized trips and Shabbat programming. old credit representative at B&H Photo. live what they’re talking about in a very clear way.” Meor only employs Orthodox instructors, and it counts Through the classes as well as a Meor summer pro- Being exposed to people living an observant lifestyle Olami among its funders, but Lynn said the community gram in Israel, she learned about Orthodox Judaism and has had a major impact on Green. “I’m starting to think is welcoming of those who relate to Judaism in different launched a yearlong process of becoming observant, maybe it’s the right thing,” she said. ways. “What we’re creating here is a community of Jews including keeping Shabbat and kosher, and wearing skirts Though Green used to think that doing without TV that if someone wants to be more religious – cool. If that went past her knees and shirts that cover her elbows. or attending ball games on Saturdays would be next to someone’s Judaism is Israel – cool. If someone’s Judaism In 2016, she married a man who also became religious impossible, the path seems easier now, she said. “I always is ‘I’m just a Jew and trying to figure that out and I like through Meor. Grossman said she may have ended up [used to] think, ‘Oh that’s so hard,’” she said, “and then Jews and I like coming here’ – cool,” he said. at the same level of observance without Meor, but that I really think it through and actually it’s really easy, and That atmosphere appeals to Skylar Green, a 24-year- the group “helped facilitate the process.” it’s probably fairly easy to give up for something better.” Grandma’s purse was never full. ̶ But it was never too empty for giving.

There weren’t any credit cards back then. And with grandpa making $12.50 a week, there wasn’t much cash.

But somehow, there was always enough to help another Jew who had less.

And when there were no organized charities to help Jews in need, she and Grandpa worked to organize them - the kind of charities the Jewish Federation helps support today; services to children and families in need; care for our poor and our elderly; and Hebrew schools and educational services and programs for our youth.

Your grandparents may not be here anymore, but the need for help still is. For daycare for kids of single Jewish parents to hot meals and transportation for the elderly.

Yet in spite of some very generous gifts to Federation, the average pledge is barely more than the price of a dinner out for two.

So this year, when the Federation volunteer calls, please open your checkbook the way your grandmother would open her purse.

She can’t do it for you. Now it’s your turn. Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania 601 Jefferson Avenue Scranton, PA 18510 570-961-2300 570-346-6147 (fax) AUGUST 24, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 7 Wishing You A Sweet New Year L’Shana Tova Tikatevu 2017-5778

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Offers effective Sunday, August 27 thru Saturday, September 30, 2017 in all Price Chopper, Market Bistro and Market 32 stores located in CT, MA, NH, NY, PA & VT. Not all items are available in all stores. 8 THE REPORTER ■ AUGUST 24, 2017 D’VAR TORAH Shoftim: two hearts, one yearning BY RABBI BARUCH BINYAMIN HAKOHEN But we have two other inclinations that are paired MELMAN, TEMPLE ISRAEL OF THE POCONOS, together as well: the Sinai inclination and the Yerusha- STROUDSBURG, PA layim (Jerusalem) inclination; the universal urge and Shoftim, Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9 the nationalistic urge. In truth, we should serve God We all know Jews who are consumed with univer- with both urges. sal causes and issues. And we all know Jews who are The call of Sinai in the wilderness, that zone of undif- consumed with Israel and the Jewish people. And, of ferentiated universality, where Israel received its charge course, we may also know Jews, who, as in a sort Venn to bring the Torah, the light of the world, to the nations Diagram, intersect both circles, and may therefore fight of the world competes in our hearts with the yearning for both Israel and for universal causes of justice all at to be alone with God, apart from the other nations, on the same time. His holy mountain in the city of David. Jewish DNA reflects a yearning to simultaneously But, really, they don’t contradict each other at all. ascend two figurative mountains: the universal call to Really, the two are actually one very deep yearning – that serve humanity on the one hand, and the particular call to we will one day play host to all the nations of the world serve the Jewish people on the other hand, whereby we who will then come up to Yerushalayim, to God’s Holy preserve our culture, religion and heritage, and celebrate Mountain to testify to God’s Oneness. Yeshayahu states, solitude with our God. “Ki beisi beis tefiloh, yekare es kawl he’amim. – For my Ultimately, through fulfilling both yearnings, we then house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” come to serve God in the deepest way. Serving humanity (Isaiah 56:7) as a whole, and serving God’s priestly nation of Israel And in the previous verse (Deuteronomy 20:7) it states, – God’s servants for humanity, is the ultimate path to “and is there any man among you who has betrothed a serving God Himself. After all, “kohein” means “ser- woman and not married her? Let him go home so that vant.” “Lekhahein” is the infinitive verb form meaning he will not die in war and have another man marry her.” “to serve,” and what is a truly lived life but one which In the deepest sense, this is an allusion to the nation is a life of devotion and service? of Israel, who is betrothed to Hashem. Each and every “Verach halevav yelech veyashov leveyto...” – “...and year, Israel renews the marriage vows of Sinai on the let the faint-hearted return home (rather than let his cow- Festival of Shavuot, which in addition to “weeks” also ardliness demoralize the nation).” (Deuteronomy 20:8) means “vows” or “oaths.” This is the usual meaning of the verse. But really it is The midrash alludes to Passover as the betrothal of saying something else altogether, because “rach” actually Israel to God, the counting of the 49 days of sefirah as means “soft.” It is saying that a soft heart is the true heart, a bride counting off the days until she stands under the the heart of the home, the heart we should always bring chuppah, and Shavuot as the actual wedding day, and into the home. And we all have two hearts, in that the future anniversary! word levav, for “hearts,” alludes to the plural on account Therefore Israel is always to seek the peaceful path, of the doubling of the letter vet. Their doubling is said for Israel is constantly in a state of betrothal to Hashem, to allude to the two inclinations – the good inclination always bringing the softness of the heart to the hearth (yetzer hatov) and the evil inclination (yetzer hara). See of the home. We seek peace always, fighting only in also the Shema and Veahavta prayer – “bechawl levavcha self-defense when our enemy wants war. Because we u’vechawl nafshecha u’vechawl me’odecha (with all your are in a state of constant betrothal to Hashem, we always heart, with all your soul and with all your “veryness” – seek peace and tend to fight only as a last resort in our might, talents or resources).” There are times when one own self-defense when threatened. heart alone is not enough to serve Hashem! See “Shoftim” on page 9 AUGUST 24, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 9 How Curious George’s creators saved the beloved monkey from the Nazis BY GABE FRIEDMAN bike, as Louise Borden explains in “The (JTA) – Curious George – that curious Journey That Saved Curious George.” The little monkey – is beloved by millions only problem: They couldn’t find a bike of readers around the world. His ad- anywhere, either. ventures with the Man With the Yellow At right: Margret and H. A. Somehow, Hans did something that Hat impart important life lessons amidst Rey in Hamburg, Germany, sounds like a plot point in a children’s silliness and mayhem. But many people in May 1973. (Photo by fantasy book: He made two bikes that probably don’t know that the children’s Ullstein bild via Getty night using spare parts. That incredible book character was actually born during Images) act likely saved their lives, as well as the very dark times. His two Jewish creators, future of the monkey that would become Margret and H.A. Rey, fled the Nazis in Curious George. 1940 – on homemade bicycles, no less – Before their escape, Margret rounded carrying their unpublished manuscripts up all of their unpublished children’s book with them. manuscripts, including one titled “Fifi: The story of the couple’s daring escape Curious George’s creators is a fascinating Hans worked as a cartoon illustrator for The Adventures of a Monkey.” The cou- is told in the documentary “Monkey one. Hans Augusto Rey (nee Reyers- a newspaper, and Margret wrote copy. A ple biked out of the city 48 hours before Business: The Story of Curious George’s bach) and Margret Waldstein first met French publisher was impressed with some the Germans occupied Paris, and slept Creators,” which premiered online and in Hamburg in the 1920s. Margret, who of Hans’ animal drawings and suggested in barns and restaurants on their journey on on-demand platforms on August 15. had studied art at the influential Bauhaus they work on a children’s book. Their first out of France. At the same time, in a coincidence of school and whose father was a member work was “Raphael and the Nine Mon- As if in return for being saved, the cu- timing, the 2005 children’s book “The of the German parliament, left Germany keys,” and one of those monkeys would rious little monkey character helped saved Journey That Saved Curious George,” for Brazil in 1935 to escape the rising tide later become George. the Reys. As “Monkey Business” director will be mailed to 8- to 11-year-olds of antisemitism. Hans had been working By June 1940, the situation in Paris Ema Ryan Yamazaki documents, when- across the country this month through the in Rio de Janeiro as a bathtub salesman. looked grim as Hitler’s troops began to ever they were stopped at checkpoints PJ Library, a non-profit that champions The pair, who had met over a decade close in. Millions of people flocked to during their escape, the couple brandished Jewish-themed children’s books. before in Germany, married that year and trains heading to the south of the country, the manuscripts and illustrations to prove No matter what the format, the story of moved to Paris. and the Reys could not get a ticket. They that they were not dangerous. didn’t own a car, so they decided to flee by See “Monkey” on page 12

Shoftim Continued from page 8 Scranton Hebrew Day School presents “Oomee haish asher eras isha...” – “and and the letter sin can refer to the word the annual is there any man among you who has be- “simcha,” bringing to mind the verse from trothed a woman...” ((Deuteronomy 20:7) psalms, “al rosh simchati” – “I will raise Rosh Hashana Swet Sensations Bake Sale Now this is very deep, so you have to Jerusalem above my chiefest joy.” will once again offer a great selection of holiday favorites concentrate really hard: The two mountains of Judaism are Zion The verse itself alludes to the idea of and Sinai. With two hearts, our world/ including kugels, cakes, cobblers and assorted fancy desserts. two mountains. The first four words all universal heart and our national/Jewish For further information, contain the same letters – alef and shin, heart, we are to serve God. But in truth call the school at (570) 346-1576, ext. 4004. which spell aish, or “fire.” And each of they are really the same heart. the words have additional letters – yud, Shabbat Shalom, Good Shabbos. Order deadline is September 7. raish, raish, hey – which when arranged These words of Torah are written in in reverse order spell harari, meaning the merit of my beloved father, Israel “my two mountains” – two because the J. Melman, obm, Yisrael Yehoshua ben hey is doubled, like the doubling of the Harav Ya’aqov Hakohen Melman, z”l and letter vet in “levav.” in memory of my beloved mother, Esther And eras can be rearranged as rosh, Melman, obm, Esther bat Baruch z”l.

Effective please immediately, send note! all articles and ads to our new E-mail address, jfnepareporter@ jewishnepa.org.

Back to School Backpack Project The TempleEffective Hesed Social Action Committee immediately, is gearing up for its annual back to schoolplease backpack projectsend for 2017. all Lackawanna articles County children & inads need, to identified by local social service agencies, are provided with new clothing and a backpack filledour with supplies new for the E-mail first day of school. address, Please consider support - ing this very worthwhile project. You can be matched with a child (grades Pre-K to 6th) to provide all or some [email protected]. the needed items, or you can make a cash donation and we will purchase the items for you. Any monetary donation would be greatly appreciated, and the following guidelines will help you see what your donation will provide. Sponsor a child (backpack with clothes & supplies) $100 Backpack with school supplies $50 Backpack or school supplies $25 Please contact Temple Hesed at 570-344-7201 if you wish to sponsor a child, and provide an email address where we can send you the child’s information. Checks should be made out to Temple Hesed, with “Back to School” designated in the memo line. If you want to purchase the needed supplies, the Temple will provide a list of what is needed for each child. Donations of backpacks and school supplies can be dropped off at Temple Hesed or the JCC reception area during normal business hours through August 18th, but earlier is much appreciated. Your contribution will help ensure that children start the school year with the confidence and tools they need to succeed. Thank you in advance for your participation. “It takes a community to raise a child.” Temple Hesed, Social Action Committee, 1 Knox Rd., Scranton, PA 18505 ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 10 THE REPORTER ■ AUGUST 24, 2017 AUGUST 24, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 11 Judaism celebrated in modern Poland Judaism celebrated in modern Poland Polish villagers hold a Jewish wedding without Jews Yiddish comes alive in Warsaw every summer BY CNAAN LIPHSHIZ BY KATARZYNA MARKUSZ was no one in Sweden to converse with. “Although I can (JTA) – Nostalgia for Jews is a well-documented WARSAW, Poland (JTA) – Golda Tencer, the direc- speak, I forgot how to read and write,” he said. phenomenon in Eastern Europe, with cultural and even tor of the Shalom Foundation and the Jewish Theater Natalia Krynicka, who teaches Yiddish and Jewish substantial commercial aspects. In Ukraine, so-called in Warsaw, lit the Sabbath candles on a Friday in July, literature at the Sorbonne in France, was teaching at Jewish-themed restaurants with pork-heavy menus she was accompanied by dozens of people from various the seminar for the fourth time. “It’s always a great compete for tourists, while figurines of Jews are sold at countries. Though their mother tongues differed, the experience for me,” she said, adding that it is especially markets as good luck charms. In Poland, graffiti reading voices at the table were united by a common language: illuminating to learn about a language in a place where “I miss you, Jew” have become a common sight. Beyond Yiddish. The assembled crowd of about 60 had come to it was once so alive. the kitsch, Jewish cultural festivals draw large non-Jewish this capital city for three weeks in July to study Yiddish, Participants can read a story by I.L.Peretz, for example, audiences in Krakow, Warsaw and Budapest. learn its grammar, sing songs and discover something “and then we can go to the street where he lived, or we Some credit this trend to a feeling of loss over the near about Jewish-Polish history. can visit his grave in the Jewish cemetery,” Krynicka said. annihilation of once-vibrant Jewish communities. Others The International Seminar in Yiddish Language and In the mornings, students learn Yiddish. In the after- trace it a desire to reconnect with the pre-Soviet past. But Culture, which Tencer founded, is now in its 15th year. noon they listen to lectures and take walks. “The extra Classes are held in Muranow, a district that was once program, the walking tours, is very important,” Krynicka even against this backdrop, the fake Jewish wedding that Golda Tencer, standing, at a Shabbat dinner during the was held recently in the village of Radzanow, 80 miles heavily Jewish and where the Warsaw Ghetto was estab- said. “We can realize how much history can destroy and lished. It was here, during World War II, that Emanuel International Seminar in Yiddish Language and Culture how much literature can save.” northeast of Warsaw, stands out as a remarkable affair. in Warsaw on July 7. (Photo by Katarzyna Markusz) Make-believe Jewish weddings – a regular educa- Ringelblum hid his archive that contained thousands of tional event in Spain and Portugal, where nostalgia for Yiddish documents about the extermination of Jews. nearly-extinct Jewish communities is also prevalent – are And it is here that the seminar seeks to build upon the participants – despite their different nationalities – is Continued from page 10 rare in Poland (the Krakow Jewish Community Centre rich legacy of the Yiddish-speaking world. what she enjoys most about the seminar. “I understand Wedding organized one in 2013). Even rarer are enactments as Villagers attended a fake Jewish wedding in the Polish village of Radzanow on August 5. (Photo by Jonny Through the program, Tencer, who also established English, German and Russian,” she said, “but I reflexively from the capital. Even the POLIN Jewish museum of well-produced as the one in Radzanow. Daniels/From the Depths) Warsaw’s Center for Yiddish Culture 20 years ago, seeks talk to them in Yiddish.” Warsaw was consulted in staging the event, according Organized by the Radzanovia Association, a cultural to help pass on the “immense heritage” of Yiddish culture. Participant Eugen Parnes lives in Malmo, Swe- to Nasza Mlawa. group promoting Polish heritage, the event featured a of Jews who had accounted for approximately half of to nostalgia and a desire to generate tourism revenue. “The nation died, but culture and Jewish literature did den; he and his parents left Poland when he was 17 The wedding is not the only attempt by Radzanow lo- few dozen non-Jewish volunteers, men and women, her village’s population before the Holocaust. “We want But in Spain and Portugal, for example, where hun- not perish,” she said. “Our duty is to pass this thread of years old. Growing up in Walbrzych, in southwestern cals to reconnect with their village’s lost Jewish heritage. dressed in traditional haredi costumes. Some men wore to remember all those homes of all pre-war Jews, who dreds of thousands of Jews were oppressed 500 years our Jewishness.” Poland, his parents spoke Yiddish and he attended a Last year, a high school student from the region, Cuba fake beards and side curls – including ones that didn’t lived a peaceful life punctuated by the rhythm of holi- ago during the Inquisition, the passage of time has made Among the seminar participants is Barbara Szeliga, Jewish school. Yet the surrounding atmosphere was Balinski, initiated a project aimed at rededicating and match their natural hair color. days, family celebrations and more mundane events,” goodwill gestures toward Jews less complicated than in an actress who worked at the Jewish Theater for more not a good one. reopening the village’s abandoned synagogue – a small Portraying the groom was Piotr Czaplicki, a journalist she told the news site Nasza Mlawa. the east. In 2013, Spain and Portugal even passed laws than 30 years. When she began acting, the theater’s “Little children called in the yard, ‘Jews, you killed but beautiful Moorish-style building that miraculously for the Radia dla Ciebie station. Czaplicki, who is not Jews first settled in Radzanow in 1710, and at their granting citizenship to descendants of Sephardic Jews productions were only in Yiddish. “I had to learn the Jesus,’” he recalled. “Who told them that? Their parents survived the Nazi occupation. Jewish, got under a chuppah – the canopy used in tradi- peak numbered about 500. By September 1939, when – a move whose generosity contrasts sharply with the language to know what I was playing,” she said. at home. Those children threw rocks at us.” Balinski, who has secured the cooperation of the tional Jewish weddings – together with his make-believe the Germans took over, the population had dipped be- refusal by Poland and other East European countries to At the time there were no textbooks, dictionaries or By the time Parnes and his family left Poland in 1971, Foundation for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage bride, Julia Brzezinska, a local resident. They were “wed” low 300. Nearly all who remained would be sent to the offer even partial restitution for property that was stolen possibilities to photocopy anything. “We learned Yiddish Walbrzych’s Jewish population had dwindled to just in Poland for his project, but is still looking for in- by a fake rabbi in a show before villagers, whom the Mlawa ghetto, never to return. “We remember those from Jewish communities. from the socialist, postwar elementary school textbooks 1,000 from 20,000 in the postwar period. “Most people vestors, is adamant about restoring the synagogue event’s organizers sought to teach about Jewish traditions. who lived here before us and entered the memory of our At the fake wedding in Radzanow, organizers turned about Polish-Soviet friendship,” Szeliga recalled. at my age do not know Yiddish because their parents to a house of worship rather than having it turn into To Jonny Daniels, the London-born founder of From grandmothers and grandparents. It was so recently,” said to Teresa Wronska, an actress from the Jewish Theater Szeliga is attending her fourth seminar, but she does did not talk to them in that language, and some did not museum. “If there is no Torah in the synagogue, then the Depths, which promotes Holocaust commemoration Rychcik-Nowakowska. in Warsaw, to assure the wedding’s authenticity. She not need Yiddish in order to work. “I learn it for plea- even know they had Jewish roots,” he said. it is still just a building,” he told the news site Gosc in Poland, events like the one in Radzanow are “some Elsewhere in Europe, Jewish-themed festivals are choreographed the entire affair – from the signing of the sure,” she said. Parnes came to the seminar, which ran through July Plocki. “But if we bring the holy book back, it will kind of therapy taking place all over the country.” more common, bringing together hundreds of partici- ketubah (the Jewish marriage contract) to the traditional The commonality of Yiddish among the program’s 21, because he enjoyed speaking in Yiddish – and there come back to life.” But the event’s producer, Agnieszka Rychcik-Nowa- pants. There, too, Jewish-themed events are held in the Jewish music played by a band of locals and musicians kowska, sees it as a way of commemorating the hundreds absence of a living, breathing Jewish community thanks See “Wedding” on page 11 Your Campaign 2018 Headquarters! You are cordially invited to

Annual Pocono UJA Dinner MENTA L IST DUO Sunday, September 17 SATURDAY OCT. 21, 2017 JCC Koppelman Auditorium Temple Israel of the Poconos, Stroudsburg, PA 601 Jefferson Ave, Scranton, PA 18510 DOORS @ 8PM • SHOWTIME @ 8:30PM Reserve a table for 10 - $100 featuring journalist Linda Scherzer starts at 7pm Advance Purchase Single Ticket - $15 • General Admission (at door) - $20 Couvert: $ 15.00 per Lightperson Dinner • RSVP 570-961-2300 to start at 5:30pm x5 or return the below form Online: evasons.eventbrite.com By Phone: 570-961-2300 x 4 Program Linda Scherzer is a former Mideast correspondent for CNN and Israel Television See why FOX Television called "The most amazing mind- with extensive experience covering the Arab-Israeli con�lict. During her years with CNN, Linda covered the �irst Palestinian uprising or "intifada," the Gulf War, reading act you will ever see !” and the Mideast peace process. She is probably best remembered for her interview with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu through a gas mask during an Iraqi scud missile attack. Linda was the only North American ever to work as an on-air correspondent for Mabat, Israel Television’s Hebrew news program, where she covered Arab and Palestinian affairs. "This act is so good! Just breathtaking! She traveled to Damascus twice to report on Syrian attitudes towards the peace process and Never seen better." produced a one-hour documentary, "Through the Eyes of Enemies: Is the Middle East Ready for ~ Penn & Teller Peace" which explores opinion in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt towards Israel. Today, Linda is the director of a program called "Write On For Israel," which trains top high school students how to become defenders of Israel when they get to college. She is also a media and public relations consultant and advises the Jewish community on how to engage in constructive dialogue with the press. ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 12 THE REPORTER ■ AUGUST 24, 2017 Deciphering the past Ten ancient jugs predating First Temple unearthed at Shiloh site BY ISRAEL HAYOM STAFF/EXCLUSIVE TO JNS. the Shiloh Association. The goal of the work is to locate ORG the southern wall of ancient Shiloh. Ten ancient jugs unearthed at the Samaria site of the The newly discovered jugs indicate that in ancient ancient city of Shiloh could lead researchers to new times, the area was vacated abruptly, with residents not discoveries about the Jewish tabernacle that existed there having enough time to collect and pack up their belong- before the First Temple was built in Jerusalem. ings. Among the jugs, the archaeologists also found a The jugs, only some of which were broken, date to goblet known as a kobaat, a type of ritual chalice. The the time when the Jewish people first entered the land of discovery of the kobaat ties in with the stone altar that Israel. The vessels were unearthed approximately half was unearthed in the area a few years ago, and could a meter (20 inches) underground in a large room that is indicate that researchers are closing in on the precise part of an ongoing archaeological excavation. The Bible location of the Shiloh tabernacle. attributes the tabernacle at Shiloh to the time of the High Hanina Hizami, coordination officer for archaeology Priest Eli and the Prophet Samuel. at the Civil Administration, said, “This is a very exciting In recent years, the Archaeological Unit of Israel’s find. The destruction could have been caused by the Some of the jugs unearthed at the site of the ancient Civil Administration has been excavating together with Philistine invasion and the fire that raged [at Shiloh].” Jewish city Shiloh. (Photo by Shiloh Association) Volunteers discover 900-year-old ancient jewelry in Crusader fortress BY JNS STAFF fortress tower in the central Israeli city of Modi’in, during were made of bronze and silver. (JNS.org) – A 900-year-old collection of women’s an archaeological excavation at Tittora Hill. Several of According to Avraham Tendler, the Israel Antiquities jewelry has been discovered in the kitchen of a Crusader the ancient rings, bracelets and earrings that were found Authority excavation director, the jewelry “appear[s] to have been accidentally dropped during cooking in the kitchen of an ancient tower.” The archaeological dig is part of a joint initiative between the IAA and the Modi’in-Maccabim-Re’ut Municipality. The project brings together some 2,500 schoolchildren, longtime residents of the town and local allah an volunteers for the opportunity to collaborate in discov- d, H d Ho ering their city’s cultural heritage. se Continuing a Rosh Hashanah ne “In view of its tremendous success, the project will Hefund-raising tradition started by Roseann Smith Alperin (O.B.M.), y continue next year,” said Modi’in Mayor Haim Bibas. a former Temple Hesed Sisterhood president, Hesed, Hallah and Honey, The dig uncovered other finds, including coins and cosmetic tools, as well as the foundations of a large benefits Temple programs and continues Roseann’s good work. building from the Roman period under the Crusader fortress. Previous excavations at Tittora Hill have Gift Bag $20 • Mums $22 turned up archaeological evidence of its occupation • The Gift Bag — contains a challah, container of honey, from the Chalcolithic period, about 6,000 years ago, to yom tov candles, an apple and candies. ——$20 delivered the modern era. (Kosher challah - add $1) • Flowering Plant — A beautiful Mum in a basket. At right: Some 2,500 Perfect for those who cannot accept gifts of foods. schoolchildren and volunteers We are delivering the gift bags and plants on To order: Please make from Modi’in have Erev Rosh Hashanah: Wednesday, September 20, 2017. checks payable to participated in the excavation of Tittora. “Temple Hesed Sisterhood”. DELIVERIES WILL BE MADE TO ANY ADDRESS IN SCRANTON OR THE ABINGTONS (Photo by Vered Specify plain or raisin Bosidan/IAA) All Orders Must Be In By September 13, 2017 challah or the flowering mum. Mail to: Carol Leventhal, Volunteers Needed! 125 Welsh Hill Road, We need gift bag packers to begin assembling the bags at 10 a.m. on Tues- day, Sept. 19, 2017 and we need people to make deliveries starting Clarks Summit, PA 18411. the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. Monkey Continued from page 9 For more information, Both activities will take place at the Leventhal residence at 125 Welsh Hill call Carol at 570-587-2931 Road, Clarks Summit. They eventually made their way to Lisbon, then back or email [email protected]. If you can help, please call: 570-587-2931 or email [email protected] to Brazil, then to New York. Fifi became George, and in 1941, Houghton Mifflin published the first “Curious George” book. Since then, more than 75 million “Curious Hesed, Hallah and Honey Order Form George” books have been sold and the series has been translated into 19 languages. (He’s also the star of an Order before Sept. 13 • Delivered September 20 animated PBS program for kids that premiered in 2006.)

YOUR NAME Name______Enclose check, made payable to: H.A. Rey died in 1977 and Margaret Rey died in 1996. Temple Hesed Sisterhood Yamazaki, who grew up partially in the U.S. and par- Address______tially in Japan, said she was inspired by the Reys’ story Mail order to: of immigrant success. “With a deepening refugee crisis ______Carol Leventhal 125 Welch Hill Road and inflamed anti-immigrant rhetoric across the globe, Phone______Clarks Summit PA 18411 the Reys’ story has become unexpectedly more relevant in the two years I have been making the documentary,” Name______¨ Challah she wrote last year. “The Reys’ refugee story has a happy ___ Plain ____Raisin $20/each ending and represents the American dream at its best.” Address______¨ Kosher Challah - add $1/each ______Phone______¨ Mums = $22/each GETTING GIFTS Name______¨ Challah Address______Plain ____Raisin $20/each ¨ Kosher Challah - add $1/each ______Phone______¨ Mums = $22/each

Name______¨ Challah Address______Plain ____Raisin $20/each ______¨ Kosher Challah - add $1/each Phone______¨ Mums = $22/each AUGUST 24, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 13 14 THE REPORTER ■ AUGUST 24, 2017 How “The Red Tent” invented a new kind of fiction BY ERIKA DREIFUS that the book was going to get published” at At that point, Diamant had an idea: Why (JTA) – Twenty years ago all, Diamant told JTA in a recent interview, not ship the books directly to select groups this summer, Anita Diamant – a describing the difficulties she encountered of readers? The publisher agreed, and several freelance writer and author of in trying to find a literary agent to represent copies went to members of the Women’s several nonfiction books about the project. Rabbinic Network, a group of women in the Jewish practice, including “The The novel, Diamant recalled, seemed to Reform rabbinate. Another batch went to New Jewish Wedding” – was strike people as “a weird idea.” Dinah receives members of the Reconstructionist Rabbinic awaiting the publication of her only brief attention in the Bible, and her sto- Assembly. In both cases, the books were first novel. It was a work of ry is a violent one. In Diamant’s book, the accompanied by letters of endorsement from historical fiction, set in biblical Dinah narrative expands, revealing a fuller, the organizations’ presidents, both personal times, that focused on the story of fictionalized understanding of her life – as friends of Diamant. Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob well as a powerful portrait of ancient feminine From there, word about “The Red Tent” and Leah. The book was called Anita Diamant, author community and experience. spread. Ultimately, Diamant credits indepen- “The Red Tent,” and it has since of “The Red Tent” Alongside her work on other writing “The Red Tent” did dent book stores and book clubs for making achieved iconic status. The novel (Photo by Gretje projects, Diamant spent about three years not become a best- the novel a best-seller. In June 2001, nearly has sold millions of copies around Fergeson) drafting “The Red Tent.” Eventually it sold seller when it first hit four years after publication, “The Red Tent” the world and was adapted into a to St. Martin’s Press, and Diamant received shelves in 1997, but won the Book Sense Book of the Year Award 2014 Lifetime miniseries starring Minnie Driver. a modest advance. The novel sold reasonably has gone on to achieve for Adult Fiction, now known as the Indies But “The Red Tent” did not become a best-seller well for a debut and subsequently was issued iconic status. Choice Book Award. when it first hit shelves in 1997. In fact, Diamant never in paperback. Still, the publisher was planning Diamant has since published four novels expected such extraordinary success. “It was not a given to destroy (or “pulp”) some remaining hardcover copies. See “Fiction” on page 16

Mother Continued from page 2 about the war years, or living in the forest during the cably, and we found ourselves with no center; seven look with astonishment at the woman on the screen? war, because the war was at the forefront of her mind motherless orphans in our 50s and 60s. She left us in such tiny increments that we never every waking moment. But we had no time for that. But suddenly there was a thought: Don’t we have saw her change, never saw the alteration from 68 to We had time for Chicago, then Scottsdale, for being her Shoah tape? The same children who couldn’t bear her 80s. Now, we wonder, why didn’t we appreciate teenagers and then wives and mothers. to listen to this survivor’s stories now found ourselves her at this age? We knew it was important, so important that if we wanting the tape, wanting to see our mother again. Because now we see her young, when we didn’t listened we’d basically have to stop moving and stop I ordered a copy and another sister ordered a copy. even realize she was young, speaking when we didn’t living and just listen for the rest of our lives. And since Two other sisters, in Washington, DC, for a trip, visited even know she’d eventually lose her speech, when she that felt too big, we couldn’t listen at all. the U.S. Holocaust Museum and said at the visitor’s is known only as “Helene B., Scottsdale.” Having lost Our mother had a small stroke the following year window, “Our mother is in there” and they spent the her irrevocably, and found her on this tape, we will fi- that affected her enough that she never remembered my day watching her, alive and 68 again, alive and artic- nally have time to listen to the story of how our mother daughter as a baby. Otherwise, the next 10 years were ulate again. Alive. survived the Holocaust. good, but the six following far less so. She would end Suddenly we have time for the Holocaust, for her Linda Pressman is a freelance writer, editor, blogger up disappearing from us in pieces, chunks of her, with memories. With mom now gone beyond any commu- and speaker. She is the author of “Looking Up: A Memoir Alzheimer’s in its place. Where once a vital, opinionated nication, we are willing to listen to her dreadful story of Sisters, Survivors and Skokie,” which won the grand and loving mother stood at the center of our family, now of the war years. What could be more amazing than prize in the Writer’s Digest 20th Annual Book Contest. our worry and concern for her stood there and tied us having last seen your mother a debilitated 85, Alz- Kveller is a community of women and parents who together. How long could we keep her alive? heimer’s-ridden, disabled, her organs shutting down, convene online to share, celebrate and commiserate One horrible day last year we gathered around her and then to suddenly see her alive and well again? To their experiences of raising kids through a Jewish lens. hospital bed. She slipped away completely and irrevo- simply play a CD and be transported back to 1998 and Visit Kveller.com. AUGUST 24, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 15 HBO executive picks her five favorite Jewish documentaries BY GABE FRIEDMAN short documentary. Nevins was especially moved by the (JTA) – Sheila Nevins may not be a household name, fact that Klein could not speak about the horrors of her but she is a legend in the documentary film world. Since At left: Sheila Nevins Holocaust experience in her native Polish – she could taking over HBO’s documentary division in 1979, the spoke at the 2012 Toronto only describe it in English, since the language “separated network’s documentaries have won 26 Academy Awards. International Film her from the experience,” Nevins said. In that same period, as a producer, she has won 32 Festival on September ‹‹ “Larry Kramer: In Love and Anger” (2015) Primetime Emmy Awards and 34 News and Documen- 10, 2012. (Photo by Terry Nevins became good friends with Larry Kramer, the tary Emmy Awards. Rice/Getty Images) Jewish playwright who became one of the 20th century’s Along the way, Nevins has worked on plenty of fiercest gay rights advocates, while working together on projects with Jewish themes, touching on subjects that this documentary, which chronicles Kramer’s tumul- range from Daniel Pearl to the Holocaust. Some of these, tuous public and private lives. They became close in Nevins told JTA, influenced her beyond the professional said. “But it’s still true to the character.” part because of their Jewishness, she said. “We have a realm, helping her connect with her Jewish identity in And speaking of characters, thanks to her celebri- strange kind of historical ethnic connection, as if were a way that her mostly secular upbringing did not. “I ty-riddled Rolodex, friends such as Meryl Streep, Glenn family, like he’s my brother,” she said. “I can’t explain feel Jewish and I feel proud of it, and I feel separated Close and Lena Dunham lend their voices to the audio it.” One of the chapters in “You Don’t Look Your Age” from it simultaneously,” said Nevins, who grew up in version of the book. is a poem titled “The Larry Kramer,” dedicated to its New York. “I wish that I could go back again and go to Still, film is Nevins’ bread and butter. Here are some eponymous inspiration. the Sunday school with all those cute boys my mother of the Jewish-themed films she is most proud of working ‹‹ “Heil Hitler! Confessions of a Hitler Youth” (1991) wouldn’t let me go to.” on – at least partly because they brought out the Jewish This short film turns the lens on Alfons Heck, a former Nevins has been an executive producer or producer New Yorker in her. Nazi who describes his rise to becoming a high-ranking on more than 1,000 films, and in May she published ‹‹ “Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags” (2009) member of the Hitler Youth movement. The Anti-Def- her first book, “You Don’t Look Your Age... and Other “Schmatta” covers the rise and fall of the garment amation League called it a “cautionary tale that needs Fairy Tales.” (She’s 78, by the way, but you’d never industry in New York. Nevins has a bit of first-hand to be seen and discussed by young people everywhere.” know it – she looks and sounds much younger, due in knowledge of the industry: Some of her family worked Nevins became so friendly with Heck that she invited part to multiple facelifts. “I have enough Botox in me in the business, and the summer after she graduated from him to her son’s bar mitzvah several years ago. to detonate Iran,” the wry filmmaker told theHollywood high school, she took a job as a model for a clothing shop. ‹‹ “Grandpa, What’s That Number on Your Arm?” Reporter in April.) “This wasn’t modeling how we think of modeling,” (Coming in 2018) Nevins candidly addresses this and more in what she said. “You put the shawl on, and they’d say, ‘Sheila, At a screening at New York’s Museum of Jewish she calls her “eclectic memoir.” The book consists of come out!’ and someone would be there from Neiman Heritage of the HBO Holocaust documentary “Night Will stories – some true (one about a boyfriend whose mom Marcus or some department store. Then they would say, Fall” in 2015, Nevins found a book in the museum’s li- didn’t like her because she was Jewish), some slightly ‘Now turn around, go back and get the Persian lamb one!’” brary about grandparents talking with their grandchildren altered (one, based on people she had met, about an Working on the film also inspired Nevins to research about the numbers tattooed on their arms. She thought elderly couple who sleep in separate rooms) and others her great-aunt, who died in the Triangle Shirtwaist the idea would make a great film – especially in an era that are complete fiction (those are “up to the reader” to Factory fire of 1911. “I suddenly felt that I had been an in which children are exposed to tragedies around the figure out, she said). immigrant once, that I was part of this ethnic Jewish world on social media without context or explanation. Writing the book, she said, was similar to creating a culture in New York,” she said. Nevins has high praise for the current version of the documentary. “In a documentary, you usually shoot 100 ‹‹ “One Survivor Remembers” (1995) short film, saying it confidently walks the line between [minutes of film] to one [minute in the final product]. So This film, in which Holocaust survivor Gerda Weiss- being informative and too disturbing for children. “It’s I wouldn’t say that you make it up, but you determine man Klein describes how Nazis tore apart her family important that [children today] know that they, too, are what to include, which is a form of scripting,” Nevins during World War II, won an Academy Award for best a part of this history of violence and denial,” she said.

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 16 THE REPORTER ■ AUGUST 24, 2017 Fiction Continued from page14 and continued to write nonfiction. (“The New Jewish way people find inspiration in it for all kinds of things.” Haman’s not-so-nice spouse, who suffers consequences Wedding” was updated, redesigned and revised as “The Some fans, Diamant notes, credit the book for steering just as her husband does when his evil plot goes awry. Jewish Wedding Now” and re-released earlier this year.) them to work as midwives. Others say “The Red Tent” ‹‹ “The Secret Chord” (Viking, 2015) by Geraldine “I’m eternally grateful to readers for whom the book inspired them to become artisanal bread bakers or to Brooks. King David, the focus of this novel, isn’t exactly has meant so much,” Diamant said of “The Red Tent.” study the Bible – or to write biblical fiction of their own. a minor biblical figure. But his circle was large, and “And it means such different things to different people. “It’s a whole category now,” she noted. Brooks attends closely to many of the characters – men I’m still kind of amazed at its success. I’m touched by the Thanks to the success of “The Red Tent,” lovers of his- and women, like the prophet Natan and Nizevet, David’s torical fiction can enjoy an ever-growing number of books mother – who were closest to him in this chronicle of that reimagine the lives of biblical characters. In many cases, key episodes in David’s life. these novels, like Diamant’s, give voices to lesser-known ‹‹ “The Secret Book of Kings” (St. Martin’s Press, 2016) (and often female) individuals. Here is a sampling of some by Yochi Brandes; translation by Yardenne Greenspan. The of the best that have been published in recent years. inspiration for this book was the biblical princess Michal, ‹‹ “Sinners and the Sea: The Untold Story of Noah’s who is most popularly identified as King Saul’s daughter Wife” (Howard Books, 2013) by Rebecca Kanner. Al- or as King David’s wife. “But even at the beginning of my though the Bible doesn’t name her, Noah’s wife was on research,” Brandes wrote in the preface, “I realized that a Synagogue archiving conference the ark, too. Kanner’s debut novel gives her a voice – but historical novel about the destruction of the House of Saul The Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the still no name – as she tells us, in the first person, about at the hands of David could not make do with a single American Jewish Archives will present her early years, her marriage and family, and everything protagonist.” Thus, this novel – which was a best-seller “Going Beyond Memory: A Conference on that happened on that giant ship. in Israel, where it was published in 2008 under the title Synagogue Archiving” from November 5-6. ‹‹ “After Abel and Other Stories” (Prospect Park Books, “Kings III” – is a compelling, multigenerational saga. It will take place in the AJA, 3101 Clifton Ave., Cincin- 2015) by Michal Lemberger; foreword by Jonathan ‹‹ “David and the Philistine Woman” (Top Hat Books, nati, OH, on the Campus of Hebrew Union College. The Kirsch. Each of the nine stories in this book presents a 2017) by Paul Boorstin. This novel reimagines tales featured keynote speaker will be Dina Herbert from the tale of a biblical woman. Some you’ve likely heard of, of King David and his contemporaries, including the National Archives and Records Administration. The AJA like Miriam, who sets the basket holding her baby brother fearsome Goliath. Boorstin conjures up a new female will offer both basic and advanced sessions featuring afloat in the Nile, follows its course and approaches the character: Goliath’s wife, Nara, who in this telling exerts its archival professionals. For more information or to woman who retrieves it: Pharaoh’s daughter. Others focus considerable influence on the outcome of one of the most register, visit www.americanjewisharchives.org/. on characters who are less well known, such as Zeresh, famous biblical battles. AUGUST 24, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 17 Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania 2018 UJA Campaign

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

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Authorized signatureDate DR. JOEL AND LEAH LAURY, CO-CHAIRS OF THE 2018 UJA CAMPAIGN THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT 18 THE REPORTER ■ AUGUST 24, 2017

Feature Films (as of September 2016) NEW Dough - An old Jewish baker (Jonathan Pryce) takes on a young Muslim apprentice to save his failing kosher bakery. When TO THE his apprentice’s marijuana stash accidentally falls in the mixing dough, the challah starts flying off the shelves! DOUGH is a warmhearted and humorous story about overcoming prejudice and finding redemption in unexpected places. (Shown at the LIBRARY! 2017 UJA campaign opening event) Everything is Illuminated - “Everything is Illuminated” tells the story of a young man’s quest to find the woman who saved his grandfather in a small Ukrainian town that was wiped off the map by the Nazi invasion. What starts out as a journey to piece together one family’s story under absurd circumstances turns into a meaningful journey with a powerful series of revelations -- the importance of remembrance, the perilous nature of secrets, the legacy of the Holocaust, and the meaning of friendship. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Europa Europa - Based on the autobiography of Solomon Perel, this movie recounts the severe actions a young boy must take in order to survive the Holocaust. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Hidden in Silence - Przemysl, Poland, WWII. Germany emerges victorious over the Russians and the city comes under Nazi control. The Jews are sent to the ghettos. While some stand silent, Catholic teenager, Stefania Podgorska, choose the role of a savior and sneaks 13 Jews into her attic. Music Box - In this intense courtroom thriller, Chicago attorney Ann Talbot (Jessica Lange) agres to defend her Hungarian immigrant father against accusations of heinous war crimes committed 50 years earlier. Remember - With the aid of a fellow Auschwitz survivor and a hand-written letter, an elderly man with demntia goes in search of the person responsible for the death of his family. (shown at the 2017 UJA campaign opening event) Munich - Inspired by real events, Munich reveals the intense story of the secret Israeli squad assigned to track down and assassinate the 11 Palestinians believed to have planned the 1972 Munich massacre of 11 Israeli athletes - and the personal toll this mission of revenge takes on the team and the man who led it. Son of Saul - October 1944, Auschwitz-Birkenau. Saul (Géza Röhrig) is a Hungarian member of the Sonderkommando, the group of Jewish prisoners forced to assist the Nazis. While working, Saul discovers the body of a boy he takes for his son. As the Sonderkommando plans a rebellion, Saul decides to carry out an impossible task: save the child’s body, find a rabbi to recite the mourner’s Kaddish and offer the boy a proper burial. (shown at the 2017 UJA campaign opening event) The Book Thief - THE BOOK THIEF tells the inspirational story of a spirited and courageous young girl who transforms the lives of everyone around her when she is sent to live with a new family in World War II Germany. The Jolson Story - THE JOLSON STORY is classic Hollywood biography at its best; a fast-paced, tune-filled extravaganza following the meteoric rise of legendary performer Al Jolson. THE JOLSON STORY was nominated for six 1946 Academy Awards , winning two, (Best Musical Scoring and Best Sound Recording). The Other Son - As he is preparing to join the Israeli army for his national service, Joseph discovers he is not his parents’ biological son and that he was inadvertently switched at birth with Yacine, the son of a Palestinian family from the West Bank. This revelation turns the lives of these two families upside-down, forcing them to reassess their respective identities, their values and beliefs. Woman in Gold - Based on the true story of Maria Altman, played by Helen Mirren, who sought to regain a world famous painting of her aunt plundered by the Nazis during World War II. She did so not just to regain what was rightfully hers but also to obtain some measure of justice for the death, destruction and massive art theft perpetrated by the Nazis. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Non-Feature Films 2016 Above and Beyond - In 1948, just three years after the liberation of Nazi death camps, a ragtag group of skilled American pilots - both Jewish and non-Jewish, answered a call for help. In secret and at great personal risk, they smuggled planes out of the U.S., trained behind the Iron Curtain and flew for Israel in its War of Independence. This band of brothers not only turned the tide of the war, they also embarked on personal journeys of discovery and pride. (Shown at the 2016 UJA campaign opening event) Everything is a Present: The Wonder and Grace of Alice Sommer Hertz - This is the uplifting true story of the gifted pianist Alice Sommer Hertz who survived the Theresienstat concentration camp by playing classical piano concerts for Nazi dignitaries. Alice Sommer Hertz lived to the age of 106. Her story is an inspiration. Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story - Yoni Netanyahu was a complex, passionate individual thrust into defending his country in a time of war and violence. The older brother of Benjamin Natanyahu, the current Israel Prime Minister, Yoni led the miraculous raid on Entebbe in 1976. Although almost all of the Entebbe hostages were saved, Yoni was the lone military fatality. Featuring three Israeli Prime Ministers and recently released audio from the Entebbe raid itself. Hava Nagila (The Movie) - A documentary romp through the history, mystery and meaning of the great Jewish standard. Featuring interviews with Harry Belafonte, Leonard Nimoy and more, the film follows the ubiquitous party song on its fascinating journey from the shtetls of Eastern Europe to the kibbutzim of Palestine to the cul-de-sacs of America. If These Knishes Could Talk tells the story of the New York accent: what it is, how it’s evolved, and the love/hate relationship New Yorkers have with it. It features writer Pete Hamill, director Penny Marshall, attorney Alan Dershowitz and screenwriter James McBride, along with a cast of characters from Canarsie to Tottenville. In between, it explores why New Yorkers eat chawclate and drink cawfee, and how the accent became the vibrant soundtrack of a charming, unforgiving and enduring city. Israel: The Royal Tour - Travel editor Peter Greenberg (CBS News) takes us on magnificent tour of the Jewish homeland, Israel. The tour guide is none other than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The viewer gets a chance to visit the land of Israel from his own home! Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story (narrated by Dustin Hoffman)- This documentary portrays the contributions of Jewish major leaguers and the special meaning that baseball has had in the lives of American Jews. More than a film about sports, this is a story of immigration, assimilation, bigotry, heroism, the passing on of traditions, the shattering of stereotypes and, most of all, the greatest American pastime. Nicky’s Family - An enthralling documentary that artfully tells the story of how Sir Nicholas Winton, now 104, a British stockbroker, gave up a 1938 skiing holiday to answer a friend’s request for help in Prague and didn’t stop helping until the war’s beginning stopped him. He had saved the lives of 669 children in his own personal Kindertransport. The Case for Israel - Democracy’s Outpost - This documentary presents a vigorous case for Israel- for its basic right to exist, to protect its citizens from terrorism, and to defend its borders from hostile enemies. The Israel Course - A 7-part Israel education series that sheds light on the Holy Land through the ages. Featuring biblical scholars and Middle East experts, including Harvard professor Alan Dershowitz, Emeritus Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Ambassador Dore Gold, Princeton professor Bernard Lewis and many others. The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg - As baseball’s first Jewish star, Hammerin’ Hank Greenberg’s career contains all the makings of a true American success story. Unmasked: Judaophobia - the Threat to Civilization – This documentary exposes the current political assault against the State of Israel fundamentally as a war against the Jewish people and their right to self-determination. AUGUST 24, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 19 NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org Israeli study: using emojis in work e-mails conveys incompetence Palestinian terrorist Rasmea Odeh to be deported from U.S. A joint study conducted by researchers from Israel’s Ben-Gurion University of the Rasmea Odeh, a 69-year-old convicted Palestinian terrorist, had her U.S. citizenship Negev and the University of Amsterdam has found that using emojis in work-related revoked by a federal court on Aug. 17. She will be deported from the U.S. to her na- e-mails, although perceived as a friendly gesture by the sender, actually conveys in- tive country of Jordan. Earlier this year, Odeh pleaded guilty to lying to immigration competence to the recipient. “Our findings provide first-time evidence that, contrary authorities about her criminal record when she applied for American citizenship in to actual smiles, smileys do not increase perceptions of warmth and actually decrease 2004. Specifically, Odeh failed to disclose her conviction and imprisonment in Israel perceptions of competence,” explained Dr. Ella Glikson, a post-doctorate fellow at for her role in a 1969 Jerusalem bombing that killed two Hebrew University students. BGU’s Department of Management in the Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Odeh has previously confessed to planting the bomb in that Jerusalem terror attack, Management. “In formal business e-mails, a smiley is not a smile,” Glikson said. The but later claimed her confession was made under duress. In 1970, she was sentenced study, “The Dark Side of a Smiley,” was published on July 31 in the Social Psycho- to life in prison by an Israeli court, and served 10 years of her sentence before being logical and Personality Science journal. The Netherlands Organization for Scientific released early in a prisoner exchange deal in 1980. “Hopefully, this will be the final Research funded the study, which involved 549 participants from 29 countries. Exper- chapter in the tragic story of this still-dangerous and unrepentant PFLP terrorist who iments included evaluations of competence and warmth of an unknown e-mail sender tried to fraud the U.S. immigration services,” said Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, director who utilized emojis in work-related messages. “When the participants were asked of the Shurat HaDin – Israel Law Center, which has supported victims of Odeh’s to respond to e-mails on formal matters, their answers were more detailed and they terrorism in the legal proceedings against her. “We applaud the work of the American included more content-related information when the e-mail did not include a smiley,” Department of Justice and in particular Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Tukel, who said Glikson. The identity and gender of the sender was anonymous in the study, but really pursued Odeh with vigilance, exposed her lies and assured that her Jewish recipients were more likely to assume the sender was female if a “smiley” was used. victims received a measure of justice and closure,” Darshan-Leitner said. Weizmann Institute named world’s sixth-best research institute New IDF chief medical officer hails from Druze community Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science has been named the top research institution outside (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) – Brig. Gen. Dr. Tarif Bader was sworn in the U.S. and the sixth-best in the world, in an annual innovation index published by the Aug. 17 as the IDF’s chief medical officer, marking the first time in Israel’s history British journal Nature. “Our high place in this index reflects our guiding philosophy, which that the position is manned by a Druze officer. Bader replaced Brig. Gen. Dr. David says that we recruit scientists who are among the best in the world and let them follow their Dagan, who served in the post for three years. “It is our duty to preserve the lives of curiosity,” said Weizmann Institute President Prof. Daniel Zajfman. “That is what leads, in our soldiers and grant the necessary medical treatment to them and to anyone who the end, to innovative and surprising new applications that shape the future,” he said. The needs it, across all parameters: routine missions, operational activity, and in times of Israeli research university was the only non-U.S. institution to be ranked in the top 15 among emergency,” Bader said. “This is the challenge that we face and that obligates us to be the 200 universities on the journal’s list. Israel’s Hebrew University of Jerusalem ranked at our best at all times.” Previously, Bader headed the IDF’s medical mission to treat 56th, the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology was 121st and Tel Aviv University came wounded Syrians on Israel’s northern border, and commanded three of the military’s in 156th. The index ranks the influence of research institutes by examining the registered humanitarian delegations: to Haiti in 2010, Nepal in 2015 and Turkey in 2016. patents held by third parties, rather than those held by the institutes themselves, as well as the Sam Spiegel school named one of world’s best film academies number of instances in which published works from the institutes are cited. San Diego-based Scripps Research Institute, followed by Rockefeller University in New York City and the (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) – The Sam Spiegel Film and Television School Massachusetts Institute of Technology, were the top three institutes in this year’s rankings. in Israel has been named one of the world’s top 15 film academies by theHollywood Reporter. The industry magazine publishes an annual list of the top film schools in Iran reportedly building long-range missile facility in Syria the U.S., and another list of the leading film schools around the world. The top spot in Iran is reportedly building a facility in northwestern Syria to manufacture long-range this year’s U.S. film school rankings went to the University of Southern California. In SCUD missiles, Israel’s Channel 2 reported on Aug. 15. According to the report, security its description of Sam Spiegel, the Hollywood Reporter mentioned that its honorary experts who analyzed photos of the site say the construction indicates that explosives would fellows include directors David Lynch and Wim Wenders. The institution was found- be stored there. The analysts also compared the facility in Syria to a rocket factory near ed in 1989 under the directorship of Renen Schorr, and since 1996 has been named Tehran, concluding there was a strong resemblance between the sites, suggesting Iran was after Sam Spiegel, the three-time Oscar winner who produced “On the Waterfront,” involved. “The facility has one entrance, an administrative section, a production area and “The Bridge on the River Kwai” and “Lawrence of Arabia.” Notable Sam Spiegel a storage wing, while some of the buildings appear to be for manufacturing ammunition. graduates who have made their mark internationally include filmmakers Rama Bur- Large dirt mounds to protect the facility are also visible in the images,” the report said. shtein, Tamar Kay, Yaelle Kayam, Mihal Brezis and Oded Binnun. Further, the Sam Spiegel International Film Lab helped develop the script for the Hungarian film “Son 5778 of Saul,” which won an Oscar in 2016 in the Best Foreign Language Film category. Deadline: September 13 (Issue Date: Sept. 21) After deadly Barcelona terror attack, Israeli leaders offer Once again this year, The Reporter is inviting its readers and local organizations to extend New Year’s greetings to the community by purchasing a New Year’s greeting ad, which condolences, express solidarity will appear in our September 21 issue. Israeli leaders offered condolences and expressed solidarity with the Spanish peo- You may choose from the designs, messages and sizes shown here - more are available. You may also choose ple following a deadly terror attack in Barcelona on Aug. 17 that killed at least 13 your own message, as long as it fits into the space of the greeting you select. (Custom designs available upon and injured more than 80. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, in request.) The price of the small greeting is $18 (styles E and F), the medium one is $36 (style A and D) and the largest one (not shown) is $72. which at least two men drove a van into a crowd of pedestrians in a popular tourist To ensure that your greeting is published or for more information on additional styles, sizes & designs, please contact area in Barcelona. According to Spain’s El Pais newspaper, a Spanish passport was Bonnie Rozen at 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 or [email protected]. Checks can be found inside the van used in the attack. Spain’s Civil Guard said the van had been made payable to The Reporter and sent to: The Reporter, 500 Clubhouse Rd., Vestal, NY 13850. rented by a man named Driss Oukaibir. The attack occurred in the vicinity of the Maccabi kosher restaurant in Barcelona, which is located across from the city’s old Style A - $36 • Actual Size: 3.22” x 1.975” Jewish quarter. Barcelona’s chief rabbi, Meir Bar-Hen, told Israel’s Channel 2 that the L h Tov terror attack did not target Jews, but he said he still planned to cancel all community ’ Shana ah Let the activities. “Israel strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Barcelona,” Israeli Prime New Year Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. “On behalf of the citizens of Israel, be the start I send condolences to the families of those who were killed and wishes for a quick of only the recovery to the injured. This evening we again saw that terror strikes everywhere; the Your Name(s) sweetest civilized world must fight it together in order to defeat it.” Israel’s Education Minister things! and Jewish Home party leader Naftali Bennett, who also holds the diaspora affairs Your Name(s) ministerial portfolio, said he spoke to the head of the Spanish Jewish community and offered his “condolences and prayers” for the wounded, while also condemning Style D - $36 Islamic terrorism. “At times like this it is important to understand Islamic terror is Deadline: September 14 (Issue date: Sept. 22) Actual Size: 3.22” x 1.975” attacking the values of freedom and democracy, in Barcelona, London, Paris and Name______May this New Year Jerusalem,” Bennett said. Israel’s Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon said the be a time of Jewish state “stands by the side of the people of Spain as we pledge to fight all those Address______peace & joy for you who seek to harm the free world.” “We are yet again witness to another terrorist attack and all those you love. City______Your in Europe perpetrated against innocent civilians,” said Dr. Moshe Kantor, president Name(s) of the European Jewish Congress. “We stand with the Spanish people and urge the State______Zip______Phone______authorities to bring to justice those who perpetrated this savage attack, including those Greeting Style______who inspired it and those whose incitement encouraged it.” Message______Israeli High Court freezes settlement outpost law ______The Israeli High Court has issued a temporary freeze on the settlement law that How you would like it signed______Style E - $18 allowed for certain Jewish outposts built on Palestinian-owned land to be retroac- Actual Size: tively legalized. Known as the Regulation Law, the legislation allows for the Israeli ______1.5278” x 1.975” government to expropriate private Palestinian-owned land where previously illegal ______settlement outposts have been built in good faith or with government support. The law We accept r Visa r Mastercard r American Express r Discover was initiated in response to the controversy surrounding the dismantling of the Amona outpost earlier this year. The constitutionality of the law was quickly challenged by Have a sweet, left-wing NGOs. The High Court’s order freezes any attempts to retroactively legal- Print Name on Card______happy & healthy New Year! ize settlement outposts for a two-month period, during which time the government Card Number______has a chance to challenge the decision. Israeli lawmakers behind the Regulation Expiration Date______Law called the High Court’s decision another example of the court overstepping its Address, City, State, Zip (Registered billing address of card) ______Your Name(s) authority. “Once again, we see how the High Court of Justice tramples on the sepa- ______ration of powers,” Member of Knesset Shuli Mualem-Refaeli (Jewish Home) said in Checks can be made payable to The Reporter, Style F - $18 a statement, adding, “The fight against Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria, and Actual Size: 500 Clubhouse Rd., Vestal, NY 13850. against Israel’s existence, is being fought through terror and incitement, but through 1.5278” x 1.975” the abuse of Israel’s justice system as well.” ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 20 THE REPORTER ■ AUGUST 24, 2017

2018 Is(Frebruaraely 4 to Februar Miy 15) ssion Northeast Pennsylvania is going to Israel next February!

Here’s some of what we’ll see:

Day 1 - Sunday, February 4 ...... We depart and begin our journey that will take us 11,000 miles and back in time thousands of years to our ancient homeland.

Day 2 - Monday, February 5...... We arrive in Israel and travel by bus to our hotel in Tel Aviv where we’ll have dinner and take a walk along the Tel Aviv beachfront. Day 3 - Tuesday, February 6...... We leave Tel Aviv and head north, up the coast of the Mediterranean to ancient Caesaria – an ancient seaport built by King Herod which became the largest port city in the region. After our tour, we’ll head to Haifa, head east, and nally arrive in Tiberias where we’ll check into our hotel and have dinner that evening.

Day 4 - Wednesday, February 7...... We’ll travel into the mountains to the ancient city of Safed. This is the city where the Kabbala had its beginnings and is home to an outstanding artists’ colony. From there, we’ll journey to the Golan Heights and visit the cities of Katzrin and Har Ben Tal on the eastern side of the Golan Heights which will provide us with an opportunity to look directly into Syria. We’ll then visit the western side of the Golan Heights where we’ll have the view the Syrians had prior to the 1967 Six-Day War from where they red rockets daily into the Israeli towns below.

Day 5 - Thursday, February 8 ...... We’ll leave Tiberias and head to Jerusalem, but rst, we’ll stop at Beit Shean - the largest excavation in the country. From there, we’ll travel to a kibbutz in the Jordan valley - Sde Eliyahu. This Kibbutz has some unusual characteristics. First, it is one of the few religious kibbutzim. Second, this kibbutz pioneered organic farming in Israel, and we’ll hear of their achievements that have changed the entire agricultural world. Day 6 - Friday, February 9 ...... We’ll travel to Yad Vashem - the very moving National Holocaust Museum that was opened in 2008. We’ll then go to the Children’s Memorial and the Avenue of the Righteous Gentiles. We’ll end our day at Jerusalem’s open-air market on Ben Yehuda Street, and mix with the locals as they prepare for Shabbat. Shabbat Dinner will be in the Hotel. Day 7 - Saturday, February 10 ...... We’ll spend Shabbat in Jerusalem with the opportunity to go to the Great Synagogue. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Day 8 - Sunday, February 11...... We’ll travel from our hotel to the Western Wall in Jerusalem. First, we’ll get an overview of the city and then a brief history lesson as we sit outside the Jaa Gate - the main entrance into the Old City. Then, we’ll walk through the Jewish Quarter to view the Byzantine Cardo, pray at the Western Wall, and descend deep into an underground tunnel that runs parallel to the Wall to see the massive foundation stones of the original Temple Mount built King Solomon. Finally, we’ll sit on the original Southern Steps of the Temple Mount for a brief presentation by our guide Lee Glassman. In short, it will be an amazing day in Jerusalem. Day 9 - Monday, February 12 ...... We’ll start our day with an opportunity for each of us to leave a bit of ourselves in Israel by planting a tree in honor or in memory of a loved one. Then, after lunch, we will head o to an active archeological dig and join in the excavation. In the past, members of our Israel Missions have uncovered ancient pottery, coins, an amulet, and even a magni cent oil lamp – each of which had been hidden deep within the sand for centuries! This will be one of the most memorable days of our Mission. Day 10 - Tuesday, February 13 ...... We’ll leave Jerusalem and enter the Judean Desert on our way to the Dead Sea and what is arguably Israel’s most inspiring historic site - the ancient mountain fortress of Masada where our ancestors made their last stand against the Romans in 70 CE. Masada was also the winter palace of King Herod and one can still see the incredible opulence of what he built on that mountain-top in the desert. This will also be your chance to swim in the Dead Sea (the lowest point on earth and the saltiest body of water in the world) where you will oat like a cork. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

Day 11 - Wednesday, February 14 ...... We head back to Tel Aviv. First, we’ll visit the Machal Monument dedicated to those seless Americans and others who came to Palestine after WWII to help ght for the re-birth of the Jewish State in 1948. We’ll then visit a secret underground factory that existed under the nose of the British police for over two years - an amazing story! And nally, we’ll head o to Independence Hall where the State of Israel was declared by David Ben Gurion on May 14th, 1948. We’ll sit in the very room where the invited guests sat that day, and hear what they heard as Ben Gurion called into being the rst Jewish state in nearly 2,000 years. We’ll then go to dinner at a restaurant in Tel Aviv and head to the airport for our return home. Day 12 - Thursday, February 15 ...... We arrive back in the U.S. lled with the most wonderful memories of this trip of a lifetime!!!

Join us on our 2018 Israel Mission • February 4-15

The land cost is $3,350, and land and air is $4,475.

Please call Mark Silverberg at the Federation o ce for information - 570-961-2300, ext. 1