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VOLUME IX, NUMBER 22 NOVEMBER 17, 2016 Super Sunday – Campaign 2017 Volunteers met on November 6 at Nivert Metal, in Throop, for the annual UJA Phone-a-thon. The program was organized by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania as part of the fund-raising season chaired by Alan Smertz and Susie Blum Connors, as well as Jim Connors, Community Division chair. The phone solicitations added to the total raised to help local Jewish agencies, as well as Jewish needs worldwide. A breakfast and briefing was followed by each volunteer taking a group of pledge cards in the hope of finding members of L-r: Mark Silverberg, executive director, Jewish Federation of Northeastern the Federation community at home, and Pennsylvania; Susie Blum Connors, Women’s Division chair; Alan Smertz, Men’s ready “to answer the call.” Division chair; and Louis Nivert, host for the event. Monday evening, November 7, had another four volunteers manning phones at the Federation offices to follow up on L-r: Lil Walsh and Dolores Gruber unanswered calls from the day before. checked the completed pledge cards. Federation extended many thanks to Louis Nivert for opening his business who handled the administrative needs to Federation volunteers on a Sunday of the day. morning, as well as making phone calls; Federation thanked volunteers Esther and to Dolores Gruber and Lil Walsh, Adelman, Susie Blum Connors, Bernice Ecker, Esther Elefant, Vera Epshteyn, Gilda Franceze, Janet Holland, Harold Kornfeld, Larry Millikan, Rabbi Dovid At left: Telephone volunteers were given Rosenberg, Alan Smertz and Millie a briefing by Mark Silverberg before Weinberg. making calls. 2017 UJA paign Upd Cam ate Pay it forward & give to SPOTLIGHT the 2017 Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania Annual Campaign! The Equalizer – education on top Goal: BY RHEA GLASSMAN PLOSKER now runs in 192 schools nationwide, from $896,000 Yossi (last name withheld) made aliyah the Golan in the north to Mitzpe Ramon in (immigrated to Israel) from Ethiopia with the south, with 3,000 students participat- For information or to his divorced parents as a 1-month old. He ing. The program seeks to help children make a donation call $338,019 lives in Haifa with his mother and is the in Israel’s periphery, from low-income 570-961-2300 ext. 1 or as of Nov. 14, 2016 send your gift to: youngest of seven children. His mother and disadvantaged families, to bridge Jewish Federation has minimal Hebrew language skills and the gap with their peers who may benefit of Northeastern Pennsylvania can barely support her family. Four of his from greater opportunities. Expenses are 601 Jefferson Ave., siblings were sent to boarding schools covered by Israeli sponsors, including Scranton, PA 18510 companies, colleges, universities and (Please MEMO your due to the meager situation at home. At pledge or gift 2017 8-years-old, Yossi was a shy boy who did government ministries; as well as U.K. UJA Campaign) his schoolwork because he was told to, bodies, such as the British Embassy and but without any comprehension of how or the United Jewish Israel Appeal. More why it might benefit him. He had a love Yossi than 400 volunteers are said to “provide for soccer. He rarely lifted his head to look the backbone” of The Equalizer, serving at people, due to his shyness. values, which they love a bit less. The in roles from tutors to coaching assistants. Liran Gerassi, founder and executive program provides role models, educa- “They work with a sense of mission and director of the Israel Sport and Educa- tional assistance, social and emotional belief in their work and in their ability tion Initiative, known as The Equalizer, empowerment, enhancing self-esteem and to influence the next generation of the explained that during his first year of He- a sense of belonging.” Not surprisingly, community in which they live, as well as brew University studies, he volunteered to most of the children are more passionate the entire state of Israel,” said Gerassi. Federation teach Hebrew to elderly immigrants from about the sport than about the academic Each participant pays a symbolic fee of Ethiopia. In his second year, he decided component of the program. “The main $50 per year. to start a project for their children, like way to overcome this challenge is to set Each participating school selects 15 on Facebook Yossi. Gerassi told the Jewish Federa- a condition for the participant,” Gerassi students, aged 9-16, deemed most in need The Jewish Federation of Northeast- tion of Northeastern Pennsylvania, “We said. “The Equalizer is a whole package; of support both in school and after school. ern Pennsylvania now has a page on wanted to prevent children from roaming either you participate fully, or you don’t Each week throughout the year, they re- Facebook to let community members the streets or looking for trouble, when participate at all.” ceive two sessions of tutoring by college know about upcoming events and keep school lets out at 1:30 pm and the parents The Equalizer launched in seven ele- students and two sessions of coaching connected. are still at work. So we combined soccer, mentary schools in Jerusalem and later with an authorized soccer trainer. Once See “Education” on page 4 which most kids love, and studies and expanded due to demand. The program Candle lighting INSIDE THIS ISSUE November 18...... 4:22 pm UNESCO talk November 25...... 4:18 pm Blazing new trails Jewish “ghost towns” December 2...... 4:15 pm Rabbi Avrohom Stolik will discuss A Chasidic grandmother from A look at Ribadavia, one of Spain’s the UNESCO Temple Mount Brooklyn wins the race for judge of Jewish “ghost towns” hoping to PLUS controversy. the Fifth Judicial District in NYC. gain a boost from Jewish tourism. Opinion...... 2 Story on page 3 Story on page 4 Story on page 7 D’var Torah...... 8 2 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 17, 2016 A MATTER OF OPINION Worthwhile assistance BY DAVID FALLK their rocket program by at www.israelisonit.com. Unlike our friends and NATO allies In response to two Letters testing missiles bearing the Thus, aid to Israel is not only right, in Western Europe and in former War- to the Editor published by inscription “Israel must be but a wise investment. saw Pact countries, democratic Israel Chuck Orloski, of Taylor, in wiped out.” Iranian missiles SECOND RESPONSE requests neither our troops to help pro- the Scranton Times-Tribune now reach beyond Israel to Although [Mr. Orloski] resurrected tect it nor direct economic aid. Rather, concerning his opposition parts of Europe, and Iran President Eisenhower’s 56-year-old it merely seeks assistance in allowing it to the proposed U.S.-Is- will no doubt attempt to admonition regarding the military to defend its citizens, and in accepting raeli Arms Agreement of build such weapons to reach industrial complex, even Chuck such help, has agreed that such money September 26, a version of America’s shores. Orloski (“Swords to Plowshares,” never leaves American shores, but re- the following responses to Despite living under October 20) must admit much in the circulates through American industry Orloski’s letters was pub- threats from all direc- world has changed throughout the and workers. lished by David Fallk in the tions, Israeli scientists and ensuing decades, particularly in the Mr. Orloski may wish the U.S. to Times-Tribune. David Fallk American companies with Middle East. retreat to a more isolationist position FIRST RESPONSE facilities in Israel contin- Since 1961, Arab nations have twice in the world, or for a smaller military Chuck Orloski’s critique of the ue to produce leading technology instigated wars in which the object or foreign aid budget. A broader view proposed U.S.-Israeli arms agreement research and invent products such was the destruction of Israel, and would understand that there are other (September 26), inspired by your Sep- as microprocessors, chips and flash new groups have emerged to main- ways to provide for domestic needs tember 19 editorial, fails to account for drives that benefit all mankind. Apple tain a global, Islamic-armed struggle without reducing Israeli assistance to a several facts. Foremost is the require- is reported to be developing much of including the PLO, and the terrorist zero-sum game. ment that within five years all Israeli the iPhone 8 there. groups Hamas and Hezbollah. Arab While running to replace President military aid must be spent entirely in Medically, new tests and treatments nations have waged an oil embargo Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy asserted, the U.S. for purchases from American for breast cancer, gastrointestinal dis- and been the source of worldwide, “Israel was not created in order to dis- companies, thereby creating American orders, Parkinson’s disease, MS and religious-based extremist propaganda appear... it is the child of hope and the jobs for American workers. Lockheed melanoma – as well as helping para- and warlike actions. home of the brave.” As JFK knew, help- Martin (a local employer) will be a plegics walk and the blind see – are Contrary to the chaos of its neighbors ing allies and democracy has intrinsic, prime beneficiary for its sale of the F-35 among the latest advances from Israeli and the problems emanating from their long-term value beyond current dollar fighter, but Israeli defense contractors science and scientists. Agricultural dangerous policies and ideologies, Israel expenditures. will lose out. output in California and worldwide is has become an exporter of world-im- David Fallk is chairman of the Also, Israel agreed to refrain from being increased by Israeli irrigation proving products in agriculture, medi- Community Relations Committee, asking Congress for more money, and systems and desalination research. A cine, technology and other 21st century Jewish Federation of Northeastern missile defense aid is included in the partial list of Israel’s work can be seen fields. Pennsylvania. deal, rather than being negotiated sepa- rately. For years, Israel has been made the non-voluntary testing ground for our missile defense systems as terrorist In breast cancer testing, knowledge is rockets have repeatedly attacked its people from Lebanon, Gaza and Syria. After the historic U.S. nuclear deal with power – and potentially distressing Iran, the Iranians quickly expanded BY PEGGY COTTRELL because individuals without a strong nicate them to family and friends, and (JTA) – Five years ago, on a history of breast or ovarian cancer what to do in response. whim, Cindy, a 27-year-old Jewish – women like Cindy – may still be Making decisions about medical woman, decided to pursue genetic BRCA-positive. Knowledge is power courses of action to pursue after getting testing through an online laboratory. and, simply put, genetic testing can results is equally challenging. Careful She wasn’t expecting any surprises save lives. consideration must be given to other “ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson because she had no family history In July, Sharsheret was invited to factors such as fertility, breastfeeding Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. of cancer or increased risk factors. participate in a think tank in Israel and the early onset of menopause. Each President: David Malinov She was young and living a healthy of American, European and Israeli one introduces new challenges. Executive Director: Mark Silverberg lifestyle. cancer researchers. Sharsheret was the Further, following the think tank, But Cindy’s results indicated that only advocacy organization present leading cancer researchers estimated Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman she had tested positive for a BRCA with the medical professionals, in- that “half of those who could benefit Layout Editor: Diana Sochor Assistant Editor: Michael Nassberg mutation. She was worried and con- vited to represent the patient’s voice. from a life-saving cancer gene test are Production Coordinator: Jenn DePersis fused, and needed to understand what The esteemed group was convened by not eligible for the screening under Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen this meant for her and her family. Cin- Dr. Larry Norton, medical director at the current rules.” Women without a Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown dy’s story is not an anomaly – women the Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center family history – women like Cindy – and men can be BRCA-positive, even at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New would not likely have these services OPINIONS The views expressed in without a family history of breast or York City. covered by insurance. Out-of-pocket editorials and opinion pieces are those ovarian cancer. After much discussion, and a com- costs for genetic tests can range from of each author and not necessarily One in 40 Jewish women and men prehensive review of local studies that $300 to $5,000. the views of the Jewish Federation of carries a BRCA gene mutation, as focused on genetic testing among Jew- There is so much to consider – this is Northeastern Pennsylvania. compared to approximately 1 in 400 ish families, the experts’ conclusion, just the beginning of the conversation. LETTERS The Reporter welcomes letters on subjects of interest to the in the general population, placing according to Norton, was that “testing You are not alone. If you are consid- Jewish community. All letters must be Jewish families at significantly in- all Ashkenazi Jews – finds twice as ering genetic testing, call Sharsheret signed and include a phone number. creased risk for hereditary breast, many people with mutations as testing and speak privately with our genetic The editor may withhold the name ovarian and related cancers. This just those with family histories.” counselor and our team of social upon request. is an urgent concern for the Jewish Norton went on to say, citing the workers and clinical staff at no cost to ADS The Reporter does not necessar- community at-large. conclusion: “This indicates that the you or your family. We will help you ily endorse any advertised products During October, National Breast rules for testing need to be changed. understand the genetic testing process; and services. In addition, the paper Cancer Awareness Month, Sharsheret It also means that the psychological, we will assist you in making informed is not responsible for the kashruth of shared this critical information with medical and economic consequences decisions and in finding low-cost or any advertiser’s product or establish- thousands via social media, on college of broader testing need to be evaluat- free genetic testing. Cindy did reach ment. campuses and in local synagogues and ed. Knowing that one has a dangerous out to Sharsheret, and we have been a DEADLINE Regular deadline is two weeks prior to the publication date. JCCs across the country. Our mantra is mutation could well be life-saving, supportive resource helping her nav- “know your family history” because if since one can do things that minimize igate her decision-making processes. FEDERATION WEBSITE: you do have a family history of breast one’s risks.” Sharsheret is the only national www.jewishnepa.org or ovarian cancer, you are at increased At Sharsheret, we couldn’t agree nonprofit organization that supports risk and the BRCA gene mutation may more with the experts that issues as- Jewish women and families of all HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: be the culprit. There are steps you sociated with population screening are backgrounds facing breast and ovarian Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA can take to catch cancer early, when 18510 quite complex and require attention. cancer at every stage – before, during E-mail: [email protected] it can be treated or even cured, or to Genetic testing can be daunting, and and after diagnosis. Fax: (570) 346-6147 prevent cancer through life-saving its emotional toll cannot be underesti- We can’t change the odds of a Phone: (570) 961-2300 measures including increased sur- mated. Prior to testing, men and wom- genetic mutation or diagnosis, but veillance, prophylactic surgery and en must have a clear understanding of with Sharsheret, no Jewish woman HOW TO REACH chemoprevention (the use of pharma- how positive test results may affect or man will face breast or ovarian THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: cologic or natural agents that inhibit them medically and emotionally. And cancer alone. Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 the development of invasive cancer). this is information that also affects Peggy Cottrell, M.S., CGC, is E-mail: [email protected] The 1 in 40 message isn’t new, but families – parents, siblings, children, the genetics program coordinator SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: what is new is that medical experts are cousins, aunts and uncles. at Sharsheret. Learn more at www. Phone: (570) 961-2300 discussing “population screening,” Once results are received, one needs sharsheret.org or by calling 866- genetic testing for all Ashkenazi Jews, to carefully consider how to commu- 474-2774. NOVEMBER 17, 2016 ■ THE REPORTER 3 COMMUNITY NEWS “Jewish Indiana Jones” to weigh in on UNESCO Temple Mount controversy The Jewish Discovery Center in Clarks Summit has historical and national perspective, a connection that has invited the public to a presentation on Sunday, Decem- stood the test of 2,000 years.” ber 4, at 11 am, at 216 Miller Rd., Clarks Summit, by During the campaign for president, both major-party archeologist and scholar Rabbi Avrohom Stolik, about candidates took time out of their schedule to condemn the UNESCO Temple Mount controversy. Called “the the resolutions. Donald Trump called it a “one-sided Jewish Indiana Jones,” Stolik will provide an exhibition attempt to ignore Israel’s 3,000-year bond to its capital of the historical evidence of the Jewish people’s con- city” and “further evidence of the enormous anti-Israel tinuous connection to the city of Jerusalem. The event bias” at the United Nations. Hillary Clinton noted that will feature a light brunch. Admission will cost $15 in it was “disappointing and wrong” that UNESCO was advance and $20 at the door. Reservations can be made “considering a resolution on Jerusalem that fails to at www.jewishNEPA.com. recognize and respect the deep and historic ties of the Last month, UNESCO – the United Nations Edu- Jewish people to Jerusalem and its holy sites.” cational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – passed Rabbi Avrohom Stolik is known as “the Jewish Indiana “Hidden under thousands of years of dust and debris two resolutions relating to the Temple Mount, both of Jones” due to his knowledge of and passion for Israeli lies a treasure trove of relics containing the secrets of which are said to have ignored the religious and historical archeology. our nation and the claim to our homeland,” said Rabbi connection of Jews to the site. In the second resolution, Benny Rapoport, co-director of the Jewish Discovery the Temple Mount was referred to only by its Muslim ma Hacohen, said of the vote, according to Ynet, “Israel Center. “In recent years, archaeological discoveries in names of “Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif,” and and the Jewish people don’t require UNESCO’s or any the ancient city of Jerusalem and throughout the land was defined only as “a Muslim holy site of worship.” other country’s confirmation of the special connection of Israel have uncovered key findings that present a UNESCO’s resolutions regarding the Temple Mount between the Jewish people and the state of Israel and powerful and convincing case for the biblical narrative have been blamed for sparking a furor of indignation Jerusalem in general, and the holy sites therein, like the and for the Jewish claim to Israel.” from Israeli officials, as well as from groups who saw Western Wall and the Temple Mount in particular. Stolik has received acclaim as a biblical archaeological that the Jewish people’s connection to the site was largely “There is no connection of another people to another scholar. In the presentation, he will share his knowledge ignored by the international group. place in the world that comes close to the strength and of Jewish history, biblical analysis and his passion for Israel’s permanent delegate to UNESCO, Carmel Sha- depth of our connection to Jerusalem from a religious, archaeology. The presentation will include imagery, di- agrams and videos that can benefit anyone, whether he or she has been to Israel before or has any background in history or archaeology. Bais Yaakov programs “These are ‘hot button issues’ facing society today and Israel in particular,” said Rapoport. “This is a unique Bais Yaakov students recently visited Roba’s farm and visits throughout went on continuously through the opportunity for people to learn facts on the ground – and in conjunction with their theme of “On the Road with summer and is still occurring now. An in-service program underground.” Bais Yaakov.” The past month’s focus was on teshuvah, for the students will be conducted by Carolyn Levy, of repentance, titled “Stop and reflect.” This month’s focus the Jewish Home, in November. will be tefillah, prayer, in accordance with the yahrzeit GUEST SPEAKER BATSHEVA SILKIN of Rochel (Rachel) Imainu, one of the Jewish “mothers.” At a recent event, Batsheva Silkin, of London, En- A video presentation will be shown to the community, gland, spoke to the Bais Yaakov students. Silkin and DEADLINES emphasizing “the power of prayer” for which Imainu her husband, Rabbi Yitzchok Silkin, run an outreach The following are deadlines for all articles and is known. program in London. They help facilitate a seed program photos for upcoming Reporter issues. The students were said to have been kept “very busy” of many other kiruv programs in England. Batsheva Silkin DEADLINE ISSUE during yom tov season, baking challahs that were de- spoke about “seizing the moment,” taking advantage of livered to the community; making sukkah decorations opportunities as they appear and not missing them. She Thursday, November 17...... December 1 with the residents of the Jewish Home; and decorating led an interactive discussion with the students and told Thursday, December 1...... December 15 the Jewish Home sukkah. The rotation of the feeding stories to illustrate her point. Thursday, December 29...... January 12 Thursday, January 12...... January 26 Jewish delegation to House grows, Office space for rent in Senate drops by one available as of November 1, 2016 922 North Washington Ave., Scranton BY SEAN SAVAGE more important strategic partner for the United States JNS.org in the Middle East.” 800 sq. ft. includes three rooms, kitchenette Election night brought mixed results for Jewish In Maryland, Jewish Democrat Jamie Raskin was & restroom. Currently used as an insurance politicians vying for seats in Congress. In the House elected to the state’s 8th District, defeating Republi- office. $850.00 rent includes utilities. of Representatives, the Jewish delegation saw its best can Dan Cox in an open seat race. Raskin, who was results, increasing representation from 19 to 23 seats, backed by the liberal pro-Israel, pro-peace group J For further information, including the election of a rare Jewish Republican. But Street, is a supporter of President Barack Obama’s please call 570-342-6065 in the Senate, some Jewish contenders fared poorly, with Iran nuclear deal and a two-state solution to the defeats in two major seats that could have helped shift Israeli-Palestinian conflict. the balance of power from Republican to Democrat in See “Senate” on page 13 the upper chamber. In the House of Representatives, several Jewish candidates picked seats for the Democrats over their Republican opponents. Democrat Brad Schneider made a congressional comeback, defeating the incumbent Republican Rep. Robert Dold in the 10th District in Illinois. Schneider had previously served in Congress from 2013-15. Schneider is widely seen as a staunch supporter of Israel, having visited the Jewish state more than 15 times and, while previously serving in the House, he authored the Israel Qualitative Enhancement Act of 2013 and introduced the Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act. Schneider has stated that there is “no Please support our advertisers... tell them you saw their ad here in

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 17, 2016 A Brooklyn judge becomes America’s first Chasidic woman to serve in public office BY ANDREW KATZ to fight for his mitzvah.” As she told the For- didate with a more secular background, (JTA) – For much of her adult life, Freier wants other wom- ward regarding B’Derech Jill Epstein. Rachel Freier has been a trailblazer in en, particularly in haredi and the existing yeshiva For help in her uphill battle, Freier her Chasidic Brooklyn community of Orthodox communities, system: “I am not here to reached out to Yossi Gestetner of Axle Borough Park: a lawyer, an advocate to take her example. “I change it, but I am here to Communications and Gary Tilzer to for higher education, the founder of an hope that in the future, supplement it.” manage her campaign. Tilzer, known for all-female ambulance service and of a more women from my Shortly after founding bucking the party machine, already was nonprofit to aid underprivileged mothers background will realize B’Derech, some women managing Odessa Kennedy’s borough- during the Gulf War. Now she has blazed that it’s not mutually ex- came to her in need of assis- wide campaign for civil court. “I put a new trail, this time on a national stage, clusive, that you can have tance. Haredi communities Ruchie together with Odessa to campaign becoming the first Chasidic woman elected goals and achieve them in Jerusalem and the subur- in Bay Ridge and Sunset Park,” Tilzer said. to public office in the United States. without compromising any ban New York enclave of “Odessa did very well among Irish Cath- In September, Freier was the victor of the standards we have,” Kiryat Joel rely on female olic and Asian voters there and brought in in the race for judge in the Fifth Judicial says the mother of six and Rachel Freier says haredi volunteer EMTs to assist votes for Ruchie at the same time.” District Civil Court, State of New York, grandmother. Orthodox women “can have women in childbirth and Freier may have been expected to face serving Borough Park and other sections Raised in Brooklyn, goals and achieve them other medical emergencies. some backlash from the more conservative of Brooklyn, including Bensonhurst and Freier attended Brooklyn without compromising any While Jewish law permits elements of the Borough Park religious Law School part time while men to perform these func- community, but that did not appear to Coney Island. “It feels great. It feels of the standards we have.” raising a family, eventually tions in a health care crisis, be the case. “We had a dozen rabbinical wonderful!” said Freier, 51, better known (Photo by Andrew Katz) as “Ruchie” to her friends and family, practicing law in offices in devout women who have voices who publicly backed the candidacy when asked about her upset victory. “I Brooklyn and Monroe, NY, made tzniut, or religious in addition to women rabbinical leaders feel grateful to God that He allowed me and serving on the community board in modesty, a cornerstone of their identity who also backed the candidacy,” Gestetner to reach this position.” Borough Park. Freier made her mark on say they prefer women. When a group of said. “Multiple Yiddish-language publica- Freier is OK with “trailblazer,” but her community even before her election Brooklyn women reached out to Freier for tions actually interviewed the candidate don’t call her a feminist. “‘The advocacy as judge. When she saw that the haredi assistance in creating their own volunteer and were very fair to her. The vote in of women’s rights on the grounds of po- yeshiva system sometimes left students EMT corps, she responded by obtaining Borough Park was split in half. Such a vote litical, social and economic equality with insufficiently educated to cope in the wider her own certification as an emergency outcome is a huge success for a first-time, men,’” she reads off Google as soon as the world, she took action, founding B’Derech medical technician and the support of non-establishment, woman candidate. So subject is brought up. in conjunction with Bramson College. some religious and community leaders, not only was there no backlash, there were “I’m not here to fight to be equal to Since 2013, B’Derech (Hebrew for “on including Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov thumbs-up all around.” men,” she explains. “Judaism puts wom- the path”) permits yeshiva-educated men Hikind. The Borough Park women’s corps, Schmidt, who had told Freier, “If en on a platform... When the Sabbath to obtain their high school equivalency Ezras Nashim (literally “women’s aid”), you still want to be a judge, now is your comes, I have my mitzvos; I light my diplomas and even associate degrees, thus funds its own training and emergency gear. chance” when he retired, advised her stra- candles and say my prayers. My husband positioning themselves more competitive- The service recently announced plans to tegically. She succeeded despite lacking goes to the synagogue and davens with ly in the job market, while retaining close expand into Crown Heights. endorsements from any of the big three the men. I’m not going to say I’m going ties with their religious communities. Along the way, Freier has earned area politicians – Hikind, City Council awards for pro bono service to the family member David Greenfield and State Sen. courts, sat on Bar Association commit- Simcha Felder. tees and founded Chasdei Devorah, a If anything, Tilzer said, it was the Education Continued from page 1 nonprofit relief organization in memory absence of endorsements by the party a month, the teams in each region gather Eli, noted that, “Thanks to the program, of a young friend. luminaries that gave Freier a leg up in for a tournament. Gerassi explained that, [Yossi] quickly evolved into a confident Freier’s path to the bench began in Borough Park. “While I was running “The Equalizer project instills values such leader in the soccer training sessions a courtroom very much like the one in on the anti-establishment ticket, I’m not as mutual respect and tolerance, while and was appointed team captain. The which she now wields a gavel. During anti-establishment,” Freier explained. enhancing awareness of how education program has provided a healthy and her undergraduate years, she spent hours “People told me that they couldn’t endorse and organized sports can prevent violence, welcoming framework outside of his in the Civil Court presided over by her me, but they were voting for me.” crime and racism.” home – it saved him. He now has dreams uncle, Judge David Schmidt. New York Stumbles by her rivals also helped. “Without exaggeration,” Yossi said, and aspirations and has learned how to state requires attorneys to have practiced The Daily News ran an article exposing “The Equalizer has changed my life.” make them come true.” at least a decade before standing in for a Avigdor’s growing ethical and legal Three years ago, at 8-years-old, when For more information or to support judgeship. Schmidt’s retirement in 2015 problems stemming from his failure to Yossi joined the program, he immersed the program, visit http://league.org.il/en happened to coincide with Freier’s 10th account for more than $500,000 from an himself in the program’s study center, and follow “The Equalizer – Education year of practice. estate of which he was an executor. Shortly connecting to the tutors who cared about on Top” on Facebook, or contact rhea@ Many might see pure serendipity at afterward, Epstein ran afoul of campaign him. His tutor from the first year, Itamar the-league.org. play here, but to Freier it was an example finance laws with a dubious $250,000 loan of “hashgacha pratis” – the hand of God that showed no sign of being paid back guiding circumstances. by primary day. So the path was clear, but the incline Along with several Jewish and Yid- steep. Freier’s principal opponent was dish-language publications, the Daily Mordechai Avigdor. Well-known, con- News endorsed Freier. Nevertheless, “We nected and Orthodox, Avigdor would didn’t see it coming,” Freier said of the fill the Fifth District Civil Court bench election victory. “We had no idea. Our the way one of Nathan’s Famous fills a celebration was completely spontaneous.” bun. Rounding out the field was a can- See “Judge” on page 6

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To get Federation updates via email, rregister on our website JewishEffective Federation immediately, of NEPA www.jewishnepa.org please send all articles & ads to our new E-mail address, Pledge or Donate [email protected]. online at www.jewishnepa.org/donate Facebook ® is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc NOVEMBER 17, 2016 ■ THE REPORTER 5 UJA CAMPAIGN CHAI-LIGHTS UJA-funded JDC in action A year after her daughter was taken to join together to “share difficult expe- supports SPCJ, a French security NGO, actively engage in JDC regional and hostage by terrorists at the HyperCacher riences and provide emotional support.” to provide security to Jewish institutions. pan-European resilience trainings, such kosher supermarket in Paris, Simone Born of a partnership between the JDC, JDC’s focus on resilience spans the Eu- as last year’s first-ever JDC Resilience and her young son remained terrified. the Israel Trauma Coalition and Oeuvre ropean continent to Jewish communities Conference held in Barcelona. She realized they needed additional de Secours aux Enfants, the French Jewish of all sizes, including Finland, which is This is one part of JDC’s “resilience emotional support and turned to the community’s welfare organization, the home to about 1,800 Jews, most of whom efforts” focused on aiding European Jews Jewish community’s Resilience Center, psychologists and other professionals pro- reside in Helsinki. facing many challenges, including the created with funding from the Joint viding support and counsel at the Center Yaron Nadbornik, the community’s Connect Conference for French-speaking Distribution Committee. were trained by the ITC. president, said Finnish Jews have been Jews to be held in Paris; the Arachim Con- “It is very important to me to help my “It’s clear to us we need to ensure called “laser-focused” on the task at hand. ference, which brings together European community. I was touched we were able members of the community understand From renovating the community’s Jewish educators and school principals for to help,” said Dr. Aviva Meimoun, the psychological safety is just as key as kindergarten building, playground and training and crisis management strategies; director of the center, which opened in physical safety,” said Meimoun. kosher store to pioneering a b’nai mitzvah pan-European training conferences aimed April 2015. Resilience is said to be about “continu- family program that offers camping trips at social work professionals; and other Meimoun is just one of many psycho- ing to invest in today’s Jewish leaders and and opportunities for introspection, the ongoing efforts to help Europe’s Jewish social support professionals who provide supporting generations going forward, community’s small size reportedly does leaders and communities strengthen their victims of terror, antisemitic attacks too.” Part of a multi-pronged approach, not hinder “its vitality or creativity in resilience profile. and other traumas with psychological the center seeks to provide teachers at dealing with the tough issues it faces,” Nadbornik stressed that the focus on treatment and clinician consultation. Jewish schools with tools and support. such as antisemitism. resilience is because enabling communi- She said the center is “especially critical Post-terror trauma support, disaster The 150-year-old community is ties to best leverage resources and adapt in these trying times” for French Jews preparedness training and crisis man- “doubling down” on building itself up; to new realities helps them preserve their who face rising antisemitism and deadly agement strategies are considered “vital for instance, it installed its first Finn- members’ physical and psychological terror attacks. skillsets” honed by the center and other ish-speaking rabbi, Rabbi Simon Livson, well-being, both in times of crisis and “It is very important to me to help my JDC activities that are helping France’s four years ago. emergency and in their aftermath. community, and my field of competence 550,000 Jews become better prepared to “This has added depth to our internal “These conferences add value and em- gives me that ability,” said Meimoun. respond to future emergencies. religious activities and to community out- power participants to take responsibility Though her team’s post-trauma ap- JDC also works with French Jews to reach efforts,” said Nadbornik. “Visitors for their community’s future,” he said. “I proach is targeted to children and youth, organize leadership skills seminars, cul- are usually in utter disbelief at how much choose to actively fight for the future of the elderly and people with disabilities, the tivate community development best prac- we have going on here.” European Jews in my country, as I feel center is said to be “a universal place” for tices and include young French Jews in His focus, though, is not just domes- many other young leaders of European members of the French Jewish community pan-European networking initiatives. JDC tic. Nadbornik understands the need to and national Jewish associations do.” THE PENNSYLVANIA JEWISH COALITION State capitol news BY JOE FISCH Representatives with a vote becoming involved in any form of boycott form of economic warfare against the Mission statement: The of 181-9. It states that “It is – defined as efforts “to blacklist, divest only Jewish state.” He added, “The state Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition, in the U.S.’s interest to stand from or otherwise refuse to deal with a wouldn’t condone a company that would working individually and with Israel and to discourage person or firm when the action is based discriminate against African-Americans, collectively with others, discriminatory policies.” on race, color, religion, gender or national women, or gays and lesbians, and discrim- represents Pennsylvania’s Thirteen other states have affiliation or origin of the targeted person ination based on national origin is similar. Jewish communities before thus far enacted similar efforts. or entity” – especially when pertaining to The state has to take a stand on that.” state government and with Alabama, Arizona, California, Israeli companies or individuals. The American Civil Liberties Union, other Pennsylvanians. Jewish Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Jacob Millner of the Israel Project, a however, has voiced its opposition to values guide the PJC’s focus on Joe Fisch Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, New national nonpartisan educational organiza- the bill, as it would allow the state to issues of importance to these communities, Jersey, Rhode Island and South Carolina tion that has pursued anti-BDS legislation cut funding for universities that endorse including public social policies and have all enacted anti-BDS legislation, across the country, stated that BDS is “a See “Coalition” on page 6 funding and regulation of the delivery of either for procurement or investment. human services. New York enacted an anti-BDS effort ANTI-BDS BILL NOW THE LAW OF through an executive order from Governor PENNSYLVANIA Andrew Cuomo. Governor Tom Wolf signed HB 2107 The bill states that “Israel is America’s on November 4, prohibiting the Common- dependable, democratic ally in the Mid- wealth’s Department of General Services dle East, an area of paramount strategic from entering into a contract with any importance to the United States... It is in entity that is engaging in an economic the interest of the United States and the boycott against Israel. Commonwealth to stand with Israel and Pennsylvania has now become the other countries by promoting trade and 14th state to pass anti-BDS legislation commercial activities and to discourage in the country. The bill had previously policies that disregard that interest.” passed the Pennsylvania Senate by a vote Under the bill, companies contracted of 47-1 and the Pennsylvania House of by Pennsylvania would be barred from

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 6 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 17, 2016 BOOK REVIEW Death, grief and mourning “Everyone mourns differently.” Those wise rabbinic yond the doors that these essential conversations open the gifts and beauty that remain. words are reflected in two recent works about death to each.” While there are some sections that deal with ‹‹ Rabbi Edwin Goldberg’s “No Guarantees,” which and dying: “The Jewish Book of Grief and Healing: A Jewish ritual, the majority of the essays offer insights speaks about “unspoken promises,” for example, that Spiritual Companion for Mourning” edited by Stuart M. from the writers’ personal and professional experiences. a loved one will never leave us. When this promise is Matlins and the editors at Jewish Lights (Jewish Lights Since not all the essays come from books dealing broken, we need to let go of our expectations and focus Publishing), and “After One-Hundred-and-Twenty: directly with the topic of death and mourning, some have on the reality of our lives. Reflecting on Death, Mourning, and the Afterlife in the only tentative connections to the subject. However, many ‹‹ “Crying Out for the Light” by Rabbi Art Green. Green Jewish Tradition” by Hillel Halkin (Princeton University include excellent advice on ways to use mourning as part sees “religious life as an act of defiance” against pain and Press). The former offers excerpts from a variety of works of the healing process. Some of my favorites include: darkness. While not specifically speaking about death, the published by Jewish Lights, while the latter combines ‹‹ “Resiliency” by Rabbi Shira Stern, which notes how author notes that we can heal by bringing God’s light to a survey of changing Jewish ideas about death with we must accept that our world has permanently changed. each other. Halkin’s personal thoughts on the topic. Instead of looking backward, we need to forge a new ‹‹ Rabbi Dannel I. Schhwartz and Mark Haas explore “The Jewish Book of Grief and Healing” focuses on way of being. ways to increase our happiness in “Why Didn’t You ways the Jewish tradition can help us grapple with death ‹‹ Two articles by Rabbi Dayle A. Friedman – “Respond- Enjoy All the Permitted Pleasures?” The essay includes and grief. In the preface, Rabbi Anne Brener notes that ing to Suffering” and “Facing a Cascade of Losses.” The “Practice Exercises for the Soul,” which offers practical “mourning can open doors you may not have imagined former talks about the importance of “accepting reality” suggestions on how to accomplish this. before your life was shaken by loss.” This will occur and realizing that we have limited control over our lives. ‹‹ “Memory’s Price” by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner, who “if you are willing to surrender your assumptions and The latter notes the necessity of expressing our pain – writes of mourning his father and how tears are “a small be curious about the unknown: the unknown rooms be- giving voice to our sorrows – while still trying to savor price to pay for our love.” The essays in “The Jewish Book of Grief and Healing” cover an impressive range of material. Each may speak to Judge Continued from page 4 a different reader since the work acknowledges that the healing process for each person may differ. The essays Reaction from other elected officials has been over- compromising my family.” are best read a little at a time and don’t have to be read whelmingly positive. “This changes the conversation Watching her husband David beam with pride and in any particular order. All are short – three or four pages about what the community’s doing,” City Council mem- admiration as his wife spoke to supporters during a at the most – and some led me to want to know more ber Antonio Reynoso said when asked about Freier’s fund-raiser at their home about a month before the primary about the authors’ thoughts. The book is an excellent victory. “And I’m really proud, really happy about that.” suggested that her family was very much on board and, companion for those currently mourning a loved one. Freier said, “The important thing was to do this without to a degree, shared her political aspirations. See “Mourning” on page 13 Her judicial aspirations, meanwhile, are contained perhaps in how she talks about her decision to champion Ezras Nashim. From a strictly legal standpoint, a female EMT corps isn’t necessary. “But ‘pikuach nefesh’ [saving Coalition Continued from page 5 a life] is out there,” Freier said, gesturing toward the on-campus BDS movements. wider world, “while I am in here.” The ACLU stated that it “objects to any proposed The distinction is between an abstract legal concept amendment to the State and Foreign Operations Appro- and what is, for a haredi woman, a lifelong and very priations Bill that would condone state laws penalizing personal practice. The challenge is enforcing the former businesses and individuals who express support for without compromising the latter. As Freier told Tachlis a boycott, divestment or sanctions... against Israel,” Rachel Freier in her Borough Park law office with (l-r) magazine, “I think we ought to take advantage [of the ACLU Director Karin Johanson said in a statement. nephew Shmuel Freier, husband David Freier and son changed legal landscape] and ensure we get the perspec- “States should not be deciding with whom they should Mayer Freier. (Photo by Andrew Katz) tive of a heimish Jewish woman on the bench.” do business on the basis of ideological predisposition. This is especially true where the ideological position has no connection whatsoever with the business relationship at stake.” The ACLU also expressed concern that the legislation would muzzle free speech for anyone opposing Israel’s policies. “Make no mistake – the underlying state bills discriminate solely on the basis of the viewpoint of those impacted.” There are many businesses and individuals who do no business with Israel, they noted, but “only those who affirmatively express support for the BDS movement are barred from state contracts and invest- ments, even though there are others who refrain to the very same extent. They are penalized solely because they choose to express their opinion and because their Each year at this time the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania calls upon members of our opinion is disfavored by the political class in the states community to assist in defraying the expense of issuing our regional Jewish newspaper, The Reporter. in question.” The Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition, however, coun- The newspaper is delivered twice of month (except for December and July which are single issue tered the ACLU’s objections, saying the bill “does not months) to each and every identifiable Jewish home in Northeastern Pennsylvania. hinder free speech. Any company can say, write or As the primary Jewish newspaper of our region, we have tried to produce a quality publication for you publish any statement against Israel they wish. Compa- that offers our readership something on everythingfrom opinions and columns on controversial issues nies cannot formally perform a boycott, divestment or sanction against Israel if they wish to do business with that affect our people and our times, to publicity for the events of our affiliated agencies and the Commonwealth.” organizations to life cycle events, teen columns, personality profiles, letters to the editor, the Jewish Joe Fisch is chairman of the Pennsylvania Jewish community calendar and other columns that cover everything from food to entertainment. Coalition 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 NOVEMBER 17, 2016 ■ THE REPORTER 7 Spain’s Jewish “ghost towns” seek a boost from living Jews BY CNAAN LIPHSHIZ sites, Ribadavia typifies both the potential for opening RIBADAVIA, Spain (JTA) – Overlooking the conflu- such culturally rich locales to wider audiences and the ence of two rivers near the Spanish-Portuguese border, challenges that have obstructed plans to do so since the this small and picturesque town has more Jewish institu- Red’s creation two decades ago. tions than some European capitals. In the historic Jewish A case in point is the synagogue, which was built in quarter of Ribadavia, the sounds of nearby waterfalls the 16th century by Jews who continued to practice their echo among cobblestone streets featuring attractions that faith secretly after being converted to Christianity under are found nowhere else in the northern region of Galicia, duress during the Spanish Inquisition. Hidden inside including a Jewish museum, a medieval synagogue, a the stone frame of the building’s only eastward-facing kosher wine shop and even two Jewish bakeries. Despite window is a cylindrical compartment where worshippers the municipality’s significant investment in its Jewish used to conceal their Torah scroll. “This is a piece of heritage sites, however, this scenic town is missing one their history, but it is also a piece of mine,” said Camilo crucial element that could make the effort financially Rodriguez Alonso, a non-Jewish lawyer, intellectual and viable: Jews, and Jewish tourists especially. Spanish aristocrat who bought the building to preserve A tourist walked past the old synagogue in the Spanish Located 43 miles from an international airport, it in 1982, some 15 years before the creation of the Red town of Ribadavia on September 24. (Photo by Cnaan Ribadavia, whose once-significant Jewish population de Juderias. Liphshiz) disappeared centuries ago, is pulling in only about The 80-year-old nobleman says he feared the building 20,000 tourists a year, most of them Spanish non-Jews. would be damaged in the real-estate free-for-all that his ownership the average visitor to Ribadavia has been Even on sunny weekends its streets are often empty followed the fall of the dictatorship of Francisco Franco largely unable to see the synagogue, which is by far the and its inexpensive street markets see few foreigners. in 1975. “Everything here is historically priceless,” he most remarkable Jewish heritage site in the town. “In my Part of Spain’s struggling Red de Juderias, a network of said of his office, which has massive wooden floors so advanced age, it’s difficult to come here and show it,” some 20 cities with Jewish quarters or major heritage ancient that lower stories are visible from above through said Alonso, whose bad hip prevents him from climbing fine cracks along the grain. up to the floor housing the ark. Alonso, a father of three who following his recent Despite his passion, Alonso’s failure to leverage divorce moved into a bachelor pad with friends near the synagogue he owns into a tourist asset is typical of Ribadavia, renovated the building while preserving it. efforts to further develop Spain’s Jewish heritage sites, He even had welders add hand-crafted Stars of David according to Marta Puig Quixal, the newly appointed decorations to the perimeter fence “so that this synagogue, director of the Red de Juderias. An intermunicipal or- which always operated in secret, would be secret no ganization, the Red, or network, has an annual budget more,” he told JTA during a recent interview. of approximately $500,000. That needs to cover work Alonso’s emotional attachment to Jewish heritage is in 20 cities in a country with a cash-strapped economy shared by many Spaniards who even today say they are that is only now emerging from an eight-year recession pained by the post-Inquisition destruction of one of the with an unemployment rate of 21 percent. “Each mayor world’s most illustrious Jewish communities. Towns is vying for a slice of the pie,” Quixal said, “but if we like Ribadavia, which once was one-third Jewish, were divide the money we’ll end up with sums too small to gradually rendered Jew-free amid persecution that drove have any impact.” away or wiped out Spain’s population of Sephardi Jewry, Budgetary disagreements complicate efforts to buy Herminia Rodriguez, left, prepared change for a whose name means simply “Spanish” in Hebrew. out private owners like Alonso and develop their heri- customer at her Jewish bakery in Ribadavia, Spain, While Alonso is eager to share his love for the build- tage, said Quixal, who assumed the directorship of the on September 24. (Photo by Cnaan Liphshiz) ing and accommodates special requests to view it, under See “Spain” on page 12

The Jewish Federation of NEPA announces the annual

TedakaThis year we will be joiningTeaso OPERATION GRA CharityTITUDE and sending D gift cards iv to our servicemen and women and veterans. Please bring or send your gift card for a chain store, or a prepaid MasterCard/Visa gift card, to the Jewish Federation of NEPA, 601 Je‡erson Ave, Scranton, PA 18510 and mark the envelope “OPERATION GRATITUDE”. We want to send our gift cards out by December 20, 2016 to be received by Chanukah of this year. Questions? Please email [email protected].

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 8 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 17, 2016 D’VAR TORAH A third creation story BY RABBI STEVEN P. NATHAN, JEWISH which is the destruction of the entire universe because of FELLOWSHIP OF HEMLOCK FARMS, THE the evils of humanity. In that story, Noah simply shows SYNAGOGUE OF PIKE COUNTY blind faith in a God who was unknown to the pagans and Vayera, Genesis 18:1-22:24 idol worshippers of his time, and so to him. The rabbis This week’s parasha is Vayera (Genesis/Bereshit 18:1- question whether Noah was truly righteous in his actions 22:4). I have always had an affinity for thisparasha , not or not, in part by comparing him to Abraham and how he only because of its content, but because some 43 years argues with God in the second destruction story, that of ago I read it for my bar mitzvah ceremony. The parasha Sodom and Gomorrah, in which two cities were deemed as begins with the Divine messengers’ promise to Abraham evil, rather than the entire world. In that narrative, we see and Sarah that they would have a child; it continues with that Abraham has such a strong, or intimate, relationship the story of Sodom and Gomorrah; and is then followed with God, and cares so much for human beings, that he by the birth of Isaac, the exile of Ishmael and Hagar and, is willing to take the risk and bargain with God not to finally, the Akedah – binding of Isaac on Mt. Moriah. destroy the cities, albeit unsuccessfully. The stories surrounding the birth of Isaac and the And now in the story of the Akedah, we see the po- Akedah, are the traditional Torah readings for the two tential destruction of the future Jewish people, though days of Rosh Hashanah. I always found it strange that this not because of any kind of evil, but as a test. This time was so, since the ancient rabbis viewed Rosh Hashanah it’s not because of any active intervention by Abraham, as celebrating the creation of the world. Why not read the but because he trusts God enough to know that it will story of creation from the beginning of Genesis? Yet, in not occur. This teaches us that, not only is God creating a looking at the parasha in its entirety, it is another creation new people, but perhaps it foreshadows that, even when story. It is the creation of the Jewish people. However, we may be on the verge of destruction in the future, we it’s not a second creation story, but really a third one. will still survive, because of our relationship with God. The first creation story is the one we read in the first Was this the original lesson of the story? Does this two chapters of Genesis, which describes the biblical mean that God will always protect us from death and story of the creation of the world. Then, as interpreted destruction? Probably not. This may well simply be my by many scholars, the re-creation of the world after the post-Holocaust 21st century way of viewing it. So what Flood is a second creation story of the world. And now, is the lesson? I’d like to believe the biblical narrative in this parasha, we find the creation of what is to become of Genesis from the beginning until now, together with the Jewish people, though that name will not be used the commentaries mentioned above, is that we must for quite some time. each find a way to have a unique relationship with and The creation begins with the birth of Isaac, but ends have trust in God; one in which we should not be afraid almost as soon as it begins with God’s commandment to challenge or question either. This is just as true of to Abraham to sacrifice his son on Mt. Moriah. Had that relationships between human beings, who are created in sacrifice been completed, who knows what would have God’s image. We must use our God-given and Godlike happened? We wonder, but we don’t know the answer. abilities to relate, to create, to question, to challenge, to However, at first glance, it seems that Abraham doesn’t protect and to do our best to assure the continuation of even wonder. He follows God’s commandment without the Jewish people. And, looking at the entire narrative questioning. He doesn’t even tell Sarah what he is going of Genesis so far, I would extend this to all of humanity to do. This has troubled many through the years. and all of God’s creation. Does Abraham do this perfect- Maimonides stated in his philosophical treatise, the ly? Is he the role model I would choose? Perhaps not, Guide for the Perplexed, that this is an example of the especially because of how he excludes Sarah and how lengths to which we must go sometimes to show our he treats Ishmael and Hagar. But he is the role model faith in God. For him, Abraham’s faith is unquestioning, we have been provided with by the Torah And, like all some would say blind, faith. And, though he praises of the other patriarchs, matriarchs and leaders in the this, other rabbis have questioned how desirable it was. Bible, he is flawed. But he maintains his faith and his After all, Abraham argued with God to try and save the relationship with God. I’d like to believe he does his people of Sodom and Gomorrah, so why not do the same best in spite of mistakes. He never gives up on God and to save his son? God never gives up on him. Perhaps, in the end, that is In the rabbinic text Pirkei d’Rabbi Eliezer, Abraham the most important lesson of all. does just that. After each part of the commandment given him, Abraham questions God. When God says, “Take your son,” Abraham asks, “Which one?” When God replies, “Your only son,” he reminds God that both Ishmael and Isaac are the only sons of each of their mothers. And so the dialogue continues, until finally God makes it clear. Take Isaac! At that point, Abraham has the option to continue arguing with God, but he does not. Shouldn’t he have done all he could to save his son Isaac? Shouldn’t he have gone as far as offering himself as a sacrifice instead of his son? After all, isn’t that what a parent should Jews in the Caribbean do? Beyond that, shouldn’t he have enlisted Sarah to The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU in beseech God with a mother’s love as well? But he does Miami Beach will hold the exhibit “Jewish none of these things. After trying to prevent what seems Treasures of the Caribbean: Documenting Co-Presidents: Esther Adelman & Steven Seitchik inevitable, he merely delays it. the Oldest Jewish Sites of the Western Yet, perhaps he does so not because of blind faith, but Hemisphere” until December 11. The exhibit features because he and God know each other so well, he knows photographs by Wyatt Gallery that document the oldest that God will never follow through with the command. Jewish synagogues and cemeteries in the Western Hemi- This is not a blind faith, but a faith where he sees the sphere. The photos show Jewish sites in Aruba, Barba- reality so clearly that he knows what the eventual outcome dos, Curacao, Jamaica, Nevis, St. Croix, St. Thomas, will be. But, if this is the case, why did God give the St. Eustatius and Suriname. The areas were once home command at all – or why did the Torah’s authors include to thousands of Sephardic Jews from Spain, Portugal, this harrowing story, however one chooses to view it? Holland and other countries. One possible answer comes from looking at this not For more information, visit www.jewishmuseum. only as a third creation story, but a third potential de- com or contact the museum at info@jewishmuseum. struction story as well. The first destruction is the Flood, com or 305-672-5044. NOVEMBER 17, 2016 ■ THE REPORTER 9 Scranton / The Poconos / Wilkes-Barre 2017 ISRAEL TOUR February 19 – March 1, 2017 You always wanted to do this, but . . . not in November; or the price was too high; or the trip was too long; actually… who remembers why we didn’t do this? So now . . . We’re going to Israel with folks from Northeast PA, on Sunday, February 19. We’ll be back on Wednesday morning, March 1. We’ll spend 8 nights in Israel and the land cost is only $2,970! With a non-stop El Al ight from NY, the cost is all of $3,665 per person! This is the lowest price we’ve had in many years. We hope you’ll join us! Call Barry Weiss (570-650-0874) or Jay Weiss (570-565-9515) of Odyssey Travel for further details. 10 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 17, 2016 Israeli geeks turn to sci-fi and fantasy to escape a sometimes harsh reality BY ANDREW TOBIN mask, pretend you’re on the deck of the TEL AVIV (JTA) – As a kid, Ben Starship Enterprise or fight like knights Engelman dreamed of being a warrior. in the Middle Ages. At Icon, we geeks Until he was old enough to join the Israeli are giving people a three-day peek into army, he settled for role playing as a sword our hobbies and into our hearts. I think At right: Ben Engelman fighter. Now 25, Engelman has been to we got it right because each and every wielded a weapon at the war in Gaza and finished his service in a year we get more people.” Icon Festival on October special forces unit. But he hasn’t stopped As many as 8,000 people attended the 18. (Photo courtesy of play fighting. Icon Festival this year, which was held Icon Festival) “This is how I imagined fighting grow- October 18-20. An all-volunteer staff of ing up. There’s glory but no blood,” he told more than 300 from the Israeli Society for JTA recently, moments after mauling an Sci-fi and Fantasy and the Israeli Society adversary with a foam sword. “Real war for Role Playing produced the festival, isn’t fun or glamorous. It’s yuck.” which is in its 20th year. When not engaged in combat, Engel- Icon was split between the Tel Aviv In the outdoor plaza between the In one room LARP, a game master man oversaw the fighting arena at the Icon Cinematheque and Iloni Alef High School. two buildings, dozens of booths offered successfully made immigrants to Israel Festival, the largest science fiction and The festival included movie screenings, paraphernalia like comic books, fantasy from the former Soviet Union so nostalgic fantasy event in the country. He was one original theater productions, role-playing and sci-fi novels, and anime jewelry. they left the game crying “because they of thousands of Israelis who turned out to games and lectures covering topics from Harry Potter-style wizard wands could missed their childhood summer camps in share a love of alternate realities – and to the scientific inaccuracies of sci-fi movies be had for a price. Most of the festival’s Moscow,” according to Elkayam. temporarily escape the sometimes harsh to “filk music” created by sci-fi and fantasy visitors were in their teens or 20s, many “Role-playing games take sci-fi and one they live in. fans also known as “fandom.” in costume as their favorite fictional fantasy one step further,” he said. “You “It’s a great form of escapism and The man behind the filk lecture was character. The supervillains from this don’t just take a peek into another world. a great form of entertainment,” Tomer Eugeny Reznikov, a 33-year-old program- summer’s “Suicide Squad” film, based You enter it. We call it the best hobby in Shalev, 34, the general manager of mer from Herzliya. “People like music and on the DC Comics characters, were the world.” Icon and a finance manager in real life, fans are people. So fandom like music and especially well represented. Engelman was initially drawn to the told JTA. “Sci-fi and fantasy let you they make music about what they like,” Engelman spent his time in the fight- fighting aspect of LARP. Growing up, he do things can’t do in real life: put on a he explained to JTA. ing arena, a section of a basketball court admired his brother, who was 10 years marked off by a wooden barrier and older and a fighter in the Israel Defense affectionately called “the Colosseum.” Forces. He took judo and Krav Maga class- Homemade foam weapons were available es, and when he was 13, he came across to the public for rent, and duels between the same fighting arena at Icon that he now At left: Two young men friends, parents and children, and strangers manages. He was immediately hooked. wore Spider-Man costumes raged throughout the day. During his service in the Egoz com- at the Icon Festiva on On the last day of the festival, a teenager mando unit, Engelman put LARPing on October 19. (Photo by in faux-chain mail parried blows from a hold. What little free time he had was spent Dan Ofer) boy in a knitted kippah, whose side locks with his family or girlfriend. “You don’t flew as he swung a massive battle ax. have time to invest an entire weekend in Nearby, women in character as medieval pretending because you want to actually barmaids served soda and snacks in the live,” he said. “inn” tent. But when he was discharged in 2014, Together, the structures comprised soon after taking part in Israel’s offensive Icon’s outdoor live-action role-playing in the Gaza Strip, he returned to the LARP area, or LARP, under Engelman’s man- community. Though Engelman is busy agement. Outdoor LARP is essentially these days studying at Israel’s Technion Gifting Stock make-believe that you don’t have to grow university, he finds time for his hobby. out of. Players interact as characters in He participates in both outdoor and room created fantasy worlds that can include LARPs. “It’s definitely a form of escapism, Form customized clothing, props, buildings and and we’re in Israel, so it’s an escape from even currency. On October 20, the world the Israeli reality. But people do this all Gifting stock to a charitable 501©(3) organization was based in the Middle Ages, hence the over the world. So I guess everyone has knights and barmaids. things to escape from,” he said, noting is a great way to make a donation. Outdoor LARPs are one of three major that the “friendly and warm” community By gifting stock in which you have a large capital gain, you not types of role-playing games. The others is part of the draw. only receive the benefit of making a sizable donation, but you are “room LARPs,” in which “game Michal Kapuller, a 17-year-old high masters” lead players through dramatic school student from Ashkelon in southern also save the capital gains tax. improvisational scenarios, and “tabletop Israel, was working the inn on October Example: role-playing games” like Dungeons and 20 in medieval costume and Gothic face Dragons, which involve players talking paint. She said LARPing helped her Gift: $2,000 their characters through a world struc- cope with real life. “Most of us geeks (Stock: ABC @ $20 per share - Gift: 100 shares) tured by a rule book. Both these types of are bullied at school for being different.

role-playing games were also represented So people are really supportive of each If you were to sell “Stock ABC” that you originally purchased at at Icon. other,” she told JTA. “I’m really shy in $10.00 a share, you would have a $1,000 capital gain and you Haggai Elkayam, 28, a former chairman real life. But in character, I’m not shy. would be required to pay at least $150.00 in federal taxes, etc. of the Israeli Role Playing Society and a Doing this, I’ve discovered new parts of social psychologist, said Israel has a strong my personality and developed myself. But by gifting the stock, you save the entire $150.00 and you’ve and growing role-playing scene. The Stuff like that.” found a way to help the Federation accomplish its mission: country has even created its own type of Kapuller recalled that ahead of the 2014 room LARP, which gives the game master Gaza war, rocket sirens went off in the “…to rescue the imperiled, care for the vulnerable, support Israel and the power to shape players’ interactions, middle of a LARP she was participating world Jewry and perpetuate Jewish life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.” not just the fantasy world, with the aim in. Rather than breaking character, she of creating specific emotional responses said, everyone pretended like it was part Your gift will not only assist our local and regional organizations and in them. of the game. agencies, but you will have the satisfaction of helping those in need.

You will be able to look back and say: “I’m just doing what my ewish Federa the J tion People have always done for each other.” on ’s e u ma yo il For further information on gifting stocks in payment of your pledge re lis A t? to our Annual UJA Campaign, please contact the Federation at We send updated announcements and special 570-961-2300 (ext. 3) for details. event details weekly to those who wish to receive them.

Send Dassy Ganz an email if you would like to join the list. [email protected] NOVEMBER 17, 2016 ■ THE REPORTER 11

THE WORLD IS

OUR BACKYARD You could say that we encompass the entire global Jewish village. Federation is there supporting Jewish cultural festivals in Bulgaria. Children’s services in Cuba. And aiding our elderly in the former Soviet Union. Wherever there’s a need to rebuild or a longing to reconnect you’ll find Federation.

In Israel, where we gathered three million Jews from all corners of the Earth, today we’re ensuring that everyone can achieve the Israeli dream. From a head start for disadvantaged preschoolers to scholarships for gifted teens and job-skill programs for their parents.

Federation is caring for our community at home and in more than 70 countries around the world.

601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 • (570)961-2300 www.jewishnepa.org 12 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 17, 2016 Spain Continued from page 7 network earlier this year “in order to try and change the current situation,” as she defined it. Private investors have largely stayed away from bankrolling Jewish heritage projects in Spain, partly because of the financial crisis and also no one seems to Sholem Aleichem exhibit have statistical data on the economic potential of such The YIVO Institute for Jewish Research sites. “The truth is we don’t have the statistics, we have in New York City is holding the exhibit no reliable market research to offer private investors,” “Laughter is Still Healthy: Sholem Aleichem said Quixal, who added that obtaining such data is a 100 Years Later” through November 30. high priority for her. Sholem Aleichem (Sholem Rabinovitsh) has been called Some 350,000 Jewish tourists from Israel alone visit one of the founding fathers of modern Yiddish literature Spain annually, though most are believed to stay in Bar- and one of its outstanding humorists. Sholem Aleichem celona and other large cities. Many Israelis in Madrid invented towns like Boyberik and Kasrilevke, and filled visit a former synagogue in Toledo that is among Spain’s them with inhabitants like Menakhem-Mendel and his most popular museums, with some 300,000 visitors wife, Sheyne-Sheyndl, as well as Tevye the Milkman annually, half of them locals. A tourist walked down the historic Jewish quarter of and his family, who would become the main characters More anecdotal data can be found even in Ribadavia Ribadavia, Spain, on September 26. (Photo by Cnaan of “Fiddler on the Roof.” The exhibit features items from at the town’s first Jewish bakery, Tafona da Herminia, Liphshiz) Sholem Aleichem’s career, including rare manuscripts, which 77-year-old Herminia Rodriguez opened 25 years letters, photographs and posters, among other items. ago. A non-Jew, Rodriguez began baking Jewish pastries tourists pass by her shop annually. For more information, visit www.yivo.org/ or contact 25 years ago as per a special request by Spain’s Center Awareness of the Jewish heritage of Spain and Portu- the institute at [email protected] or 212-246-6080. for Medieval Studies. Her riverside bakery has been gal is doing more than help sell cookies. Last year, both Genizah exhibit featured by national publications such as El Pais and countries implemented unprecedented legislation offering The American Jewish Historical Society in New even got a mention in The New York Times. citizenship to the descendants of Sephardic Jews in what York City is holding the exhibit “Holy Trash: My Ge- “Not a day goes by that I don’t get customers here, some observers claimed was a bid to attract wealthy nizah” through December 1. It is a new project by fine and not a week goes by without me getting some sort of investors. Both governments said, however, that the law arts and performance artist Rachel Libeskind created Jewish recipe in the mail,” she said proudly in her dark was the result of regret and guilt over the Inquisition. especially for the AJHS exhibition space in the great bakery, where a menorah and an icon of the Virgin Mary Some 5,000 Sephardim have already naturalized. hall of the Center for Jewish History. “My Genizah” share a single shelf. (“They’re together so they’re not But disagreements over budget and politics continue presents a contemporary interpretation of the tradi- jealous,” Rodriguez said, adding, “They’re neighbors to hold back the development of the sites connected tional genizah. Crafted with texts and objects formerly after all.”) to Sephardic Jewry, according to Quixal. Earlier belonging to the AJHS collections, “My Genizah” is Rodriguez has gained fame for making breads and this year, four cities from Catalonia, a region where a personal commentary on the making of the Jewish cookies in the shape of a Star of David. Shoppers can separatist sentiment and politics are strong, broke archive from the documents of the genizah, as well as choose traditional Sephardic pastries like date-filled from the network in a move that has affected its work on today’s archival procedures of sorting, cataloguing maamuls and mostachodus – a clove and walnut crum- adversely, she said. and organizing history. ble – as well as Ashkenazi cookies like kichelach and And in a country that holds the European record for For more information, visit www.ajhs.org/ or contact kupferlins, all baked in her stone oven. “People want to municipalities supporting the Boycott, Sanctions and the society at 212-294-6160. connect to Jewish heritage, and food is the most imme- Divestment movement against Israel, some mayors are diate way,” she said in explaining her unlikely success. reluctant to work with Israeli businesses and tour opera- Jewish book blog In Hervas, a town located 230 miles southeast of tors because they find doing so “too politicized,” Quixal The book blog The Prosen People can be found on the Ribadavia, Israel-born Abigail Cohen is seeing a similar said. “This is something that will have to change if we Jewish Book Council website at www.jewishbookcoun- boom with Candela, the Jewish bakery that she opened are to move forward from where the Red de Juderias cil.org/_blog/The_ProsenPeople/. It features essays by a four years ago. “The pastries are selling well because is right now,” she said. “You can’t get Jewish tourists variety of authors on numerous subjects. It also contains they are Jewish; it’s clear to see that this is the reason without working with the Jewish state. I mean, we can’t weekly links to new reviews published on the site. for this success,” she said, adding that only 20-30 Jewish advertise Jewish quarters that don’t want any Jews.” NOVEMBER 17, 2016 ■ THE REPORTER 13 Mourning Continued from page 6 While a variety of authors appear in the these meant – with their interpretations Create a Legacy for Jewish Light essay collection, “After One- also changing over time. Hundred-and-Twenty” explores Halkin’s However, “After One-Hundred-and- ideas about death and the afterlife. When Twenty” is not a scholarly work in the our Jewish Future Halkin was asked to write a book for sense that Halkin systematically seeks to the Library of Jewish Ideas, he choose include all Jewish thoughts about death in NEPA death as his topic because – although and dying. After looking at the rabbinic he’d frequently thought about death and arguments, he offers his own thoughts, TYPES OF GIFTS dying since he was 11 or 12, and was an which usually focus on the problems Your charitable gifts to the Federation can result in observant Jew – he never thought about with this discussion. He pokes holes in immediate and/or future benefits for you and your family. how his musings on death and his religious their logic and notes how even if they are beliefs might be connected. correct, he doesn’t particularly like the PERPETUAL ANNUAL CAMPAIGN Halkin notes that Judaism doesn’t ideas – any of the ideas from the Bible ENDOWMENTS (P.A.C.E.) contain one definitive idea about death through Maimonides to contemporary and the afterlife. My favorite sections of times. Halkin also writes about his par- There are considerable tax advantages in establishing a P.A.C.E. his work look at how those ideas changed ents’ deaths and includes thoughts of his gift to the Federation outright or as part of your estate planning. throughout the centuries. For example, own future demise. In doing so, you can perpetuate your annual UJA Campaign gift Halkin notes that the early books of the Halkin’s prose flows nicely and his in your name, the name of your family, in memory of a loved one Bible see immortality as being achieved book is easy to read. Its combination of through family – that is, through chil- personal and scholarly doesn’t always or in celebration of a significant event in your life or the life of dren, grandchildren and their offspring jell – so those looking for a systematic another. On average, the annual income normally calculates out throughout the ages. While after death look at Jewish ideas of death may want to 5% of the amount of your P.A.C.E. endowment. The corpus people may have gone to Sheol, there to look elsewhere. Halkin has not faced of your Fund would not be affected, and only the income would was no consensus about exactly what any unusual griefs – for example, his that meant. By rabbinic times, two types parents died in old age and he has not be used for the annual UJA gift – in perpetuity. That is, a P.A.C.E. of afterlife were alternately offered: one lost a sibling, spouse or child – so he endowment of $100,000 would normally produce an annual gift where people lived in a type of heaven offers no words of comfort for those of $5,000 to future UJA Campaigns. and another that included bodily resur- who have. However, his reflections on rection from the grave at a future time. his own mortality offer insights in the IMMEDIATE GIFTS OF CASH Rabbinic texts argue about what each of human fear of death. Cash contributions are deductible as itemized deductions in the year you make the donation(s), up to 50% of your adjusted gross. Excess charitable deductions can be carried forward for up to five years. Senate Continued from page 3 “We must redouble our efforts not that state’s 1st District over his Democratic only to guarantee Israeli security against opponent Anna Throne-Holst. Zeldin, an GIFTS OF SECURITIES terror, but to assist in accomplishment of Iraq War veteran, has been an outspoken The best stocks to donate are obviously those with increased a comprehensive settlement for peace, supporter of Donald Trump and is opposed value. However, depreciated securities are not necessarily security, human rights and the rule of law to the Iran nuclear deal. unworthy of charitable contributions. In order to preserve the for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” Raskin “A powerful message was sent all told the Washington Jewish Week. around the 1st District today, all around best tax advantages, with regard to appreciated and depreciated Other Jewish Democrats picking up the state of New York and the country,” securities, please contact the Federation. seats included Josh Gottheimer, a former Zeldin told supporters in his victory speechwriter for President Bill Clinton and speech. “Your love for America powered MATCHING GIFTS a Microsoft executive, who beat out long- this ticket to a big win.” If you work for a company that participates in a Matching Gift time Rep. Scott Garrett in New Jersey’s 5th Meanwhile, in the U.S. Senate, the Program (see details in this issue of The Reporter), then the company District. Democrat Jacky Rosen, a syna- Jewish delegation is set to drop by gogue president, won Nevada’s 3rd District one – from nine to eight – with the re- will match your gift to the Jewish Federation. Please check with your over Republican Danny Tarkanian. tirement of longtime Jewish California Human Resources Department for more information. The embattled former chairwoman Sen. Barbara Boxer and the defeat by of the Democratic National Committee, two other Jewish Senate candidates, GIFTS OF MUTUAL FUNDS Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, also Wisconsin Democrat Russ Feingold, Contributing mutual fund shares can provide the same tax easily won re-election in Florida’s 23rd who lost to incumbent Republican Sen. advantages as appreciated stocks. Due to the great complexities Congressional District over Republican Ron Johnson, and Missouri Democrat involved with the transfer of mutual fund shares, please begin the Joe Kaufman. Jason Kander, who lost to Republican Yet despite the Democratic victories, incumbent Sen. Roy Blunt. transfer process well before December 31st. the Jewish Republican contingent to Despite the Jewish Democratic upsets Congress is set to double from one to two. in the Senate, Jewish Sen. Chuck Schumer GIFTS OF REAL ESTATE David Kustoff, a former U.S. Attorney (D-NY) handily won re-election, easily A charitable contribution of property is most attractive when there from western Tennessee, was elected trouncing his Republican opponent Wendy is no mortgage balance and the property is increasing in value. to the House of Representatives in Ten- Long with nearly 70 percent of the vote. Based upon the fair market value, you may claim an income nessee’s 8th District, easily defeating his With the retirement of Senate Minority Democratic opponent Rickey Hobson. Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, Schumer tax deduction, avoid all capital gains taxes, and remove that Kustoff joins New York Rep. Lee is likely to become the chamber’s next property from your taxable estate. You may transfer real estate Zeldin, who handily won re-election in Democratic leader. to the Jewish Federation at any point, but please consult your tax professional or financial advisor prior to a real estate transaction. DEFERRED/PLANNED GIFTS Deferred gifts are often called “planned gifts” because they are Advertisers! integrally connected to your financial and/or estate plans. They may range in size from very small bequests to multi-million dollar Chanukah is coming! trusts. They are deferred gifts because, even though they are given today, the Jewish Federation will not realize their benefit until some time in the future. Please contact the Federation for more Chanukah Gifts I information regarding various planned giving options. Issue Date: December 1 GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUNDS Ad deadline: November 21 The Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania expresses its gratitude to those who have made a commitment to our Chanukah Endowment Fund. These very special contributions represent a Issue Date: December 15 commitment to maintain a high quality of Jewish life in our region Ad deadline: December 7 for the decades that lie ahead. CONTACT For further information, please contact Mark Silverberg, For information on advertising, please contact Bonnie Rozen at Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 or [email protected] 601 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA at 570-961-2300 (ext. 1) 14 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 17, 2016

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 of 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. NOVEMBER 17, 2016 ■ THE REPORTER 15 NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org the Green Line in Efrat,” the ZOA said. “BDS is anti-Jewish discrimination no matter Leading Israeli businesswomen honored at New York Stock where someone lives.” The World Zionist Congress – established by Theodor Herzl in 1897 – is the supreme organ of the World Zionist Organization, which is comprised Exchange of bodies including the World Zionist Unions, international Zionist federations, and The America-Israel Friendship League honored four Israeli businesswomen on Nov. other international organizations such as Hadassah, B’nai B’rith, and the Maccabi 10 during the 10th annual Israel Day at the New York Stock Exchange. Inbal Orpaz, a World Union. high tech correspondent for the Israeli business publication The Marker, moderated a German automotive giant Daimler to open R&D center in discussion and spoke to the women about how they have contributed to the U.S.- Israel relationship. The honorees included Tzameret Fuerst, entrepreneur and co-founder of Israel Circ MedTech, which developed PrePex, an FDA-approved device for HIV protection; (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) – The German multinational automotive Karen Haruvi, Teva Pharmaceuticals’ SVP of global generic business development corporation Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz’s parent company, on Nov. 7 announced and alliance management; Noa Raviv, fashion designer and artist; and Liat Mordechay plans to set up a new research and development center in Israel. The center, which Hertanu, co-founder of the 24me personal assistant app. “Today is such an important will be built in Tel Aviv, joins the conglomerate’s R&D network, which includes sites day, as we showcase Israeli innovation and what the country exports to the NYSE and in the U.S., Germany, India and China. Adi Ofek, a longtime executive with Daimler, to the world,” said Kenneth Bialkin, the America-Israel Friendship League’s chairman, will head the Israeli center. The Tel Aviv center will focus on “car mobility and infor- in a statement. “It’s the 10th time that the NYSE has opened up its doors for us and mation services, in addition to the development and testing of various projects and we couldn’t be more appreciative of it.” Daneilla Rilov, the America-Israel Friendship user interfaces,” the company said. Daimler board member Professor Thomas Weber, League’s executive director, said, “Not only are we recognizing these outstanding who also heads the conglomerate’s research and development ventures for cars, said companies at Israel Day, but the event is also honoring four Israeli women leaders, the new technology center “seeks to boost the global R&D outline with the help of because Israel, like the United States, celebrates its gender diversity. The day is an Israel, the high-tech nation... so that we will continue to be the automotive industry’s example of just a few of the common traits both countries have.” technological leader in terms of efficient, technologically advanced, safe cars.” Hamas calls Moroccan journalists’ visit to Israel a “crime Israel foils Palestinian attempt to join Interpol police against our people” cooperation organization The Palestinian terror group Hamas has condemned a visit by several Moroccan Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin announced on Nov. 8 that Israel has successfully journalists to Israel, calling their trip a “crime against our people.” The seven journal- foiled a Palestinian attempt to join Interpol, an intergovernmental organization that ists were on a week-long visit to Israel sponsored by the Israeli Foreign Ministr the facilitates international police cooperation. “This morning we foiled an attempt week of Nov. 7. The journalists were to meet with senior Israeli officials, government by the Palestinians to join Interpol,” Netanyahu said in a speech inaugurating a ministers and members of the Knesset, as well as visiting the Yad Vashem Holocaust new railway system in the Jezreel Valley. “This would have constituted a change museum. According to the Foreign Ministry, the visit was to promote more positive in Israel’s international status. The matter was achieved through intensive work coverage of Israel in the Moroccan media. “In the shadow of the escalation of the by [Israeli] Foreign Office officials and the National Security Council, and I am crimes of the Israeli enemy and the actions of racist purification against our people, grateful to them for their efforts.” The bid to join Interpol is the latest attempt by we condemn the visit of a team of Moroccan media persons to the Israeli entity with the Palestinians to seek international support for their statehood bid. Interpol was the goal of normalizing with it and undertaking a campaign of beautifying its image in set to vote on Palestinian membership at its upcoming general assembly in Bali, the Arab media,” Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said, the London-based Al-Araby Indonesia. Israeli officials feared that sensitive information could be leaked to Al-Jadeed newspaper reported. “We consider this a crime against our people, and an terrorists if the Palestinians join Interpol. offense to the feelings of the Arabs and Muslims and lovers of the Palestinian cause, Palestinians to demand “return” of Dead Sea Scrolls and an encouragement of the Israeli entity in its crimes and violations,” he added. While The Palestinian Authority is reportedly preparing to demand that United Nations Morocco does not have official diplomatic relations with Israel, the two countries have Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization force Israel to “return” the Dead Sea had informal ties over the years, including economic and political relations during Scrolls to the Palestinians. During a meeting convened by the U.N.’s cultural body the 1990s following the Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestinians. Morocco in October, Eitan Klein, who serves as the deputy director of the Israel Antiquities was also once home to a sizable Jewish community of more than 250,000 people at Authority, was told that the Palestinians had informally raised the issue of Israel its peak in the 1940s. Today, most Moroccan Jews live in Israel. returning the Dead Sea Scrolls, and that they were likely to make an official request Terrorist attack targeting Israeli soccer team in Albania to that end, the Times of Israel reported. “This is another instance of provocation and thwarted the chutzpah of the Palestinians trying to rewrite history and erase our connection to (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) – Albanian authorities have arrested 11 our land,” said Israeli Ambassador to UNESCO Carmel Shama-Hacohen. “The frag- suspects believed to have planned a terrorist attack during an upcoming soccer game ments of the scrolls are proof and a weighty archaeological evidence of the historical featuring Israel’s national team. Israel’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Albania, connection of the Jewish People to the land of Israel,” added Shama-Hacohen. The scheduled for Nov. 12, was relocated following the Nov. 8 arrests to ensure the safety Dead Sea Scrolls, one of Israel’s most treasured archaeological possessions, were of players and spectators. The suspects are affiliated with Islamic State, local media found in caves in Qumran in the Judean Desert in 1947 by a Bedouin shepherd boy. reported. According to reports, 20 other suspects were questioned over the alleged Currently housed at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, the scrolls include some of the plot, which was thwarted by Albanian security forces assisted by other international earliest copies of the Hebrew Bible ever found. agencies, including Israel’s Mossad. The Counterterrorism Bureau at the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that a threat had been made against the Israeli national soccer team. The bureau said the event still faces a “Level 2, concrete threat” despite being relocated, and urged Israeli fans against traveling to the match. The Albanian Football Association reportedly asked FIFA, the international soccer federation, to move the match from the stadium in Shkoder to Elbasan, 25 miles outside the capital of Tirana, as the Elbasan stadium is easier to secure. FIFA granted the request. World Zionist Congress passes resolution opposing BDS “in all its forms” The World Zionist Congress has approved a resolution opposing the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement “in all its forms.” The measure also includes language condemning BDS measures that target the disputed territories. The resolution was first proposed by the Zionist Organization of American at last year’s gathering of the World Zionist Congress, which meets once every four years. After several reviews and debates, the resolution was approved on Nov. 2 by a 100-person representative World Zionist Congress “Vaad Hapoel” (working committee). The measure urges “opposing and combating BDS against Jewish businesses and academic and cultural institutions and Jewish/Israeli individuals, artists and academics in Israel, in territories controlled by Israel, and around the world.” The ZOA praised the resolution, saying in a statement that “BDS in any form is anti-Jewish discrimination. ...It should not matter if a Jew is living in New York or Berlin or Saudi Arabia or Tel Aviv or over

... To our readers you to let 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 Thank you, Advertising Executive Bonnie Rozen, ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 16 THE REPORTER ■ NOVEMBER 17, 2016

Israelis are on the front line. Families in Israel worry about terror tunnels and missiles, while people throughout the country can’t get a cup of coffee without fearing a knife attack. Israel’s very legitimacy is assaulted on college campuses, in church associations, and in statehouses. Help us bring trauma counseling and economic support to terror victims and their families, so they can rebuild their homes and lives. When Israel’s right to exist is attacked, with your help we can reshape the conversation and mobilize vigorous networks of support. We helped to build Israel. Today, let’s help keep it strong. That's why there's UJA and the Federation. And that’s why we need you. The mission of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania is to rescue the imperiled, care for the vulnerable, support Israel and world Jewry, and revitalize and perpetuate Jewish life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Name:______Address: ______City:______State: ______ZIP: ______Home phone: ______Work phone: ______Cell phone: ______E-mail address: ______

____ I’m enclosing a gift of $ ______I’ll pledge $ ______*

*_____One-time * _____ Quarterly installments (1/4 of total) *______Monthly installments (1/12 of total) 2017 UJA Campaign Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania 601 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510 Telephone: 570-961-2300 (ext. 3) Payment options _____ Please bill me at the above address. _____ Enclosed is my check payable to “UJA/Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania”. _____ PayPal or credit card (www.jewishnepa.org – “DONATE” – “Make an Online Donation”). _____ On-line banking (designate your payments through your bank auto-draft account to “UJA/Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania”). _____ My company ( ______) has a matching gift program. I’ll obtain the form and forward it.

Authorized signature Date

ALAN SMERTZ AND SUSIE BLUM CONNORS, CO-CHAIRS OF OUR 2017 UJA CAMPAIGN THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.