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VOLUME XII, NUMBER 5 MARCH 7, 2019 Resolutions introduced in House, Senate recognizing Israeli sovereignty over Golan BY JNS STAFF ethnic cleansing of Arab Sunnis, and the use (JNS) – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX), of weapons of mass destruction.” Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Rep. Mike Gal- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Net- lagher (R-WI) introduced companion anyahu had raised the issue of the Golan resolutions on February 26 urging the Heights during a meeting with U.S. United States to officially recognize Isra- National Security Advisor John Bolton el’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights. in January. Although the United States The bill emphasizes the strategic im- does not recognize Israeli control over portance of Israeli control over the area, the Golan Heights, it voted for the first which the Jewish state captured in the time in November against an annual U.N. 1967 Six-Day War, in protecting civilians resolution condemning the Israeli position. from threats such as from Iran in Syria and The measure is also sponsored by Sens. Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel annexed the Marco Rubio (R-FL), Kevin Cramer (R- region in 1981, a move that has not been ND) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and recognized by the international community. Reps. Brian Mast (R-FL), Doug Lamborn It also states that “it is unrealistic to expect (R-CO), Jim Banks (R-IN), Elise Stefanik that the outcome of a peace agreement (R-NY), Tom Cole (R-OK), Mark Mead- between Israel and Syria will be an Israeli ows (R-NC), Bill Johnson (R-OH), Scott withdrawal from the Golan Heights.” Perry (R-PN), Roger Marshall (R-KS), The bill adds that “it is in the United Mark Green (R-TN), Lee Zeldin (R-NY), States national security interest to ensure that Ted Budd (R-NC) and Jody Hice (R-GA). Israel retains control of the Golan Heights Although no Democrats are currently [and that] the Syrian regime of Bashar behind the bill, members such as House al-Assad faces diplomatic and geopolitical An old Israeli tank with a flag overlooked the Syrian town of Quneitra in the Golan Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) consequences for its killing of civilians, the Heights on February 11, 2018. (Photo by Hadas Parush/Flash90) have voiced support for such U.S. rec- ognition in the past. In December, Cotton and Cruz intro- Magen David Adom moves national duced a similar measure. 2019 UJA dispatch center to reinforced facility Pay it forward & give to BY JNS STAFF The regional dispatch centers for the years to reduce the disruptions that Israel’s the 2019 Jewish Federation (JNS) – Magen David Adom, Israel’s Yarkon and Ayalon regions – two of the emergency medical services would have of Northeastern Pennsylvania national EMS organization, dedicated nine regional dispatch centers MDA also to contend with in the event of a war. Annual Campaign! its new National Operations Center on operates – are also now working out of MDA is also currently constructing a new February 25, a dispatch center east of the protected facility. reinforced blood-services center in Ramla Tel Aviv that’s housed in a reinforced The dedication on February 25 was at- in central Israel; like the new National and partially subterranean facility de- tended by more than 200 people, including Operations Center, it is designed to be Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon. protected against attack. That facility is signed to be protected against missile, For information or to $912,597 chemical and biological attack. The The move to a protected dispatch fa- slated to be completed in late 2020. make a donation call as of March 4, 2019 570-961-2300 ext. 1 or new center has been fully operational cility is one of several initiatives Magen “As the nation’s EMS, blood-services send your gift to: since February 2. David Adom has undertaken in recent and disaster-relief agency, we need to Jewish Federation of Northeastern Goal: prepare for virtually every scenario,” said Pennsylvania $975,000 Eli Bin, MDA Israel’s director general. 601 Jefferson Ave., “When our services will be most critically Scranton, PA 18510 (Please MEMO your needed, like during a war, it’s especially pledge or gift 2019 important that our dispatch operations not UJA Campaign) be compromised.” The new National Operations Center is just one floor below MDA’s previous dispatch center. The lower floor underwent extensive renovations to be reinforced and fitted with a state-of-the-art air-filtration system to guard against a number of dif- ferent kinds of attacks. “Our goal was to harden our facility and ensure that we could continue operating Federation in a war without causing any disruption to our day-to-day EMS operations during on Facebook the transition,” said Ido Rosenblat, MDA’s chief information officer. The Jewish Federation of Northeast- As an additional fail-safe measure, ern Pennsylvania now has a page on MDA’s regional dispatch centers can Facebook to let community members Israel’s Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon was shown the cutting-edge dispatch handle the National Operations Center’s know about upcoming events and keep technology at Magen David Adom’s new National Operations Center on February dispatch load should it be disabled. In connected. 25. (Photo by Magen David Adom) See “Center” on page 4 Candle lighting INSIDE THIS ISSUE March 8...... 5:43 pm On the music scene Treading the boards Purim March 15...... 6:51 pm March 22...... 6:59 pm A look at “Rabbi Jake,” an Atlanta A teen actor discusses his Jewish Pastry chef Paula Shoyer offers based singer-songwriter of Jewish heritage and Broadway debut as several hamantashen recipes, PLUS children’s and teens’ music. the lead in “Dear Evan Hansen.” including a gluten free cookie. Opinion...... 2 Story on page 3 Story on page 9 Story on page 12 D’var Torah...... 8 2 THE REPORTER ■ MARCH 7, 2019 A MATTER OF OPINION Title IX and “tikkun olam” BY RISA ISARD she told me. As a teen, she knew education in graduate school … I probably came on she remembered. Sandler had made the (JNS) – “There’s a word for that,” was her future. After summers working on too strong.’” Quick to explain further, “In connection: universities and colleges had Bunny Sandler told me when describing a farm during World War II, she thought, those days I was much more ladylike … I federal contracts and could not discrimi- her family’s Judaism. “To fix the world “I would be better off doing something certainly was not what I would consider nate against women. and make it better.” Tikkun olam, I thought more intellectual and less physical with a strong woman or abrasive.” It was only a matter of time before the on the other side of the phone from my the rest of my life.” And that’s what she She told her then husband what hap- executive order would be enforced as such. dorm at Duke University, where I was did. After skipping grades to graduate pened. After discerning that there were Sandler first filed a class complaint researching the pre-history and early years from New York City’s public Erasmus “strong men” in the department, he knew against every college and university in of Title IX. Hall High School at age 16, Sandler went it wasn’t about Sandler at all. the United States with federal contracts. Thanks to Title IX – the federal law off to Brooklyn College, New York City’s There’s a word for that, her husband The complaint specifically mentioned Sandler spearheaded that prohibits dis- first public co-ed liberal arts college. told her: sex discrimination. the University of Maryland, though that crimination based on gender at federally wasn’t a priority for Sandler, who never funded educational institutions – girls and Today, girls and women can choose intellectual and physical filed against the university on her own women are learning about ourselves and futures. And when we come up against sex discrimination behalf. “That wasn’t what I was interested preparing for our futures in unprecedented in education – when we are denied access to the same in. I just wanted things to get better and numbers. As of 2017, women comprise 56 to be fixed.” percent of those pursuing post-high school opportunities as our male counterparts in the classrooms or on She would go on to file more than 350 degrees, and more than 3.3 million of us the sports fields, when we face sexual harassment and assault complaints, implicating more than 2,500 play sports in high school and college on campus, when we are left out because we are pregnant or schools. (compared to just 40 percent and 310,000, already mothers... – we have more than a word for it. For the next two-and-a-half years, respectively, pre-Title IX). between 1970 and June 1972 when Title Sandler, who passed away from cancer Thanks to Bunny Sandler’s tikkun olam, there’s a law for that: IX was signed into law by President on January 5 at her home in Washington, Title IX. Richard Nixon, Sandler and a handful DC, left a legacy in a world that if not of motivated citizens and members of fixed (she would say it’s not) is at least Sandler’s educational career continued. A lightbulb went off. “It was the Congress undertook at times a widespread better (indisputably). She graduated from Brooklyn College in first time I had ever thought of myself effort and at other times a set of stealth Bernice Resnick was born in Brooklyn, 1944 with a psychology and education as having been discriminated against,” strategies. “We’re trying to figure out... NY, though her parents called her Bunny, degree, and went on to earn a master’s she recalled. The new perspective how do you change things? One way is based on her Yiddish name Bunya. Jewish degree in clinical and school psychology prompted her to remember two sim- you change laws.” immigrants from Russia and Germany, from City College, which when she grad- ilar experiences. She was previously The goal was a cultural shift and it was they instilled in her a “love of social jus- uated in 1950 was not yet fully co-ed. At declined a position because she was a a success. Today, girls and women can tice.” She wanted me to know this – that the University of Maryland, she earned mother, which at the time was an occu- choose intellectual and physical futures. her passion for leaving the world better an Ed.D. in counseling and personnel pational hazard. Shortly afterward, an And when we come up against sex dis- than she found it came from her roots, services, which she received in 1969. She interviewer insulted her with: “You’re crimination in education – when we are just as she wanted me to know the stories had accomplished much and was poised to not a professional. You’re a housewife denied access to the same opportunities as that followed. achieve her goal of becoming a professor, who went back to school.” our male counterparts in the classrooms or As a girl, Sandler loved school. And she working with kids in schools and teaching She could see the pattern of discrim- on the sports fields, when we face sexual excelled. “I knew I was going to college people how to be good counselors. But ination. And she assumed it was illegal. harassment and assault on campus, when before I knew I was going to high school that’s where it stopped. Sandler used her research training to we are left out because we are pregnant or – before I knew what high school was,” And where Title IX started. learn what recourse she had. She found already mothers, and when we are looked Sandler would retell her story to anyone a report from the U.S. Commission on over for faculty positions or not paid who would listen: She applied for a faculty Civil Rights that included a footnote comparably to our male colleagues – we position at the University of Maryland. about a federal executive order prohibiting have more than a word for it. She asked a friend on the hiring committee organizations receiving federal contracts Thanks to Bunny Sandler’s tikkun olam, why she wasn’t even considered, and he from job discrimination. It was intended there’s a law for that: Title IX. “ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the remarked unremarkably: “Let’s face it. for factory and construction workers, and Risa Isard is a Washington, DC-based Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. You come on too strong for a woman.” initially excluded sex as a protected class. expert in sports policy, with a focus on the She went home, cried and blamed A recent amendment made it apply to intersection of sports, gender, sexuality President: Douglas Fink Executive Director: Mark Silverberg herself, not yet convinced of sexism. “I gender. “I literally screamed. I was alone and social issues. You can follow her on thought ‘I never should have spoken up in the house. It was a eureka moment,” Twitter at @RisaLovesSports. Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman Layout Editor: Diana Sochor Assistant Editor: Ilene Pinsker Production Coordinator: Jenn DePersis In heaven’s name … Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen BY MIRIAM ADELSON Witnessing the recent launch in Florida, imagining the lunar surface as a safe Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown (JNS) – “We choose to go to the moon I was moved to tears. It was a glorious remove from an implacably cruel world. in this decade and do the other things, not spectacle of light banishing darkness. The Ginz would be murdered in Auschwitz, OPINIONS The views expressed in because they are easy, but because they rising rocket looked a like a comet strike but his art lived on and was taken into editorials and opinion pieces are those are hard, because that goal will serve to in reverse, bringing human advancement space in 2003 by our first astronaut, Ilan of each author and not necessarily organize and measure the best of our en- rather than earthly destruction. I confess Ramon, a war hero who symbolized the the views of the Jewish Federation of ergies and skills, because that challenge is that I briefly regretted not having chosen triumph of Zionist revival. Northeastern Pennsylvania. one that we are willing to accept, one we astrophysics as my career. That thought was The team that met this latest challenge LETTERS The Reporter welcomes are unwilling to postpone, and one which swiftly eclipsed, however, by the knowledge and managed to propel the “startup nation” letters on subjects of interest to the we intend to win, and into space also served Jewish community. All letters must be the others, too.” “Beresheet” was launched primarily leshem shamayim – as a Zionism with a price- signed and include a phone number. So spoke U.S. demonstration to Israelis and the world that we are a nation less achievement for The editor may withhold the name Israel and the Jewish upon request. President John F. that is always reaching for the stars and beyond the horizon, Kennedy in 1962 people. ADS The Reporter does not necessar- that works for the greater good and for the betterment of a ily endorse any advertised products about the American When Beresheet and services. In addition, the paper plan to send a man to world that often disappoints us. reaches the lunar is not responsible for the kashruth of the moon and back, surface, it will park any advertiser’s product or establish- which would consume so much funding, that my grandchildren could well do so in a digital library of 3,000 years of Jewish ment. technological know-how and manpower, my stead. The dream is more real than ever. wisdom, housed in a spacecraft that has DEADLINE Regular deadline is two without certain success in beating the This is all great. It is also all second- the Israeli flag and the immortal Hebrew weeks prior to the publication date. Soviets in the race. ary. “Beresheet” was launched primarily motto am Yisrael chai (the nation of Israel We Jews have a phrase for such leshem shamayim – as a demonstration to lives) emblazoned on its side. Together, FEDERATION WEBSITE: thinking: leshem shamayim (“in heaven’s Israelis and the world that we are a nation these three symbols will shine forever www.jewishnepa.org name”). And now, thanks to the SpaceIL that is always reaching for the stars and upon the whole world. beyond the horizon, that works for the This is an event to cherish, a source HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: team, we are also literally there, a name of pride. Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA in the heavens. greater good and for the betterment of a 18510 When the spacecraft “Beresheet” lands world that often disappoints us. We are not just “on the map” of the E-mail: [email protected] on the moon a couple of months hence, In the dawn of Jewish history, God world: We are on the map of the universe. Fax: (570) 346-6147 Israel will have become the fourth country promised our forefather Abraham that his Godspeed, SpaceIL. We will all watch Phone: (570) 961-2300 in the world to have achieved such a feat: offspring would be like the stars in the sky. Beresheet in heaven’s name and marvel. a space-faring power. Ever since, Jews, an eternal people who Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson are HOW TO REACH The spacecraft Beresheet will advance are forever evolving, have gazed up into among the main philanthropists behind THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: humanity’s understanding of magnetic the night sky – at the changing moon, the the project. She is a specialist in chemical Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 fields. An entire generation of Israeli rotating constellations – for inspiration. dependency and drug addiction, the E-mail: [email protected] scientists will be enriched by SpaceIL’s At tragic times, space has also been a publisher of Israel Hayom and, with her source of comfort: Incarcerated in Ther- husband, the owner of Israel Hayom and SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: achievements, and future generations of Phone: (570) 961-2300 Israeli scientists will be inspired to follow esienstadt Ghetto, 14-year-old Petr Ginz the Las Vegas Review-Journal newspapers, their example. painted “Moon Landscape,” apparently as well as a financial supporter of JNS. MARCH 7, 2019 ■ THE REPORTER 3 COMMUNITY NEWS Camp Zeke awards two camperships to local kids The Jewish Federation of Northeastern “Camp Zeke is a Jewish overnight camp located Pennsylvania announced that thanks to the in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains where support of the Foundation for Jewish Camp, 7-17-year-olds celebrate healthy, active living the Jim Joseph Foundation and the Avi Chai through fitness, cooking, sports, farm-to-table Foundation, Camp Zeke was able to offer gourmet food and joyful Judaism,” said Feder- local community camperships to attend Camp ation representatives. “We are thrilled to be able Zeke. The two winners of the scholarships are to send our two winners to the camp. Thank you to Jackson Lubinsky and Reese Lockwich. all the participants and congratulations to our winners!” Atlanta musician “Rabbi Jake” takes the country by storm BY SANDY ELLER under his Hebrew name, Tzidkiyahu, Czuper released his (JNS) – Atlanta might be well-known for Coca-Cola third album, “Tzidkiyahu, Vol. 1” in 2018, covering a full and Hartsfield-Jackson International, the busiest- air range of musical styles, including “4 Chords,” a mashup port in the world, but for music lovers both large and of more than 20 songs from various artists, including Gad small, the city’s true claim to fame may very well be Elbaz, Yaakov Shwekey, Shalsheles, Shalsheles Junior, hometown-born “Rabbi Jake” – a singer, songwriter The Chevra, Yeshiva Boys Choir, Mordechai Shapiro and entertainer whose cheerful tunes and concerts are and Simcha Leiner, all of which are constructed using said to have been delighting Jewish listeners for years. the identical four chords. Growing up in Atlanta, Rabbi He said some of his most memorable moments per- Jake Czuper began composing forming as Tzidkiyahu include a Purim concert for Ho- songs when he was in fourth grade. locaust survivors in a nursing home that had one resident His talent for combining Judaic getting up and dancing for the first time in years, and concepts with upbeat music had playing two concerts for Floridians ravaged by Hurricane him throwing tunes together and, Irma in 2017. Another particularly poignant experience after being invited to entertain his Rabbi Jake Czuper, aka “Rabbi Jake,” entertained for him came when he took a group of NCSY teens on wife Chani’s preschool class, he fans at Anshei Lubavitch of Fair Lawn, NJ. (Photo their first-ever trip to Israel. Setting the words “Am found that they resonated with courtesy of Anshei Lubavitch of Fair Lawn, NJ) Yisrael Chai” to music, along with lyrics covering 3,000 young children. Czuper began per- years of history, Czuper said he and his students saw the forming in Atlanta’s synagogues, Audiences nationwide have enjoyed his music, with song come alive as they toured the country. Rabbi Jake Czuper See “Musician” on page 8 (Photo courtesy summer camps and day schools Rabbi Jake entertaining youngsters at hotels during of Eli Gray in 2014 as Rabbi Jake, stressing Passover and in Minnesota, Florida, Texas, New York Photography) themes like gratitude, simcha and Canada. He performed most recently in honor of (“joy”) and emunah (“faith”) in a Rosh Chodesh Adar in the New Jersey region at Chabad “fun, fresh way.” Much like his signature orange shirts, of Tenafly and Fair Lawn’s Anshei Lubavitch. He often he is said to stand out from the crowd, offering even finds himself facing questions from TSA agents who DEADLINES the youngest of listeners “high-energy” entertainment. want him to explain his large supply of jelly beans, as The following are deadlines for all articles and “My shows have LED lighting, bubble machines, well as the hollow plastic pipes that he uses to build a photos for upcoming Reporter issues. glow sticks, candy and a professional sound setup – a stand for his concert banner. DEADLINE ISSUE real concert experience with plenty of audience partic- With a level of sophistication that is considered above ipation,” said Czuper. “I never wanted to just be a guy most of what is currently available for children, Czuper Thursday, March 7...... March 21 with a guitar. I enjoy the interaction with kids and being has also found an audience with older listeners. As a for- Thursday, March 21...... April 4 able to give them a multi-sensory experience.” mer high school teacher who currently works as NCSY’s Thursday, April 4...... April 18 Czuper finds Jewish children’s music to be a niche city director in Atlanta, he is involved with teens and he Thursday, April 18...... May 2 market – one that mainstream Jewish singers typically produces music for them, as well. Rebranding himself aren’t focusing on. He prides himself on writing music that appeals to kids of all ages, and loves watching teachers and counselors enjoying his performances just as much as their young charges. “It’s not that bingy-bo- ingy annoying kind of kids’ music,” explained Czuper. “This is regular music with lyrics for kids. Parents even tell me that they put it on in their cars even when their kids aren’t with them.” Czuper upped the ante in July 2015, releasing his first official music video featuring his popular “Aleph Bais” song. Just several months later, his first album, “Rabbi Jake, Vol. 1,” debuted, followed in 2017 by “Rabbi Jake 2, Vol. 2: Thank Hashem.” Czuper’s music runs the gamut, with song titles in- cluding “Thank You, Hashem,” “Jolly Jelly Bean” and “The Kipa Song,” addressing a variety of themes that seek to help children build a personal relationship with God and a love of Torah and mitzvot – concepts that, as an educator, he had seen lacking in his own students.

The Jewish Federation NEPA is headed to NYC Sunday, June 2, 2019... march in the Israel Day Parade! We hope you'll join us! Bus transportation & Parade T-shirt is only $15/pp.

Pick up at the Scranton JCC and Budget Inn and Suites on Rte. 80 (times will be announced soon). Bus will stop in Teaneck, NJ for kosher dining and shopping after the parade. Reserve your spot today! Contact Dassy Ganz: 570-961-2300 (ext. 2) or [email protected] ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook

Please contact Dassy at 570-961-2300 x2 or [email protected] for further information or to make your reservation 4 THE REPORTER ■ MARCH 7, 2019 Who knew – Hebrew could be the basis for many English and European words BY ARIEL BEN SOLOMON In 1990, Barat returned to Romania “crazy,” “distraught” or “deranged,” Asked if there is any way to prove the (JNS) – English and European words and started a consulting company with his and,according to dictionaries it comes origins of words beyond theorizing one such as alphabet, earth, loco and habitat wife, assisting Israeli investors. “Modern from the Andalusian Arabic lawqa, sig- way or the other, Barat responded: “It could come from Hebrew, according to an scholarship does not deal at all with the nifying a foolish person. Barat theorizes is not about proving it, just connecting independent Israeli linguistics researcher etymology of European or world languag- that it comes from the Hebrew word words that are close. Nobody really knows who has written a number of unpublished es from Hebrew,” said Barat. “It seems laka, meaning to be defective, to become definitively where many words originate.” dictionaries, articles and books. Accord- crazy at first, as Hebrew is written from ill or to receive lashes. In Aramaic (a Professor Gerald Leonard Cohen, an ing to the English Oxford Dictionary, right to left. But if you look more closely, Semitic language that replaced Hebrew expert in etymology at the Department the word etymology refers to “the study similarities can be discovered.” for local Jews and which was displaced of Arts, Languages and Philosophy at of the origin of words and the way in Scholarship exists on the connection by Arabic in the seventh-century C.E.), the Missouri University of Science and which their meanings have changed between Hebrew and European languages, laka means to be stricken with a disease. Technology, told JNS that Barat’s argu- throughout history.” Researchers can noted Barat, adding that he has around The Hebrew word likui means suffering ments would receive “sharp criticism” make inferences based on studying the 1,500 books in his personal library that from a deficiency. from academics, who would point out roots of words and their meanings, trying touch on the subject, often indirectly. Another is the word “habitat,” which the weaknesses in his suggestions. For to piece together their history, though it’s Barat has many theories regarding Barat thinks comes from the Hebrew word example, Barat claims that the word “al- far from an exact science. the Hebrew roots of certain European for house, bayit or ha-bayit. The Online Et- phabet” comes from Hebrew, but actually, Modern works on the subject are language words. Take the word “earth” in ymology Dictionary puts it as originating “it derives from Phoenician. The Greeks lacking, and one Israeli – Tony Daccre English, which in Hebrew is eretz, or the in 1762 as a Latin term on English flora had considerable contact with the Phoe- Barat, 73, born in Romania and now word more associated with land, adama. and fauna, literally “it inhabits.” nicians, and the Phoenician language was living in Akko, Israel – has studied lin- In Arabic, it is ard, German erde, and Also, “the word alphabet comes from very similar to Hebrew.” guistics on his own as a hobby for the in Romanian tara. The ending of these Hebrew,” claims Barat, noting that it is According to the Encyclopedia Britan- past four decades. He and his wife, who words can have differing pronunciations credited to having a Greek origin. Aleph nica, Phoenicians were merchant traders has a Ph.D. in architecture, live on a whether ending with a “se,” “te” or “de” is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, that by the second-millennium B.C.E. stipend from the government of $1,200 sound. If you experiment with the different and bet is the second and the equivalent to “had colonies in the Levant, North Africa, a month. Tony knows Hebrew, Yiddish, ending accent on these words, they sound the English “b.” The letter “d” in English Anatolia and Cyprus. ...Their alphabet Romanian, French, English and some in quite similar. is usually attributed to the Greek delta, became the basis of the Greek alphabet,” other languages. In 1951, he immigrated Or, for example, the word “phrase” “but I think it refers to the fourth Hebrew it stated. to Israel with his family and served in the (which is the same in French), which letter daled.” See “Hebrew” on page 16 army, studied political science at Haifa Barat concludes comes from the Hebrew University and later studied linguistics three-letter root paras or faras from the for one year in Paris. Hebrew word spelled pey-resh-shin, Barat noticed during his studies in Paris which means to interpret. In Spanish, the Center Continued from page 1 that nobody was making the links from word is frase, in Romanian fraza and the addition, a state-of-the-art mobile com- viable options even if that fails.” European languages to Hebrew, and that same sound in Russian. The Online Ety- mand center can also take over much of As Israel’s national EMS dispatchers, there was no desire to do so. “Hebrew is a mology Dictionary says the word comes the dispatch operations. Magen David Adom deploys 1,100 of much older language as well, so it makes from the Greek frasi, but Barat infers it “The key to protecting our ability to its own ambulances and 25,000 MDA sense the roots of words go back before originates in Hebrew. dispatch EMTs to medical emergencies in EMTs, as well as more than 8,500 first Latin or Greek,” he theorized. The word loco in Spanish means a war or natural disaster is redundancy,” responders (most based on motorcycles), said Rosenblat. “And that means not only from within its own ranks and from directly protecting the National Opera- 17 independent rescue organizations tions Center, but ensuring there are other throughout Israel.

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Pledge or Donate online at www.jewishnepa.org/donate MARCH 7, 2019 ■ THE REPORTER 5 Netanyahu dismisses indictment as “political persecution,” touts his success in strengthening Israel BY JNS STAFF continued Netanyahu. “That’s why for matter, and for many years it has helped guilty, and therefore the Union of (JNS) – Speaking out for the first three years they have been carrying out me to ensure our security, helped to Right Wing Parties will recommend time since the attorney general’s an- political persecution against us in order preserve our country,” Netanyahu said. after the elections that Prime Minister nouncement of indictments, Israeli to topple the right-wing government.” Meanwhile, the Likud Party slammed Netanyahu be the candidate to form Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Netanyahu also said that he has the indictment charges against Netanyahu, a strong and stable right-wing gov- on February 28 dismissed the charges the support of world leaders such as calling them “political persecution.” ernment,” the Union of Right Wing against him as “political persecution,” U.S. President Donald Trump, saying, “Nobody is surprised by the attor- Parties – comprised of Jewish Home, while touting his success in bolstering “I heard earlier the words of support ney general’s announcement that came National Union and Otzma Yehudit – Israel’s security, foreign relations and that I received from U.S. President after three years of relentless pressure said in a statement. the economy as leader. Donald Trump. I thank my friend on him by the media, the left and ju- Similarly, Shas said it would only “The policy I lead with my friends in President Trump for his statements diciary bureaucrats to indict the prime support Netanyahu as the next prime the Likud led Israel to the best decade in and for his support.” minister at any cost – even when there minister, saying, “Netanyahu is the its history in security, foreign relations, Earlier on February 28, Trump said isn’t anything, just to have it happen most fitting person to lead the coun- the economy, in every field,” Netanyahu that he believes Netanyahu is “tough, before the elections,” Likud said in a try at this time, and we will back him said in a statement to the media from the smart and strong” and been a great leader statement released immediately after as prime minister as long as the law prime minister’s residence. “We turned for Israel. Mandelblit’s announcement. allows him.” Israel into a rising world force, but we Netanyahu also mentioned his recent Several right-wing Israeli political The New Right Party, headed by right- did it without concessions and bowing our trip to Moscow to meet with President parties said that they still would back wing rival Naftali Bennett and Ayelet heads. We did it while constantly nurturing Vladimir Putin. Netanyahu said he is Netanyahu as prime minister in the next Shaked, said it “respected” the decision our strength, even militarily. working together with Putin to collab- government. by the attorney general, but would “still “The left knows that with such orate against Iran. “This unique rela- “Every person, including Benjamin recommend Netanyahu as head of the feats, they can’t beat us in the ballot,” tionship with world leaders is no small Netanyahu, is innocent until proven new government.” Mass grave of more than 1,000 Jews shot by Nazis unearthed in Belarus BY JNS STAFF overall number is around 600. As far as we (JNS) – A mass grave of more than know, there are two major graves here.” 1,000 Jews shot in the head by the Nazis “We will not allow the building of during the Holocaust has been uncovered anything on bones of people,” said Gov. in Belarus. Currently, 600 skeletons have Alexander Rogachuk. been unearthed by Belarusian soldiers At least 28,000 Jews lived in the Brest in a pit at a building site in Brest, a city ghetto between 1941 and 1942. Some 17,000 along the Polish border. The historic city people were known to have been shot in of Brest was the location of the Union of October 1942 near the Bronnaya Gora rail Brest and Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. station, as thousands more were presumed “We expect the number of victims to to have been massacred. Some 66 percent of go over 1,000,” said Brest official Anna Belarusian Jews perished in the Holocaust, Kondak. “During three weeks, every day according to American historian Lucy A mass grave of more than 1,000 Jews shot in the head by the Nazis during World about 40 remains are being found. Now the Dawidowicz in “The War Against Jews.” War II has been uncovered in Belarus. (Photo courtesy of Screenshot) Antisemitic graffiti chalked on elementary-school playground in NYC BY AARON BANDLER Department is investigating the incident diately assist the NYPD in the investi- of hand. I urge Mayor [Bill] de Blasio (Jewish Journal via JNS) – Antisemit- as a hate crime. gation of this hideous act and hold those to immediately implement mine and ic graffiti was discovered on a New York “I am appalled and disgusted by the accountable to the full extent of the law.” Council member Mark Levine’s bills City elementary-school playground on swastikas and other antisemitic symbols New York City Councilman Chaim that recently passed in the City Coun- February 22. Several swastikas and the of hate that were scrawled in a Queens Deutsch (D-Brooklyn), chairman of cil, which would require educational words “Hail (sic) Hitler” were scrawled schoolyard,” New York Gov. Andrew the New York City Council Jewish outreach to teach about the impact of in chalk at Public School 139 Rego Cuomo said in a February 24 statement. Caucus, said in a February 24 state- hate, bias and antisemitism.” Park’s playground in Queens. The inci- “In New York, we have zero tolerance for ment: “This has gotten completely out (First published in the Jewish Journal.) dent occurred during winter break, and such vile acts of antisemitism.” the graffiti was later removed by staff He added, “I am directing the State members. The New York City Police Police Hate Crimes Task Force to imme- Effective please immediately, send note! all articles and ads to At right: Several swastikas and the words “Hail (sic) our new E-mail address, Hitler” were discovered jfnepareporter@ at Public School 139 Rego Park’s playground in jewishnepa.org. Queens, NY, on February 22. (Photo by Twitter/ Jewish Journal)

EffectiveScranton Hebr immediately,ew Day School please send540 Monroe all Av articlese., Scranton & ads to Tehillim Club Asour a community new service, E-mail a group of address, students at the Scranton Hebrew Day School’s “Tehillim Club” will recite [email protected] prayers (Psalms) on behalf of a loved one who is in need of health, comfort or salvation. Please submit when available, the Hebrew name of the one in need and their mother’s Hebrew name to the SHDS ofLice (570) 346-1576. Rabbi Dovid Rosenberg, Director of Development

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 6 THE REPORTER ■ MARCH 7, 2019 Bais Yaakov Production of “To Change a World” The Bais Yaakov Production of To Change A World took place on Motzei Shabbos (Saturday evening) February 9, 2019. The evening was dedicated in loving memory of Moshe Eliezer ben Dov A”H. Mr. Leonard Berkowitz by Rabbi and Mrs. Mayer Elefant and Mr. and Mrs. Eliyahu Epshteyn. The setting of the play was the 1940’s through the 1964 World’s Fair. The Play begins with Greeks trying to persuade a Jewish man to embrace their ways. They spoke about the Hellenist way which is to change the world with their modern Philosophies fast forward to the 1950’s with our main character Shalva Gold, who also wanted to change the world with her creative inventions. Her goal was to present a world changing invention at the 1964 World’s Fair. At the World’s Fair, she was faced with the biggest challenge of her life. Should she forfeit her chances of changing the world with her invention or help just one per- son? She was forced to rethink what it truly means to make a difference . The choice she made had world changing consequences for her as that choice saved the life of her child.

Thank You to the Following Bais Yaakov of Scranton Supporters: Diamond Topaz Friends Rabbi & Mrs. Mayer Elefant and Family Mr. & Mrs. Neil Weinberg Rabbi & Mrs. Zev Strum in loving memory of Moshe Eliezer ben Dov Mr. & Mrs. Yosef Hernandez Mrs. Janet Goldberg Mr. & Mrs. Ilya Epshteyn Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Fink Mrs. Gilda Franzese in loving memory of Moshe Eliezer ben Dov Dr. & Mrs. Neill Ackerman Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Pachter Michael and Sheila Cutler Rabbi & Mrs. Avrohom Goldstein Rabbi & Mrs. Y. Feigenbaum in loving memory of Mr. Frank Nutis Mr. & Mrs. Natan Fink Rabbi & Mrs. A.Y. Elefant Efrayim Reuven ben Yitzchok Halevi Mr. & Mrs. Yaakov Silverberg Rabbi & Mrs. Shmuel B. Elefant Sara Eisner in Loving Memory of Mr. & Mrs. Simcha Freilich Rabbi & Mrs. Yitzchok Elefant Rabbi & Mrs. Dov Elefant an original play by Mrs. Adina Turoff Joseph and Claire Eisner Mrs. Sandy Raven Drs. Josh and Gila Jedwab Mr. & Mrs. Dovid Elefant BAIS YAAKOV Rabbi & Mrs. Avrohom Turin Mr. & Mrs. Mitch Knisbacher Mr. & Mrs. Ziv Ben Dov Dances and Songs Curtains Mrs. Ita Stahler Rabbi & Mrs. Yaakov Swiatycki Eli and Abby Greenfield Tziporah Davidson Chaya Valencia Mrs. Frimi Stahler Rabbi & Mrs. A. Akerman Mr. Filmore Rosenstein Naomi Hernandez Mrs. & Mrs. Yossi Kreiger Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Ganz Sara Hernadez Props Emerald Rabbi & Mrs. Mordechai Dov Fine Mr. Gershon Severe Dassy Laury Avigayil Lopez, Rayzel Pion, Shlomo and Deborah Fink Mr. & Mrs. Shaul Chodosh Dr. Y. Silverstein Shira Laury TzilahPion, Naomi Hernandez Moshe and Michal Katz Mr. & Mrs. Sam Harris Deena Leah Pfeffer Avigayil Lopez Pearl Hadassah Hernandez Chanie Mann Piano/Musical Accompaniment Rayzel Pion Mrs. Syvia Eisenberg Chana Hernandez Mr. & Mrs. Yochanan Valencia Mrs. Adina Turoff Tzilah Pion Rabbi and Mrs. Johnny Kersh Rachel Laury Rabbi & Mrs. Yitzchok Kurlander Ms. Rachel Laury Mrs. Shira Korngold Chaya Sara Valencia Shlomo and Bassie Rimpler Mr. & Mrs. Terry Morreale Mrs. Sora Atlas Rachelle Werbin Esther Malka Valencia Makeup & Hair Design Rabbi and Mrs. Samuel Sandhaus Mrs. Miriam Banicky Rabbi & Mrs. Y. Fensterheim Leah Rochel Valencia Mrs. Maya Polatsek Mr. & Mrs. Alex & Russi Itzkowitz Mr. & Mrs. Yanky Schwartz Rabbi & Mrs. Y. Bilus Mrs. Chavy Schwartz & Friends Rabbi & Mrs. Avrohom Bronstein Director Phyllis Feibus Rabbi & Mrs. Y. Hisiger Melava Malka Rabbi & Mrs. Ben Pomper Mrs. Leah Laury Rabbi & Mrs. Yaakov Horowitz Leale Schwab Mrs. Raizel Bracha Hernandez, Michael and Sue Diamond Dance Choreographers Rabbi & Mrs. Nosson Wahl Mrs. Suri Perlman Mrs. Shanie Dunn, Mr. & Mrs. Yaakov Leiser Mrs. Yocheved Strum Mrs. Chavy Schwartz Rabbi & Mrs. Mordechai Tendler Mrs. Vera Epshteyn Mrs. Marcia Ufberg Mrs. Rochel Kaplan Rayzel Pion, Avigayil Lopez, Mrs. Chana Valencia Rabbi Moshe Dovid Tendler Rabbi & Mrs. T. Albin PoD Davidson, Laura Siverstein Garnet Rabbi & Mrs. Eli Gaz Shira Laury, Dassy Laury Special thanks to Rabbi Yisroel Brotsky Mrs. Ellen Horowitz Rabbi & Mrs. Nosson Adler Rabbi & Mrs. C. Harris and Mr. Asher Grossman of the Beth Mr. & Mrs. Y.E. Rich Costumes Dr. Nancy Willis Mrs. Yehudis Levits Shalom Synagogue for the use of their Mrs. Chevie Weissler Mrs. Maya Polatsek Rabbi & Mrs. Doniel Goldstein Alan and Laurel Glassman social hall and building for this event Mr. & Mrs. Ari Rashkin Mrs. Lori Rashkin Mrs. Beverly Klein Lights and many other Bais Yaakov community in Honor the Birth of Penina Baila Mrs. Shira Silverberg Sara Hernandez programs throughout the year! Mr. & Mrs. Dovid Benyavskiy Mrs. Jennifer Gruber

Temple Israel of the Poconos Tu B’Shvat Celebration Temple Israel of the Poconos celebrated Tu B’Shvat at a seder bursting of fruits, nuts and grape juice. Members of the congregation, Religious School and the community were invited to attend. MARCH 7, 2019 ■ THE REPORTER 7 Israel views global partnerships as key to thwarting cyber-security threats BY NOA AMOUYAL And in Israel, the recruiting starts young. (JNS) – A major hospital digitizes all of its data, with In 2015, the government announced that it would the medical history of thousands upon thousands of institute official certification programs for cyber-security patients saved on the cloud. Now say, for instance, that practitioners, where candidates will have to pass exams data is hacked. Best-case scenario: It’s a bureaucratic with a two-tier levels of difficulty: one testing basic nightmare for many, and advertisers get their hands on theoretical skills and an advanced exam for experts. The very sensitive and personal data. Worst-case scenario: certification will be issued under the Israel National Cyber The data is tampered with, which potentially jeopardizes Directorate, which operates under the Prime Minister’s the treatment plan of countless patients. Office. Meiri, with her 8200 Social Program, is using At 2019’s CyberTech conference in Tel Aviv, no expert the network of that elite unite to help inspire and train hailing from the private sector or government said the words the country’s most promising entrepreneurs. “life or death.” They didn’t need to. Because when talking This challenge is not unique to Israel. An October 2018 about the future of cyber security, these experts represent study by (ISC)², the world’s largest nonprofit association an industry ensuring that individual information related to A view of Israel’s 2019 Cybertech conference. (Photo of certified cyber-security professionals, revealed that banking, personal mobile devices, military infrastructure by Noa Amouyal) the “global cyber-security workforce gap [has expand- and medical information remains in the right hands. ed] to nearly three million across North America, Latin “Everything today is vulnerable,” Israeli Prime Min- experts set up shop elsewhere such as in Silicon Valley. America, Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Europe, the Middle ister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the conference. “Every While Meiri, whose session at the conference was titled East and Africa (EMEA).” country can be subject to cyber attacks. And what they “Secrets of Unit 8200,” boasted of the alumni coming Given this global growth, this suggests that Israel all need is a combination of cyber-defense efforts and a out of the Israel Defense Forces’ corps responsible for doesn’t have to face this obstacle alone. As the presence robust cyber security industry.” collecting signal intelligence (SIGINT) and code decryp- of international representatives from around the world “Literally everything today can be hacked,” said Neta-Li tion, Levi warned that relying on the military’s best and at the conference attested, they are “willing and eager” Meiri, managing director of the 8200 Social Program, an brightest is not enough for this brave new world of cyber to work with and learn from the Jewish state. Israel accelerator program that provides networking and threats. “Yes, a lot of good people are coming out of the Considering investments in Israel’s cyber-security mentor services to entrepreneurs looking to create cut- military, but they’re knowledge pertains to the military industry surpassed the $1 billion threshold for the first ting-edge solutions. “The future is here regarding those and not the private sector in general. The military’s needs time, despite whatever challenges Israel may face, the elements. Everything is connected, everything is smart, are not the same as the needs of a bank or an insurance numbers don’t lie. “This is nothing short of a cyber which means every smart system can be hacked.” company. The networks, challenges and the ones hacking revolution, which Israel is a big part of,” boasted Amir Netanyahu said that “what we’re in the midst of right them are different, and there are regulatory requirements Rapaport, who organized the conference which is now in now is a change.” in the private sector,” she cautioned. “The motivation of its sixth year. “We’re in the right place in the right time.” That shift is transitioning from the nuts and bolts of the perpetrator is different: The hackers who attack armies With companies from around the world represented at traditional security – AKA, big strong men guarding represent nation states, while hackers that go after banks this year’s conference – what is considered one of the in- doorways to guarding the virtual doorways of the cyber are typically criminals interested in money.” dustry’s biggest B2B events of the year – the approximately realm. The problem is that there simply aren’t enough During his speech, Netanyahu noted that “we have so much 15,000 people who attended the three-day conference qualified people to help thwart them. “There isn’t enough growth in this area that we can’t meet the personnel costs.” were said to exemplify that Israel offers what others need. qualified talent in general – people that actually know As such, the government, nonprofits and private “You are partners. CyberTech reflects a policy. It cyber security,” said Ram Levi, founder and CEO of sector are doing their part to ensure that suitable tal- reflects the fact that cyber security is not only here to Konfidas, an Israeli cyber-security consulting firm. ent is recruited, both Israeli and foreign. Netanyahu stay, but will grow exponentially,” Netanyahu told the And for Israel, which has led the way in the cyber spoke of a government program of cyber interns, for audience. “We have a general policy of collaboration security, there are fears of a talent shortage, especially as example, where talent is coming in from overseas. with governments and companies.”

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

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 8 THE REPORTER ■ MARCH 7, 2019 D’VAR TORAH Bringing beauty and order into the world RABBI PEG KERSHENBAUM, CONGREGATION objects, the animating of this new world. When all B’NAI HARIM, POCONO PINES the original work was done, “Moses saw that they Pekudai, Exodus 38:21-40:38 had performed all the tasks – as the Lord had com- For several years, my husband and I hosted a manded, so they had done – Moses blessed them.” wonderful student as she pursued a degree from FIT, When the priests were dressed and the objects put the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in into the Tabernacle and the Tent, nothing more was New York City. When she moved in, she brought said, but the Presence of God filled the space. with her piles of fabrics and threads, beads, mark- Thus, when we can work together on a divinely ers, special pencils and pads, a portfolio, different inspired project to bring order and beauty into the irons, machines, lamps and heaven knows what else! world, or to create a new reality from our strengths to Over the course of her years at school, the piles and invite the Divine Presence back into our midst, we can collections grew. And from all those not-quite-raw rejoice that we have acted “as God had commanded materials, she created the most glorious garments Moses.” May we be blessed to do and to understand and appurtenances, making order out of most of the the importance and sacredness of what we have done. chaos and beauty out of the mess. She learned and patterned and carried out the plans and “it was sew.” That’s what we see in parashat Pekudai. After weeks of collecting animal, mineral and vegetable Musician Continued from page 3 materials in whatever form people could provide Head of the Atlanta Boys Choir, Czuper plays wed- them, Betzalel and his team of skilled craftspeople dings, bar mitzvahs and other private events. Ironically, learned the instructions from Moses, drew up the he often finds himself fielding requests for some of patterns and carried out the plans. In this parasha, his children’s songs at those affairs. we stand at the doorway of the workshop and watch Recalling how he would start school each year the artisans gather up the thousands of bits of gold with rabbis calling him by his full name, Tzidkiyahu and silver and bronze to make hooks and chains and Yaakov, inevitably opting for the more concise “Jake” sacred accessories or utensils. They pick through within days, the 34-year-old father of five identifies the collection of wools to twist, weave and braid with his biblical namesake, drawing on his ability curtains and cords and garments. They fit the woods to inspire others through song. “Just like Shimshon together to build a firm structure. And as each task [‘Sampson’] was gifted with super power, Tzidkiyahu is finished, the text tells us it was “as God had com- had eyes that were able to see light in darkness, which manded Moses.” is what I try to do in my music and in the Torah that This orderly appraisal of creative work is meant I teach,” he said. to be a reminder of God’s progress and daily eval- The message seems to be resonating. One father uation as God began to create the world. There, the told Czuper that he had been on a road trip with his phrases “and it was so,” or “God saw the [work], family and, as Rabbi Jake’s “Gam Zu L’Tova” song that it was good,” show us the divine checklist. God was playing in the car, he experienced a blowout. had separated out the stuff of creation, placed it in While the man and his wife were concerned that the new order of things, stepped back to take in the their children might have been frightened, their impact and continued to arrange the elements of the fears proved to be unfounded. “The children told President: Dr. Meredith Stempel world into a lasting and beautiful whole. their parents that gam zu l’tova, and everything that In our Torah portion, the evaluative phrase ap- Hashem does is for the best, which led to a mean- pears in two forms, the abbreviated one mentioned ingful discussion about emunah and [God],” recalled above (“as God had commanded Moses”) and a fuller Czuper who was grateful that the song turned a po- form, “the Children of Israel did just so, as God had tentially traumatic experience into a positive moment. commanded Moses, so they did.” In that fuller form, “Teaching children essential hashkafa [“outlook”] there is acknowledgment of the participation of the at an early age literally transforms a child’s world people in the work of the creation of the dwelling and gives them the ability to have a true relationship place for God and for all its furnishings and costumes. with Hashem for eternity.” President: Dan Marcus This pattern occurs in two places, each with seven Sandy Eller is a freelance writer who writes for abbreviated phrases and at least one fuller phrase. numerous websites, newspapers, magazines and many One set covers the work on the different pieces; the private clients. She can be contacted at sandyeller1@ other covers the beginning of the actual use of the gmail.com.

President: Merle Turitz Contact number: 570-421-8781

9:30 Mon. pm MARCH 7, 2019 ■ THE REPORTER 9 Broadway teen actor opens up about his Jewish heritage and the role of a lifetime BY SHIRYN GHERMEZIAN well-rounded” person, he said. reotyped and are authentic to (JNS) – If you were 16, and it was two days before “I think being a Jewish person the experience… I think Jews you made your Broadway debut as the lead role in the in Long Island, you’re really a part can absolutely find reflection Tony award-winning musical “Dear Evan Hansen,” you of something bigger, and there in ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ and so would likely be extremely nervous. are lots of Jewish people around can everyone.” “It’s getting really, really close. I am very, very ner- us, and it creates a community Barth Feldman first fell in vous,” Andrew Barth Feldman, a high school junior, and something to bond over love with theater at the age of told JNS, “but also very excited. Really, really excited. from a very, very young age,” 3 when he saw “Beauty and It’s going to be electric, and I can’t wait. I’m using [the he told JNS while taking a break the Beast” on Broadway. When nerves] as much as I can, especially with Evan, who is from tutoring, which he does 15 he was 8, he starred in his first such a nervous person. It’s pretty easy to channel that hours a week to keep up with his show: a community theater energy into him.” schoolwork while preparing for Andrew Barth Poster for “Dear production of “Annie” in On January 30, the Jewish teenager took to the stage “Dear Evan Hansen.” Feldman (Photo by Evan Hansen” (Photo which he played Mr. Bundles, as the title character in “Dear Evan Hansen,” a musical Aside from a few casual and Nathan Johnson) courtesy of Wikimedia the launderer at the orphanage about a high school senior who has severe social anxiety quick references to bar mitzvahs Commons) who has an unrequited love for that holds him back from connecting with people and – and something about getting to second base with an Miss Hannigan. “Dear Evan making friends, which is all he really wants to do. Israeli soldier in the script – it’s never specified if Evan Hansen” is his first professional production. The Long Island resident describes his character, Hansen is Jewish himself, but Barth Feldman said in his For his bar mitzvah project in 2014, he started Evan Hansen, as somebody who feels very alone and mind, his character definitely is. He explains that there Zneefrock Productions, a theater company run entire- “in the hyper-connectivity of social media. With that in are components in Evan’s family dynamic life that re- ly by teens that fund-raises for the charity NEXT for the background, he’s finding it extraordinarily difficult semble a Jewish family structure, but, he added, “I think Autism. The theater company he founded is still going to connect and that’s really all he wants – to be seen it’s never really specified because he’s so universal and strong; last year, Zneefrock put on a production of Jason and to help others as much as he can, to be as seen and because everyone can be seen in him, no matter what Robert Brown’s musical “The Last Five Years” about a heard as possible. denomination or race or etcetera.” failed marriage, with a different gender pairing at each “I think every teenager at some point or usually at The creative team behind “Dear Evan Hansen” con- performance to showcase various types of relationships. many points, if not all the time, feels that same need sists of a number of Jewish talents aside from Barth His passions include “Star Wars,” Disney and Horizon to connect, and feel seen and heard and validated,” he Feldman, including Benj Pasek, who co-wrote the music Organic chocolate milk – all clearly evident from his said. “Evan’s need for that is amped up more than most and lyrics for the show; Steven Levenson, author of a Instagram page – but he said his social life has always of us, but it’s something that we can all relate to. I think book by the same title; and the show’s producer Stacey revolved around theater, and that most of his close friends everyone, when they see Evan, remembers a time in their Mindich, who saw Barth Feldman perform last June are also “theater geeks.” life when they needed that as much as he did.” at the National High School Musical Theater Awards, “The love of [theater], the passion for it, has always The actor’s mother is an alumna and administrator known as the “Jimmys,” and offered him the lead role been there. The escapism – that power to go to another at his private high school, Lawrence Woodmere Acad- in the Broadway musical. world at the drop of a hat – is something that has always emy; his father lives in Manhattan; and he has an older He is representing the Jewish community now with fascinated me and appealed to me,” he explained. “It’s sister. His Reform Jewish family celebrates the holidays taking on Evan Hansen, and expressed pride in the always what I’ve wanted – to be a part of this world, and (Hanukkah being his favorite) and goes to synagogue; number of Jewish members on the show’s team. “We’re to be a part of this community and be on this stage. I just he said Judaism has “always been part of my DNA.” doing it!” he said. “I think Jews love to take ownership never ever in my life imagined it would happen so early. He went to a Jewish nursery, Hebrew school and had a and, rightfully so, of those of us who can make it, so I’m I’m so lucky and so excited to have this opportunity, and bar mitzvah, all of which he feels “very lucky” to have happy to give another one. I think it’s so necessary to I’m gonna do my best to make it count.” experienced. His Jewish identity has made him a “really see Jewish people playing roles like this that aren’t ste- See “Role” on page 13

ALITI Adult Learning institute of Temple Israel presents: Adu Classes Every Wednesday and Thursday 11 to noon Parashat Hashavuah, Weekly Torah Portion, from beginning to end, with commentary and discussion. Wednesday focuses more on the text, Thursday focuses more on discussion.

Brunch and Learn - SPEED LEARNING 7 Minutes per topic! Every Sunday. 12 noon to I :30 PM WEEKLY TOPICS: • Kabbalistic Secrets of Hebrew Words • Jewish Ethics • Jewish Concepts • Jewish Literature • Jewish Laws and Customs • Jewish Literacy • Hebrew Prayers Translated • Biblical Litcracy • Yiddish with Bernie

Monthly Havdalah open stage night ice cream party Join us once per month after the Sabbath as we say goodbye to the Sabbath Queen with the traditional ceremony featuring the multiwick Havdalah candle. wine and spices, followed by make your own sundae and an open stage hour lo join Rabbi Melman and friends in making joyous Jewish music! Bring your own instruments! Drums and tambourines provided! Program

lasts no more than 60 minutes from start to finish. Begins about an hour after usnset. Times vary every month. Details in weekly email. Bring the whole family!

Yoga and Zumba Gold with Cheryl Feder Field ip to Kitchen Starting in April Zumba Gold with Cheryl Feder on Guided Meditation on Tuesday evenings at 6pm Chemist on Main Street Tut!s

More details to follow A Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) is a permanent fund that endows your Jewish community Annual Campaign gift as a lasting legacy. A PACE fund will continue to make an annual gift in perpetuity on your behalf. To determine the amount you need to endow your entire campaign gift, multiply your current annual gift by 20. You can fund your PACE by adding the JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA to your will, or by making the Federation a beneficiary of your IRA. All contributions to establish a PACE are tax deductible. Let your name be remembered as a blessing. Endowments can be created through a variety of vehicles, some of which do not necessitate funding during your lifetime yet still provide your estate with considerable tax benefits. They also enable you to perpetuate your commitment to the Annual Campaign in a way that best achieves your own personal financial and estate planning goals.

Examples Of Ways To Fund Your Pace Gift Are: * outright contribution of cash, appreciated securities or other long-term * capital gain property such as real estate * charitable remainder trust * gift of life insurance * charitable lead trust * gift of IRA or pension plan assets * grant from your foundation * reserved life estate in your residence * bequest Using appreciated property, such as securities or real estate, affords you the opportunity to eliminate the income tax on the long-term capital gain, will in some instances generate a full income tax charitable deduction and will remove those assets from your estate for estate tax purposes.

For more information contact Mark Silverberg at [email protected] or call 570-961-2300, ext. 1. MARCH 7, 2019 ■ THE REPORTER 11 weis wishes you a Happy Purim $ 49 2per lb Fresh Kosher Chickens Whole or Cut-up Fryers $4 Hamantaschen Mechaya - 10 ounce

2 $5 2 $5 2 $1 ¢ Kedem Apple or Concord Savion Fruit Slices Kedem Tea Bisucits Elite Chocolate99 Bars Grape Juice - 64 ounce U 6 ounce U 4.2 ounce U 3 ounce U EAT BETTER, SPEND LESS. Prices Effective through March 20, 2019 We also carry many of your favorite Kosher deli, dairy, frozen and grocery products. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Not responsible for typographical or pictorial errors. 12 THE REPORTER ■ MARCH 7, 2019 Hamantashen go gourmet: A Purim classic becomes hip Pastry chef Paula Shoyer is on a mission to transform cookbooks so that I can bring my recipes into your kitchen to Use a 2- to 3-inch (5- to 8-cm) drinking glass or hamantashen from bland and boring to tasty and tantaliz- inspire you to try something new, to cook from scratch and round cookie cutter to cut the dough into circles. Use a ing. Shoyer, the author of four best-selling cookbooks, enjoy eating with the people you love while creating food metal flat-blade spatula to lift up the circle of dough and hopes to make Purim memories this year by breaking memories that you can remember for the rest of your lives.” place it on another part of the flour-sprinkled parchment the rules with recipes for a selection of colorful and, at The recipes below are courtesy of “The Holiday paper. Place up to 1 teaspoon of jam in the center of the times, exotic hamantashen. Shoyer explains her mission, Kosher Baker” by Paula Shoyer. dough circle and then fold the three sides in toward the “I want Jews to celebrate holidays with the desserts their VANILLA BEAN HAMANTASHEN middle to form a triangle, leaving a small opening in the ancestors ate, yet improve upon the traditional recipes. This is a variation on a recipe from my husband Andy’s center. Pinch the three sides together very tightly. Place Thanks to social media, bakers often showcase their cre- grandmother Celia Shoyer, from Romania. I like to fill the triangle on the prepared cookie sheet. Repeat with ations and hamantashen have become an Instagram hit. “ this dough with raspberry jam, but feel free to use any the remaining dough and scraps, making sure to sprinkle A French-trained pastry chef, Shoyer gives cooking filling you like. a little flour under and over the dough before you roll. and baking classes around the world, speaks at Jewish Yields 3 dozen. Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly food conferences, is the recipient of several baking Dough browned but the tops are still light. Slide the parchment awards, frequents radio shows and has clocked more than 3 large eggs paper onto wire racks to cool the cookies. Store in an 34 TV appearances. For Purim, Shoyer offers a variety 1 cup (200g) sugar airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, of sweet and savory hamantashen, including baklava, ½ cup (120ml) canola or vegetable oil or freeze for up to three months. granola, vanilla bean and spanokopita (a spinach filling) Seeds of one vanilla bean GLUTEN-FREE HAMANTASHEN and even a gluten-free dough. 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract I had experimented with gluten-free flour mixes without Shoyer offers several tips to customize hamantashen: 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting success until I tried the King Arthur brand, a combination ‹‹ Find a recipe for the dough you and your family will 1 tsp. baking powder of white rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch and brown love. Dash salt rice flour. These hamantashen are whiter in appearance ‹‹ Add an extract or flavoring from high quality liquors, Filling than typical hamantashen. In addition, you need to bake coffee syrups or food coloring. 1 cup (320g) raspberry or other jam them until they are browner on the bottom than other ones ‹‹ Knead seeds, chopped nuts, sprinkles or nonpareils In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, sugar, oil, in this article. Wait until they cool before eating them into the dough. vanilla bean seeds and vanilla. Add the flour, baking because they are too crumbly when they’re still warm; ‹‹ Experiment with new and trendy fillings, or those powder and salt, and mix until the dough comes together. they are much better after they harden up. from your favorite desserts. Pies, sandwich cookies and Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave in the fridge Yields 40. almost any cream-filled dessert can provide inspiration. for one hour to firm up. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Dough A self-described “healthy chef, with a passion for Line two or three large cookie sheets with parchment 3 large eggs pastries” – in her world, she says, “healthy” and “pastry” paper or silicone baking mats, or plan to bake in batches. 1 cup (200g) sugar aren’t mutually exclusive – Shoyer studied at the Ritz Es- Divide the dough in half. ½ cup (120ml) canola or vegetable oil coffier School in Paris. Understanding that a family cannot Take another two pieces of parchment and sprinkle 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract survive on chocolate babka alone, Shoyer expanded her flour on one, place one dough half on top, and then 1 tsp. baking powder repertoire into the savory arena, with an emphasis on easy sprinkle a little more flour on top of the dough. Place 1 tsp. xanthan gum and healthy dishes that don’t sacrifice on tradition or flair. the second piece of parchment on top of the dough and 3½ cups (560g) or 24-ounce package of gluten-free “I take traditional recipes and make them easier, more roll on top of the parchment until the dough is about flour mix, plus extra for dusting modern and natural,” says Shoyer, who has competed on ¼-inch (6-mm) thick. Every few rolls, peel back the top Filling the Food Network’s “Sweet Genius” program. “I write parchment and sprinkle a little more flour on the dough. 1 cup (320g) fruit jam or preserves, canned apricot or poppy seed pie filling In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla, and mix well. Add the baking powder, xanthan gum and flour mix, and use a wooden spoon to mix until the dough comes together. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave in the fridge for one hour to firm up. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats, or plan to bake in batches. Divide the dough in half. Take two pieces of parchment paper and sprinkle some gluten-free flour mix on one, place one dough half on top, and then sprinkle a little more of the mix on top of the dough. Place the second piece of parchment on top of the dough and roll On top of the parchment until the dough is ¼-inch (6-mm) thick or thinner. These cookies come out best when rolled thin. Every few rolls, peel back the top parchment and sprinkle a little more flour on the dough. Use a 2- to 3-inch (5- to 8-cm) drinking glass or round cookie cutter to cut the dough into circles. Use a metal flat-blade spatula to lift up the circle of dough and place it on another part of the flour sprinkled parchment paper. Place up to 1 teaspoon of jam in the center of the dough circle and then fold the three sides in toward the middle to form a triangle, leaving a small opening in the center. Pinch the three sides together very tightly. Place on the prepared cookie sheets. Repeat with the remaining dough and roll and cut any dough scraps, making sure to sprinkle a little flour under and over the dough before you roll. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the bottoms are browned. Let the cookies cool completely on the cookie sheet. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or freeze for up to three months. SALTED CARAMEL HAMANTASHEN (DAIRY) Yields 4 dozen. Dough 3 large eggs 1 cup sugar ½ cup canola or vegetable oil 1 tsp. orange juice 3½ tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. black pepper 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting parch- ment and dough Caramel Filling 1 cup sugar 2 Tbsp. water ½ cup whipping cream 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter ½ tsp. salt To make the caramel, place the sugar and water in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook on medium-high heat until sugar melts. After several minutes, the sugar will start to color. Stir the mixture so all the sugar browns. When it is a uniform amber color, turn heat to low, remove saucepan from heat and add the cream. The mixture will See “Purim” on page 14 MARCH 7, 2019 ■ THE REPORTER 13 NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org Reuters on Feb. 26. Because sanctions prevent Iran from the worldwide financial Bolsonaro sets dates for first presidential visit to Israel system, Tehran has agreed to trade oil to New Delhi for rupees that can only be used to purchase Indian goods, most of which cannot be sufficiently produced locally. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is scheduled to visit Israel from March 31 to April “Oil payments have piled up in UCO Bank. Iran is keen to utilize the payments to 4, announced Israel’s Foreign Ministry on Feb. 28. This visit would be his first since buy sugar and other food items,” a Mumbai-based dealer with a global agricultural being sworn into office in January. The trip would occur five days before the April 9 trading business, who requested anonymity because he was unauthorized to speak to Israeli elections, whose fate appears uncertain amid Israeli Attorney General Avichai the press, told Reuters. Another source told the outlet that the Islamic Republic could Mandelblit announcing on Feb. 28 that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu import as much as almost 882 million pounds of raw sugar from India this year, as its will be indicted with bribery in one case and a count each of a breach of trust in two domestic output is insufficient to fulfill demand. India was one of more than several other cases. Bolsonaro has repeatedly promised to relocate the Brazilian embassy in countries that received a temporary waiver in November from the United States to Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. “The decision is taken; it’s only a matter of when import Iranian oil after the United States reimposed sanctions that were lifted under it will be implemented,” he said in an interview in January to SBT television. He the 2015 nuclear deal. The waivers expire in May and, according to U.S. special also pledged to close the Palestinian mission in the capital of his country, Brasilia. representative for Iran Brian Hook, they will not be renewed. Netanyahu meets Putin vows actions against Iran in Syria Israel prepares for potential locust swarm Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin ap- Following heavy rainfalls in eastern Yemen and the Sudan-Eritrea border, Israel’s peared to have settled some ongoing disputes on Feb. 27 as part of Netanyahu’s diplomatic Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has issued a warning that locust swarms trip to Russia. Following discussions on regional security, he said that Putin, too, wants to may arrive in Israel. The Plant Protection and Inspection Services department of the Min- expel Iran’s presence in Syria, as the Russian leader did not put restraints on Israel’s actions istry are coordinating with the United Nations to receive updates on locust movement in in the area, reported Haaretz, citing a diplomatic source. The two men reportedly also put Egypt and Saudi Arabia, according to a report by Ynet. As part of the preparations, Israel behind a diplomatic row that was created following the accidental downing of a Russian is checking its supply of pesticide. Though the insects do not pose a threat of disease, plane by Syrian forces following an Israeli airstrike in October, according to Ynet, citing they can wreak havoc on agricultural crops. A U.N. report in late February indicates that a senior Israeli official. “We presented examples of Iran’s entrenchment attempts and the the locusts are making their way toward Israel, but still have far to travel and may not opt steps we are taking to counter them,” said Netanyahu. “I think President Putin showed to make a visit to the Jewish state. The last time Israel was hit by a swarm of locusts was understanding of Israel’s security needs and concluded our talks were very productive. The in 2013. Though Israel managed to hit the swarm with a wall of pesticide on the border [Israeli-Russian] relations, which everyone said are experiencing difficulties, are back on with Sinai, some insects still managed to enter into central Israel. the track of cooperation.” He added, “We have made our position very clear. I told Putin that Israel will continue protecting itself from any Iranian aggression coming from Syrian soil.” Report: Mideast peace plan won’t create Palestine state, Role Continued from page 9 Jerusalem remains Israeli He is the youngest person to take on the of suspending the audience’s disbelief.” A recent report by Al-Quds newspaper indicates that U.S. President Donald Trump’s title role. All of his predecessors were in He shared some advice to young actors Mideast peace plan, also known as the “deal of the century,” would not create a Palestinian their 20s when they played Evan, and Jewish hoping to succeed in show business, saying state, and that Jerusalem would remain under Israeli control. According to details published actor Ben Platt, who won a Tony Award as “learn as much as you can and from as on Ynet news, the bulk of the Palestinian Authority, which would be an autonomy rather the first to star in the title role, was 23 when many people as you can. But trust your than a state, would be in Gaza, with political and economic links in the Arab communities the show opened on Broadway in 2016. instincts because you are a person, and if in Judea and Samaria. According to the report, Israeli communities in the West Bank/Judea Barth Feldman said “it adds a level you’re in theater, you are probably a very and Samaria would remain in place, but would not be expanded. Security checkpoints of responsibility” being the youngest to emphatic person. So if you can tap into would be significantly reduced, allowing for more freedom of movement for people and ever play the character, and it shows “that that and combine that with your natural goods. Additional reports the week of Feb. 28 suggested the United States would also infuse 16-year-olds and teenagers can handle human being instincts, you can create a $25 billion into the Palestinian Authority by way of investments, a well as an additional roles like these, equipped with the right fully formed person. $40 billion into Egypt, Jordan and potentially Lebanon, according to The New York Times. tools. But I think about it also in a sense “But in that same way,” he added, “to that I don’t have to play a teenager; I am a build your craft you have to keep working Iran purchases Indian sugar for first time in five years teenager. I don’t have to pretend to be one. hard and want to keep growing. You’re never For the first time in half a decade, Iran has bought sugar from India, reported I’m really excited to take away that level done growing. You’re never done learning.”

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 14 THE REPORTER ■ MARCH 7, 2019 Deciphering the past Israeli archaeologists uncover 1,600-year-old estate of affluent Samaritan BY JNS STAFF Near the wine press, the archaeologists (JNS) – Israeli archaeologists uncov- uncovered stone quarries consisting of ered a 1,600-year-old estate belonging to rock-cut depressions utilized for growing a wealthy Samaritan man. grapevines, apparently part of the Master The property, which was discovered in Adios estate. Tzur Natan in central Israel, consisted of “‘Master’ was an honorific given to an inscription that reads, “Only God help senior members of the community and the beautiful property of Master Adios, attests to the high social standing of the amen.” The inscription was deciphered owners of the estate,” said Torge. “The and translated by Hebrew University location of the wine press is near the professor Leah Di Segni, and dates back top of Tel Tzur Natan, where remains to the early fifth century. of a Samaritan synagogue were found “The inscription was discovered in an with another inscription, and reveals impressive wine press that was apparently Adios’ high status.” part of the agricultural estate of a wealthy The Tzur Natan Samaritan syna- individual called Adios,” said Hagit gogue was transformed into a church Torge, director of the excavations on in the sixth century. A compound was behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority. uncovered nearby, consisting of large “This is only the second such wine press rooms and spaces for producing flour, discovered in Israel with a blessing in- oil and wine. There, a Pompeian donkey scription associated with the Samaritans. mill was discovered, utilized to grind The first was discovered a few years ago flour and marked with a seven-branch The ancient winepress and inscription uncovered at Tzur Natan. (Photo by Yitzhak in Apollonia near Herzliya.” candelabrum. Marmelstein/Israel Antiquities Authority) A 2,000-year-old ring found in ancient Jerusalem ritual bath BY JNS STAFF Authority archaeologists in what appears to thought to have been the main thoroughfare the ring was found, said, “It’s incredible (JNS) – A 2,000-year-old ring with be an ancient mikvah (Jewish ritual bath) on taken by pilgrims to the Temple. to think that this beautiful ring sat at the a solitaire gem stone was uncovered in the Pilgrimage Road, which dates back to According to archaeologists Nachshon bottom of a mikvah on the ancient Pil- archaeological excavations in the City of the time of the Second Temple period. The Zenton, Moran Hajabi, Ari Levy and Dr. grimage Road for 2,000 years until it was David National Park in Jerusalem. ancient paved road runs up from the Shiloach Joe Uziel, “Just like today, it would appear uncovered by archaeologists in the City of The ring was found by Israel Antiquities (Siloam) pool to the Temple Mount, and is that in the past, rings and jewelry were David. It is yet another piece in the puzzle removed before bathing and sometimes that is ancient Jerusalem.” forgotten. This phenomenon, perhaps, The City of David is Israel’s largest Purim Continued from page 12 is behind the discovery in what appears active archeological site, situated upon to be a ritual bath. This ring allows us to the ancient city of Jerusalem. It is the bubble up. Add the butter teaspoon of the filling in personally connect with an individual’s place recorded in the Bible upon which and salt and stir. Return the center and then fold personal story from 2,000 years ago. King David established Jerusalem as the to the heat and cook for in three sides to form a Along with other finds, [it] can shed light united capital of Israel 3,000 years ago, one minute, or until mix- triangle, leaving a small and expose the lives of people during the and which remained the seat of the Davidic ture is smooth. Remove opening in the center. Second Temple period.” dynasty for centuries thereafter. from heat, transfer to a Pinch the three sides Doron Spielman, vice president of the The City of David is an Israeli National bowl and let cool. Chill very tightly. Place on the City of David Foundation, which oversees Heritage Site with more than 500,000 in the fridge for at least prepared cookie sheets. the City of David National Park where visitors annually. a half hour to thicken Salted Caramel Hamantashen Repeat with the rest of the caramel. Store in the the dough and re-roll fridge for up to five days. and cut any dough scraps you have. Place NEWS IN BRIEF Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line 2 large the cookies sheets in the freezer for 10 cookie sheets with parchment. You will minutes; this helps the hamantashen hold From JNS.org bake in batches. their shape and not open up while baking. Arab residents raze historical archaeological garden in In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, Bake for 12-16 minutes, or until the sugar, oil and orange juice. Add the baking bottoms are lightly browned. Slide the Jerusalem powder, pepper and flour, and mix until parchment onto racks to cool the cookies. Arab residents of the village Nabi Sam- the dough comes together. I like to use my If desired, drizzle any remaining caramel uel, north of Jerusalem, recently razed the hands for this because it kneads the dough over the cookies. Store covered with archaeological garden at the Tomb of the well. Divide the dough in half. plastic or in an airtight container at room Prophet Samuel, utilizing heavy machinery Take another two pieces of parchment temperature for five days, or freeze for up apparently to construct a parking lot as a and sprinkle flour on one, place one to three months. way of collecting parking fees from visitors. dough half on top and then sprinkle a Paula Shoyer is the author of “Healthy Regavim, a nonprofit organization that seeks little more flour on top of the dough. Jewish Kitchen” (Sterling Epicure 2017), to guard Israel’s land resources against ille- Place the second piece of parchment “The New Passover Menu” (Sterling gal takeover and construction, reported the on top of the dough and roll on top of 2015), “The Holiday Kosher Baker” development occurring without permits and the parchment until the dough is about (Sterling Press 2013) and “The Kosher against the law. It filed a request with the The tomb of the prophet Samuel. (Photo ¼-inch thick. Every few rolls, peel back Baker: Over 160 Dairy-free Desserts from Civil Administration, the law-enforcement by Alexey Goral/Wikimedia Commons) the top parchment and sprinkle a little Traditional to Trendy” (Brandeis 2010). body in Area C, calling for the work to cease more flour on the dough. Her writing and recipes have appeared immediately. “The Civil Administration and the Israeli government must do everything Use a glass or round cookie cutter in The Washington Post, Family Circle, in their power to block the construction of the parking lot,” wrote attorney Avi Segal in about 2 to 3 inches in diameter to cut the thekitchn, Food52, Epicurious, Joy of his letter to the Civil Administration. “The authorities’ negligence has caused a major dough into circles. Place a little less than a Kosher Magazine and other publications. blow to the archaeological finds as well as to the rule of law.” “It is difficult to assess the extent of the damage to the archeological site or the potential damage to the still-un- explored, ancient sub-strata,” added Yishai Hemo, Regavim’s field director for Judea Advertisers! Our readers need your help as they and Samaria. “We have seen damage to important sites throughout Judea and Samaria, caused by construction in areas of tremendous historic significance and destruction of antiquities, in complete disregard of the law. We have said it before: People who care Prepare for about the land of Israel don’t cause it harm. The government must stop the destruction.” Passover Your ad could be here! Prepare for Passover issue: April 4 • Ad deadline: March 27 For information, please contact Bonnie Rozen Passover Issue: April 18 • Ad deadline: April 10 at 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 or To advertise, please contact Bonnie Rozen at 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 or [email protected] [email protected] MARCH 7, 2019 ■ THE REPORTER 15

March 2019

Feature Films A Tale of Love and Darkness - Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman directs and stars in the emotional and thought-provoking story about Fania, a young wife and mother in war-torn Jerusalem, during the early years of the State of Israel. Stifled in her relationship and weary from the tedium of her new life, Fania creates fantastical stories for Amos, her 10-year-old son, amazing him with tales of adventure and beauty— stories that would influence the boy to become a writer himself. Based on the international best-selling memoir by Amos Oz. Denial - Based on the acclaimed book Denial: Holocaust History on Trial, Denial recounts Deborah E. Lipstadt’s legal battle for historical truth against David Irving (BAFTA nominee Timothy Spall), who accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust denier. In the English legal system, in cases of libel, the burden of proof is on the defendant, therefore it was up to Lipstadt and her legal team, led by Richard Rampton, to prove the essential truth that the Holocaust occurred. Fanny’s Journey- In 1943, 13-year old Fanny and her younger sisters were sent from their home in France to an Italian foster home for Jewish children. When Nazis came to Italy, their caretakers organized the departure of the children to Switzerland. Based on a true story. Hidden in Silence- During the Nazi occupation of Poland,Catholic teenage Stefania Podgorska chooses the role of a savior and sneaks 13 Jewish into her attic. Loving Leah: A Hallmark Hall of Fame Classic - A handsome Washington, D.C. doctor and a young New York woman fall in love at an unusual time...after they get married. Leah Lever is married to an Orthodox rabbi, Benjamin Lever, whose brother, Jake, is a successful cardiologist and a non-practicing Jew. Jake is stunned when Benjamin dies suddenly, but not as stunned as when he is told that, under an ancient Jewish Law, he is expected to marry the childless Leah to carry on Benjamin’s name. The only alternative is to go through a ceremony where Jake must deny his brother’s existence. For Jake, that’s unthinkable, so impulsively he suggests to Leah that they get married and maintain a secretly platonic relationship. Eager to pursue her own dreams, Leah gladly accepts. Their oversimplified plan to live separate lives under the same roof proves challenging when Leah’s suspicious mother shows up unexpectedly. The harder they try to disguise their “pretend” marriage, the more their appreciation for each other’s worlds grows - and out of understanding, a real love develops. Loving Leah is a heart-warming story. Munich - Inspired by real events, Munich reveal the intense story of the secret Israeli squad assign to track down and assassinate the 121 Palestinians believed to have planned the 1972 Munich massacre of 11 Israeli athletes. ( The Jewish Film Library also owns the movie “Twenty One Hours in Munich” about the massacre at the Olympics). Music Box - In this intense, courtroom thriller, Chicago attorney Ann Talbot agrees to defend her Hungarian immigrant father Mike Laszlo against accusations of heinous war crimes committed 50 years earlier. Norman - Norman Oppenheimer (Richard Gere) lives a lonely life in the margins of New York City power and money, and strives to be everyone’s friend. His incessant networking leads him nowhere until he ends up befriending a young but charismatic politician, Micha Eshel at a low point in his life. Three years later, the politician becomes the Prime Minister of Israel. Norman uses Eshel’s name to leverage his biggest deal ever: a series of quid pro quo transactions linking the Prime Minister to Norman’s nephew ,a rabbi, a mogul, his assistant and a treasury official from the Ivory Coast. Norman’s plans soon go awry, creating the potential for an international catastrophe he must struggle to prevent. Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer is a comedic and compassionate drama of a man whose downfall is rooted in a human frailty all too easy to forgive—a need to matter. Remember - Remember is the suspense-filled story of Zev, an Auschwitz survivor who discovers that the Nazi guard who murdered his family some seventy years ago is living in America under an assumed name. The Devil’s Arithmetic - Sixteen year old Hanna Stern was a typical American teenager who ignores her family’s heritage until a mystical Passover seder takes her back in time to German-occupied Poland on an emotional journey of life, death and survival. The Impossible Spy - The story of the life and death of Israel’s most celebrated spy, Elie Cohen. The Last Butterfly - This World War II drama stars Tom Courtenay as the famous French Mime Antoine Moreau. Ordered by the Nazis to provide ‘the greatest show of his life’ for use as propoganda showing the kinder side of the Nazis as the war draws to a close, Moreau decides to risk everything to tell the world the real truth behind this monumental lie, and although as a mime he is pledged to keep his lips sealed, his voice must be heard. The Women’s Balcony - Discover Israel’s #1 film of the year! An accident during a Bar Mitzvah celebration leads to a gender rift in a devout community in Jerusalem. The Wedding Plan - A poignant and funny romantic comedy about love, marriage and faith in life’s infinite possibilities. The Zookeeper’s Wife - In 1939 Poland, Antonina Zabinska (two-time Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain) and her husband successfully run the Warsaw Zoo and raise their family in an idyllic existence. Their world is overturned, however, when the country is invaded by the Nazis and they are forced to report to the Reich’s newly appointed zoologist (Daniel Brühl). To fight back on their own terms, the Zabinskis risk everything by covertly working with the Resistance and using the zoo’s hidden tunnels and cages to save families from Nazi brutality. Non-Feature Films Above and Beyond - In 1948, just three years after the liberation of Nazi death camps, a group of Jewish-American pilots answered a call for help. As members of Machal- “volunteers from abroad”- this ragtag band of brothers not only turned the tide of the war; they also embarked on personal journeys of discovery and renewed Jewish pride. A Yiddish World Remembered is a PBS presentation and winner of the 2002 NY-NATAS Emmy Award. It is the story of Jewish life in Eastern Europe brought to life aain by some of the last remaining eyewitnesses. Narrated by Elliot Gould and accompanied by never-before-seen archival films, photographs and music, the documentary takes a realistic and enlightening look at this all-but-vanished way of life. Body and Soul: The State of the Jewish Nation - A powerful documentary sets the record straight eloquently and comprehensively. It not only shows the undeniable historical connection between the Jewish People and the Land of Israel, but also succeeds in debunking propaganda, myths and misinformation that have become accepted as truth by many people. Follow Me - The story of the fantastic rescue at Entebbe and the loss of Yonatan Netanyahu (brother of the Prime Minister). The Jewish Film Library also owns an Israeli film about the rescue at Entebbe entitled “Operation Thunderbolt” GI Jews: Jewish Americans in World War II, a PBS presentation, tells the story of the 550,000 Jewish men and women who served in World War II as active participants in the fight against Hitler. Hava Nagila (the Movie) - Hava Nagila is a documentary romp through the history, mystery and meaning of the great Jewish standard. I’m Still Here - Real Diaries of young people who lived during the Holocaust. Itzhak; a film by Alison Chernick looks beyond the sublime musician, to see the polio survivor whose parents emigrated from Poland to Israel ultimately bringing the prodigy violinist to New York’s Julliard. As charming and entrancing as the famous violinist himself, this documentary is a portrait of musical virtuosity enclosed in warmth, humor and above all, love. Jewish Soldiers in Blue and Gray explores this remarkable, little-known history, including the political rise of Sephardic Jew Judah Benjamin to Secretary of State of the Confederacy and General Ulysses S. Grant’s infamous “ General Order No. 11” expelling Jews from Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi. Jews and Baseball (narrated by Dustin Hoffman) Israel: The Royal Tour - A delightful tour headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and travel correspondent Peter Greenberg. Nicky’s Family - The amazing story of Sir Nicholas Winton who created, on his own, a Kinder-transport in Czechoslavakia saving 669 children from the Nazi inferno. No Place on Earth - The harrowing story of Esther Stermer and her family and friends who escaped extermination by the Nazis by hiding in an underground cave is unearthed by accident when cave explorer, Chris Nicola stumbles upon remnants left behind by the cave dwellers. Rejoice with Itzhak Perlman and Cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot celebrates the extraordinary artistic world of Eastern European Jewish music thanks to the joined forces of legendary violinist Izhak Perlman and renowned cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot. These two incomparable virtuosos unite for an evening of cantorial masterpieces and much more. Rosenwald - Rosenwald tells the incredible story of Julius Rosenwald, the son of an immigrant peddler who never finished high school, who rose to become the President of Sears. Influenced by the writings of the educator Booker T. Washington, this Jewish philanthropist joined forces with African American communities during the Jim Crow South to build 5,300 schools, providing 660,000 black children with access to education in the segregated American South. The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg The Prime Ministers: The Pioneers and Soldiers and Peacemakers - A two disc-set based on the international best-seller by Ambassador Yehuda Avner (New films are in bold) 16 THE REPORTER ■ MARCH 7, 2019 NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org boureka. The reduction of high-calorie, high-sodium, high-fat and high-carbohydrate Danon anticipates Trump’s pick for U.N. ambassador processed foods will take place at government-run hospitals, tax authority offices, parliament and courts. The new initiative is part of an Israeli Ministry of Health effort Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon expressed enthusiasm for to promote healthy food choices. Earlier the week of Feb. 27, the Bloomberg Healthiest U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee to represent the United States at the United Country Index ranked Israel the 10th healthiest country in the world. Nations, Kelly Knight Craft, who currently serves as U.S. ambassador to Canada. “With her previous experience as part of the U.S. delegation to the 61st General Assembly, Dutch Green Left Party votes to support boycotting Israel Craft is no stranger to the United Nations,” Danon told Jewish Insider. Craft, who is GroenLinks, a green political party in the Netherlands, became Holland’s first main- from Kentucky and married to coal-mining executive Joe Craft, served as an alternate stream political party to endorse the anti-Israel BDS movement. Known as the Dutch delegate to the United Nations under U.S. President George W. Bush. “I have no doubt Green Left Party, the motion was passed during the General Congress of the party on Feb. she will continue the strong positions Ambassador Nikki Haley took and look forward 16. The party holds 14 seats out of 150 in the Dutch parliament’s lower chamber. “BDS to working with her to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship,” he added. Craft, who is a legitimate means to help Palestinians in their fight for justice,” stated the resolution. has ties to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), was nominated the week It also says that Green Left “will be alert and resist forcefully attempts in any country of Feb. 22 after Trump’s initial pick to represent America at the world body, U.S. State to criminalize BDS.” The Dutch Center for Information and Documentation on Israel, Department spokesperson Heather Nauert, withdrew from consideration after it was a Jewish and pro-Israel group that combats antisemitism, slammed the motion. “Green discovered that she previously employed an immigrant nanny who was legally in the Left conveniently ignored how, in practice, BDS goes hand in hand with expressions United States, though unauthorized to work, reported Bloomberg. of antisemitism and is linked to terrorist groups,” said the organization. New dietary rules for Israeli government meetings, events “Beresheet” spacecraft hits snag, onboard computer restarts According to new guidelines published by Israel’s Civil Service Commission, The “Beresheet” lunar spacecraft’s latest maneuver attempt was postponed after the government meetings and events will be getting a health make-over, with fattening space craft’s on-board computer executed an unexpected independent restart, causing carbohydrate-heavy foods getting kicked to the curb in favor of more nutritious al- the device to miss a scheduled trajectory adjustment, according to engineers on Feb. 26. ternatives. The new dietary rules for government gatherings, publicized by Calcalist, According to SpaceIL CEO Dr. Ido Anteby, the glitch “isn’t nice, but we are still opti- include the provision of fresh fruits, vegetables, rice crackers and unsweetened yogurt, mistic.” The device evidently did not encounter this problem in simulations. However, it and exclude candies, sodas and pastries, including the ubiquitous Israeli favorite, the is still scheduled to land on the moon on April 11 due to built-in time buffers put into the schedule in case of delays. The setback occurred after a successful first maneuver the day before tens of thousands of miles away from Earth. The spacecraft’s trajectory will take it six or seven times around the Earth in a series of growing ellipses before entering the Black Continued from page 10 moon’s orbit on April 4. The pathway was designed to help the craft save on fuel. Engi- Haynes also discusses biracial Jews “The Soul of Judaism” challenges neers said all the communication windows are working as expected, enabling contact with who have a Jewish parent, be it a Jewish readers to widen their view of what it “Beresheet” for about half an hour every four hours. The last maneuver failed to initiate. mother or father. Their identification means to be a member of the Jewish Engineers are investigating whether the computer restart was connected to some issues as black or Jewish differed among the community, including understanding with the star navigation system, possibly resulting from glare from the sun, which helps people interviewed and often changed the difference between being accepted the craft orient itself in space. “Beresheet,” named after the first word and the first book over the course of their lives. A major rabbinically as a Jew and having a Jewish in the Torah (meaning “in the beginning”), lifted off from Cape Canaveral on Feb. 22. influence was their experiences with the identity. Haynes notes this difference two communities, particularly the level “more often reflects ideas about culture of acceptance they received. What most and ancestry than religious belief or had in common was a dislike of having observance.” The highest praise I can Hebrew Continued from page 4 to be defined by a single identity – to say offer his work is that it forced me to Cohen noted that “the Greeks bor- alphab t-os in Greek. But on a positive they are only Jewish or only black. This think differently about Jewish history rowed the alphabet from the Phoeni- note, continued Cohen, “amid all the group also faced racism within the Jewish and what it means to be a Jew. “The cians, making several changes along fanciful suggestions, Barat may have community and antisemitism in the black Soul of Judaism” is highly recommended the way.” For instance, the Phoenician wound up spotting a few items that community, which made it difficult for for anyone who thinks seriously about language did not have letters for vowels, really are worth pursuing, and perhaps them to find a community within which Judaism and Jewish identity in the con- and so Greek needed to develop them. other scholars will develop them into they felt comfortable. temporary world. And aleph bet (alphabet) wound up as polished, scholarly articles.”

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