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Enriching Lives Volume 51, No. 8 September 2021 Elul 5781-Tishrei 5782
ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by0 the Jewish9 Federation2 of Reading/Berks1
Your Federation Supports:
Jewish Education In-person Literatour programs return
Food Pantry By Amanda J. Hornberger Literatour Berks is proud to continue our The Literatour Berks committee is partnerships with the Exeter Community Friendship Circle thrilled to announce the line-up for our Library in our third season. We continue to Chevra third season of Literatour Berks! Please work with independent bookstore, Reads & see page 4 for a complete list of authors Company, for book purchases. Community Shabbat and dates. Our goal remains to bring quality More than a dozen authors will join literature on Jewish topics or by Jewish Reading Jewish Film Series us in-person to discuss a wide variety of authors to Berks County. PJ Library topics from art, to violins rescued from Save the Date for our first Literatour the Holocaust, to magic, the powerful Berks author event on Monday, Sept. 13, Jewish Family Service connection to our pets to historical at 7 p.m. with Jonathan Santolofer, author Patrons and Sponsors from the community fiction. of “The Last Mona Lisa”. Join us for a fun are encouraged to help support this Jewish Cultural Center There is something for everyone in conversation about this novel about a real- amazing new collaborative program! Lakin Holocaust Library this season’s line up and we look forward life art heist as we kick off season three of Contact Laurie Waxler at lauriew@ to building on the success of our first two Literatour Berks. jfreading.org or 610-921-0624 to find out & Resource Center seasons. Interested in supporting Literatour? more. Israel & Overseas
Camp Scholarships Israel Trips Your chance to help Jewish Community High School with Violins of Hope Emergency Support By Amanda J. Hornberger Lakin Preschool With just two months to go until the Richard J. Yashek Lecture Violins of Hope collection comes to Berks the excitement is growing! Transportation Our team has been hard at work behind the scenes to create moving exhibits, Maimonides Society engaging educational and community Your Jewish Legacy events and concerts. To achieve our goal of promoting unity 92ND ST Y Programs and understanding through the Violins of Hope, we need YOUR help. Joint Distribution Committee We invite you to join us by serving as Meir Panim a docent or volunteer during the two-week run. Two hours or 20 hours, we just ask Annual Campaign that you give what you can to make this a meaningful event here in Reading and Jewish Agency for Israel Berks County. Yemin Orde Please let us know if you are interested in participating by Sept. 30 by emailing School Education Programs Amanda at [email protected] or calling 610-921-0624. Interfaith Unity Council Docent Description Israel Advocacy • Available Nov. 1-14 • Serve as guides for exhibit Youth Events • Make visits to local schools for Great Decisions Series educational programs • Paired with a staff member or Jewish Community another docent • Ideal skills: Relations Council • Comfortable with public speaking Community Holiday Programs especially to large groups and students Volunteer Description background information, a history of the Women’s Philanthropy • Available Nov. 1-14 violins and their restoration, a sample Violins of Hope • Serve as informational resource at school visit presentation sponsorship opportunities Jewish Federations events Training Date See Page 6 of North America • Staff informational table before and for Docents & Volunteers after events Sunday, Oct, 31, at noon with Avshi and enthusiasm of the community for Counseling Services • Paired with another volunteer Weinstein this project and look forward to working • Ideal skills: • Length — two hours together to bring the Violins of Hope to Leo Camp Lecture • Comfortable speaking to the • Learn — stories of the violins and Berks! Shabbat B’Yachad general public get first look at the exhibit To sign up as a docent or volunteer Training Date for Docents Only There is no minimum time requirement or to learn more, please contact Amanda Sunday, Oct, 10, at 10 a.m. with for docents or volunteers, so if you are able Hornberger at [email protected] or education team to help even for one day or one event, we call 610-921-0624. • Length — two hours welcome your participation. Please let us know of your interest by • Learn — historical context and Our team appreciates the support Sept. 30. Page 2 SHALOM September 2021 My Learning Curve, Part 2 JCC and Federation — What’s the difference?
By Laurie Waxler and youth. significant amount of duplication of Development Director Looking for a more modern facility and board members and similar goals Talking to day camp, the board began exploring the between the two organizations. community members new Hampden Boulevard location and The unexpected resignation of since I began working celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony in one of the two directors prompted for the Federation September 1965. the conversation and subsequent is truly one of the By the time my family moved to Berks decision to combine them into one, highlights of the job. County in early 2001, they had just with one director, and one board.
n t I find that many completed a renovation for the preschool Collectively known as the Jewish reminisce about their wing. Federation of Reading/Berks, the JCC days at the JCC, either the original on Unfortunately, within the next few portion remains the “social arm” of the Fifth Street or the center near Hampden years, the JCC found itself with a building Jewish community and the rest of the e Boulevard. that was becoming too costly to maintain Federation is more of the “planning, The JCC was our first introduction and a membership that was decreasing coordinating and fundraising arm.” to a Purim festival, and my kids every year. The JCC building was sold to The benefit of a JCC membership is attended preschool, learned to swim the Reading School District in 2007, and reduced fees for paid events such as and always loved the summer camps. the organization has been in Wyomissing speakers and bus trips (which we can’t One summer we were lucky enough to ever since. wait to get back to) and continuing to m host two Israeli camp counselors for The history of the Federation also support a tradition that goes back almost two weeks…so fun! goes back to the 1920s, when local and 100 years! As a young, interfaith family, we national Jewish communities realized The benefit of supporting the
p found the JCC to be a great place to the need to centralize their fundraising Federation goes much deeper. Federation introduce my kids to the cultural side efforts. donations support our food banks, our of Judaism. The Reading branch was then known senior programs, our outreach and work After the sale of the JCC building as the Jewish Community Council, with other minority groups in Reading o in 2007 and the move to Berkshire and following World War II, our Jewish and Berks County and our support to Boulevard, things were a little different, but community was instrumental in sending anyone in need. A small percentage of l as a family, we continued to support our funding to Europe to help the European our Annual Campaign supports Israel Jewish community by paying the yearly Jews fund their immigration to America. Now, but that is a personal choice of membership dues. In 1971, under the leadership of Leo the donor.
e As Development Director, I have found Camp, the transformation to the Jewish All in all, both the JCC and the that while some families in our community Federation began, and it was finalized Federation do a lot of good work to support the JCC, others support the by 1977. support our Jewish Community and
v Federation, and some support both. I never Over the years, our Federation no matter which one you choose to understood the difference! has supported such things as families support, your donation is used to Thinking I’m not the only one who emigrating from the Soviet Union, an continue our mission of maintaining a might get confused, I decided to do a little Israel Work-Study-Travel experience for vibrant and Jewish community here in e research. college students, the Lakin Holocaust Berks County, socially, culturally, and The history of the JCC goes back to Library & Resource Center at Albright educationally. February 1923, when Max Skaist wrote a College, and so much more! * * * proposal for a Jewish Community Center Today our Federation continues Many thanks to my historians out
D in Reading. By March, a group of 10 men to support both our Jewish and non- there (you know who you are!) and to the had raised $100,000 toward the project Jewish community at-large, as well as Penn State Berks students who wrote the and after a few years and some additional philanthropic organizations in Israel. book “A History of the Jewish Community Annual Campaign fundraising, a building was purchased at In the early 2000s, prior to the move in Reading and Berks County” where I 134 N. Fifth St. to Wyomissing, each organization found much of this information. If you Women’s Philanthropy They finally received their “Certificate still had its own managing board want to learn more, you can find it Maimonides Society of Charter” in 1944, and by 1954, the and director/president. By that time, at sites.psu.edu/localhistories/books/ JCC was serving more than 1,500 adults it became apparent there was a jewish-community/ Your Jewish Legacy
Chai Circle
L’Chaim Society
Book of Life
Letter of Intent Support our Senior Meal Delivery Today!
Help our Jewish DONATE NOW TO OUR Family Service JEWISH provide monthly COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN meal deliveries for Please visit our local seniors. Visit ReadingJewishCommunity. org our website, click on Make your gift "Donate" and make a today! difference!
www.readingjewishcommunity.org September 2021 SHALOM Page 3 From the President’s Desk Strengthening community by celebrating diversity
By William D. Franklin actions only increased. be a great event to create. We live in an extraordinary moment President Margo Levin, the Federation’s Jewish Fortunately, our very next meeting in Jewish history. For the first time in Five years ago the Community Relations Committee (JCRC) included Bring the Change, a relatively almost 4,000 years, we have sovereignty Jewish Federation of Chair, expanded the work of the Greater new Reading organization working to and independence in the Land and State Reading got together Reading Unity Coalition by developing create sustainable communities through of Israel, and freedom and equality in with Centro Hispano, new ideas, plans and collaboration with education and the power of cultural much of the Diaspora. the Islamic Center RCOS’ and KZ’s social action committees diversity. Prior to the pandemic, they Our similarities and differences are and members of the as well as the representatives from the had hosted a Cultural Diversity Festival. what makes us strong as a people. African-American African American, Asian, Hispanic, We immediately saw the opportunity Arguing and learning from contrary community and LGBTQ and Muslim communities. to collaborate and expand their 2021 points of views is a core attribute of LGBTQ community We decided to expand GRUC’s festival to promote and celebrate our being Jewish. To this end, the Federation to promote our community’s diverse activities to include mentoring and food community’s diversity through music, will continue to seek out and provide minorities working together. delivery to at-risk and at-home families food, dance and education. The second programs that reinforce both what we We had wonderful success meeting and toy and clothing collection and annual Cultural Diversity Festival will agree upon and what we can learn from with area students and other minority distribution. At about the same time, the take place on Sunday, Sept. 19, from 1 each other. groups to answer their questions and Philadelphia Ethnic Food Festival was to 5 p.m.at City Park in Reading by the Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z” l, said, “By foster understanding and tolerance. cancelled due to an antisemitic incident. Bandshell with Israeli food, dance and being what only we are, we contribute to Unfortunately, the pandemic limited our Thinking about this, GRUC decided that music as well as other ethnicities’ cultural humanity what only we can give.” actions at a time when the need for a Reading Ethnic Food Festival would delights! Let’s celebrate together! L’shana Tova
Kesher Zion Synagogue appoints new spiritual leader
Kesher Zion Synagogue Cantor Wartell was the founding Cantor Kevin D. Wartell is the chairperson of Project Yachad, The Lehigh new spiritual leader at Kesher Zion Valley Coalition for Jewish Education, Synagogue. and served on the board of the Jewish He comes to Berks County after 30 Federation of the Lehigh Valley. years of devoted service to Temple Beth He was active in interfaith dialogue, El, Allentown. He retired from his post serving on the Multi-Cultural Committee there in 2018. As their Cantor-Educator he of the Parkland School District and the was considered to be one of the Lehigh program committee of the Institute for Valley’s leading spiritual leaders. Jewish-Christian Understanding. On Sept. 30, 2018, he assumed the Cantor Wartell is also a certified title Cantor-Educator Emeritus for the Chaplain, receiving CPE (Clinical Pastoral rest of his life, celebrating his lifelong Education) accreditation in 2013 and relationship with the synagogue. 2018. Cantor Wartell is a proud graduate Cantor Wartell was awarded the of the University of Michigan earning prestigious Mortimer S. Schiff Award for a B. A. in Judaic Studies. He earned Prejudice Reduction by The Lehigh Valley his advanced degree in Sacred Music Jewish Federation in 2018. and Jewish Education and was granted Cantor Wartell also served as a Cantorial S’micha (Ordination) by his alma certified Police Chaplain for the Allentown mater, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Police Department for 29 years. Institute of Religion in 1985. He is a past chair of The Lehigh Valley Cantor Wartell received his honorary Jewish Clergy Group. doctorate from HUC-JIR in 2010. Cantor Wartell is a well sought after For 24 years, Cantor Wartell was the public speaker and performer as well as director of Temple Beth El’s Religious an expert officiant at religious and public Cantor Kevin D. Wartell School, yielding that position in 2011. In assemblies. his tenure, Temple Beth El earned the Cantor Wartell, a native Detroiter, Moses to Motown … What Makes a Soul the Tunein radio application. highest award given to a Religious School is considered “The Fifth Top” by the Singer Move the Soul.” Cantor Wartell is married to Marcy by United Synagogue of Conservative legendary Motown recording group the In addition, he is the creator and host Harris-Wartell. He is the proud father of Judaism for excellence in Jewish Four Tops, having been lifelong friends of a radio program he founded in 1989 two wonderful adult children, Mirit and Ari, Education. with the original members of the group entitled “Kol HaEmek, the Voice of the … and loves his “doggie kids”, Habibi and He also created Beth El’s High School since the age of 18. Cantor Wartell has Valley,” heard worldwide on WMUH-FM Lucy as well. “Shalshelet” (The Chain) program and performed on stage with them in many (91.7) every Friday morning from 8:30- He is also the very proud “Popdaddy” remained active in lending his expertise venues, and they are in the process of 9:30 a.m (www.muhlenberg.edu/wmuh)Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks to grandchildren Joshua, Dylan,Non-Profit Organization Benjamin Jewish Cultural Center, PO Box 14925 U.S. Postage PAID in Jewish education and pedagogy. producing a presentation titled, “From or on your smartphone by downloadingReading, PA 19612-4925 Permit No. 2 readingjewishcommunity.org and Samantha. Reading, PA Change Service Requested
Enriching Lives Volume 47, No. 9 September 2017 Elul 5777-Tishri 5778
ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by0 the Jewish9 Federation1 of Reading/Berks7
Your Federation Supports: A newspaper servingJewish Education the Jewish community of Berks County, Food Pantry Pennsylvania, andFriendship published Circle monthly, September through June, under Chevra
the Jewish FederationCommunity Shabbat of Reading/Berks. Funded by the Annual Jewish
Reading Jewish Film Series
Community Campaign.PJ Library
Jewish Family Service
Jewish Cultural Center General Offices: Lakin Holocaust Library 1100 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 125 & Resource Center Israel & Overseas Wyomissing, PA 19610 Camp Scholarships
Phone: Israel Trips 610-921-0624 FAX: 610-929-0886 Web site: Jewish Community www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org High School
Emergency Support Jewish Federation Lakinof Preschool Reading Richard J. Yashek Lecture Chair: Transportation Robert M. Caster, CPA Maimonides Society President: Your Jewish Legacy William D. Franklin 92ND ST Y Programs CommunicationsJoint Distribution Director: Committee Mark Nemirow, Editor Israel Culinary Adventure Meir Panim Proofreaders: Annual Campaign Federation staff
Jewish Agency for Israel The opinions expressed in ShalomYemin Orde are of the writers and not the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks Thank you to all who responded to our survey. We have School Education Programs Interfaith Unity Council
Israel Advocacy summarized your input and are working with our travel agent Youth Events Great Decisions Series to put together a wonderful trip. Dates, prices, and a provisional Jewish Community Relations Council
Community Holiday Programs itinerary will be available soon. Women’s Philanthropy Jewish Federations —Luba, Margo & Andi of North America Counseling Services
Leo Camp Lecture
Shabbat B’Yachad Page 4 SHALOM September 2021 Theft of Mona Lisa story kicks off third season of Literatour Berks By Amanda J. Hornberger may want more than Luke’s affection, and a A gripping novel exploring the secrets hornet’s nest of the most unscrupulous art of the 1911 theft and the dark underbelly of collectors and thieves. today’s art world, “The Last Mona Lisa” is a Jonathan Santlofer is an author and story of heart-stopping suspense as romantic artist. He is the author of the memoir “The and sexy as it is terrifying and thrilling, one Widower’s Notebook,” the international that taps into our universal fascination with da bestselling novel, “The Death Artist”, as Vinci, the authentic and the fake, and people well as “Color Blind”, “The Killing Art”, “The so driven to acquire priceless works of art, Murder Notebook” and “Anatomy of Fear,” they will stop at nothing to possess them — which won the Nero Award for best crime not even murder. novel of 2009. Join us in-person at Exeter Community Also a well-known artist, Jonathan has Library on Monday, Sept. 13, for an interactive had his work in more than 200 exhibitions conversation with Jonathan Santlofer, author worldwide and is included in numerous of “The Last Mona Lisa”. private, corporate and public collections, We are thrilled to welcome Jonathan at among them the Metropolitan Museum of our first in-person Literatour event since Art, New York; Art Institute of Chicago; the March 2020! Newark Museum in New Jersey; and Tokyo’s The Past, August 1911: The Mona Lisa is Institute of Contemporary Art. stolen by museum worker Vincent Peruggia. The public is invited to join us for a During its two-year absence from the Louvre, conversation with Jonathan Santlofer on Sept. replicas of the painting are created and sold 13 at 7 p.m. at Exeter Community Library, as the original by a notorious duo of con 4565 Prestwick Drive, Exeter Township. artists. Several of these forgeries remain at Masks are encouraged but not required at large, prompting more than one art historian Exeter Community Library. to speculate that the museum might well be Santlofer will be signing copies of the displaying a fake. book that will be available for purchase The Present: Artist and art professor Luke after the event through the Literatour Berks Jonathan Santlofer Perrone hunts for the truth behind his most official book vendor, Reads & Company of infamous ancestor, Peruggia. His search Phoenixville. Thank you to the sponsors and patrons attracts a reckless INTERPOL detective with You can register by visiting our website: of Literatour Berks for making this event something to prove, a beautiful woman who https://readingjewishcommunity.org/ possible. Literatour Berks event schedule
Center Jewish Cultural for 2021-22 season 92nd St. Y Programs Game Nights Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. March 7 at 7 p.m. Community Shabbat Exeter Community Library Berkshire Mall Exeter Community Library Reading Jewish Film Series Jonathan Santlofer Chanukah at the Mall event Elyssa Friedland
Great Decisions “The Last Mona Lisa” Joshua Jay “Last Summer at the Golden “How Magicians Think: Hotel” Interfaith Mitzvah Day Oct. 5 at noon Misdirection, Deception and Why Yom Ha’atzmaut Virtual Event Magic Matters” March 20, 10 a.m. PJ Library Tracy Walder DoubleTree Hilton Reading “The Unexpected Spy: From Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. Jenna Blum PJ Our Way the CIA to the FBI, My Secret Life Virtual Event “Woodrow on the Bench: Life Leo Camp Lecture Taking Down Some of the World’s Joyce Zonana Lessons from a Wise Old Dog” Tech Tuesday Most Notorious Terrorists” “A Land Like You”
Yom Hazikaron April 11 at 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. Exeter Community Library Art Exhibits Exeter Community Library Jewish Cultural Center David Biro Yom Hashoah Jai Chakrabarti Philip Boehm “This Magnificent Dappled Sea” Annual Meeting and Picnic “A Play for the End of the World” “The Passenger” April 24 at 4 p.m. Purim Carnival Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. Exeter Community Library Richard J. Yashek Virtual Event Virtual Event Melissa Stoller Memorial Lecture Dr. James A. Grymes Mark Sullivan “Planting Friendship: Peace,
Kristallnacht Remembrance “Violins of Hope: Violins of the “The Last Green Valley” Salaam, Shalom” Holocaust—Instruments of Hope Youth Events and Liberation in Mankind’s Darkest Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. May 17 at noon Purim Masquerade Party Hour” Virtual Event Jewish Cultural Center Bridge Andrew Feiler Dr. Michael Roizen Oct. 19 at noon “A Better Life for Their Children: “The Great Age Reboot: Chevra Jewish Cultural Center Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Cracking the Longevity Code to be Mahjong David Page Washington, and the 4,978 Younger Today and Even Younger Trips to NYC/Philadelphia “Food Americana: The Schools that Changed America” Tomorrow” Lakin Holocaust Library Remarkable People and Incredible Stories behind America’s Favorite & Resource Center Dishes” Shabbat B’yachad
Community Calendar September 2021 SHALOM Page 5 Why Jewish Day School?
By Michele B. Leisawitz excitement caused us to explore whether extremely creative and make learning fun. The Jewish Day School of Lehigh or not we could make the JDS “work” For example, Leah’s class had a virtual Valley (JDS) holds a special place in notwithstanding the distance. puppet play theatre broadcast to all the my heart. In 1986, my parents enrolled Needless to say, after our group parents via Zoom. Leah’s teacher, Mrs. me at the JDS for kindergarten, and it Zoom conference with Amy Golding, Holly, even dressed up as a mad scientist immediately felt like my home away from Sarah Schonbach and Pam Gibson, to perform a science experiment. home. The JDS instilled confidence in our decision was made. It was evident Adam’s and Leah’s growth in both me and made me proud of my Judaism. that, despite the challenges of COVID the English and Hebrew curriculum has My seven years at the JDS helped shape and online learning generally, the JDS amazed us. The teachers have not only me as a person and provided me with was determined to deliver a quality taught them a great deal in Hebrew, countless fond memories. educational experience in a loving Judaic studies and prayers, but they’ve Although I always hoped that our and caring environment. In a time instilled in them a love for Judaism that will children would be able to experience of such uncertainty, this was exactly last a lifetime — the same love that was a JDS education similar to the one I what Ben and I wanted for Adam and instilled in me at the JDS over 30 years experienced, it did not seem realistic due Leah — some semblance of normalcy. ago. The other day, we heard Leah and to our proximity from the JDS (which is Of the available options (i.e., full-time Adam in the basement playing together located in Allentown). Well, as with most in person and hybrid), we chose the and singing “Hatikvah”! things 2020, COVID flipped the script. hybrid option, which is in-person Monday Our experience at the JDS has been A few weeks after Pennsylvania through Thursday and virtual on Friday. more than we could have ever hoped for. schools were required to “go virtual” in It’s worked out very nicely for us. The The JDS’s ability to adapt and navigate Adam and Leah Leisawitz the spring, I reached out to the JDS to personal interactions in the classroom through unchartered waters during these see what online opportunities might be at the JDS), and our daughter Leah have been refreshing and, to the extent unprecedented times is nothing short available. Immediately, it became clear (enrolled in fourth grade at the JDS), the possible, safe under the circumstances. of amazing. Adam and Leah, without that the head of school, Amy Golding, opportunity to observe several online From day one, the JDS has hit it out of question, are thriving at the JDS due to and the rest of the JDS staff were leaps classes throughout the remainder of the the park. More accurately, it was before the teachers and the JDS experience as and bounds ahead of the “virtual” curve. spring semester. For the first time since day one that the JDS began to deliver. A a whole. We are forever grateful to the The JDS graciously allowed our son they were physically in school, Leah and few days before school began last year, JDS. So, after a wonderful 2020/21 school Adam (currently enrolled in second grade Adam were excited about learning. This Adam received a phone call from his year at the JDS, it was an easy decision teacher, Mrs. Gerbasio, made with the to enroll Leah and Adam for the upcoming intent to make his transition to the JDS a 2021/2022 school year. smooth one. Adam was happily surprised The Jewish Federation of Reading/ September ✡ Elul-Tishrei to receive the phone call and ecstatic Berks, Jewish Federation of the Lehigh when he received a poem in the mail Valley and Chabad of Berks are from Mrs. Gerbasio that contained “Jitter collaborating to provide transportation Glitter” that Adam was to place under his to and from JDS for Berks County Shabbat Candle Lightings Torah Portions bed the night before school started to families. Without question, this will make scare away any first day jitters. Adam was it easier for Berks County families to take thrilled to receive the poem, excited about advantage of everything JDS has to offer. September 3 September 4/27 Elul 7:14 p.m. Nitzavim (Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20) school and hooked on Mrs. Gerbasio, the If anyone is interested in the JDS or Jitter Glitter and the JDS experience. has any questions about it, I’d be happy September 10 September 11/5 Thishrei Leah is enjoying a wonderful JDS to share my experience. It’s been nothing 7:03 p.m. Vayelech (Deuteronomy 31:1-31:30) experience as well — her teachers are short of amazing thus far.
September 17 September 18/12 Tishrei 6:51 p.m. Ha’azinu (Deuteronomy 32:1-32:52)
September 24 September 25/19 Tishrei 6:39 pm Chol Hamod’ed Sukkot (Exodus 33:12-34:26)
is proud to announce that we are N O W S E R V I N G B E R K S C O U N T Y F A M I L I E S !
Transportation is $1,000 per family per year
Flexible Tuition
Student pick-up in Wyomissing
Serving families from diverse backgrounds
Offering engaging academics and strong Jewish values
Discover the JDS Difference We teach students to think differently and encourage them to interpret, reason and see the world across multiple subjects. We offer unmatched academics supported by cutting edge technology, engaging activities and exceptional teachers who nurture and challenge every child.
For more information please email [email protected] or call 610-437-0721. Page 6 SHALOM September 2021 Violins of Hope sponsorship appeal
By Laurie Waxler There will be a variety of educational to educate about the negatives of $15,000, there are $500 and $1000 By now, you’ve all heard the news that programs offered throughout the antisemitism, racism, and other sponsorships available, which we believe the Federation and Reading Symphony exhibition, including school visits to divisions in our local community, and will be mostly individual donors. Orchestra (RSO) are working together 14 out of our 18 Districts, reaching turn the focus to unity, understanding Please contact Laurie Waxler to bring Violins of Hope to Reading and almost 4,000 students, and free or low- and acceptance. at [email protected] or at the Berks County for two weeks in November. cost concerts, lectures, and displays The budget for the entire program is Federation office (610-921-0624) if you, This collection has toured the world at locations including Goggleworks, approximately $240,000. We send our or perhaps your place of work, would be appearing in major metropolitan centers Albright, Alvernia and Kutztown sincere thanks to Sen. Judy Schwank for interested in sponsoring Violins of Hope and now will be coming to Berks County. University. securing a grant from the Pennsylvania and we’ll be more than happy to send This is the first time the exhibit has The RSO’s November concert will Department of Community and Economic you additional information. appeared in Pennsylvania, and it won’t feature world renowned violinist Pinchas Development in the amount of $65,000. *Please note that sponsorships return for at least two years. Zukerman and highlight the Violins of We have some additional funding including tickets to the RSO concert This amazing exhibit is a collection Hope instruments as they are played by coming in from other foundations and begin at $2,500, so if going to the concert of string instruments recovered from members of the RSO string section. local supporters, and now is your is a priority for you and that level is not the Holocaust and restored by Israeli While this program will address the opportunity to join our sponsors list if comfortable, please visit the Symphony’s luthier, Amnon Weinstein, as a tribute to Holocaust, it is more than teaching you feel this is a worthy cause you want website at readingsymphony.org or his family members who perished during about antisemitism. Our collective hope to support. call the RSO office at 610-373-7557 to that time. is to use the stories of the instruments While our sponsorships go up to purchase your tickets. Israeli team develops method targeting cancer cells directly
From online news sources identified how to differentiate between A team of researchers at Tel Aviv diseased and non-diseased cells. They University has developed a breakthrough were also at the forefront of delivering RNA-based drug delivery system to target antibodies to cells. The breakthrough diseased cells that could improve the is the ability to deliver the antibodies treatment of blood cancers, various types specifically to the right cells. of solid cancers, different inflammatory “On every cell envelope in the diseases and viral diseases — including body, that is, on the cell membrane, coronavirus. there are receptors that select which “Today, we flood the body with substances enter the cell,” Peer said. antibodies that, although selective, “If we want to inject a drug, we have damage all the cells that express a to adapt it to the specific receptors specific receptor, regardless of their on the target cells, otherwise it will current form,” explained Professor Dan circulate in the bloodstream and do Peer, TAU’s vice president for research nothing. But some of these receptors and development, who led the study. are dynamic — they change shape on “We have now taken healthy cells out the membrane according to external or of the equation that can help us — that internal signals.” is, uninflamed cells — and via a simple Only about 15% of cells are actually injection into the bloodstream [we] can diseased, he said, meaning that with silence, express or edit a particular gene this new delivery system, some 85% of exclusively in the cells that are inflamed cells that are healthy are left to do the at that given moment.” work they need to do. “Our development Peer’s team has been working on the actually changes the world of therapeutic use of RNA for treating cancer and other antibodies,” Peer said. An RNA drug is seen being delivered, targeting infected cells, in this illustration. diseases for decades. They had already The study was published in Nature. September 2021 SHALOM Page 7 Arab dentist drills coexistence into his hometown
Israel21c.org has long been working against in hikes, lectures and other activities greatly helped the atmosphere in the Dr. Khalil Bakly has two dental his role as a political and social to get to know one another better. city.It was a very good experience, practices: one in Nazareth, where he activist. Like over a quarter of the “We discovered that there’s a lot in very encouraging, and greatly treats a mostly Muslim clientele, and residents of his hometown of Nof common, and we mobilize it for the strengthened my feeling that there’s one in Netanya, where most of his Hagalil (formerly called Nazareth Illit), common good,” he notes. so much in common and that this patients are Jewish. As such, he was Bakly is a Muslim who lives in close The idea for Habustan came needs to be nourished.” privy to multiple voices and opinions quarters with his Jewish neighbors. after Bakly and his wife, Reem (also “We recently all experienced the surrounding the conflict that recently And the recent events that engulfed a dentist), erected a coexistence Covid pandemic and we saw the engulfed Israel, as violence erupted the country go against everything that sukkah in 2017. They invited the city’s mobilization, for example of the between Israel and the Gaza Strip he stands for. residents to come for kosher and healthcare system, including all the and, in some cases, between Israel’s “We’re against everything that Arab cuisine, prayer, live music and doctors and nurses from the Arab Jewish and Arab communities. happened — we don’t believe in discussions. community, who nowadays make up “As you can understand, I hurting any person, any property, “Over the space of three days, more than 30% of healthcare [workers] experience both worlds and both and certainly not religious or holy 1,500 people visited the sukkah, and in the country. They became a defense populations on a daily basis,” he places.What happened very much I understood that there was potential line for the treatment of the population explains. “There’s no doubt that harms the atmosphere of partnership for conversation, partnerships and the at large, without distinction between there were extremists on both sides and a shared life, and that’s why creation of frameworks that would bring race, religion and sex, of course. It in certain areas that succeeded in we all rallied to preserve a good Arabs and Jews together to get to know proved how much the Arab community inducing a really bad and unpleasant atmosphere.” one another better and break twisted believes in coexistence and a shared atmosphere. I have no doubt that Bakly and his co-activists did that stereotypes. When recent events began, life, and how finally there are efforts to anyone with a bit of sense can through Habustan (The Orchard), we immediately understood that we need strengthen what we have in common. understand that it’s not in anyone’s a local grassroots organization to rally in order to bring people together God willing, we’ll reach a common life, favor.” that brings together a community and strengthen social and communal equality and mutual respect,” he adds. This kind of atmosphere of violence composed of Nof Hagalil’s Arabs and resilience, and we immediately initiated Looking forward, he hopes that and suspicion is something that Bakly Jews once a month for meetings, both frontal and Zoom encounters,” Bakly more and more communities will explains. emulate Habustan’s example. “At the “We also initiated a Facebook end of the day, we’re all living in this and Instagram campaign in which we country – working together, studying asked our members and the residents together, meeting one another on a of the city to have their photograph personal level on a daily basis, and JOIN US! taken together and write a few words not only in Nof Hagalil, but in more September 25th at 10:00 am about Arab-Jewish relations. The cities and communities,” he says. campaign is called ‘Arabs and Jews “I’m not naïve; it’s clear to me in Nof Hagalil against violence,’” he that it requires a lot of work, but I adds. believe in it, and I try to apply it,” he “We saw so much involvement and concludes. “I have very good relations shares by hundreds of people who with the large majority of the Jewish habbat took part in it. Friends, neighbors, population, and I believe that if each TotS colleagues, people who study together and everyone of us becomes an Join Rabbi Michelson for a musical, story-filled – they had their photos taken together ambassador of the saying ‘Depart interactive hour for children through grade 2. Members & and uploaded hundreds of photos, from evil and do good,’ we’ll be in a non-members welcome. No registration required. Zoom link posts and personal stories, which much better place in the future.” available at ohebsholom.org. Future Tot Shabbat dates:10/9, 11/20,12/18,1/22,2/12, 3/12,4/23, 5/14, 6/25
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2000 Cambridge Avenue | Wyomissing, PA 19610 Page 8 SHALOM September 2021 Lishmor Al HaOlam: Guarding the planet — Solange Israel-Mintz & Andi Franklin Polluted water = H 2 Oh No!
O n leakages of urban sewage. Intestinal metal removal, but none can take out all. of the strongest in nature and is very June diseases such as cholera are the result of The third category of pollutants is those stable in water. This means it does not 16 the microbial pollution. High levels of microbial “forever” chemicals that motivated our degrade easily and sticks around in the Reading contaminants are rare in the United research. Two groups stand out here-- BPAs environment for many thousands of years. Eagle States, and emergency warnings are and PFAs. BPAs, bisphenol A, is a chemical For us that’s close enough to “forever”! ran a posted when necessary. However, those used to harden plastics. It was used in baby PFAs are used in fire-fighting foams, non- front- who are immune compromised are more bottles but has been discontinued. However, stick cookware, microwave safe wrappers, page article on the presence of “forever” vulnerable to small levels of microbial BPAs are still used in linings of canned food water repellant cloths, personal care chemicals in Berks County water systems. pollution. In addition, those who use CPAP and drinks. BPA’s also leach into water from products, cleaning products and much, Of the 43 sites tested in Berks County machines, neti pots and nasal rinses also industrial waste. Ninety percent of us have much more. PFAs are used in more than two were among the highest in plastics need to avoid tap water. Filters remove BPAs in our bodies right now and it is not 9,000 products. The production and use pollution in the state. So … we decided some, but cannot remove all, microbial going anywhere. of products containing PFAs pollutes our to do some research on pollutants in tap contaminants. Both groups should use Although Food and Drug Administration water and our environment. water. What are the pollutants, what are boiled (one minute at a rolling boil) or (FDA) studies show that levels are Although much is still unknown, a the dangers and who is at risk, and how distilled water. Boiled water is preferable currently low, given that BPAs stay with growing body of science suggests that can we protect ourselves? since you know it is clean, and the plastic us these levels can and will increase. there are potential adverse health impacts We first contacted Chip Bilger, container is eliminated -— always an Our children are particularly vulnerable. — liver and thyroids issues, decreased Executive Director of Western Berks environmental plus. According to the Mayo Clinic, exposure to fertility, hormone suppression and Water Authority, who was very helpful Heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, BPAs is a concern because of the possible cancers. PFA’s are ubiquitous in human in giving an overview of what to look cadmium, copper, and zinc are the next health effects on the brain and prostate blood serum samples, and it is worrisome for and what to worry about. For most worry. Most metal pollution comes from gland of fetuses, infants, and children. since they are retained and cumulative in of us, our water is tested often and is mining companies where acid mine Additional research suggests a our bodies. Reverse osmosis and three within established guidelines. However, drainage system is used to release heavy possible link between BPA’s and increased stage filters achieve good removal, up to Berks County tap water comes from a metals from the mined ores. This heavy blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and 94% if properly maintained. Otherwise, hodgepodge of sources — rivers, lakes, metal waste, other industrial runoff, and cardiovascular disease. High quality they make the situation worse. Granular groundwater, streams, private wells. As automobile accidents often create metal filtration systems can filter out some activated carbon (GAC) filters remove water travels over the surface or through pollution. Even the natural weathering of larger BPA particles. Most do not remove only 73%. the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring rocks can result in heavy metals leaching microparticles and only a few labs in the A wishing well may help, but there minerals and picks up other substances. into our water. In addition, the linings of world even perform the expensive tests are better options. Boiling water, well- Therefore, it is suggested that you check older plumbing pipes can leach metals into for them. The best strategy is to eat and maintained three stage water filtration with your locale’s specific water source. If our household water. Remember Flint, drink clean. This means using glass or systems, and reverse osmosis systems you use water from a private well, it would Mich.! Again, for most of us, the levels in stainless-steel containers to store food make an immediate, positive difference. be wise to have it tested. Don’t freak out! our drinking water are routinely monitored and beverages instead of plastic. The Other things to do are to reduce our All tap and bottled water will have some and within established guidelines. The FDA recommends BPA-free products for consumption of single use plastics, and to contamination. Here is what to look for: risk here is chemical buildup. It can bottles, sippy cups, and storage of infant support research for alternative materials There are three main categories of result in toxic damage of livers, kidneys formula. Last, NEVER heat food in any and more advanced filtration systems for water pollution. The first is microbial and intestines, and some cancers. plastic. our public water. contaminants. These are pathogens Furthermore, lead is a developmental The second group of “forever” such as bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. neurotoxin, so buildup in children is even chemicals are PFAs — per and A special thanks to Chip Bilger, High levels in water may be the result more dangerous. Granular activated polyfluoroalkyl substances. The chemical Executive Director of Western Berks of poorly managed agricultural runoff carbon filters (GAC), in under sink models, bond between carbon and fluorine is one Water Authority. from livestock waste, organic fertilizers, three stage filtration systems and reverse and poorly managed or accidental osmosis systems have high ratings for September 2021 SHALOM Page 9 ‘Lean on Me’ By Cantor Kevin Wartell --- prayer … a sharing of our spirits and Shana Tova…a Happy, Healthy New Kesher Zion Synagogue The High Holiday season is a time of our fears about tomorrow and all of our year to you and your loved ones. “Sometimes in our deep inner reflection and healing. tomorrows. May it be a year of true sweetness, lives Healing our relationships with each Many people may find the idea both spiritually as well as physically for We all have pain, we other…healing our souls…and healing of community sharing a difficult, each and every one of you. all have sorrow. our relationship with G-d. even uncomfortable situation to put --- But if we are wise, Let’s be honest … I pray for a living. oneself through. Trust me, once “…Lean on me when you’re not We know that there’s That’s what I do … I am honored to be in the moment; there is a bonding strong always tomorrow. The SHALIACH TZIBBUR of Kesher Zion and a cleansing that occurs in the And I’ll be your friend I’ll help you Synagogue…a “ Messenger of Prayer” on synagogue environment. carry on Lean on me when their behalf. We are blessed to live and serve in a For it won’t be long you’re not strong But even if I did not play that role community that respects each other and ‘Til I’m gonna need somebody to lean I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on professionally, I would find the concept is guided by a Federation that that serves on…” For it won’t be long of prayer and synagogue community very the needs of the entire community of the ‘Til I’m gonna need somebody to lean inviting. Greater Jewish Reading geographical (“Lean on Me” words and music written on… ” There is a certain energy to communal reach. by Bill Withers, 1972) Put repentance, prayer and charity into practice By Rabbi Brian Michelson judgment’s severe decree.” It sounds and time of year. Imagine how much better in my pockets, so I have started a new Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom feels like it should be a moment of grand we might feel acknowledging and dealing ritual. Whenever I get home and have As we prepare for gestures and significant piety. However, I with our guilt when it happens instead of coins in my pocket, I put them into the the upcoming holidays, want to take issue with this assumption. letting it build up our guilt or resentment. Tzedakah box we have at home. Once it we recall the grandeur As we prepare for the coming Prayer — The High Holidays are is filled, we trade in the coins for cash and of this time of year. New Year, I want to suggest that the filled with services and prayer all meant donate the money to one of the charities Everything feels major “repentance, prayer, and charity,” that is to encourage us to be aware of who we we support. If you find it amusing that I and important. We called for in the Une’taneh Tokef is not are and what we have. This year, instead still use coins and cash, think about when think about taking big about the big things we do during this of thinking of prayer as an obligation you use your debit or credit card. Keep actions, making big upcoming holiday season; rather, they of the Jewish New Year, let us try and track of what you have spent and round promises to be better are about the small things that we do or incorporate it more as a regular part of our up to the next dollar and then donate that in the coming year, and can do every day. Judaism is rarely about lives. Learn a new blessing and use it, as money to charity. we pray that the year to come will be a the one or two big acts, but rather trying appropriate, throughout the coming year. All of these ideas are about taking the good one for us. to affect the way we live our everyday Let it inspire us to be grateful more often. words we shall speak and making them One of the most iconic parts of the lives with the values of Judaism. Charity — Giving is fundamental real, not only during these High Holidays New Year liturgy is the “Une’taneh Tokef, Repentance — Asking for to the living out of our faith. We are but every day. If we can do so, next year Let us proclaim the power of this day.” forgiveness. There is a wonderful tradition called upon to help others and to work when we get to the line about “But with It is a section that is as big as the High of asking those we may have wronged for towards repairing the world. One of the repentance, prayer, and charity we can Holidays feel. It asks God to judge us forgiveness in the time around the Yamim best ways to do this is through sharing transcend the harsh decree,” we can say kindly. Une’taneh Tokef includes what Norahim. However, how much better what we have with others. Yet, High them knowing we have done right for the is probably the most important line of would it be if we could readily admit our Holidays should not be the only time past year. the entire High Holiday liturgy: “But mistakes or missteps when they happen when we practice Tzedakah. It should May 5782 be a year of health and repentance, prayer, and charity temper as opposed to waiting until this special be a regular practice. I hate having coins blessing for us all. Tending our gardens
By Rabbi Yosef Lipsker to quietly process our thoughts. But, if we But the solution is up to us — it is in for a walk around the garden. Then, come Chabad Center of Berks County are to enjoy its comfort, we must tame the our grip. It just takes determination and back indoors and restore your own color Throughout garden. Because the garden is always decisiveness. and the vibrancy. Reclaim your personal the current crisis, growing and flourishing. If greenery — despite adversity and garden. Rehabilitate your life. I have met with Because life is about growing. hardship — finds a way to blossom and Chana and I wish each and every one people outdoors, Stagnancy is the enemy of life. bloom with nothing getting in its way, then of you a wonderful and happy New Year often in their private Over the COVID crisis, we have we can surely do the same. ahead, full of promise, blessing, good gardens. These experienced much stagnancy in our Looking for a New Year resolution? Go health and much success. visits have afforded personal lives. After all, when one’s me the opportunity movements are restricted it is difficult to observe the color to feel alive, upbeat and excited. When and vibrancy of the the usual routine is curtailed, we feel different backyards. The lawn, trees, lost and abandoned. The return to Why is Manor at Market Square flowerbeds and plants. normality has been slow and labored. One particular garden stood out for I suspect, that motivation and joie de the best choice for senior couples? its neatness, immaculate arrangements vivre are not easily stimulated after so and symmetry. The colors were alive much inaction. and vibrant. It felt warm, welcoming While it is understandable, it is and cozy. I asked the owner how long unhealthy. It is physically detrimental, but it took to create such an idyllic setting. especially mentally and emotionally. Flexible living options that He responded that it took some four Of course, it is not just greenery enable couples to stay together decades. In other words, the gorgeous that grows. We humans also need to view was not generated in a day. It was grow. It is vital to our well-being to find Large apartments an ongoing labor of love. a way forward. If greenery finds a way Gardens are not sterile environments. to blossom and bloom — with nothing Three nutritious meals served They are vibrant, full of life and energy. getting in its way — then we can surely restaurant style The greenery in the garden — all of it — do the same. We can, and must, embrace On-site physical therapy grows and grows and never stops. This life again. greenery will find a way to blossom and We are now a few days from Rosh Transportation bloom. Nothing can get in its way. Nothing. Hashanah. A new year is about to begin, If the garden is going to be maintained in and the old one is about to end. It is our pristine condition, without it overgrowing annual individual assessment. What type Learn more by calling Jill at out of control, one must be out there of year has it been. What type of year will 610-624-1299 or email constantly — tending to its many needs. the coming year look like. [email protected]. The greenery of our gardens — the As Jews, this is also a chance to focus trees, the bushes, the flowers and on our personal growth — particularly as it even the weeds — thrive on water and relates to our faith. During this current crisis, sunshine. They love the rain and the many have experienced stagnancy and moisture, and they smile when the sun complacency. The excuse has been Covid. shines through. The elements may While this is understandable, it is unhealthy drive us indoors. Outside, however, — as individuals and to our very future. those same elements brings the garden Rosh Hashanah is a time to be to life. honest with ourselves, and then to We humans love a nice garden. It shake off the inertia. It may have 803 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601 provides solace and peace, and a place happened through no fault of our own. www.manoratms.com Page 10 SHALOM September 2021 Hunger Action Month
By Carole Robinson It’s easy to get caught up in “doomsday” scrolling of all the bad news
e out there and feel overwhelmed with how little you can control. With all the c problems the world faces today, how can i one person possibly make an impact? I’m writing today about how one little act can make a huge v difference in our local community. Just one “little did” on your end really adds up during
r Hunger Action Month. The pandemic has led to more families turning to food banks than ever before. Feeding America calculates that 40% of e current food pantry clients need assistance due to COVID-19. According to Helping Harvest, 100,000 people qualify for food assistance in Berks and Schuylkill S counties. Many of these people work part- time or full-time jobs, but they struggle to meet their basic needs due to low wages, underemployment, and necessary expenses like rent. l y Feeding people with food insecurity
i involves more than just supplying food, particularly for children and seniors. A lack of access to fresh, healthy foods leads to poor nutrition and higher levels of obesity and other diet-related diseases. Childhood hunger can have a lasting impact on SDA Food Pantry volunteers packing extra boxes of fruits and vegetables for clients on Aug. 10
m mental and physical health and academic achievement. Food insecurity among In addition to increasing healthy food seniors increases disability, decreases options, JFS is encouraging consumption of resistance to infections, and extends these foods by providing recipe cards, printed a hospital stays, exacerbating care giving in Spanish and English, to give families ideas needs and health care expenditures. for making healthy meals. When possible, Feeding Pennsylvania, in conjunction we bundle foods with these recipe cards.
F with the state Dept. of Health, launched the We also share nutrition educational Healthy Pantry Initiative (HPI) to increase resources, such as free, online monthly healthy food options at food pantries and nutrition and cooking classes, with Spanish improve the health of food pantry clients. translation option. h The JFS monthly food pantry, located The topic for June was whole grain and at the Olivet Boys and Girls Club, is part the recipe was savory oatmeal; in July, of this community health program. Brenna fruits and vegetables were featured with Ricci, HPI Nutrition Educator, works with recipes for fruit smoothies. JFS to expand access to nutritious foods, Helping Harvest is also promoting the Packed boxes of ground turkey and chicken breasts for provided by Helping Harvest, and promote SWAP (Supporting Wellness at Pantries) food pantry recipients healthy eating habits at our food pantry. stoplight method, with “red” items to be Feeding America data shows that chosen rarely, “yellow” chosen sometimes, Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda 80% of food pantry clients purchase and “green” chosen often based on healthy Layin’ in the sun, inexpensive unhealthy food in order to eating nutrition guidelines. The foods are Talkin’ ‘bout the things stretch their budget. For this reason, it is ranked by the amount of saturated fat, They woulda coulda shoulda done… particularly important to offer fresh fruits sodium, and added sugar, with suggestions But those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas and vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and on how to use the items. For instance, All ran away and hid dairy based on the MyPlate.gov model. JFS though beef ravioli is considered “red” From one little Did. ewi s has been supplementing our shelf-stable because it is not heart-healthy, it can be Raise awareness of food insecurity Helping Harvest order with bags of produce improved with a side of steamed vegetables in our community by wearing orange on and fruit as well as additional packages of or a fresh salad. Peanut butter, a “yellow” Sept. 17, Hunger Action Day. Help conquer
J fresh chicken, meat, and cheese to help food, has no cholesterol but is high in hunger by making a monetary donation to pantry recipients fill half their plate with sodium and has 2.5 grams of saturated JFS Food Pantry or by donating nutritious fruits and vegetables, half with grains fat and 2 grams of added sugar. It can be foods (see recommended healthy food Food Pantry and proteins. We are also requesting the used in a fruit smoothie. Canned potatoes, list above). Take action by volunteering at following healthy food donations: a “green food,” are an excellent source of one of JFS’s two monthly food pantries. Friendship Circle • Low-sodium canned vegetables potassium and can be enjoyed frequently. Food pantry volunteers are needed from Counseling Services • Canned fruit in 100% juice or light September is Hunger Action Month, 8:30-11:30 am at the Olivet Pantry on the syrup when people across America will work first Wednesday of the month and at the Transportation • Low-sodium or water-packed chicken, together to fight hunger, spread awareness, Hampden Heights Pantry on the second tuna, and salmon and take action on the hunger crisis. Tuesday of the month (Contact Carole at Financial Assistance • Dried beans, peas, lentils Although the task of reducing food 610-921-0624 or [email protected] Hospital and • Whole wheat pasta, barley, and rice insecurity in Berks County sometimes for more details). • Whole-grain cereal and rolled oats seems daunting, I am encouraged by these You too can make a difference with “one Home Visitations • Low-sodium peanut butter proactive words from poet Shel Silverstein. little Did.” Living with Loss
Information and Help us support our hospitalized By Carole Robinson continue to receive daily emails from Reading addition, because so many Jewish patients Referral and Sari Incledon Hospital of all Jewish patients, unless they are unaffiliated, the information is not made Case Management For many years, Jewish Family Service request that their names not be shared. available to our Rabbis. has been able to get the names of all Unfortunately, after the merger of Penn If you, family members or your friends Holiday Programs Jewish hospital patients, both affiliated State Health and St. Joseph’s Hospital, are hospitalized at Penn State Health- with congregations and non-affiliated from this information is no longer available from St. Joseph’s Hospital, please be aware Reading Hospital and St. Joseph’s. This them. Despite several conversations with of the need to contact us and/or your allowed us to visit as many patients and St. Joseph executives, they claim HIPPA, congregation to receive supportive services families as possible and provide social service and security concerns prevent them from and a personal visit. and friendly supportive visits. Fortunately, we proactively sharing this information. In Please call if you have any questions. September 2021 SHALOM Page 11 JFS programming going strong through summer
Adi Shalev, left, does a presentation for Jewish Family Service’s Friendship Circle. Louise Zeidman, right, enjoys her boxed lunch delivery.
DATE/TIME • Wednesday, September 1, 2021 • 8pm ET
THE EXPERIENCE • 1-hour live virtual cooking class with 5-time James Beard Foundation Award-Winning Chef Michael Solomonov and New York Times Best-Selling cookbook author Adeena Sussman • Interactive experience with recipes shared in advance and audience ability to ask questions that will be answered live
HOW TO WATCH • Use QR Code or link on website to register to receive link in advance • Class is free for JCC members, $5 for non-members Page 12 SHALOM September 2021 Understanding the ‘hows’ of antisemitism
By Samuel Hyde gradually and never use the word Jew. greatest authority of that time. way antisemitism functions in society We all agree that antisemitism Antisemitism, just like anti-Zionism, We need to talk about the ongoing to notice this shape-shifting world view, is bad. People are less likely to be also lured Jews into dropping their and desperate attempts of the non- whatever it may call itself and how it seduced by this hate because we all defenses and identity by telling them Jewish world to divorce Zionism from positions the Jewish collective into know where it leads. But anti-Zionism they would be accepted. In Germany, Judaism and try to water down our whatever that given society hates or is not perceived to be in the same Jews were told if you are the good peoplehood to strictly a religion. fears most category. It is sold as speaking truth kind of Jew who fought for Germany We must talk about the continuous Tragic hindsight is not a lens to to power, masked as justice. in World War I, you would be spared. lies targeted at Zionists that are rooted understand anti-Jewish hate, it is the The antisemitism we all acknowledge They weren’t. in the same antisemitic tropes used to lens to remember and commemorate. as bad started out looking nothing like Jews today feel increasingly murder and expel our people. But, to truly prevent tragedy, we have where it led. In fact, in comparing the unwelcome in their traditional home This is all part of an intentional effort to notice, acknowledge and fight the beginnings of antisemitism with anti- of liberal politics and progressive from the outside to divide our community unfolding rhetoric that allows Jewish Zionism the similarities are striking. In ideology, something we have been within. In letting that happen, we are hate to be normalized in society. “What” the secular 19th century, Jews were at the forefront of change in, not allowing the continued and endless happened is simply irrelevant if there designated as Semites, yet it was just for our own community but for cycle of anti-Jewish hate to spread is an unwillingness to engage in “how” never intended to mean anything but others, Harvey Milk and gay rights, once more, we must break our own it happened. Jew. Bella Abzug, Betty Friedan and Gloria cycle as well of desperately seeking to Only once people understand the In the Soviet Union, which claimed Steinem in leading second wave assimilate and gain acceptance from “hows” of antisemitism, can “never to not notice differences in people or feminism, and Rabbi Joachim Prinz the non-Jewish world. Israel is the again” be a slogan of reality. religion, Jews were designated as and the civil rights movement. heart and soul of the Jewish people, it --- Zionists, and today the designation of Antisemitism didn’t start by stripping has been for millennia, and will be for The writer is a political journalist and Zionism in the West is described as Jews of their rights, confiscating their an eternity. Jewish and Israel rights activist based having immutable loathsome qualities. citizenship and pushing them into The job of fighting antisemitism is in Tel Aviv. He studied antisemitism To Christian Europe, we were Christ- ghettos. irrelevant if only viewed through a lens and the Holocaust and aims to redefine killers. To the Nazis, we were an It started by pushing Jews out of the of hindsight. the way in which the non-Jewish world impure race. To the Soviets, we spaces they were able to attain in the The real work is understanding the interacts with Zionism. were capitalists. And today, when the greatest sins of the world are racism and colonialism, the Jewish collective is defined as the ultimate bastion of white supremacy, and Israel is seen as a state born in sin. Antisemitism relies on the greatest authority of any given time. Religion in ancient times, science in the modern era and human rights today. It is only by appealing to the religious doctrine that all Jews of the 12th century could be referred to as the killers of Jesus, 1,000 years after his death. It is only by appealing to the authority of perverted science, that Jews could be accused of endangering its racial purity. It is only by appealing to a distorted version of human rights that Israel and Zionism, a Jewish liberation movement, could be considered its greatest violators. It is only by appealing to this distortion that the same people who continually agreed to partitioning the land into a Jewish state and a Palestinian state, could be the ones standing in the way of a two-state solution. Why go to all these lengths to single out a group and distort reality? Because humans have a primal need for scapegoats, and for some reason my people have been the designated choice for so many and for so long. For medieval Christianity, we stood between a brutish world and salvation. For Germany and Europe, we stood between them and glory. For Stalin, we stood between him and a communist utopia. So, why bother fighting colonialism and its aftermath? Because it is easier to designate Zionists as colonialists and blame them. Why bother fighting racism and its systems? Because it is easier to designate Zionism as racism and blame it. Ignore archaeology, manipulate history, solve injustice solely by fighting for the liberation of some at the expense of another, sell people on the idea that there is no such thing as a universal truth, just broad narratives, paint the Jewish story of indigeneity to the Land of Israel and our self-determination as Zionist propaganda. But the problem with human scapegoats is that unlike ancient animal ones, humans might resist, and one cannot have that. So, action must be taken to reduce this resistance: Strip them of their defenses, push them to the margins, and use the modus operandi of “cancel culture” to suffocate the voice of the Jew from their own conversation, but do it all September 2021 SHALOM Page 13 Celebrating Israel’s best Olympic Games ever!
Israel marked historic wins and achievements over the 17 days of competition in its best-ever Olympic showing. Arriving at the games with just seven medals in its history, the Jewish state took home four more including two gold — its second and third ever. On the first day of the competition, Avishag Semberg took home a surprise bronze in Taekwondo, setting the tone for Israeli achievements. And while Israel’s heavily favored judokas were felled one by one in their individual matches, they Israel’s Avishag Semberg celebrates with her bronze rallied together in the mixed team event medal in taekwondo at the Tokyo Olympic Games on — making its Olympic debut this year — July 24. to put a bronze medal around each of their necks. the Games on numerous fronts, including When the gymnastics competitions some involving Israel. Two judokas — kicked off, two Israelis fought their Sudan’s Mohamed Abdalrasool and way to the top to hear “Hatikvah” Algeria’s Fethi Nourine — pulled out of echo in the stadium in Tokyo: Artem their competitions in order to avoid facing Artem Dolgopyat of Israel celebrates after winning the gold medal on the floor exercise in men’s gymnastics. Dolgopyat, who won gold in the men’s Israeli Tohar Butbul. artistic gymnastics floor routine, and But there were also some glimmers Linoy Ashram, who took the top spot of hope. Despite a wealth of speculation, in the women’s rhythmic gymnastics Saudi judoka Tahani Alqahtani showed all-around competition. up to her battle against Israeli Raz Until this year, Israel had never won Hershko, and the pair shook hands more than two medals at any individual after their match, which Hershko won. Olympics. It sent a record-breaking 90 And Iranian basketball coach Mehran athletes to Tokyo this year, almost double Shahintab shook hands with the coach 2016’s high of 47 participants in Rio de of the Czech Republic team during their Janeiro. game, despite Ronen Ginzburg being Alongside equestrian contests, Israel Israeli. also made its Olympic debut in Tokyo in The games marked another first: archery, baseball and surfing. Archer Itay An official commemoration during the Shanny defied all the odds to finish ninth opening ceremony for the 11 Israelis overall, after beating out opponents who murdered in a terrorist attack at the were ranked significantly higher. Israel’s 1972 Munich Olympics. And even if much-hyped baseball team finished its “Hatikvah” won’t ring out at the Winter Cinderella-like run in fifth out of six teams Olympics in Beijing, many of Israel’ overall, putting up a fight against stiff athletes have already set their sites competition. on the games just three years away: As always, politics played a role at Paris 2024. Tahani Al-Qahtani of Saudi Arabia, left, and Raz Hershko of Israel.
Pediatric and Adult Patients Treating Ear, Nose, Throat Problems Thyroid Nodules, Neck Masses & Sinusitis
Physicians: James P. Restrepo, M.D., FACS, ECNU Charles K. Lutz, M.D., FACS Jeffrey S. Driben, M.D., FACS, ECNU Scott J. Cronin, M.D. Adam P. Vasconcellos, M.D.
Nurse Practitioner:
Rosemarie Montgomery Rhythmic gymnastics gold medalist Linoy Ashram in action with ribbon. MS, CRNP, FNP-C
Audiologists:
Melanie A. Appler, AuD, FAAA Matthew R. Bonsall, AuD, FAAA Jenna L. Galan, AuD, CCC-A
Providing diagnostic and rehabilitative services for all types of hearing loss, for any age group. Hearing and Balance Disorders State of the Art Hearing Aid Fittings In House Hearing Aid Repairs
ENT Head & Neck Specialists, PC 985 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing 610-374-5599 • www.ent-hns.net Members of Israel’s judo team celebrate with their bronze medals after the medal ceremony at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Page 14 SHALOM September 2021 Family celebration in Israel
Adi Shalev with her family at her brother’s bar mitzvah this summer, a highlight of her long-awaited visit home to Israel.
Classes will be held at the Chabad Center For more information: 610-334 3218 | [email protected] September 2021 SHALOM Page 15 Assist us in providing meal deliveries for our seniors
From Federation Staff to bring our seniors back, albeit very struggling with this unknown, and most Federation. Regular phone calls, check-ins Traditionally, our seniors gather every slowly, over the summer once vaccinations are once again hesitant to leave the and monthly meal deliveries have become year for a Rosh Hashanah service and were administered and the Berks County safety of their homes. While they may a regular occurrence. These are the things meal to welcome the New Year. numbers decreased significantly. have found temporary freedom over the that our keeping our seniors connected. In 2020, we were forced to convert from With the resurgence of the delta variant summer, it now seems to be slipping If you’re able to make a contribution that wonderful in-person event to a meal of COVID-19 and plans to offer a vaccine away, day by day. to help us continue these monthly meal delivery system due to the COVID-19 crisis, booster, our most vulnerable population is Carole Robinson and Sari Incledon deliveries, please visit the Federation and from there, we began monthly meal once again in a tough spot. have done an incredible job through the website at www.readingjewishcommunity. delivery to our seniors. We were excited Like many others, our seniors are pandemic keeping our seniors linked to the org and make your contribution today. Ben & Jerry’s is the tip of the antisemitic iceberg
By Vivian Bercovici sold in the OPT [occupied Palestinian actions that are intended to penalize, company, is publicly traded, which is When the Ben & Jerry’s fiasco first territory].” inflict harm on or limit commercial the only reason this hornet’s nest has became public, information seemed Mittal, it seems, has two main beefs. relations with Israel. Gordon notified become public. contradictory and confusing. Exactly First, a key term of Unilever’s acquisition Jope that should Unilever be found by There are many private companies what was being boycotted and where of Ben & Jerry’s was that the new owner her office to be engaging in BDS, then in Israel that are being shunned and, was unclear. In fact, whether there permit the ice-cream purveyors to be the potential censure is that the fund may in effect, boycotted commercially, was an actual boycott proposed, and governed by an independent board well disinvest its Unilever assets. regardless of whether they are engaged by whom, were all critical issues that with particular emphasis on respecting This is just one state. Texas and in the OPT. seemed very fuzzy. their commitment to various political Florida piped up as well, and more are Speaking recently with acquaintances While I have significant issues with and social-justice causes. Apparently, certain to follow, if they have not already. who own and operate global businesses the settlement enterprise, I see the West Unilever issued the statement without This is big. Like, really big. In an based in Israel, I heard story after story Bank ice-cream issue as the crudest consulting the B&J board. OK, fair point. earnings call with investors on July 22, of canceled investments and business antisemitism masquerading as some Her second objection was more Jope emphasized that Unilever remains dealings. Every single one occurred high-minded, principled crusade. substantive: She disagreed that the fully committed to its business in Israel. after the May conflict with Hamas. And For all its social-justice grandstanding, company will continue to offer its products Fine. What he seemed to have dodged every single one cited Israel’s treatment B&J has focused all its energy on Israel. anywhere in Israel and indicated this was whether Unilever is committed to of the Palestinians as the reason for the Only Israel. would be dealt with through “different maintaining Ben & Jerry’s presence and business decision. A question sent to the Unilever (Ben arrangements.” products in Israel and on what terms. For every B&J, there are many & Jerry’s parent company) media office Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Yair Ice cream is a teeny portion of the more boycotts that are being imposed, asking specifically whether any other such Lapid and Prime Minister Naftali general Unilever business done in this quietly, one suspects. Based on my boycotts have been considered by the Bennett jumped all over this, slamming country. One can only assume that the own non-scientific, anecdotal inquiries, company, or implemented, anywhere — in the Unilever decision and telling the lack of precision in Jope’s comment we should all be focused on the bigger the whole wide world — went unanswered. company’s CEO, Alan Jope, that Israel’s reflects overdue advice from his legal picture. The silence tells us everything we need response would be anything but passive. and communications advisers. Let B&J sort out their teetering house. to know. On July 19, seemingly out Ambassador to the U.S. Gilad Erdan Unliever is under global scrutiny now We have to take an honest look at the lay of nowhere, Unilever issued an odd immediately sent letters to each of the 35 to manage this flop, assuage the feisty of the broader landscape and face the statement acknowledging the sensitivity states that has introduced some form of B&J board, and carry on doing what its future, which is now.Ben & Jerry’s is just and complexity of the Israel-Palestine legislation enabling economic retaliation shareholders expect of it: Profit. the tip of the iceberg conflict. Unilever added that it deferred if a business enterprise engages in or Ben & Jerry’s, however, is likely just to Ben and Jerry’s vaunted social agenda supports BDS against Israel. the tip of the iceberg, which may go a The writer was the Canadian and affirmed it would continue to offer its It was clear as day that of the 35 ways to explaining the swift and harsh ambassador to Israel from 2014 to products in Israel. states with such legislation, more than a reactions from Bennett and Lapid. 2016. A former lawyer, she consults for Anuradha Mittal, chair of the Ben & few would bite. And they have. It’s about much more than ice cream. international clients on a range of issues Jerry’s board of directors, wasted no time A letter sent to Jope on July 23 Unilever, Ben & Jerry’s parent and resides in Tel Aviv. lashing out at Unilever, saying the B&J from Liz Gordon, executive director of board did not support the statement. She corporate governance in the Office of the accused her corporate boss of having State Comptroller of New York lay down been deceitful. the gauntlet. Gordon oversees conduct Following Mittal’s outburst, B&J issued of administrators of the New York State a responding statement confirming its Common Retirement Fund investment view that “it is inconsistent with [their] portfolio. The third-largest fund of its kind values for Ben & Jerry’s ice cream to be in the U.S., it has a policy to address KESHER ZION SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE DONATION DRIVE FOR SAFE BERKS
Donation items needed: School supplies
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Pens, pencils, pads, etc. Women's/Children's new underwear (all sizes) Suitcases (preferably w/ wheels Ͳ gently used ok) Gift cards (i.e. Ͳ Amazon, Walmart, Dollar Tree, Uber)
DONATIONS CAN BE DROPPED OFF AT: KESHER ZION SYNAGOGUE 555 WARWICK DRIVE WYOMISSING, PA 19610 610-374-1763 Page 16 SHALOM September 2021
New Year blessings to all. May this be a year of Best wishes for a Richad & Susan peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & D’Angelo prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Glenn & Gaye Corbin May you have a sweet & prosperous Ellen & Don Abramson New Year. and Family Mariette Jacobson and Family
New Year blessings to all. May this be a year of Best wishes for a Russ & Jeri Diesinger peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Michael & Barbara Charnoff May you have a sweet & prosperous Harriet Baskin New Year. Jackye & Jim Barrer
New Year blessings to all. May this be a year of Best wishes for a Joanie & Itz peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & Friedman prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Kalmen & Margaret Feinberg May you have a and family sweet & prosperous Amy, Lee and Luke Berger New Year. Anneliese Bateman
New Year blessings to all. May this be a year of Best wishes for a Jane E. Goodman peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Marc & Marcia Filstein May you have a sweet & prosperous Cheryl & Eric Farber New Year. Barbara Bender
New Year blessings to all. May this be a year of Best wishes for a Vicki Haller Graff peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & and Abraham prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. The Fromm Family May you have a sweet & prosperous Flamholz Family New Year. Robert M. & Beth C. Caster
New Year blessings to all. May this be a year of Best wishes for a Phyllis Jacoby peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Doris & Elliott Leisawitz May you have a sweet & prosperous Dena & Vic Hammel New Year. Debbie Goodman & John Moyer September 2021 SHALOM Page 17
New Year blessings to all. May this be a year of Best wishes for a Robert & Shirley peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & Kauffman prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Jesse, Jessica May you have a and Rose Leisawitz sweet & prosperous Jack & Teri Lefkowith New Year. Lynn & Dick Gordon
New Year blessings to all. May this be a year of Best wishes for a Eileen Kope peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & and Family prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Rabbi Yosef & Chana Lipsker May you have a sweet & prosperous Michele, Ben, Leah and New Year. Adam Leisawitz Fran & Larry Gross
New Year blessings to all. May this be a year of Best wishes for a Harlan & Carole peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & Kutscher prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Debra Montanino & Joan Sherman May you have a sweet & prosperous The Levine Family New Year. Jill & Michael Haas
New Year blessings to all. May this be a year of Best wishes for a George Weiss peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Rob & Yvonne Oppenheimer May you have a sweet & prosperous Dr. David L. Lichten New Year. Karen & Marty Jacobson
New Year blessings to all. May this be a year of Best wishes for a Missy & Allen peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & Zimmerman prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Pomerantz Family May you have a sweet & prosperous Jeff, Lisa, Collin New Year. and Ruby Nemeroff Betsy & Alvin Katz and Family
May you have a sweet & prosperous May this be a year of Best wishes for a New Year. peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & Annette & Sean prosperity for our Peaceful New Year Peppard community, Israel and the entire world. Lila and Jannine Shapiro May you have a Carol & Gordon and Family sweet & prosperous New Year. Perlmutter Naomi & Alex Knoll Page 18 SHALOM September 2021
May you have a sweet & prosperous May this be a year of Best wishes for a New Year. peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & Judy & Jim prosperity for our Peaceful New Year Schwank community, Israel and the entire world. Jan & Jonathan Simon and Family May you have a sweet & prosperous Linda & Mickey Roeberg New Year. Carrie & Stephen Latman
May you have a sweet & prosperous May this be a year of Best wishes for a New Year. peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & Andy & Laurie prosperity for our Peaceful New Year Waxler and Family community, Israel and the entire world. Fred & Julie Singer May you have a sweet & prosperous Ken & Betty Sodomsky New Year. The Moyer Family
May you have a sweet & prosperous May this be a year of Best wishes for a New Year. peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & Alan & Susan prosperity for our Peaceful New Year Weisberg and Family community, Israel and the entire world. Sue Wachs May you have a sweet & prosperous Andy & Corinne Wernick New Year. Sandee & Neal Nevitt
May you have a sweet & prosperous May this be a year of Best wishes for a New Year. peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & The Weiss Family prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Cynthia & George Balchunas May you have a sweet & prosperous Louise Zeidman New Year. and Family Susan Wilson
May you have a sweet & prosperous May this be a year of Best wishes for a New Year. peace, progress and Happy, Healthy & Norman Wilikofsky prosperity for our Peaceful New Year community, Israel and the entire world. Haia & Meir Mazuz May you have a sweet & prosperous The Rotenberg Family New Year. Manny & Yvonne Wittels
Best wishes for a Happy, Healthy & Peaceful New Year
Eric & Marissa Bluestone September 2021 SHALOM Page 19
Kesher Zion Synagogue High Holidays Tishrei 5782 REFORM CONGREGATION OHEB SHOLOM
Schedule of High Holiday & Festival Services, 2021 (5782) Selichot Erev Yom Kippur All in-person attendance is subject to change Joint Program & Service with Wednesday, September 15, 2021 Wyomissing Church of the Brethren and may be limited. RCOS & KZ together Mincha 6:15 p.m. Saturday, August 28, 2021 (Official start of the Holidays) Kol Nidre 6:45 p.m. Selichot Yom Kippur Day Services Program: 8:30 p.m. Date: Saturday, August 28, 2021 Date: Thursday, September 16, 2021 Dessert: 10:00p.m. ♦ Documentary: “A Cantor’s Tale”. Followed by ♦ Morning Service at 10:00 am Service: 10:30p.m. Yom Kippur desserts and discussion. ♦ Family Service at 1:30 pm (outside) Thursday, September 16, 2021 Time: 8:30 pm ♦ Afternoon Service at 3 pm- Wyomissing Church of the Brethren ♦ Joint Selichot Service w/ Kesher Zion Torah will be read Erev Rosh Hashanah Morning Service 9:00 a.m. Time: 10:00 pm ♦ Yizkor/Memorial Service at 4:30pm Monday, September 6 2021 Mincha 6:15 p.m. ♦ N’ilah Service at 5:15 pm (outside) Evening Service 6:15 p.m. Neilah 7:00 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Wyomissing Church of the Brethren Shofar 7:45 p.m. Erev Rosh Hashanah Service Sukkot 2200 State Hill Road Maariv & Havdalah to follow Date: Monday, September 6, 2021 ♦ Sukkah Decorating & Service Wyomissing, Pa 19610 Time: 8:00 pm (directly across from KZ/RCOS) Date: Monday, September 20, 2021 Decorating Time: 6:00 pm Sukkot
Rosh Hashanah Day Services Service Time: 7:00 pm (outside) Tuesday, September 21, 2021 Date: Tuesday, September 7, 2021 Rosh Hashanah Morning Service 9:30 a.m. ♦ RH Morning Service at 10:00 am ♦ Service in the Sukkah Tuesday, September 7, 2021 Kiddush in the Sukkah following ♦ RH Torah Service at 2 pm Date: Friday, September 24, 2021 Wyomissing Church of the Brethren services ♦ RH Shofar Service at 3 pm (outside) Time: 6:00 pm Morning Service 9:00 a.m. ♦ RH Family Service at 4 pm (outside) Wednesday, September 22, 2021 ♦ Joint Tashlich Service with KZ at the Reading ♦Tot Shabbat in the Sukkah Tashlich 5:30 p.m. at Reading Morning Service 9:30 a.m. Public Museum at 5:30 pm Date: Saturday, September 25 Public Museum: Mincha to follow Kiddush in the Sukkah following Time: 10 am services Shabbat Shuvah Rosh Hashanah ♦ Friday, September 10 at 7:45pm (in-person) Shemini Atzeret – Simchat Torah Wednesday, September 8. 2021 Shemini Atzeret ♦Simchat Torah/Consecration Service in the Sanctuary Wyomissing Church of the Brethren Tuesday, September 28, 2021 Annual Cemetery Service Date: Monday, September 27, 2021 Morning Service 9:00 a.m. Morning Service 9:30 a.m. Date: Sunday, September 12, 2021 Time: 7:00 pm Yizkor Recited Time: 1:00 pm at Mt. Sinai Cemetery Kiddush Luncheon following services Shabbat Shuvah Yom Kippur Saturday, September 11, 2021 Kol Nidre Service Morning Service 9:30 a.m. Erev Simchat Torah Date: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 Tuesday, September 28, 2021 Time: 8:00 pm Kever Avot /Dedication of Evening Service 7:15 p.m.
Cemetery Genizah Simchat Torah Sunday, September 12, 2021 (At the Kesher Zion Cemetery) Wednesday, September 29, 2021 Memorial Service 11:00 a.m. Morning Service 9:30 a.m. Kiddush following services 555 WARWICK DRIVE, WYOMISSING, PA 19610 PHONE: 610.375.6034 FAX: 610.375.6036 Services will be held both in-person and virtually via Zoom. E-MAIL: [email protected] WEB SITE: www.ohebsholom.org Tickets and face masks are required for in-person services. Please RSVP by Monday, August 16 , 2021. [email protected] or 610-374-1763
B”H HIGH HOLIDAY SERVICES 5782-2021 ROSH HASHANAH Monday, September 6 Light candles at ...... 7:09 PM Mincha Service ...... 7:15 PM Ma’ariv Service ...... 7:40 PM
Tuesday, September 7 Shacharit Service ...... 9:00 AM Children’s Program ...... 10:30 AM Shofar Service ...... 11:00 AM Kiddush following Services at approx ...... 12:30 PM Mincha Service ...... 1:30 PM Tashlich Service ...... 2:00 PM Ma’ariv Service ...... 7:40 PM Light candles after ...... 8:06 PM
Wednesday, September 8 Shacharit Service ...... 9:00 AM Children’s Program ...... 10:30 AM Shofar Service ...... 11:00 AM Kiddush following Services at approx ...... 12:30 PM Mincha Service ...... 7:00 PM Ma’ariv Service ...... 7:40 PM Yom Tov Ends ...... 8:05 PM YOM KIPPUR: Wednesday, September 15 Light candles at ...... 6:54 PM Kol Nidrei ...... 7.00 PM *Candles may be lit at the synagogue for your convenience.
Thursday, September 16 Shacharit Service ...... 9:00 AM Children’s Program ...... 11:00 AM Yizkor ...... 11:15 AM Mincha Service ...... 5:30 PM Neilah ...... 6:30 PM Yom Kippur Ends ...... 7:51 PM Break Fast at Synagogue
Everyone Welcome! Please call 610-334-3218, Email: [email protected], or visit www.chabadofberks.org/highholiday to reserve a seat This program is sponsored by Dr. Jerry Marcus Page 20 SHALOM September 2021 Palestinian health indexes tell an unknown story
By Jonah Cohen Growth — As a result of high birth rates East and North Africa, the Israeli- old antisemitic charge of well-poisoning, A number of progressive publications and dropping death rates, the West Bank Palestinian conflict encompasses less which once sparked medieval riots and and social media influencers have spent and Gaza Strip are among the world’s top than 1 percent of the total in the region. pogroms not so unlike today’s attacks the past few weeks accusing Israel of areas in population growth. Add the above In the last 10 years, the death toll in against Jews on the streets of Europe “genocide” and “ethnic cleansing.” One data on ever-rising life expectancy and Syria’s civil war has proved over ten and America. prestigious magazine, The New Republic, plummeting infant mortality, and a complex times worse than the entire history of Given all the above data, it seems branded Israel as a “settler colonial” state picture emerges in which, somehow, amid Israeli-Palestinian fighting. By some fair to say that if Palestinian leaders engaged in a “never-ending war against decades of war against the Jewish state, estimates, Palestinians are more likely hadn’t rejected numerous offers for Palestinian health,” a kind of updated Palestinian life and health are improving. to die in a car accident than at the statehood — in 2000 at Camp David, in version of the old European charge that Access to Water — If it is true that hands of an Israeli soldier. 2001 at Taba, in 2008 after the Annapolis Jewish intruders poison their neighbors’ “water is life,” then Israel has enhanced I don’t cite the above data in order to Conference, to name just three — then wells. But if all that were true, then life for Palestinians by providing justify every Israeli policy regarding the Palestinian health would now be on par wouldn’t these crimes be reflected in the increased access to clean drinking West Bank and regarding the Gaza Strip. with the world’s most flourishing nations. standard health indexes used worldwide water. When Jordan occupied the West Nor do I want to minimize or discount the Unfortunately, for many progressive to measure a people’s overall physical Bank, just four out of 708 Palestinian civilians who suffered in the latest round news outlets today, promoting these well-being—such as in Palestinian life towns and villages had modern water of Hamas-Israel fighting. My point here is peace plans isn’t as exciting as decrying expectancy, infant mortality, population supply systems and running water. that these decades-long trends of rising genocide and other mythical Jewish growth, and so on? Let’s look at the data. Enter the hated Jews and in just five Palestinian life expectancy, declining infant crimes, but such compromise proposals Life Expectancy — In 1967, the year years the network of fresh water sources mortality, growing populations, increased remain far more likely to advance Israel took over the West Bank and Gaza expanded by 50 percent and continued water supplies, and comparatively low Palestinian health and well-being. Strip from Jordan and Egypt, the average to grow, thanks to Israel’s introduction of casualty rates disprove the incendiary Palestinian could expect to live only 49 years, modern water management techniques, claims that Israel is committing genocide, Jonah Cohen is communications according to a United Nations report by Dr. extensive pipeline development, and guilty of ethnic cleansing, or in a never- director for the Committee for Accuracy Wael Ennab of An-Najah National University deep wells beside urban centers. By ending war against Palestinian health. in Middle East Reporting and Analysis in the West Bank. Once Israel entered 2004, 96 percent of the West Bank Such accusations are as false as the (CAMERA.org). the scene, that expectation climbed to 56 population enjoyed running water, even years in 1975, jumped to 66 years in 1984, during months of low rainfall. Palestinian and has since hovered around 75 years, water consumption also consistently which is higher than the global average. rose, exceeding annual increases from Our gratitude It is also higher than in Iran, Pakistan, and population growth. Regrettably, theocratic The Jewish Federation of Reading many Arab countries, including Egypt. It Hamas’s sewage management and thanks Steve Willems for his pro bono is even higher than several countries in over-pumping of Gaza’s aquifer—and work to obtain value appraisals of the the Americas. Israeli presence in the land, obsession with war—have worsened piece of land we are exploring for our while bemoaned by many Palestinians, regional difficulties. But if Palestinians nevertheless corresponded with major leaps made peace with Israel, then pioneering Common Campus facility. His exper- forward in human longevity. Israeli conservation technologies would tise was most helpful for our planning Infant Mortality — Here again we surely offer yet more hope and benefits and budgeting work. find improvements in Palestinian well- to Gazans’ water situation. We highly recommend Steve if you being since 1967. The Palestinian infant War Deaths – Given the extensive need commercial and/or industrial real mortality ratio in 1967 was between 152 media coverage and worldwide protests and 162 per 1,000 births, dropping to over alleged Israeli war crimes, one estate services. 132 per 1,000 in 1974, and plummeting might reasonably assume that the to 53-63 per 1,000 in 1985. Happily, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is among number has now plunged to 15.6 per the bloodiest disputes on earth, if not Steve Willems, SIOR Managing Principal & NAI Business Director 1000, making Palestinian babies safer in history. But judged in terms of total than those in many other countries. A dead—roughly 30,000 over 100 years— pregnant woman’s baby stands a better the conflict is in fact a minor skirmish in chance of survival in the West Bank and comparison to the butcher’s bill of South B”H Gaza Strip than in Brazil, Turkey, Egypt, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, or and numerous other nations around the nearly any European and American world. wars. Of the 5 million lives lost in the Birth Rates, Death Rates, Population last 70 years of wars in the Middle Chabad of Berks
HIGH HOLIDAYS 5782 – 2021 Blessed are the people who hear in the shofar a summons to walk by the light of Your Presence. Let us walk together… TICKETS AND MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRANCE TO SERVICES AT THE WYOMISSING CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN AND WILL BE MAILED TO ALL CONGREGANTS IN GOOD STANDING. CALL OR EMAIL THE SYNAGOGUE FOR GUEST TICKETS. Phone; 610-374-1763 Email: [email protected]
PRAY: Rosh Hashanah Monday, September 6, Evening service 6:15 p.m. at the Wyomissing Church of the Brethren Rosh Hashanah Tuesday, September 7, Morning service 9:00 a.m. at the Wyomissing Church of the Brethren Tashlich Service Monday, September 7, 5:30 p.m. at the Reading Public Museum. Rosh Hashanah Day 2, Wednesday, September 8, Morning Service 9:00 a.m. Wyomissing Church of the Breth- ren Shabbat Shuvah Saturday, September 11th, Morning service 9:30 a.m. Kever Avot/Dedication of the Cemetery Genizah Sunday September 12, Memorial Service 11:00 a.m. Kesher Zion Cemetery Erev Yom Kippur on Wednesday, September 15, Mincha 6:15p.m. followed by Kol Nidre at 6:45 p.m. at the Wyomissing Church of the Brethren Yom Kippur on Thursday, September 16th Morning service 9:00 a.m. at the Wyomissing Church of the Brethren Mincha 6:15 p.m., Neilah 7:00 p.m., Shofar 7:45 p.m. Maariv & Havdalah to follow
MEND THE WORLD: Please bring a can of food to Kol Nidre services for those in need Donate to the charity of your choice Israeli Bond Appeal Torah Fund
Services will be held both in-person and virtually via Zoom.
Tickets and face masks are required for in-person services. Please RSVP by Monday, August 16 , 2021 Where Judaism Comes Alive! Your timely RSVP are both kind and appreciated. [email protected] or 610-374-1763 ALEPH CHAMP HEBREW READING PROGRAM
To join via Zoom, please request the link and passcode at [email protected] COOKING, ART AND STEM ACTIVITIES • JEWISH HISTORY & CULTURE NAME______PHONE______BAR/BAT MITZVAH PREPARATIONS • FAMILY HOLIDAY PROGRAMS We/I plan to participate in the following Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur Programs: AM PM Number Attending SUNDAYS 9:30 - 12:30
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September 2021 SHALOM Page 21 Israel Book Club: ‘The case against BDS’ by Alan Dershowitz
By Moisey Schneider Boycotts have been used to stigmatize Israel for its defense against Hamas, and Andi Franklin and delegitimize Jews throughout history. while remaining silent about the war In “The Case against BDS,” author and In Nazi Germany, the word “Jude” was crimes committed by Hamas. attorney Alan Dershowitz chronicles the splashed across Jewish-owned stores Sen. Bernie Sanders wrote an angry never-ending attempt to destroy Israel, and then extended to Jewish culture and article in The New York Times demanding Muslim countries, the international Left, academia. In addition to its economic that Israel stop defending its citizens, and anti-Semites in the world have joined boycott, he says, BDS tactics denounce both Jewish and Arab, against the rain of forces to create a worldwide campaign normalization projects with Israel. Hamas’ bombs and rockets. Rep. llhan aimed at the complete economic and Dershowitz argues that this threatens Omar insisted that the Jewish State is cultural isolation of the Jewish State. The the peace process by encouraging the single cause of the conflict. name of this campaign is BDS — boycott, Palestinians to reject all peace offers. And, while Jews throughout United divest, sanction. BDS is gaining ground in American States were physically attacked, not The roots of BDS were the Nazis academia. Former Professor Norman a single Democratic congressperson, who organized the boycott of Jewish Finkelstein compares Israel to Nazi would oppose or criticize this abhorrent businesses, academics, and artists in Germany and argues that Hamas and behavior. Unfortunately, neither the ADL the 1930’s and Muslim leaders who Hezbollah have the right to target Israeli nor the JDCA uttered a peep. organized the Arab boycott of all Israeli civilians. Even many American Jewish leaders and Jewish commerce in the years The American Studies Association fail to take seriously the rising tide of following the establishment of Israel. has issued a call for an academic boycott antisemitism that masquerades as anti- The BDS movement began at the 2001 against institutions in Israel whose Zionism. The strategy of separating the U.N. sponsored World Conference universities, ironically, have affirmative Jews from the Jewish state is gaining Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, action programs for Palestinian students strength. Michelle Goldberg of The New Xenophobia and Related Intolerance University, has been the key driving force and a higher level of academic freedom York Times wrote a column with the in Durban. Just as Israel was offering behind the global BDS campaign. He has than most others in the world. laughable headline, “Attacks on Jews (and the Palestinian leadership was called for the end of Israel’s existence as The Brooklyn College political science over Israel are a gift to the right.” rejecting) a Palestinian state in Gaza a Jewish state and wants it to be an Arab department has endorsed the BDS Comedian Sarah Silverman objected and more than 95% of the West Bank, state with a Muslim majority. campaign, which it justifies on the basis to attacks on Jews in Los Angeles, not the Arab nations promoted the tactic of A recent NGO Monitor report revealed of freedom of speech. on the grounds that they were evil acts of de-legitimizing Israel by boycotting and that members of the European Union Dershowitz’s concern is that this is antisemitic violence but rather because isolating the Jewish State. are among the foremost backers of BDS a step on the road to turning academic WE are not Israelis. This tactic became known as the in recent years. Dershowitz concludes departments into biased, partisan, and Professor Dershowitz shows in BDS movement. BDS was formalized that the economic boycott has been one-sided propaganda centers. As a his book that Congress, universities, in 2005 just as Israel was removing all increasingly successful in delegitimizing result, many pro-Israel young academics and journalists are complicit in the Jews from Gaza and turning over control Israel in financial institutions in European refuse to speak up. They discreetly told strategy to divide us. He is almost a to the Palestinian Authority. Why did BDS and Arab countries. Dershowitz that the message is clear-— lone soldier fighting the antisemitism that emerge as Israel was offering the Arabs Trade unions in Germany, Spain, “If you support Israel, we will attack masquerades as anti-Zionism and for this freedom and sovereignty? and the United Kingdom also adopted you, damage your reputation, hurt your he has been ostracized and rebuked by Clearly, their goal was not to improve the boycott and ended the partnership student’s evaluation, and undermine your many in government, academia, and the their lives and independence, but rather with Israel’ s Histadrut, the General chance of gaining tenure.” media. He should not be alone in this fight to eliminate Israel as a Jewish state. Organization of Workers in Israel. To The recent war between Hamas *** Dershowitz writes that since 2004, date, in the United States, economic and Israel revealed, even in Congress, Our next book is “Catch 67” by Micah Marwan Barghouti, who ironically boycotts have largely failed. growing bias, ignorance, and overt Goodman, which we will meet to discuss received an advanced degree at Tel-Aviv Dershowitz brings us to the past. antisemitism. Many sharply criticized at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6. The Last Mona Lisa by Jonathan Santlofer Monday September 13th 7 p.m. Exeter Community Library 4569 Prestwick Dr, Reading, PA 19606 5HJLVWUDWLRQUHTXLUHG 7RUHJLVWHUYLVLW ZZZ5HDGLQJ-HZLVK&RPPXQLW\RUJKRPHOLWHUDWRXU
/LWHUDWRXU%HUNVLVDSURJUDPRI-HZLVK)HGHUDWLRQRI 5HDGLQJ%HUNVLQSDUWQHUVKLSZLWK([HWHU&RPPXQLW\/LEUDU\ Page 22 SHALOM September 2021 Solidarity with ‘Palestine’ means Kalashnikovs for kids By A.J. Caschetta Of course, most of the petition signers the Jews.” something more than hatred of Israel. The academics who sign statements are highly unoriginal, as the scores I call on all the institutions and of solidarity with “Palestine” claim to have of shockingly similar statements “in individuals that wrote, circulated, or A.J. Caschetta is a principal done so out of a deep respect for human solidarity with Palestine” attest. In fact, signed a petition or letter of solidarity lecturer at the Rochester Institute of rights. Their advocacy for Palestinians many are simply taking their cues from with “Palestine” to condemn with equal Technology and a fellow at Campus and refusal to acknowledge Israel’s The New York Times. And when it comes fervor the children’s summer camps run Watch, a project of the Middle East right to exist receive a great deal of to Palestinian children, the Times cares by Hamas and PIJ. I challenge them to Forum, where he is also a Ginsburg- attention, but their silence regarding the only about dead ones, whom it can use prove that their solidarity amounts to Milstein fellow. villains who train, equip, and brainwash as evidence of purported Israeli perfidy. Palestinian children into becoming child As Seth Frantzman points out in warriors has gone mostly unnoticed. the Jerusalem Post, “a child killed by Obituaries on Fifth Street Highway. Since these academics do not seem to an Israeli airstrike is important” to the She is survived by her daughters; care about the human rights of Israelis, Times, but “a child recruited by Hamas Helen Kurlansik, 91, of Virginia and Sheila and her husband, Garry Blatt, of they should consider their role in denying or another terror group and whose life is formerly of Reading. Helen was born in New Jersey, and Brenda Kurlansik of the rights of Palestinian children. put at risk receives less attention.” New Jersey and graduated from Wilson Virginia. Other survivors include her five Every summer since the Oslo Middle East–studies specialists High School near Easton. She and her grandchildren, five great-grandchildren Accords, reports have come out of Gaza are even more culpable because they husband, Joe, moved to Reading in and her brother Jack Engelson of about the summer camps that are nothing understand the abuse of Palestinian 1969 and opened the Army-Navy Store Florida. more than terrorist training camps for children better than most non-specialists. children. Today’s uncritical supporters So the Middle East Studies Association of “Palestine” should worry that they are deserves special opprobrium for its lending tacit support to the indoctrination solidarity with “Palestine.” and weaponization of child warriors. Teachers’ unions should have an This year’s theme at Hamas camps is especially keen interest in matters of child “Sword of Jerusalem,” which is how the safety. Will any of the teachers who have terror organization refers to the 11 days pledged solidarity with “Palestine” also of warfare in May during which 4,600 reprimand the child abusers of Hamas Trust the pest experts missiles were launched from Gaza at and PIJ? With over 80 years of experience, we’ve seen and Israel. There are four divisions this year: Psychologists should be even more solved just about every pest problem imaginable. one for junior-high-school students, one attuned to child abuse. Yet a group called • Termite Control • General Pest Control for high-school students, another for Psychologists for Social Responsibility, • Bird & Bat Control • Mosquito & Tick Control university students, and one for adults, whose mission statement boasts of “the • Bed Bug Control • Weed Control presumably the slow learners of the ethical use of psychological knowledge, • Ant & Spider Control • Year Round Protection Palestinian resistance. research, and practice,” issued a Call Ehrlich at (855) 226-0075 or visit jcehrlich.com PIJ, the other terror organization that declaration of solidarity with “Palestine.” controls life in Gaza, has its own summer It should denounce just as unequivocally camps for children, operating in the the psychological abuse of Palestinian summer of 2021 under the slightly more children at the Hamas and PIJ camps. optimistic theme “Sword of Jerusalem — Scholars of Palestinian descent the Promise Draws Near.” may be the most culpable. From the Men pretending to be politicians from safety of her tenured position at Rutgers PIJ’s “political wing” explained that the University, Noura Erakat, assistant children in the camps were being trained professor of Africana studies and criminal Come see the Barrer & White difference! in how “to remove the alien corn [i.e., justice, is always willing to overlook Israel] that was planted by the West and Palestinian violence and slander Israel. 311 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 19611 took over Palestine.” What they are really Hers is the third signature on the Rutgers doing is teaching kids to kill and die. statement, and she knows firsthand the BarrerAndWhite.com 610-376-3956 The pictures from PIJ camps show consequences of child abuse in the children being introduced to their rifles, Palestinian territories, as her cousin at first with mock-ups made of wood Ahmed Erekat was killed after he rammed or plastic and then with more realistic his car into a group of IDF soldiers at a models that fire at a simulator. Eventually checkpoint near Jerusalem on June they move on to the real thing, learning 23, 2020. He spent his formative years to fieldstrip and clean their Kalashnikovs. imbibing the normalization of violence Photos show them running obstacle as dozens of Palestinians used vehicles courses, training under simulated battle to attack Israelis, while his uncle, PLO conditions of fire and smoke, and learning chief negotiator Saeb Erekat, rewarded how to clear rooms like SWAT teams. their families and justified their attacks As a Hamas recruiter explained in as “self-defense.” June, the summer camps have been part Every one of the thousands of virtue- Purchase your own Lulav and Etrog of life in Gaza for many years. MEMRI signaling academics who signed a has documented these videos since petition or letter expressing solidarity Set through Kesher Zion Synagogue 2013, and before that Pierre Rehov with “Palestine” should watch the MEMRI for $44.00 featured them in his documentaries. videos and look at the pictures from the Palestinian Media Watch, an NGO, has Hamas and PIJ summer camps. Those documented the abuse of children for who have children should contemplate warfare for decades. So researchers, the disparity of sending their own children teachers, or scholars can’t say they were off for a week or two to sing around the unaware of perhaps the worst case of campfire and play “Capture the Flag” SUKKOT child abuse ever committed. They simply while the children of Gaza will sing refuse to acknowledge it. songs of martyrdom and play “Butcher Tuesday, September 21, 2021 Thru Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Poetry corner Please fill out – tear off – and send in with your check. Questions Mail to: 555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing, PA 19610 Enclosed is a check for $44.00 for each set. What if it had been Isn’t there a midrash — Make check payable to Kesher Zion Synagogue.
Adam side story based on Torah’s Name______instead of Eve the big one — that says, viper had chosen to God laughed in delight Phone number______tempt on that fateful day of when he saw man eating? had disobeyed Him DEADLINE FOR ORDERS: AUGUST 16, 2021 and said, “We are One, Would things be better Me, her and him, would we be in less of a and it is glorious.” predicament that the one — Nancy Knoblauch we are in? (Republished to correct typographical error) September 2021 SHALOM Page 23 A revolutionary blood clot that can heal chronic wounds
Israel21c.org ActiGraft, invented in Israel, is a inventor Dr. IgalKushnir. The ActiGraft any other technology, and we can The body’s mechanism for healing unique wound-care product – a blood kit, containing everything needed teach the procedure to the healthcare wounds is quite miraculous. The clot that healthcare providers produce for the bedside treatment, has FDA provider via Zoom in 20 minutes.” wound bleeds. The blood coagulates in just 12 minutes from a vial of the and CE clearance and is sold in the He notes that people often die from and forms a clot. The clot sends a patient’s whole blood mixed with a United States and 15 other countries chronic ulcers because they get biologic signal triggering a cascade of special reagent inside a coagulation including Israel. infected easily, while amputation actions that protect against infection mold. Applied on the wound, this Healing instead of amputation decreases life expectancy by an and bring blood cells bearing materials newly created blood clot jumpstarts - “The first market we got FDA average five years. It’s therefore no to build new tissue in place of the the natural protecting and healing clearance for is untreatable diabetic exaggeration to say that ActiGraft can damaged tissue. Usually, this amazing process that failed to begin before. foot ulcers. All our studies were done save lives. process happens underneath the scab “ActiGraft tricks the body into on these types of wounds,” Kushnir The idea for ActiGraft was originally that forms over a wound and it’s all thinking this chronic wound is a new explains. “There was one woman for treating burns. “In 2009, my father over pretty quickly. But many people wound that it needs to start healing,” whose toes were amputated but was managing an eldercare home have chronic, nontraumatic injuries says Alon Kushnir, CEO of RedDress, the wound wouldn’t heal. She was and came up with a treatment where that never heal. These wounds form the company he founded to develop hospitalized for four months and was he’d coagulate a patient’s blood into too gradually to set off the signal and this one-of-a-kind device with his scheduled for a further amputation sheets, freeze it and place it on burns not enough blood flows to the site. father, physician and medical device when we stepped in. After less than during the first 10 days when you want two and a half months, she walked to reduce pain and the possibility of home.” infection,” Kushnir relates. “I looked RedDress has published studies at this from the business side and outlining cases with similar results. I saw that burns are a very small “Our marketing strategy is to ask market. I said, ‘Maybe your idea physicians for the worst wounds they can be viable for chronic ulcers.’ So gave up on. Those are the ones we we tried it in a nursing home with want to treat,” Kushnir says. Dr. Doron Garfinkel,” a well-known “I got a call from a physician in Italy Israeli geriatrician and palliative recently about a diabetic ulcer he’d care physician. “Within two months, been treating for 12 years. ActiGraft we knew we had something game- healed it completely in five weeks.” changing,” Kushnir says. (Results of The treatment can be repeated once this study were published here.) a week until the wound heals. Even The company will next target the first application eases pain and nondiabetic chronic wounds, which starts the process. include venous, pressure and post- “I was impressed with the … surgical ulcers. “I endorse Actigraft consistent improvement in wound as it uses the body’s own healing healing week to week with ActiGraft,” cascade to help initiate the wound said Dr. Claire Shernoff of Melrose healing process and has a unique role Surgical Associates in Massachusetts. as a topical dressing in the wound- “Another benefit was the significant care space,” said Dr. Bryan Doner decrease in pain my patients reported of D&P Medical Group in Pittsburgh, early in their treatments.” Pennsylvania, a practice specializing Kushnir further said, “We solve in wound care, hyperbaric medicine, a problem that cannot be solved by clinical research.
Leisawitz Heller would like to congratulate Ben Leisawitz for being crowned the 2021 Greater Reading Chamber Alliance Home Run Derby King! Ben, who was recently promoted to Partner at Leisawitz Heller, won the crown at First Energy Stadium at the Chamber’s annual picnic. Leisawitz Heller was proud to help sponsor this great event!
Please feel free to reach out to Ben to discuss any of your legal needs. Ben can be reached at (610) 372-3500 or email at [email protected]. For more information Contact Chabad: 610-334-3218 | [email protected] Looking forward to sharing this VIP Israel Experience with you and your family!
Page 24 SHALOM September 2021 Israeli researchers look for vaccine solution to variants
Israel21c.org and affordable industrial scaleup and oral COVID-19 vaccine, MigVax-101. It Pharmaceuticals. Several COVID-19 vaccines under manufacturing. contains pieces of coronavirus protein Oravax capitalizes on Oramed’s development in Israel hold out promise “As the first-generation COVID (not live or dead virus) delivered by proprietary protein oral delivery for their ability to protect against variants vaccines are increasingly challenged mouth to stimulate antibodies and (POD) technology and Premas’ of the virus that are challenging existing by rapid mutation of the coronavirus, immune cells to fight coronavirus in exclusive virus-like particle vaccine vaccines. we aim to develop a vaccine that can mucosa, blood and cells. technology, which will target three Back in May 2020, research groups rapidly scale at low cost to serve the On June 10, MigVax released results SARS CoV-2 virus surface proteins across the world were racing to formulate needs of both the developed and from preclinical tests on lab rats that — including proteins less susceptible vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 the developing world,” said Chaim demonstrated the potential effectiveness to mutation. coronavirus. Realizing it was not going to Hurvitz, who is director of NRx, of MigVax-101 as an antibody booster for That could make Oravax potentially win that race, Israel purchased millions chairman of Israeli private equity previously vaccinated people. effective against current and future of vaccines from the United States and group CH Health. The company is raising funds to mutations both as a standalone vaccine led the world in getting eligible citizens Hurvitz is co-leading this initiative launch Phase I and Phase II human as well as a booster for previously vaccinated. with NRx Pharmaceuticals chairman and clinical trials. vaccinated people. However, domestic inoculations still to CEO Dr. Jonathan Javitt. An oral vaccine offers significant “Our vaccine is a particularly strong come may become significant as primary Javitt tells ISRAEL21c that BriLife advantages over injected vaccines candidate against the evolving Covid-19 vaccinations or as boosters against presents the entire spike protein of because it could be taken at home. virus due to its unique targeting of three highly contagious variants of the virus. the coronavirus to the body’s immune Although it would have to be proteins rather than one,” said Nadav BriLife system, while mRNA vaccines present refrigerated, it would not need “deep Kidron, CEO of Oramed. US-based NRx Pharmaceuticals a small slice of the spike protein. freeze” conditions. Oravax completed a successful pilot will receive a license for exclusive “We expect BriLife will create a MigVax says its vaccine candidate study on animals. Now the vaccine worldwide development, manufacturing broader immunological response and will can be adapted quickly to novel variants. candidate is being tested in animals and marketing rights to the novel BriLife enhance protection against Covid-19 and And its protein components are stable, against variants including the Delta coronavirus vaccine developed by the its variants,” says Javitt. meaning the vaccine may remain effective variant. Defense Ministry’s Israel Institute for BriLife is continuing Phase II clinical for longer periods before requiring a Early stages Biological Research (IIBR). trials in Israel and the nation of Georgia. booster. Furthermore, MigVax-101 could Several other potential Israeli vaccines BriLife is based on a previous, FDA- MigVax be more acceptable to a wider population are in early stages of development, approved vaccine platform that was MigVax, a vaccine-development Oravax some of them in labs at universities further optimized by IIBR and targeted startup spun out of the Israeli Science Another oral vaccine is under including the Technion-Israel Institute of toward COVID-19. Because it is a live- and Technology Ministry’s Migal Galilee development at Oravax Medical, a Technology, Tel Aviv University and Bar- virus vaccine, NRx anticipates rapid Research Institute, is developing an subsidiary of Jerusalem-based Oramed Ilan University.
Selichot 2021
reform congregation oheb sholom & kesher zion synagogue joint services all are invited to join our selichot services on saturday, august 28, 2021 led by rabbi brian michelson & cantor kevin wartell to usher in the high holiday season. the evening will begin with the documentary “a cantor's tale” at 8:30 pm, followed by desserts & discussion at 9:30 pm and the beautiful selichot services at 10:00 pm.
A Cantor's Tale (2005) "A Cantor's Tale" is a documentary film about the cantorial arts past, present and future through the prism of Chazzan Jack Mendelson's career. In addition to stellar singing, the film visits a bar-mitzvah at the legendary Beth El Synagogue in Borough Park, Brooklyn and interviews are seen with luminaries such as Ben-Zion Miller, Mati Lazar, Alberto Mizrahi, Alan Dershowitz, Neil Shicoff and Dr. Larry Hoffman. Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom & Kesher Zion Synagogue 555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing, PA 19610 MaySeptember 2010 2021 SHALOMShalom PagePage 25 10 Federation Honorial - Memorial Card Information HonorialsHonorials and and Memorials Memorials ContributionsContributions may may be be made made to to the the following following Funds: Funds: Please mail your payment with complete information to the Jewish UJA-Federation Campaign $10 Federation, PO Box 14925, Reading, PA 19612-4925 or bring to the Jewish Federation Jewish Community Campaign Cultural Center, 1100 Berkshire Blvd, Suite 125, Wyomissing. You may set up Jewish Family Service $10 a “savings account” for the purpose of sending cards. Please contact the Leo Camp LectureLecture FundFund $10 Jewish Federation at 610-921-0624 for further information. JFS FoodFood BankBank $25 JFS Taxi TransportationTransportation ProgramProgram $20 ContributionsContributions asas ofof April Aug. 16 13 Holocaust Library & Resource CenterCenter $18 Doris Levin Fund UJA-Federation Campaign Doris Levin Fund $10 Edwin & Alma N.’51 Lakin Holocaust Library & Resource Center PJ Library Fund In honor of: SarahJonathan Simon’s Simon’s engagement special birthday– Vic and –Dena Andy Hammel and Corinne Wernick Michael ClyminHarry (Ellen & Abramson’sRose Sack father) Fund – Susan and Richard D’Angelo Alma and Ed Lakin’s new home – Vic and Dena Hammel, Mildred & Ivan Frank MehringerEvelyn – Edith Thompson Mendelsohn Fund Gordon Sam Goodman’s engagement – Alma and Ed Lakin Alyse Corbin’s marriage – Carol and Bernie Gerber, Alma and Ed Lakin Doris Levin Fund Sue Viener’s Birthday – Yvonne & Rob Oppenheimer In memory of: Birth of Selma Cutler’s great-grandson Jacob - Debbie Goodman and John Dr. Walter Gershenfeld – Stephanie and Dennis Arbige, Carole and Mike Moyer Robinson Birth of Carol and Gordon Perlmutter’s new2021 grandson – DebbieShalom Goodman and ContributorsShoshana Tannenbaum – Carole and Mike Robinson John Moyer Holocaust Library and Resource Center Get well: We wish to thank the following members of our communityIn memory of: for their generous support of Shalom: Harold Leifer – Rob and Yvonne Oppenheimer Shoshana Tannenbaum – Ken and Mary Holt, George and Sue Viener, Sue Schlanger, Gordon and Carol Perlmutter, Leah Kanter-Salis, Rosemary and John Evelyn Thompson Nursery School Fund Deegan, Naum and Lyudmila Ger, Louis and Katherine Danzico, Florence and In memory of: PATRON $154Marvin & OVER Segal, Vic and Dena Hammel, Emma Holder, Susan Gallagher, Mildred & Shoshana Tannenbaum – Beth and Bob Caster The FrommIvan Family Gordon, Carrie & Stephen Latman, Judy, Bob & Susan Pollack, Anna & Moisey Dena and VicSchneider, Hammel Norman & Rita Wilikofsky, Audrey Williams, Alan and Esther Strauss, Jewish Family Service Jay and Evelyn Lipschutz, Carol and Bernie Gerber, Barbara and Seth Rosenzweig, In honor of: Jeff & Lisa NemeroffJohn Castrege and family, Michael Geraci, Maxine & Dick Henry, Piekara Family, Birth of Carol and Gordon Perlmutter’s new grandson – Sue and GeorgeAlbert Viener, and NancyLaura HigginsSack Betsy and Al Katz Bat Mitzvah of Fran Mendelsohn’s granddaughter – Rosalye Yashek SPONSOR $118Friendship - $153 Circle In memory of: Harriet Baskin RobertGet andwell: Beth Caster Shoshana Tannenbaum – Jill and Gladys Skaist Harold Leifer – Glenn and Gaye Corbin Lois Cohen Judith Copeland The Driben Family Samuel and Sarah Flamholz Holocaust education Lynn spreading and Dick Gordon Paulin andBerks Solange MintzCounty Continued from Page 5 also that the students are genuinelyJill Skaist On a wider note, there have justice and Holocaust remembrance today. silence is not the reason why survivors interested in hearing their stories. I know been many recent developments in I am heartened to hear that three additional are invited in. Instead, that factor is my students were genuinely interested in Holocaust education in Berks County schools in Berks County will be offering present because of the immense respect hearing Hilde’s story and manyDONOR still talk $72and - $117the surrounding areas. Within these courses for their students. students have for these individualsEllen and and Don about Abramson it now, several weeks later.Amy andthe Lee past Berger month I have met Glennwith two and GayeThough Corbin the fourth quarter of the individuals who are in the process school year has begun, there are still Margaret and Kalmen Feinberg Marc Jacobsof developing a Holocaust courseJack &to Terimany Lefkowith additional opportunities that Rob and Yvonne Oppenheimer Michaelbe Pardo offered at their local highLarry school. Rotenberg remain. I just spoke to an undergraduate James Rothstein and Sharon Scullin Fred andOne Julie gentleman Singer was from LancasterHenry and ethics Helene class Singer at Penn State Berks County. The other, Gerry Evans, is a regarding the ethical/moral implications Kenneth and Betty Sodomsky Mindy andteacher Richard at Hamburg Small High School.Andy andI of Laurie the Holocaust. Waxler I found the students Missy andhave Allen been Zimmerman in contact with two other to be receptive and inquisitive and local teachers, Pete Ruckelshaus at have been asked to deliver a similar Twin Valley and Jim Konecke at Wilson program in the classes that the same SUPPORTERHigh $36 School. - $71 Pete has resurrected a professor also teaches at Reading Area Cynthia & George Balchunas Jim and Jackyecourse Barrer on Holocaust Literature at TwinBarbara Community Bender College. Valley, and its first offering is during As mentioned above, Kim Yashek, Susan and Mel Blum Michael and Barbarathe current Charnoff fourth quarter. He is veryChristine daughter Di of Maria the late local Holocaust Russ and Jeri Diesinger Oleg and Tatyanaexcited Erlikh about offering this course toCheryl survivor and Richard Eric FarberYashek, is speaking at his students and has even lined up Twin Valley, Hamburg and Fleetwood. Irving and Diane Fidler Marc and Marciaseveral Filstein guest speakers including RabbiSandra Right Fishman now Albright College is hosting Tali Fox Claire FruchterBrian Michelson, Kim Yashek and HildeDavid an exhibit and Debbie titled, “Stories Goldberg Among Us: Anzie and Edward Golden Debbie GoodmanGernsheimer. and John Moyer VickiWashington Haller Graff State Connections to the Jim Konecke is teaching at Wilson Holocaust, Lessons in Genocide.” The Fran and Larry Gross Karen and MartinCentral Jacobson Junior High but will be moving upPhyllis exhibit Jacoby includes the stories of five Holocaust Robert and Shirley Kauffman Harlan & Caroleto WilsonKutscher High School at the beginning Carrie survivors and Stephen and one Latman liberator and has of next school year. He will be offering a received good reviews. It is definitely Roberta Lawit Elliott and Doriscourse Leisawitz on Nazi Germany. His studentsMichele worth a andvisit! BenIt will beLeisawitz at Albright’s Gingrich Alan and Lisa Levine David Lichten will be studying this period of GermanRabbi Library Yosef through and May Chana 10. Lipsker Jeffrey & Robin Lupowitz Debra Montaninohistory and in Joandepth, Shermanincluding a study of theJay Moyer *** rise of anti-Semitism, the initial period of Jennifer Goss teaches social studies Sandee and Neal Nevitt Annette and Seanthe HolocaustPeppard and the Final Solution. TheGordon in the andFleetwood Carol SchoolPerlmutter District and Jesse Pleet Shirley Pocrasslatter part of the course will look at post-warPhilip specializes and Leslie in Holocaust Pomerantz education. Baruh Rodriguez and Margo Thomas Moisey Schneider Roger Schein Judy and Jim Schwank Harvey & ReneePlan Seidel for your Bar/Bat MitzvahSandra and & Andrew Wedding Sigal Guests! Jonathan and Jan Simon Cheryl Spillerman Carolyn Vella and John McGonagle Sue Wachs Alan and Susan Weisberg George Weiss Tracy and Mark Weiss Andy and Corinne Wernick Norman Wilikofsky Susan Wilson Manny and Yvonne Wittels Louise Zeidman
OTHER READING Richard and Susan D’Angelo 2801 PapermillNaum Road and Mila Ger Jane Goodman Wyomissing,Marjorie Pennsylvania “Tootie” Moyer Wendy Neuhs GROUP RATES Lila AVAILABLE Shapiro Sylvia WengerCall Alice for a Site Tour
(610) 736-2082 ✦ www.reading.homewoodsuites.com Page 26 SHALOM September 2021
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