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VOLUME XIII, NUMBER 11 MAY 28, 2020 JFS NEPA launches free COVID-19 Counseling Program Jewish Family Services of Northeastern offering to help, for free.” man Abdo stressed, “JFS is here to serve us,” a representative said. “If you need Pennsylvania announced the launch of its Through the JFS Telehealth Helpline, the entire community. Our doors have someone to talk to, we’re here to listen.” free Covid-19 Counseling Program. “The JFS will offer half-hour sessions that will been open for over 100 years, through Established in 1915, Jewish Family COVID-19 pandemic is stressful for many allow people to speak with a licensed JFS this pandemic they remain open, even if Service is a human service organization, people,” said a JFSNEPA representative. social worker in a “safe and supportive only virtually.” which reflects the Jewish tradition of “Fear and anxiety about the disease can be virtual environment.” The sessions will To schedule a free appointment, e-mail caring and compassion for all people in overwhelming, causing strong emotions in be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from [email protected] or call 570-344-1186 need. Through professional counseling, both adults and children. In order to help 4-7 pm and are open to anyone needing and leave a message. Messages are advocacy and educational programming, those in the community who are coping to discuss overwhelming emotions during checked regularly throughout the day its services seek to enhance and strength- with stress and anxiety during this difficult this difficult time. Monday through Friday and someone will en the quality of individual, family and time Jewish Family Service of NEPA is JFS Executive Director Sheila Nudel- contact a person within 24 hours. community life. It is this agency mission “If you or someone you know needs that drives all services and activities of Virtual version of the annual someone to talk to please reach out to Jewish Family Service. Celebrate Israel Parade UJA/Federation 2020 Members of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Campaign Honor Roll to Pennsylvania will be able to participate in the virtual annual Celebrate Israel Parade by accept requests for anonymity sending in brief videos to the The Jewish Federation of Northeast- ymous should contact Dolores Gruber, parade organizers. The video, ern Pennsylvania will publish its UJA/ the Federation’s office manager, at 570- which will include clips from Federation Campaign 2020 Honor Roll 961-2300, ext. 3, or at jfnepareporter@ previous parades, will also this summer as a thank you to those com- jewishnepa.org, and the request for have messages of support in Rika Shaffer made a video for the virtual version of munity members who made a financial anonymity will be respected. video form. The parade will the annual Celebrate Israel parade. gift to the annual UJA Campaign this “On behalf of Jews everywhere who stream on Sunday, June 7. year, thereby continuing the local com- benefit from your generosity to our an- “Even though we won’t walk down care workers and to everyone who has munity’s tradition of tzedakah. nual UJA Campaign, please accept our Fifth Avenue this year, we will be a part been reaching out with kindness during Any contributor to the 2020 UJA sincerest thanks,” said Mark Silverberg, of the parade theme of ‘Todah’/thank you this difficult time,” said a Federation Campaign who wishes to remain anon- executive director of the Federation. to Israel, to first responders and health representative. Jewish and pro-Israel groups applaud passage of Never Again Education Act BY JACKSON RICHMAN passed legislation. “The men and women (JNS) – Jewish and pro-Israel groups of the United States Senate deserve credit applauded the U.S. Senate passage on At left: Survivors at the for setting aside their differences to clear May 13 of the Never Again Education Dachau concentration the way for swift and unanimous passage Act, which seeks to expand Holocaust camp cheered their of this much-needed legislation,” said education in the United States. The leg- liberation by U.S. RJC Executive Director Matt Brooks in islation, which passed the U.S. House soldiers. (Photo a statement. of Representatives in January and now courtesy of the United “As survivors pass on, there has never goes to U.S. President Donald Trump for States Holocaust been a more important time for Holo- his expected signature into law, would Memorial Museum caust education,” tweeted the American expand the U.S. Holocaust Memorial and of the National Jewish Committee, applauding a few of Museum’s education programming to Archives and Records those who led the effort to get it passed in teachers nationwide, requiring the muse- Administration, Congress – Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), um to develop and disseminate resources College Park, MD) Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Rep. Carolyn to improve awareness and understanding Maloney (D-NY). of the Holocaust and its lessons. In the Senate, Marco Rubio (R-FL) and The Senate version was slightly differ- “Particularly in light of the recent and Natural Resources Committee. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced ent from the U.S. House of Representatives use of Nazi imagery by right-wing pro- “It’s very rare for a substantive bill the bill along with Rosen and Cramer, one, which the Senate ultimately passed, testers praised by President Trump, we to move like this without going through while Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) intro- in that the former had the U.S. Department are pleased to see that the Never Again committee,” a Hill aide told Jewish Insid- duced it with Maloney in the House. of Education, not the USHMM, oversee Education Act passed the Senate unani- er. “[Lee] and his staff wanted to review “Senator Rosen has been building con- the expansion of Holocaust education in mously this week after it was held by at the text.” sensus on the urgency of quality Holocaust the United States. least one Republican senator,” Jewish Ultimately, no changes were made to education within her caucus and across the Under the passed bill, $2 million would Democratic Council of America Executive the bill, the Hill aide told the outlet. aisle since introducing the Never Again be allocated annually for this year and each Director Halie Soifer told JNS, referring “It has become painfully clear that more Education Act in the Senate,” said Hadas- of the next four years to the Holocaust to Holocaust imagery and slogans being must be done to educate Americans about sah’s national president, Rhoda Smolow, Education Assistance Program Fund, featured at demonstrations over state the horrors of the Holocaust and the threat and its CEO and executive director, Janice administered by the USHMM’s govern- and local restrictions to the coronavirus posed to the Jewish community through Weinman, in a statement. “Today, her hard ing body, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial pandemic, and Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) the use of Nazi hate symbols,” said Soifer. work paid off.” Council. Private donations for the fund placing a hold recently on the bill after it The Republican Jewish Coalition See “Never” on page 4 would be permitted. was discharged from the Senate Energy applauded the bipartisan nature of the Candle lighting INSIDE THIS ISSUE May 28...... 8:09 pm May 29...... 8:10 pm COVID-19 Shavuot Follow the money June 5...... 8:15 pm More online Jewish resources; an The d’var looks at converts; a A new report traces how June 12...... 8:19 pm Israeli defense company works review of a book of essays on the European money makes its way PLUS with hospitals to fight COVID-19. 10 Commandments. to Palestinian terrorists. Opinion...... 2 Stories on pages 4-5 Stories on page 6 Story on page 7 D’var Torah...... 6 2 THE REPORTER ■ M AY 28, 2020 A MATTER OF OPINION Will the movements survive the pandemic? BY JONATHAN S. TOBIN er, if there is any real difference between Yet the forces pushing liberal move- While the faux optimism that mocks (JNS) – It sounds like a good business that centrist denomination and its more ments together existed before the pan- talk of the “ever-dying” American Jew plan. With American Jewish religious liberal counterpart. demic. As devastating as the toll of the should be dismissed, the notion that denominations facing agonizing budget The answer from many in the Conser- coronavirus has been on institutions, the seminaries, synagogues and other decisions in the coming year as a result of vative movement is that much separates the changing demography of Ameri- Jewish forums are no longer capable the financial losses they are all suffering them from Reform, let alone the more can Jewish life is a far more important of producing a vibrant intellectual fer- in the wake of coronavirus shutdowns, radical Reconstructionist and Renewal game-changer. ment is false. The question is whether perhaps the most logical solution to their movements. Disagreements on intermar- On a local level, this has already re- that will be infused with the same problems is for the liberal denominations riage – the Conservative movement still sulted in Reform and Conservative syn- strong sense of Jewish peoplehood that to merge. refuses to allow their rabbis to officiate agogues pooling their resources to create existed at the core of the formation of If more people are thinking the at ceremonies where both parties are not a single religious school in some areas. the major movements. unthinkable these days, it’s hardly Jewish – remain an obstacle to any talk Population shifts have led to the closure The contrast between a demograph- surprising. At one time, the mighty about mergers. Just as important are the or consolidation of synagogues in many ically growing Orthodox sector and a institutions of non-Orthodox Judaism cultural differences between congrega- urban and suburban areas within denomi- declining non-Orthodox world can’t be in the United States thought of them- tions that produce very different practices national lines. And, as has happened in the denied. But the idea that Orthodoxy is selves as unique and irreplaceable. No and traditions. past, in places where there are not enough rapidly replacing Reform and Conserva- longer. In a moment in history when These movements came into exis- Jews left to support multiple synagogues, tive Judaism as the main Jewish address everything familiar about our lives has tence as a result of a need to create new one will have to serve everyone, despite for American is still premature. More- been tossed aside or turned inside out institutions that served populations no the strong differences among Jews that over, the triumphalism that emanates by the pandemic, speculation about longer satisfied with what they could get center on doctrine and practice. from the Orthodox world often gives possible mergers between Reform and elsewhere. short shrift to the Conservative Judaism, as well as the In the mid- While the faux optimism that mocks talk of the “ever-dying” American way both Reform smaller Reconstructionist and Renewal 19th century, dis- Jew should be dismissed, the notion that the seminaries, synagogues and Conservative movements, is no longer something too satisfaction with and other Jewish forums are no longer capable of producing a vibrant Judaism helped outlandish to even consider. Orthodoxy and a intellectual ferment is false. The question is whether that will be infused create a power- Indeed, with the Union of Reform Ju- desire for a more ful philanthrop- with the same strong sense of Jewish peoplehood that existed at the daism – the central organ of the country’s liberal approach ic community on largest Jewish denomination – announcing to Judaism, as core of the formation of the major movements. which they are also that it was cutting 20 percent of its staff well as one more dependent. recently and with the other movements rooted in American culture, led to the With Reform and Conservative con- The pandemic has speeded up the also facing hard times, talk of consolida- formation of the Reform movement. In gregants almost universally not as obser- winnowing of American Jewish life tion is hardly out of the question or even the 1880s, the sense that Reform had vant as their religious leaders, coupled that was already in motion. There’s no out of place. gone too far in throwing out Jewish with the impulse to make services more way to know for sure the shape or the That conversation was accelerated by religious law and tradition was behind inclusive to accommodate non-Jewish direction of the institutions that will the Conservative movement’s decision to the formation of Conservative Judaism, spouses and family members, the trend survive, albeit on a smaller scale. And allow the streaming of services on the In- which tried to mix respect for halachah in which the non-Orthodox movements there is good reason to worry about ternet as a response to the pandemic. That with modernity. In the 20th century, Re- have come to resemble each other more whether the surviving structures will be naturally led some to question whether, constructionism arose from Rabbi Mor- will only be accelerated by the impact as focused on nurturing the essentials now that the Conservatives were relaxing decai Kaplan’s theories about Judaism of financial hardships. of Jewish peoplehood and connections more of their Shabbat practices to allow as a civilization. It grew as a response And with “Jews of no religion” – as with Israel as they should be. If only technology to keep congregations togeth- to a need for what it called “post-hala- the seminal 2013 Pew Research Insti- Orthodoxy remains comfortable with Zi- chic” Judaism. In the late 20th century, tute study of Jewish Americans termed onism, that will undermine both Jewish the need for a more spiritual approach them – being the fastest-growing slice unity and the ability of the community that was consonant with the “New Age” of Jewish demography, declining rates to preserve itself. zeitgeist of American culture led to the of affiliation with synagogues, no matter But those fears notwithstanding, no one Renewal movement. what their brand might be, are also going should underestimate the ability of Jews With each new stream came diversity, to continue. to adapt and evolve, even if what follows “ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson as synagogues arose out of desires for It is highly unlikely that there will be may be as strange to us as the American Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. particular approaches to services – with any formal merger of movements in spite Jewish world of today would be to those President: Esther Adelman some using their own prayer books – or of the financial pressures that might im- who came before us. Executive Director: Mark Silverberg as a by-product of the way local institu- pel the idea to be considered. Too much Jonathan S. Tobin is editor in chief of tions played a part in broader cultural and divides them in terms of their traditions JNS-Jewish News Syndicate. Follow him Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman political developments. and culture. on Twitter at: @jonathans_tobin. Layout Editor: Diana Sochor Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown Production Associate: Christi Sturdevant A baby boom is coming – how can OPINIONS The views expressed in editorials and opinion pieces are those of each author and not necessarily couples prepare? the views of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania. BY KAREN ARNOVITZ GRINZAID University School of Medicine’s Depart- Persians, Syrians and Bukharians), as well LETTERS The Reporter welcomes (JNS) – The COVID-19 pandemic has ment of Human Genetics. The program as interfaith couples. letters on subjects of interest to the significantly transformed the daily lives tests for more than 200 different genetic JScreen’s test is primarily for dis- Jewish community. All letters must be of people around the world. We live in a diseases and provides follow-up genetic eases inherited in a recessive pattern, signed and include a phone number. new normal, and the long-term effects of counseling to discuss test results, helping meaning that a child can only have The editor may withhold the name this challenging time remain to be seen. couples navigate the journey toward the condition if both parents carry the upon request. a healthy family. Thankfully, genetic non-working gene for that condition. ADS The Reporter does not necessar- As people spend their days trying testing through JScreen is conducted With recessively inherited diseases, each ily endorse any advertised products to find the positive, some are trying and services. In addition, the paper new hobbies or organizing their homes. from the safety of one’s home. With its child of two carrier parents has a 25 is not responsible for the kashruth of By now, they have established a daily simple spit test, it provides a safe and percent chance of inheriting two copies any advertiser’s product or establish- rhythm around being indoors with their confidential way to get tested. In the age of the non-working gene and having the ment. quarantine partners. of social distancing, this is now more condition. Typically, people who are DEADLINE Regular deadline is two But even for the well-adjusted, we are important than ever. carriers of recessive conditions do not weeks prior to the publication date. all dreaming of what the future may hold JScreen is there for couples who are have symptoms because they have only after this crisis passes. For some, that in- trying to conceive and even for those one copy of the non-working gene. The FEDERATION WEBSITE: cludes starting a family. In fact, with the who are already pregnant. At a time when only way to know if you are a carrier is www.jewishnepa.org extra time some people have during the many OBGYNs are limiting office visits, to get tested. JScreen also screens for shelter-at-home directives, reports have JScreen’s online service is invaluable, several X-linked conditions that can be HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: sending copies of test results to individuals passed from a carrier female to a child Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA predicted a baby boom in the next nine 18510 to 12 months. and their doctors. who may have symptoms. E-mail: [email protected] Beyond the obvious, there are some Medical professionals agree that ev- Starting down this road can be scary, Fax: (570) 346-6147 essential steps a couple can take when eryone with Jewish background should but knowledge truly is power. While plan- Phone: (570) 961-2300 starting to plan a family, including secur- be offered genetic testing before having ning to start a family is an exciting and ing vital information that can help them children. Previously, many people thought life-changing decision, each couple has HOW TO REACH take the journey safely together. Genetic that such testing for family planning to chart their own path toward a healthy THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: screening before having a baby is one of was solely for Ashkenazi Jews. Today, family. The information provided by this Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 those essential steps. This testing provides it’s increasingly clear that Jews of all easy, at-home, spit test can truly provide E-mail: [email protected] couples with knowledge, and knowledge backgrounds are at risk for having chil- results that help people plan for the health dren with genetic diseases and should be of their future children. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: is power. screened. This includes individuals with Karen Arnovitz Grinzaid, M.S., CGC, Phone: (570) 961-2300 JScreen is a national online genet- ic-screening program based at Emory Sephardi and Mizrachi ancestry (such as CCRC, is executive director of JScreen. M AY 28, 2020 ■ THE REPORTER 3 Report: P.A. eradicating Tel COMMUNITY NEWS Aroma fortress in Samaria Federation co-sponsors BY JNS STAFF to carry out the work, that according to (JNS) – The Palestinian Authority, Regavim has caused the destruction of taking advantage of the absence of Civil the fortress wall and reservoirs. global virtual event Administration inspectors during the This is the culmination of a year-long The Jewish Feder- at events all over the coronavirus shutdown, is consolidating process of ongoing destruction, according ation of Northeastern world,” said organizers its takeover of Tel Aroma, a Hasmonean to members of “Preserving the Eternal,” Pennsylvania co-spon- of the event. fortress in Samaria, according to Israeli a non-profit project of the Regavim sored a virtual event, “Darkaynu’s associ- NGO Regavim. Movement that works in cooperation which was produced by ate director, Sgt. Major The NGO, which according to its with the Shomron Regional Council’s Ohr Torah Stone’s Elaine (Res) Steve Gar, is a website aims to “ensure responsible, Infrastructure Department to preserve and Norm Brodsky member of an elite legal, accountable and environmentally historic and archaeological sites in Judea Darkaynu Programs counter-terrorism unit friendly use of Israel’s national lands and and Samaria. (www.Darkaynu.org. in Gush Etzion and will the return of the rule of law to all areas Samaria Regional Council head Yossi il), in celebration of Yom share his unique expe- and aspects of the land and its preserva- Dagan assessed the destruction of the site, Yerushalayim and the riences with thousands tion,” reported that on May 10 a fleet of saying: “Enforcement authorities must 53rd anniversary of the every year,” organizers heavy engineering tools from the P.A. and give this matter the attention it deserves; reunification of Jerusa- added. “Steve [took] the Beta Village Council arrived at Tel they have a responsibility to live up to, lem. The live-streamed us on a virtual Journey Aroma and paved a road leading toward this is their job and we expect them to do event was scheduled to from biblical times to the remains of the fortress. it. This systematic destruction of Jewish take place on May 21. the modern state of Situated on a commanding ridge con- heritage sites throughout Judea and Sa- “As we are truly Israel; from Bethlehem trolling the passage between the Jordan maria cannot continue. We demand that living in unprecedented to Kfar Etzion; and from Valley and the heart of Samaria, the they put an immediate stop to the ongoing times, and health and Poster for the event our mother Rachel to Tel Aroma Fortress is the northernmost destruction of Tel Aroma; we call upon safety restrictions limit Rachelle Frankel.” of eight fortresses established by the the relevant authorities to take action our local travel, we can be grateful for the The 40-minute program was to include Hasmonean Kingdom to protect Israel’s without delay.” miracle of modern technology and the way music specially produced for the occasion eastern border. Eitan Melet, field coordinator for it has allowed us to be virtually present and is a tribute to the students of Darkaynu. In recent months, the P.A. has been the Preserving the Eternal Project, who making concerted efforts and investing documented the recent roadwork and For information “considerable resources” to take over the destruction at the site, called on Israeli on advertising, site, installing generators and perimeter Defense Minister Naftali Bennett to inter- please contact DEADLINES lighting, erecting tents alongside a huge vene immediately: “Minister of Defense Bonnie Rozen at flagpost platform, and manning them Bennett, you have left a significant imprint The following are deadlines for all articles and around the clock. Senior P.A. and Beta on the Ministry of Defense in a short period 1-800-779-7896, photos for upcoming Reporter issues. Municipality officials recently held a cer- of time. Now is the time to establish the ext. 244 or DEADLINE ISSUE emony at which the fortress was declared legacy of your tenure – a legacy that will bonnie@ Thursday, May 14...... May 28 thereportergroup.org a “Palestinian Heritage Site,” a claim prove that the state of Israel protects its Wednesday, May 27, early...... June 11 that purportedly affords them the “right” eternal birthright in the land of Israel.” Thursday, June 11...... June 25 Thursday, July 9...... July 23

The Jewish Federation of NEPA wishes a hearty Mazel Tov & congratulations to our community graduates! Due to the coronavirus pandemic, physical graduations will not be happening around the country this year. Yet our community is proud of our graduates and congratulates them and their fami- lies on their accomplishments. If we didn’t include your graduate, The ancient Tel Aroma fortress in Samaria is the northernmost of eight fortresses please let us know for inclusion in our next issue. established by the Hasmonean Kingdom to protect Israel’s eastern border. (Photo Higher Education by Regavim) High School Esther Bilus Jared Cohen Nachum Edelson University of Scranton NEWS IN BRIEF Chaim Flam Murray Fallk From JNS.org Rivka Goldberg Cornell University Bennett: Iran beginning to withdraw from Syria Naomi Hernandez Jordan Hollander Israel’s outgoing defense minister, Naftali Bannett, said on May 18 that Iran is Adele Hollander Dickenson College starting to remove its forces from Syria and urged his successor Benny Gantz to keep Pinchus Itkin Ellie Sullum the pressure on Tehran. “Iran is significantly reducing the scope of its forces in Syria Shira Laury West Chester University and even evacuating a number of bases,” said Bennett, according to Reuters. “Though Iran has begun the withdrawal process from Syria, we need to complete the work. Avigayil Lopez Lindsay Cohen Whitaker It’s in reach,” he added. Israel has reportedly carried out numerous airstrikes against Benjy Mittleman Master’s degree in Physician Assis- Iranian interests in Syria targeting military units and arms transfers. Iran has not Tova Myers tant Studies, Marywood University publicly acknowledged any withdrawal from Syria, and the week of May 18 Iranian Tzila Pion Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that the Americans will be pushed out of Iraq and Syria, according to the transcript of a speech posted on his website. A Meir Pritzker senior aide to Iran’s foreign minister said on Saturday that the country would continue Yehoshua Rapoport working closely with the Syrian President Bashar Assad and Russia to fight against Tzivia Ringel terrorism and find a political solution to the Syrian crisis, according to the report. Yossi Rosenberg Jonathan Rutta Moshe Salkow Chaya Sara Schwartz

If your name isn’t listed here, contact Dassy Ganz at 570-961-2300, ext. 2, or e-mail [email protected] ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER ■ M AY 28, 2020 Jewish resources to occupy your family during social distancing – part 4 BY REPORTER STAFF ‹ Jewish Women International is holding at forward.com/food. Torah classes. Find out more informa- A variety of Jewish groups are offering virtual events, including information about ‹ The Pardes Center for Judaism and tion at www.chabad.org/generic_cdo/ online resources – educational and recre- finances during COVID-19. For more Conflict Resolution has created “Mahloket aid/4734703/jewish/Chabadorg-Live- ational – for those who are not allowed information, visit www.jwi.org/ and scroll Matters: How to Disagree Constructively – Zoom-Classes.htm. out of the house. Below is a sampling of down to the listing of events. The Beit Midrash Way” and is offering the ‹ The Jewish Council for Public Affairs those. The Reporter will publish additional ‹ Those who want to listen to Jewish rock classes online. There is a $500 cost for the is the national hub of the community rela- listings as they become available. music or learn more about programming, six-part program. For more information, tions network, representing 125 local Jew- ‹ The Tuesday Jewish Issues webinar can visit http://www.jewishrockradio.com/. visit https://elmad.pardes.org/register/ ish community relations councils and 17 program has moved to Zoom. The pro- ‹ For those who would like to hear a mm_beit_midrash_way/. national Jewish agencies. Recordings of gram, taught by Rabbi Ari Enkin, looks at Jewish story, visit https://storieswetell. ‹ Two virtual tours of Israel are available. its education and webinars on COVID-19 new ideas, laws, concepts or philosophies libsyn.com/. The site is sponsored by JLM2U, www.explore.itraveljerusalem. can be found at www.jewishpublicaffairs. in Judaism. To receive e-mails about the ReformJudaism.org. com/, offers virtual tours of Jerusalem. The org/covid-19-videos/. There are also links program and links to Zoom, e-mail sup- ‹ My Jewish Learning has six Yiddish Masada Virtual Tour, http://masada360. to sign up for upcoming programs. [email protected], films that can be streamed at no cost. To com/, gives a 360-degree tour of the area. ‹ Israel21c offers webinars on its ‹ The National Museum of Jewish Amer- learn more, visit www.myjewishlearning. ‹ Photographs from the exhibit “Indeli- Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ ican history is looking for stories about com/article/six-yiddish-films-you-can- ble: The daughters of Holocaust survivors ISRAEL21c/. nurse or healthcare workers for its digital stream-right-now-for-free/. in the photography of Debbie Morag” ‹ The organization JewBelong offers its collections archive. People are asked to ‹ The ASF Institute of Jewish Expe- and an interview with Israeli photogra- own take on a Shabbat Friday night ser- post a short (60-90 second) video and tag rience, which focuses on the classical pher Debbie Morag, who was born in vice for those social distancing. It can be it with #NMAJH answering, “What would Sephardic tradition, is offering a variety the Bergen-Belsen Displaced Persons found at www.flipsnack.com/jewbelong/ you like people 50 years from now to know of online programing at https://institu- camp, can be found at www.youtube.com/ jewbelongshabbat2018/full-view.html. about your life and work experience during teofjewishexperience.org/index.php/ watch?v=b_PrrHLp8U4. ‹ The Abayudaya Unity Concert held the Covid-19 pandemic?” Videos can be upcoming-events. ‹ 18Doors, a group that supports inter- on May 11 can be viewed on the Cantors uploaded to https://vimeo.com/412117522. ‹ The film “Haven Movie” is available to faith couples and families exploring Jew- Assembly website at https://www.cantors. ‹ The Jewish Telegraphic Agency is stream online. It is based on the real life ish life, offers dairy recipes for Shavuot org/Abayudaya/. collecting “Visions for the post-pandemic story of Ruth Gruber, who helped escort at https://18doors.org/shavuot_recipes/. ‹ The Sephardic Brotherhood has Jewish world: Imagining a better future” 1,000 Jewish refugees to a “safe haven” ‹ The National Museum of American launched the Sephardic Digital Academy, at www.jta.org/2020/05/04/opinion/ camp in Oswego, NY, in 1943. There is History is offering the new virtual- ex a new national partnership to connect visions-for-the-post-pandemic-jewish- no cost to watch the almost three-hour hibit “Locally Grown: Jersey’s Jewish and educate the Sephardic community world-imagining-a-better-future. There film, which can be found at https://youtu. Farms” at www.nmajh.org/exhibitions/ institutions, synagogues, rabbis, educators are essays on art and culture, ritual and be/9qCdwgtjSnc. locally-grown/. Featured are artifacts and and members across the United States. observance and community life. People ‹ The Forward now offers a new a variety of education activities, including To learn about the classes available, visit continuing the conversation on social livestream series #QuarantineShabbat puzzles and a coloring page. www.sephardicbrotherhood.com/sephar- media are asked to use #JewishFuture Cooking Show at 3 pm Fridays on its ‹ Chabad.org is offering live Zoom dicdigitalacademy. when sharing ideas. Anyone interested Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ in submitting an article should e-mail jewishdailyforward/. The show will [email protected] with “Visions Project feature National Editor Rob Eshman; Continued from page 1 Submission” in the subject line. recipes will be available on Thursdays Never In a statement, Christians United for unite around the goal of ending the hatred Israel founder and Chairman John Hagee and bigotry which plagues our society.” said, “If there exists a silver bullet to In a statement, the Conference of defeat the spread of bigotry and hatred, Presidents of Major American Jewish it is education. Through this legislation, Organizations lauded that the measure teachers around the country will have “will spread awareness of the Shoah federal support in their efforts to stamp to the next generation by creating out antisemitism by teaching about its and funding the Holocaust Education abhorrent consequences.” Assistance Program with $10 million Combat Anti-Semitism movement over five years. These funds would go Director Sacha Roytman-Dratwa said toward ensuring that educators have in a statement, “By approving this act, the resources they need to teach these members of the United States Senate have critically important lessons.” transformed the phrase ‘Never Again’ “Antisemitism is an insidious force in into real and purposeful action. We know our country, as well as globally, and our that the only way to fight the darkness of elected officials have a responsibility to antisemitism, hatred and discrimination is ensure that future generations understand to teach the light of tolerance and respect. the horrors of the Holocaust to prevent it The Never Again Education Act breathes from ever happening again,” said World To get Federation updates via email, new life into this struggle at a time when Jewish Congress President Ronald S. we need it the most. Lauder in a statement. “I commend “We applaud the members of the Sen- Reps. Maloney and Stefanik, and Sens. rregister on our website ate, from both sides of the aisle, who put Rosen, Cramer, Blumenthal and Rubio their political differences aside in order for working on both sides of the aisle to www.jewishnepa.org to approve this important legislation,” he give our country’s educators the resources continued. “In doing so, they have sent they need to teach their students about the the critical message that antisemitism is darkest era of history. This legislation is not a partisan issue and that people of all a tremendous step forward toward pri- Pledge or Donate religions, faiths and backgrounds must oritizing and standardizing Holocaust.” online at www.jewishnepa.org/donate

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Send Dassy Ganz an email if you would like to join the list. [email protected] M AY 28, 2020 I THE REPORTER 5 In midst of global pandemic, Israeli defense company quietly changed face of hospitals BY YAAKOV LAPPIN In other hospitals where machines could not be fi tted (JNS) – The arrival of the coronavirus global pandemic with computer cards, Rafael took cell phones, installed its came as suddenly for Israel’s Rafael defense company image-processing application on them and placed them as it did to many other companies, yet it took very little opposite the monitors. From there, the phones transmitted time for Rafael to spring into action and quietly transform the readings, translated them into text messages and sent the face of Israeli hospitals wards. them to the nurses’ room via WiFi. Such a solution is, for “Part of the Israeli DNA is to face up to missions to- example, active in the Western Galilee Hospital in Nahariya. gether,” Irit Idan, executive vice president, and head of “We are off ering these solutions to the entire world,” research and development at Rafael, told JNS in recent stated Idan. days. “This is our nature as a nation. From the moment An additional solution pioneered by the defense that this incident began rolling, Rafael started fl oating company involved the creation of specialized masks for many ideas on how we can assist the health-care system.” patients receiving non-invasive ventilation treatment. During ordinary days, Rafael produces cutting-edge Such ventilators create aerosols around the patients that defense products, such as the Iron Dome air-defense system, are fi lled with viruses. A acute problem identifi ed by Rafael’s Irit Idan and her the David’s Sling air-defense system and a host of combat “Doctors told us that when they approached such team is the need to remotely transmit medical readings systems for land, air and space, in addition to missiles and patients, they’d get infected. We took the big gas masks of patients back to nurses and doctors to reduce their communications systems. that were distributed to those with beards during the First risk of infection. (Photo courtesy of Rafael) Along with those activities, the company sprang Gulf War and installed connectors to it that link it to the into action to upgrade the medical establishment’s ventilation system. This is now in clinical trials in two allows for separate control of pressure in the lungs of capabilities in the war against a very diff erent kind of hospitals,” explained Idan. “We have passed this design each patient. That is what was needed.” enemy. Idan led the company’s assistance program for on to medical organizations around the world.” Although there are no shortages of ventilators in Israel, hospitals, and said that the fi rst step involved getting a Rafael’s subsidiary, Opgal, which produces advanced Rafael did distribute this design around the world, and has good understanding of what medical personnel on the thermal cameras, is also in operation in hospitals to detect answered requests from medical centers in Florida and South new frontlines needed most. patients with fever. Idan recalled how such a camera detect- America asking for information on how to build the system. Idan and her team traveled to hospitals, visiting coro- ed a fever in an elderly woman who had entered the Bnei In the fi eld of ventilation production, Rafael answered a navirus wards around the country and hearing fi rst-hand Zion Medical Center in Haifa, even though the woman call to help Israeli ventilator producer Flight Medical meet a about the daily problems faced by doctors and nurses. was not aware of it and had entered the building because government order for 1,000 machines. The company usually “Two months ago on a Saturday afternoon, a doctor of an eye issue. The hospital’s director general instructed makes 30 machines a month, so Rafael moved in with its went into a coronavirus ward and broadcast from it on the woman to head directly to the ICU for further testing. production capabilities to boost production rates massively. Zoom through her phone for 90 minutes,” recalled Idan. Additionally, Rafael worked with hospital doctors to “They are the experts, not us,” said Idan. “They are “I saw the entire process unfolding in this battle. The develop a system that enables two patients to be treated a small company that now has huge backing, including doctor explained to me what she was dealing with so that by a single ventilator, with a separate ability to control in the acquisition of components.” we could understand the challenges and think about the parameters for each patient. “We built a real splitter She described seeing a lab set up to examine ventilators solutions we wanted to provide them with.” using standard medical components,” said Idan. “This See “Hospitals” on page 8 Rafael’s fi rst conclusion was that the principal problem faced by hospitals was the entry of medical teams into hazardous, virus-fi lled environments during their day-to- day work. This led to a series of groundbreaking solutions. The fi rst of these is a robotic assistance tool, cur- rently roaming hospital corona wards. Rafael took a P A C E robot made by the TEMI company and placed multiple intelligent capabilities on it, enabling it to become a fully Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment autonomous system that comes into close contact with COVID-19 patients in place of nurses. The robot, which conducts tasks such as food distribution and logistics, Your gift to the Annual Campaign can navigate its own way around the hospital and bring trays directly to beds. It is currently active at the Assaf DOES A WORLD OF GOOD. Harofeh Medical Center in Tel Hashomer; the company has received requests from other hospitals, as well. Endowing your gift allows you to be there for the The robots are also used to enable patients to commu- Jewish community of NEPA forever. nicate with family and friends through audio and video links. “We know that even for people who are sedated on a ventilator, it is important for them to hear the voices A Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) is a permanent fund that endows of their loves ones,” said Idan. your Jewish community Annual Campaign gift as a lasting legacy. A PACE fund will A second acute problem identifi ed by Idan and her continue to make an annual gift in perpetuity on your behalf. team is the need to remotely transmit medical readings of patients back to nurses and doctors to reduce their To determine the amount you need to endow your entire campaign gift, multiply your current risk of infection. annual gift by 20. Critically ill patients hooked up to life-support ma- You can fund your PACE by adding the JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHEASTERN chines have readings of oxygen saturation, pulse and PENNSYLVANIA to your will, or by making the Federation a benefi ciary of your IRA. All other vital signs constantly monitored, while an automatic contributions to establish a PACE are tax deductible. nourishment system also transmits key information. “We saw that nurses and doctors always had to go in and see if Let your name be remembered as a blessing. everything was alright. They would have to suit up in full personal protective equipment each time,” reported Idan. Endowments can be created through a variety of vehicles, some of which do not necessitate Rafael developed multiple solutions for this. It fi tted funding during your lifetime yet still provide your estate with considerable tax benefi ts. ventilators and nourishment machines with communi- They also enable you to perpetuate your commitment to the Annual Campaign in a way that cation cables to transmit the readings back to a separate room, and in cases where communications cables could best achieves your own personal fi nancial and estate planning goals. not be fi tted, installed a computer card to the back of the machines that deciphered their protocols and sent them to Examples Of Ways To Fund Your Pace Gift Are: a nurses’ room via WiFi. “Now, they can always monitor the patients’ readings without needing to go in,” said Idan. * outright contribution of cash, appreciated securities or other long-term * capital gain property such as real estate At left: Rafael took * charitable remainder trust a robot made by * gift of life insurance the TEMI company * charitable lead trust and placed * gift of IRA or pension plan assets multiple intelligent * grant from your foundation capabilities on it, * reserved life estate in your residence enabling it to become * bequest a fully autonomous system that comes Using appreciated property, such as securities or real estate, a ords you the opportunity to into close contact eliminate the income tax on the long-term capital gain, will in some instances generate a full income with COVID-19 tax charitable deduction and will remove those assets from your estate for estate tax purposes. patients in place of nurses. (Photo For more information contact Mark Silverberg at courtesy of Rafael) [email protected] or call 570-961-2300, ext. 1. Check out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or fi nd it on Facebook 6 THE REPORTER ■ M AY 28, 2020 D’VAR TORAH The precious ger (proselyte) BY RABBI BARUCH BINYAMIN HAKOHEN ending – along with the proselyte! Moreover, in Nitzavim, MELMAN, TEMPLE ISRAEL OF THE POCONONS the proselyte is positioned in the center of the camp of Shavuot, Numbers 28:26-31 Israel (vegercha asher b’kerev machanecha), “and your The ger, the convert to Judaism, follows in the foot- proselyte who is in the midst of your camp,” whereas, in steps of Avraham avinu, the patriarch Abraham, and of Yitro, the ger is figuratively positioned at the edge of the Sarah imenu, the matriarch Sarah, who were themselves camp, literally at the gates seeking admission: (gereha gerim. They chose a new path for themselves, following asher b’shaarecha) “your proselyte who is at your gates.” the deepest yearning of their heart for the ultimate truth Maybe this reflects perspective. As in quantum phys- that there is one God who demands righteousness and ics, perspective itself affects reality, even affecting the ethical behavior. The ger is precious to us as a people, affective, i.e., the realm of feelings. When one is standing and yet the ger may feel a sense of loneliness, as he/she on the edge, just another point along the circumference, chose this path for themselves. then all whom you know is standing right next to you- Our tradition teaches that all the souls of Israel, past, immediately to your right, and immediately to your present and future, stood as one at Mount Sinai, together left. But when one is standing in the center, everyone with the souls of all future gerim, those who would accept else seems plural in the sense that one now takes in the Torah, the Covenant between God and Israel. The ger is the greater whole from the central vantage point. The so holy. Being holy means being set aside and special in the periphery, once veiled owing to one’s having had been best sense. The ger is holy and pure as the Sabbath is holy a part of that very periphery, now becomes enlarged in and pure. Less sensitive and less refined Jewish souls may its seeming fullness by virtue of one’s new perspective. view this apartness as a possible negative, and so the Torah How true that the ger amongst us once stood alone at the adjures us 36 times not to oppress the ger in any way. It gates, beckoning for admission. And how true that those would be like oppressing Avraham and Sarah, their parents. very gerim are now the vibrant center of our Jewish lives, The ger, the convert, is fundamentally alone. Unmoored whose vibrant enthusiasm is so infectious. As Israel is the from the past, yet not feeling fully hinged to the present, central truth seeker and shaker in world history, so too is the he eternally seeks validation that he has, in fact, arrived. ger the energy center and truth seeking core within Israel. The aloneness is her burden, and yet it is her fundamental Before Sinai, having just left Egyptian bondage, in its strength. Recreating Abraham’s singular journey, who precovenantal state, Israel was still yet seemingly just himself was a ger, he finds solace in the sojourn, that the another nation, standing at the gates of world history, voyage is, in a certain sense, his ultimate calling. but readying to stand center-stage on Shavuot. Israel, The oft cited expression, ki gerim hayitem b’eretz Mitz- qua Israel, emerging from its own ger status as history’s rayim, “because you were strangers in the land of Egypt,” ur-stranger, had yet to receive the covenant through employs the plural form for stranger (gerim) when referring which to be then thrust to centerpoint. And in walking to Israel, yet, when the Torah refers to the actual ger among through those gates, the ger herself takes center stage, Israel, it prefers the use of the singular. Maybe it is because for nothing can stop her momentum. each holy ger comes alone in his quest, following the deep Israel, through her taking on the Covenant, symbolized yearning of his soul. In a sense she revels in that aloneness by the Sabbath, and reaffirmed in theKiddush , likewise as the precursor of her search, for the search only begins becomes the new center – history’s hub, even as that with the confrontation with her essential aloneness. It is that very hub urges a transcendence of history. The existen- very sense of aloneness which in the end gives comfort. As tial loneliness of Israel is now the existential loneliness President: Dr. Meredith Stempel God is essentially alone, and yet yearns to be rejoined by of the ger. The two remain as one, as one with the One the righteous of Israel and the world, so, too, does the ger God of Israel, the One God of the ger. share with God in that existential aloneness. Chag sameach! Gut yuntiff! Quite interestingly, in Deuteronomy 29:9,10, every These words of Torah are written in the merit of my group mentioned takes a plural ending – save the pros- beloved father, Israel J. Melman, Yisrael Yehoshua ben elyte. But in parashat Yitro, which we read on Shavuot, Harav Ya’aqov Hakohen Melman, z”l and in memory of in the very verses uttered at the Sabbath day Kiddush my beloved mother, Esther Melman, Esther bat Baruch z”l. (Ex. 20:8-10), every referenced group takes the singular © 2020 by Rabbi Baruch Binyamin Hakohen Melman

President: Dan Marcus BOOK REVIEW Exploring the Ten Commandments BY RABBI RACHEL ESSERMAN commandments relevant to today’s world. The ethics and rules featured in the Ten Command- Those interested in philosophy and theology will enjoy ments form the basis for much of Western legal culture, in “God’s Identity: Perspectives from Jewish Philosophy” so much so that there are debates in the United States by Rabbi Kari Hifmaister Tuling, which offers various about whether they should be printed on public property, philosophers’ thoughts about the nature of God. More such as court houses and legislative buildings. Yet, at a to my taste was “Revelation as Conversation” by Rabbi time when the historical accuracy of religion is under Joshua Feigleson, Ph.D, which includes the intriguing dispute, there is a need to look closely at the 10 statements idea of God as a listener, meaning that rather than speak- (as they are actually called in Hebrew) and explore their ing to humans, God now listens to what we say. Those meaning through the lens of contemporary times. That’s interested in history will appreciate the comparison of the purpose behind “Inscribed: Encounters with the Ten the 10 Commandments to a suzerain treaty in “Israel’s Commandments” edited by Rabbi Oren J. Hayon (Central History of Enslavement as a Prerequisite for Revelation,” Conference of American Rabbis). The essays challenge by Elsie R. Stern, Ph.D. Stern’s article suggests that “even readers to look anew at this part of the Bible. for Jews who do not understand themselves to be in a The commandments, which are printed in Hebrew covenantal relationship with God, our identity as freed and translated into English, are considered from a Jewish slaves evokes a sense of obligation. This reminder that perspective, meaning “I the Eternal am your God who we were slaves in Egypt served as a goad and rallying call brought you out of the land of Egypt, the house of bond- for Jewish social justice work for contemporary Jews.” age” is listed as the first commandment. Hayon notes that My favorite section looked at the fifth commandment: his contributors represent “a wide variety of backgrounds. “Honor your father and mother, that you may long endure These authors reflect a broad range of religious beliefs on the land that the Eternal your God is assigning to you.” and professional specializations: in chaplaincy, law, Both Rabbi Laura Geller’s “Honoring Your Father and technology, journalism, social activism, and the armed Mother” and Rabbi Richard F. Address’ “Navigating the • President: Merle Turitz services. They live across the United States and serve New Stage of Caregiver” were excellent and should be many different sorts of communities and constituents.” read by those caring for elderly parents. However, it was What they all have in common is the desire to make the See “Ten” on page 7 570-421-8781 • Website: www.Templepoconos.org

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Affiliation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Cantor: Vladimir Aronzon • President: Ann Lebowitz Monsky 918 East Gibson St., Scranton, PA 18510 (located at the corner of Gibson & Monroe Sts.) 570-342-0350 E-mail: [email protected] Mon. & Thurs. 7:15am; Tues., Wed. & Fri. 7:25am Rosh Chodesh & Chagim weekdays, 7 am; Shabbat Morning Service 9:30am M AY 28, 2020 ■ THE REPORTER 7 New report traces how European money makes its way to terrorists BY ARIEL KAHANA of the ‘human rights group’ Addameer. How can it be duped. Do not lend a hand, a platform, or funding to (Israel Hayom via JNS) – Money donated by European that people who sanctify death are active in human these organizations.” governments and private individuals is making its way rights groups? How can it be that for years, they have Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Gilad Erdan, who into the coffers of terrorist organizations, according to been receiving millions of euros in aid from European Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on a new report by Israel’s Strategic Affairs Ministry. The nations? I have no doubt that European countries do May 18 will be Israel’s ambassador to the United States ministry issued the report after the European Union an- not support terrorism and the murder of innocent peo- and United Nations, said, “The E.U. has given in to the nounced it would be funding Palestinian “civil society ple. However, they certainly understand that the links Palestinian steamroller of pressure. Millions of euros organizations” even if they include members who support between Palestinian civil groups and terrorist organi- that went to Addameer show the real threat posed by the terrorism. According to the report’s findings, Palestinian zations is a reality that must be condemned. I urge you: E.U. decision. This is a dangerous precedent.” activists have established a way of securing European Do not turn a blind eye. Do not allow yourselves to be This article first appeared in Israel Hayom. monetary donations that allow them to carry out terrorist activity in addition to civil society work. “The links to civil society entities in the West allows them a way of NEWS IN BRIEF securing financial assistance that they could not receive From JNS.org repercussions based on international law and international any other way,” the report states. Abbas: P.A. no longer bound by humanitarian law,” he added. In his speech, Abbas claimed In the past two years, Israel’s Shin Bet security agency that Netanyahu’s remarks May 18 concerning applying has exposed a number of incidents in which Hamas took agreements with Israel, U.S. Israeli law to settlements and the Jordan Valley meant Israel control of money belonging to aid organizations active (Israel Hayom via JNS) – Palestinian Authority leader had “annulled” the 1993 Oslo Accords, which established in the Gaza Strip, and in some cases used them for mil- Mahmoud Abbas said on May 19 that he was terminating the P.A. With regard to the role of the U.S. administration, itary purposes against Israel. One notable example was all agreements with Israel and the United States over Abbas said, “We hold the American administration fully a case of European donations that went to fund terrorists Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to responsible for the oppression befalling the Palestinian involved in the murder of Rina Schnerb in the summer of extend Israeli law to parts of Judea and Samaria under the people and we consider it a primary partner with the 2019. Samar Arbid, head of the cell that killed Schnerb, aegis of the Trump peace plan. In a speech to Palestinian Israeli occupation government in all its aggression.” Top 17, and wounded her brother in an attack at a spring near leaders in Ramallah, Abbas warned that Israel would Ramallah officials toldIsrael Hayom that while serious, at the town of Dolev in Samaria, played a key role in an have to assume responsibility for the civilian Palestinian this point the Palestinian Authority’s president’s assertion organization named Addameer, a “prisoner support and population, currently exceeding 2 million people. “The is mostly declarative. The current directive from Abbas’ human rights organization” according to its website. Palestine Liberation Organization and the state of Pales- office, they said, is to minimize security coordination Other members of the same cell earned a living from tine are absolved, as of today, of all the agreements and with Israel, but that in and of itself is not new, as he often European government donations to “civil society groups.” understandings with the American and Israeli governments makes such decrees. The P.A. officials said the statement On May 14, Israel reprimanded Emmanuel Joffre, the and of all the obligations based on these understandings was most likely made in favor of incoming Israeli Defense head of an E.U. delegation to Israel, for the announcement and agreements, including the security ones,” said Abbas, Minister Benny Gantz. “Abu Mazen [Abbas] is trying to that such funding would continue. according to the P.A.’s official Wafa news agency. “The bring Gantz to the negotiating table. There is no intention Rina Schnerb’s father, Eitan, is now joining the Israeli occupation authority, as of today, has to shoulder all here to dismantle the Palestinian Authority and restore calls to block E.U. funding from reaching terrorists. responsibilities and obligations in front of the international Israeli control [over the West Bank]. That’s not a practical In a public appeal to the Europeans, Schnerb wrote, community as an occupying power over the territory of the move. We also don’t fully understand the meaning of his “I was amazed to discover that Arbid was a member occupied state of Palestine, with all its consequences and announcement,” said one Palestinian official.

Ten Continued from page 6 Rabbi Annie Belford’s “Number Five” that made the most within oneself generated by the traumatic experience” ‹ The essays dealing with coveting look at how guard- impact. Her personal look at the end of her mother’s life of having to kill, even if done to save one’s own life. ing against our yeter harah (evil impulse) can prevent was so meaningful and moving that it left me in tears. ‹ Rabbi Rachel Kahn-Troster challenges readers to us from sinning in “Torah’s Thought Crime?” by Rabbi Although all of the essays were well done, the fol- look at the ethics of ownership in “‘You Shall Not Barry H. Block, while Alan Morinis, Ph.D. offers practi- lowing also stood out: Steal’ – Ethics of Consumption.” She focuses on how cal suggestions on how not to covet in “Conquering and ‹ Rabbi Reuven Firestone, Ph.D., offers a historical our purchasing power can have a negative impact on the Transforming the Impulse to Want What Is Not Yours.” view at idiolatry, discussing the belief that different lives of those who produce what we buy. The essays in “Inscribed” would be perfect for dis- divinities controlled specific parts of the natural world, ‹ When discussing the meaning of not being a false cussion groups and adult education classes. Readers in “Prohibition of Idolatry.” witness, Rabbi Michael Marmur, Ph.D., ponders whether who have not engaged in serious consideration of these ‹ An exploration of “meaningful leisure” and the way we can ever know the truth or if we only know the story commandments will learn just how relevant they are Shabbat requires us to honor the dignity of all people can we tell ourselves in “Don’t Be That Person,” while Batya to contemporary lives. Those looking for additional be found in “Permitted and Forbidden Labor: Legal and Ungar-Sargon, Ph.D., asks us to question our impressions ways to view the commandments or to challenge their Ethical Dimensions” by Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz. of the truth and to make certain we explore both sides of current interpretations will also find this work has ‹ Tiffany Shlain gives an example of how to unplug an issue in “‘Fake News’ and Its Challenges to Judaism.” much to offer. during Shabbat in “‘Technology Shabbats’: Unplugging in a Hyper-Connected World.” ‹ In “You Shall Not Murder,” Rabbi Harold L. Robinson offers the fascinating idea that the trauma soldiers feel after a battle is a “perfectly healthy – albeit very difficult You Lif – You Legac... – struggle for an individual to integrate the dissonance Wha ’ i You Hear You have poured your heart and soul into our Jewish community and made a di erence. Whether your greatest passion is your congregation, an organization, or a school, that commitment stands as a testament to your values.

Now is the time to take the next step in making it an enduring part of your Jewish legacy. As you plan for the future, think about what your Jewish legacy means to you. And please consider the institutions closest to your heart in your will or estate plan.

Pleas joi th Jewis Federatio o Northeaster Pennsylvani€ i ‚ecurinƒ th futur o th Jewis communit. Please contact Mark Silverberg at 961-2300 or [email protected] for more information. ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 8 THE REPORTER ■ M AY 28, 2020 NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org would happen if Israel applied its law to parts of Judea and Samaria, and the Jordan Cruz calls for DOJ probe into de Blasio closing unapproved Valley, he responded: “There have been warnings for several years about taking further steps [in this direction], the question is when will it finally reach its tipping point. It’s a opening of yeshiva matter of time.” Violence, said Odeh, was “a natural response to any occupation. What Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) on May 19 called for the U.S. Justice Department to investigate can you do? These are the laws of nature.” On June 6, said the Joint List leader, he plans New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio over the New York Police Department shutting to attend a protest against the Israeli move together with Jewish Israelis, said the report. down an Orthodox Jewish school that opened despite the city’s social-distancing orders Coronavirus cases in Israeli schools force students, staff into due to the coronavirus pandemic. “The next time NYC’s mayor sends out a gleeful tweet about sending cops after Jews, the DOJ should investigate to make sure he’s not quarantine violating constitutionally guaranteed religious liberties,” tweeted Cruz. “Actually, they More than 100 Israeli schoolchildren were sent into quarantine on May 19 after cases of should have done it after the last one.”On May 18, De Blasio tweeted, “Earlier today the COVID-19 cropped up in educational facilities in multiple locations less than a week after NYPD shut down a yeshiva conducting classes with as many as 70 children. I can’t stress Israeli schools returned to running at full capacity. Schools and national day-care facilities how dangerous this is for our young people. We’re issuing a Cease and Desist Order were shut down for two months to prevent spread of the coronavirus, and were opened in and will make sure we keep our communities and our kids safe.”In a letter sent in April, careful stages as Israel saw a significant drop in the number of new cases, finally admitting Cruz called for the DOJ “to closely monitor New York City” for cases of “constitutional students in grades four through 10 on May 17. On May 19, 50 children in northern Tel Aviv violations” concerning religious discrimination against Jews. It came in response to de entered quarantine after a kindergarten teacher tested positive for COVID-19, while 44 Blasio tweeting about hundreds gathered in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brook- preschoolers and multiple employees at a preschool in Rishon Letzion were quarantined lyn for a rabbi’s funeral: “My message to the Jewish community, and all communities, after an assistant at the facility tested positive for the virus. In former viral hotspot Bnei is this simple: the time for warnings has passed.” De Blasio apologized for the tweet. Brak, students and staff in a special-education kindergarten were sent into quarantine after Joint List head: Uprising “a matter of time” if Israel moves a teaching assistant was confirmed to have COVID-19. Testing at a school in Rehovot led to 11 cases being diagnosed, with Health Ministry officials declaring that all students ahead with sovereignty plans at the location would be checked. Current health regulations require parents to sign off Israel’s Joint Arab List head Ayman Odeh said on May 21 that if Israel goes forward daily on a form that their children have not had a fever or exhibited other coronavirus with its plan to apply its law to parts of Judea and Samaria, a violent uprising would symptoms in the past 24 hours. Parents are also forbidden to enter schools, preschools or only be “a matter of time.” “Every person who wants peace and believes in the rights kindergartens, and must drop off and pick up their children at the entrance. of all peoples – both Palestinians and Jews – says that every nation has the right to Jewish community, foreign officials reject image of Nazi self-determination,” Odeh told Ynet in an interview. “The Jews exercised this right in 1948, but there is a nation fighting for its independence. The Palestinians deserve a place supporter on new banknote under the sun. But the Israeli government acts to not only deepen the occupation, but Argentina’s Jewish community was shocked to find that the country decided to print a also the hatred. It keeps the prospect of peace away from us,” said Odeh. Asked what new banknote with face of a doctor who expressed support for Nazi ideology and supported Josef Mengele’s experiments on Jews at Auschwitz. One of the new notes is a 5,000 peso bill (around $73.5) and has the face of Dr. Ramon Carrillo, a doctor of sanitation known Continued from page 5 for his support of the Nazis, according to a Ynet report on May 20. Israel’s ambassador to Hospitals Argentina tweeted on May 18: “When we say ‘never again,’ in reference to the Holocaust, right next to a line that produces missiles ward said, ‘you have brought light in there is no point in commemorating someone that, at least sympathizes with this ideology.” for the Iron Dome air-defense system. “It dark days. You understood our needs and British Ambassador to Argentina Mark Kent also expressed disapproval of the decision is a surreal view, and it’s how we created provided solutions for them,’” she said. to put Carrillo on the banknote and tweeted on May 18: “Nazism was the greatest evil of solutions for the here and now, because Another medical staff worker sent Idan the 20th century, It led to the Holocaust. The death of millions of innocents. We should not that is what was needed.” a WhatsApp message that moved her commemorate anyone who participated in this terrible episode.” The Simon Wiesenthal Asked to describe the feedback that deeply. The message stated: “I as a doctor Center slammed the Argentinian government for paying homage to an admirer of Adolf she has received from hospital staff, Idan save one or two people a day. This is my Hitler. “We emphatically reject the choice of such a character that will sully Argentina recounted “powerful messages” from daily work. What you did here is change with his image on its highest denomination banknote,” stated Dr. Shimon Samuels and frontline teams. “The highest satisfaction the face of the world of medicine. I have Ariel Gelblung, directors of international relations and for Latin America of the Wiesenthal came when we were leaving the Rambam no words to describe what you did.” Center, respectively. However, Carrillo’s grandson, Ramon Carrillo, has been pushing back Hospital [in Haifa], and the chief nurse of “For me to receive such a message,” on Twitter, sharing a picture of a gift given to his grandfather in 1954, when he served as the hospital in charge of the coronavirus said Idan, “I don’t need anything more.” health minister at the time, by Israel’s then-health minister, Yosef Serlin.

The Federation is asking members of its communities to support its “Friends of The Reporter” Campaign which seeks to raise $5,000 to assist in funding the newspaper. The newspaper is delivered twice of month (except for December and July which are single issue months) to each and every identifiable Jewish home in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Reporter is the primary intercommunal newspaper of the Jewish communities of Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties. Supplementing synagogue newsletters, bulletins and e-mails, The Reporter is issued to hundreds of Jewish households throughout our region. Over the past several years, the publishing cost of the newspaper has increased dramatically although the newspaper continues to be provided at no charge to members of our Jewish communities in northeastern Pennsylvania. The Federation has assumed the financial responsibility of funding the newspaper at a cost of $23,990 per year and asks only that its readers assist it in raising $5,000 as part of its “Friends of The Reporter” Campaign to offset a small share of these expenses. Your gift to fund our regional Jewish newspaper matters a great deal to our readers and we would be very grateful for your finan- cial support. As always, your comments, opinions & suggestions are always welcome. With best wishes, Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of NE Pennsylvania 601 Jefferson Avenue Scranton, PA 18510