Jewish Federation of Reading Non-Profit Organization Jewish Cultural Center U.S. Postage PAID PO Box 14925, Reading, PA 19612-4925 Permit No. 2 www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org Reading, PA Change Service Requested

Jewish Federation of Reading Non-Profit Organization Jewish Cultural Center U.S. Postage PAID JewishPO Box Federation 14925, Reading, of Reading PA 19612-4925 Non-Profit OrganizationPermit No. 2 Jewishwww.ReadingJewishCommunity.org Cultural Center U.S. PostageReading, PAID PA POChange Box 14925, Service Reading, Requested PA 19612-4925 Permit No. 2 www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org Reading, PA Change Service RequestedShalom The Journal of the Reading Jewish Community Published as a community service by the Jewish Federation of Reading, Pa.

JewishVolume Federation 40 of No.Reading 3 MARCh 2010 Adar-NisanNon-Profit Organization 5770 Jewish Cultural Center U.S. Postage PAID PO Box 14925, Reading, PA 19612-4925 Permit No. 2 www.ReadingJewishCommunity.orgINSIDE Reading, PA Change Service RequestedShalom1100 Berkshire Boulevard The Journal ofShalom the Reading JewishIt’s been Community an Publishedincredible as a community year. service Hope by you’ve the Jewish beenFederation here! of Reading, Pa. TThehe JJournalournal ofof the ReadingIt is hardJewish to believe Community.Community that a year Published Published has gone as as by a a since community community we relocated service service to the by by Jewish the the Jewish Jewish Cultural Federation Federation Center at of1100 of Reading, Reading, Berkshire Pa. Pa. Volume 40 No.Boulevard 5 in Wyomissing. If you haven’tMAY been here,2010 we hope to see you in the very near future.Iyar-Sivan For those of you 5770 who VolumeVolume 46, 40 No. No. 10 5 use the Center regularly or from DECEMBER ‘timeMAY toAnnual time’, 2010 we Community-wide 2016 always appreciate your •• v”c visitsCHESHVAN-KISLEV and encourageIyar-Sivan your feedback. 5770 5777 INSIDE And, thank youChanukah all for your atsupport the Mall throughout the year! Bring canned food and help construct a giant ReflectionsINSIDE on Paul D. Cohn, President, Jewish Federation of Reading Cindy Balchunas, Chair, Jewish Cultural Center Committee Passover CelebratingTammy K. Mitgang, Chanukah Executive Director, Jewish Federationby helping of Reading/Jewish Culturalthe Center hungry Shalom“CANORAH” The Journal of the Reading Jewish Community PublishedAll the as cans willa becommunity donated to the Jewish Family service Service Food Pantry. by the Jewish Federation of Reading, Pa. Page 12 It’s just about time for Chanukah, and of Berks County and Boscov’s. ourThere community’s is annual no “Chanukah free at thelunch — or is there? This is one of several local activities Volume 40 No.Mall” 3 celebration will be held in advanceM ARCh 2010 taking placeAdar-Nisan to mark the holiday. 5770 onBy thePaul holiday D. Cohn with a new twist. County Jews have gone to the JCC’s preschool to lookReform at all expenditures,Congregation making Oheb sure Sholom that we FreeJewishINSIDE Jewish Food FederationThe community president will gather Dec. 15 for its excellent learning curriculum.Many times willare beingbe hosting good stewards a Latke Shabbatof your contributions. on Friday, FestivalProgrambooks draws for at nearThe the 2010Boscov’s Jewish entrance inside the the preschool is a gateway for Jewish families in Dec.We are 23, making the progressnight before in all areas Chanukah of your Alvernia to BerkshireFederationEllen Azrael, Mall JewishLarry toRotenberg Annual build aand “canorah,” Hilde Gernsheimer a Berks County, where they can meet and make officiallyFederation. begins. We are The now event in a positionis open toto focusboth kidsFreecommunity available Jewish 1100 BerkshireYou CAN light Boulevard menorahCampaign made is under out of way. cansPhoto of by food Jeremy that Drey: will Courtesyfriends of with Reading other Eagle Jewish families. In addition, memberson those programsand nonmembers. and services See thatPage our 9 booksfocusthrough foron Ellen Azrael, Larry Rotenberg and Hilde Gernsheimer up a life - Feed togetherpeace beThis donated campaign to the isJewish the Family Service since the school is open to everyone, it provides forcommunity details wantson how and to needs. make a reservation kidsFederation available It’s beenPhoto by Jeremy an Drey: incredible Courtesy of Reading theEagleyear. 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Dec. 25For at those 5 p.m., of youChabad who is toprograms finish building and services the “canorah” that and watch torequested bringing programs vibrancyBerkshire andto Mall our services.Lectures, heritage. hostingoften. Seniors a kosher do Chinese enjoy the buffet, company menorah and Page 3 Federationuse the Chairman Center regularly ormask from the ‘time darkest to time’,side of we human always appreciate your visits and encourage your feedback. Federations Byithelp being Paul Jews D.lit. in Cohn our community and abroad.and Mostpolitical films,context,Together discussion nothing (Boscov’swe “CAN”groups,can entrance) makeand holiday a difference! events are lightingfriendship and that movie our services screening. provide. 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JewishIsrael,” Again, saidcountries a Itzik.special who “Ithank wantlaugh you to move to Israel, or who say “thank you.”until For2013. those Also, of you in 2013,who are Itzik still needs to study the Holocaust. attempt to twist the truth of what actually Trudy Katz and Ellen Azrael David, Larry and Alison Rotenberg organizationeventscommunity? leading upIn hetheaddition, Holocaustcreated JFS and in provides rememberingto Hilde, an Ellen andhave Larry seriousmy for first sharing needs few their in their own country. waiting to pledge,received I am the asking prestigious for your Newhelp. try Althoughto put these one events can into study historical the happened.thoughts and Again, memories a special with thank us. you Jewish Family events2000outreach leadingthat program provides up the and Holocaust actsfree aslegal and a clearinghouse toyears Hilde, Ellen in andthis LarryAs new I mentionedfor sharingcountry. their above, Trudy the Katz funds and raised EllenPhotos Azrael by by PleaseBarbara pledgeDavid,NazimovIsrael Larry now. except Fund and As asAlison youUK noted haveHumanRotenberg previously Rights Service assistancefor other agencies to thousands in our area. of As economicLearning tothe fit Campaignin, to be Israelirepresent the largest portion of heard me say,Award, Jews an have honor a givenrich tradition to Israeli of try to put these events into historical thoughts and memories with us. Photos by Barbara Nazimov except as noted 2010 totals EthiopianconditionsYashek haveimmigrants worsened, lecture a year.JFS has towas seen suchfocus an athe challenge.” Federation’s on France budget. Last year you helped leading by example.human rights All of activists.us, no matter how as ofPage Feb. 8 19 Tebekaincrease is in Amharic people lookingfor “advocate for help. A short contributetime later, $600,000 he was to the Campaign. A few large or small theHe contribution, is studying have at Bara chance Ilan of justice.”• Lakin Early Education Centerwelcomed – JCC’s atyears Yemin ago, Orde our CampaignYouth was over $1 million. to become leaders.University It all addsfor anup. Alladvanced of us can YashekThis year’s lectureRichard J. Yashek to focusefforts to better on understand France these preschoolItzik is well-knownand kindergarten throughout have a longVillage, history whereSo you he can developed see that ourfirst annual Ethiopian campaign Israelis is tochange attend the lawworld degree for the better.that will enable Jewish lecture will be held Thursday, May terrible events actually accomplished Israelof providing for hisquality leadership education in a nurturing,self-confidence, more importantindependence than ever. its The law Federation school. hasIn 2007,Free he lunch…I him to don’t become think aso. law It isprofessor worth its Community 6, Thisat 8 p.m.year’s in RichardMemorial J. Chapel Yashek at effortstheir aims? to better Or haveunderstand they actually these advocatingpositive environment. for education Many generations and and of Berks leadership taken steps skills to help and reduce received our expenses a scholarship and weightto study in gold.and teach in one of Israel’s Campaign lectureAlbright will College. be held The Thursday, speaker will May be terribledistorted events historical actually understanding accomplished job opportunities for Ethiopian- learned to embrace and respect for a Master’s degree in law universities. $110,708 6,Richard at 8 p.m. J. Golsan, in Memorial Ph.D., aChapel professor at theirand aims?challenged Or have the theynotion actually of the Israelis. He is especially noted his Ethiopian cultural identity. at the American University’s “It is a great privilege to 2016 totals Albrightof French College. at Texas The A&M speaker University. will be distorteduniqueness historical of the Holocaust understanding as well as 2010 totals for his achievements in the fields “My time at Yemin Orde as a Washington College of Law in count myself among the social RichardHe is the J. Golsan, author Ph.D.,or editor a professor of more andthe terriblechallenged singularity the ofnotion the fate of ofthe its asas ofof Nov.April 1719 of civil and human rights, and his high school student was one of Washington, D.C. entrepreneurs who chose to 2010 totals ofthan French a dozen at Texas books. A&M He hasUniversity. been a uniquenessvictims? This of lecturethe Holocaust will explore as well these as story reflects an arduous path the happiest times of my life,” “I had to close many make use of their education as of April 19 Hevisiting is the professor author orat theeditor Sorbonne of more in theissues terrible through singularity a discussion of the fate of recent of its Jewish from the ancient communities he said. “Yemin Orde will always academic gaps, and my Hebrew and status to improve society,” Jewish Community thanParis, a wheredozen hebooks. taught He courses has been on the a victims?works of This literature lecture and will filmexplore as thesewell as Community of Ethiopia to the knowledge- be my home.” was not quite sufficient to study said Itzik. “I feel privileged to be CampaignJewish visitingmemory professor of World at War the SorbonneII in postwar in issuesthe 1990’s through trials a ofdiscussion French citizens of recent on Campaign based and technology-driven After graduation, Dessie law,” Itzik said. “But, as I was able to be a part of the change Community Paris,French where literature he taught and coursesculture. on the workscharges of ofliterature crimes againstand film humanity as well foras $443,459 economy of Israel. He arrived served in Israel’s army as its taught at Yemin Orde, I worked I wish to see.” Campaign memoryFor moreof World than War three II in decadespostwar thecomplicity 1990’s trialsin the of Final French Solution. citizens on $273,000 alone at the age of 13 after first Ethiopian combat medic. hard.” Yemin Orde is supported by *Includes transfers from FrenchFrance literature has been and preoccupied culture. with chargesThe oflecture crimes is against held in humanity memory for of making a seemingly-impossible Following military service, he After completing his law local dollars through the Israel Donor$273,000 Advised Funds traumaticFor more moments than three and eventsdecades of complicityRichard J. inYashek, the Final a Holocaust Solution. survivor 800-mile trek, at times on foot, attended the University of Haifa degree, he interned at the Haim Now campaign of the Jewish Franceits recent has past. been Butpreoccupied have national with andThe longtime lecture Berks is held County in memory resident. of fromtraumatic Ethiopia, moments north into and Sudan events andof Richardin 1993, J. Yashek,was one a Holocaust of the survivorZakok & Co. law firm in Tel Aviv. Federation of Reading. 2010 totals its recent past. But have national and longtime Berks County resident. as of Feb. 19 Jewish Community Campaign $110,708 Page 2 SHALOM December 2016 Federation is making a difference locally and around the world By Richard Nassau Chanukah bazaars and honor their the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian • The poorest Jews in the world, Development Director past through memorial programs and assistance organization working in including isolated elderly, at-risk families, “I can’t believe that services. Israel and in 70 countries, including and vulnerable children someone who doesn’t There are also differences. The Greece. JDC’s work with the Greek • Jewish communities around the know us would want Athens Jewish community, like most Jewish community is well documented. globe building their future, wherever to help.” These words of Greece, has felt the impact of the Fifty years ago JDC was helping the they may be were spoken by Taly financial crisis and economic recession. community become self-sustaining, • Israel’s most disadvantaged Mair, director of the Many of their members are unemployed equipping Jewish elementary schools, citizens, including at-risk children and Jewish Community and a large portion is elderly, including providing vocational training, and youth, the elderly, immigrants, and of Athens, Greece. many Holocaust survivors. cultivating community leaders to ensure people with disabilities Athens is probably not the first place Their institutions are also struggling. a viable Jewish future in Greece. • Victims of natural disasters and you think about when making your Their synagogues, Jewish school, a Today in the wake of the economic humanitarian emergencies contribution to our annual campaign. Yet cultural center, and a soup kitchen are crisis, JDC is continuing to work with the Taly Mair, “The fact that we are it is because of your annual support of on the brink of closure. They’ve also local Jewish community to supply food, supported by JDC … gives us strength the Jewish Federation of Reading that in experienced firsthand a dramatic rise shelter, and other relief services to the and optimism, making us feel that we places like Athens there is a community in anti-Semitism. elderly. JDC is providing social services are not alone. And hopefully, we never where Jews can come together and In response the Athens Jewish for children, young families, and others will be.” organizations where Jews can turn to community sought assistance from thrust into poverty by job loss or severely The Athens Jewish Community, like for help. Federation’s international partners. reduced incomes. many Jewish communities, is being The number of Jews in the Greek Partner organizations such as the JDC is again building for tomorrow helped because of you. Thank you for capital is approximately the same as Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), by helping educate young Greek Jews, your support of Federation. the number of Jews in Berks County. along with the Jewish Agency for Israel supporting their participation in regional You can make your annual There are many similarities between our and other international Jewish relief leadership retreats and by providing campaign gift, helping both local and two communities. Athens, like Reading, groups. These organizations are able scholarships to camp programs. Their international Jewish communities at is a tight-knit community where the to respond because of your support goal is to ensure Athens has an informed www.readingjewishcommunity.org. people care about each other and care of the Reading Federation. Jews are and energetic group of young community Federations touch more Jewish lives about the Jewish people. They provide responsible for each other, and so part leaders. than any other organization in the world. food and clothes, social services, and of your annual contribution is allocated The Jewish Federation of Reading Contact us for more information support for people who are in need. by us to organizations like the JDC. and partner organizations such as the about the JDC or the global work of the They celebrate holidays together, hold The Joint Distribution Committee is Joint Distribution Committee serve: Jewish Federation of Reading. IRA Charitable Rollover can be good for you, and Federation

Anyone 70½ and over who has an taxable income if the distribution is is to instruct your IRA administrator in staff as needed. Individual Retirement Account (IRA) made directly to the charity. This tax- writing to distribute any amount, up to This material is presented for should consider how the IRA Charitable free distribution of up to $100,000 is $100,000, from your IRA to the Jewish informative purposes only and should Rollover can benefit themselves and available for donors who itemize and Federation of Reading. Many plans have not be construed as legal, tax or financial make a meaningful gift to the Reading those who do not. standard forms you can use to make this advice. When considering gift planning Jewish community, in addition to saving Distributions from an IRA directly to gift. Qualified Charitable Distributions strategies, you should always consult taxes. the Federation may be used in many take time to process, so don’t wait to get with your own legal, tax and financial IRA assets are among the most highly ways, including creating a permanent started. You can also contact Federation advisors. taxed. Making a Qualified Charitable endowment fund. In recent years, Distribution (the term used in the law) our donors have used these IRA from an IRA directly to the Federation, distributions to directly benefit our Contributing gifts of securities before year-end, is an opportunity Jewish community. Distributions may donors often overlook. not be made to a donor advised fund, Your charitable contribution to the to Federation before Dec. 31. Distributions from your IRA may supporting a private foundation or for a Jewish Federation can be made with a If you choose to contribute mutual save taxes because the distribution life income plan such as a gift annuity gift of long-term appreciated securities fund shares to the Federation, you counts toward your Required Minimum or remainder trust. — i.e. stocks, bonds and/or mutual will receive the same tax advantages Distribution but is not included in your The easiest way to make this gift funds that have realized significant as if you donated appreciated stock. appreciation over time. It is one of the However, because of the complexities most tax-efficient ways to give. involved in the transfer of mutual fund Making a gift using appreciated shares, we encourage you to begin securities generally offers a two-fold the transfer process well in advance of EnGage tax savings. First, because Federation Dec. 31. is a charitable organization, when A stock broker or trust officer can you make a gift of securities you arrange to transfer a year-end gift in new friendships. avoid paying any capital gains tax of securities from your account to on the increase in the value of the the Federation. Have them contact securities you transfer. Second, Federation, 610-921-0624, for details. gifts of appreciated securities are This material is presented for fully deductible (subject to certain informative purposes only and should limitations) for the full fair market value not be construed as legal, tax, or of the securities at the time of the gift. financial advice. When considering gift To qualify for these year-end planning strategies and year-end gift deductions, make sure you have owned opportunities, you should always consult the securities for more than one year with your own legal, tax, or financial and your gift of securities is delivered advisors. State strikes blow against BDS

The Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition Matt Handel. (PJC) commends Gov. Tom Wolf and Pennsylvania is the 14th state to have the state General Assembly for passing enacted such a law. and signing legislation to combat the The PJC believes in the importance discriminatory boycott, divestment, or of standing up against all forms of bigotry sanction (BDS) movement that unfairly in our society, including anti-Semitism. targets the United States’ democratic The BDS movement against Israel is ally, Israel. House Bill 2107 prohibits based on a clear message of hate and the Department of General Services intolerance due to its imposing of double from signing procurement contracts with standards against the world’s only Jewish companies that participate in BDS. This state. bipartisan legislation was overwhelmingly “The Pennsylvania House and Senate passed by the House and Senate, and (especially their leadership) were critical was signed by Gov. Tom Wolf as Act in the movement and passage of this 610-775-2300 163 of 2016. The PJC wishes to thanks legislation,” Handel said. “The PJC 2000 Cambridge Ave. our state elected officials for making this would also like to thank the Jewish Wyomissing statement in support of Israel. Federations throughout Pennsylvania for At The Highlands “Anti-BDS legislation is the next their support, guidance, and grassroots step after the enactment of Iran free effort to keep this issue in the forefront of procurement in 2014, and terror-free our elected officials to see this bill through TheHighlands.org A member of Reading Health System investment in 2010,” said PJC Chairman to enactment.” October 2012 SHALOM Page 3 December 2016 SHALOM Page 3 LookingFrom the President’s forward Desk to a great New Year DON’T MISS OUT By Alvin Katz in need. Providing food, assistance with visit, among other sites, Yemin Orde, and Be sure to pick up the October Chairman expenses and many other aspects of getting Meir Panim, which we support through OurI want to takecommunity’s this those less fortunate role back on intheir feet. the your contributions. wake Yemin Ordeof is a youththe electionBerks County Living magazine featuring a special timeBy William to wish allD. ofFranklin you a Ourgovernment ܁nance committeeand its leaders has can been or workingwill villagedirected in theagainst Carmel the mountains State of nearIsrael Haifa and Preserving and strengthening our veryPresident Happy and Sweet overtimebe able to ensuring repair the that economic our funds and are social well whichthe Jewish caters community to youth in emanatingneed, providing from liberalsupplement democracy produced must continue by the to be NewRegardless Year. of caredrift that and has accounted occurred. for.We Imust also continuewant to themthe political with shelter, left, asemotional expressed support through and a goalJewish for ourFederation community. of Reading.As Jews, we howAs onewe enter voted, into the recognizeto work to Tammy ensure Mitgang that our and government her entire anthe excellent BDS Movement education. and Meir from Panim religious, is, for are deeply invested in the success of the NewAmerican Year, we Jewish reflect Federation/JCCofficials, at all stafflevels, who continue work tirelessly to be theethnic lack and of aracial better groups description, on campus similar and to AmericanSpecial enterprise. thanks Itto is Campaignincumbent on our oncommunity what iswe uncertain have forcommitted you. to fairness for all. Your whatbeyond. we wouldAcross call the a soupglobe kitchen and within but with the communityCo-Chairs and Howard its institutions & Victoria to ensure accomplished this past As we enter the New Year, I am happy to a different concept. Here those in need can about the impact of Federation has expanded programs to United Nations, this assault on Jews, the futureHafetz of ourfor democracyspearheading by joining the with yearthe Trumpand what presidency. challenges lie ahead for us announcereach out andthat wework have with a different Mission tominority Israel getJudaism hot meals and that the are State SERVED of Israel to them, needs not others in advancing the public interest and inMany the coming of the year. issues Your Federation has thisgroups month in inour conjunction community. with We the need Allentown your cafeteriato take priority. style as Wehere must in the encourage States, so that the inproject, promoting which the general raised welfare. $19,200 for providedwere reflective many interesting of programs and Federation.help in supporting With the numbers these participating,efforts and theyTrump don’t administration feel like they are to getting strengthen a handout. the Federation!We will be Seecelebrating Page 7 forChanukah a list speakersconstituencies this past that year. are We have attended thishelping should identify be a verykey worthwhilemembers ofMission. these InWashington-Jerusalem addition, Meir Panim serves partnership. thousands soonof — advertisers a holiday of lightand thatpatrons. falls at the togeographically those less fortunate, and culturallymaintained detached our state Theycommunities will be visiting for us many to collaboratesites and meeting with. of hotThis meals may to be schoolchildren a critical juncture throughout in our darkest time of the year. We are and will certi܁edfrom our Jewish Nursery community. School. However, We completed withIt will some be essential well-known for usnames to continue in Israel to Israelnational and saga. maintains Our valuesa Goodwill-like didn’t change, facility continueLook for to itbe at a local light retailersunto our andnation awe very also successful have a role Gratz to play College in healing program the politicswork in and coalition military. with I feel others certain to that respond many toour help government furnish clothing did. and If furniture we fought to those to and the world. As part of advancing for our teenagers and a wonderful senior if not all of them will return with a better in need. For both of these organizations and libraries and at the Berks Encore social fractures of our nation. Assaults to potential challenges. enact things last year, we should fight theSenior great Expo American Oct. 23 story, at BodyZone. Jews have program.on the pluralistic Our Jewish and Family diverse Service character has understandingA key initiative of Israel will andbe to its continue position into Jewsto protect throughout them the this world year. who Ifreceive we stood your worked across party lines and with those againof this done society a wonderful threaten job thehelping tenets those of thecombat world rising and theanti-Semitism. Middle East. AsThey Jews, will support,for certain I thank things you. before Nov. 8, nothing with whom we may have had political FromAmerican the democracy.President’s Many Desk in this we must push back against the threats of that happened on that Tuesday suggests disagreements in order to achieve what country are financially in trouble, fearful political hate on the right. However, our that the will of the Jewish American is best for this nation, and we will do so Beingof the future and Alma do not trust that the community must mobilize to offset attacks community has changed. again! ByMessage Tammy K. from Mitgang the Chair East troubled her, and she knew that ground in Ethiopia — the Jewish Agency bears their name, and as the ܁rst female President life for Israel — though it is a ܁rst-­world for Israel and the American Jewish Joint President of the Jewish Federation of AAlma heartwarming Lakin would be economy show like the of USA, community was dif܁cult and Distribution warmth Committee (JDC) and — feared Reading, caring she and Dan Tannenbaum, the ܁rst to pooh-­pooh complicated. for the Ethiopian Jewish community’s an executive director of the Federation, anyBy Haia notion Mazuz that she evening.When TheI interviewed first clip washer a forBugs a videoBunny safetymuch outwhen of us rebel all, noforces matter threatened whom we brokeredin the company a partnership of some withvery herimportant alma wasFederation amazing, Chair special thatcartoon recognized parody ofher a Wagnerand her opera. husband, The tosupported. overrun Mengistu Haile-Mariam’s mater,recipients Albright of William College, Davidson that generosity, would or thatMeir she and inspired I signed the Ed’svolume community was so low, service none of and us werethe CommmunistNow to a different government. kind of event I invite establishincluding the the Israel Holocaust Museum inLibrary Jerusalem. and extraordinaryup for an evening in others. of establishmentable to understand of the what Holocaust was going Library on. youWhat to consider followed attending was one with of theme. most ResourceDavidson Center and onthree the campus.college friends Petite,the top big 100 hearted comedy and andThere Resource ensued Centera scramble at Albright to remedy College, the dramaticOn Sunday rescue Jan.operations 15, the in FriendsIsrael’s (JakeBeing being Alma one meant of them) tireless stayed service fast deliberate,clips at the time JCC spent on shesituation, did not with talk several about her“mavens” efforts pitchingto raise history.of Chamber Over 34Music hours (FOCM) and four Readingminutes, andfriends no after fanfare college — . You certainly may read no about pictures withSaturday Alma wasevening never moneyin to help and out. resettle It took Soviet close Jews to half in our an 34is presentingIsraeli cargo in and concert passenger David planes Kim ifDavidson she was and expected the foundation to be atin them.http:// aboutNov. 19. her. community.hour before Instead,a solution she was spoke found. of howThe worked(concertmaster around the ofclock, the airlifting Philadelphia 14,310 Accoladeswilliamdavidson.org/our-founder/. were not her style; but she SheWe caredarrived about at 6 others — strangers, thrilledmovie wasshe wasconnected to meet to with the Natanscreen and on EthiopianOrchestra) Jewsand Friends to Israel for thefrom fourth Addis in wasJake not was without a warm , outgoing opinion man — with thoughtful familyp.m. to and find friends. the main And she worked to Avitalthe wall Sharanksyin the small adjacent — refuseniks room. Folks who at Ababa.its series Alma of worldwould class have chamberbeamed having music anda radiant at times, smile determined. and great sense But, no of humor.matter improvespace filled the with world long — here at home, in extraordinarypitched in helping personal to bring risk chairs and into sacri܁ce the heardconcerts MK Sholomoeach season. Molla’s Moreincredible details life whatHe was she talentedput her efforts as a behind,builder, youmusician could Israeltables, and and around60 members the world. of the communityWhen you helpedroom. Skeptics to spark consideringand later ignite skipping a global the storyabout that this heevent credits are below.to the work of the be(playing sure that clarinet), she was righta photographer by your side, wereof all ageswith Alma,gathering it was for aall deli about dinner you, and it movementshowing, but to eventuallyfree Soviet most Jewry. headed Between into FederationThe connection system betweenthat saved FOCM his life.and workingand woodworker. hand in hand During with you the and monthothers waschuckles. you who were front and center and 1990the room. and 1997,Several Federation’s others stayed Operation in the (seeJFR ispage that 5)both were awarded a sizeable toof doJanuary great things.there will be photographic madeIt wasto feel heartwarming special. to see the Exoduslarger room campaign continuing nationally the social raised banter. $1 grantAlma by theshared William her Davidsonexcitement Foundation and pride exhibitAlma of considered works by andherself about privileged Jake at wideAlma range believed of ages that werepresented are responsible that billionWhat ato warm rapidly gathering rescue and of community resettle more on that(WDF) helped in memory to raise of Jake nearly Krumholz $1 million after tothe have WCR enjoyed Center so for much the arts, of life. the One venue of forevening. each other Lines according formed tofor the the principles dinner, thana cold, one wet million winter Soviet night. Jews in Israel and locallyhe died toward in Septemer the capital 2015. campaign His widow, that herfor thefavorite concert. memories was crossing over ofand chesed we spent (caring half anand hour compassion), eating and NorthWe America. are a warm PS and– Alma caring marched community with wouldArlene, build was theapproached U.S. Holocaust by a college Memorial friend intoContact Jordan whenme at the mazuzorchim@aol. borders with Israel Torahchatting. (Jewish Eventually learning), Amanda tikkun Hornberger olam othersand the in vibeour community that night onwas the wonderful. National Museumof Jake’s askingin Washington, where she America’swould want werecom ifreopened. you cannot “To attend think, theshe concert would (repairingintroduced the the word) program, and tzedakah and we thought (social MallThis inwas Washington a relief afterduring a onenasty of andthe nationaldonations institution in Jake’s for memory the documentation, directed and reminisce;but would like “that to see we the along photographs with other on justice).we were And heading her life wastoward an embodiment a hilarious largestcontentious marches election in American campaign history. Thattook studyshe suggested and interpretation FOCM and of JFR. Holocaust We are Federationexhibit subsequent mission-goers, weekends met in with January. King of those principles. rally would become a turning point in this history. She reଂected on the mixture of Hussein. Ed and I were so fortunate.” She believed in the bold collective movement. raindrops and tears that fell the night of Her family was her heart. She ofImpoverished Federation and knew that together Holocaust She spoke about the survivor unity of the its dedication couple as she, Ed and rescued others from considered just a better in timeworld, her we could mobilize ܁nancial and social Jewish world that resulted in the our community donned their construction responsibility and life — a special reward. resourcesWith 60,000 that couldHolocaust rescue survivors Jews, Operation Solomon rescue mission that hatsthe socialand toured worker the vastbrought and importanta lonely Iand think stock those oftheir us who new knew refrigerator Alma were strengthenin Israel living the Jewishbelow thepeople poverty and took place in May 1991. The state of structure.couple to the attention of Meir thewith truly fresh the fortunate food and ones. pre-cooked literally,line, social change workersthe world. are unable Israel, together with Jewish Federation Panim.At home in Berks County, the JCC’s meals,”Alma Lakin Sternbuch passed away continued. Aug. 27 at to Thekeep ongoing up with turbulence demand in the to Middle care of North America’s major partners on the LakinBoth Early HolocaustEducation Center survivors, preschool the“These age of volunteers82. also provide for this aging population. Meir 87-year-old Rivka from Poland much-needed company and check Panim, Israel’s premier charity and 91-year-old Jacob from the on the couple’s welfare.” organization, has been stepping former Soviet Union, were lacking Now that this couple has come Federationin where government aid missionis not to Israel beginsbasic necessities Oct. such 21 as food to the attention of Meir Panim, enough. and were living in squalor. Without children are sent to their home A joint mission composed of chaired by Michael and Susan Fromm and Berks County will be joining the group purpose and heightened appreciation “Meir Panim’s Or Akiva branch children or family and suffering to entertain and visit them during community members from the Reading Victor and Dena Hammel. In addition to on the mission. and connection to Jewish identity. in northern Israel is known by city from physical disabilities, they holidays. Older volunteers fill area and the Lehigh Valley will leave for Mitgang, Jayne Kleinman, Cultural Center The Reading Jewish community has Mission participants will visit Reading’s officials as the place to turn for rely on each other to navigate with their prescriptions and deliver Israel Oct. 21. program director and Mark Goldstein, bene܁ted from teaming with the seasoned Israel Now projects — two important help when government staff and difficulty through their day. medications directly to them. This For the Reading community, it is the Executive Director of Jewish Federation of mission-goers from the Allentown area humanitarian efforts that both save aid run short,” explained Goldie “As soon as Ilanit heard the relieves some of the couple’s ܁rst mission the Federation has ledin the Lehigh Valley will staff the mission. and Lehigh Valley Federation’s “well- and change lives — Yemin Orde Youth Sternbuch, Director of Overseas beyond the call of duty to help story, she enlisted her team of loneliness and isolation. more than 15 years. A goal of Federation Rabbi Brian Michelson from oiled” mission process. Village in the Carmel Mountains and Meir Relations for Meir Panim. “Branch everyone in need.” volunteers to jump into action,” “There is a tremendous need President Tammy Mitgang and Federation Congregation Oheb Sholom and Rabbi “Mark Goldstein and his staff have Panim’s new nutrition center in Kiryat manager Ilanit Hafuta goes way With that outstanding reputation, said Sternbuch. “They revamped to help Holocaust survivors, and leadership, the Reading mission is co- Yosef Lipsker, Chabad-Lubavitch of created over the years a network of Gat, where the community will dedicate the couple’s entire apartment. This the welfare system does not have resources and processes that have the kitchen that was made possible was more than just for aesthetics. enough resources, personnel bene܁ted our community — newbies, thanks to the Reading community’s They had gas canisters directly or time to handle every case,” if you will, when it comes to mission funding efforts. next to their stove which could explained Sternbuch. “Meir Panim planning. And, we are neighbors. The The dedication will be a big thank you SHALOM have exploded at any moment. staff, unlike social workers who A newspaper serving the Jewish community of Reading, Pennsylvania, mission project is just the start of future to our community and a proud moment. A newspaper serving the Jewish community of Reading, Pennsylvania, Everything had to be redone for work set hours, work all hours of and published monthly, September through June, under the Jewish joint efforts,” Mitgang said. With two out of every ܁ve children in and published monthly, September through June, under the Jewish their safety as well as for their the day and night in emergency Federation of Reading. Funded by the Reading United Jewish Campaign. There are many details that need Israel living below the poverty line, Federation of Reading. Funded by the Reading United Jewish Campaign. dignity.” situations. People know that they to be addressed when moving a group Meir Panim’s network of soup kitchens, The help did not stop there. Meir can count on us.” General Offices: 1100 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 125 of more than 50 people across Israel. restaurants and feeding centers, ensure General Offices: 1100 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 125 Panim went above the call of duty Or Akiva social workers have Wyomissing, PA 19610 Jewish Federation of North America’s warm, nutritious meals for thousands of Wyomissing, PA 19610 to ensure that the couple would live informed Meir Panim of a large Phone: 610-921-0624 FAX: 610-929-0886 Missions Department and its staff in children and families every day. Phone: 610-921-0624 FAX: 610-929-0886 out their final years in a respectful group of Holocaust survivors in Web site: www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org Israel along with Kenes Tours will further At Yemin Orde, the group is anxious to Web site: www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org fashion. Meir Panim provided need. “As long as we have the ensure that each and every day of the see ܁rsthand the progress that has been Jewish Federation of Reading them with walkers and orthopedic resources we will help with our Jewish Federation of Reading mission is maximized. made at the village since the wild܁res Chairman: Alvin Katz mattresses. A safety bar was whole hearts and souls,” said Chairman: Haia Mazuz Federation missions are travel devastated it in 2010. President: Tammy K. Mitgang installed in their bathtub. They were Sternbuch. “Meir Panim takes President: William D. Franklin experiences unlike any other. Along The group is honored that Chaim Peri, Communications Director: Mark Nemirow, Editor also given essential appliances, personal responsibility for everyone Communications Director: Mark Nemirow, Editor with visits to historic and sacred sites, beloved educator and director of Yemin Proofreaders: Esther Strauss & Federation staff including a new washing machine that comes to our door. We provide Proofreaders: Federation staff museums and popular tourist destinations, Orde for 30 years, will personally be hosting Member: American Jewish Press Association and refrigerator. help in a holistic manner.” Member: American Jewish Press Association Federation missions provide exclusive, the group during a tour and lunch. The opinions expressed in Shalom are of the writers and not the Jewish Federation of Reading “Because it is so difficult for Meir Panim is supported by local insider access to residents, community Young people from the village will join The opinions expressed in Shalom are of the writers and not the Jewish Federation of Reading this couple to get to Meir Panim’s dollars through the Israel Now leaders, area experts, and political the group for the tour and share their Deadline for the November issue is Oct. 5 local restaurant-style soup kitchen, campaign of the Jewish Federation personalities and provide a sense of experiences. Next deadline, Dec. 5 volunteers come three times a week of Reading. Page 4 SHALOM December 2016 JCHS students get taste of museum in advance of trip By Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner to ask “why” were they brought to Reading JCHS Director America: muffin tins, an embroidered What did it take to be a Jewish table runner, a composition notebook, 3 immigrant to the U.S. between 1890 school attendance cards, a flag, the Oath and 1920? “The Traveling Suitcase” of Allegiance and more. is designed to support and enhance a On Dec. 11, the Jewish Community visit to Philadelphia’s National Museum High School is sponsoring a trip to the of American Jewish History (NMAJH). museum and nearby Mikveh Israel. Students from the Jewish Community Mikveh Israel is the oldest continually High School of Reading were introduced functioning synagogue in North America, to “Eva Baen,” a young Jewish immigrant founded in 1740. Program participants to Philadelphia in 1913 by Barbara Mollin will be treated to a buffet luncheon Lerner, a docent from NMAJH. featuring foods from various Sefardi “The Traveling Suitcase” program is regional sources. sent to potential visitors to the museum The trip, free for Jewish teens, is open and familiarizes students with the realities to all community members at a cost of faced by many immigrants who came to $40. RSVP requested by Dec. 1 to 610- the United States at the turn of the 20th 921-0624. century. Guest teachers Barbara was invited to visit JCHS Rabbi Brian Michelson inaugurated a to prepare for the Dec. 11 trip of Better JCHS class teaching “Sex in the Texts/” Together Seniors, our teens and other for our second mini-mester, which runs members of the Reading Jewish through Jan. 22. He is the first of our community to NMAJH and Mikveh Israel community Rabbis who have volunteered Synagogue. She trained as a docent to each teach for a mini-mester. As Rabbi for two years before the museum’s new Michelson described his course to the facility opened in 2010 and has been students: serving them for a number of years since. Judaism, in its more than 4,000-year She is also married to Rabbi Dov. history, has had an astonishing breadth Our JCHS students spent Nov. in its perceptions on every aspect of 20 walking in Eva’s shoes by piecing our sexual lives. We will start with the together aspects of her life, using book of Genesis and explore Talmud Eva’s personal objects and documents and other rabbinic sources that are not — from a suitcase similar to what usually discussed in the classroom, to contained the sole surviving possessions discover what does Judaism teach about of immigrants to America. Program sex and interpersonal relationships. We participants were encouraged to analyze will examine and discuss topics such and discuss challenges faced by Jewish as sexuality, love, dating, marriage, and Eastern European immigrants in adultery, and abortion. We will see how the early 20th century. The suitcase our ancient tradition can teach us about included primary source documents, the world of the 21st century. prompting a discussion of what “papers” Calendar note were important for immigration, ranging There will be no classes on Dec. 25 from money to a passport. Items included and Jan. 1. JCHS returns from winter about which students were encouraged break on Jan. 8. Barbara Mollin Lerner meets with JCHS students to discuss the National Museum of American Jewish History. PJ Library: Chanukah story time at Barnes & Noble in Wyomissing

By Amanda J. Hornberger & Noble in Wyomissing on Sunday, Chanukah-themed craft. your child for PJ Library? Please email Get ready to celebrate Chanukah at Dec. 18, at 11 a.m. We’ll be reading All children through age 8 are Amanda at [email protected] for a special PJ Library story time at Barnes special Chanukah stories and doing a welcome to attend this fun, FREE event! sign up instructions. Please RSVP to Amanda by Friday, Dec. Current PJ Library parents are Obituaries originally from Philadelphia. Miriam’s 16, at [email protected] or call encouraged to make sure their email great love was playing and listening 610-921-0624. address is accurate so they receive the Mitchell Brenner, 84, of Flying to classical music. She also enjoyed Are you interested in signing up latest in PJ Library information. Hills, PA. He is survived by his wife reading. She is survived by her two Marlene and his two sons, Jack and daughters; Debbie and her husband, Dr. Keith Brenner. He is also survived by Jeffrey Frank, of Wyomissing; and Wendy his sister Rhoda Baker. and her husband, Gene Rindner. Other --- survivors include her three grandchildren Miriam Linker, 95, of Wyomissing, and four great-grandchildren. ATTENTION ACTORS AND PUBLIC SPEAKERS:

The JFR/JCC is proud to produce a reading of the play “The Trial of Aaron” by Jesse Waldinger on April 22 at Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, directed by Vicki Haller Graff. We are looking for teen and adult actors (ages 15 - 115!) to play a variety of roles: • Joshua, the Judge. • Bailiff. • Hur, the prosecutor. (Male.) • Milcah, Aaron’s attorney. (Young adult female.) • Eldad, an elder, witness for the prosecution, expert on the Ten Commandments. • Azubah, a gentle 18-year-old girl, intern in Milcah’s office. • Imnah, a Levite, witness for the prosecution, hostile to Moses and Aaron. (Male, 30.) • Aaron, the defendant. • Foreman (or forelady) of the jury No experience or memorization necessary. Two or three rehearsals will be scheduled preceding the performance. Help with retirement planning at the JCC Questions? Interested? Please contact Vicki Jewish Family Service held a pair of programs in November to assist the community with retirement planning. The emphasis was on better understanding at [email protected] or 484-797-2156. Social Security and Medicare benefits. December 2016 SHALOM Page 5 Page 4 SHALOM December 2014

September 2015 SHALOM Page 5

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SERVE WARM MEALS. DELIVERBe MEDICINES. GIVEFEEDSERVE THE Be WARMHUGS HUNGRY. MEALS. TO SENIORS AGIVE DELIVERWORLDBe HOPE MEDICINES. TOapp THOUSANDS.AWAY GIVEFEEDh THE HUGS HUNGRY.app TO SENIORS. ier SECUREAGIVE WORLDh HOPEapp TOwi THOUSANDS.AWAYt hTHE yo ur . rFUTURE.Be eierfl ectBeion. a a hIt’s Rosh Hashanah. Thewi time whent weh all needyo to ur ierreflection. SECUREtake a deeper wilook. h THEur r FUTURE.fl ion. It’s Rosh Hashanah. Thet time when yowe all need to e ect If you’d like to brighten your reflection, here’s an inside tip. take a deeper look. BEFOREGive to Federation. You’ll be nurturing and sustaining ourBlessing people It’s Rosh Hashanah. The time when we all need to Ifwherever you’d like they’re to brighten in need. your Helping reflection, thousands here’sBlessing to anconnect inside totip. their BEFOREtake a deeper look. BEFOREGiveJewish to identityFederation. wherever You’ll there’s be nurturing a longing. and sustaining our people If you’d likewherever to brighten they’re your in need. reflection, Helping here’s thousands an inside to connecttip. to their In fact, you’ll be sweetening the new year BEFOREGive to Federation.Jewish identity You’ll wherever be nurturing there’s and a longing.sustaining our people for our entire global Jewish community. YOURwherever they’re in need. Helping thousands to connect to their InPlease fact, give you’ll as be generously sweetening as youthe newcan. year Jewish identity wherever there’s a longing. YOURforWhen our you entire look global in the Jewish mirror, community. you’ll YOUdefinitely like what you see! ItIn fact, takes you’llPlease be give sweetening as generouslyjust the new as a yearyou can. few moments. for our entireWhen global you look Jewish in the community. mirror, you’ll It takesYOUTo light justwww.JewishFederations.org the amenorah, few moments. and transform the evening with a blessing. ALARM Please givedefinitely as generously like what as youyou can.see! To light TotheWhen give youmenorah, look through in the mirror, and you’ll Federation, transform andthe eveningtransform with lives. a blessing. www.JewishFederations.org ALARM definitely like what you see! To give through Federation, and transform lives. FINISHwww.JewishFederations.org FINISHRemember Federation for your year-end giving. GOESRememberGOESWhen Federation you give forby yourDecember year-end OFF.OFF. 31st, giving. your gift may also be tax deductible. When youwww.yourfederationurl.com/linkhere give by December 31st, your gift may also be tax deductible. It only takes a few minutes to help seniors stay connected to community and continue living in their own homes, www.yourfederationurl.com/linkhereIt only takes a few minutes to help seniors stay connected to community and continue living in their own homes, Meanwhile,BREAKFAST.It only takes you’ll a few nurture minutes Jewish to change learning, lives in fund our communityfood banks, and offer around job thetraining world. Food— just banksa few forof the needy,solutions care Fed- Meanwhile,BREAKFAST.It only takes you’ll a few nurture minutes Jewish to change learning, lives in fund our communityfood banks, and offer around job thetraining world. Food— just banksa few forof the needy,solutions care Fed- for seniors,Visit Israel experienceswww.readingjewishcommunity.org for the young — these are just some of the solutions and donateFederation supportstoday with heart, eration supportsfor seniors, with Israel heart,experiences innovation for the young and decades— these are of just knowing some of thewhat solutions works. Federation It’s time: supports Donate. with Volunteer. heart, Get innovationeration and supports decades with of knowingheart, innovation what works. and decadesSeize the of moment: knowing Donate. what works. Volunteer. It’s time: Get Donate. involved. Volunteer. Get involved.involved.innovationYour linkYour and to link gettingdecades to Visitgetting ofstarted: knowingwww.readingjewishcommunity.org started: JewishFederations.org what JewishFederations.org works. Seize the moment: Donate. Volunteer. and donate Get involved. today. Your linkYour to linkgetting to getting started: started: JewishFederations.org JewishFederations.org

www.readingjewishcommunity.orgwww.readingjewishcommunity.org THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THETHETHE S TRENGTHS STRENGTHTRENGTH OF OFOF A APEOPLE. PEPEOPLEOPLE . . JeJewishwishFJeJewishwishFederations.org ederations.orgFederation Federation of Reading of Reading THTHEETHE P POWEROW POWERER OF OFOF COMMUNITY. COMMUNITY. COMMUNITY. PO Box 14925, Reading PA 19612 THE POWER OF COMMUNITY. jf ederations PO jfederations Box 14925, @jf ederations @jf ederationsReading PA 19612 610-921-0624610-921-0624 Please detach and return with payment to Jewish Federation, PO Box 14925, Reading PA 19612 Please detach and return with payment to Jewish Federation, PO Box 14925, Reading PA 19612 JFNA-Chanukah2016-PrintAds-8.5x11.indd 2 11/10/16 12:10 PM I want to help Federation make wishes come true this year. Here’s my tax-deductible gift to support Jewish Federation of Reading’s JFNA-Chanukah2016-PrintAds-8.5x11.inddI want to 2 help Federation2014 make Annual wishes Campaign come trueand makethis year. a world Here’s of difference my tax-deductible both near mygift own to homesupport and Jewishbeyond: Federation of Reading’s 11/10/16 12:10 PM 2014 Annual Campaign and make a world of difference both near my own home and beyond: Name______Address______Name______$______amount enclosed Checks payable to Jewish Federation Address______of Reading $______amountCredit Card: ___Discover enclosed ___Mastercard Checks payable ___Visa to Jewish Card Federation#______of Reading Exp. date______Security Code_____ Name on Card:______Signature______Credit Card: ___Discover ___Mastercard ___Visa Card #______Exp. date______Security Code_____ Name on Card:______Signature______Page 6 SHALOM December 2016 Save the Date: Join us for the 2017 Community Shabbat

By Amanda J. Hornberger strong roots will be our theme. community in December. together as a community for this annual On Feb. 10 our community will Chabad Lubavitch of Berks County Last year more than 200 community event is a special treat for community gather for its annual community will serve as the host for this year’s members attended our community members of all ages! Shabbat service and dinner. This year Community Shabbat. Specific details Shabbat, and our wish is that we will For questions or additional information, our community Shabbat will be held including a full dinner menu and have another large group joins us on Feb. please contact Amanda at amandah@ on Erev Tu B’Shevat, and trees and RSVP information will be mailed to the 10 for this special experience. Coming jfreading.org or 610-921-0624. Lancaster County author to deliver presentation at RCOS Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom cultural research after wave of murderous anti-Semitic “For one thing, she was lucky to will be hosting a presentation by Sherry of life and events pogroms descended upon the Jewish survive the pogroms and escape from Ostroff on her book “The Lucky One,” of the Pale of shtetls. Escape was the only way to Russia,” Ostroff said. “Secondly, she which tells the story of her family’s flight Settlement, a large survive.” was lucky to get into the United States from the pogroms in Russia. swath of land in Ostroff’s grandfather perished in based on American attitudes towards The program is scheduled for Western Russia, a pogrom, but 3-year-old Ita and her immigrants in the 1920’s and the Sunday, Dec. 4 at 11:15 a.m. It is where Jews were mother managed to escape, literally restrictive quota laws meant to keep suitable for audiences age 11 and older. forced to live for running out of Russia, facing danger Eastern European Jews out. And, Ostroff, a retired schoolteacher who centuries. around every corner. For six years, finally, she was lucky to have escaped lives in Lititz, Lancaster County. “The “My mother they lived in Romania, a country only the Holocaust which wiped out millions Lucky One” recounts the true story of her was born there in slightly less dangerous for Jews than of Jews from Eastern Europe. When my mother’s harrowing flight from Russia’s 1918,” Ostroff said. Russia, but finally they got permission mother and grandmother came to the infamous pogroms of the early 1900s. “So she was caught in the middle of two to come to the United States. The Great United States they corresponded with The story consists of the memories of revolutions, the first ending the tsarist Depression didn’t make their new life relatives still in Russia, but after World Ita, Ostroff’s mother, interspersed with regime, the second, a bloody civil in America easy, but – as Ostroff says War II and with the rise of McCarthyism, the author’s meticulous historical and war for control of the country. Wave – Ita was still lucky. they didn’t hear any more.” ‘Liam’s World’ photo exhibit opens at the JCC

By Amanda J. Hornberger his works on metal papers or solid metal. awards, and a work of his was one of 25 the Arts in Reading. This winter the JCC is pleased to Liam captures the inspiring yet simplistic accepted in a world-wide competition “Liam’s World” is on display at the host a collection of photography by Bill designs of natural elements. He enjoys in the Kiernan Gallery in Lexington, Va. JCC, and there will be an art opening on Harkins. Under the professional name working in the area of the abstract, Recently, Liam earned awards in the Thursday, Dec. 8, from 5-7 p.m. Light of Liam, Harkins has turned from film to artistically using macro lenses. Berks Senior Art Shows and in “The Art refreshments will be served that evening. digital photography, mostly processing Liam has been recognized with of Jazz” at the GoggleWorks Center for Come out and enjoy the photography! How high can you jump? Find out at next JCC youth event

By Amanda J. Hornberger dunking and Ninja course fun! trampoline fun from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Pick- members. Cost includes special required Get out some energy prior to Our group will meet at the Works, up is at 7:30 p.m. Kids will be separated jumping socks. All children are invited. Chanukah at the new Xtreme Air indoor 1109 Bern Road in Wyomissing, at 6 by size (46” tall & over are considered If you need financial assistance please trampoline center on Thursday, Dec. 22. p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22. Parents or adult jumpers and under 46” tall is a contact Sari Incledon at 610-921-0624. JCC youth in grades 1-8 are invited to guardians are required at drop-off to sign junior jumper). Please RSVP with payment to Brenda enjoy the trampoline jumping, foam pit waivers (if not completed prior to arrival) The cost is $8 per child for JCC by Monday, Dec. 19, at brendas@ diving, dodge-ball playing, basketball and then our group will have one hour of members and $10 per child for non- jfreading.org or 610-921-0624.

Food Festival a big hit at RCOS December 2016 SHALOM Page 7

Israeli doctors save Syrian lives as civil war rages Israel21c.com from my nation, who have been injured in Six-year-old “B” arrived at the Ruth the war. This is a touching humanitarian Rappaport Children’s Hospital in Rambam gesture and an opportunity to bridge Health Care Campus in early February between the nations and a hope for peace with injuries sustained in her country’s civil in more quiet times,” he said. war. She was then found to be suffering Throughout Israel’s history, doctors from a hematological disease and stayed have treated people regardless of their for treatment. On Aug. 21, her new Israeli ethnicity, even if their country was at friends – doctors, nurses, medical clowns war with Israel. Ziv doctors cared for and volunteers — held a farewell party and enemy soldiers and a Syrian pilot as far presented her with many gifts. back as the 1982 Lebanon war, hospital “I would lie if I said that I expected the officials said.“We’re saving lives, not with kind of humanity I discovered here,” B’s expectations for the future. We’re doing it mother said at the party. “I am grateful for because it’s our job,” said Hadary. “Let’s your care and sensitivity; may God protect hope for peace and be realistic at the you. And we will always remember what same time.” you did for us.” There are also many local charities B is just one of the Rambam Health at which Israeli physicians volunteer to Care Campus’s many Syrian patients. Medical Center in Safed, Medical Center was the critically injured 15-year-old Syrian treat patients from adversarial states. The medical center in Haifa has treated of the Galilee in Nahariya, and Poriah girl who came to Israel for more than a IL4Syrians, known for sending supplies 140 Syrian men, women and children Hospital near Tiberias — have treated month of surgeries and rehabilitation. to Syrians in need, also supports 17 field over the past three years. Though Syria more than 1,200 Syrians wounded in their In June 2013, a handwritten note hospitals and surgery rooms in Syria, and Israel are enemy states in the political civil war. Each hospital boasts a mixed staff addressed to Israeli physicians was attached all manned by Syrian NGOs. “We are a arena, it was obvious to the Israeli doctors of Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Druze to a Syrian patient’s clothes, explaining group of Israeli citizens who love their that this little girl would be treated like any doctors, nurses and technicians as well prior medical care and requesting lifesaving homeland and believe in a Jewish tradition other patient and would only be discharged as Arabic-speaking social workers, trauma treatment. “This marked a turning point,” and culture that values a compassionate, when she was healthy enough. specialists and support staff. then Ziv Medical Center director Dr. Oscar open-minded respect for the sanctity of The Syrian civil war erupted in March Since the first unexpected encounter Embon told ISRAEL21c. “The note shows human life and dignity. We believe we 2011. Shortly afterward, the Israel Defense with Syrian casualties in February 2013, Ziv me that they’re aware that we’re treating the are blessed to be born in a democratic Forces (IDF) set up a field hospital on the has treated over 650 Syrians (as of August injured and that it’s okay to refer patients who country that enables its citizens to travel to border to treat victims. The field hospital 2016) of whom 17 percent were children, need enhanced treatment. The note was like challenging and dangerous places,” reads project was hush-hush at first. But as many in critical condition, suffering from any normal letter between two hospitals.” the group’s mission statement. the number of Syrians willing to trust severe trauma inflicted by explosions, “I was deeply impressed by the And while the majority of Israel’s the so-called enemy (Israel) grew, the shrapnel and bullet wounds, burns and dedication of the medical staff that is humanitarian medical aid has been humanitarian crisis brought Israeli medical crush injuries. Most of the patients require sparing no effort to provide the injured dedicated to Syrians these last few years, teams to the headlines. In February 2013, numerous, complex operations. “It’s our patients, many of them children, with the local hospitals and aid organizations the IDF began granting special permission duty as a regional hospital, where we best possible medical care,” Lars Faaborg- are offering charitable medical support of entry to Israel for the critically injured. are located along the Lebanese border Andersen, head of the Delegation of the to anyone who needs it. A cross-border “Our policy is to help in humanitarian on one side and the Syrian border on European Union to Israel, said in 2013 humanitarian mission brought a young cases, and to that end we are operating the other side,” Dr. Amram Hadary of after visiting Syrian patients in Israeli Muslim Ethiopian boy, who was almost a field hospital along the Syrian border,” Ziv Medical Center told ISRAEL21c. “We hospitals. “This commitment to the welfare mauled to death by a wild hyena, to then Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon told cannot ignore that the Syrian conflict is of other human beings, regardless of the the government-run Western Galilee the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense happening behind our door. We cannot fact that they belong to an enemy nation, Hospital in Nahariya for lifesaving Committee. “In cases where there are close our eyes, ears and hearts to what is should be a source of pride to all Israelis.” surgeries. “It’s a humanitarian effort,” badly wounded, we transfer them to Israeli happening there. It’s a catastrophe.” Dr. Kamal Al-Labwani, considered Dr. Masad Barhoum, director-general of hospitals.” Each new admission is a heart-rending one of the most prominent members the Nahariya hospital, told ISRAEL21c. No one predicted that the influx of case. There was the 12-year-old Syrian of the Syrian opposition movement, “It is Israel’s nature to help whoever Syrian patients would continue so long, boy who arrived by donkey from Damascus came to Israel in 2014 to visit the Syrian can be helped. I’m proud to be a part of but even today Israeli hospitals are treating in serious condition to an IDF border post casualties hospitalized here. “I am filled this healthcare system that acts without any wounded Syrians who reach its and was transferred to Ziv with injuries to with appreciation for the devoted medical hesitation to provide humanitarian aid border. Since February 2013, four medical his arms, leg and eyes from a mortar shell care that the Ziv Medical Center is internationally when we are able. This is facilities in northern Israel — Rambam, Ziv that had exploded near his home.There providing for the Syrian casualties, people an all-embracing mitzvah.” Jewish state on quest to lead agricultural cooperation around world Surrounded by an inhospitable mix of Perhaps Israel’s greatest agricultural barren desert and malaria-ridden swampland, success story on a government-to-government the fledgling State of Israel had little food level is its partnership with India, which has led with which to sustain its increasingly hungry to hands-on collaborations with farmers all inhabitants. Fast-forward a mere six-and-a- over the subcontinent. half decades and the Little Country that Could Prior to the establishment of official is not only nourishing its own 8 million citizens diplomatic relations in 1992, ties between but is also helping developing countries Jerusalem and New Delhi were far from around the world do the same. “We are the friendly, following a period that Haskel only country in the world that has come to described as 44 years of lost time. “As we went such a high development stage in such a on, the Indians came and said, ‘We don’t only short period of time; it’s a miracle,” Yakov want the technologies — we want the entire Poleg, head of the Agriculture Ministry’s value chain. Tell us how you made Israel,’” said CINADCO: The Center for International Haskel. Out of this mutual aspiration — and Agricultural Development Cooperation, told a memorandum of understanding signed in The Jerusalem Post. “The beauty is that 1996 — grew MASHAV’s largest venture in Israel is willing to share all its development the world to date, the Indo-Israel Agriculture achievements with other nations,” he said. Project, launched in 2008. Daniel Carmon, Israel began its quest to become a key Israel’s ambassador in New Delhi stated: player in the international development “India specifically is a country that is sphere in 1957, with the launch of the Foreign confronting developing challenges, scarcity of Ministry’s MASHAV (the Hebrew acronym for water and food security challenges. “We are Israel’s Agency for International Development Along with the country’s growth into participants from 132 countries in its various cutting, adapting and pasting the Israeli farms Cooperation), the creation of MASHA of a modern state, Israeli technological courses both abroad and in Israel – of which to the Indian scene.” then-Foreign Minister Golda Meir. “We were demonstrations and training programs — about 70 percent involve agriculture. While The Indo-Israel Agriculture Project a country of refugees. There was a sort of in the sectors of agriculture, public health, some of the instruction occurs in a traditional boasts 26 Centers of Excellence either austerity in Israel, but we transformed rather education and women’s empowerment, classroom setting, the Israeli government operating or in the works, with 15 already fully quickly to an OECD country — one of the 35 among others — gradually began to appear agency has gone out into the field, setting functional, according to Dan Alluf, counselor most developed economies in the world,” Gil around the globe. Since its establishment, up a unique array of fully functioning farms for international cooperation for the Israeli Haskel, head of MASHAV, told the Post. MASHAV has trained some 270,000 around the world. embassy and MASHAV. Page 8 SHALOM December 2016 Congregational News Martyrdom and the martial ethos

By Rabbi Matthew Abelson than violate the Torah achieved the pre- hands of Christian Crusaders in 1096. been lost to terrorism attest. Kesher Zion Synagogue eminent status it has through the events The overreliance on martyrdom evoked As we bask in the light of the Hanukkah In Jewish homes that Chanukah commemorates. the ire of early Zionists Chaim Nachman candles and the joy on the faces of our throughout Berks Martyrdom alone, however, could Bialik and Micah Yosef Berdyczewski. children when they receive our gifts, County from the not defeat the Hellenizing Syrians. The Consequently, one of the founding tenets we acknowledge the heroic and painful evening of Saturday, Maccabees realized that if they relied of Zionism was the restoration of the dimension of Chanukah. Chanukah Dec. 24 until Sunday exclusively on martyrdom, Antiochus’ martial ethos among the Jewish people. carries martyrdom and the martial ethos evening, Jan. 1, forces would wait until the Sabbath to In spite of the success of restoring the within it. As we pray for a time of peace, parents will distribute attack; unwilling to break the Sabbath, martial ethos, the state of Israel has we acknowledge that which has enabled gifts to their children the Jews would, in turn, be defeated. not been able to shed the legacy of us to survive in an un-peaceful world for just as their parents To avoid this fate, the Maccabees martyrdom, as those whose lives have millennia. distributed gifts to formulated the principle that was later them. As a result, from a young age, termed pikuah nefesh: One can violate Chanukah – the Festival of Lights – the Torah in order to save a life. Now, comes to be associated with the receipt this principle seems self-evident. If the ~ KESHER ZION ADULT EDUCATION ~ of gifts. The giving of gifts conceals the Torah’s central teaching is the promotion more profound, inspiring, and troubling of life, quantitatively and qualitatively, “Women in the Bible” aspects of Hanukkah. What follows is for then the saving of a life must take adolescents and adults only. precedence over the observance of the with Rabbi Matthew Abelson Historically, two seemingly Torah when the two are in conflict. Yet, Classes will be held at the JCC located at: 1100 Berkshire Blvd. Suite 125, Wyomissing, PA 19610 contradictory responses to violent in the 160s B.C.E., pikuah nefesh was While women play a less prominent role than men in the Tanakh, they nonetheless assault resulted from the period that an innovation. fulfill a unique role. We will examine a plethora of passages that feature women, we commemorate through the Festival Once they established the principle of including the books of Ruth and Esther; the matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and of Lights. The first is martyrdom; the pikuah nefesh, the Maccabees’ martial Leah; and several anonymous women. We will consider the following two questions: 1. How are women presented in the Tanakh? 2) How does this presentation agree second is the martial ethos. Rabbi Yitz efforts were unhindered. Eventually, by with and differ from the outlook of modern feminism? Ultimately, our exploration Greenberg writes in his book “The Jewish these efforts, the Maccabees defeated will rely heavily on the responses of course participants. Way,” “The First Book of Maccabees Antiochus’ troops and reconsecrated the tells how a band of Jews was trapped Temple. The lighting of the Chanukah in a cave on the Sabbath by a Syrian/ candles marks the act of re-consecration. Hellenizer army. The Jews, refusing to Thus, Chanukah bears a dual heritage: fight or even to wall up the caves on 1) martyrdom 2) and the martial ethos. ESTHER REBECCA the holy day, were killed without offering The two can never be united, but they resistance” (264). Maccabees I, which can co-exist. is part of the Christian – but not the During 2,000 years of exile, the Hebrew – Bible, emphasizes this and Jewish people came to rely excessively RUTH SARAH other acts of martyrdom, which were the on martyrdom. Among of the founding RACHEL hallmark of the first stage of the conflict events of Ashkenazi Jewry were the acts & between the Hellenizing Syrians and the of martyrdom in the middle Rhine cities LEAH Jews. The willingness to be killed rather of Speyer, Worms, and Meyer at the Name:______Phone:______Please circle and/or inform us of the dates you plan on attending. We will be providing printed When light conquers darkness packets and need to know in advance how many people will be attending. By Rabbi Yosef Lipsker branch of the Menorah will be illuminated Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. Chabad Center of Berks County - while seven remain empty and dark. On November 29, 2016 December 1, 2016 December 6, 2016 December 8, 2016 This year, the second night, the ratio is 2 to 6. The next Two week hiatus Two week hiatus Immediately after night it is 3 to 5. Then on night number four December 27, 2016 December 29, 2016 Shabbos on Dec. 24, — the halfway point — it is four bright lights January 3, 2017 January 5, 2017 we light the first light against four unlit. January 10, 2017 January 12, 2017 of Chanukah. Over But on the fifth night, the majority of January 17, 2017 January 19, 2017 eight days, we will the Menorah will be lit. This is the first Please mail response to Kesher Zion Synagogue, P.O. Box 14112, Reading, PA 19612 introduce additional light, time that one can, at last, taste victory and or email [email protected] or call 610.374.1763 transforming the darkest unmistakably observe light overpowering part of the winter into something brighter and darkness. Even as each night represents nicer. It is remarkable that the only festival of a move in this direction, it is only on the the dark, gloomy, winter is one that involves fifth night that one can truly appreciate this light! For added celebration, we eat delicious important lesson — that even a tiny light has fried foods (think doughnuts & latkes) and give the power to banish the gloom and dark. Introduce your child our family Chanukah Gelt (money) and gifts. I hope you all enjoy a wonderful and There is an extra joy and celebration on peaceful Chanukah. Savour each day, to the joy of Shabba t! the fifth night. celebrate it with your family, and on the fifth Why the fifth night? night add a little something extra. Your family On the first night of Chanukah one will certainly thank you! Tot Join us next time!

Shabbatis a musical, story-filled, interactive hour for Dec. 17th children through grade 2. Bring your family at 10 am & friends to celebrate with Rabbi Michelson and stay for a pint-sized oneg of juice, challah, fruit, and child-friendly treats.

Members and non-members are invited. No registration is required. Tot Shabbat services are held Saturday mornings at 10:00 am at Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, 555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing unless noted. Please call the Temple office with any questions, 610.375.6034.

UPCOMING DATES: January 21 • February 11 Mini Chefs program debuts March 25 at 10:00 am - Intergenerational Tot Shabbat at The Highlands April 22 & May 13 Chabad’s new Mini Chefs program debuted in November and continues Dec. 18 at 2:30 p.m. with a doughnut workshop. See page 12 for details. December 2016 SHALOM Page 9 Festival celebrates man’s partnership with God

By Rabbi Brian Michelson in the Torah and throughout Jewish strategy? Or, do we express our diminished or excluded. Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom tradition. Chanukah, however, is thanks to God? The answer is Chanukah reminds us that in life When discussing open to different interpretations and clearly both. During Chanukah we we live in partnership with God. the Chanukah the views. There is a certain ambiguity recite the words of Al HaNisim, For God and the Jewish people must Talmud asks, “Mai about this festival. These Miracles, which emphasizes work together to redeem ourselves, Chanukah?” “What One can easily view Chanukah as the military victory — the human the Jewish people and the world in is the significance a military celebration: a holiday that achievements. However, we light the which we live. Chanukah reminds of Chanukah?” This celebrates the victory of the weak Chanukah menorah in memory of us that we cannot achieve this on question is unique. November ✡ overTishri the - Cheshvanstrong, the few over the God’s intervention and the miracle. our own nor can we expect God to It is not asked about many. We could see it as a festival Chanukah, in my opinion, is the do it for us. any other holiday that celebrates the accomplishments perfect mix. It is a holiday where “Mai Chanukah?”— What is the in the cycle of the of man. Or, one can view the holiday we recall and recognize great significance Chanukah? Chanukah Jewish year. Shabbat What Candle is itLightings about in more Torahspiritual Portions terms. The miracle human achievements. We remember reminds us that we are members of Chanukah that the rabbis found it of the oil — Divine intervention in soldiers and civilians who banded a partnership and that neither half of necessaryNovember to pose 4 this question? avertingNovember what 5/Cheshvan could 4 have been an together to defeat an army that this partnership can succeed alone. With5:39 all p.m the. other holidays; we energyNoach (crisisGenesis preventing6:9 – 11:32) the proper could not be beaten. However, at Our strivings and our achievements hope, the significance is obvious. rededication of the Temple. the same time, we are reminded that can be made holy when learn to We celebrateNovember freedom 11 on Passover, NovemberThus, “ 12Mai/Cheshvan Chanukah 11 ?”—What human achievement is not the only recognize this. the giving4:31 ofp.m. the Ten Commandments isLech Chanukah?-Lecha (Genesis Is 1it2:1 a – 17:27physical) or factor; God’s involvement cannot be Chag Chanukah Samayach! and Torah on Shavuot, and the metaphysical celebration? Do we November 18 November 19/Cheshvan 18 victory4:26 over p.m. Haman on Purim: expressVayeira ( Genesisgratitude 18:1 – 22:24to the) mighty the meanings of the holidays are Maccabees and their armies? Do LOCAL CONGREGATIONS AND SERVICE TIMES clear. NovemberFor most, 25 they are defined weNovember praise 26their/Cheshvan military 25 might and 4:22 p.m. Chayei Sarah (Genesis 23:1 – 25:18) KESHER ZION SYNAGOGUE (610) 374-1763 Weekly services Saturdays: 9:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. SERVICES HELD AT JCC, 1100 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 125, Wyomissing

December ✡ Kislev - Tevet REFORM CONGREGATION OHEB SHOLOM (610) 375-6034 Friday, Dec. 2: 6 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 9 and 16: 7:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17: Tot Shabbat, 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23: Latke Shabbat followed by dinner, 6 p.m. Shabbat Candle Lightings Torah Portions CHABAD CENTER OF BERKS COUNTY (610) 921-0881 Saturday mornings: 9:30 a.m.; Friday evenings: 6:30 p.m. December 2 December 3/Kislev 3 4:20 p.m. Toldot (Genesis 25:19 – 28:9) CONGREGATION SHOMREI HABRITH

December 9 December 10/Kislev 10 4:19 p.m. Vayeitzei (Genesis 28:10 – 32:3)

December 16 December 17/Kislev 17 REFORM CONGREGATION OHEB SHOLOM 4:21 p.m. Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4 – 36:43) INVITES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO A December 23 December 24/Kislev 24 4:24 p.m. Vayeishev (Genesis 37:1 – 40:23)

December 30 December 31/Tevet 2 4:29 p.m. Mikeitz (Genesis 41:1 – 44:17) Lat ke Shabbat

Family Service & Dinner WE WILL LIGHT SHABBAT CANDLES TOGETHER ON THE BIMAH •• v”c Annual Community-wide SO PLEASE BRING YOUR SHABBAT CANDLES FROM HOME Chanukah at the Mall Bring canned food and help construct a giant Friday, December 23, 2016 6:00 pm Service • 7:00 pm Dinner YOUR CHECK IS YOUR RESERVATION. “CANORAH” All the cans will be donated to the Jewish Family Service Food Pantry. CHECK PAYABLE TO RCOS & DUE TO TEMPLE OFFICE BY DECEMBER 16TH. FEE PER PERSON: ADULTS $14. CHILDREN 6 & UNDER $8. MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS WELCOME.

BUFFET DINNER INCLUDES CHICKEN, LATKES & APPLESAUCE SIDE DISH, DESSERT, AND DRINKS. VEGETARIAN OPTION AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

REFORM CONGREGATION OHEB SHOLOM You CAN light 555 WARWICK DRIVE, WYOMISSING, PA 19610 up a life - Feed the Hungry

Thursday, December 15, 2016 6:00pm Berkshire Mall (Boscov’s entrance)

Potato Dreidels Rock & Roll the whole Gelt Latkes Band! family!

Aso starring the Lakin preschool of RCOS who will perform Chanukah songs for us

Sponsored by: Chabad Lubavitch of Berks County Jewish Federation of Reading Boscov’s Dept. Stores Page 10 SHALOM December 2016 Israel Book Club: ‘Let There Be Water’

By Moisey Schneider & Andi Franklin water from Tel Aviv’s Yarkon River to the permitting Israel to feed itself and to be an itself, Israel’s fresh water lake is now The world is entering a prolonged Negev. And third, he proposed a pipeline agricultural exporter of significance. The immune to weather fluctuations and even water crisis. The question is how severe to bring water from the north to the treatment of sewage reduces pollution to drought. Israel has turned the Sea of the disruptions will be. Twenty percent of Negev. With this plan, Ben Gurion was and improves the quality of lives. Today, Galilee into a reservoir as a part of an the world’s population – about 1.5 billion able to convince the British to allow more the country’s rivers are clean. intergrated, flexible water system that is people — will be the first victims of the refugees to emigrate to Israel. Lyndon Johnson and Ben-Gurion had mature and resilient. No Israeli need lie water crisis. Already 600 million have American Jewry donated two-thirds a deep interest in desalting water. They awake at night anymore worrying about begun to experience water shortages. of the money for the second phase, with believed that it would have a future in both the lower red line of the Sea of Galilee. Depleted water supplies pose a risk to the rest raised by the sale of Israel bonds. countries and would transform the Middle Israel’s global water industry has annual us and the global food market. Prices for The country’s new system improved East. Alexander Zarchin arrived in Israel sales of $600 billion, making it bigger than agricultural products have risen and water water reliability and quality and served from Russia in 1947 and had an idea of the biotech and telecommunications restrictions of increasing severity have as a great inspiration. It helped unify and desalting water by freezing it. Although sectors. Research shows that a third been imposed, even in California. Seth M. strengthen the young nation and enabled his process wasn’t utilized, desalination of the world will be living in water- Siegel illustrates in his book, “Let There the Negev desert to fulfill Ben Gurion’s water transformed the country and region. stressed regions by 2025 if actions are not Be Water,” how Israel, with 60 percent pledge that Israel would make the desert Desalination plants now dot Israel’s taken soon. However, the Dead’s Sea’s of its country being desert, has not only bloom. Mediterranean coast. Desalination has dropping water level is still a challenge solved its water problem but has created There were also tremendous transformed the water profile in Israel.It being addressed. an abundance of water and supplies agricultural innovations. One day Blass has had enormous positive implications Israel went from scarcity of water water daily to the Palestinian territories noticed a tree, taller than others of the for environment, economy, infrastructure, and fear of drought to abundance and and Jordan. same species and age. He discovered a social harmony, public health and Israel’s independence from climate conditions. This book is the account of how and tiny leak in the irrigation system that was relationship with its neighbors. Israel has The dramatic change was made possible why Israel developed its sophisticated the cause of this superior growth. This led gotten ahead of the climate change and because of Israeli scientists, engineers, approach to water. Starting long before to the development of drip irrigation, which can withstand a long drought. and managers and would not have its independence, Zionist leader Theodor saves 50-60 percent of the used water and Intense utilization of Israel’s land happened without crucial help from Herzl said that this country needs nothing increased harvest yields. led to severe pollution of its rivers. An Jewish-American donors. It is important but water and shade to have a very great Israeli seed breeders developed environmental accident highlighted the that we give special recognition to Dr. future and predicted that the Jewish plants that thrive on brackish water, the level of pollution in the Yarkon River, Howard and Lottie Marcus, Holocaust engineers would be its heroes. No previously useless salty water found resulting in the death of young Maccabee survivors living in the United States, decision made by the Zionist pioneers in abundance under the Negev desert athletes. Dr. David Pargament became who gave $400 million to Ben-Gurion has had a greater impact on Israel’s water sands. As the plants absorb the salty the head of the Yarkon River Authority and University of the Negev for its research culture than a decision to make water the water, there is a change in the plant cell changed everything. He made the river on desalination, desert farming and property of all. The kibbutz philosophy structure that produces sweeter fruits and a success story — species of fish came water management. This is the largest of common good was the foundation vegetables. back and fed on mosquitos, keeping the charitable gift in Israel’s history. The for establishing that all water resources Israel developed geological and pest population low for nearby Tel-Aviv. couple gave their money to Israel because are public property.The available water hydrological expertise in identifying Dr. Nechemya Shahat is spearheading they believed a strong and secure Jewish is allocated according to what is seen where water is and how to get it. Brackish the restoration of the Shikma-Besor state will save Jews if needed and benefit as the best use. Israel’s national water water found in the Arava supports field River near Beersheba, and the vision of the world. Israel has exported its water system is the most successful application crops, date palm plantations and dairies. transforming the desert city has started to expertise to its neighbors in the Middle of socialism in the world today. Arava farming enterprise demonstrated become a reality. East, to Africa, Asia, Brazil and the United A driving factor of the increased to Israel’s neighbors that they also could The Sea of Galilee was the largest single States. The world knows that when it concern for water was the rise of Hitler. use the brackish water under their sands resource for fresh water. Unfortunately, its needs to address their water problems, Millions of Jews were expected to arrive for agriculture. The world should think of water level had significantly decreased, Israel has answers. in Palestine and would need water for Israel as a laboratory and inspiration. causing majors concerns across the The next book for our Israeli book household use and agriculture. Simcha The Israeli government and farmers country. Today far more water is derived group is Theodor Herzl’s “The Jew’s Blass, a Polish immigrant, proposed a developed a waste water infrastructure from desalination than from the lake and State.” We will be meeting to discuss it three-phase approach to national self- to make use of sewage. Over 85 percent the lake has stabilized. Like the country on Wednesday, Feb. 15. Please join us. sufficiency of water. First, he scoured of the nation’s sewage is reused and is the land for possible wells and springs. seen as a treasured national resource. Second, he created a plan for bringing This changed the agricultural landscape,

Chabad Lubavitch and the Jewish Federation v”c reform congregation program #1: Presents oheb sholom presents fri., october 28, 2016 a NEW program Examine the Ethics, Essence, & Entertainment of the Election Chanukah Festival featuring Alvernia University’s Kosher Chinese buffet Jodi Radosh, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Communications th & Victoria Williams, Ph.D., Sunday, December 25 , 2016 · 5:00 PM Associate Professor of At Chabad Political Science. All you can eat Kosher Chinese buffet Including: e Egg rolls e Lo Mein e Fried Rice e Chicken Nuggets e Won Ton Soup e Beef With Lo Mein e And more.... program #2: fri., january 27, 2017 Followed by a big screen showing of The Frisco Kid We Finally Have A New And the lighting of the 2nd Chanukah light President…Now What? featuring Bernard Whitman. Bernard is a brand & political strategist with over 25 years experience advising some of the shabbat service at 7:00 pm world’s most powerful leaders, speaker/oneg at 8:00 pm companies, and organizations. Speakers will present in the Social Hall He is a frequent television during the oneg for about 45 minutes. commentator with more than The Speaker Series is for adults only. 500 media appearances on Babysitting is available for free for children networks including CNN, ages 2-8 and tweens ages 9-13 with a reservation by calling the office the Friday MSNBC, Fox News, ABC, CNBC, before the event, 610 375-6034. and Fox Business. Bernard is Appreciation is extended to Sisterhood for the brother of student Cantor supporting the Speaker Series onegs. Harriet Dunkerley. $15 ADuLTS $8.00 ChILD (uP To AgE 12) RSVP [email protected] oR 610-334-1577 December 2016 SHALOM Page 11 Buy books at Barnes & Noble and support Federation!

By Amanda J. Hornberger percent of the proceeds will support that’s all it takes for our organization PJ Library Chanukah story time! Need to find a gift for that special Jewish Federation of Reading. to share in the proceeds. Questions or need more reader for Chanukah? Plan to shop Just use the online code or Families are invited to join us Dec. information? Please contact Amanda at Barnes & Noble in Wyomissing (or present a voucher at the store (see 18 at 11 a.m. at Barnes & Noble (2751 at [email protected] or 610- online!) on Sunday, Dec. 18, and 10 advertisement below for both), and Paper Mill Rd, Wyomissing) for a special 921-0624. If you don’t have a will, Uncle Sam has one for you

By Richard Nassau A will keeps you in charge of the worked for and all that’s precious to IRA’s and 401(k)’s and other assets If you don’t have a will, you may planning. Without a will you risk you will pass according to your intent. such as real estate. Contact your end up leaving a lot less to family putting loved ones through emotional Consult a qualified professional local Federation to discuss ways of and charities you want to support. trauma and depleting your estate by advisor. Prepare a will. Leave Uncle creating your Jewish legacy with a Without a will, everything may go incurring taxes that estate planning Sam out of the process. gift to your favorite organizations into probate, and the government can might prevent. When preparing or updating This article is for information get involved in settling your estate. Basic estate planning is important your Will, please remember to purposes only and not intended Statutes dictate who receives what. for everybody. Using a will, you leave include the Jewish community. to be tax or legal advice. Always Hard-earned assets, even family assets to whomever you wish. A will Consider changing a portion of consult your own trusted professional heirlooms, may go to beneficiaries gives you and your loved ones peace your beneficiary designation in life advisors before making any financial you didn’t intend. of mind knowing everything you insurance, retirement assets such as plans. Documentary explores contemporary Jewish life in Germany By Amanda J. Hornberger (Jewish) and Janina Quint (non- the screening, and series tickets It may surprise readers to know Jewish German), grew into a cultural can be bought at the JCC. Cash that Berlin is a hot spot for Jewish exchange among many. and checks are accepted. life in Germany, particularly among “Germans & Jews” will be shown *** Israelis who flock to the hip city to work on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. at The 2017 Reading Jewish Film and maintain their Jewish identity FOX EAST, 4350 Perkiomen Avenue, Series continues through the abroad. Modern day Germany’s Exeter Township (next to Boscov’s spring: experience with Jews is explored in East). Dec. 7 — “Germans & Jews” the documentary “Germans & Jews.” The 2017 Reading Jewish Film Jan. 18 — “Rosenwald” with Germany is considered one of Series is co-sponsored by the the Central Pennsylvania African the most democratic societies in the Rubin Educational Fund of the American Museum* world, assuming the position of moral Jewish Federation of Reading March 1 — “The Sturgeon Queens” leader in Europe as it embraces and Fox Theatres. Admission is April 5 — “Women in Sink” and “In hundreds of thousands of refugees. $5 per film or $30 for the series Search of Israeli Cuisine” (Two Films) Neither of these developments could of eight films. All films will be with the Islamic Center* have been imagined in 1945. Through shown on Wednesday evenings May 17 — “Apples from the personal stories Germans & Jews facing it head on. What began as a at 7 p.m. at FOX EAST. Tickets Desert” explores the country’s transformation private conversation between the two can be purchased at the theater *Facilitated discussion to follow from silence about the Holocaust to filmmakers and friends, Tal Recanti beginning at 6:30 p.m. the day of the film. Page 12 SHALOM December 2016

Raves for rugelach at Chabad cooking event

By Sandra Fishman led by Chana at the Chabad Center on The pre-class preparation required Making rugelach is both an art and a Oct. 30. getting all the ingredients and utensils science. Add to that faith and family in Her interesting introduction about ready for the class, and the simplicity a warm and welcoming atmosphere and the history and varieties of rugelach with which she taught made it both fun you have Chana Lipsker’s recipe for that was followed by her clear and precise and rewarding. The outcome of the tasty Eastern European pastry. instructions that suited both the culinarily evening was delicious; in both the pastry More than two dozen women challenged as well as the experienced baked and the friendships forged and participated in a rugelach baking class baker. renewed. December 2016 SHALOM Page 13 Israeli scientists develop new drug that may be AIDS cure TEL AVIV — A groundbreaking reduction in the HIV virus count in only the progress of the virus, it doesn’t the spreading of the virus and that Israeli-invented drug may be the eight days. eliminate it entirely. enhancement kills certain cells.” cure for AIDS, with trials showing a Professor Zeev Steger, head of Loyter explained that the new The medication, developed by Zion 97 percent decrease of the virus in Kaplan’s Naveh Or AIDS clinic, said treatment acts to get rid of the cells Pharmaceuticals, still has a long way patients’ blood in just over a week. the medication is causing the death of altogether. to go before getting approved. Next The Gammora drug, developed at HIV cells. “Our approach destroys the cells, year the developers hope to begin Hebrew University in Jerusalem, is The drug’s active ingredient is so there is no chance that the virus will clinical trials on AIDS patients and HIV being tested at the Kaplan Medical a peptide developed by Hebrew return one day, because there are no carriers. Center in Rehovot. University’s Abraham Loyter and cells, there will be no cells that contain Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has The drug was inserted into test Assaf Friedler. It causes infected cells the virus,” Loyter said. announced that prophylactic drugs tubes containing the blood of 10 AIDS to self-destruct. He explained that “the drug enhances would now be available for populations patients, resulting in a 95-97 percent While current treatment curbs certain processes in the body during at higher risk of contracting HIV. Israel’s Ethiopian National Project on mission of better integration

The Ethiopian National Project (ENP) operates in 23 communities across in areas with dense concentrations of — helping to catalyze a change from unites global Jewry, the government Israel, serving approximately 3,413 Ethiopian-Israeli children. They extend within. ENP’s Municipal Leadership of Israel and the Ethiopian-Israeli youth in its scholastic assistance themselves to alienated youth, offering Development Program forms a group community in its mission to advance programs and almost 1,900 youth in 14 guidance in neighborhood centers. of immigrant activists nationwide that the integration of Ethiopian-Israelis into outreach centers. Among the programs available at are empowered to strengthen and Israeli society. Key initiatives are at the heart of these centers are: computer lab courses advance their community. ENP is a partnership between ENP’s work: and drug/alcohol abuse prevention • Parents Workshops the Jewish Federations of North • Scholastic Assistance (3,413 workshops, DJ lessons, photography ENP’s Parent Workshops program America, the Government of Israel, students): tutorials, as well as dance and martial enables parents to become involved representatives of Ethiopian Jewish ENP’s Scholastic Assistance arts classes. Sports instructors provide in their children’s education by community organizations, the Jewish Program promotes academic growth youth with structured athletic activities, providing them with important skills Agency for Israel (JAFI), the American and improvement by providing while other community leaders help to and information about Israel’s school Jewish Joint Distribution Committee in supplementary tutoring to students in promote proactive methods of problem systems. The Program furnishes Israel (JDC-Israel) and Keren Hayesod- small groups. Alongside its academic solving by directing workshops in parents with knowledge about their UIA. ENP works in true partnership components, the Program works to violence prevention. children’s individual academic goals with the Ethiopian-Israeli community, strengthen students’ self-esteem and ENP also works with parents to and needs so that they will be able to involving them at local and national leadership skills by addressing obstacles get them involved in activities at the step in when intervention is required. levels at every stage of the creation, to social integration and personal Centers and leaders at the Centers Additionally, ENP’s Parent Workshops implementation and evaluation of ENP development. The Program helps provide them with tactics to foster inform guardians of their rights and programs. students to connect to their heritage, more supportive home environments. obligations within the educational After an extensive review of the and to incorporate this ethnic culture Together, these factors enhance system. The Program reinforces parents’ needs and programs available for the into their everyday lives. Students participants’ self-esteem and help them roles as educators and protectors of Ethiopian community, ENP decided to enrolled in the Program also receive to develop a stronger connection with ethnic Ethiopian language, heritage, focus its efforts on youth ages 13 – 18. preparation for army service, which the surrounding community and with the and culture. In 2004, ENP launched a major multi- enables them to choose from a broader State of Israel. • University Scholarships year effort in order to provide quality base of positions once enlisted. Lastly, • Leadership Training Every year, more Ethiopian-Israelis opportunities for Ethiopian youth. the Scholastic Assistance Program The Ethiopian community can gain access to higher education. Yet ENP’s programs includes after school provides all of its participants with a realize its immense potential if it a great number still face financial scholastic assistance, neighborhood lunchtime meal, which helps ensure is provided with the appropriate hardships. While the government outreach centers for youth-at-risk that students attend tutoring sessions tools and support networks. provides tuition assistance through the and workshops designed to empower engaged and ready to learn. ENP’s Leadership Development Student Authority, many students do parents and community leadership. • Youth Outreach Centers (14 Program trains Ethiopian-Israeli not qualify due to age- and duration- The Ethiopian National Project centers) activists and grassroots leaders, of-study-related eligibility limitations. strives to provide social and educational ENP’s Youth Outreach Centers including: local steering committee Students who do receive tuition opportunities to help Ethiopian-Israeli provide safe physical havens for at-risk members and activists, organization reductions are often still unable to teenagers realize their full potential. youth. This model provides children representatives, and national ENP afford schoolbooks, academic supplies, ENP programs take a “big picture” view with critically necessary programs and leaders. The program prepares and other living expenses. These of the cultural, social and emotional staff, utilizing resources and knowledge community members to become constraints cause students to drop out challenges faced by Ethiopian-Israeli efficiently to meet the most pressing leaders, and works to increase the and prevent them from returning to their teens that constrain their advancement. needs of the local populations. ENP involvement of Ethiopian-Israelis in studies. Thanks to the support of three Today, the Ethiopian National Project youth workers direct outreach activities their own processes of absorption Jewish US communities ENP is able Report: More than 200 U.S.-approved textbooks teach Palestinians to kill Jews

Israel21c.com books and that everything is fine, and it’s not,” said Bedein. against Islam’s enemies.” More than 200 U.S.-government-approved textbooks In all the books you have right of return and armed struggle The textbooks in question range from history, geography, administered in hundreds of Palestinian UNRWA-sponsored being taught. Even in math books.” Islamic education, language exercises, national education, schools are reportedly teaching Arab children between the Moreover, Bedein claimed that when the findings were and Christian education, said Groiss. The United Nations first and ninth grades to kill Israelis, and sacrifice themselves to be presented to Congress in March by Dr. Arnon Groiss, Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) as martyrs to drive Jews out of the country. The violent former director of research for the Institute for Monitoring was established by United Nations General Assembly curriculum can be found in 240 books — ranging from civics Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education, the resolution 302 (IV) in 1949 to carry out direct relief and works to mathematics — in more than 400 UNRWA schools in the White House was not interested. “When we brought Dr. programs for Palestine refugees. UNRWA is funded almost West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem, said experts at the Groiss to testify, the Obama administration issued a memo entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, Center for Near East Policy Research in Jerusalem. saying there is no problem with the books, and that the and features services encompassing education, health David Bedein, who heads the research institute hearing was not necessary,” he said. “We have in writing care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and and Israel Resource News Agency, said the disputed from a White House spokesperson, who sent a memo to improvement, and emergency assistance, including in times books were purchased from a warehouse owned by the all members of Congress, that everything is fine.” Groiss, of armed conflict. It does not produce its own textbooks, Palestinian Authority and then carefully vetted by a team who has closely analyzed PA textbooks for years, said instead relying on the PA to publish them. of researchers. Despite repeated reassurances from the that despite the US’s approval, the books used to teach Christopher Gunness, an UNRWA spokesperson, Palestinian Authority’s Minister of Education that all the 25 percent of Palestinian students in UNRWA schools denied the allegations against the agency. “Independent textbooks would teach a “united curriculum,” Bedein said in Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem, are indeed reviews, including those commissioned by the U.S. State the findings showed a central theme: “the preparation of riddled with incitement. Department, have highlighted the absence of incitement the children for war.” “The books present Israel as the ‘Jewish other,’ and to terrorism and no presence of the dehumanization of Indeed, among the myriad examples presented from are based on three fundamental principles introduced by the ‘other,’ as often portrayed in articles and media,” he the books including a math word problem asking students Yasser Arafat when he took over the educational system said in a statement on Tuesday. “The findings of the 2013 to use variables including the number of Jews killed during in the West Bank and Gaza,” said Groiss. They include: Israeli/Palestinian joint review — conducted by Israeli and the first and second intifadas, to a poem excerpt including: the delegitimization of Israel and Jews in this country; no Palestinian academics, and funded by the US Department Hearing [weapons’] clash is pleasant to my ear recognition of any Jewish holy places; and the demonization of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor And the flow of blood gladdens my soul of Israel and Jews.” Groiss said none of the books he — corroborate this. Other independent studies conducted As well as a body thrown upon the ground reviewed advocate peace or coexistence. “They encourage by the Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information Skirmished over by the desert predator violent struggle for the liberation of Palestine, which they between 2003 and 2006 also support these findings.” By your life! This is the death of men consider all of Israel – including Haifa and Jaffa – and the Gunness added: “The government of Israel also authorizes And whoever asks for a noble death – this is it!” right of return, which is also violent,” he explained. “Within the use of the PA curriculum in the schools in occupied East “We have copies of the books and went through that curriculum – which is not restricted to the West Bank Jerusalem, which it administers.” them, and what’s happening is very clear: The American and Gaza – they use traditional Islamic concepts such as A government official deemed any suggestion that government told Israel that they had checked out the school jihad, martyrdom and ribat, which mean to stand with God books teaching incitement are “authorized” as “absurd.” Page 14 SHALOM December 2016 Using the power of Israeli backpackers to help the world \Each year some 40,000 Israeli countries a year,” said Cohen, who works youngsters — about 85 percent of them on a voluntary basis as the group’s director- fresh out of the IDF — get inoculated general. The volunteering takes part at the against exotic diseases, buy a pair of boots, very beginning of the treks, which generally strap a pack on their backs and head for range from about three months to a year. the hills of South America, Africa and the The participants usually fly over together Far East. as an organic group, and then, after the In 2013, Gili Cohen, now 29, was one volunteering is done, often continue their of them. Leaving the army after serving travels with one another. eight years in the elite Duvdevan unit, he Another benefit, said \ Guy David, an deposited his year-and-a-half-old daughter ex-officer in the Home Front Command’s with his mother-in-law and took his wife Search and Rescue Unit, is that by starting to Thailand for three weeks. The Beit off the trek with this type of volunteering, Shemesh native had been abroad only the participants come into contact with the once before — to Turkey. people and the culture in a way that they What left a lasting impression on him would not be able to do by bouncing from in Thailand, however, was less the Crystal one hostel to the next, or from one hike to Creek Waterfall in the northern city of another. David, currently in Mumbai leading Chiang Mai, or the Mekong River along the the FFL delegation there, is already on border with Laos, or the beaches of Koh his third stint. Generally, the only contact Samui in the south, but that on one regular people backpacking across India have July Friday night in Koh Samui, some 1,350 Fighters for Life volunteers are seen at a makeshift medical clinic in Ethiopia. with Indians is with “the guy who sells the Israelis were clamoring to take part in a bus ticket,” he said in a recent interview Kiddush at the local Chabad house. to do ‘blue-and-white’ humanitarian work to first week. Today, the FFL Facebook page over Skype. “Here you meet the people, There were so many people that they show the real Israel to the world,” he said. has some 11,000 followers, and some learn about the culture and understand the had to be divided into three shifts. Looking “Not through words — that we have 550 applicants applied for one of 35 slots country at a much deeper level. It enriches at the faces, Cohen was struck with the an abundance of — but through concrete on the delegation currently volunteering your trip. We are giving, but also get back.” realization that the vast majority were actions. We wanted to do something in India. “We thought we would have to David’s group of 35 Israelis is working recently released IDF veterans going not different — a different kind of Israeli start- convince people that this is something in a three-story building in the run-down to Europe or the US but to some of the up.” worth it for them,” he said. “In the end, Santacruz neighborhood that houses most far-flung – and often most poverty- The three opened up a Facebook page we have intensive interviews and choose three schools, one on each story, for Hindi, stricken – places on the globe. That’s for the group they decided to call Lohamim whom we want.” Marathi and Urdu students. The Urdu school when the proverbial light bulb switched on L’lo Gvulot, which literally means Fighters The project works like this: Cohen will is Muslim, and from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in his mind. “I said to my wife that there is Without Borders. But they didn’t like the place a notice on the FFL Facebook page the Israelis — fresh out of army service — something going on here, and that we have literal translation, concerned that in English about a delegation forming to go to one of split up into pairs and give instruction on a to tap into this and show the real Israel,” that name had an aggressive and even four destinations: Mumbai, Buenos Aires, wide range of subjects. Cohen said that the Cohen explained. militaristic ring to it. So they changed the Gondar, or — the newest destination that delegation goes back to the same school Having just been released from the English name to Fighters for life (FFL). will receive a group in 2017 — Mexico City. and works with the same children each year, army, and still pumped up with a great deal “We wrote on the Facebook page that our Once there, the group volunteers in one of to ensure continuity. The administrators of patriotic fervor and motivation, he told goals were to turn Israel into a humanitarian the more run-down neighborhoods in the of the school, the teachers, parents and his wife that just as there are organizations power, not only a technological and city, generally in schools where they teach children are all well aware of the fact that the such as Doctors Without Borders which agricultural power; to do good in the world; everything from English, math and science, volunteers are Israeli, because they wear an sends doctors abroad to assist others, the and to show another side of Israel that to dance, personal hygiene and Krav Maga. Israeli flag on their shirtsleeve. reservoir of IDF vets going abroad after their people do not see. We wanted to create One of the unique aspects of the Each delegation is named for a soldier service could be parlayed into something a different discussion about Israel. We program is that it is so cost-efficient. With who fell during Operation Protective Edge. similar that could benefit Israel, while doing wanted to do a good Jewish deed, and the youth going on their trek abroad in any David said his delegation has not good for the local population. also do hasbara (public diplomacy) for the event, there is no need to buy their tickets. run into any difficulties because they are So when Cohen returned to Israel, country, but do it differently.” FFL only has to provide room and board for so visibly Israeli and ex-soldiers. Not he set to work. He met for coffee with a The idea was to get a group of the two and- a-half weeks. As a result, Cohen only has their nationality not caused any couple of other IDF officers, Yair Atias, 27, backpackers to start their trek not going said, it is possible for as little as $11,000 problems, he said, but an administrator and Boaz Malkieli, 27, and they discussed directly to destinations such as Kathmandu to send a delegation of some 35 highly from another school in the hardscrabble the idea of using the thousands of Israelis or Lima, but to volunteer for a couple of motivated Israeli youth to work in the slums Mumbai neighborhood came up to him going to Third World countries each year to weeks in one of the countries they would of Mumbai. and asked that he send a delegation to his show the world the IDF soldiers they don’t be touring. The three wrote that they were So far, the organization has sent six school as well. He quoted the administrator necessarily see on their television screens putting together a delegation to India, and groups abroad, and by the end of 2017 the as saying, “Look at this! I’m a Muslim, you’re live, from Gaza. The idea was to use the asked if anyone was interested. Within number will reach 10. “For $100,000 we a Jew, and we’re sitting here talking about backpackers as the infrastructure for people three days they had 15 people, 45 in the can send nine delegations to nine different education.” Interfaith, international dig yields new discoveries in Galilee town

JNS.org law required an archaeological evaluation to an enriched description of the earliest a stone block with carvings depicting the When Father Juan Solana, a Catholic of the site, which led to a few of the most synagogues and ancient Judaism,” which Second Temple, likely created by an artist priest, wanted to construct a guest house important archaeological discoveries in makes it “possible to understand the trade who had seen the temple. They also found for Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land in Israel in the past 50 years, Solana told routes (of a community, and) the role of a the remains of an ancient marketplace and the Galilee region in 2009, he couldn’t JNS.org. community spread (across) the country but fishermen’s quarters, and most recently have imagined he’d become the leader “The site is significant since it only unified by religious law,” she said. — in the summer of 2016 — a domestic of incredible archaeological findings, keeps one layer of history, unlike Some researchers speculate that Jesus water installation and water channel from exposing the rich Christian and Jewish other towns around in Galilee,” Solana may have taught in this synagogue. Solana the same Second Temple period located in history of the area. explained. “It (also) has a strong explained that Magdala was “most likely, a the back of a market shop that was likely The findings include the remains of connection with the (Roman-Jewish) place where Jesus could encounter Mary used as a Jewish ritual purification bath a first century synagogue, dated to the historian Josephus Flavious,” who came Magdalene” and heal her, as outlined in (Miqweh) for its owner, or as a source of Second Temple period and the time of from the city and is also known by the Matthew 4:23. The scripture states that underground drinking water. Jesus’ life. Solana was sent to Israel by Hebrew name Yosef ben Matityahu. Jesus “went about all Galilee, teaching “Based on the architectural evidence the Vatican in 2004 to direct the Holy See Flavious was governor of the Galilee in their synagogues, and preaching the we can say that Magdala was a settlement for the Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of region during the Great Jewish Revolt gospel of the kingdom, and healing all that prior its establishment was thought Jerusalem Center. in 66-73 CE, during which time the town manner of sickness and all manner of and planned according to the water supply In 2009, the Mexican-born priest was a gathering place for Jewish rebels. disease among the people,” according to (as were many other sites in antiquity),” received a building permit for his guest The Romans destroyed the city in 67 CE. the King James version of the Bible. Zapata-Meza said. house on plots of land near northwest More broadly, the findings at Magdala shed According to Solana, this makes The newly discovered canal will lead shore of the Sea of Galilee (“Kinneret” in light on first century life, religious practices, “Magdala the capital of the first followers of researchers to further study soil samples Hebrew), and the Israeli city of Migdal. and architecture. The site was excavated Jesus. We are talking about the beginning from the area to make more precise The town is named after the ancient town by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) in of Christianity. It was a time wherein Jews judgments on how the canal was used. of Magdala, which was known as Migdal 2009, and since 2010 in conjunction with a and Christians shared daily life, they would Other items discovered on the Nunia (“fish tower”) and by the Greek name Mexican team from the Anahuac University be from the same families and may have site include an oil lamp and Second Taricheae (“place of salted fish”). Magdala of Mexico and the National Autonomous gathered together at the synagogues and Temple-period pottery. Also, this summer, was the largest urban center on the Sea of University of Mexico. “Archaeology helps to in their homes. It was a significant time archaeologists excavated more than 200 Galiliee’s west coast before Tiberias was enlighten one of the most important periods for Jews, as for Christians. Therefore, Herodian and Hasmonean coins, as well founded in 19 CE. For Christians, the town of history, the relationship between gathering Magdala is defined as (the) ‘Crossroads as a bronze incense shovel. is significant because it is thought that Mary places with the daily life of its inhabitants,” of Jewish and Christian History.’’ These items are being studied by more Magdalene, as her name suggests, came Marcela Zapata-Meza, PhD, from the Inside the synagogue’s ruins, than 40 Israeli and international volunteers from Magdala. Anahuac University of Mexico told JNS. archaeologists had also discovered what and researchers from institutions around As part of the permit process Israeli org. “The research done so far contributes has become known as the Magdala Stone, the world. December 2016 SHALOM Page 15 Gardening with Vicky Be careful what you wish for

By Vicky Sokoloff out so we could put down screening When we moved to our current was quite a challenge. There is home back in 1996, it was a huge now also a pinwheel by the shed to change from a postage size yard in help discourage another groundhog Hampden Heights to 6 acres in a invasion. semi-rural area. It was a new house Having so much wildlife means our with nothing in the yard. So we had vegetable garden must be fenced. You the opportunity to create the garden. would be surprised how much even My vision was a very natural garden – one baby bunny can eat. one that made you think ‘look how that Once or twice a year a flock of grew’ rather than ‘see what they did.’ hundreds of grackles decide to roost Having a garden that was wildlife- in our bamboo for a couple of days. friendly was also a priority. Getting The noise is hard to comprehend if you a visit from a flock of more than 200 have never heard them. At a recent wild turkeys, a red fox, and a dozen presentation by the Pennsylvania or more deer was fun to watch. But Game Commission we learned that Cooking featured in 92nd Street Y program seeing the destruction done by the mylar streamers or balloons and deer was not. We have more than laser lights can be effective ways to By Amanda J. Hornberger superstar chef and restaurateur Batali, 30 varieties of day lily, and the deer discourage them. Join us at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 19 about her joyful, easy and healthy like all of them. So we learned how There are organizations that will at The Highlands Cultural Center Side approach for cooking. important it is to spray them with deer send you a certificate or sign certifying B (2000 Cambridge Ave. Wyomissing) Oz’s new book, “The Happy repellent. your garden as wildlife friendly (for a for our next 92nd Street Y program Cook,” is packed with friendly advice Though deer have a reputation for price). But since none of the animals featuring Daphne Oz in conversation and inspiring ideas for celebrating eating hosta, they have never touched around here can read, I have never with Mario Batali. every weekday with delicious meals them here. But eating is not the only been tempted to do that. Seeing the Learn how eating well can be a that are as easy to create as they damage done by deer. Several young creatures that not only live, but thrive, breeze! are to enjoy. trees were killed when the bucks rubbed in your garden is really the only thing Oz, the best-selling author and The 92nd Street Y programs are off the bark with their antlers. Two things you need to know that you have been Emmy Award-winning co-host of ABC’s FREE and open to the public. Light have helped solve this problem. A soda successful in creating a wildlife- “The Chew,” talks with her co-host, refreshments will be served. bottle or can filled with smelly soap and friendly habitat. tied into the tree is one way to discourage People have a love/hate Muses the deer. Hanging mylar streamers also relationship with wildlife in their helps. But any deterrent will only work yards. You can tell by the books that By Anne Seltzer burned flags and effigies of Trump. for so long. It’s important to vary forms are out there. My own collection I have written That is just as bad, every bit. I don’t of deterrent so the deer don’t become includes “Deer Proofing Your Yard and rewritten this have tolerance for them either. I so used to them that they are no longer & Garden,” “Outwitting Squirrels,” article many times don’t believe Obamacare as it is effective. “Attracting Hummingbirds,” “Your over the days since works. Trump says he will repeal Bluebirds and hummingbirds are a Backyard Wildlife Year,” “Woodlands the election. I don’t and overhaul it, putting something joy to watch. The hummingbirds are & Wildlife,” and “Endangered and want to appear to be better in its place. If he does some really smart. If they arrive before the Threatened Species of PA.” So what’s overdramatizing my of the things he has said on his feeder is out, they just hover at the the answer? Like most things in life: fears and feelings, health care policy, it will be better. window reminding us to feed them. moderation. It’s worth making some nor arguing with He has said he favors keeping the Squirrels present their own sacrifices to see the antics of the blue those with opposing views. Please under-26 provision and the inability challenges. We thought a squirrel- jays, the beauty of a goldfinch, the understand that I do respect to deny coverage to people with resistant bird feeder was the answer. glory of the woodpecker, the soaring everyone’s opinions to vote for their pre-existing conditions or charge But the squirrels quickly learned that of the raptors, and the fledging of the candidate, even if it’s not the same them more. That would be good. But while their weight would close the bluebirds. person I supported. And truthfully, the bigotry must end. Naming Steve feeder, they could hang on the wire *** I believe there would have been Bannon as his chief adviser is really and use one foot to open the feeder Upcoming programs at Berks better choices on both sides. scary. He’s a white supremacist. and help themselves. Mixing hot Hort Club: What this is about is getting The swastikas on buildings are real. pepper flakes in the bird seed does Jan. 17: Jonathan Dailey from down on paper my thoughts and Talking about making Muslims sign cut down on the squirrel invasions. Horn Farm. The topic is Hugelkultur. fears. It isn’t entirely Donald a registry is real. Talk of building But those pesky critters find other Feb. 23: Brooke Umberger, Trump I am worried about. It’s a wall is real. Hatred is real. Time ways to be annoying. They dig up Horticulture Coordinator from the people who have hitched will tell, but the fear is real. I pray newly planted seedlings. When they Hershey Gardens, will speak first themselves to his wagon. David that we are all wrong and the bury a nut and forget about it we have about roses and then about the new Duke and the Ku Klux Klan have hatefulness and the fear mongering a new tree growing in the middle of conservatory that just opened at expressed support for him. Trump will stop. the lawn. They also do a lot of damage Hershey Gardens. called Mexicans bad hombres, drug Four years from now, I hope I to bulbs. Both programs start at 7 p.m. at dealers, etc., and wants to build can eat my words. It will truly make Groundhogs are another problem. the Berks County Agricultural Center a wall. He has said harsh words me happy. I only want the best for A few years ago a mother had babies in Bern Township and are open to the about Muslims, calling for barring our country and that means all of under our shed. Getting them all public. foreign Muslims from entering the us. For now I am baking even more country and making comments that cookies. I made these recently. suggest he might favor a registry for American Muslims. Ben has had Muslim students in his office Mocha-Ricotta Puffs Did You Know crying, asking him if they/their Dorie Greenspan) families will be deported. Jonathan 2 c. all-purpose flour is concerned about losing his ¾ tsp. fine sea salt Jewish Family Service: health insurance because of his 1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa pre-existing condition. Another 2 tsp. instant espresso friend is worried because he’s on 1 tsp. baking soda Medicaid and not well enough to 1 large egg, room temp. •offers discounted taxi hold a full time job at this time. LGBT ¾ tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. vanilla couples are concerned, because if 1 stick butter, softened transportation to seniors and the Trump has two appointees to the ¾ c. ricotta cheese 1 ¼ c. sugar Supreme Court they can overturn Beat butter 2 minutes until soft. gay marriage, thus voiding their Add sugar and salt, beat 2 more disabled? unions. Trump made remarks about minutes. Add espresso, then egg people with disabilities and insulted and vanilla, beat 1 minutes Add a former Miss Universe because ricotta. Mix 2 minutes. Add ½ dry •has a monthly need-based food she gained a lot of weight. Then he ingredients. Mix. Add rest of dry took to Twitter about her. He has not ingredients. Mix well. Drop by pantry? taken back any of those remarks. I tablespoons onto parchment-lined pray that he tells his followers that it baking sheets. Bake at 325◦ for is not OK to be bigoted, prejudiced about 15-20 minutes, rotating pans •offers counseling and and hateful. That they need to love. halfway through, until edges are By the same token, it is not OK firm and give on top when gently information the way Hillary supporters have pressed. Cool on sheets. Enjoy! Page  Shalom March 2010

Jewish FamilyPage  16 Service SHALOMShalom DecemberMay 2016 2010 Discussion of addiction important to all JewishJewish Family Family ServiceService By Sari Incledon, M. Ed. will not be limited to issues dealing with ‘MathenyOthers) provided the following Manifesto’: statistics. For everyAdvice person whofor has parents a of athletes We invite the entire adolescents. Drug and alcohol abuse is CarAccording donationto Dr. Jay Holder, Medical helps substance sustain abuse problem, JFS several programs community to attend a a problem for all age groups, and we all ByDirector Sari Incledon,and founder M.Ed. of the Exodus othersOur grandsonare affected. Aidan Those just completed affected League catcher/manager Mike love the game as he does. JFS (and get a tax donation at the same Simon and VeeVee Scott. We could not run Pesadich desserts. Thanks to Jeff Bornstein program Jewish Family need to know more about it. ByTreatment ForSari someoneIncledon, Center M.in Ed.Miami, chemical fallmay baseball be spouses, on a parents,successful children, team Matheny addressed this issue while He believes that it is no surprise Thank you to Dave time) call me at 610-921-0624 or go to the food bank without them. and Corinne Wernick for their assistance in Service is sponsoring: In a recent article, “Overcoming whodependency is not muchis the number one secret ofsiblings, 8-10 yearsgrandparents old, playing – all are teams hurt discussing his New York Times that kids quit sports to play video Walker for participating www.charitableautoresources.com. On April 2 JFS sponsored a Seder at serving the meal. Generous contributions “What Every Family Denial” (Na’amat Woman Winter 2009/10) ofin thea sports Jewish fan, community. Reportedly, allin differentaround Berksways. WhatCounty. can His we team as a best-selling book “The Matheny games, as a way to avoid parental in our car donation Each month our food bank serves more the Manor at Market Square. The Manor’s made in memory of Natalie Adelglass by Needs to Know about Barbara Trainin Blank wrote: “Alcohol and overup to 50the percent last of patient populations wascommunal fortunate organization to have doan toexcellent address Manifesto: A Young Manager’s Old- screaming. He believes the biggest program. The proceeds and more people. (In March we served residents were joined by residents of family and friends underwrote the Seder. Alcohol and Drug chemical dependency don’t discriminate, 10in someyears residential I have treatment centers pitcherthe problem? who often Awareness led them is an to important victory. School Views on Success in Sports role a parent should play is to be a from his auctioned car 182 people in 62 households). We could Providence House and Friendship Circle Finally, thanks to the bakers of the Abuse & Addiction: An affecting Jews and non-Jews alike, and attendedare Jews – asquite are 20 percent of those Thefirst steppitcher’s and we invitemom, everyonewhile veryin the and Life” (written with co-author silent source of encouragement. will help support our not provide this important service without seniors. Boscov’s provided a delicious meal, Kesher Zion religious school and Temple Interactive Dialogue women as much as men. Addiction acalling few national youth drug hot lines (yet Jews knowledgeablecommunity to share about questionsmany aspects and Jerry B. Jenkins). Matheny lists the following values programs. If you would dedicated volunteers. Thank you to long- enjoyed by all. A big thank you to baker Oheb Sholom’s sisterhood for providing us with David Rotenberg.” and alcoholism can be found in every sportingcomprise less events. than 3 percent of the U.S. ofconcerns the sport, at our yelled above all mentioned types of In 2008 Matheny was recovering as some of the non-negotiable for like to learn more about time volunteers Karen Sherman and Norman extraordinaire Sheila Bornstein for furnishing with hamentashen that were distributed to This program will be held Wednesday, socioeconomic and religious segment of Ipopulation). have traveled Chemical dependency is the instructions,program on April advice 28. and words of from a concussion caused by a playing on his team. this easy way to help Wilikofsky and to our new volunteers Jan participants with a vast array of gourmet seniors in long term care residences. April 28 at 7 p.m. at the JCC. the Jewish community”. tothird Cooperstown, leading killer in the U.S. It is also an consolationOur program before is and free, after though each collision at home plate. He was not • baseball experience is David is the executive director of An article on the JACS Web N.Y.,unreported (three and/or unknown contributor andreservations every pitch, are “Breathe”,requested. “YouFor more can sure if his career was over when focused on the players Adolescent Youth Services at Caron site (Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically times),to deaths Lewes caused Del., by car Aberdeen, accidents, Md.,heart doinformation, it”, “that’s call all right”.SariLiving at She 610-921- even with parents Loss approached him to coach • culture of respect from Foundation, however his presentation Dependent Persons and Significant attacks, suicides and strokes. 0624. and various Pennsylvania locations yelled theMondays, same instructions May 10when and 10-year-old 24, 3:00- boys. 4:30 His p.m. reply, a five- players, parents and coaches to watch nephews,Volunteer nieces Opportunities and a Aidan pitched! Available – page single spaced typed letter • emphasis on attitude, BERKS ENCORE PROVIDES FREE TAX PREPARATION cousin play soccer, lacrosse and Just as many question or criticize that offered his thoughts about and concentration and effort FROM TRAINED VOLUNTEERS baseball.Jewish It has Family been Servicefun showing seeks volunteersthe behaviorFor to morehelp of “stageour information seniors moms” (the call conditions Sari at for610-921-0624 coaching. The letter • parents role as a silent support for thewith next grocery generation shopping seemingly and other errands.overambitious parents found its way to the internet and support Was your household income less than $50,000 in 2009? of our Ifextended you have somefamily time, and call an Sari of or children Carole at involved 610-921-0624 in theater),. I went viral. This letter formed the For anyone who questions the Household income may be higher in some cases, enjoyable way to relax with loved am often wondering about the ill basis of his book. Matheny says that values and culture of their child’s ones. In recent years our grandson effects the over-the-top behavior in the decades since his childhood athletic program, I highly recommend but call 610-374-3195 for more details. has developed athleticJewish interests Family and Serviceof some “sportsthanks parents” can have thereWhat was a shift happens in values and afterreading “The Matheny Manifesto” Call today to schedule an appointment from now until April 15. we have beenDid attending you know even the Hampton more onInn their Wyomissing offspring. is newly Fortunately for actions of parents and coaches that and sharing it with other families and athletic events.renovated?Dr. It’s Jeffrey true, when Blank yourme, family an D.D.S.NPR comes interview to town, with Major has madea hospital it impossible for stay? youth to athletic groups. for providing professional services to our client. Berks Encore, 40 N. Ninth St., 610-374-3195 why crowd your home? We have a heated indoor pool, Join us for this informative seminar presented by complimentaryEnjoy Taxhot breakfast, Benefits and Whilea good Contributing night’s sleep onto our BERKS ENCORE RECEIVES AWARDS famous Cloud 9 bed. Did you also know that we wash our ENCORE - A Senior comfortersJewish Familyand pillows Service with every Vehicle stay? DonationWouldn’t you Program want Thursday, May 20 • 11:30 am Congratulations to Berks Encore employees Carolyn Krebs your loved ones here with us instead of worrying where you’ll at Manor at Market Square and Martha Sitler for receiving one of the Social Security Discussion Group Administrations highest awards for their providing the public with find room? With the Hampton’sCall Sari 100% at guarantee 610-921-0624, Some patients require additional Call Sari at information covering Social Security issues. you can’t goe-mail wrong. [email protected] Meets Monday Dec.care after 12, their at hospital 3 p.m. discharge. Planning ahead will make 610-921-0624or go to Berks Encore enables older adults to achieve a better quality of Hampton Inn Wyomissing at thethings JCC. easier for you after you leave. www.charitableautoresources.com life by providing a comprehensive program of services, referrals, 1800 Papermill Road, Wyomissing,or emailPA 19560 Learn about the services available education and advocacy. For more information call Berks Encore 610-374-8100 [email protected] for you or a loved one! at 610-374-3195 or visit them at www.Berksencorepa.org Please RSVP by calling 610-373-0800. Jewish Family Service Food Pantry Collection  Living with Loss We are serving more families  each month! Please bring Pediatric and Adult Patients donations of canned tuna, soup, formerly Bereavement Group fruits and vegetables to Treating Ear, Nose, Throat Problems FREE parking in INDEPENDENT AND ASSISTED LIVING Mondays, March  and 22, 3:00- 4:30 p.m. the Berks Encore Kesher Zion or the JCC. Thyroid Nodules, Neck Masses & Sinusitis parking lot Meals • HousekeepingThank • you!Activities • Transportation 2131_Shalom_ad:LayoutFor more information1 9/8/09 11:57 AM Pagecall 1 Sari at 610-921-0624 located at 9th All-Inclusive Monthly Rent • No Buy-ins and Court Street. We also need plastic and paper grocery bags! Physicians: 803 Penn Street • Reading, PA 19601 A f f i n i t y B a n k P A . c o m 2347_Shalom_update:Layout 1 3/30/10 12:21 PM Page 1 James P. Restrepo, M.D., FACS, ECNU www.manoratmarketsquare.com • 610-373-0800 Charles K. Lutz, M.D., FACS Jeffrey S. Driben, M.D., FACS, ECNU Af fHandinity BankPA.com warmer in Scott J. Cronin, M.D. the front  pocket?  Nurse Practitioner: Banking the Way Or 9-ball Rosemarie Montgomery in the side It ShoulMS,d CRNP, B FNP-Ce.  Bankinpocket?g Now open in Exeter. the Way It Products that How will you make sense, service that spendSh theou ldwinter? Be. Audiologists: mak es friends. Kathleen D. Vivaldi, AuD, FAAA Call Jill at 610-616-5112 to schedule Melanie A. Appler, AuD, FAAA a tour and find out more about our friendly Matthew R. Bonsall, AuD, FAAA and affordable senior living community!

Providing diagnostic and rehabilitative services for all types of hearing loss, for any age group. Hearing and Balance Disorders Meals • Housekeeping State of the Art Hearing Aid Fittings In House Hearing Aid Repairs Activities • Transportation WYOMISSING | READING Utilities • And More! SINKING SPRING | MUHLENBERG | EXETER WYOMISSING | READING ENT Head & Neck610.898 .7Specialists,700 PC ALL-INCLUSIVE MONTHLY RENT • NO BUY-INS SINKING SPRING | MUHLENBERG | EXETER 985 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing LOCATED 1 BLOCK FROM 610-374-5599 • www.ent-hns.net SANTANDER ARENA! 803 Penn Street • Reading, PA 19601 www.manoratmarketsquare.com610.898.7700 • 610-616-5112 December 2016 SHALOM Page 17 May 2010 Shalom Page 10 Federation Honorial - Memorial Card Information HonorialsHonorials and and Memorials Memorials ContributionsContributions may may be be made made to to the the following following Funds: Funds: Please mail your payment with complete information to the Jewish FederationUJA-Federation Jewish Campaign Community Campaign $10 $10 Federation, PO Box 14925, Reading, PA 19612-4925 or bring to the Jewish Jewish Family Service $10 Jewish Family Service $10 Cultural Center, 1100 Berkshire Blvd, Suite 125, Wyomissing. You may set up Leo Camp Lecture Fund $10 a “savings account” for the purpose of sending cards. Please contact the JFSLeo FoodCamp Bank Lecture Fund $10 $25 Jewish Federation at 610-921-0624 for further information. JFS TaxiFood Transportation Bank Program $25 $25 Contributions as of Nov. 18 HolocaustJFS Taxi Transportation Library & Resource Program Center $20 $18 Contributions as of April 16 Holocaust Library & Resource Center $18 Holocaust Library & Resource Center Doris Levin Fund $10 UJA-FederationIn memory of: Campaign PJDoris Library Levin FundFund $10 $10 In honorMorton of: Wachs — Selma Cutler Harry & Rose Sack Fund $10 Sarah Simon’s engagement – Vic and Dena Hammel Michael ClyminEvelyn (Ellen Thompson Abramson’s father) Fund – Susan and Richard D’Angelo$10 JewishAlma andFamily Ed Lakin’s Service new home – Vic and Dena Hammel, Mildred & Ivan Frank Mehringer – Edith Mendelsohn InGordon honor of: PJ Library Sam Goodman’s engagement – Alma and Ed Lakin Birth of Judy and Jim Schwank’s granddaughter – Louise Zeidman In honor of: Alyse Corbin’s marriage – Carol and Bernie Gerber, Alma and Ed Lakin Birth of Margaret Levine’s great-granddaughter – Louise Zeidman DorisBat LevinMitzvah Fund of Sue and Herb Wachs’ granddaughter – Eunice and Albert Sue Viener’s Birthday – Yvonne & Rob Oppenheimer BoscovIn memory of: In memoryBirth of Selmaof: Cutler’s great-grandson Jacob - Debbie Goodman and John Dr. Walter Gershenfeld – Stephanie and Dennis Arbige, Carole and Mike Moyer Robinson Miriam Linker – Ruth Isenberg In memory of: Birth of Carol and Gordon Perlmutter’s new grandson – Debbie Goodman and Shoshana Tannenbaum – Carole and Mike Robinson Sue Viener – Lisa and Michael Imperiale, Jerry Marcus, Judy Katz, David and FederationJohn Moyer Jewish Community Campaign Lynne Unger, Eunice and Albert Boscov In honor of: Holocaust Library and Resource Center Get well: In memory of: Michele Abramson and Brian Schachter’s engagement – Judy and Bob Pollack Friendship Circle Fund HaroldBirth of Leifer Stu and – Rob Carol and Cohn’s Yvonne grandsonOppenheimer – Barbara Nazimov Shoshana Tannenbaum – Ken and Mary Holt, George and Sue Viener, Sue Schlanger,In honor of: Gordon and Carol Perlmutter, Leah Kanter-Salis, Rosemary and John Armand Sussman – Jennie Saft InEvelyn memory Thompson of: Nursery School Fund Deegan, Naum and Lyudmila Ger, Louis and Katherine Danzico, Florence and In memoryFlorence of: Segal – YR Bridge Club Girls Marvin Segal, Vic and Dena Hammel, Emma Holder, Susan Gallagher, Mildred & ShoshanaArmand Sussman Tannenbaum — Dena – Beth and and Vic Bob Hammel, Caster Jerry Marcus Ivan Gordon, Carrie & Stephen Latman, Judy, Bob & Susan Pollack, Anna & Moisey Eric Zelnick’s mother – Cheryl and Eric Farber Schneider, Norman & RitaGoing Wilikofsky, Audrey away Williams, Alan and Esther Strauss, JewishMiriam Family Linker (DebbieService Frank’s mother) – Debbie Goodman and John Moyer, Jay and Evelyn Lipschutz, Carol and Bernie Gerber, Barbara and Seth Rosenzweig, RobIn honor and Yvonneof: Oppenheimer, Cheryl and Eric Farber, Hilde Gernsheimer, Carol John Castrege and family, Michael Geraci, Maxine & Dick Henry, Piekara Family, andBirth Bernie of Carol Gerber and Gordon Perlmutter’s new grandson – Sue and George Viener, Laura Higgins for the winter? Betsy and Al Katz Bat Mitzvah of Fran Mendelsohn’s granddaughter – Rosalye Yashek JFS Taxi Transportation Program Please be sure the Federation Friendship Circle In memory of: In memory of: Get well: Miriam Linker – Rosalye Yashek Shoshana Tannenbaum – Jill and Gladys Skaist Harold officeLeifer – Glenn and hasGaye Corbin your address Muslim-JewishHolocaust education advisory spreading council to in work Berks with County Trump administration Continued from Page 5 also that the students are genuinely On a wider note, there have justice and Holocaust remembrance today. silenceA newly is not theformed reason whycouncil survivors of interestedSchein, inand hearing Farooq their stories. Kathwari, I know beenreligious many practices recent indevelopments the workplace,” in Iand am heartenedJewish communities. to hear that three additional areprominent invited in.American Instead, Muslimsthat factor and is myPresident students and were CEO genuinely of Ethan interested Allen, in Holocaustand improving education the enforcementin Berks County of schools“It cannot in Berks hurt,County and will beit offeringmight presentJews announced because of the its immense formation respect in hearingare serving Hilde’s asstory the and council’s many still co-talk andhate thecrimes surrounding laws already areas. onWithin the theseeven courseshelp,” shefor their said students. in an email to studentsNovember have in thefor thesewake individuals of President- and aboutchairs. it now, several weeks later. thebooks. past month I have met with two HuffPost.Though the fourth quarter of the elect Donald Trump’s victory on “This is a group chaired by individualsThe council who arewill inhost the aprocess public schoolDaisy year Khan, has begun,executive there director are still Election Day. businesspeople intentionally,” ofevent developing Feb. 1 on a CapitolHolocaust Hill tocourse present to manyof the additionalWomen’s opportunitiesIslamic initiative that Spearheaded by advocacy Silverman said. beits offeredpolicy agenda,at their local Silverman high school. said. remain.in Spirituality I just spoke and to anEquality undergraduate and a organizations the American Jewish The group’s focus won’t primarily OneMembers gentleman of Congress was from are Lancasterinvited to ethicsmember class of the at council, Penn State said oneBerks of Committee and the Islamic Society be dialogue, he noted, and instead County.attend. The other, Gerry Evans, is a regardingthe group’s the key ethical/moral goals is to implications “promote of North America, the Muslim-Jewish will work to draft policy proposals teacherOf theat Hamburg incoming High School.Trump I ofrespect the Holocaust. and understanding” I found the students among Advisory Council wasn’t a response likely to make a concrete difference haveadministration been in contactSilverman with commented; two other tothe be two receptive faith communities and inquisitive and “useand to the election outcome, said Robert in people’s lives. local“We’re teachers, not going Pete toRuckelshaus assume the at haveour collective been asked wisdom to deliver to pre-empta similar Silverman, AJC director of Muslim- “Muslims and Jews have many Twinworst. Valley We wantand Jim to workKonecke with at the Wilson new programany potential in the crisis classes from that forming.” the same Jewish relations. things to share, not only common Highadministration, School. Pete but has we’ll resurrected be very a professorImam Shamsialso teaches Ali, president at Reading of Area the In fact, he said, it’s been in a faiths but also common fate.” coursevigilant. on Holocaust Literature at Twin CommunityNusantara FoundationCollege. and a member process of formation all year. “This Silverman said.  Valley,‘If there and itsare first any kindoffering of bigoted is during of theAs mentionednew council, above, reiterated Kim Yashek, that is not at all a reaction to Trump,” The council is focusing on thestatements, current fourth we’re quarter. going to He be isone very of daughterthe group ofisn’t the a lateresponse local Holocaustto Trump, Silverman told the Huffington Post. developing a domestic policy agenda excitedthe first aboutto speak offering out.” this course to survivorbut rather Richard evidence Yashek, ofis speaking“a strong at “It’s a reaction to divisions in our to propose to Congress and held his Deborahstudents E.and Lipstadt, has even a historianlined up Twincommitment Valley, Hamburg to both and Jewish Fleetwood. and country.” its first planning meeting in early severaland author guest of speakers“Denying includingthe Holocaust” Rabbi MuslimRight communitiesnow Albright College to engage is hosting in a The advisory council is comprised November in New York City. Brianwho famouslyMichelson, went Kim Yashekto court and with Hilde a anconstructive exhibit titled, dialogue, “Stories reconciliation, Among Us: of a bipartisan coalition of more So far, Silverman said, the Gernsheimer.Holocaust denier in the 1990s, is Washingtonand partnership.” State Connections to the than 30 religious leaders, business agenda includes topics such as amongJim Koneckethe new iscouncil’s teaching members. at Wilson Holocaust,“We truly Lessons believe in that Genocide.” Muslims andThe executives and scholars from around immigration and refugee issues, CentralShe said Junior she Highconsidered but will bethe moving advisory up exhibitJews includeshave many the stories things of five to share,”Holocaust the country. religious liberty as it applies to togroup Wilson a “tentative High School early at step”the beginning toward survivorshe told HuffPost, and one “not liberator only commonand has Stanley Bergman, CEO of Henry “reasonable accommodations of ofgreater next school relations year. Hebetween will be offering Muslim a receivedfaiths but good also reviews. common Itfate.” is definitely course on Nazi Germany. His students worth a visit! It will be at Albright’s Gingrich will be studying this period of German Library through May 10. history in depth, including a study of the *** rise of anti-Semitism, the initial period of Jennifer Goss teaches social studies the Holocaust and the Final Solution. The in the Fleetwood School District and latter part of the course will look at post-war specializes in Holocaust education. Plan for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah & Wedding Guests!

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