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VOLUME XI, NUMBER 21 NOVEMBER 1, 2018 American Jewish community reacts after Pittsburgh synagogue mass shooting BY JACKSON RICHMAN been among the most safe and secure in “No words are adequate,” said David dreadful crime of hate. During these (JNS) – The Pittsburgh Jewish commu- the nation, was rocked by horrible trag- Harris, executive director of the American terrible times, we stand even stronger nity is in mourning after a gunman killed edy. My heart is broken, and I offer my Jewish Committee. “A demented, bigoted against antisemitism, white supremacy 11 people and injured six others, including condolences to the friends and family of mind that would destroy lives in a house and intimidation.” four responding law-enforcement officers, those killed. of worship should leave us all speechless, “This horrific attack is yet another during a brit milah (“baby naming”) at The “I hope and pray for healing for ev- united and angry as hell.” example of the danger of antisemitism. Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha Synagogue in eryone affected and for all of us who are “Our hearts go out to our brothers and This baseless hatred is the mother of the Squirrel Hill, a historic Jewish neighbor- sickened by these recent events,” contin- sisters at Tree of Life, and throughout violence we saw today and have witnessed hood in the area, as the synagogue was ued Finkelstein. “We are truly all family the Squirrel Hill community,” said Ari throughout Jewish history,” said David observing its weekly Shabbat services in the Pittsburgh Jewish community, so Berman, president of Yeshiva University. Brog, executive director of the Maccabee on October 27. these deaths have affected me and all of “That this cowardly antisemitic assault Task Force, a pro-Israel campus group. According to Pittsburgh’s CBS affiliate us as would a death in the family. was perpetrated during a brit milah, a “We must have zero tolerance for KDKA, the suspect is 46-year-old Robert “Many synagogues share the sacred celebration of new life, only highlights antisemitic speech and antisemitic acts, Bowers, who was apprehended at the space where this tragedy occurred, in- the twisted nature of the evil that has whether they target individual Jews or scene of the shooting. Police sources told cluding the combined Tree of Life*Or threatened the Jewish people over the the Jewish state,” he continued. “We the news outlet that when Bowers walked L’Simcha Congregation, a Conserva- ages and against which all people of good must respond to every antisemitic out- into the synagogue, he allegedly yelled, tive congregation, and Dor Hadash, a conscience must fight. burst in our communities and on our “All Jews must die.” Reconstructionist congregation,” added “May God grant our people both the campuses as if lives are at stake. They “It’s a time of mourning,” Adam Hertz- Finkelstein. “An attack of any kind, and strength to help each other during this time clearly are.” man, director of marketing at the Jewish especially an attack on a place of worship, of mourning and the fortitude to rebuild “We are devastated. Jews targeted on Federation of Pittsburgh, told Fox News is despicable. Violence has no place in our together. And may decent people the world Shabbat morning at synagogue, a holy the night of October 27. society or in our community.” over join together with us in eradicating place of worship, is unconscionable,” A Jewish resident, who requested an- Stosh Cotler, CEO of Bend the Arc: this most ancient of all hatreds.” tweeted Anti-Defamation League CEO onymity for privacy reasons, told JNS: Jewish Action, a progressive Jewish In addition to giving condolences, Jonathan Greenblatt. “Our hearts break “I was about a mile from the synagogue, group, said, “We are overcome with grief Jack Rosen, president of the American for the victims, their families, and the so all I can say is that I’ve never heard and heartbreak at the unconscionable act Jewish Congress, remarked that the entire Jewish community.” ambulance sirens like that in all my life, of terror during morning prayers at the shooting is a reminder of the hatred that “It is simply unconscionable for Jews nonstop for probably an hour but what Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh persists against Jews. “The American to be targeted during worship on a Sabbath felt like more. The community here is today. We are sending our condolences, Jewish Congress strongly condemns morning, and unthinkable that it would devastated, and has historically been an our love, our strength and our support the acts of terrorism and hate against happen in the United States of America extremely peaceful and warm place.” to the victims, their families, the entire our community,” said Rosen. “Attack- in this day and age,” said Greenblatt in Jeff Finkelstein, CEO of the Jewish Pittsburgh Jewish community, and all who ing innocent civilians in their place of a statement. “Unfortunately, this violent Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, said: are in tears. May the memories of those worship, when they are congregating to attack – the deadliest antisemitic attack in “Today our city, which has ordinarily murdered be a blessing.” practice their faith, is a cowardly and See “Pittsburgh” on page 9 SPOTLIGHT Community Relations Committee report BY DAVID FALLK in the country including Penn- Special Envoy to Monitor pogroms in Russia, through the Dreyfus Act calling for Holocaust education sylvania where it’s mandatory and Combat Anti-Sem- affair to Nazism in the 1930s and up until in schools nationwide proposed in for schools to include the itism Act of 2018 (H.R. its modern-day iterations. This has been U.S. House Holocaust in the curriculum. 1911) passes House joined, however, by two other streams of Never Again Education Act would This legislation is critically On September 13, the U.S. hate – one emanating from the world of be funded by donations, not tax- important because, unfortu- House of Representatives militant Islam, and one which is sometimes payer dollars nately, Holocaust denial is overwhelmingly passed a fomented by countries such as Iran. Strains The proposed Never Again Education still out there and there’s still bipartisan bill by a vote of of this new antisemitism can be heard in Act legislation heading to the U.S. House genocide happening around 393-2 that would elevate the the demands of the BDS movement, which of Representatives aims to make the Ho- the world. That’s why Hadas- State Department official always singles out Israel, and never other locaust part of education in schools across sah and a group of bi-partisan who deals with the issue of countries whose record on human rights legislators came up with the David Fallk, CRC is far, far worse. Even a few individuals the country. If passed in the U.S. House chairman antisemitism from envoy to of Representatives, it would grant money Never Again Education Act ambassador. The Special En- running in our forthcoming election for raised through donations to American which is meant to pull in donations, not voy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Sem- Congress from both parties have expressed schools as part of the Holocaust Education tax dollars, to fund Holocaust education itism Act upgrades the status of the anti-Israel sentiments. By passing this act, Assistance Program. in every state. special envoy to combat antisemitism See “Report” on page 4 A draft of the Never Again Education The Act could fund transportation to to an ambassadorship requiring Senate Act calls Holocaust education “a nation- Holocaust museums or books about the confirmation. Were the bill to become al imperative to educate students in the Holocaust. It will also give the opportu- law as is expected, the president would Federation United States so that they may explore nity for survivors still with us to go into be required to fill the position within the lessons that the Holocaust provides for classrooms and meet with students. 90 days. The special envoy position is all people, sensitize communities to the It’s been more than 70 years since currently vacant. The bill would codify on Facebook the end of World War II, and there are circumstances that gave rise to the Holo- the position’s responsibilities to coordi- The Jewish Federation of Northeast- very few survivors left. The Never caust and help youth be less susceptible nate the federal government’s efforts to ern Pennsylvania now has a page on Again Education Act was introduced to the falsehood of Holocaust denial and combat antisemitism overseas. Facebook to let community members in the U.S. House of Representatives distortion and to the destructive messages The reason for the passage of this act know about upcoming events and keep on April 10 and has been referred to of hate that arise from Holocaust denial is clear. There is, first, a persistent- an connected. and distortion.” the House Committee on Education tisemitism that has historically manifested and the Workforce. itself throughout European history, from Currently, there are only eight states Candle lighting INSIDE THIS ISSUE November 2...... 5:38 pm On the gridiron Waldheim film News from Israel November 9...... 4:31 pm November 16...... 4:24 pm A look at Cleveland Browns kicker A film on Austrian President Kurt IDF search and rescue help Greg Joseph’s journey from Jewish Waldheim draws parallels to the in Jordan floods; Palestinian PLUS day school to the NFL. modern rise of the right. violence increases; and more. Opinion...... 2 Story on page 11 Story on page 12 Stories on page 15 D’var Torah...... 8 2 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 1, 2018 A MATTER OF OPINION I tested positive for the cancer-causing BRCA mutation, now what? BY LAURA OSMAN carrying the BRCA mutation begin thousands of women like me, helping us ness about how BRCA, and other genetic (JTA) – Curiosity about my ancestry advanced screenings starting at age 25, to cope, and stay strong and resilient while mutations such as CHEK2 and PALB2, spurred me to order an at-home genetic and here I was at 37 never having had a making very tough decisions about our can be passed down from both parents. testing kit by mail earlier this year. Maybe mammogram or ovarian cancer screening. bodies, our health and our future. Stopping cancer before it stops us is now my blonde hair was a result of some hidden With the BRCA1 mutation, I faced an up Without regret, I chose to preventatively often in our hands. While prophylactic Swedish genes? to 88 percent lifetime risk of developing remove both healthy breasts. On July 26, I surgery might not be the right choice for When the kit arrived, I quickly spit in breast cancer and a 45 percent lifetime underwent a nipple-sparing bilateral mas- every woman, knowing our risk and un- the tube and sent it off, not giving any risk of ovarian cancer. My body, which tectomy with immediate direct-to-implant derstanding our options will empower us thought to the genetic and ancestry testing I pushed to the limit as a track and cross reconstruction. Although the initial recovery to take control of our bodies and our lives, boxes I checked off. Although I just went country All-American in college, was a was filled with some dark moments, each and will enable us to make informed and through a rigorous prenatal genetic testing ticking time bomb. week I gained strength and was surrounded potentially life-saving decisions. process while pregnant with my third child Immediately I knew that feeling sorry by an army of support, which undoubtedly In the U.S., the average woman has a 12 less than two years earlier, I figured the for myself was not a productive option. helped me heal both physically and mentally. percent chance of developing breast cancer small price difference to do more genetic When my breast and ovarian cancer Now, 12 weeks past my surgery date, I am and a 1 to 2 percent chance of developing testing could be worthwhile. screening (CA125 and a pelvic ultrasound) back to my eight-mile runs and chasing ovarian cancer. But certain genetic mu- Several weeks later, an ordinary came back clear, I breathed a momentary around three small kids. As I set out run- tations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 can morning sipping coffee would become sigh of relief, realizing how lucky I was ning, I am so grateful to be strong, healthy increase those lifetime risks to up to 88 extraordinary. Quickly scrolling my to catch this. Then I moved quickly to a and pain-free. Each step is a reminder of percent and 45 percent respectively, accord- phone, I clicked on my available testing plan of action. how lucky I am to have caught my BRCA ing to studies published in the Journal of report from the testing kit. First came my Five weeks after receiving the initial mutation before it was too late. the American Medical Association. These ancestry: 99.9 percent Ashkenazi Jewish. e-mail from my at-home genetic testing When I look at my body today, it is not mutations are found in Ashkenazi Jews 10 As I kept scrolling, my heart stopped as company, I underwent my first surgery: a a terrible reminder of my genetic mutation, times more frequently than in the general I saw BRCA1 POSITIVE. CONSULT laparoscopic tube and ovary removal with but rather a beautiful result of finding a population. At least 50 percent of hereditary WITH DOCTOR. my incredibly knowledgeable doctor at a team of supportive surgeons who believe breast cancer is related to genes we don’t This is a mistake, I thought. No one in major Los Angeles hospital. Eleven days you do not have to sacrifice aesthetics to know how to look for yet. my family, men or women, have had breast later, my doctor laughed when I showed up prevent cancer. At-home genetic testing companies or ovarian cancer. Shaken, yet hopeful of a to my post-op checkup anxiously awaiting The final piece to my puzzle was find- may offer tests for three such mutations lab error, I called my ob/gyn and explained to be cleared for exercise in my running ing the origins of my BRCA1 mutation. most commonly found in those of Ash- the situation. That afternoon I was sitting shorts. Although I was hobbling and out As it turns out, my father carries the kenazi descent, making it much easier for in her office awaiting a medical grade test, of breath on that first run back, I was BRCA gene. Although male carriers are them to get tested. It’s important to note the gold standard in BRCA testing. also smiling knowing I had significantly at increased risk for prostate cancer, the that anyone who takes an at-home genetic Seven days later I received the call reduced my risk of ovarian cancer. mutation often goes undetected in men, test should first and foremost get tested confirming my nightmare: I indeed was Next I had to tackle the surgery that as it did in my father, who had prostate by a medical provider and also consult a BRCA1 positive. scared me the most. A double mastectomy cancer. A common misconception is that genetic counselor to discuss their results My initial shock and anger were is not only physically difficult, but emo- women cannot inherit BRCA from their and help them navigate next steps. replaced with a paralyzing fear that I tionally loaded. Instead of ignoring my fathers. Because no women in my family Now that my cancer journey is behind already had developed cancer. Women fears, I began open conversations about my had breast or ovarian cancer, the possibility me, I want to pay it forward and help. emotions, the pain and recovery, and how that I carried BRCA flew under the radar. That’s why I am sharing my story so it could potentially change my relationship All Ashkenazi Jewish women and publicly – so that other men and women with running. I reached out to Sharsheret, men carry a one-in-40 risk of carrying understand how learning their own cancer the national Jewish not-for-profit organi- a BRCA mutation as compared to one- genetic profile can save their lives, and zation that supports women and families in-500 chance in the general population. to give a “face” to those who inherit the “ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the facing or at high risk for breast and ovarian October may have been Breast Cancer BRCA mutation from their fathers. Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson cancer. Sharsheret’s Peer Support Network Awareness Month, but all year round, Laura Osman is a Sharsheret peer Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. is a confidential program that connects Jewish women and men everywhere need supporter. To schedule a free and President: Douglas Fink women one on one with others who share to ask more questions about their family confidential conversation with Sharsheret’s Executive Director: Mark Silverberg similar diagnoses, treatments, family con- genetic history on both their paternal and genetic counselor or to be connected to Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman stellations and experiences. maternal sides. It is time for us to begin a Sharsheret peer supporter, contact Layout Editor: Diana Sochor Beyond the peers, Sharsheret has a team conversations with our doctors, even when Sharsheret at clinicalstaff@sharsheret. Assistant Editor: Ilene Pinsker of skilled and sensitive social workers they may not initiate them with us. We org or 866-474-2774. Learn more about Production Coordinator: Jenn DePersis and a genetic counselor who speak to need to be educated and to raise aware- Sharsheret at www.sharsheret.org. Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown

OPINIONS The views expressed in I don’t believe in God – but this is why editorials and opinion pieces are those of each author and not necessarily the views of the Jewish Federation of I’m having an Orthodox wedding Northeastern Pennsylvania. LETTERS The Reporter welcomes BY CNAAN LIPHSHIZ And it’s all at my insistence. couraged by the rabbis.) letters on subjects of interest to the AMSTERDAM (JTA) – My wife and I To be honest, it makes no sense to be Our kids can obtain Israeli passports Jewish community. All letters must be were married roughly 5,000 diapers ago, doing it now, when we already have our because I am a citizen. And because my signed and include a phone number. and she’s still waiting for me to propose. hands full with two small children. Or at wife is Jewish according to halachah The editor may withhold the name I know this because she reminds me every all. While we are both Jewish according (her mother had an Orthodox conversion upon request. anniversary. to halachah, Orthodox law, neither of us before my wife was born), our son and ADS The Reporter does not necessar- To be clear, ours was no shotgun wedding. observe its laws. We don’t even believe daughter meet the definition of who is a ily endorse any advertised products Iris and I were hitched in a civil marriage in in God, let alone what Orthodox Judaism Jew under a matrilineal standard accepted and services. In addition, the paper Holland five years ago – a wholesome two says are His rules for matrimony. by all streams. is not responsible for the kashruth of years before our first child arrived. But after some soul-searching over But amid radicalization in Orthodox any advertiser’s product or establish- Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, I circles in Israel and beyond, there seems ment. But issues persist with my marriage DEADLINE Regular deadline is two proposal in 2013. Iris claims that I mum- realized that my desire for a Jewish wed- to be little guarantee that this will be the weeks prior to the publication date. bled, over scrambled eggs, “So, like, do ding is rooted in a growing uncertainty – case 20 years from now. Our ketubah may you want to get married or something?” that of belonging to a persecuted people therefore shield our children from scrutiny FEDERATION WEBSITE: But I think we had pancakes that day. whose own identity and place in Europe, and complications. www.jewishnepa.org What she’s owed, I guess, is one of and Israel, are being redefined rapidly. In 2016, for example, an Orthodox those orchestrated productions involving Essentially, I want to have an Ortho- rabbinical court in the Israeli city of HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: playful deceit, an airplane banner and a dox wedding and a ketubah – a Jewish Petach Tikvah retroactively declared a Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA seaside kneel to the sounds of saxophone religious marriage contract – to guarantee woman non-Jewish. She had undergone an 18510 played by a hired musician who pops out our children’s eligibility for becoming Orthodox conversion overseen by Rabbi E-mail: [email protected] card-carrying members of any stream of Haskel Lookstein – one of the most highly Fax: (570) 346-6147 of nowhere at exactly the right time along Judaism, and for remaining Israeli citizens. regarded Orthodox rabbis in North Amer- Phone: (570) 961-2300 with two cameramen and a boom operator. But for a fuss-averse pragmatist like As things stand today, they already ica. Nevertheless, the Chief Rabbinate has HOW TO REACH me, such affairs feel far too unnatural. qualify as both even though their parents begun to treat all conversions performed in THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: Which is why it may seem a bit strange don’t have a ketubah, which in Judaism is America as suspect, as JTA has reported. Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 that I am arranging (if you can call it that: optional anyway. (In halachah, a man and Amid this war among Orthodox rab- E-mail: [email protected] we have less than a week to go and no ring) woman technically need neither ketubah bis, can anyone guarantee that hardliners a second wedding ceremony. This time nor wedding ceremony to be husband and won’t move to disqualify as Jews those SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: it’s with a rabbi, chuppah, ketubah – the wife – cohabitation is enough to seal a who were born to converts? Or, for that Phone: (570) 961-2300 whole shebang. marriage, although the practice was dis- See “Wedding” on page 8 NOVEMBER 1, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 3 COMMUNITY NEWS Temple Israel of the Poconos Book Klub Korner Nightingales, swans and bears, doves, diamonds, The opening session will present “The Golems of organizer. “Sometimes new friendships can be forged golems and violins will be the common threads of dis- Gothem” by Thane Rosenbaum, “The Nightingale” by through lively discussions. Personally, I have found cussions at the first Book Klub Korner meeting at Temple Kristin Hannah, “The Dovekeepers” by Alice Hoffman that owning a used book is where personal notations, Israel of the Poconos, 711 Wallace St., Stroudsburg. The and “The Books of Rachel” by Joel Ross as the novels questions and comments can be noted by yourself… if Book Klub Korner is open to the entire community; no selected for reading and conversation. “These editions you are so inclined to write in books like I am.” one needs to be a member of Temple Israel of the Poconos of masterful writings can be purchased from any used Refreshments will be provided. Contact TIPOC at 570- to attend. The gathering will be on Sunday, November or new book store and/or website for your reading plea- 421-8781 or [email protected] to register. For any further 18, from 2-4 pm. sure and critiques amongst our group, said the event’s information, call Marcie Rabinowitz at 570-629-2994. Rabbi Dovid Harris visited Scranton Hebrew Day School Rabbi Dovid Harris, the rosh yeshiva then, he became a well-known of the Rabbinical Seminary of America in and respected Torah scholar,” Queens, NY, recently visited his elementary said organizers of the event. school alma mater, the Scranton Hebrew Today, Harris leads the Rab- Day School. He spoke to the older boys as binical Seminary of America, they began their classes after the long Suk- considered an internationally kot break. He spoke about the importance renowned institution, which is of Torah study and tied in stories from the the headquarters of one of the days when he was in the SHDS 60 years ago. largest networks of yeshivas Harris, the son of Sam and Mildred Rabbi Dovid Harris worldwide. He is also on the Harris, longtime residents of Scranton, rabbinical advisory board for graduated from the day school in 1959, then continued Torah Umesorah – the National Society of his studies at the Rabbinical Seminary of America. “Since See “School” on page 6 Rabbi Dovid Harris spoke to the older boys’ classes. Current activities at Bais Yaakov of Scranton The Bais Yaakov rotation of feeding at the Jewish Torah teaches us of honoring and respecting the elderly,” senses become dulled with age. Home of Eastern Pennsylvania is fully underway. Girls said school staff. Cheshvan was marked by a trip to Roba’s Tree Farm. go daily to whatever floors they are needed on to assist An in-service was held in the Jewish Home with Students went to the farm to enjoy the fall weather and with feeding and keeping the residents company. These instructor Carolyn Levy, RN, who went over details celebrate the beginning of a new year and a new month. acts of chesed (kindness) are considered an integral part as to how volunteers must feed. They also performed Bais Yaakov students will also be participating in the of Bais Yaakov’s education. “Students are taught to ap- an activity where the girls fed one another while Mishmeres program, a division of the Chofetz Chaim preciate the elderly and learn from their life experience. wearing gloves with cotton balls on their fingertips Heritage Foundation. The program seeks to sensitize This is one of many manifestations of the importance the to create an awareness and sensitivity of how one’s students to proper speech and enhance their relationships with peers and teachers. The Mishmeres heads this year Rabbi to discuss homosexuality and Judaism are Shira Laury and Sora Hernandez. The Weinberg Judaic Studies Rapoport attended the Yeshivot of Manchester, Institute at the University of Gateshead, Torat Emet in Jerusalem and the central Scranton will present a lecture by Lubavitch Yeshiva in New York. After receiving his DEADLINES Rabbi Chaim Rapoport of London rabbinic diploma, he joined the Kollel community in The following are deadlines for all articles and on “Homosexuality: A New, Yet Melbourne, Australia, where he pursued post-grad- photos for upcoming Reporter issues. Traditional, Perspective.” It will uate studies and officiated and lectured. In 1989, DEADLINE ISSUE take place on Tuesday, November Rapoport returned to England, where he held several Thursday, November 1...... November 15 6, at 7:30 pm, in Loyola Science posts, including head of the Leeds Kollel, minister in Center 133, the PNC Auditorium. Birmingham and head of the Birmingham Rabbinic Thursday, November 15...... November 29 The lecture will be followed by Board. Rapoport was appointed as a member of the Thursday, November 29...... December 13 Rabbi Chaim comments by Dr. Charles Pinches chief rabbi’s cabinet and advisor to the chief rabbi on Thursday, December 27...... January 10 Rapoport presenting a Christian perspective. matters of Jewish medical ethics in 1998.

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Enclosed please find payment of $ ______for (# of reservations) ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 1, 2018 THE PENNSYLVANIA JEWISH COALITION Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition report BY JOE FISCH than their own. Their efforts were Domestic abuser firearm restrictions groups in a coalition to help the push for PJC mission statement: The successful and anti-religious sitting on Governor Wolf’s desk for final approval. Governor Wolf is expected Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition freedom legislation was passed his signature to sign this bill into law. (or PJC), working individually in every state in the nation. In mid-October, Pennsylvania lawmak- Work requirement mandates and collectively with others, Since the demise of the KKK, ers passed the first anti-violence legislation moving to the Governor’s desk represents Pennsylvania’s every state has since rescinded in more than a decade that deals directly On the last day of session, the Penn- Jewish communities before this act, except for Pennsylva- with firearms. By a bi-partisan vote of sylvania Senate has passed two bills that state government and with other nia. Nebraska was the second 131-62 in the Pennsylvania House of are very concerning to the PJC. Pennsylvanians. Jewish values to last state (Oregon before Representatives and 43-5 in the Senate, ‹‹ HB 1659 imposes work, community or guide the PJC’s focus on issues of Joe Fisch them) to rescind this language House Bill 2060 introduced by Repre- educational requirements in order to re- importance to these communities, including in 2017. The PJC has been stating that it sentative Marguerite Quinn (R-Bucks) ceive nutritional assistance through SNAP. public social policies and funding and is time for Pennsylvania to remove this requires convicted domestic abusers to ‹‹ HB 2138 imposes work, community regulation of the delivery of human service. archaic and intolerant language, as well. give up their guns within 24 hours of a or educational requirements in order to Only in Pennsylvania are public Last July, Representative Will Tallman final protection from abuse order and limits receive Medicaid and Medicare assistance. school teachers not allowed to introduced legislation (House Bill 2574) who can hold onto them for safe keeping. The PJC has expressed many concerns wear religious garb in school to join the other states in our nation and Governor Wolf signed HB 2060 into law regarding a mandated work requirement for Currently, section 1112 of the Public remove this prohibitive language to which is now Act 79 of 2018. human services benefits. Some of the con- School Code of 1949 prohibits a teacher enable teachers to wear any religious Legislation protecting human traf- cerns include that both of these bills will: from wearing any religious garb, mark, garb they choose when teaching at a ficking victims moves to ‹‹ hurt those people who deservingly need emblem or insignia while in school. Ac- public school. With the support of the Governor’s desk for signature public assistance cording to this law, a teacher who violates Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition, HB Senate bill 554 – which removes crim- ‹‹ be costlier than expected to monitor this ban must be suspended from teaching 2574 passed the Pennsylvania House of inal penalties for child victims of human the enforcement of the work requirement for a term of one year, or permanently Representative’s Education Committee trafficking – has passed the Pennsylvania ‹‹ hinder families to obtain public assis- disqualified from teaching after multiple unanimously. However, with only a few House of Representatives and was con- tance in their time of need. offenses. In addition, a public school session days left in the 2017-2018 Legis- curred by the Senate on the last day of the Only HB 2138 passed through both the director can be held criminally liable for lative Session, there was not enough time 2017-2018 Legislative Session. In the past, Pennsylvania House of Representatives failing to enforce this prohibition. to pass this legislation through both the victims (children) of human trafficking and Senate, however Governor Wolf ve- The original inclusion of this type of State House and Senate. have been sentenced to prison for their toed the bill on October 19 – his second language arose from a national effort in The PJC is preparing to take this com- actions – this is an effort to help the victims veto of 2018. the 1940s by the Ku Klux Klan members, mittee victory and move this legislation and not treat them as criminals. The PJC Joe Fisch is chairman of the who feared the promotion of religions other through to fruition in the next session. has been working with other faith-based Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition.

Report Continued from page 1 Congress spoke with a loud clear bipartisan criminal penalty (a fine, a prison term of responsible for the use of human shields of its narcotics trafficking and significant voice on the importance of this position and up to five years or both) for a violation as well as agencies of foreign states that transnational criminal activities. the message it sends to the world. that results in damage or destruction to support these groups. The bill prescribes reporting require- The legislation must still pass the religious property or cemeteries in excess The bill had 50 bipartisan Senate ments or reporting modifications with Senate Foreign Relations Committee and of $5,000. It also broadens the definition co-sponsors, and reflects the Senate’s respect to: (1) foreign persons that know- the full Senate. of “religious real property” to include real broad consensus to punish all who engage ingly assist or provide significant financial, Protecting Religiously Affiliated property owned or leased by a non-profit, in this inhumane and barbaric practice. material or technological support for Institutions Act religiously affiliated organization. It is hoped that the bill will pass through foreign persons assisting Hezbollah; (2) On October 3, President Donald Trump Senate passes bill to stop the use of the House of Representatives, President financial institutions that are owned or signed the Protecting Religiously Affiliat- human shields Trump’s signature and become the law organized under the laws of state sponsors ed Institutions Act. The new law (which On October 11, the U.S. Senate unan- of the land. of terrorism; (3) Hezbollah’s racketeering has strong bipartisan backing) amends imously passed a bipartisan bill that Senate targets Hezbollah’s illicit activities; (4) combating illicit tobacco the federal criminal code to modify pro- would enact sanctions on U.S.-designated finance channels trafficking networks used by Hezbollah hibitions with respect to intentionally de- terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, The U.S. Senate passed a second mea- and other foreign terrorist organizations to facing, damaging or destroying religious ISIS and al-Qaida, who use civilians as sure in early October targeting Hezbollah’s finance their operations; (5) the estimated real property. Specifically, it broadens the human shields in war. The Sanctioning the funders and supporters. S. 1595 amends net worth of senior Hezbollah officials and scope of prohibited conduct to also crimi- Use of Civilians as Defenseless Shields the Hezbollah International Financing how their funds were acquired and used nalize threats to deface, damage or destroy Act (H.R. 3342) mandates sanctions Prevention Act of 2015 to impose speci- and (6) revenue from Hezbollah’s global religious real property and establishes a against members of Hamas and Hezbollah fied sanctions on: (1) foreign persons that logistics networks and legal measures knowingly assist in or provide support for available to target such networks. fund raising or recruitment activities for The bill passed the House last Sep- Hezbollah; (2) agencies of foreign govern- tember and now awaits the president’s ments that provide Hezbollah with finan- signature. Scranton Hebrew Day School cial support, or arms or other assistance David Fallk is chairman of the 540 Monroe Ave., Scranton and (3) Hezbollah’s networks by reason Community Relations Committee. Tehillim Club As a community service, a group of students at the Scranton Hebrew Day School’s “Tehillim Club” will recite Tehillim prayers (Psalms) on behalf of a loved one who is in need of health, comfort or salvation. Please submit when available, the Hebrew name of the one in need and their mother’s Hebrew name to the SHDS ofLice (570) 346-1576. Rabbi Dovid Rosenberg, Director of Development

Jewish Federation of NEPA

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2019 Pocono UJA Campaign Opening Program hailed “a success” by all Close to fifty people from Scranton and throughout the Poconos enjoyed a delicious dinner and a truly informative lecture at Temple Israel of the Poconos in Stroudsburg on Sunday evening October 14, 2018. Colfax Avenue Enterprises prepared a beautiful buffet including fruit and vegetable appetizers, as well as a sumptuous dinner and a wide variety of desserts. Cold and hot beverages were available to all. The program formally opened the Federation’s 2019 UJA Campaign for its Pocono affiliates. Bernie Driller, representing Temple Israel of the Poconos, welcomed everyone. Doug Fink, President of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, explained to the guests the importance of Federation’s work and Esther Adelman, Administrative Vice-President of the Federation then introduced the guest speaker for the evening - Jonathan Tobin. Tobin is the award-winning editor-in-chief of the Jewish News Service (JNS.org) and a Contributing Writer for National Review which is considered to be the nation’s pre-eminent conservative magazine of opinion and ideas. In addition, he is a regular columnist for the New York Post, the Federalist, Haaretz, the New York Jewish Week, MiDA and the Gatestone Institute and his specialty includes the American political scene, U.S. foreign policy as it relates to the U.S. -Israel relationship, Middle East diplomacy and the Jewish world. He was also senior on-line editor for Commentary Magazine, a past editor-in-chief of the Jewish Exponent in Philadelphia, former editor of the Connecticut Jewish Ledger, and he has won many awards for his writings. All who attended that evening found his lecture informative and “right on the money” as was reflected in the many comments and questions from the audience that followed his talk. David Fallk, Co-Chairman with his wife Rhonda, of the Federation’s 2019 UJA Campaign closed the evening by movingly reminding the guests of the specific ways in which our UJA dollars raised in events like this and through our annual UJA Campaign solicitations help Jews in Israel and throughout the world as well as our many local and regional Jewish educational, religious, recreational, social and family service agencies in Scranton and the Poconos. 6 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 1, 2018 SodaStream cleans up floating trash collection off the coast of Honduras BY JNS STAFF plastic pollution, and joined with an or- (JNS) – Israeli startup superstar ganization called Trees for the Future to and home-based soda-device-maker plant thousands of trees in Brazil. SodaStream announced on October 22 SodaStream was singled out for a tar- that it has sent a delegation to the coast geted campaign by the Boycott Divest and of Honduras to clean up a massive col- Sanction movement, which attacked the lection of floating trash off of Roatán. company for creating the soda machines CEO Daniel Birnbaum said the “Holy and accessories in Mishor Adumim, a Turtle” – a 1,000-foot-long device towed Jewish community located in Judea, by ship and purchased from an American an area they say belongs exclusively to company – has already been dispatched off Palestinians. BDS urged consumers not the Roatán coast along with 150 SodaStream to buy SodaStream products, despite executives from 45 countries. Cleanup pro- the fact that of their 1,300 employees, cedures will be witnessed by local Honduran only 350 were Israeli Jews; another 450 officials, schoolchildren and officials from were Israeli Arabs and 500 Palestinian the Plastic Soup Foundation, which works Authority Arabs. In 2016, the pressure to clean plastics out of the world’s oceans. against SodaStream and its spokeswoman, “We can’t clean up all the plastic SodaStream’s “Holy Turtle” in action off the coast of Honduras. (Photo source: actress Scarlett Johansson, resulted in the waste on the planet, but we each need to Screenshot closing of the plant and all the Palestinian do whatever we can,” Birnbaum said in Authority workers losing their jobs. So- a statement. ras. Junk cleaned from the water will be straws, bags and bottles.” daStream subsequently moved its facility According to SodaStream, the project turned into an art installation dedicated In the past, SodaStream has partnered to the Bedouin town of Rahat in the Negev was inspired by a 2017 BBC documentary to “reducing consumption of single use with the Israel Union for Environmental Desert, where it hired hundreds of new about the trash off of the coast of Hondu- plastic in all forms, including plastic cups, Defense to raise awareness and combat employees, including local Bedouins. Medieval bath may be earliest Jewish vestige in Brazil BY MARCUS M. GILBAN here in the historic center area, in Bahia Society of Bahia, told the news portal. To fuel the findings, the historians RIO DE JANEIRO (JTA) – Historians state, in the Brazilian northeastern re- Researchers from universities in Bahia unveiled a lawsuit filed at that time by are investigating whether a 17th-century gion,” Bruno Guinard told G1, referring and Sao Paulo began to study the place the Catholic Church against a Portuguese bath found in Brazil’s first capital city to the Jews who were forced or chose a few years ago. A tank to collect water, citizen who lived near the building. is the country’s oldest evidence of a to convert to Christianity in the 15th located above the bathtub, reinforces According to the lawsuit, the European Jewish presence. century to save their lives but kept their the chances of it being a mikvah, which person taught a woman Jewish religious The bath was discovered 10 years ago Jewishness in secrecy. needs fresh running water, according to practices, including the use of a ritual bath inside an old hotel located in Pelourin- The hotel is located next to the Sao the Jewish tradition. in an actual mikvah, which may or may ho, the historic center area of Salvador, Francisco Church, one of the country’s “Every dimension, volume, depth, not be the one in the hotel. the capital of the northeastern Brazilian oldest religious temples. Brazil was a waterfall, everything indicates that it is a If the bath is confirmed to be amikvah , state of Bahia. According to the facility’s Portuguese colony until 1822. During this mikvah,” historian Suzana Severs said. it will become the oldest vestige of the manager, an Orthodox Jew first raised the whole period, Judaism was forbidden by “But to be a mikvah, it would have to have Jewish presence in Latin America’s larg- hypothesis that the bathtub might actually the Catholic Church, including the practice religious and ritualistic use, and we don’t est nation, which is home today to some be a mikvah, or a ritual bath. of using a ritual bath. know that yet.” 120,000 Jews. “I didn’t know what a mikvah was, “A mikvah has the function of purification but this information indeed matches the for women and is also used for conversions,” fact that there were many new Christians Miguel Kertzman, president of the Israelite School Continued from page 3 Hebrew Day Schools, which is the largest Hebrew Day School alumni, have made a national Orthodox day school network in great impact on both Jewish and American North America, serving more than 700 society. They are our pride and joy.” Hebrew day schools, and of which the “How proud the day school is to For information, contact Bonnie Rozen Scranton Hebrew Day School is a member. have been visited by one of our most at 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 or Rabbi Dovid Rosenberg, the director accomplished alumni, who graciously [email protected] of development at SHDS, said, “Rabbi remembers his roots,” said organizers Harris, together with many of the Scranton of the event. NOVEMBER 1, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 7

Why Federation? My family arrived here from Soviet Russia when I was 15 - with nothing. Federation gave us clothing. A roof over our heads. Whatever we needed to make a fresh start. I knew then that I wanted to give back - so Federation could keep helping other people like they’d helped us. Give today. I can give strength to people in need.

Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania 2019 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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Payment options 2019 UJA Campaign J Please bill me at the above address. Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania 601 Je erson Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510 J Enclosed is my check payable to “UJA/Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania” Telephone: 570-961-2300 (ext. 3) J PayPal - (www.jewishnepa.org) - Ways to Give - 2019 UJA Campaign - DONATE ONLINE

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DAVID & RHONDA FALLK. CO-CHAIRS OF THE 2019 UJA CAMPAIGN THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! 8 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 1, 2018 D’VAR TORAH How do we find our “soul-mate”? BY RABBI MOSHE SAKS, TEMPLE ISRAEL OF percent. Among only non-Orthodox Jews, the rate is 71 SCRANTON percent. No longer are synagogue doors shut to interfaith Chaye Sarah, Genesis 23:1-25:18 families, nor does anyone sit shiva. The most operative In this week’s Torah portion, Abraham, now advanced term in today’s Jewish lexicon is “outreach”; finding ways in years, calls upon his loyal servant Eliezer to perform to include both Jewish and non-Jewish family members one final task for him: find an appropriate wife for Abra- in the cultural wealth of Jewish life. To the extent we ham’s son, Isaac. His command to the servant is simple: succeed, Judaism will thrive. “swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of Still, had Abraham not made the request of his ser- the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from vant to find the “appropriate” wife for his son, and had the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I dwell, not mothers and fathers through the centuries required but will go to the land of my birth and get a wife for their offspring to marry Jews, we may not be having this my son Isaac.” discussion today. Abraham, the father of monotheism and Judaism, There is any number of sociological explanations for exhibits an age-old fear of intermarriage. For Abraham, the skyrocketing increase in interfaith marriage. Suffice the future of this new religious faith in the One God rests it to say, this is a new day with new challenges just as entirely on Isaac’s willingness to carry on the tradition. daunting as those faced by our ancient ancestors. Are This, in turn, requires a wife (and subsequent family) we brave enough to meet these challenges with positive/ accepting and supportive of Isaac’s mission. The servant, creative energy? Eliezer, is tasked to find this person. He does. Her name The primary text of ancient Jewish mysticism, the is Rebekah. Zohar, suggests that one of God’s primary roles is serving In the late 20th and early 21st century, interfaith mar- as a “matchmaker” (shad’han): “Each soul and spirit, riage has had the single-most defining impact on Judaism prior to entering this world, consists of a male and female in the United States and Canada. In the early 1970s, united into one being. When it descends on this earth, when the intermarriage rate among Jews was roughly the two parts separate and animate two separate bodies. 13 percent, synagogues – Orthodox, Conservative and At the time of marriage, God, who knows all souls and Reform – boldly closed their doors to this population. spirits, unites them again as they were before, and they We, literally, sat shiva (mourned) for those who married again constitute one body and one soul.” Each of us has outside the faith. a soulmate. May we all be blessed – through much care Today, the overall Jewish intermarriage rate is 58 and concern – to make this discovery.

Wedding Continued from page 2 matter, a Dutch Jew whose parents never bothered to get Granted, these are pretty somber motives for getting married in a Jewish ceremony? hitched. But after studying our ketubah with our rabbi, I Consider the case of Yossi Fackenheim, the 39-year- feel entitled to some pessimism. “It’s basically a prenup,” old son of the late Holocaust survivor and Reform Rabbi the rabbi told me about the text written on parchment, Emil Fackenheim. In 2009, an Orthodox dayan, or rab- which states the man is responsible for the woman’s binic judge, in Jerusalem retroactively declared null and well-being and specifies what alimony he’d pay her if void the younger Fackenheim’s Orthodox conversion to he divorces her. “Nobody likes a prenup, so I don’t call Judaism in Canada at the age of 2. The stated reason: it that. And it contains some rosy talk about the joys of The convert did not lead an Orthodox observant lifestyle. marriage. But make no mistake, this document is about Fearing this radicalization, I want to make sure our son what happens if it all goes wrong.” and daughter have documentation to escape such injustice, Then there’s the fact that, as Jews, we’re told to re- for example, if and when they choose to marry Jewishly. member the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem when Deeper under the surface, though, there are other con- we wed. That’s why, traditionally, Jewish men break a cerns driving me to retie the knot. In the eight years that glass under the chuppah, or canopy. have passed since I moved to the Netherlands, dark clouds Living as a Jew in Europe, a graveyard for six million have gathered over Western Europe, making it increasingly Holocaust victims, destruction is never too far from my inhospitable to Jews. Against a backdrop of antisemitic mind. Such pessimism also extends to Israel, where de- conspiracy theories and smears, violence against Jews is spite phenomenal successes and inspiring expressions making a huge comeback in this part of the world. of unity, polarization in society has joined neighborly In Amsterdam, where we live and enrolled our children hostility as a major threat to a viable future in a home- in a heavily guarded Jewish kindergarten, a Syrian asylum land for all Jews. seeker last year vandalized a kosher restaurant while wav- Still, I think of our Jewish wedding also as acknowl- ing a Palestinian flag to protest President Donald Trump’s edgment and appreciation of the tremendous privileges moving of the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. with which I’ve been blessed and seek to preserve. In Antwerp, where I sometimes spend Rosh Hashanah The first is living with the best partner I could’ve hoped with my relatives, an Arab driver is believed to have tried for. The second is our children’s place in the world’s only to run over a Jew and his son while they were walking to Jewish country. In joy and in sorrow, in sickness and synagogue earlier this year. In 2014, an Islamist allegedly in health, and hopefully long after death does us part. murdered four people at the Brussels Jewish museum. In France, a jihadist killed a rabbi and four children at a Jewish school in 2012. Another Muslim fundamentalist murdered four Jews at a kosher store in 2015. And in 2014, gangs of rioters attacked at least nine synagogues in that country as payback for Israel’s war on Hamas. Even Britain, which many local Jews have long thought of as a safe haven, is seeing the resurgence of antisemitism, including inside the Labour Party under its populist far-left leader, Jeremy Corbyn. Jewish book blog/podcast A future here is becoming increasingly difficult to The blog/podcast “The Book of Life: a imagine for our children, to whom I speak in Hebrew and podcast of the Jewish people and the books whom I often sing to sleep by butchering Naomi Shemer’s we read” can be found at https://jewishbooks. Zionist song about Jerusalem, “Yerushalaim shel Zahav.” blogspot.com. The host is Heidi Rabinowitz, Israel must remain a fortress that’s open to them. By who is also the director of Feldman Children’s Library, Israeli law, they are entitled to citizenship as my children Congregation B’nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL, past president President: Merle Turitz Contact number: 570-421-8781 even if they weren’t Jewish. But laws can be changed – of the Association of Jewish Libraries, past chairwoman and by the same group of people who are retroactively of the Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee and a declaring people non-Jewish. reviewer for the School Library Journal.

9:30 Mon. pm NOVEMBER 1, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 9 A Venezuelan-American chef wants to show the rich culinary tradition of Latino Jews BY JOSEFIN DOLSTEN whose grandparents moved to Venezuela with memories. Later she found out that (JTA) – Food has always been a way for Deborah from Morocco, Spain and Moldova. the day she visited the store was the Benaim’s family to connect to its roots. A typical When she was 4, her family moved anniversary of her grandfather’s death, Shabbat dinner featured dishes such as traditional to the United States, escaping political or yahrtzeit. Ashkenazi braided challah bread, Moroccan-style instability at home. In her new home The incident had a deep impact on whitefish with red pepper paste and a Venezuelan in Dallas, Benaim found that she, too, Benaim, including in her cooking. “This hearts of palm salad. could use food as a way to remember experience reignited that spark to cook “I think it’s in my blood,” said the Caracas-born chef, the past. “I think it was my way – if I with a newfound purpose or newfound psychoanalyze myself – of trying to inspiration,” she said. “It’s not just let me stay attached to my family: Maybe if I cater this event. It’s how do I make this cook their recipes I’m still holding on experience jog someone’s memory?’” Pittsburgh Continued from page 1 to that life that I had,” Benaim, 30, told Though Benaim could be found in the United States since 2014 – occurs at time when ADL JTA recently. the kitchen throughout her childhood, it has reported an increase in both antisemitic incidents and Benaim, who has appeared several wasn’t until college that she realized she antisemitic online harassment.” times on the NBC cooking show “Food wanted to pursue the hobby for a living. U.S. President Donald Trump also decried the hatred Fighters,” is working on a cookbook She transferred from the University of behind the shooting. This evil anti-Semitic attack is an that will showcase her family’s recipes. Maryland, where she was studying psy- assault on humanity,” tweeted the president. “It will She also finds non-food related ways chology, to the Conrad N. Hilton College take all of us working together to extract the poison to educate about the history of Latin of Hotel and Restaurant Management of anti-Semitism from our world. We must unite to American Jews. Deborah Benaim is creating at the University of Houston. After conquer hate.” She is one of the writers of “Chutzpah a cookbook to showcase graduating, she found a job at Spago, The president’s daughter Ivanka Trump, who is Jewish, and Salsa,” a show that premiered in her family’s food, which has celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s flagship posted on Twitter: “America is stronger than the acts of 2016 and was performed for a second influences from Morocco, Spain, restaurant in Beverly Hills. a depraved bigot and anti-Semite. All good Americans time at the Jewish Women’s Theater in Moldova and Venezuela. (Photo Through side projects, she also found stand with the Jewish people to oppose acts of terror & Santa Monica, CA, recently. It features courtesy of Benaim) ways to honor her family history. Last share the horror, disgust & outrage over the massacre in actors telling the stories of Jewish im- year, she teamed up with the Jewish Pittsburgh. We must unite against hatred & evil.” migrants from Latin America, including Benaim and her National Fund to create a kosher Latin food truck at Christians United for Israel founder and chairman Panama-born husband Ariel Lipski. the annual SXSW media festival. Serving dishes such Pastor John Hagee gave his condolences to his Jewish Throughout her life, she has found that few American as traditional arepas and fried plantains, as well as an brethren. “Our Jewish brothers and sisters are hugging Jews are even aware of the existence of Latin American Israel-inspired arepa with cilantro hummus, the food their children close in anguish as they try to grapple Jews. Though the family was involved in the Jewish truck was a hit and even sold out at lunch some days. with this evil,” he said in a video. “Every Jewish mother community in Dallas, Benaim said she felt lonely as one Last year, Benaim relocated to Dallas with her hus- and father in America faces the daunting task of telling of the few Sephardim at her day school. “If I had a nickel band to focus on her cookbook. She also does catering their sons and daughters there are some in this country for every time that someone said, ‘Omigosh, you’re Latin and cooks a variety of cuisines. But she says whether or who want to kill them because they are Jewish. It is an and Jewish? How is that possible?’” she joked. not she makes a dish that is inspired by her heritage, the unthinkable pain and an intolerable reality.” Benaim’s story, performed by Marnina Schon during Latin flavor comes through. “I may not specifically make Hagee added, “Now is the time to pray for our friends, “Chutzpah and Salsa,” is about an experience she had in any Latin or Jewish recipes for an event,” she said, “but to reach out personally with words of comfort and love, 2015 while visiting her sister in New York. The two were when you sit down and talk about inspiration it obviously and to visibly stand with them against the antisemitic in a hardware store, and Benaim said its smell reminded comes out. I think it’s just embedded, ingrained, whether poison that fueled this attack.” her of her grandfather’s shop in Caracas, flooding her I want to or not – and I do want to.”

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 10 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 1, 2018 BOOK REVIEW Feminists, foodways and medieval commentary BY RABBI RACHEL ESSERMAN confronted and the difficulties Jewish women faced in done in order to truly understand how food has affected Feminists, foodways and medieval commentary: the international feminist movement. different aspects of Judaism over the centuries. what do these three topics have in common? Nothing, While the lives of these women were interesting, so The essays in the first section of the book “look at really, except that I’m behind on book reviews due to many of them were discussed that their histories tended foodways as a means of negotiation and reaffirmation the fall holidays. Most years I miss a week or two, but to blend together. A few stood out: the sad decline of of Jewish minority identities in different conditions this year the grand total came to four issues without Shulamith Firestone, whose seminal work “The Dialectics of interaction with gentiles.” The second explores book reviews. That’s not a record I want to celebrate. of Sex” caused a break with her Orthodox family, and how food customs affect nation building and political In fact, the other night, someone asked me if I was still the struggle Ellen Willis faced when deciding whether identity. Looking at popular culture, the third section writing these. My answer was, “Yes and I have a stack to follow her brother and become an Orthodox Jew, or focuses on the way Jewish food came to be defined of books on my desk ready for review to prove it.” As to continue in her secular, feminist past. What becomes during the 20th century. The final section looks to the a partial attempt to catch up, below are looks at three clear is that there was no one pattern – no one path – past to discuss foodways specific to Jews in different works of nonfiction. taken by these individuals; that is true for those whose countries and cultures. “JEWISH RADICAL FEMINISM” feminist actions and work took place solely in the secular An example of what food studies can teach about the The endpapers of “Jewish Radical Feminism: Voices world and for those who focused on equality in Judaism. relationships of Jews and their neighbors can be found From the Women’s Liberation Movement” by Joyce Some women still deny that their Jewish background in “The Sausage in the Jews’ Pantry: Food and Jew- Antler (New York University Press) will grab readers’ (or lack of Jewish background) affected their behavior, ish-Christian Relations in Renaissance Italy” by Flora attention when they open the book. The papers contain while others acknowledge that influence for the first time Cassen. Cassen shows how Jewish food was similar and photographs and names of 40 women on whose lives when talking to Antler. different from that of Gentile neighbors. What becomes Antler focuses in her main text. I couldn’t resist seeing The epilogue of “Jewish Radical Feminism” looks at a clear is that the two groups interacted more than historians which ones I recognized: only 16 names were familiar few younger Jewish feminists, whose lives and influences previously thought. However, when Christians came to before reading Antler’s discussion of how Jewish women are as diverse as those who came before them. Antler misidentify Jewish food – for example, believing Jews helped shape the feminist movement. What stood out is believes it’s important to recognize how understanding needed blood to make matzah – additional barriers rose the way the majority of these women never articulated the past can help contemporary Jewish feminists: “The between the two groups. their contributions to the movement as part of their Jew- revolutions started by women’s liberationists and Jewish Diner shows how Jews managed to keep kosher ish heritage. The author also looks at women who were feminists provide a secure foundation for continuing even while traveling as peddlers in her essay “Global involved in the Jewish feminist movement – those who attempts to come to grips with the troubling problems Jewish Peddling and the Matter of Food.” The different fought for equality in both their religious and secular lives. related to the heterogeneous elements of their mixed approaches – based on whether or not the peddler could Antler approaches the lives of these 40 women through identities. The achievements of Jewish radical feminists return home at night or had to eat while on the road – the lense of the feminist activities in which they took part. must be placed on the historical record, for they can surely show both the clever way these peddlers adjusted to their The women range from those with little-to-no Jewish inspire the struggles of the present.” The achievements circumstances and how the non-Jews they visited helped connection in their early lives to those who were raised of those women are well outlined in Antler’s work. make it possible for them to keep kosher. Orthodox. Antler organizes her chapters around place and “GLOBAL JEWISH FOODWAYS” Differing food customs also played a role in Israel as activity. For example, she begins with Jewish feminists The food studies discipline only came into its own at Ari Ariel notes in “Mosaic of Melting Pot: the Transfor- in Chicago, followed by the women who organized in the end of the 20th century when scholars began to look mation of Middle Eastern Jewish Foodways in Israel.” New York City, before looking at Boston’s Bread and at food from a variety of different viewpoints, including It includes a fascinating look at the fight between the Roses Group, in addition to writing about the women global politics, class and racial distinctions, and dietary Yemeni community and the Israeli rabbinate, which who took part in the Boston Women’s Health Collective restrictions affect on health. The connection between food, refused to accept foods that were staples of the Yemeni (best knowen for the “Our Bodies, Ourselves” books identity and religion is the basis of a new work, “Global diet as kosher. The push from the Israeli government to about women’s health). The chapters on the women who Jewish Foodways: a History” edited by Hasia R. Diner create a food culture that was considered Israeli, rather identified as Jews discuss changes in religious practice, and Simone Cinotta (University of Nebraska Press). In than European or Middle Eastern, also influenced im- the problems caused by assimilation into American soci- their introduction, Diner and Cinotta note that their book migrants’ behavior. ety, the issues Jewish women who identified as lesbians “represents only a sliver” of the work that needs to be See “Medieval” on page 12 P A C E Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment Your gift to the Annual Campaign DOES A WORLD OF GOOD. Endowing your gift allows you to be there for the Jewish community of NEPA forever. A Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) is a permanent fund that endows your Jewish community Annual Campaign gift as a lasting legacy. A PACE fund will continue to make an annual gift in perpetuity on your behalf. To determine the amount you need to endow your entire campaign gift, multiply your current annual gift by 20. You can fund your PACE by adding the JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA to your will, or by making the Federation a beneficiary of your IRA. All contributions to establish a PACE are tax deductible. Let your name be remembered as a blessing. Endowments can be created through a variety of vehicles, some of which do not necessitate funding during your lifetime yet still provide your estate with considerable tax benefits. They also enable you to perpetuate your commitment to the Annual Campaign in a way that best achieves your own personal financial and estate planning goals. Examples Of Ways To Fund Your Pace Gift Are: * outright contribution of cash, appreciated securities or other long-term capital gain property such as real estate * charitable remainder trust * gift of life insurance Using appreciated property, such as securities or real estate, * charitable lead trust affords you the opportunity to eliminate the income tax on the * gift of IRA or pension plan assets long-term capital gain, will in some instances generate a full * grant from your foundation income tax charitable deduction and will remove those assets * reserved life estate in your residence from your estate for estate tax purposes. * bequest

For more information contact Mark Silverberg at [email protected] or call 570-961-2300, ext. 1. NOVEMBER 1, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 11 Cleveland Browns kicker Greg Joseph’s long journey from Jewish day school to the NFL BY ED CARROLL was introduced to Friedman by Rabbi Yossi Denburg of CLEVELAND (Cleveland Jewish News via JTA) – Chabad of Boca Raton, FL, near where Joseph grew up. Browns rookie kicker Greg Joseph said it’s been a “wild Joseph, 24, was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, ride” for him since being cut at the end of preseason by and moved to Florida with his family in 2001. He played the Miami Dolphins, signing with Cleveland in Week football and soccer at Donna Klein Jewish Academy in 3 of the regular season and, just days later, playing an Boca Raton, FL, and also attended American Heritage “integral role” in the NFL team’s first victory in nearly School in Delray Beach, FL. He graduated in 2017 from two years. Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton as the Owls’ To cap his “wild” five-week stretch, Joseph booted a all-time leader in field goals made, points scored, PATs game-winning 37-yard field goal – which was reportedly (point-after-touchdown) made and field goals attempted. partially blocked by a defender – in overtime on October He also holds the university’s single-game records for 7 against the division rival Baltimore Ravens. PATs, field goals, points scored by kicking and holds the After that win, Joseph returned to his new home in record for the Owls’ longest field goal. Cleveland from FirstEnergy Stadium and ended the day He went undrafted, but soon signed with the Dolphins with a familiar – and likely comforting – symbol hanging and was in a training camp battle with fellow rookie Jason outside his door: a mezuzah. Sanders, a seventh-round pick, to be the team’s kicker. Greg Joseph celebrated after defeating the Baltimore Rabbi Yossi Friedman of the Chabad of Downtown In three preseason games with the Dolphins, Joseph was Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland on October Cleveland, who helped Joseph and his parents, Glen 3-for-3 on field goals, including a 54-yard kick. Unfor- 7. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) and Ilana, put the mezuzah up on his door, said Joseph tunately for him, Miami decided to go with Sanders. recited the traditional blessing during the process. Joseph After being released, Joseph stayed ready and stuck And since then, the Dolphins’ loss has been the to his practice routine. Despite being cut by a team Browns’ gain. Joseph is 8-for-9 on field goal attempts far closer to where he grew up and joining a team in a in four games with the Browns, his only miss coming city he visited for the first time during a tryout, Joseph on a 55-yard attempt against the Ravens at the end of couldn’t be happier than to be in Cleveland. “After I regulation. He also missed a PAT in that game. His got released from Miami, [the Browns] were the first longest made field goal with the Browns was a 45-yard one to get in touch with me,” Joseph said. “It’s still an attempt against the Jets. awesome feeling. It’s good to feel wanted, especially in His impressions of Cleveland are thus far almost uni- this business. Everything happens for a reason. I had a versally positive. “I don’t know why everyone has such blast in Miami. I learned a lot about myself in Miami. a negative connotation about” Cleveland), Joseph said. I learned how to be a better athlete, a better man, just a “The weather’s been awesome and the people are nice.” better person overall. They do a great job with their per- Joseph hasn’t experienced a trademark Cleveland sonal engagement program over there. And fortunately, winter – lake effect snow can affect playing- condi I got the call to come over here.” tions at FirstEnergy Stadium, right on the Lake Erie Cleveland Browns kicker Greg Joseph, right, with Rabbi The Browns signed Joseph on September 17, a shoreline – but he’s ready for the challenge. “I’ll take Yossi Friedman of the Chabad of Downtown Cleveland. Monday, after which he had to prepare for a prime-time each challenge as it comes,” he said. “Right now, the They are standing by a mezuzah that Friedman helped Thursday night game on September 20 against the New weather is good. I’ll have to look into it further when Joseph put up outside his new apartment in Cleveland York Jets. He didn’t complain about the lack of time to [the bad weather comes]. I’ll get in touch with people after kicking a game-winning field goal against the prepare. “It’s almost better to have a quick turnaround who have kicked here and experienced it. But then Baltimore Ravens in overtime on October 7. (Photo like that because you don’t have time to think about again, you can only learn so much from them, you by Glen Joseph) anything,” he said. See “NFL” on page 12

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ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 12 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 1, 2018 Film on Nazi turned Austrian President Kurt Waldheim draws parallels to modern rise of the right BY TOM TUGEND At left: Ruth in New York recently and gets a national LOS ANGELES (JTA) – Kurt Wald- Beckermann rollout to other cities starting November 16. heim managed an impressive feat: After found parallels In the early 1980s, between Wald- heim’s terms as U.N. secretary-general serving as a soldier and intelligence officer between Kurt and Austrian president, the World Jewish in the Nazi army during World War II, he Waldheim’s rise Congress led a campaign to throw a spoke was twice elected secretary-general of and the rise of the United Nations before topping off his in his political wheel. An investigation of the modern career as president of his native Austria Waldheim’s wartime record led by Nazi right in Europe. from 1986-92. hunter Eli Rosenbaum revealed that after How did he do it? Largely by massaging (Photo by Alexi his service on the Russian front, Waldheim his biography to convince the world that Pelekanos) became an intelligence officer with the he had been merely an ordinary soldier native German and Beethoven, a German, German army staff in the Balkans. In that during the war and was following orders. was Austrian. Kurt Waldheim in a still from Ruth capacity, he played a key role in the brutal He also persuaded his fellow countrymen Nevertheless, by the time Waldheim Beckermann’s film “The Waldheim reprisals against the civilian populations and the world that Austria was the first ran for president in 1986, his war record Waltz.” (Photo courtesy of Beckermann) of Yugoslavia and Greece – particularly victim of Nazi aggression when native had come back to haunt him. Among the in the deportation of most of Salonika’s son Adolf Hitler annexed the country in protesters against his campaign at the time Some decades and over a dozen films large Jewish population to Nazi death 1938 – to nationwide enthusiasm. was Ruth Beckermann, a budding Jewish later – including the very Jewish documen- camps. He was also shown to have joined, As a popular joke at the time had it, Viennese filmmaker who shot some of the taries “Zorro’s Bar Mitzvah” and “Toward in November 1938, the SA, the original Austrian diplomats managed to convince larger Austrian demonstrations against Jerusalem” – Beckermann decided to take Nazi paramilitary organization. the public that Hitler, an Austrian, was a Waldheim and the counter rallies. another look at the earlier footage. The charges, and the denials by the Her new film, “The Waldheim Waltz,” Waldheim camp, became a focus of the choreographs the agile steps of one of the heated 1986 campaign. Protesters hoisted odder actors in recent world history, whose slogans such as “No to Anti-Semitism, NFL Continued from page 11 career nevertheless can still be seen as No to Waldheim,” while his supporters have to go through it first-hand to really a few days before the Ravens game, and a forebear of current political swings in countered with “We Austrians elect who impact your learning curve.” now, for the most part, he said he feels Europe and the United States. The film, we want” and “Waldheim, an Austrian Joseph said he wants to continue to settled in his new city – although he recently selected as her country’s entry who the world trusts.” further acquaint himself with Northeast continues to get to know people in and into the Oscars’ foreign film race, opened See “Film” on page 13 Ohio’s Jewish community and give back around town. as much as he can. “It’s a virtue close to He noted the Browns normally get an my heart, since my mom kind of instilled off day on Tuesdays – he hopes he can that in me from a young age,” he said. use it to give back. “Every Tuesday, there Medieval Continued from page 10 “That’s why I’m leaning toward going out are community service events,” Joseph The idea that eating the right food can in the original Hebrew. and talking with some Jewish day schools said. “I just told our community relations help immigrants adjust to a new country The format of the book is the same and hopefully something with the Jewish people to sign me up for every one. I’ll is also discussed in “‘To Jewish Daugh- as in prior volumes. One of my favorite Federation, which would be very cool. be there, it’s something that’s important ters’: Recipes for American Jewish Life, features is the inclusion of both the old That’s in the works, hopefully.” to me. I want to reach out and use this 1901-1918” by Annie Polland. Her essay Jewish Publication Society (1917) and He said his faith has “absolutely” platform while it’s here to help whoever I explores how changes made in different new Jewish Publication Society (1985) guided him during his life and career. “At can help and positively impact the greatest editions of the Jewish cookbook show the translations of the biblical text. This of- the end of the day, I believe it’s written amount of people’s quality of lives that way the lives and diets of these women fers readers an opportunity to experience that what’s going to happen is going to I can possibly impact. Football is a great changed over the generations. For ex- a more literal translation (the 1917 one) happen,” he said. “That’s why I go about platform for that, and I feel like I’d be ample, the cookbook under discussion and a smoother, more literary one (the my business with a smile on my face wasting it if I’m not using it. That’s my originally focused on meat as an important 1985 one). Carasik still edits the medieval because I look at every experience as a goal here, to get out and help people.” and fundamental part of the meal. Later commentaries to make them easier for learning experience. I believe there’s a Joseph wants Clevelanders to know he editions included more vegetable recipes contemporary readers to understand and/ plan. What’s written is written, you just go plans to do his best on the field, but he’s and even suggested that eating vegetables or limit repetition. by that. That’s why I never take anything here for more than football. “The Browns was healthier than eating meat. As before, the pages are arranged with the too heavily. I choose to live my life in a are in a position to win, but while I’m here, Readers will differ on which essays they biblical verses in Hebrew at the top center, positive manner, with a smile on my face, I want to get involved in the community,” find most interesting, although all of them and their English translations to the right positively impacting the people around he said. “I want to try to go talk to and have something to offer. “Global Jewish and left of that text. The main commentaries me, which is definitely a goal of mine.” inspire Jewish kids all across Cleveland Foodways” is an excellent introduction featured – including thoughts from Rashi, Joseph said he was in Cleveland for to let them know that it’s possible to do to Jewish food studies. The hope is that Rashbam, Ibn Ezra, Kimhi and Nahmanides Yom Kippur and, after practice, he got basically whatever you want. It’s not just other scholars will follow in these writers’ – are printed below. Additional commenta- a ride to an evening service at Chabad football, it’s not just sports. If you have a footsteps and explore additional Jewish tors appear on the bottom of the page if their of Downtown Cleveland, where he met goal, my big thing is, put your head down cultures and their food customs. insights differ from those already offered. Friedman. He moved into his apartment and work. Anything is possible.” “THE COMMENTATORS’ BIBLE: Readers have the opportunity to read all THE RUBIN JPS MIQRA’OT the commentators on a particular section GEDOLOT: GENESIS” or to follow one commentator’s viewpoints The Jewish Publication Society’s through Genesis. Commentators’ Bible series concludes Carasik notes that one of his reasons its work on the Hebrew Bible with “The for translating and compiling the medieval Commentators’ Bible: The Rubin JPS material was to make available commen- Miqra’ot Gedolot: Genesis” edited, trans- tators who looked closely and seriously lated and annotated by Michael Carasik at the meaning of each and every word (The Jewish Publication Society). This last in the first five books of the Bible. This work continues the same high quality as may be a different experience for many found in the four previous volumes. For contemporary readers.”The Commenta- those unfamiliar with the series, Carasik tors’ Bible” series is to be commended provides an excellent introduction to the for offering lay readers an opportunity to world of medieval Jewish commentary for experience the world of medieval Torah those who are unable to read these works commentary.

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Send Dassy Ganz an email if you would like to join the list. Pledge or Donate [email protected] online at www.jewishnepa.org/donate NOVEMBER 1, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 13 NEWS IN BRIEF FROM THE U.S. From JTA serve as an important place of remembrance and reflection.” Waiver to allow South Carolina foster agencies to reject Hadassah reopens Washington advocacy office non-Christians is unconstitutional, ADL says Hadassah is reopening its Washington office nearly a decade after the women’s Zionist group closed its operations there in the wake of its unwitting involvement in A waiver to allow South Carolina foster agencies to reject foster parents on the basis Bernard Madoff’s investment fraud. Ellen Hershkin, the president of the group, on of religion is unconstitutional, the Anti-Defamation League said. The Jewish organization Oct. 22 named Karen Paikin Barall as the director of Hadassah’s new government urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to deny the waiver request relations office in the capital. Its focus will be on educating lawmakers about the -re in a letter on Oct. 23 to Roger Severino, the director of the department’s Office for cord of Hadassah’s namesake hospitals in Israel, as well as Israel, antisemitism and Civil Rights. In March, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster asked for his state to be women’s health, Hershkin and Barall said in a release. “By educating policymakers exempted from regulations that prevent federally funded foster agencies to discriminate on both sides of the aisle about the work of the Hadassah Medical Organization and based on religion. The waiver concerns Miracle Hill Ministries, an agency in the state Hadassah’s policy priorities, the DC office will magnify our voice in Congress, as that rejects foster parents who are not Christian, as well as same-sex couples. The Re- well as with federal agencies and partner organizations,” Hershkin said. Barall was publican governor also issued an executive order in support of Miracle Hill. According most recently director of mid-Atlantic advocacy for the Orthodox Union. She was a to a report on Oct. 19 in The Intercept, the Greenville-based foster agency turned away a political appointee in the President George W. Bush State Department’s antisemitism woman because she is Jewish. In the letter, ADL National Director Jonathan Greenblatt monitoring office. “Health equity,” or closing the gaps between men and women in called the waiver request “immoral and unconstitutional. ...No child should be denied a research, funding and quality of care, will be a priority of the new office, the statement loving foster or adoptive home simply because a prospective parent is Jewish, another said. Hadassah claims 300,000 members in the United States. faith, a different race or LGBTQ,” Greenblatt wrote. McMaster’s spokesman, Brian Symmes, rejected the concerns by the ADL in a statement to the Associated Press on Oct. 23, calling them “unfounded and off-base. ...The governor would fight just as hard Continued from page 12 on behalf of Miracle Hill if they were a Jewish organization, a Muslim organization or Film an organization of any other faith,” Symmes said. “We need more organizations engaged Waldheim was known for his love of victories of the surging coalition forged in finding foster care home for children, not less.” horses and one opponent declared with between traditional conservative ideologies a straight face: “We never believed that and the populist, nativist appeal of vigorous Expanded Holocaust memorial plaza dedicated in Phily Waldheim was a member of the SA – only right-wing activists. Among the current An expansion of Philadelphia’s Holocaust Memorial Plaza, the first public me- his horse was.” Another skeptic labeled examples of this force, Beckermann said, morial to the genocide in the United States, was dedicated. The Horwitz-Wasserman the candidate’s inability to remember include the rise of populist anti-immigrant Holocaust Memorial Plaza adds to the public plaza surrounding the Monument to Six his wartime activities as a symptom of leaders in Austria, Poland and Hungary, the Million Jewish Martyrs dedicated in 1964. The plaza features six pillars erected in “Waldheim’s Disease.” Brexit movement in Britain, and reinforced memory of the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, with each pillar chroni- Adding material from archival and right-wing constituencies in Israel and cling a Holocaust atrocity and contrasting it with American constitutional protections current news reports, Beckermann draws France, as well as the election of President and values. Original train tracks from the railroad adjacent to the Treblinka death a historical line between those events of Donald Trump in the United States. camp are embedded in the pavement near the “Theresienstadt tree,” a sapling of the the 1980s and current political develop- During Waldheim’s term as president, tree nurtured by children in the Czech camp though they knew they would not live ments, particularly in Europe, but also in he was considered persona non grata by long enough to see it grow and mature. At the far western portion of the plaza, a tree the United States. Describing herself in the U.S. and other Western governments. grove represents the woodlands that sheltered members of the resistance movement. a phone interview as “half demonstrator, (He was allowed in Arab countries and the In partnership with the University of Southern California Shoah Foundation, the plaza half documentarian” – in addition to Vatican, which he visited twice.) At his features educational, multimedia content via IWalk, a USC Shoah Foundation-developed being director, producer, script writer and funeral in 2007, then-Austrian President mobile app that connects specific locations at the plaza with personal testimonials of narrator – Beckermann discerned in the Heinz Fischer said Waldheim “deserves Holocaust survivors and other witnesses. The app also includes access to eyewitness 1986 Austrian election the emergence of a his lifetime to be seen as a whole.” accounts of the Holocaust from more than 50,000 survivors. It is available in English new political force, still alive and growing Despite her dejected tone, Beckermann and Spanish, and provides users with an age-appropriate, customized experience. “This in our own time. discerns a glimmer of hope. “The good unique memorial in Philadelphia is a stark reminder to never forget,” Pennsylvania She said Waldheim’s election as Aus- people will rally – though I don’t know just Attorney General Josh Shapiro said on Oct. 22 at the dedication ceremony. “It will trian president represented one of the first when,” she said. “Mankind will survive.”

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 14 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 1, 2018

November 2018

Feature Films *A Tale of Love and Darkness - Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman directs and stars in the emotional and thought-provoking story about Fania, a young wife and mother in war-torn Jerusalem, during the early years of the State of Israel. Stifled in her relationship and weary from the tedium of her new life, Fania creates fantastical stories for Amos, her 10-year-old son, amazing him with tales of adventure and beauty— stories that would influence the boy to become a writer himself. Based on the international best-selling memoir by Amos Oz. Denial - Based on the acclaimed book Denial: Holocaust History on Trial, Denial recounts Deborah E. Lipstadt’s legal battle for historical truth against David Irving (BAFTA nominee Timothy Spall), who accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust denier. In the English legal system, in cases of libel, the burden of proof is on the defendant, therefore it was up to Lipstadt and her legal team, led by Richard Rampton, to prove the essential truth that the Holocaust occurred. *Fanny’s Journey- In 1943, 13-year old Fanny and her younger sisters were sent from their home in France to an Italian foster home for Jewish children. When Nazis came to Italy, their caretakers organized the departure of the children to Switzerland. Based on a true story. Hidden in Silence- During the Nazi occupation of Poland,Catholic teenage Stefania Podgorska chooses the role of a savior and sneaks 13 Jewish into her attic. *Loving Leah: A Hallmark Hall of Fame Classic - A handsome Washington, D.C. doctor and a young New York woman fall in love at an unusual time...after they get married. Leah Lever is married to an Orthodox rabbi, Benjamin Lever, whose brother, Jake, is a successful cardiologist and a non-practicing Jew. Jake is stunned when Benjamin dies suddenly, but not as stunned as when he is told that, under an ancient Jewish Law, he is expected to marry the childless Leah to carry on Benjamin’s name. The only alternative is to go through a ceremony where Jake must deny his brother’s existence. For Jake, that’s unthinkable, so impulsively he suggests to Leah that they get married and maintain a secretly platonic relationship. Eager to pursue her own dreams, Leah gladly accepts. Their oversimplified plan to live separate lives under the same roof proves challenging when Leah’s suspicious mother shows up unexpectedly. The harder they try to disguise their “pretend” marriage, the more their appreciation for each other’s worlds grows - and out of understanding, a real love develops. Loving Leah is a heart-warming story. Munich - Inspired by real events, Munich reveal the intense story of the secret Israeli squad assign to track down and assassinate the 121 Palestinians believed to have planned the 1972 Munich massacre of 11 Israeli athletes. ( The Jewish Film Library also owns the movie “Twenty One Hours in Munich” about the massacre at the Olympics). Music Box - In this intense, courtroom thriller, Chicago attorney Ann Talbot agrees to defend her Hungarian immigrant father Mike Laszlo against accusations of heinous war crimes committed 50 years earlier. *Norman - Norman Oppenheimer (Richard Gere) lives a lonely life in the margins of New York City power and money, and strives to be everyone’s friend. His incessant networking leads him nowhere until he ends up befriending a young but charismatic politician, Micha Eshel at a low point in his life. Three years later, the politician becomes the Prime Minister of Israel. Norman uses Eshel’s name to leverage his biggest deal ever: a series of quid pro quo transactions linking the Prime Minister to Norman’s nephew ,a rabbi, a mogul, his assistant and a treasury official from the Ivory Coast. Norman’s plans soon go awry, creating the potential for an international catastrophe he must struggle to prevent. Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer is a comedic and compassionate drama of a man whose downfall is rooted in a human frailty all too easy to forgive—a need to matter. Remember - Remember is the suspense-filled story of Zev, an Auschwitz survivor who discovers that the Nazi guard who murdered his family some seventy years ago is living in America under an assumed name. The Devil’s Arithmetic - Sixteen year old Hanna Stern was a typical American teenager who ignores her family’s heritage until a mystical Passover seder takes her back in time to German-occupied Poland on an emotional journey of life, death and survival. The Impossible Spy - The story of the life and death of Israel’s most celebrated spy, Elie Cohen. *The Last Butterfly -This World War II drama stars Tom Courtenay as the famous French Mime Antoine Moreau. Ordered by the Nazis to provide ‘the greatest show of his life’ for use as propoganda showing the kinder side of the Nazis as the war draws to a close, Moreau decides to risk everything to tell the world the real truth behind this monumental lie, and although as a mime he is pledged to keep his lips sealed, his voice must be heard. *The Women’s Balcony - Discover Israel’s #1 film of the year! An accident during a Bar Mitzvah celebration leads to a gender rift in a devout community in Jerusalem. *The Wedding Plan - A poignant and funny romantic comedy about love, marriage and faith in life’s infinite possibilities. *The Zookeeper’s Wife - In 1939 Poland, Antonina Zabinska (two-time Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain) and her husband successfully run the Warsaw Zoo and raise their family in an idyllic existence. Their world is overturned, however, when the country is invaded by the Nazis and they are forced to report to the Reich’s newly appointed zoologist (Daniel Brühl). To fight back on their own terms, the Zabinskis risk everything by covertly working with the Resistance and using the zoo’s hidden tunnels and cages to save families from Nazi brutality. Non-Feature Films Above and Beyond - In 1948, just three years after the liberation of Nazi death camps, a group of Jewish-American pilots answered a call for help. As members of Machal- “volunteers from abroad”- this ragtag band of brothers not only turned the tide of the war; they also embarked on personal journeys of discovery and renewed Jewish pride. *Body and Soul: The State of the Jewish Nation - A powerful documentary sets the record straight eloquently and comprehensively. It not only shows the undeniable historical connection between the Jewish People and the Land of Israel, but also succeeds in debunking propaganda, myths and misinformation that have become accepted as truth by many people. Follow Me - The story of the fantastic rescue at Entebbe and the loss of Yonatan Netanyahu (brother of the Prime Minister). The Jewish Film Library also owns an Israeli film about the rescue at Entebbe entitled “Operation Thunderbolt” Hava Nagila (the Movie) - Hava Nagila is a documentary romp through the history, mystery and meaning of the great Jewish standard. *I’m Still Here - Real Diaries of young people who lived during the Holocaust. Jews and Baseball (narrated by Dustin Hoffman) Israel: The Royal Tour - A delightful tour headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and travel correspondent Peter Greenberg. Nicky’s Family - The amazing story of Sir Nicholas Winton who created, on his own, a Kinder-transport in Czechoslavakia saving 669 children from the Nazi inferno. No Place on Earth - The harrowing story of Esther Stermer and her family and friends who escaped extermination by the Nazis by hiding in an underground cave is unearthed by accident when cave explorer, Chris Nicola stumbles upon remnants left behind by the cave dwellers. *Rosenwald - Rosenwald tells the incredible story of Julius Rosenwald, the son of an immigrant peddler who never finished high school, who rose to become the President of Sears. Influenced by the writings of the educator Booker T. Washington, this Jewish philanthropist joined forces with African American communities during the Jim Crow South to build 5,300 schools, providing 660,000 black children with access to education in the segregated American South. The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg *The Prime Ministers: The Pioneers and Soldiers and Peacemakers - A two disc-set based on the international best-seller by Ambassador Yehuda Avner (New films denoted with an asterisk *)

NOVEMBER 1, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 15 NEWS IN BRIEF FROM ISRAEL From JNS.org He added that “the Ministry of Strategic Affairs will continue to expose the true face IDF helps search for Jordanian schoolchildren, teachers of the leaders of the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, and demonstrate that incitement and antisemitic attacks against Israel are continuing unabated and even intensifying.” near Dead Sea Netanyahu, Israeli officials make secret visit to Oman The Israel Defense Forces are assisting with the search-and-rescue efforts of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret one-day trip to Oman on Jordanian schoolchildren and teachers who were swept away on Oct. 25 by sudden Oct. 26, where he met with the ruler, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who has led his country rains as they were on a field trip at the hot springs near Dead Sea. There have been at for nearly 50 years. It is the first trip made by an Israeli prime minister since Shimon least 18 dead and 35 injured, according to Jordan, which requested IDF assistance. Peres in 1996. Accompanying Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, were National Security According to Brig.-Gen. Farid al-Sharaa, 13 people escaped without injuries, as 37 adviser and National Security Council Director Meir Ben-Shabbat; Mossad director middle-school students, seven teachers and other visitors were at the hot springs, Yossi Cohen; the head of the prime minister’s staff, Yoav Horowitz; the director of some eating lunch, when they were surprised by the unexpected flooding. “It swept the Foreign Ministry, Yuval Rotem; and Brig.-Gen. Avi Bluth, the prime minister’s away the students for 4 to 5 kilometers [about 2.5 to 3.1 miles],” said Al-Sharaa. military secretary. Among the issues discussed were how to advance the Middle East “The students were on a school trip, and it appears that a mudslide along the road peace process, along with several matters of common interest, according to the prime swept their bus away,” a civil defense official toldThe Times of Israel. The IDF said minister’s office. The visit is a crucial step in expanding relationships with the region’s “soldiers are assisting in the search-and-rescue efforts for the missing and are doing players while “leveraging Israel’s advantages in security, technology and economic all they can, despite the weather conditions, to assist the survivors in the flood area.” matters,” according to Netanyahu’s office. “We always thought that if we solved the Additionally, Israeli police dispatched a group of medical specialists, in addition to Palestinian problem, it would open up the doors to peace with the broader Arab world. the civilian Megillot search-and-rescue unit. The groups returned to Israel, although And that’s certainly true, if you could do it,” said Netanyahu. “But it may mean that they stayed on alert. This development comes as relations between Jordan and Israel equally true and perhaps even truer is that if you open up to the Arab world and you have been tense, after Jordan’s King Abdullah announced that it will not renew parts normalize relations with them,” he continued, “it will open the door for an eventual of a 1994 peace treaty that leases two areas on the Jordan River to Israel. reconciliation and peace with the Palestinians.” A 14th-generation descendant of the Israel report tallies “sharp increase” in Palestinian founder of the Al Bu Sa’id dynasty, the sultan came to power in a palace coup in violence in past two months 1970, making him the longest-serving Arab leader to date. A “sharp increase” in Palestinian violence has been seen in the past few months at University of Haifa unveils its new downtown city campus the Israel borders, including two deadly terror attacks in the Barkan Industrial Park The University of Haifa unveiled its new Lorry I. Lokey City Campus, which will and Gush Etzion, as well as attempted stabbings at Israel Defense Forces soldiers, comprise at least four buildings located throughout the Port of Haifa and the city’s according to a report released the week of Oct. 25 by the Ministry of Strategic Affairs downtown area. An opening ceremony took place on Oct. 24 at the university’s newly and Public Diplomacy. Between the months of September to October, encouraged by acquired Dylan Tauber Educational Complex. The building’s facade is comprised of both Hamas and Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian leadership digitally printed glass depicting Israeli cultural heroes, underscoring the facility’s role continues to publicize support for terrorism. And they have praised the recent attacks, as an educational hub. The complex, along with the Palmer Street building, allocated even calling on Palestinians to launch a third intifada. Amid the 25-year anniversary of by Haifa City Council, will house the new University of Haifa School for Data Sci- the Oslo Accords, Palestinians were called upon to conduct suicide attacks in Judea and ence, Israel’s first of its kind. It will consist of three departments: computer science, Samaria. They also published antisemitic content against Israel timed to the scheduled information systems and statistics. The new city campus, funded by a $10 million gift eviction and subsequent demolition of the illegal Bedouin village of Khan al-Ahmar, from American philanthropist and Business Wire founder Lorry I. Lokey, is called a which has been halted by the Israeli Supreme Court. They are attempting to organize key manifestation of University of Haifa’s unique “multiversity” model: an institution a BDS campaign of the Eurovision Song Contest, slated to be held in Tel Aviv in May with locations around Haifa and throughout northern Israel, easing access for students 2019, and accused Israel of purposefully killing children in Gaza, where there have and adding vitality to a diverse city and region. In addition to the city campus, the been Hamas-led riots along the border with the Jewish state since March 30, the start university has launched the construction of the Helmsley Health Discovery Tower in of the “March of Return.” “The various Palestinian factions, led by [Mahmoud Abbas] partnership with Rambam Healthcare Campus, and the laboratories of the University’s and Hamas, are constantly working to undermine Israel’s standing in the world and to School of Marine Sciences are already operating from the Israel Oceanographic and promote boycotts against the Jewish state,” said Minister of Strategic Affairs Gilad Erdan. Limnological Research building. The university also continues its advanced talks with “This behavior reveals that they have not abandoned their dream of destroying Israel.” the WIZO Academic Center, turning it into a design faculty in the German Colony.

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 16 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 1, 2018 A E EAE E E EEA EAE PEAA

E A CA EP DONATE NOW! Thousands of members of the Jewish communities of North and South Carolina as well as many Jewish institutions, agencies and synagogues in those states have been aected by Hurricane Florence.

Although the number of Jewish families and individuals whose homes have been devastated is yet to be determined, there is no doubt that many families in these aected areas have sustained catastrophic damage and will require our assistance.

As of September 21st we know that Temple of Israel and Congregation B’nai Israel in Wilmington and Temple B’nai Sholem in New Bern (both in North Carolina) have already sustained significant damage and many members of the Jewish communities from those cities as well as from Myrtle Beach (in South Carolina) remain displaced.

The Jewish Federation of Raleigh (being the closest Federation to those coastal communities) and the Raleigh Jewish Family Service agency will be the central point of intake for aected families.

Their lives hang in the balance. As Jews we must do our part in relieving their suering as we have always done when faced with national catastrophes like Hurricane Katrina (2005), Hurricane Sandy (2012) and Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria (2017).

Immediate aid is needed to help these communities get back on their feet. Afterwards, rebuilding and strengthening resilience can take years. We must be there for them. EP EP E Please donate… Tax-deductible contributions should be made out and sent to the…. Jewish Federation of NEPA 601 Jeerson Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510 (MEMO: Hurricane Florence Relief Fund)

The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) has also set up a donation page for donors who wish to contribute cash or make contributions through their credit cards. Here is the link: https://www.jewishfederations.org/Hurricane-Relief-Fund-2018. Note however, that with additional hurricanes anticipated during this hurricane season, JFNA has incorporated language that allows it to help victims of any hurricanes that make landfall this 2018 season.

Thank you for your generosity.