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VOLUME X, NUMBER 4 FEBRUARY 23, 2017 Trump and Netanyahu: The mixed messages of a diplomatic lovefest Netanyahu said instead that others, in- ANALYSIS cluding former Vice President Joe Biden, BY RON KAMPEAS At right: Israeli Prime have cautioned him that a state deprived of WASHINGTON (JTA) – One state. Minister Benjamin security control is less than a state. Instead Flexibility. Two states. Hold back on Netanyahu, left, and of pushing back against the argument, he settlements. Stop Iran. President Donald Trump in said it was a legitimate interpretation, but When President Donald Trump met the Oval Office of the White not the only one. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: House on February 15. That relieves pressure from Net- What a press conference! (Photo by Andrew Harrer/ anyahu’s right flank in Israel, which has But wait. Pool/Getty Images) pressed him to seize the transition from In the Age of Trump, every post-event the Obama administration – which insisted analysis requires a double take. Not so on two states and an end to settlement – much “did he mean what he said?” – he ONE STATE, TWO STATES predecessors have also said that the final to the Trump administration and expand appears to mean it, in real time – but “will At first blush, Trump appeared to headily status must be determined by the Israelis settlement. Now he can go home and say, he mean it next week? Tomorrow? In the embrace the prospect of one state – although and the Palestinians, but also have made truthfully, that he has removed “two states” wee hours, when he tweets?” it’s not clear what kind of single state he clear that the only workable outcome is from the vocabulary. This is a president who, after all, speaks meant. Would Palestinians in the West Bank two states. THE KID IN THE CANDY SHOP of a “ban” on travelers from Muslim-ma- be enfranchised? Comb through what he What’s the difference? Netanyahu, in Netanyahu was like the proverbial jority countries and then deploys his said, and his departure from the policies of his remarks and briefing Israeli reporters kid in the candy shop: He couldn’t have spokesmen to insist there is no ban and, his three predecessors was indeed substan- after his three-hour summit with Trump, made clearer his relief at the departure of by the way, don’t mention Muslims either. tive, but not necessarily radical. indicated that the difference is leverage President Barack Obama. “I think that’s a So what can we take away from the “So I’m looking at two-state and one- for Israel: If the Palestinians want their change that is clearly evident since Presi- February 15 Netanyahu-Trump summit? state, and I like the one that both parties own state, it must adhere to Israel’s terms. dent Trump took office,” Netanyahu said A lot. Trump’s interlocutor on Febru- like,” he said, as Netanyahu chortled. Netanyahu has always said that he be- at the joint press conference, referring to ary 15, Netanyahu, has a more evolved “I’m very happy with the one that both lieves a Palestinian state should recognize Trump’s tough talk on Iran. “I welcome reputation for consistency – indeed, for parties like. I can live with either one,” Israel as a Jewish state, and that it must be that. I think it’s – let me say this very coherence. And despite his renowned Trump said. “I thought for a while the demilitarized and accept Israeli security openly – I think it’s long overdue.” capacity for peregrinations of thought, two-state looked like it may be the easier control of the West Bank. Until now, those See “Mixed” on page 4 Trump offered enough substance in his of the two. But honestly, if Bibi and if the were his preferred outcomes. On February remarks – for instance, confirming a pivot Palestinians – if Israel and the Palestinians 15, he attached a new descriptor to those 2017 UJA in U.S. policy away from an emphasis are happy, I’m happy with the one they terms: “pre-requisites.” That leaves little on a two-state solution as an outcome to like the best.” wiggle room for the Palestinians. paign Upd Cam ate Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. Trump is not endorsing a single state The Israeli leader, notably, also did not Pay it forward & give to So, let’s venture into the February 15 – he’s kicking it back to the parties: use the term “two states” and refused to the 2017 Jewish Federation summit. Figure it out, Trump says. Trump’s three afterward in his briefing with reporters. of Northeastern Pennsylvania SPOTLIGHT Annual Campaign!

With full Talmud translation, online $827,117 as of Feb. 17, 2017 For information or to make a donation call 570-961-2300 ext. 1 or Goal: library hopes to make sages accessible send your gift to: Jewish Federation $896,000 BY BEN SALES with a bevy of barriers to entry. Written tuation or vowels, let alone translation. of Northeastern Its premier explanatory commentary, Pennsylvania NEW YORK (JTA) – For centuries, mostly in Aramaic, the Talmud in its most 601 Jefferson Ave., studying a page of the Talmud has come commonly printed form also lacks punc- composed by the medieval sage Rashi, Scranton, PA 18510 is usually printed in an obscure Hebrew (Please MEMO your pledge or gift 2017 typeface read almost exclusively by reli- UJA Campaign) gious, learned Jews. Even then, scholars can still spend hours figuring out what the text means. And that’s not to mention the Talmud’s size and cost: 37 full volumes, called tractates, that can take up an entire shelf of a library. Helping students and readers crack these barriers and access what amounts to a library of Jewish law, ritual, folklore and moral guidance has been an ongoing endeavor. Federation Milestones include the first (unfinished) -at tempt at an English translation by American publisher Michael Levi Rodkinson at the on Facebook th turn of the 20 century, an abridged version The Jewish Federation of Northeast- by Rabbi Chaim Tchernowitz in the 1920s, ern Pennsylvania now has a page on and “The Soncino Talmud on CD-ROM” Facebook to let community members from 1995. Now, a website hopes to build know about upcoming events and keep The interface of the Steinsaltz Talmud on Sefaria includes line-by-line translation, on these earlier breakthroughs and break connected. along with links to commentaries and references to a range of Jewish sources, all the barriers at once. See “Talmud” on page 10 which appear in a separate vertical. (Photo courtesy of Sefaria) Candle lighting INSIDE THIS ISSUE February 24...... 5:30 pm Intermarriage March 3...... 5:38 pm Reading with dementia News in brief... March 10...... 5:46 pm Israeli rabbis check families’ A look at a picture book designed A poll says most Americans view lineage; interrmarried in U.S. form for Jewish adults living with Israel favorably; Hamas has new PLUS communities with each other. Alzheimer’s and other dementias. political leader; and more. Opinion...... 2 Stories on pages 3 and 11 Story on page 12 Story on page 15 D’var Torah...... 10 2 THE REPORTER ■ FEBRUARY 23, 2017 A MATTER OF OPINION Thoughts on our 2017 UJA Campaign and our Legacies for Life Endowment Program BY MARK SILVERBERG Both will be honored in our 2016-2017 Institute (Scranton) JDC to assist in defraying the expense of Despite the fact that we have lost many Annual Report, which will be placed on ‹‹ Temple Hesed Religious School this massive European aliyah. devoted members of our communities our Federation website and distributed in (Scranton) Our communities were founded by throughout the past year, our annual UJA our Reporter newspaper in June to each ‹‹ Temple Israel Religious School those who believed in the continuity of Campaign – which and every identifiable Jewish household (Scranton) Jewish life here in Northeastern Penn- concludes in May – ‹‹ B’nai Harim Religious sylvania, in Israel and around the world. shows that a significant School (Pocono Pines) It was their generation that contributed number of our current FROM THE DESK OF THE ‹‹ Temple Israel of the to the birth of the modern Jewish state Campaign donors have Poconos Hebrew School and supported Israel through its many increased their gift this EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (Stroudsburg) wars against those who continue to seek year over last year’s ‹‹ Bais Yaakov (Scranton) its destruction. Campaign gift. MARK SILVERBERG ‹‹ Scranton Ritualarium It was their generation who built our In addition, we have (Community Mikvah, Scranton) religious, recreational, housing, educa- been fortunate in that in Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike and Wayne ‹‹ Jewish Fellowship of Hemlock Farms tional and social welfare institutions and two new UJA Cam- counties. It is our way of expressing our Religious School (Lords Valley) synagogues, established Hebrew Free paign grants from the Schwartz-Mack gratitude to them and to each of you for ‹‹ Jewish Heritage Connection (Scranton) Loan Associations to assist newly-arrived Foundation (Scranton) and the Lester G. honoring and sustaining our community In addition, capital grants (for renova- European Jewish immigrants in estab- Abeloff Foundation (Stroudsburg) have through your generosity and vision. tions and/or security purposes) and grants lishing their lives here in Northeastern just been received and two new Perpetual Despite these new grants and endow- for new, innovative and creative programs Pennsylvania, built our Hebrew schools Annual Campaign Endowment funds ments, however, our 2017 UJA Campaign have also been awarded to many of these and senior living facilities, and understood have been established during the past two is not yet over. It is critical that our Cam- agencies, including Congregation Beth very well that they were planting seeds for months through the Federation’s Legacies paign closes at $900,000 – slightly more Israel (Honesdale), from the Federation’s generations of Jews here in NEPA who for Life Endowment Program. As has been than the amount raised in last year’s 2016 Unrestricted Endowment Fund income. would follow in their footsteps. the policy of the Federation for decades, UJA Campaign of $893,734. A UJA Campaign shortfall would result Now, it is our turn to carry the torch of only 4.5 percent of the fair market value As of February 9, our 2017 UJA Cam- in the elimination of many programs, as well Jewish continuity into the future. of each P.A.C.E. Fund, determined on paign stood at $826,758, but there is still as staff reductions and a scaling-down of As Jews, we are required both by our an annual basis, will be added to our an- much to be done and many gifts remain allocations to our many funded agencies, He- history and our traditions to secure our nual UJA Campaigns in perpetuity, thus outstanding. Completing our current Cam- brew schools and social service institutions Jewish future in NEPA as much as we are ensuring the perpetuation of these funds paign and adding new contributors to our across the board – a concern increased by required to preserve a strong, dynamic for future generations. 2017 UJA Campaign rolls while there is the current state budget battle over extending and secure Israel. If there is to be a next As an expression of our deep apprecia- still time is critical if we are to avoid the educational tax credits to our Hebrew schools generation here, it will be because we tion, all donors to our 2017 UJA Campaign consequences of reducing allocations to and tax-exemption status issues that may have willed it to be so. Just as our parents, will be listed in our 2017 UJA Campaign our many Jewish educational, religious, affect our region’s Jewish summer camps grandparents and great-grandparents did Honor Roll, as will those who have estab- cultural, social and recreational agencies and JCCs – both of which issues are currently for us, so must we do the same for those lished endowments with the Federation and institutions in Northeastern Pennsyl- being debated in Harrisburg. who will follow us. throughout the decades under our Legacies vania that provide our Jewish communities Nor will we be in a position to fulfill So, if you have not yet made your pledge for Life Endowment Program. with so many important services. our commitments to Israel or to assist the to our 2017 UJA Campaign that ends in As you know, these institutions and thousands of frightened European Jews May, but are considering doing so, I hope agencies include or have included: currently considering aliyah to Israel to you will do so now. The pledge does not ‹‹ Jewish Agency for Israel and the Amer- escape rising antisemitism in countries have to be paid until the end of this year. ican Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, where, for centuries, their ancestors con- Please direct it to the Jewish Federa- both of which provide a wide range of tributed to the betterment of European life. tion of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 “ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the religious, medical, social, cultural and rec- For Europe’s Jews, that era is now Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510, with Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson reational services in Israel and throughout coming to an end. “2017 UJA Campaign gift” written on the Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. the world, wherever Jewish communities In 2014, Jews in France were the target memo line. President: David Malinov are isolated or threatened of 51 percent of racist attacks, even as they Our community will be grateful for any Executive Director: Mark Silverberg ‹‹ Jewish Community Center (Scranton) make up less than one percent of the popu- gift in any amount you choose to give. ‹ Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman ‹ Jewish Family Services of Northeastern lation. As a result, 40,000 French Jews, or Please remember: We are one family, Layout Editor: Diana Sochor Pennsylvania (Scranton) 10 percent of the population, have already and by working together for this common Assistant Editor: Michael Nassberg ‹‹ Hebrew Day School (Scranton) left France for Israel. Worse, a 2013 E.U. vision, we will continue their legacy. Production Coordinator: Jenn DePersis ‹‹ Jewish Resource Center of the Poconos survey found that 40 percent of European My sincerest thanks and appreciation Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen (Stroudsburg) Jews fear to publicly identify as Jewish, to each of you. Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown ‹‹ Chabad of the Abingtons/Jewish Dis- including 60 percent of Swedish Jews. Mark Silverberg covery Center (Waverly) A significant portion of our NEPA UJA Executive director, Jewish Federation OPINIONS The views expressed in ‹‹ Yeshiva Beth Moshe/Milton Eisner dollars is thus dedicated to JAFI. and the of Northeastern Pennsylvania editorials and opinion pieces are those of each author and not necessarily the views of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania. We’ll lose college students if Israel LETTERS The Reporter welcomes letters on subjects of interest to the Jewish community. All letters must be becomes a partisan cause signed and include a phone number. BY SEFFI KOGEN rael.” But partisans have taken a different on the outs if and when the pendulum The editor may withhold the name (JTA) – For decades, supporters of the path. It is increasingly common to hear swings and Democrats reclaim Con- upon request. U.S.-Israel relationship have insisted on Republicans assert that they are the true gress or the White House. Already, ADS The Reporter does not necessar- strong bipartisanship rather than allying keepers of the U.S.-Israel relationship when asked by Pew whether they sym- ily endorse any advertised products – a claim that can be heard from some pathize more with Israel or the Pales- and services. In addition, the paper their cause with the Democrats or Re- is not responsible for the kashruth of publicans. So even while a typical bit of Democratic activists, too. Disturbingly, tinians, only 33 percent of Democrats any advertiser’s product or establish- punditry over the past few presidencies some prominent Democrats – particularly say Israel (compared with 74 percent ment. was to assert that Bill Clinton, or George the young and the populist – are rejecting of Republicans). This should worry all DEADLINE Regular deadline is two W. Bush, or Barack Obama was “the most the old orthodoxies of the friendship. lovers of Israel, as being a true pro-Is- weeks prior to the publication date. pro-Israel president in history,” Israel The result is that on both ends of the rael advocate means keeping the issue advocates nevertheless kept their heads spectrum, and with conflicting intent, as nonpolitical as possible, regardless FEDERATION WEBSITE: and painstakingly maintained strong Israel’s star is being hitched to Trump’s of your own political preferences. www.jewishnepa.org relationships on both sides of the aisle. ascendant wagon. Second, college students – many of Now some are eagerly making the This is a mistake for three reasons. whom are more likely to see Israel as the HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: same grandiose claim about President First, Donald Trump was not a conven- Goliath towering over a Palestinian David, Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA tional candidate and his is likely not to be rather than as the spunky David facing 18510 Donald Trump – that he will be the great- E-mail: [email protected] est friend Jerusalem has ever had. While a conventional presidency. The animus down the giant Arab world – polled as Fax: (570) 346-6147 we should and do welcome friendship that he inspired among Democrats was particularly allergic to Trump. The con- Phone: (570) 961-2300 from President Trump, and look forward particularly acute on college campuses cern, then, is not just that the next crop to working with him to strengthen the and may lead future Democrats to define of Democrats elected won’t assign proper HOW TO REACH American-Israeli relationship, there are themselves as critics of all causes President value to the U.S.-Israel relationship, but THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: dangers in this perception. Trump embraces. that Israel could lose an entire generation Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 Loath to turn the crucial cause of If Israel’s American friends allow of American friends. Remember, for many E-mail: [email protected] U.S.-Israel ties into a political football, their more liberal alliances to wither, campus progressives, even Obama was too savvy advocates both on campus and off and fail to nurture understanding and conservative – a sentiment that motivated SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: support for Israel among longtime co- support for Bernie Sanders. Phone: (570) 961-2300 have traditionally resisted branding one party or the other as insufficiently “pro-Is- alition partners, Israel may find itself See “Students” on page 6 FEBRUARY 23, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 3 Citing intermarriage threat, Israeli rabbis check families’ lineages BY ANDREW TOBIN and typically issue a ruling that applies to everyone. TEL AVIV (JTA) – Yael knew she would have to According to experts, this has been going on for least a prove she was Jewish. But she never expected trying to decade and routinely for the past year and a half. get married would turn into a nearly yearlong investi- Rabbi Seth Farber, the director of ITIM, said the Chief gation of her family. In the end Yael, who asked to go Rabbinate – which officially controls much of Jewish life by a pseudonym to protect her privacy, was barred from in Israel and oversees the rabbinical courts – is waging marrying in Israel, along with her mother and older a destructive “inquisition.” brother. Although they had long ago immigrated to this “The Rabbinate is challenging the very underpinnings country as Jews, their lineage did not check out with the of Zionism by placing the personal status of every Jew state religious authorities. in doubt,” he said. “Instead of being a place that’s wel- “Having an official Jewish wedding was always -im coming to Jews, it has become a place that is looking to portant to me,” she said. “Now I feel like a second-class undermine Jewish identity.” citizen. It’s very upsetting to me. It’s very upsetting to Elad Caplan, a legal consultant for ITIM, said the my family.” rabbinical courts investigate about 5,000 people for their Over the years, the Orthodox rabbis who control L-r: Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau and Sephardi Jewishness each year and find fewer than 10 percent not marriage in Israel have become increasingly stringent Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef attended a New Year’s Jewish. But he estimated that most of those people are about checking who is a Jew. More and more marriage ceremony at the national headquarters of the Israel Jews, too, and simply cannot prove it. It is “outrageous,” applicants have been sent to rabbinical courts to be vetted. Police in Jerusalem on September 7, 2015. (Yonatan Caplan said, that Israel demands documents that in And in December, those courts claimed the authority to Sindel/Flash90) many cases were created by countries in the throes of put marriage applicants’ families on trial, too. violent antisemitism. “Do we really want a Jewish state Anyone found not to be Jewish is added to a marriage members blacklisted in two other cases. ITIM lawyers that makes blacklists of who’s a Jew and who’s not?” “blacklist,” as happened to Yael and her family. argued that the rabbinical courts had acted outside their he asked. “Have we learned nothing from our history?” In December, lawyers from ITIM, a nonprofit that legal jurisdiction by adjudicating people’s Jewishness On December 12, the Supreme Rabbinical Court ruled helps people navigate Israel’s religious bureaucracy, without their consent. Because Jewishness is passed against two of ITIM’s appeals, saying the rabbinical appealed to the Supreme Rabbinical Court in Jerusalem down from mother to child, the rabbinical courts bring courts were legitimately acting under a legal mandate to on behalf of Yael’s mother and brother, as well as family in siblings or matrilineal relatives of marriage applicants combat intermarriage. The justices cited a draft amend- ment to the courts’ regulations made a few days earlier in response to ITIM’s appeals. A similar ruling on Yael’s case is expected any day. JNF hosts inclusion events across Israel Rabbi Shimon Yaakovi, an attorney who directs the Rabbinical Courts Administration, defended the Supreme Rabbinical Court’s ruling and said the rabbinical courts for disabilities awareness month had to uphold Jewish law. “We can’t have someone walk- BY JNS STAFF ing around wrongly thinking he’s a Jew, and his family and friends believing it,” he said. “I understand people’s (JNS.org) – The Jewish National Fund nonprofit need to be part of the Jewish collective in Israel, but there is hosting 60 inclusion-related events through- are rules, and if we don’t obey the rules we undermine out Israel during February’s Jewish Disabilities See “Rabbis” on page 11 Awareness and Inclusion Month, with the stated goal of “ensuring that no member of Israeli society is left behind.” “Many people with physical, emotional, and de- velopmental disabilities in Israel feel alienated from DEADLINES their communities, sometimes the entire family feels marginalized, complicating an already challenging The following are deadlines for all articles and life,” JNF Task Force on Disabilities Director Yossi photos for upcoming Reporter issues. Kahana, whose son has autism, said in a statement. DEADLINE ISSUE “At Jewish National Fund, we open the doors to ac- L-r: Chen Orpaz with Israel Defense Forces Lt. Col. Thursday, February 9...... February 23 ceptance and inclusion and are we changing lives for (Ret.) Ariel Almog, founder of the Jewish National thousands of children and their families every day.” Fund-supported Special in Uniform program, which Thursday, February 23...... March 9 JNF’s month-long slate of programming features integrates youths with disabilities into the Israeli Thursday, March 9...... March 23 representatives from the organization’s partners on military and assists them with their post-army careers. Thursday, March 23...... April 6 year-long initiatives that assist Israelis with disabil- (Photo courtesy of Jewish National Fund) ities, including ALEH Negev-Nahalat Eran, a reha- bilitative village in the Negev; the LOTEM-Making Nature Accessible initiative, which brings people with special needs closer to nature through outdoor activities; the Red Mountain Therapeutic Riding Center at Kibbutz Grofit, which provides horseback riding therapy; and Special in Uniform, a program that works to integrate youths with disabilities into the Israel Defense Forces. Jewish Disabilities Awareness and Inclusion Month coincides with North American Inclusion Month each February. Save the Date!

ea Ia Pad Sunday, June 4, 2017 This year’s theme: Celebrate Israel All Together!

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER ■ FEBRUARY 23, 2017 This new kosher deli may be Miami’s hippest restaurant BY LUCY COHEN BLATTER “Wynwood is one of Miami’s only MIAMI (JTA) – The first few weeks in counterculture areas,” Stern said of the January were meant to be a soft opening for artsy, industrial neighborhood, where Zak Stern’s new traditional deli. But given many buildings are covered with bright the massive following that Stern – better graffiti. And with the opening of the deli, known as Zak the Baker – has garnered he’s doubled down on it. for his bakery, things didn’t really turn “We’ve been able to bridge two out as planned. worlds,” said Stern, who looks every bit “We call it a ‘rough opening’ because the bearded hipster, but could also pass there’s nothing soft about it,” Stern said as a Chasid (which he is not). “It’s hard recently as “the deli,” as it is known to to find the religious world eating out of differentiate from the bakery, began fill- their shtetl, and it’s also hard for the non- ing with customers eager to try the house The staff at Zak the Baker’s new kosher deli in Miami (l-r): chef Melissa Sosa, religious world, or non-Jewish world, to specialties, like a vegetable omelette, Zak Stern, general manager Ashley Dugdale and server Ricardo Araujo. (Photo interact with the religious world. So this served with corned beef and aioli, potato courtesy of Zak the Baker) kind of gives them the opportunity to sit kugel and more. next to someone religious and fill in the Of course, the instant success of Stern’s outside the bakery. The customers wait – popular with Miami’s hipsters and foodie sets. blanks. It’s a beautiful thing. deli isn’t too surprising given that Zak sometimes for an hour or more – for his At the same time, however, because they are “We happen to be certified kosher, but the Baker – both his bakery and the man olive-studded loaves of bread, authentic kosher, they are a destination for observant that’s not our identity,” he said. “We’re himself – have garnered numerous ac- French-style baguettes, croissants and Jewish Miami residents and visitors, many traditional bakers and now [operate] a colades since setting up shop four years deep-dish quiches. of whom travel about 20 minutes from the traditional Eastern European-style deli, ago. A line of customers, often dozens Stern has achieved the seemingly impos- city’s more touristy areas to the Wynwood and we happen to be kosher.” deep, regularly snakes around the block sible: His eateries are decidedly cool and are neighborhood north of downtown. See “Deli” on page 8

Mixed Continued from page 1 And not just regarding Iran. Whereas Heights as Israeli territory, a request that said it was a page out of Trump’s bible not ripe to offer specifics. How would they with Obama, Netanyahu would insist peace would have been politely ignored had he for realtors, “The Art of the Deal,” but he address the deal Obama reached, trading talks must take place without preconditions, raised it with any of Trump’s predecessors. did not explain how looking caught off sanctions relief for Iran’s nuclear rollback, he was now talking about “pre-requisites He was clearly hopeful about his pros- guard helped him.) that they both reviled? Amend it? Enforce for peace” with the Palestinians. pects with Trump; the president was “not Netanyahu did another double take it? Trash it? No specifics. Trump, to Netanyahu’s evident plea- shocked” by the request, Netanyahu said. when Trump said, referring to his hopes Same when it came to the Islamic State sure, embraced one of the Israeli’s favorite BEWARE THE CANDYMAN: WHAT for a comprehensive peace with the Pales- terrorist group, also known as ISIS. causes: Palestinian incitement. Obama had DOES DONALD WANT IN RETURN? tinians and with Israel’s Arab neighbors, “You call for the defeat of ISIS,” Ne- also routinely mentioned the issue, but “I’d like to see you hold back on that “it might be a bigger and better deal tanyahu said. (So did Obama.) “Under Trump made ending incitement his front settlements for a little bit,” Trump told than people in this room even understand.” your leadership, I believe we can reverse and center expectation of the Palestinians, Netanyahu. “We’ll work something out.” Netanyahu, notoriously cautious and the rising tide of radical Islam.” and described it in the dark terms Netanya- Netanyahu appeared shocked. Trump small-bore in how he approaches diplo- Specifics? None. hu favors. “I think the Palestinians have asked Netanyahu for a temporary settle- macy, did not seem enthusiastic. “Let’s LOVE MAY DRIVE US APART to get rid of some of that hate that they’re ment freeze, the kind of request that when try it,” he muttered. An Israeli reporter asked Trump about taught from a very young age,” Trump Obama made it sent Netanyahu and his Trump noticed: “Doesn’t sound too a spike in antisemitic incidents since his said. “They’re taught tremendous hate.” government into paroxysms of resistance. optimistic,” he said to laughter. election, and wondered what Trump had Netanyahu told Israeli reporters that he (Netanyahu insisted to reporters later that Those snapshots of a nonplussed to say “to those among the Jewish com- also asked Trump to recognize the Golan his shocked reaction was a put-on – he Netanyahu illustrated the Israeli lead- munity in the States, and in Israel, and er’s conundrum: He is throwing all-in maybe around the world who believe and with Trump. feel that your administration is playing Effective please “There is no greater supporter of the with xenophobia and maybe racist tones.” immediately, send note! Jewish people and the Jewish state than Trump, after yet another digression on all articles and ads to President Donald Trump,” he said of a the breadth of his electoral college win our new E-mail address, president who has never visited Israel. over Hillary Clinton, reminded everyone But that very closeness binds him: How that he had Jewish friends and family, jfnepareporter@ can he reject the entreaties of “no greater and concluded that “you’re going to see jewishnepa.org. supporter” of Israel? a lot of love.” The request to stay settlement building, And Netanyahu, who usually is not to go for the big deal, one that Trump said reluctant to emphasize the vulnerabilities would likely require Israel to “show more of Diaspora Jews, backed up Trump. “I’ve flexibility than they have in the past” – what known the president and I’ve known his could that mean further down the line? family and his team for a long time, and there is no greater supporter of the Jewish ewish Federa Trump’s proven characteristics include a the J tion people and the Jewish state than President Effectiveon immediately,’s e capacity for unpredictability, a demand for u ma deference and a love of disruption. Donald Trump,” he said. “I think we yo il re lis pleaseA send all articles & adst? to Mix those qualities with talk of one should put that to rest.” We send updated announcements and special state and “greater flexibility,” and the That’s hardly a salve to an American our new E-mail address, prospects of what Trump demands from Jewish community dealing almost week- event details weekly to those who wish to receive them. Israel are more open-ended than with any ly with unsettling echoes of past slights [email protected]. previous president – for better or worse. and intolerance – most recently when SPECIFICS? the White House omitted any mention of Send Dassy Ganz an email if you would like to join the list. Lots of tough talk at the press conference. Jews from a Holocaust commemorative statement on January 27. [email protected] “I think, beyond that, President Trump has led a very important effort in the past Jonathan Greenblatt, the Anti-Defama- few weeks, just coming into the presi- tion League’s national director, reacting dency,” Netanyahu said. “He pointed out to Trump’s statement, did not mention there are violations, Iranian violations, on Netanyahu, but was clearly not in a mood ballistic missile tests.” to put anything to rest. Trump “missed an So did Obama, when Iran tested opportunity to decry the rhetoric of hate missiles on his watch. What more could that seems to be surging online and in the Trump do? No one offered specifics and real world,” he said. “Intentional or not, Netanyahu told reporters later the time was this emboldens antisemites.”

... To our readers you to let Jewish Federation of NEPA I want toertisers remind know that our adv AD w their ad here in W YOUR you sa y I SA you sa THE REPORTER! It is so important to remember. when you go to get your hair doneey want or buy to know something at their store or use their services that IN THE REPORTER! Th hank you, Advertising Executive T Facebook ® is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc Bonnie Rozen, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 5 “Online conversion” helps fulfill a longtime dream – but controversy dogs the process BY JOSEFIN DOLSTEN Sewell’s conversion, which was conduct- not aware of any other conversions at Darshan (JTA) – The morning of her conversion, Diana Sewell ed entirely online with the final ceremony Yeshiva in which the ritual elements of the was so nervous she “was running around like a head- taking place last September, was a first for ceremony were conducted entirely online. less chicken” in her Australia home. Meanwhile, some her rabbi, Rachael Bregman, who leads the The yeshiva, which first started offering its 9,000 miles away in Georgia, her rabbi was dealing with Reform Temple Beth Tefilloh in Brunswick, conversion program in 2014, grew out of Punk computer difficulties. Neither of those things put a stop GA. Sewell spent seven months taking classes Torah, an Atlanta-based online community to Sewell fulfilling a 60-something-year-old dream of through Darshan Yeshiva – an online platform for unaffiliated Jews. “We don’t offer online converting to Judaism – with a little help from the internet. providing long-distance learning about Juda- conversion – we really try not to use that ter- After nearly an hourlong online conversation with the ism, including for the purpose of conversion minology,” Stirne told JTA. However, Punk Beit Din, or rabbinical court, whose five members were – as well as speaking with Bregman every Torah on its website lists Darshan Yeshiva as located across the U.S., the rabbis accepted Sewell’s two weeks. providing “Online Conversion to Judaism.” conversion, contingent upon her going to a local river to Sewell’s age and mobility challenges made Rabbi Rachael The yeshiva offers three tracks for conver- immerse herself, the final ritual in the process. “I didn’t it hard for her to travel to her conversion Bregman performed sion, the cost of which ranges from $800 to walk on the floor that day, I floated,” Sewell, 82, told JTA. rabbi, as is the norm for Darshan Yeshiva. her first online con- $2,200. While learning is done via the internet, Just as online learning is becoming more common in So Bregman convened the Beit Din – five version in September students are expected to travel to the converting the secular world, it has also emerged as a tool for potential rabbis rather than the traditional three because 2016. (Photo by rabbi for the official ceremony, Stirne said. converts to learn about Judaism. Sites offering “online so many rabbis expressed interest in helping Ellis Vener) “I don’t believe there is really such a thing conversion” range from one-person outfits to those affil- out – on the internet. as online conversion, at least not when it’s iated with little-known groups like the Union of Jewish The event was life changing for Sewell, who did in accordance with halachic [Jewish legal] standards,” Universalist Communities to the organization behind not think her longtime desire to become Jewish could Stirne said. “But we do use online distance learning to Sewell’s conversion, Darshan Yeshiva, whose faculty become reality because the small Jewish community provide the education component of conversion to stu- includes rabbis ordained at various liberal seminaries. to which she belongs does not have a rabbi. “I wanted dents, and then connect them with rabbis and mentors for But just as with online degrees, suspicion surrounds to be Jewish, but I wasn’t – I couldn’t be,” she said of the purposes of conducting and completing conversion conversions relying on long-distance learning. “The term her situation prior to learning about Darshan Yeshiva’s to Judaism.” online conversion is not a neutral one – it is extremely conversion program. Though Bregman sees conducting conversions online polemical,” said Rabbi Juan Mejia, who has helped Raised Episcopalian, Sewell first became interested as “not the ideal,” she said she was open to performing several communities in Latin America convert to Juda- in Judaism at age 12 after having Shabbat dinner at a additional ones. “I want to throw the borders and bound- ism through a process that relies in large part on online friend’s house. She started attending synagogue at 18 aries to the Jewish world open wide, and I want people learning. “It is something that the Jewish community is and, when she visited Israel in 1978, she felt as if she to come in, and I want people to feel like they can be just discovering, and for the most part it has quite a big had “come home from a long journey.” part of Judaism readily,” she told JTA. stigma attached.” Upon returning from the trip, Sewell looked into con- The majority of Reform rabbis are not as open to Mejia, however, was quick to clarify that he performs verting at an Orthodox synagogue in Sydney – where performing online conversions, but the movement does only “online training for conversions,” meaning that she was living at the time – but found its traditional not have an official stance on the matter, said Rabbi Hara he always performs the actual conversion ceremony in approach to Judaism “too restrictive.” When she moved Person, director of strategic communications for the person. The traditional process for converting to Judaism to the town of Nowra, which is located on Australia’s Reform movement’s Central Conference of American varies by denomination, but typically includes counseling southeastern coast, her longtime dream seemed to fade Rabbis. Most CCAR rabbis believe that “the connection with a rabbi, taking classes at a local synagogue or other because its Jewish community did not have a rabbi. to a rabbi and the connection to a community is really Jewish institution, undergoing circumcision for males, Sewell’s conversion was “a very unique case” for important in the [conversion] process because the idea being interviewed by a Beit Din, immersing in a ritual Darshan Yeshiva, said Sara Stirne, the director of ad- is that you can’t be a Jew on your own, that being a Jew bath, or mikvah, and adopting a Hebrew name. ministration and student experience. Stirne said she was See “Dream” on page 12

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ALAN SMERTZ AND SUSIE BLUM CONNORS, CO-CHAIRS OF OUR 2017 UJA CAMPAIGN THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 6 THE REPORTER ■ FEBRUARY 23, 2017 BOOK REVIEW Genocide or crimes against humanity BY RABBI RACHEL ESSERMAN systematically searches on his own, and discovers some ernment based on the values that protected the vision of For most of human history, governments had free reign wonderful and moving information about individuals who ‘national community,’ a legal system that was informed in their treatment of anyone living within their borders. helped his grandparents, including one who, in 2013, by the ‘idea of community,’ which should prevail over When waging war, there were also no constraints on was recognized by Yad Vashem as one of its Righteous all else. There would be no individual rights in the new military behavior: No world court or governing body to Among The Nations. Germany, so he announced a total opposition to the ‘indi- which people could protest widespread slaughter within Although the biographies of Lauterpacht and Lemkin vidualistic, liberalistic atomizing tendencies of the egoism a country’s boundaries or those outside of it. The terms are well-done, it’s the discussions of their legal ideas of the individual.’” Frank saw Hitler’s criminalization genocide and crimes against humanity are 20th century that were particularly compelling – especially when of those who were referred to as “moral criminals” – for terms, which were not always accepted as legitimate compared to those of Frank, who was a supporter of example, Jews, gypsies, homosexuals, those with mental terminology by legal authorities as shown in Philippe the Nazi regime. Both men were looking to protect the illnesses, etc. – as the correct path for the country. To his Sands’ fascinating and compelling “East West Street: rights of individuals, although they had different ideas mind, these people threatened the health of the nation and On the Origins of ‘Genocide’ and ‘Crimes Against Hu- on how to accomplish that. Lauterpacht preferred to should be eliminated. During his time as governor general, manity’” (Alfred A. Knopf). Part history, part biography focus on the idea of crimes against humanity with its the ghetto in Lviv was created. Frank also oversaw the and part memoir, it explores the concepts of genocide attention to the individual, while Lemkin fought for the construction of concentration camps in territory he ruled. and crimes against humanity, while also showing how use of genocide – the idea of crimes committed based The differences in these political philosophies played World War II affected the lives of four men. on group identity. a role in the Nuremberg trial where Frank was a defen- The impetus for “East West Street” is an invitation According to Sands, “Lauterpacht set his back against dant. In simplified terms, the defense claimed that the Sands received to lecture at a university in Lviv, Ukraine, group identity in law, whether as victim or perpetrator... government was responsible for any criminal actions, about his legal career, which has focused on crimes against I was instinctively sympathetic to Lauterpacht’s view, so those obeying the orders of their government could humanity and genocide. Lviv – also known as Lemberg, which is motivated by a desire to reinforce the pro- not be held liable. There were disagreements among the Lvov and Lwów, depending on who controlled the city tection of the individual, irrespective of which group prosecutors about whether or not the defendants should – serves as a connection between three Jews – Hersch he or she happened to belong to, to limit the potent be tried for the crime of genocide or for crimes against Lauterpacht, Rafael Lemkin and the author’s grandfa- force of tribalism, not reinforce it. Lauterpacht wanted humanity, with politics playing a major role in the final ther, Leon Buchholtz – and one German official, Hans to diminish the force of intergroup conflict. It was a decision. This section also raises a question about whether Frank. Although each was in the city at a different time, rational enlightened view, and also an idealistic one.” or not Frank – who converted to Catholicism after the Sands uses their association with Lviv as an excuse to Lemkin, on the other hand, felt that violence – at least conclusion of the war – took some responsibility for his discuss not only the origin of the legal terms genocide the violence that occurred in Nazi Germany before and actions, something none of the others on trial did. How- and crimes against humanity, but the lives of these four during the war – called for the use of the term genocide. ever, based on the evidence available, Sands is unable very different men. Sands notes that while “not opposed to individual rights, to come to a definitive conclusion. After Sands visits Lviv, his curiosity is piqued: how did [Lemkin] nevertheless believed that an excessive focus See “Genocide” on page 12 his grandfather survive the war? Sands beings to collect on individuals was naive, that it ignored the reality of clues – photos and documents – that, at first, raise more conflict and violence: individuals were targetedbecause questions than answers. Why did his grandfather, who they were members of a particular group, not because Continued from page 2 was born in Lviv and later moved to Austria, abandon of their individual qualities. For Lemkin, the law must Students that country without his wife and daughter? Why did reflect true motive and real intent, the forces that ex- Finally, supporters of the U.S.-Israel relationship Sands’ mother travel to France a few days after her first plained why certain individuals – from certain targeted should maintain, and be seen as maintaining, their in- birthday while his grandmother remained in Austria groups – were killed. For Lemkin, the focus on groups dependence from this – or any – administration. Israel’s for a longer period of time? Who are the mysterious was the practical approach.” supporters committed to a negotiated, secure, two-state people in photographs from that time period? Sands’ Frank, who was governor general of Nazi Poland, solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict – the position mother can’t answer these questions because her father believed in total governmental control of those within consistently favored by American Jews and Israelis alike refused to discuss those years. So Sands carefully and its borders. Sands notes that Frank “wanted strong gov- – may find themselves competing for the president’s support with advisers opposed to the two-state vision. A retreat from traditional U.S. policy on the conflict will present a serious challenge to pro-Israel advocacy on American campuses, where Palestinian statehood is widely seen as the only just outcome. On campus, support for Israel must be nurtured among students on the right and the left, in the sciences and the liberal arts, among students both religious and secular, rich and poor, gay, straight and everywhere in between. Supporters of the U.S.-Israel relationship have built ties and advanced Israel’s security and well-being with successive American presidents. In that spirit, and with that objective, advocates look forward to working with President Trump, who time and again has voiced strong Each year at this time the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania calls upon members of our support for the Jewish state. community to assist in defraying the expense of issuing our regional Jewish newspaper, The Reporter. But as they engage the new administration, pro-Israel advocates must not abandon the strategy of bipartisan and The newspaper is delivered twice of month (except for December and July which are single issue intercommunal outreach that has formed the foundation months) to each and every identifiable Jewish home in Northeastern Pennsylvania. for nearly 70 years of overwhelming public support for America’s one democratic ally in the Middle East. As the primary Jewish newspaper of our region, we have tried to produce a quality publication for you Seffi Kogen is the American Jewish Committee’s that offers our readership something on everythingfrom opinions and columns on controversial issues assistant director for campus affairs. 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 and suggestions are always welcome. With best wishes, Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of NE Pennsylvania 601 Jefferson Avenue Scranton, PA 18510 FEBRUARY 23, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 7 Registration is open for The 29th Annual Teen Symposium on the Holocaust Co-sponsored by Hilton Scranton & Conference Center and the Jewish Federation of NEPA Grades 8 – 12 welcome with appropriate preparation Choice of Tuesday, May 9th OR Wednesday, May 10th, 2017

Time: 8:30AM registration; 8:50AM sharp program begins; 1:30PM – 1:45PM dismissal

Where: The Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, 100 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503

What: The Teen Symposium on the Holocaust is a full day program that deals with the causes and effects of the Holocaust. It also provides an opportunity for participants to meet with survivors of the Holocaust and American GIs, who liberated the Nazi concentration camps. Sessions with survivors are the core of the day. Meetings with these witnesses bring insights and understanding that only such “living history” can bring to those who hear firsthand testimony. Each day’s program will be held at the Hilton Hotel on Adams Avenue, with breakout sessions in different conference rooms. The day will begin with two brief introductory sessions followed by the film,Children Remember the Holocaust. Breakout sessions follow, where small group meetings with survivors are held. After lunch, attendees will return to the Casey Ballroom for the production of Lida Stein and the Righteous Gentile and a guided audience discussion. The afternoon session is a 50 minute play that follows “ordinary” people from “ordinary” families caught up in the extraordinary po- litical and social upheaval during the Nazi era. It focuses on the relationship between Lida Stein, a Jewish teenage girl, and her best friend Dora Krause, a German teenage girl. The play probes issues from the perspective of teenagers, both Jewish and non-Jewish, who are swept up in life-altering decisions about friendship, politics, and family loyalty in difficult times. The audience discussion that follows addresses two key aspects of the Holocaust era: the gradual intimidation and eventual segregation of the Jewish community from the larger society, and the characters, motivations and consequences of the decisions of friendly and non-friendly German adults and youth. It will also focus on peer pressure and its impact on decision making, family loyalty, personal responsibility, moral strength, and commitment. The only mandatory fee involved is lunch prepared by Hilton’s food service. The cost is $7.00 for students and $10.00 for teachers. (Please note that teachers will be eating with their students). Registration begins on a first-come, first-served basis upon the receipt of this notice to our office. It will end when all available spaces are filled. Participation requires adherence to the time schedule, which includes check in before 8:50AM. Registration deadline is April 5, 2017 with payment in full. Payees will incur a $25.00 fee if paid on the day of the Symposium. Please be aware, and make your students aware, of the fact that the survivor they meet will have gone through one or more of many experiences in the Holocaust, but may not be a survivor of a concentration camp. School groups are divided so that participants from each school meet several people and can share what they learn upon returning to school. The program is coordinated through the Holocaust Education Resource Center (HERC) of the Jewish Federation of NEPA. For more information contact Mary Ann Mistysyn at (570)961-2300 EXT#4 or send email to [email protected]

Registration form may be faxed to 570-346-6147 or mailed to HERC, 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton PA 18510. DEADLINE: SATURDAY, APRIL 5th Please Fill Out Completely CHOOSE ONE & CIRCLE: Tuesday, May 9th OR Wednesday, May 10th [Please note: you MUST circle your choice and if you wish to bring groups on both days, please fill outseparate forms]

School Name______

Lead Name______

Email______

Lead Name’s Cell or contact number ______(in case of emergencies only)

School phone______ext. #______Fax. #______

Grade Level______

# Students:______@ $7.00 each = $______# Teachers: ______@ $10.00 each = $______

CHECK TOTAL: $______[Checks should be made payable to: JEWISH FEDERATION OF NEPA – PUT IN MEMO: HERC–The Registration should be paid in full by April 5, 2017. A late fee of $25.00 will be added to your invoice, if paid on the day of the Symposium.

Names of all attending teachers: Subject area taught: ______• ______• ______• ______• ______

Please note: We do not automatically assume a school is attending this year because they attended in past years – This form must be returned by the deadline of April 5th with your choice of date clearly marked. Thank you for your cooperation! 8 THE REPORTER ■ FEBRUARY 23, 2017 To dye for: Snail shell found on Temple Mount colors researchers’ interest BY ISRAEL HAYOM STAFF/EXCLUSIVE TO JNS. the unique shade of blue used to dye the ritual fringed ORG garments, cloths for use in the Temple and the clothing An ancient sea snail shell discovered on the Temple of the ancient priests. The rabbinical sages had deemed Mount in Jerusalem has created “tremendous interest” the species kosher (snails in general are not) so the among researchers, who believe the find ties in with dye could be used. Modern research generally agrees the particular shade of vibrant blue dye (“tchelet” in that the branded dye-murex was the snail approved Hebrew) used in ancient times to color the fringes of by the sages. religious garments. “We find conical shells and seashells during sifting. The shell of the branded dye-murex (Hexaplex Some were apparently used for food, which was a favor- trunculus) snail was recently discovered as part of the ite of Byzantine monks. Certain seashells were used as Temple Mount Sifting Project underway in the Emek beads or pendants, and others were used to cover walls Tzurim National Park. The project is funded by the Ir The branded dye-murex shell discovered through the or floors in the time of the First Temple. In the case of David Foundation and directed by archaeologists from Temple Mount Sifting Project. (Photo by Jennifer the branded dye-murex, we still haven’t conducted a Bar-Ilan University. Green/Ir David Foundation) thorough study of the distribution of this kind of find Archaeologist Zachi Dvira noted that finding the shell around the Mount, but it seems that dyeing facilities and of an ancient sea snail far inland on the Temple Mount [blue]. Dye industry equipment and fragments of snail shells of this type have been found at other sites in the raises questions, as the snails are generally excavated shells have been discovered at Phoenician sites along center of Israel, too,” Dvira said. in coastal archaeological digs. “These snails were used the Mediterranean coast. In Israel, these facilities are Following the discovery, archaeologists have begun in the luxury dye industry of ancient times,” Dvira said. known mainly from Tel Dor.” researching whether there was a dyeing facility on the “They were used to produce the colors purple and tchelet Dvira said the snail’s mucus secretions produced Temple Mount.

Deli Continued from page 4 On that recent morning, a couple visiting from New Jer- While chefs like Yotam Ottolenghi in London and said. “You can bake sey – she wore a wig; he a baseball cap in place of a kippah Michael Solomonov in Philadelphia have helped make bread everywhere – were enjoying an almond croissant and oatmeal cookie at Israeli food “the sexy thing on the block,” Stern thinks it’s and it’s accessible the bar of the bakery, both nodding profusely between bites time for Ashkenazi food to get the attention it deserves. to everyone.” to communicate that it was worth the nearly 30-minute trip. “Ashkenazi food has been relegated to bland and boring, Stern quit school Another woman, who didn’t outwardly appear to be and that’s so not true,” he said. “Deli is a soulful, soulful and went to Europe religious, had just bought a loaf of cranberry walnut bread food. I think we can shed some light on it.” to apprentice on at the bakery, having traveled to Miami from her home Stern, a 31-year-old Florida native, was a pharmacy farms. He started about an hour away. In fact, she said she often drives student when he decided to switch gears to bread baking. with agriculture 20 minutes to her nearest Whole Foods to procure some “I was a 22-year-old in pharmacy school learning all these and then “zeroed wholesale Zak the Baker bread. “Once you have this, how complicated things, but I was craving basic fundamental in on farms with can you have any other one?” she asked, rhetorically. life skills; bread making is such a symbol of that,” he bread and cheese,” he said. When he The deli’s breakfast platter (Photo returned to Mi- courtesy of Zak the Baker) ami, in 2012, Stern launched a bread business out of his friend’s North Miami garage, selling to farmer’s markets and the like. Word of mouth sent the business soaring. “The market quickly drew a line, until the point where I was selling out of bread in less than an hour,” he said. At one point, a woman Stern met while working at a goat cheese farm in northern Israel asked to come to Miami and apprentice for his burgeoning business. Fast forward three years and that woman, Batsheva, is now his wife and mother to his two children. He refers to her on social media as #myreligiouswife. As a suburban kid who grew up Reform, marrying a religious woman from a small village in Israel is prac- tically intermarriage, Stern said, noting how differently the two were raised. She is the reason he started keeping Shabbat, “so she wouldn’t be alone,” he said. And it was Batsheva who introduced him to kashrut; because of her strict observance, he made his bakery kosher. And in the years since, Stern has learned all the intricacies of running a kosher business. Being kosher, he said, brings a real authenticity to the deli, in particular. “If we’re going to do it legit, it’s got to be kosher, that’s part of it,” he said. European delis that catered to our great-grandparents would not have served melted cheese on their sandwiches – nor would they have sold expensive sandwiches as big as your head, he said. They also would have cured their meats in house, as Stern does. “The community here in Miami, I think, needed something that’s wholesome and soulful,” he said. “Delis aren’t fancy or expensive, as a lot of kosher restaurants are. Deli food is the working man’s food.” For now, the menu at the deli is limited, as the kitchen undergoes renovation. (The spot where the deli stands was once the bakery, which was forced to move to a larger lo- cation down the street when the wholesale business picked up.) But Stern said there were a couple of things he knew the deli needed to have as soon as they launched – “a really good pickled vegetable plate with a pickled green tomato, a non-mayonnaisey cole slaw and house-made corned beef,” he said. (Stern’s corned beef is made on the premises in a seven-day brine.) There’s also smoked fish – and, unlike New York delis, which mostly use whitefish, Stern’s deli uses the blue runner native to Florida. Stern is particularly excited for the upcoming deli case with traditional Eastern European foods like yapchik (a kugel with flanken), p’tcha (jellied calves’ feet) and kishke (stuffed intestine), which people can take to go. “Whatever obscure Ashkenazi food that you can’t find anywhere, we’ll have here,” he said. But for those outside the Miami area, you’re going to need to travel to try it out. “I’m totally uninterested in creating an empire,” he said. “Zak the Baker doesn’t need to be in New York, it doesn’t mean to be in L.A. There’s plenty of room for other bearded bakers.” FEBRUARY 23, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 9 weis wishes you a Happy Purim $ 99 1per lb Fresh Kosher Chickens Whole or Cut-up Fryers $399 Hamantaschen Mechaya - 10 ounce

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Joyva Ring Jells 9 ounce Gefen Apple Crisps 1.41 oz $ 99 2 $ 2 3 U Weis Proudly Accepts Prices Effective through March 15, 2017 1070 N. 9th St. Stroudsburg • Route 739, Hawley Route 415, Dallas • Tannersville Plaza, Tannersville 1020 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit • Route 590, Hamlin 695 N. Courtland Street, East Stroudsburg We reserve the right to limit quantities. Not responsible for typographical or pictorial errors. 10 THE REPORTER ■ FEBRUARY 23, 2017 D’VAR TORAH Laws from Sinai BY RABBI MENDEL RAICES, CHABAD OF THE is adding to what was said previously; namely, the Ten MOUNTAINS Commandments in last week’s portion. “Just as the Ten Mishpatim (Shabbat Shekalim), Exodus 21:1-24:18 Commandments are from Sinai,” the rabbis explain, “so, There’s an age-old debate concerning the interplay too, are these laws from Sinai.” between moral standards and the Torah’s teachings. Think about it: The Ten Commandments, the most Does society need the Torah to teach us how to behave, central tenets of monotheistic belief – “I am the or are we, as innately moral beings, capable of figuring Lord your God,” “Do not have any other gods beside things out on our own? Me,” etc. – and the most mundane of civil law – fair On the one hand, the talmudic sages state, “Were the treatment of workers, honesty in the workplace and Torah not to have been given, we would have learned piety property law – were all received from Sinai. The same from a cat and camaraderie from an ant,” indicating man’s fanfare, the same lightning and thunder, and the same ability to self-teach and self-guide. On the other hand, Godly significance. though, the Torah clearly addresses our moral conduct: Morals from man, morals from God – what’s the “Thou shalt not steal,” “Thou shalt not kill” and so on. actual difference? Here are a few ideas to think about: So we’re left with the question, is the Torah merely ‹‹ Humans are inherently subjective. “One man’s junk is affirming the conclusions we could have made on our own, another man’s treasure,” the saying goes, and the same or is there something deeper at play over here, something is true for our values and standards. A God-given value to be gained from a uniquely God-given moral code? system creates a set of objective standards, one that all Semantics? It is a subtle difference, but it has far-reach- people can agree to and work off of. ing implications. But first, the opening verse of this ‹‹ On a deeper level, by instructing us on how to be- week’s Torah portion: have between ourselves, God gave us the opportunity The Ten Commandments have been given. The two to turn even the simplest of interactions into a spiritual Tablets delivered. And God instructs Moses to continue experience. When I’m honest in business I bring God teaching, “And these are the statutes that you shall place into my workplace. When I treat my family properly I before them,” the detailed laws of employment, trade and bring God into my home. There is no place in my life torts. There is an unnecessary word in this verse word: now that is devoid of God’s presence. “and.” Why not just say “These are the statutes etc.” and Next time you’re deliberating doing a favor for leave the “and” out? someone, add to the consideration that your act will We use the word “and” to add to what we’ve said bring more Godliness into your life. I guarantee it will previously. “Yesterday I went to work, and I went to drastically impact your perspective. school, and I spent time with my family.” Same, too, Shabbat Shalom, here. “And these are the statutes,” the rabbis explain, Rabbi Mendel Raices

Talmud Continued from page 1 Sefaria, a website founded in 2013 that aims to put the seemingly infinite Jewish canon online for free, has published a translation of the Talmud in English. The translation, which includes explanatory notes in relatively plain language, was started by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz in 1965 and is considered by many to be the best in its class. The Steinsaltz edition of the Talmud has been in print for decades, in both modern Hebrew and English translation, and parts of it already exist on the Internet. But this is the first time it’s being put online in its entirety for free. The online edition also opens up the copyright license, meaning that anyone is allowed to repurpose it L-r: Sefaria Executive Director Daniel Septimus with for teaching, literature or anything else. co-founders Brett Lockspeiser and Joshua Foer. (Photo “Ninety percent of the world’s Jews speak Hebrew courtesy of Sefaria) and English,” said Daniel Septimus, Sefaria’s executive director. “The Talmud is in Aramaic. It will now be in the Talmud or other books. online in Hebrew and English. From an accessibility “This entire web of connections opens up to you just point of view, it’s a game changer.” (Septimus was by clicking and touching,” said Sefaria’s co-founder and formerly the CEO of MyJewishLearning, one of JTA’s CTO, Brett Lockspeiser. “It’s so clear that the structure partner sites, and sits on the board of 70 Faces Media, of Jewish learning had this network-type experience. JTA’s parent company.) This sense of interconnectedness was already there and Sefaria rolled out 22 tractates of the Steinsaltz English just needed to be brought out.” The other co-founder is edition on February7 and will be publishing the entire the author Joshua Foer. Hebrew translation over the course of 2017. The rest of The project is the biggest step forward in Sefaria’s the English edition, which is as yet unfinished, will be larger goal of democratizing Jewish religious scholarship published online as it is completed. The translation’s by making it digitized, free and intelligible to everyone. publication was made possible by a multimillion-dollar The site also has a tool for Jewish educators to create deal with the Steinsaltz edition’s publishers, Milta and source sheets, or short study aids with quotations from Co-Presidents: Esther Adelman & Steven Seitchik Koren Publishers Jerusalem, and financed by the William a range of Jewish books. Users have already created Davidson Foundation, a family charity. The edition will 50,000 such sheets. be known as The William Davidson Talmud. “We have no idea what kind of devices people are Translations and explanations of the Talmud already going to be learning Torah on in 10 years, but we know exist online. A range of apps promises free translations that those devices will be chomping on digital data,” Septimus can be unreliable. ArtScroll, the Orthodox Jewish pub- said. “So having a database of these texts that’s open, lishing giant, offers a digital version of its own complete flexible, free for use and reuse is a good thing.” English Talmud translation for $600. A comprehensive Another site which shares that goal, the Open Siddur digital Jewish library published for decades by Israel’s Project, provides Jewish prayer text for free so people Bar-Ilan University is also available for purchase, but can put together their own prayer books. Its founder, not with English translation. Aharon Varady, said the modern-day emphasis on in- Besides its edition being free, Sefaria’s founders say tellectual property clashes with the Jewish tradition of its version of the Steinsaltz Talmud is better than com- sharing knowledge openly and freely. “It’s the idea that petitors because it is untethered to the Talmud’s classic Torah should be transferred without limitations,” Varady printed form. Since the mid-15th century, the Talmud said. “Copyright is an innovation with fairly different has been published with unpunctuated text in a column interests than that of a living culture that is growing by in the middle of the page, its commentaries wrapping educators sharing material, by teachers making source around it. Like all of Sefaria’s texts, which range from sheets with others.” the Bible to Chasidic texts and works of Jewish law, the The site already offers thousands of books in open- Steinsaltz translation is published sentence by sentence in source code, so anyone can use them, and hopes to a mobile-friendly format, with the translation appearing add thousands more – the entirety of Judaic literature. below the original. The format also allows Sefaria to Lockspeiser, a former Google software engineer, said that link between the Talmud’s text and the myriad Jewish compared to indexing billions of web pages, the Jewish sources it references, from the Bible to rabbinic literature. canon is no tall order. “People can’t get into the Talmud Click on a line of Aramaic, and a string of commen- because they don’t know it’s there,” Lockspeiser said. taries, verses or parallel rabbinic sources will pop up. “If it’s not in English and you type in English words An algorithm Sefaria uses, which just added 50,000 such in the [online search] query, it’s not going to come up. links to the Talmud, is also reverse engineered: Click on We’re opening this up just in the sense that people will a verse in the Bible and you will see where it’s quoted find it that didn’t even know they were looking for it.” FEBRUARY 23, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 11 Outside the synagogue, intermarried are forming community with each other BY BEN SALES their home. Julianne was raised by Catholic and Presby- NEW YORK (JTA) – Leading up to their wedding in terian parents, while Jason grew up culturally Jewish. At 2012, Julianne and Jason Kanter hadn’t really discussed first, it was simple to mark their different backgrounds. how they would incorporate their respective religions into In December, the couple celebrated Christmas with Julianne’s relatives and lit a menorah and served latkes at Christmas dinner. But now that they’re thinking of having kids, the Rabbis Continued from page 3 Kanters have started to talk religion more seriously. halachah. Judaism is not being measured by feelings.” And they realized they needed a space to learn about Yael said she always felt like an Israeli Jew. Her fam- Judaism without the expectations that came with joining ily immigrated from Belarus when she was a baby, she a synagogue. “To talk about how are we going to incor- explained in unaccented Hebrew, and she attended public porate Judaism into our lives – what does that mean? schools, observed Jewish holidays and served in the army. What will that look like?” Julianne Kanter said. “I didn’t Jason and Julianne Kanter started talking about She even grew up hearing her maternal grandmother’s know enough about it to feel comfortable teaching my religion more seriously when they started to think about story of Holocaust survival, she said. Then, she fell in kids about it.” having children. (Photo courtesy of Julianne Kanter) love with a nice Israeli Jewish boy and last fall agreed Since last year, the Kanters have found Jewish connec- to marry him. Just ahead of the planned wedding date tion through a range of initiatives targeted at intermarried Kanter said. “It was nice to go to a group where every- this summer, the Tel Aviv rabbinical court scuttled her or unaffiliated couples. Last June, they went on a trip one was in the same sort of boat. There’s real dialogue plans. In ruling she was not Jewish, the court pointed to with Honeymoon Israel, a Birthright-esque subsidized rather than someone telling you their opinion of what inconsistencies in her family’s paperwork. tour of Israel for newlywed couples with at least one your situation is.” Yael’s grandmother, who said her documents were Jewish partner. And in the months since, they have built A growing number of initiatives are giving intermarried lost during World War II, was listed as Jewish on the community at home in Brooklyn through two discussion couples a Jewish framework disconnected from syna- birth certificate of her daughter, Yael’s mother, but as groups where intermarried couples get together to meet, gogue services and outside the walls of legacy Jewish Belarusian, or not Jewish, on the birth certificate of her eat and talk about shared challenges and experiences. institutions. Instead of drawing them to Judaism with a son. Also, Yael’s mother was listed as Belarusian on her In one group, called the Couples Salon, five to six preconceived goal, these programs allow intermarried immigration paperwork and as not Jewish on Yael’s birth couples share a light meal, introduce themselves and drop couples to form community among themselves and on certificate. Yael’s father is Jewish, but that is not relevant questions they have prepared in advance into a bowl. A their own terms. “I wanted to find a way to create a space under Orthodox Jewish law. moderator who can also participate picks out a question for couples that come from mixed religious backgrounds Experts said the Chief Rabbinate began regularly and the group talks – whether about how to deal with to ask questions in a safe space,” said Danya Shults, who checking the Jewishness of marriage applicants and familial expectations, how to celebrate holidays or how runs the Couples Salons as part of Arq, a Jewish culture others in response to the mass influx of immigrants from to share a ritual with your kids. The salons have happened group, and organized her fifth salon earlier this month. Ethiopia and the former Soviet Union, mostly in the 1980s once a month, with different couples, since August. “I’m not a synagogue. I’m not expecting them to join. and 1990s. Immigrants need only be related to a Jew to “We wanted the perspective of people who were in I’m not expecting them to convert.” get Israeli citizenship, and several hundred thousand similar situations, which the synagogue is not,” Jason See “Intermarried” on page 13 non-Jews are estimated to have arrived in those waves. Over the decades, the experts said, the Chief Rab- binate’s worry about intermarriage has only grown. The checks became official policy in 2002. “The closer the rabbis look” into immigrants’ backgrounds, “the more nervous they get, which makes them look even closer,” P A C E said Shuki Friedman, the head of religion and state Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment research at the Israel Democracy Institute. But Friedman said that most non-Jewish immigrants do not identify as Jews, and so need not concern the Chief Rabbinate. Further, if the goal is to prevent assimilation, he Your gift to the Annual Campaign said, the rabbinical courts’ aggressive vetting of marriage applicants and their family members is counterproductive, DOES A WORLD OF GOOD. since it “pushes people away from Judaism.” Rabbi David Stav, a leading religious Zionist rabbi, Endowing your gift allows you to be there for the agreed, and said the practice is in no way required by Jewish community of NEPA forever. Jewish law. “If the court found out there was an attempt to hide something or cheat the rabbis, I can understand A Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) is a permanent fund that endows they have to check [the person’s Jewishness] again,” he your Jewish community Annual Campaign gift as a lasting legacy. A PACE fund will said. “Halachically speaking, though, there is no need to check anything about someone’s story unless he gives continue to make an annual gift in perpetuity on your behalf. you a good reason to be suspicious.” To determine the amount you need to endow your entire campaign gift, multiply your current Stav’s rabbinical group, Tzohar, works to help non-Or- thodox Israelis access the Chief Rabbinate’s services. annual gift by 20. But when Yael came to Tzohar for help before she was You can fund your PACE by adding the JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHEASTERN investigated last year, she was disappointed. Roots – the PENNSYLVANIA to your will, or by making the Federation a beneficiary of your IRA. All group’s program for helping immigrants from the former contributions to establish a PACE are tax deductible. Soviet Union research their Jewish heritage – failed to prove she was Jewish and reported its findings to the Let your name be remembered as a blessing. Chief Rabbinate. After the rabbinical court ruled against her, Yael went Endowments can be created through a variety of vehicles, some of which do not necessitate her own way. She had a private modern Orthodox con- funding during your lifetime yet still provide your estate with considerable tax benefits. version and married her fiancé in a wedding ceremony They also enable you to perpetuate your commitment to the Annual Campaign in a way that that was not sanctioned by the Chief Rabbinate, and thus best achieves your own personal financial and estate planning goals. against Israeli law. Still, Yael said she held out hope that the state would recognize her, and her marriage, as Jewish before the weddings of any future children. 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 * charitable lead trust * gift of IRA or pension plan assets * grant from your foundation * reserved life estate in your residence * bequest Using appreciated property, such as securities or real estate, affords you the opportunity to eliminate the income tax on the long-term capital gain, will in some instances generate a full income tax charitable deduction and will remove those assets from your estate for estate tax purposes.

For more information contact Mark Silverberg at [email protected] or call 570-961-2300, ext. 1. ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 12 THE REPORTER ■ FEBRUARY 23, 2017 Finally, a book for Jews with Alzheimer’s BY LISA KEYS slow decline in thinking, memory and rea- Sobel’s family is among them. The author NEW YORK (JTA) – The book is large soning. The book – a series of independent took inspiration from his mother, Manya, and fits comfortably on a lap. The color pictures and captions – requires no memory 93, a refugee who fled Nazi Germany and photographs nearly fill each page. Each to read and follow along, allowing those has suffered from Alzheimer’s for 17 years. image depicts real people doing everyday with memory-loss issues to enjoy and As her memory deteriorated, her language Jewish things – a young girl eating matzah engage with each image on its own terms. slowly disappeared with it, Sobel said. ball soup; a bubbe and her grandchildren “L’Chaim: Pictures to Evoke Memo- Eventually, a few years ago, it seemed lying in the grass; a man wearing tefillin, ries of a Jewish Life,” by Eliezer Sobel, gone for good. However, “One day I walk praying. The sentences are in large print; is probably the first book of its kind – a into the living room, and she was thumbing they are simple (“Mother says the blessing Jewish-themed book created explicitly through a magazine, reading the big print over the candles”) and easy to read. for adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia. headlines aloud, correctly,” he recalled. “I But the book is not for young children “There’s such a richness to Jewish content said, ‘Omigod! Mom can still read!’” Eliezer Sobel’s mother, Manya, read learning how to read, nor is it for parents and imagery and history and culture,” Sobel, who lives in Red Bank, NJ, said his first book for adults with memory to introduce Judaism to their preschoolers. Sobel, 64, told JTA. “There are so many he headed to the local Barnes and Noble loss, “Blue Sky, White Clouds.” (Photo Rather it is designed for those suffering Jewish people in Jewish nursing homes, to get her a picture book for dementia courtesy of Eliezer Sobel) from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, a and Jewish families with loved ones who patients. “It seemed like the most obvious progressive type of dementia that causes a have dementia.” thing in the world,” he said. is a series of large color photographs of Instead, he learned that such a thing things like birds, trees and babies with didn’t really exist. After unsuccessful trips captions such as “The baby is fast asleep” to bookstores and searches online, Sobel and “Snow covers the trees.” Dream Continued from page 5 called the National Alzheimer’s Associa- “If patients see the pictures, say means being part of a community, so I think the Jewish world,” he told JTA, explaining tion. He said the librarian he spoke with on the names of the pictures, make some there’s a concern among our rabbis about that his candidates for conversion must the phone was stumped at first – she said comments or are in any way affected by people who do the conversion process only study with him for about 100 classes of that while there were more than 20,000 the books, that’s a good thing, period,” online,” Person told JTA. about one to one and a half hours each. books for caregivers, she didn’t know of David Teplow, a professor of neurology Nevertheless, Person added, some The reason some are hesitant to accept anything for the patients themselves. at UCLA, told JTA. (Teplow provided a rabbis affiliated with the Reform rabbin- conversions that incorporate online ele- Eventually the librarian turned up a few blurb for “Blue Sky”: “It certainly appears ical group are using distance learning ments can be traced back to Jewish laws books for Alzheimer’s patients: Lydia Bur- to be necessary to fill a void in this area to help meet the needs of Jews who for meant to ensure that potential converts were dick has a series of three books for adults of publishing, namely the realistic repre- geographic reasons are not able to attend sincere in their desire to embrace Judaism, with the disease, including “The Sunshine sentation of images and ideas for people classes about Judaism. said Sylvia Fishman, a professor of Judaic On My Face.” In subsequent years, a few with memory and cognitive impairment.”) Bregman believes resistance to online studies at Brandeis University who has more have appeared, such as those by Emma Plus, Teplow added, “There are lot of conversions stems from a reluctance toward published a book about conversion. “I Rose Sparrow. Still, the market for such Jewish people who have Alzheimer’s disease change. “I think that there’s a lot of hesitancy don’t think it’s possible to really come to products is very small, even though some and other dementias. Certainly it’s an im- around much of the new technology and new an understanding of a human being and 5.8 million Americans have Alzheimers, portant project for the Jewish community.” tools that are emerging and that have been why they want to do this and how they according to the Alzheimer’s Association. For Sobel, having a Jewish-themed emerging over the last five to 10 years, like envision their lives afterward unless you Inspired, Sobel – a writer (previous follow-up to “Blue Sky” was a bit of a Darshan Yeshiva, like an online conversion,” spend some time with them,” she told JTA. books include the novel “Minyan: Ten no-brainer. “It seemed natural to me,” she said. “These are entities which challenge “I think that’s why rabbis have distanced Jewish Men in a World That is Heart- he said. “It’s who I am; who we are. the status quo, and the status quo doesn’t themselves from online conversion.” broken”) and leader of meditation and Especially my mother, the history of her usually like to be challenged.” Fishman said conversions incorporat- creativity retreats – published his first book Holocaust experience – it was a big part Mejia, who received rabbinic ordina- ing online elements are “better than noth- for adults with dementia, “Blue Sky, White of my growing up, how she and her family tion from the Conservative movement’s ing,” but that in addition to not getting to Clouds: A Book for Memory-Challenged got out, what they experienced.” Jewish Theological Seminary of America, know their rabbi in person, those relying Adults” in 2012. Like “L’Chaim,” the book See “Book” on page 15 is also aware of this hesitancy and says on distance learning may also miss out on it motivates him to be stringent with po- becoming involved in a Jewish community tential converts. Many find him through as part of their conversion process. Kol Tuv Sefarad, his online resource for Meanwhile, Sewell said her life has Genocide Continued from page 6 descendants of Sephardic Jews who are completely changed since her conversion. This summary doesn’t do justice to Lauterpacht and Lemkin – including what interesting in exploring, and sometimes “I’m just so [much] more at peace with the amount of material covered in “East occurred to the members of their families reclaiming, their Jewish roots. “I’m ex- myself and more content in life generally,” West Street.” Sands does a thorough, who were unable to escape the Nazis – is tremely draconian in that because I know she said. “I never expected it to happen at systematic job in outlining all he discov- nuanced and moving. The chapters about how poorly regarded this phenomenon of all, and I’m just so grateful for it, I thank ers. His interviews of the sons of two Nuremberg were captivating and made long-distance learning for conversion is in God every day for the conversion.” figures in the Nazi government in Poland the book almost impossible to put down. show the different ways contemporary Sands’ powerful, absorbing work should Germans view what occurred during the be read by anyone interested in World War war. His careful and caring portrayals of II or the history of human rights.

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Pledge or Donate online at www.jewishnepa.org/donate FEBRUARY 23, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 13 Israel slated to be fourth country to land vehicle on the moon BY ISRAEL HAYOM STAFF/EXCLUSIVE TO JNS. The “ticket to the moon” cost the Israeli team more ORG than $10 million, a sum reached with funding by the Israel is scheduled to become the fourth country to group’s two main benefactors: Morris Kahn’s Kahn land a spacecraft on the moon, with a launch planned for Foundation and Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson’s the end of 2017 by billionaire businessman Elon Musk’s Adelson Family Foundation. SpaceX company. After landing on the moon, the spacecraft is ex- The launch is set to send satellites from several other pected to take photos and videos of the moon and countries into space, but the Israeli spacecraft is the only broadcast them to Earth. The spacecraft is designed one designed to continue to the moon. The dishwash- to travel 500 yards across the surface of the moon by er-sized spacecraft was built by the Israeli SpaceIL team hopping, instead of roving like other spacecraft in for Google’s Lunar XPRIZE competition, which aims the competition. to promote space technology and interest in the private If all goes as planned, SpaceIL will meet the con- sector. Thanks to advanced innovation and engineering, ditions of Google’s XPRIZE competition and win the Israeli team was the first to reserve a spot for a space $20 million. The team plans to use the prize money to launch out of 33 teams in the competition. promote science in Israel. A model of the Israeli SpaceIL team’s spacecraft for landing on the moon in Google’s Lunar XPRIZE Intermarried Continued from page 11 competition. (Photo by Wikimedia Commons) The salons began last year, as did Circles of Welcome, which the couples and I will not see eye to eye,” he said, a similar initiative by JCC Manhattan, where five to seven using a Hebrew term for Jewish law. “But that’s like the intermarried or unaffiliated couple meets monthly, usu- 10th or 15th conversation. That’s not the first or second or ally in someone’s home, to learn and talk about Judaism third or even fifth. There’s so much more to learn about with a rabbi or rabbinical student who serves as “men- them, and for me to be able to share also about myself, tor.” In Northern California’s Bay Area, two somewhat before even getting to that point.” older programs, Jewish Gateways and Building Jewish That doesn’t mean intermarried Jews will remain Bridges, offer group discussions, classes and communal forever separate, said Rabbi Miriam Farber Wajnberg, gatherings for intermarried couples. who runs Circles of Welcome at the JCC Manhattan. She The programs are at once a reaction to rising intermarriage sees the program as a stepping-stone to a time when the Music prayer website rates and to the rejection that intermarried couples have long larger community is more open to non-Jewish spouses. The website Nava Tehila offers a “Mu- experienced from parts of the Jewish community. While “We expect and hope that this program won’t need to sical Prayer Archive” at www.navatehila. most Jews married since 2000 have wedded non-Jews, the exist in the future, that we won’t need to create a special org/35897/Musical%2DPrayer%2DArchive. Conservative and Orthodox movements do not sanction inter- program to help couples get access to Jewish life,” she According to the website, “you can listen and marriage, while the Reform movement, the most welcoming said. “It will just be happening automatically. download home-made and professional recordings of our to intermarrieds of the three largest Jewish denominations, But Julianne Kanter, who facilitated her own Couples songs, watch clips, and download notes and chords.” In encourages conversion for the non-Jewish spouse. Salon on February 8, isn’t sweating over which synagogue the future, the site hopes “to upload articles and tips about “Because of the history of interfaith families not being to join. She said that for now, she and her husband feel a musical prayers, as well as explanations and examples welcomed and not being accepted – that has meant, in sense of belonging in the intermarried groups that have of leading prayers with ‘intentions’ – facilitation with some instances, for interfaith families that want to expe- formed. “To me, I feel like these are the people who get words woven around a topic or a direction (what we call rience Jewish life, they have to figure that out using other us,” she said. “This is our community, and we’re just a journey) as a way to create meaningful and relevant resources,” said Jodi Bromberg, CEO of InterfaithFamily, really lucky.” prayer for different audiences.” which provides resources for intermarried couples “ex- ploring Jewish life and inclusive Jewish communities.” Often, said Honeymoon Israel co-CEO Avi Rubel, intermarried couples also have friends from a range of backgrounds. So they’re uncomfortable with settings that, by their nature, are not meant for non-Jews. “When it comes to building community and meeting other people, people want to bring their whole selves into something,” Rubel said. “Which often in America means being in- clusive of non-Jews and other friends. When they’re at a Jewish event, they don’t want it to feel exclusionary.” Mainstream Jewish organizations have become more supportive of including intermarried families. Several Conservative rabbis have voiced support for performing intermarriages, and the movement is set to allow its con- gregations to accept intermarried couples as synagogue members. Honeymoon Israel, launched in 2015, is funded by various family foundations and Jewish Federations. But organizers of the independent initiatives, and inter- married couples themselves, say even a welcoming syna- gogue can still be an intimidating space. The couples may not know the prayers or rituals, may feel uncomfortable with the expectation of becoming members, or may just feel like they’re in the minority. “It’s a privilege of inmarried Jews with children in any social circumstance,” said Steven M. Cohen, a Jewish social policy professor at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, referring to synagogue membership. “The people that fit the demographic of the active group are the people who feel most welcome.” Rabbi Avram Mlotek, a Circles of Welcome mentor and Orthodox rabbi, says his movement’s opposition to intermarriage doesn’t come into play as he teaches cou- ples about Judaism. “Because of my own commitment to my understanding of halachah, there will be areas in

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 14 THE REPORTER ■ FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Feature Films (as of September 2016) NEW Dough - An old Jewish baker (Jonathan Pryce) takes on a young Muslim apprentice to save his failing kosher bakery. When TO THE his apprentice’s marijuana stash accidentally falls in the mixing dough, the challah starts flying off the shelves! DOUGH is a warmhearted and humorous story about overcoming prejudice and finding redemption in unexpected places. (Shown at the LIBRARY! 2017 UJA campaign opening event) Everything is Illuminated - “Everything is Illuminated” tells the story of a young man’s quest to find the woman who saved his grandfather in a small Ukrainian town that was wiped off the map by the Nazi invasion. What starts out as a journey to piece together one family’s story under absurd circumstances turns into a meaningful journey with a powerful series of revelations -- the importance of remembrance, the perilous nature of secrets, the legacy of the Holocaust, and the meaning of friendship. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Europa Europa - Based on the autobiography of Solomon Perel, this movie recounts the severe actions a young boy must take in order to survive the Holocaust. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Hidden in Silence - Przemysl, Poland, WWII. Germany emerges victorious over the Russians and the city comes under Nazi control. The Jews are sent to the ghettos. While some stand silent, Catholic teenager, Stefania Podgorska, choose the role of a savior and sneaks 13 Jews into her attic. Inspired by real events, Munich reveals the intense story of the secret Israeli squad assigned to track down and assassinate the 11 Palestinians believed to have planned the 1972 Munich massacre of 11 Israeli athletes - and the personal toll this mission of revenge takes on the team and the man who led it. Music Box - In this intense courtroom thriller, Chicago attorney Ann Talbot (Jessica Lange) agres to defend her Hungarian immigrant father against accusations of heinous war crimes committed 50 years earlier. Remember - With the aid of a fellow Auschwitz survivor and a hand-written letter, an elderly man with demntia goes in search of the person responsible for the death of his family. (shown at the 2017 UJA campaign opening event) Munich - Inspired by real events, Munich reveals the intense story of the secret Israeli squad assigned to track down and assassinate the 11 Palestinians believed to have planned the 1972 Munich massacre of 11 Israeli athletes - and the personal toll this mission of revenge takes on the team and the man who led it. Son of Saul - October 1944, Auschwitz-Birkenau. Saul (Géza Röhrig) is a Hungarian member of the Sonderkommando, the group of Jewish prisoners forced to assist the Nazis. While working, Saul discovers the body of a boy he takes for his son. As the Sonderkommando plans a rebellion, Saul decides to carry out an impossible task: save the child’s body, find a rabbi to recite the mourner’s Kaddish and offer the boy a proper burial. (shown at the 2017 UJA campaign opening event) The Book Thief - THE BOOK THIEF tells the inspirational story of a spirited and courageous young girl who transforms the lives of everyone around her when she is sent to live with a new family in World War II Germany. The Jolson Story - THE JOLSON STORY is classic Hollywood biography at its best; a fast-paced, tune-filled extravaganza following the meteoric rise of legendary performer Al Jolson. THE JOLSON STORY was nominated for six 1946 Academy Awards , winning two, (Best Musical Scoring and Best Sound Recording). The Other Son - As he is preparing to join the Israeli army for his national service, Joseph discovers he is not his parents’ biological son and that he was inadvertently switched at birth with Yacine, the son of a Palestinian family from the West Bank. This revelation turns the lives of these two families upside-down, forcing them to reassess their respective identities, their values and beliefs. Woman in Gold - Based on the true story of Maria Altman, played by Helen Mirren, who sought to regain a world famous painting of her aunt plundered by the Nazis during World War II. She did so not just to regain what was rightfully hers but also to obtain some measure of justice for the death, destruction and massive art theft perpetrated by the Nazis. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Non-Feature Films 2016 Above and Beyond - In 1948, just three years after the liberation of Nazi death camps, a ragtag group of skilled American pilots - both Jewish and non-Jewish, answered a call for help. In secret and at great personal risk, they smuggled planes out of the U.S., trained behind the Iron Curtain and flew for Israel in its War of Independence. This band of brothers not only turned the tide of the war, they also embarked on personal journeys of discovery and pride. (Shown at the 2016 UJA campaign opening event) Everything is a Present: The Wonder and Grace of Alice Sommer Hertz - This is the uplifting true story of the gifted pianist Alice Sommer Hertz who survived the Theresienstat concentration camp by playing classical piano concerts for Nazi dignitaries. Alice Sommer Hertz lived to the age of 106. Her story is an inspiration. Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story - Yoni Netanyahu was a complex, passionate individual thrust into defending his country in a time of war and violence. The older brother of Benjamin Natanyahu, the current Israel Prime Minister, Yoni led the miraculous raid on Entebbe in 1976. Although almost all of the Entebbe hostages were saved, Yoni was the lone military fatality. Featuring three Israeli Prime Ministers and recently released audio from the Entebbe raid itself. Hava Nagila (The Movie) - A documentary romp through the history, mystery and meaning of the great Jewish standard. Featuring interviews with Harry Belafonte, Leonard Nimoy and more, the film follows the ubiquitous party song on its fascinating journey from the shtetls of Eastern Europe to the kibbutzim of Palestine to the cul-de-sacs of America. If These Knishes Could Talk tells the story of the New York accent: what it is, how it’s evolved, and the love/hate relationship New Yorkers have with it. It features writer Pete Hamill, director Penny Marshall, attorney Alan Dershowitz and screenwriter James McBride, along with a cast of characters from Canarsie to Tottenville. In between, it explores why New Yorkers eat chawclate and drink cawfee, and how the accent became the vibrant soundtrack of a charming, unforgiving and enduring city. Israel: The Royal Tour - Travel editor Peter Greenberg (CBS News) takes us on magnificent tour of the Jewish homeland, Israel. The tour guide is none other than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The viewer gets a chance to visit the land of Israel from his own home! Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story (narrated by Dustin Hoffman)- This documentary portrays the contributions of Jewish major leaguers and the special meaning that baseball has had in the lives of American Jews. More than a film about sports, this is a story of immigration, assimilation, bigotry, heroism, the passing on of traditions, the shattering of stereotypes and, most of all, the greatest American pastime. Nicky’s Family - An enthralling documentary that artfully tells the story of how Sir Nicholas Winton, now 104, a British stockbroker, gave up a 1938 skiing holiday to answer a friend’s request for help in Prague and didn’t stop helping until the war’s beginning stopped him. He had saved the lives of 669 children in his own personal Kindertransport. The Case for Israel - Democracy’s Outpost - This documentary presents a vigorous case for Israel- for its basic right to exist, to protect its citizens from terrorism, and to defend its borders from hostile enemies. The Israel Course - A 7-part Israel education series that sheds light on the Holy Land through the ages. Featuring biblical scholars and Middle East experts, including Harvard professor Alan Dershowitz, Emeritus Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Ambassador Dore Gold, Princeton professor Bernard Lewis and many others. The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg - As baseball’s first Jewish star, Hammerin’ Hank Greenberg’s career contains all the makings of a true American success story. Unmasked: Judaophobia - the Threat to Civilization – This documentary exposes the current political assault against the State of Israel fundamentally as a war against the Jewish people and their right to self-determination. FEBRUARY 23, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 15 NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org being repeated by the Zionist regime that doesn’t abide by any international laws and Gallup poll: 71 percent of Americans view Israel favorably has hundreds of warheads in its atomic arsenal,” Ghasemi added. (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) – Although an increasing number of Ameri- Noble Energy to invest $550M in Israel’s Leviathan gas field cans oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state, a new Gallup poll shows the U.S. (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) – The American production company Noble public is divided over that issue. Currently, 45 percent of Americans say they support Energy is expected to announce in the coming days an investment of $550 million in the creation of an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza, and 42 the development of Israel’s Leviathan gas field, according to a company outlook and percent are opposed to it, the latter figure representing a 5-percent increase from last guidance report for 2017 published on Feb. 13. The $550 million represents one-fifth of year. According to the survey, a large portion of the American public supports and views the company’s global investments of $2.3 billion to $2.6 billion for 2017. Noble Energy Israel favorably. Of the Americans polled, 71 percent said they support Israel and 27 President and CEO David Stover said in the guidance report, “We have a tremendous percent expressed an opposing view. This was the fourth consecutive year in which opportunity with the Leviathan project offshore Israel. In 2017, our teams will begin support for Israel in the Gallup poll remained above the 70-percent mark. The low point project development, with first gas targeted for the end of 2019. I have no doubt that our in American public support for Israel – at 49 percent – came in the 1989 Gallup survey. outstanding track record of major project execution will again deliver substantial value to The high point came just two years later, in 1991, when support reached 79 percent. In the company.” The report also said, “Capital expenditures in the Eastern Mediterranean the realm of political affiliation, Republicans expressed 81 percent support for Israel in for the initial development of the Leviathan project include drilling one production well, the new poll, while 61 percent of Democrats said they support the Jewish state. long-lead investment items and ramp up of construction activities. The company will Hezbollah leader boasts about hitting Israel’s nuclear facilities also complete an additional production well at Tamar [gas field], which was drilled in the fourth quarter of 2016.” Israel is currently engaged in discussions with Turkey, Cyprus, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah boasted about being able to target Israel’s nu- Greece and Italy over the possibility of exporting its natural gas via underwater pipelines. clear facilities in Dimona, while chiding Israel for being afraid of the Lebanese terror group’s “might.” “Israel knows we can turn the reactor in Dimona from a threat to us Hamas official: new Gaza political leader draws inspiration into a threat against itself, with our missiles,” Nasrallah said in remarks broadcast on from Hezbollah Feb. 17 on Hezbollah’s Al-Manar satellite station, boasting that Hezbollah could turn (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) – Hamas’ newly elected political leader in “Israel’s main weapon into a threat against Israelis themselves.” “If Hezbollah is weak- Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, is expected to concentrate his efforts on strengthening the Pal- ened, Israel will see it as an opportunity for war. Support for Hezbollah in Lebanon estinian terrorist organization’s “military wing” and will draw inspiration from the protects Lebanese people from war. ...Israel is aware of Hezbollah’s might and is afraid Lebanese terror group Hezbollah, according to an unnamed senior Hamas official. “He of us,” he added. Nasrallah said the recent meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin will focus on turning Hamas’ military wing into the strongest body in the Gaza Strip,” Netanyahu and President Donald Trump marked “a semi-official announcement of the the official toldIsrael Hayom. The official said Sinwar is likely to make a number of death of the path of [Israeli-Palestinian] negotiations. ...The Israeli plot is to establish internal and structural changes to Hamas. “We must remember that for the last six a limited government in Gaza and prevent the Palestinians from returning to the other months, [Sinwar’s predecessor Ismail] Haniyeh has been out of Gaza in his election lands stolen from them. For the Israelis, there is no such thing as a Palestinian state.” campaign in the Persian Gulf principalities and Arab states, and that Sinwar was es- Israel’s economy posts strongest quarter since 2013 sentially leading the movement,” he said. “[Sinwar] can put into practice Hamas in (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) – Israel’s economy grew by an annualized 6.2 Gaza’s policies related to foreign affairs and security, including relations with Egypt percent in the last quarter of 2016, marking its strongest quarterly performance since the and the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah, the conflict with Israel and dealing with the second quarter of 2013, the country’s Central Bureau of Statistics said on Feb. 16. The civilian population in the Gaza Strip. ....In contrast with Haniyeh, the new leader will economy grew by an annualized 4.2 percent in the third quarter of 2016 and 5.3 percent focus on sweeping logistical changes in the policy of Hamas in Gaza. ...His model is in the second quarter. The data showed that, year on year, the economy grew 5 percent Hezbollah, and he will allocate considerable funds to that end at the expense of civil in the second half of 2016, following 3.2-percent growth in the first half of the year. The and welfare activities undertaken by the movement during Haniyeh’s rule.” increase in gross domestic product in the second half of 2016 reflected a 3.5-percent increase in public consumption, and 2.9-percent growth in private consumption per Continued from page 12 capita. Israel’s exports of goods and services, excluding diamonds and start-ups, were Book up 4.5 percent in 2016, and investments in fixed assets climbed 10.2 percent. Imports Sobel’s mother arrived in the U.S. at life,” when her Alzheimer’s set in, she of goods and services went up 10.6 percent in the second half of 2016, the report said. age 14, shortly after Kristallnacht in 1938. was released from her terrible memories. Report: Iran continues to call for Israel’s destruction, despite Though she escaped Germany with her “It was almost a blessing to be around immediate family – her grandmother was her; someone who radiated love and nuclear deal left behind and died in a labor camp – she welcoming to everyone,” he said. “I was Iran’s leadership has continued to call for Israel’s destruction since the nuclear remained scarred by her experiences and freed up to feel and express my love for deal was forged in July 2015, according to a new report published by the Jerusalem raised her kids to be wary of outsiders. her, which had been bottled up since my Center for Public Affairs. “There is absolutely no indication of one iota of moderation “Fair Lawn, NJ, was kind of like ‘Leave teenage years.” by the Iranian elite in their hostile intentions toward Israel since the conclusion of the It To Beaver’ – perfectly safe and lots of The books, he said, seemed to provide Iran nuclear agreement. Iranian policy in this regard is driven by the Supreme Leader Jewish families,” Sobel said of his home- her some comfort and – just as important Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” former Foreign town in the New York City suburbs. “But – entertainment. Sobel’s father, Max, took Ministry director-general Dore Gold, who heads the JCPA, said. The report by the JCPA my mom kept an axe under the bed when care of his mother until he fell and suffered includes a compilation of statements by Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader my dad wasn’t home.” a traumatic brain injury himself three years Ayatollah Khamenei, that has called for Israel’s destruction. According to the report, The family kept kosher; they had Friday ago, on their 67th wedding anniversary. Iran’s long-range missile program demonstrates the state’s commitment to the hatred night Shabbat dinners and Sobel attended (He died in November.) of Israel. It noted how the missiles are frequently inscribed with slogans such as “Israel synagogue on Saturdays with his father. “I watched my father, tearing his hair should be wiped off the face of the earth.” The report added that Ayatollah Khamenei “My mother’s idea of keeping Shabbat out, looking for things to do with her,” “paves the way” for the fierce anti-Israel rhetoric in the military and the nation. “The was she didn’t clean the house; she’d do Sobel said. “There are so few resources combination of an extreme Islamist ideology that repetitively preaches the destruction something she enjoyed,” he recalled. “We’d for that. If she enjoyed being with the book of Israel, boasts of its advanced missile program, and seeks to return to the bosom of the drive – but not past the rabbi’s house.” in the moment, we could do it again the Western world makes Iran all the more dangerous,” the report said. “This over-confident Sobel said that while he and his mother next day, or the next hour. We could read Iran continues to export terrorism to Palestinian terrorist organizations, Hezbollah, and “were at loggerheads for a lot of my adult it 100 times – it never got old.” subversive groups in the Gulf states, some of which undermine American interests.” Meanwhile, Iran said on Feb. 16 that it views Israel’s nuclear arsenal as the “biggest threat” to world peace, a day after President Donald Trump vowed to prevent Iran from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon. Israel is the “biggest threat to the peace and security in the region and the world,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi Tedaka Teaso said, state news agency IRNA reported. “The bitter truth is that these unjust claims are an yo! Dear Dassy, On behalf of Operation Gratitude and the heroes who receive our care packages, I thank for your generous donation of gift cards. Your contri- bution will enable us to send over 200,000 Care Packages this year to the tens of thousands of brave men and women still deployed overseas in harsh and remote areas; to their children anxiously awaiting their return; and to Veterans, New Recruits, First Responders, Wounded Heroes and their Care Givers. In 2013, we celebrated the assembly and delivery of our One Millionth Save the Date for a Mission to Harrisburg Care Package- all made possible by your support. Please continue to join on Tuesday April 25! us as we march to Tw o Million Care Packages! Get a chance to meet with State Officials, ank you again for your thoughtfulness and wonderful patriotic spirit. tour the beautiful State Capital building and more! e recipients of your generosity will remember your kindness forever. And I will always be appreciative of your support and encouragement Charter Bus/Box Lunch • Cost: $15/pp for Operation Gratitude. Please contact Dassy for further details and to make your reservation at 570-961-2300 x2or Fondly, [email protected] Carolyn Blashek, President ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 16 THE REPORTER ■ FEBRUARY 23, 2017 CAMPAIN Alan Smertz and Susie Blum Connors General Campaign Co-Chairs

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