Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks Non-Profit Organization Jewish Cultural Center, PO Box 14925 U.S. Postage PAID Reading, PA 19612-4925 Permit No. 2 readingjewishcommunity.org Reading, PA Change Service Requested
Enriching Lives Volume 51, No. 2 February 2021 Shevat - Adar 5781
ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by0 the Jewish2 Federation2 of Reading/Berks1
Your Federation Supports: Jewish Education A community tribute Food Pantry Friendship Circle to Irvin Cohen Chevra Irvin Cohen made a tremendous impact on our Jewish community and so many other aspects of life in Berks County, first as a successful Community Shabbat businessman and then as one of the area’s great philanthropists. In Reading Jewish Film Series addition to supporting Jewish causes, he provided great leadership as one of the key forces behind the establishment of the GoggleWorks PJ Library Center for the Arts and the revitalization of the Reading Public Museum. He was also a leading supporter of his alma mater, Penn State University, Jewish Family Service working to provide new opportunities for students to excel. His memory Jewish Cultural Center will be a blessing for his community for generations to come.
Lakin Holocaust Library See Bill Franklin’s column on Page 3, and turn to Pages 6 and 7 to read memories from many others who knew and loved him. & Resource Center
Israel & Overseas Camp Scholarships An inspiring MLK Day of Service Israel Trips
Jewish Community
High School
Emergency Support
Lakin Preschool
Richard J. Yashek Lecture
Transportation
Maimonides Society
Your Jewish Legacy
92ND ST Y Programs
Joint Distribution Committee
Meir Panim
Annual Campaign
Jewish Agency for Israel Above photos by Ben Hasty, courtesy of Reading Eagle Members of the Weiss and Levin families were among the volunteers putting together meal kits for our MLK Day of Service.. Yemin Orde
School Education Programs By Amanda J. Hornberger Interfaith Unity Council The cold weather couldn’t stop the warmth of volunteers gathered for our 3rd Annual MLK Day of Service on Jan. Israel Advocacy 18. Partnering with Immanuel United Church of Christ on the Youth Events church campus in Shillington, youth and adults gathered for Great Decisions Series service projects: food donation sorting and creation of more than 100 power boost packs filled with a wide variety of food Jewish Community and snack items to be handled out by Immanuel UCC to Relations Council members of the Gov. Mifflin Community dealing with hunger. Volunteers made 100 meal kits: a five-bean vegetarian Community Holiday Programs soup and a rice casserole, both of which only require water to prepare. Six no-sew blankets were created to be donated to Women’s Philanthropy Mary’s Shelter in Reading. Jewish Federations Everyone worked together for a successful event! We had a lot of new volunteers as many folks told us we of North America were the only Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event they could find to participate in. Thank you for your food Counseling Services donations and for the 50+ volunteers for their time, energy Leo Camp Lecture and enthusiasm. We were happy to create a service event to remember Shabbat B’Yachad Martin Luther King, Jr. and work together as a community. We are hopeful that together we can continue our positive outreach and service to our community and continue to make MLK Day a day on, not off. Leah Erhlikh, Bella Karchevsky and Eva Karchevksy hold up the no-sew blanket they created. Page 2 SHALOM February 2021 Shalom, chaverim!
By Richard Nassau within various sectors, the openness to the generous hearts of my adopted Development Director change, the pride and passion shown community. For the past six by those who live and work here. I know I consider my colleagues to be years, I have had the many are unaware that this is truly a friends. I am proud of the many pleasure of working gem in the Federation world — perhaps initiatives they and our volunteers with the Jewish that is part of its magic. have undertaken under the leadership community of Berks During my tenure we have, sadly, of Bill Franklin and our board. I will County. I’m proud lost many pillars of philanthropy, which miss working with the dedicated staff to say I work in this has created a hole that is hard to fill of the Federation, whose work is community; it has — not only financially but also in other incomparable. n t become part of my kinds of support. Because I believe in the work I Jewish identity. For this reason, it is However, even with these challenges promote, I am proud to announce that bittersweet to announce that I will be and the unique challenges we continue I have joined with 50 other members of retiring March 1. to face, this past year has been our community to create a bequest in e I have worked for and been involved unexpectedly heartening. We have my own will for the Jewish Federation with various Jewish Federations for seen a sharp rise in new volunteers and here in Berks County. This will benefit the past 27 years, from Philadelphia to donors. And those who have always our future. It is an act I hope will Wilmington and beyond. The Federation been there have worked even harder. encourage others to do the same and here in Berks County, however, stands They have increased their financial create their own Jewish legacy.
m out for so many reasons: the scope gifts. They have given endless energy Going forward, may you be blessed, of programming, the involvement of and effort to our success. Clearly, it as I am, with the love of family and a volunteers, the friendly collaboration takes more than a pandemic to squelch community you cherish. p Literatour event focuses on South African art By Amanda J. Hornberger Spanning from the Boer War, to Nazi Ger o South African artist Irma Stern is one many, to apartheid South Africa, Irma Stern’s
l of that nation’s most controversial modern life and work document important cultural figures. Stern’s expressive portraits rendered and political moments in modern history. in saturated colors were among her most LaNitra M. Berger is senior director of widely known pieces. The painter and fellowships at George Mason University, e sculptor traveled throughout Africa to capture where she is also affiliate faculty in Art History not only likenesses, but also landscapes that and the African and African American Studies are unique to the continent. In “Irma Stern program. She received her MA and PhD in art
v and the Racial Paradox of South African history from Duke and a BA in art history and Modern Art: Audacities of Color,” LaNitra M. international relations from Stanford. Berger explores the complex history of Stern. You can register by visiting https:// Berger will be our guest at Literatour Berks readingjewishcommunity.org/home/literatour e on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Signed copies of the book will be available The book explores how Stern became through the Literatour Berks official book South Africa’s most prolific painter of black, vendor, Reads & Company of Phoenixville. Jewish, and colored (mixed-race) life while Thank you to the sponsors and patrons of
D maintaining a neutral position on apartheid. Literatour Berks for making this event possible. LaNitra M. Berger
Annual Campaign
Women’s Philanthropy Learn about world affairs; join Great Decisions
Maimonides Society By Amanda J. Hornberger a.m. until 2 p.m. at the JCC beginning International organizations and the March 1. Great Decisions runs for eight Your Jewish Legacy pandemic. Brexit and the European Union. weeks through April 19. The cost is $30 Fight over the melting Arctic. China & Africa. Great Decisions is the country’s largest per book or $35 for two people sharing Chai Circle These are just a few of the hot-button discussion group on world affairs. Each one book. We always have a lively and L’Chaim Society international topics that will be discussed week a different global issue will be intellectual discussion and are welcoming at this year’s Great Decisions series at discussed by the group after reading new participants! Book of Life the JCC. the Great Decision Briefing Book and To register for Great Decisions and to Moderated by local professors watching the related DVD. order a copy of the Great Decision Briefing Letter of Intent from Albright, Alvernia and Penn State Our group will be meeting virtually on Book please contact the JCC at info@ Berks as well as community members, Zoom on Monday mornings from 10:30 jfreading.org or 610-921-0624.
DONATE NOW TO OUR JEWISH COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN Please visit ReadingJewishCommunity. org Make your gift today! February 2021 SHALOM Page 3 From the President’s Desk Irv Cohen an embodiment of Judaism’s life-changing ideas
By William D. Franklin followed by seven years of drought. a member of RCOS and strong and are given by others.” Irv’s ever- President Rabbi Sacks concludes that “G-d supporter of the Jewish Federation. present smile and wonderful sense of I’ve had the does not want us to accept poverty Irv was one of the founders of humor were clear indications of his pleasure of and pain but to cure them.” Irv Goggleworks Center for the Arts well-being. The love and admiration knowing Irv Cohen came from an impoverished Russian and served on the board of the expressed by his family, friends, for six years. It immigrant family. He not only “cured” Reading Public Museum. Recently and community members help us was wonderful to his family’s financial hardship, but he and Lois, with Vic and Dena appreciate the many sources of his learn of the many he and Lois helped many others Hammel, established the Cohen- happiness. ways he and Lois through support of Opportunity Hammel Fellows Program. This is • In Behar (Leviticus 25:1– changed people’s House, Cambridge Day Schools and a comprehensive new scholarship 26:2), G-d gives Moses laws and lives. I have been PAL, and our Federation’s Jewish program for outstanding Penn State values of ethical behavior and social reading Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ book, Family Service. Berks undergraduates designed justice. Rabbi Sacks’ life-changing “Judaism’s Life-Changing Ideas.” • In Yitro ( Exodus 18:1- to prepare students to become idea from this portion is, “Be a He reviews and summarizes each 20:23), Moses’ father-in- law engaged, ethical leaders in the 21st blessing to others and you will find Torah portion, concluding with the advises an overworked Moses to century. that life has been a blessing to you.” helpful “life-changing ideas” he took find others to help him. Rabbi Sacks’ • In Vayak’hel (Exodus 35:1- Irv knew that he was blessed by from each. It struck me that Irv’s transformational idea here is, “There 38:20), Moses, after winning G-d’s his marriage to Lois, by their two life embodied many of Rabbi Sacks’ are certain things we can do together forgiveness for the sin of the golden children, their four grandchildren and transformational ideas. that none of us can do alone.” He and calf, works to turn a fragmented their four great-grandchildren. He Let me cite a few: Lois worked together for 70 years. In people back into a community for loved his blessed life and continues • In the portion Miketz (Genesis addition, he was an integral member their own well-being. Based on this to be a blessing to all of us. 1:1-44:17), Joseph interprets of the committee that planned and Rabbi Sacks writes, “Happiness lies The best way we can honor and Pharaoh’s dreams and provides oversaw the construction of our beyond the self, in the strength of remember Irvin Cohen is to work plans for Egyptians to survive the Jewish Community Center and later our relationships, our connections together to make our world better. coming seven years of bounty served as its president. He was to community, and what we give He will be missed. Page 4 SHALOM February 2021 World War II thriller next in Literatour Berks By Amanda J. Hornberger In 1945 the Nobel Prize for chemistry went to Otto Hahn for his discovery of the
fission of heavy nuclei, which paved the way
for the construction of the atomic bomb. Lost to history is the truth that Hahn would not
have been able to complete his work without help from Austrian-Jewish scientist Dr. Lise
Meitner. Forced to flee Germany in 1938,
Meitner never received credit for her role in test the atomic bomb — a weapon powerful
the discovery. Monday, September 9, 2019 at 7enough p.m. JCC and to Exeter end Community World Li braryWar II and, perhaps, Literatour Berks Preview Night Jan Eliasberg’s novel “Hannah’s War” is all future wars. A weapon that, in the wrong Come learn more about the 18 authors visiting Berks this year! loosely based on this real-life story. Eliasberg hands, could destroy the world. This is vivid, ______will join Literatour Berks for a discussion on page-turning, and inspiring re-imagination of Monday, October 7, 2019 at 7 p.m. Exeter Community Library her riving historical novel on Monday, Feb. 1 E.R.the Ramzipoor final months of World War II and the brilliant The Ventriloquists at 7 p.m. on Zoom. researchers behind the first atomic bomb. Presented in partnership with the LGBT Center of Greater Reading. In 1945, Dr. Hannah Weiss, an Austrian- Jan Eliasberg is an award-winning writer/
Jewish physicist, is removed from her essential director. Her prolific directing career includes Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at 7 p.m. Location Provided Upon Registration work with the Critical Assemblies Team at Angeladramatic Himsel pilots for CBS, NBC, and ABC, such the Los Alamos National Laboratories and is A Riveras be“Miami a Tree Vice” and “Wiseguy;” episodes of A program of Women’s Philanthropy of Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks. taken for interrogation. Major Jack Delaney, television series, including “Bull,” “Nashville,”
a rising star in the shadowy______world of military “Parenthood,” “The______Magicians,” “Blue Bloods,”
intelligence, is convincedWednesday, that someone November 20, 2019in at 7“NCIS::30 p.m. Wachovia Los Theatre,Angeles,” Albright College “Supernatural” and https://readingjewishcommunity.org/home/ Thomas Wolf the top-secret Manhattan Project is a spy; theThe Nightingale’sdozens Sonata: of others; as well as the feature film literatour Signed copies of the book will be The Musical Odyssey of Lea Luboshutz captivating, brilliant and mysterious female40th Annual Leo“Past Camp Memorial Midnight.” Lecture Eliasberg also has a storied available for purchase through the Literatour
scientist soon becomesProgram his includes primary Curtis Institut suspect.e musicians performingcareer César as Fraanck’s screenwriter, “Sonata for Violin andwriting Piano”. films driven Berks official book vendor, Reads & Company
Is Hannah a Nazi spy, or is she protectingPresented in partnership a far withby the Campstrong family femaleand Albright College.leads, including “Fly Girls” of Phoenixville. more personal and dark______secret of her own? As about the Women ______Air Service Pilots in World Thank you to the sponsors and patrons
World War II reaches its crescendo,Monday, the December Allies 2, 2019 War at 7 p.m. II. Exeter This Community is her Libraryfirst novel. of Literatour Berks for making this event Tiffany Shlain and the Germans are racing to complete24/6: The and Power of UnpluggingYou Onecan Day register a Week by visiting our website: possible.
Interactive story time for PJ Library kids! Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 7 p.m. Location Provided Upon Registration Dawn Raffel By Amanda J. Hornberger The Strangein Case his of chickens, Dr. Couney: then his goats, geese, and ducks. Adventures, a theater company that inspires Is your house a crazy zoo?How a Mysterious Then joinEuropean us Showman Soon Saved the Thousands man is of overwrought. American Babies Finally, the rabbi kids to collect, tell and write stories. This for an interactive story time withA program author of Maimonides and Societysays of to Jewish take Federation out all of Reading/Berks.of the animals. And the man professional storyteller is sure to offer a FUN, performer Jill Ross Nadler on Sunday, Feb. 7 appreciates his quiet, spacious house. interactive program for young readers! We will at 4 p.m. for some relief! Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 4 Nadlerp.m. Exeter Communityhas reimagined Library this popular tale also be doing a pop-up craft together so be Joni Klein-Higger and Barbara Sharf During 2020, many of us could relate to Barnyardthe aboutBubbe’s Hanukkahappreciating all that we have in a new sure not to miss this one!
familiar Yiddish folktale aboutPresented the husband by PJ Library andof Reading setting:with support froma modern-day the Sue B. Viener Memorial library. Fund ofStevie tries to You can register by visiting our website: Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks. wife who live with their many children in a tiny, escape his noisy family by reading a book at https://readingjewishcommunity.org/home/ ______crowded and noisy house. The man asks the the library. Ah, quiet. But with each turn of the literatour Signed copies of the book will be rabbi what to do. The rabbi suggests thatFor he More bring Information page and - 610-921-0624 the storyteller saying “Once upon a available for purchase through the Literatour
Center Jewish Cultural in the cow. But now the houseTo isRegister more -crowded ReadingJewishCo time”mmunity.org/home/literatour disturb Stevie’s peace. Berks official book vendor, Reads & Company and more noisy. So the rabbi tells the man to bring Nadler is co-founder of Page Turner of Phoenixville. 92nd St. Y Programs
Game Nights
Community Shabbat
Reading Jewish Film Series
Great Decisions
Interfaith Mitzvah Day
Yom Ha’atzmaut
PJ Library
PJ Our Way
Leo Camp Lecture
Tech Tuesday
Yom Hazikaron
Art Exhibits
Yom Hashoah
Annual Meeting and Picnic
Purim Carnival
Richard J. Yashek
Memorial Lecture
Kristallnacht Remembrance
Youth Events
Purim Masquerade Party
Bridge
Chevra
Mahjong
Trips to NYC/Philadelphia
Lakin Holocaust Library
& Resource Center
Shabbat B’yachad
Community Calendar February 2021 SHALOM Page 5 Film screening in partnership with JCPA By Amanda J. Hornberger and the atrocities he witnessed. President and Tammy Gilden, Senior The 2020 Mexican Academy The Juarez Valley, a region once known Policy Associate Award Winner for Best Feature Length for cotton production, is now nothing more The Reading JCRC, in accordance Documentary, “The Guardian of Memory” than burned down houses, empty towns, with its commitment to advocate for will be screened on Monday, Feb. 22 and memories. Carlos Spector fights to human rights around the world and in partnership with the Jewish Council obtain political asylum for Mexicans fleeing promote a just and pluralistic America, of Public Affairs. Joining us will be the from violence. This is the story of Mexican works together with all communities Jewish director of the film, Marcela men, women, and children seeking a in Berks County to build bridges with Arteaga, and one of its main subjects respite from their tragedies by heading to our local minority communities and — Carlos Spector. Moderating the their neighboring country, the U.S. It is also communities of color to bring people conversation will be Michael Fromm. a story about the kindness and hope that together in the pursuit of those values. “The Guardian of Memory” profiles still exists in people who have gone through These are the same values being Jewish Texas immigration attorney Carlos hell, and about Carlos Spector’s tireless pursued in this worthwhile and eye- Spector. He fights to obtain asylum for efforts to keep memory alive. opening film. Mexicans who are in extreme danger. They JCPA traveled to the Mexican and USA Jewish Federation is proud to have been threatened, and oftentimes border and met with officials. “We both sponsor this nationwide screening of their family members were murdered returned with a deeper understanding the award-winning documentary. The or disappeared. Carlos’ commitment to that our immigration system is profoundly event is free and open to the public. immigrant rights stems from his father’s broken and in dire need of reform,” said Registration is available on our website: experiences as a soldier in World War II Melanie Roth Gorelick, Senior Vice ReadingJewishCommunity.org Proof of PJ Library’s impact
Originally published in the Fall 2020 edition of PROOF, a PJ Library magazine. Visit pjlibrary.org/proof for more.
By Sarah Martin PJ Library Findings from the 2019 PJ Library Triennial evaluation show that as PJ Library welcomes families with a wide variety of backgrounds, it remains a trusted resource for parents. In my job as director of evaluation at PJ Library, I’m constantly learning in ways you would expect — and in a few you wouldn’t. I’m not a parent, and I’m not Jewish, so I often rely on my colleagues’ knowledge (and patience!) to fill in gaps of my understanding. But sometimes being on the outside is an advantage. I have fewer preconceived notions about what PJ Score, which was developed by Bain & Parent support COVID-19 crisis in the Northeast, PJ Library families look like and how Company and is commonly used across For the second study in a row, Library’s Rabbi Melanie Levav and Sarah they experience the program. Part of many industries to understand customer the majority of respondents indicated Ruderman Wilensky hosted a webinar my work is to check in regularly with satisfaction.) Most respondents – 86%, they regard PJ Library as a valuable titled “Talking with Children about Death families and learn more about who to be exact – indicated that they are very parenting tool (46% completely agree and Loss in the Age of Coronavirus.” comprises the PJ Library community. likely to recommend* signing up to receive and 43% somewhat agree – that’s 89% Registration quickly maxed out (more than My lack of assumptions helps me see PJ Library books to family and friends, total!). For these families, PJ Library 1,300 online participants), and parents these families for who they are rather and that holds true whether families are has helped parents talk to their kids submitted hundreds of questions. It was than who we think they might be. raising their children exclusively Jewish about their Jewish heritage (82%), a stark, real-life example of what all these And the PJ Library subscriber base or Jewish and another religion (87% for create opportunities for quality family triennial evaluation findings actually mean. is ever-changing, which is inherent in both groups). Satisfaction is essential to time (63%), and support moral/ethical When parents and families are looking the nature of a program that is growing cultivating trust. values (61%). Respondents who are part for support and guidance, they turn to rapidly and where children eventually Reliable source of an LGBTQ household, an interfaith PJ Library as a trusted resource. This age out of receiving the books. Our most We’ve long asked how likely parents household, or a household with a person example re-energizes my commitment recent triennial evaluation, which was are to recommend us, but 2019 was of color are even more likely to regard PJ to leading evaluation work to understand fielded in the fall of 2019, confirmed that the first year we tried to find out Library as a valuable parenting tool (91%, who PJ Library families are and what
Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks Non-Profit Organization fact yet again. Over the past three years, whether families depend on us. We’re 93%, and 92%, respectively).Jewish Cultural Center, PO Box 14925 they need so that we canU.S. Postage build PAID the best Reading, PA 19612-4925 Permit No. 2 readingjewishcommunity.org Reading, PA the program has not only grown by more glad we asked: Half of respondents In early May, during the heightChange Service Requestedof the program experience possible. than 40,000 families (reaching 160,000 indicated they do indeed rely on PJ Enriching Lives Volume 47, No. 9 September 2017 Elul 5777-Tishri 5778 total families in the U.S. and Canada in Library as either the main source November 2019), but the backgrounds (10%) or one of a few sources (39%) of enrolled families are increasingly to learn about Jewish values and ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by0 the Jewish9 Federation1 of Reading/Berks7 varied. The proportions of PJ Library traditions. The proportion increases to families who speak a language other 68% for families who don’t enroll their Your Federation Supports: A newspaper servingJewish Education the Jewish community of Berks County, than English, identify as an interfaith kids in Jewish educational activities Food Pantry Pennsylvania, andFriendship published Circle monthly, September through June, under household or have a member who like day school, preschool, or summer Chevra identifies as LGBTQ have all increased camp and to 70% for respondents who the Jewish FederationCommunity Shabbat of Reading/Berks. Funded by the Annual Jewish Community Campaign.Reading Jewish Film Series since the 2016 evaluation. are part of an interfaith household. PJ Library Jewish Family Service We know PJ Library will continue to It turns out there’s a remarkable Jewish Cultural Center General Offices: Lakin Holocaust Library 1100 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 125 grow and change as we strive to reach educational responsibility on PJ & Resource Center as many families as possible, but our Israel & Overseas Wyomissing, PA 19610 Library’s shoulders. Camp Scholarships
Phone: Israel Trips 610-921-0624 FAX: 610-929-0886 commitment to quality will always remain Trusted name Web site: Jewish Community www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org the same. The PJ Library team works every The latest evaluation found that 68% High School Emergency Support day to make sure that parents and families of respondents indicated they completely Jewish Federation Lakinof Preschool Reading are happy with program offerings and are Richard J. Yashek Lecture agree (19%) or somewhat agree (49%) Chair: Transportation Robert M. Caster, CPA getting what they need from PJ Library, that they are more likely to attend a Maimonides Society President: Your Jewish Legacy William D. Franklin no matter what their households look like. local event for families or parents if it is 92ND ST Y Programs CommunicationsJoint Distribution Director: Committee Mark Nemirow, Editor sponsored or endorsed by PJ Library. The Meir Panim Likelihood to recommend Proofreaders: Annual Campaign Federation staff “How likely are you to recommend percentage jumps to 74% for Spanish- Jewish Agency for Israel The opinions expressed in ShalomYemin Orde are of the writers and not the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks this program to a friend?” This question speaking families (27% completely agree School Education Programs and 47% somewhat agree). PJ Library Interfaith Unity Council really boils down to parent satisfaction, Israel Advocacy partners with nearly 200 community Youth Events which is why we’ve asked it in many Great Decisions Series different surveys over the years – from organizations across the US and Canada Jewish Community Relations Council in-the-envelope resources to in-person to support Jewish programming for Community Holiday Programs Women’s Philanthropy community programs. (We’re not the only families, so it’s important that we and our Jewish Federations partners know that parents trust the PJ of North America ones who ask it. You might recognize the Counseling Services Library name. Leo Camp Lecture question as a hybrid of the Net Promoter Shabbat B’Yachad Page 6 SHALOM February 2021 Our community remembers Irvin Cohen
My heart is filled with so many lovely memories of Irv, honestly it’s hard to pick what to share, but I’ve settled on this one: When I turned 16, my mother asked me what special thing I wanted to do for my birthday. Have a party with friends? See a play in NYC? Any particular gifts? I thought about it and told her what I wanted more than anything was to invite Lois and Irv over for dinner. And I can still remember that dinner so vividly, we sat in the dining room in the atrium, with candles on the table, and Irv was so charming, he made me feel so loved, with his warmth and humour, the twinkle in his eye and his infectious laugh, it was the best gift I ever could have gotten, just spending time with Lois and Irv. I simply don’t have any memories of Irv without Lois, whom I also feel tremendous love, for and from. —Beth Krumholz
I’ve known Irv my entire life. Our families were among the Hampden Heights contingent whose lives outside of work and school revolved around the JCC. In a community that was not overly welcoming toward Jews, we took refuge in the cultural, social and recreational programs at the JCC that made us feel like we “belonged.” Along with his beloved Lois, Irv was a constant Irv and Lois Cohen (Photo courtesy of Reading Eagle) presence when I was growing up, part of my parents’ social circle and my father’s tennis partner. Service and extended globally to projects such as Irv was the quiet, thoughtful member of the group As this cohort began to enjoy material success, the East African Relief Fund and Yemin Orde Youth who frequently could put all of the discussion into a Irv and Lois were always among the first to give Village. Simply stated, Irv and Lois’ concern for others decision for action. Albert and I both had great respect back but the last to seek credit … all humility and and philanthropic efforts were never just about the big for Irv’s judgment and ability to reach a conclusion no hubris. Irv also loved to joke and laugh, but his projects or limited to smaller initiatives; it was about on conflicting options. humor was always inclusive and never at anyone helping those in need. The GoggleWorks is just one of the legacies Irv else’s expense. Although I worked most directly with them at leaves in the community but has and will have an As an adult, I got to know Irv as a businessman, the Jewish Federation of Reading, I remember impact on many people for many years. I consider philanthropist and community leader. What always with great fondness their smiling faces beaming the opportunity to develop a friendship with Irv struck me were the contradictions. Irv built a major, from the audiences of countless children’s theater and work together on this project as a treasured industry-leading business, and yet hardly anyone performances at the PAL Center for the Arts. The life experience. knew what he did for a living. Irv was one of the Center was a result of the Cohens’ vision and —Marlin Miller most generous supporters of both Jewish and generosity. They loved children and spent much of secular causes, and yet his contributions rarely their time committed to projects that directly helped For many years, Lois and Irv were Al and my made front-page news. Irv was always the first to underserved populations, the youngest and most treasured friends and collaborators in community volunteer his time, and yet had the best work-life vulnerable in particular. I was never sure who enjoyed projects. balance of anyone I’ve ever known. And perhaps those performances more, the children and their Al enjoyed working with Irv during the creation and most importantly, even when Irv was sitting on top families or Irv and Lois. In my opinion, it was the latter. development of the Goggle Works Center for the Arts. of the world, he never looked down on anyone. I When you worked with Irv and Lois on a project, it Al fondly spoke about Irv’s thoughtful ideas and calm will miss him very much. was never just a check or their signatures on a letter. and fun presence. On the Reading Public Museum’s — Michael Fromm They were invested, personally. They would roll up Collection Management Committee, on which I had their sleeves or at the very minimum, call regularly the pleasure to serve with Irv, he contributed his Irv was a remarkable human being to ask what more they could do to help you meet vast knowledge of art and the art scene. Lois and Irv He was brilliant. He was very knowledgeable the goal. It was the effortlessness with which they were wonderful hands-on philanthropists, as well as about several subjects, but in particular, he was a gave that touched me and so many others who were contributing monetarily to the Jewish community, the connoisseur of art. fortunate to work with them over the years. Reading community, and in New York. He was devoted to his wife, Lois, and to his Rarely, would Irv ever talk about himself his Above all, I treasure the many years of friendship children and grandchildren. family, yes. He adored his loving wife, Lois and his I shared with Lois and Irv. They were warm, relaxed, He was devoted to the Jewish community and the family. But it was on one particularly sunny day that and gracious, and always there was laughter! Irv’s whole community of Berks County. There is an Irv and I had an occasion to meet with Irv at his office at legendary wit set the tone, and we all joined in as if Lois Cohen Gallery at the GoggleWorks. the Wyomissing Foundation. It was a day that I will we were at the round table at the Algonquin. He and Lois were active in improving the lives of always treasure because he told me a bit about his —Eunice Boscov adolescents in our area. life growing up in Mount Penn, his military service But most of all, Irv was a real mensch, in the best and his companies that he founded through hard Irv was a great husband, father, businessman, sense of that word. work and leadership. I chose the term “hard work” philanthropist, concerned citizen and everything else He always had a wistful smile on his face; and his even though Irv never made his accomplishments that was said about him at the memorial service. wry sense of humor was legendary. seem particularly difficult or extraordinary. I think he But, what I will remember most about Irv was the He was truly one of a kind. He will be missed just considered himself blessed. “twinkle.” Yes, the twinkle in his eye. Because when by all. There are countless numbers of people who you saw it, you knew something very funny was about —Larry Rotenberg directly or indirectly benefitted and will continue to to happen. It would probably be subtle or tongue-in- benefit from the generosity of Irv and Lois Cohen cheek and always delivered in a calm, quiet voice When Barbara and I moved to Reading in 1958, well into the future. His legacy, their shared legacy, with a pleasant smile so the recipient would be sure, we met Irv and Lois and became very good friends. will be forever remembered. well almost sure, that Irv was kidding. And I saw it Eventually Irv and I became involved in the JCC and —Tammy K. Mitgang in social settings and even in business settings. He the Federation. Irv became president of the JCC, will be greatly missed. and I followed closely behind. Irv was a great leader, Irv Cohen and I first became acquainted as fellow Lois was always there with Irv, and I got to know soft-spoken but firm. To know Irv and be his friend businessmen and then became friends as we became her well some years ago and was so impressed by was a privilege. He was a man of intelligence, humor, aware of our mutual interest in the arts. We both became her intelligence and charm. They were a terrific and honesty. strong supporters of the Reading Public Museum when couple. My condolences go out to Lois and the —Bernie Fromm the opportunity developed to rehabilitate this community entire family. treasure. —Alan Leisawitz If you ever wanted to learn how to be a better Next came a long working relationship with person or build a better world, you need only spend Irv and Albert Boscov in the development of the Really I want to write everything that everyone time with Irv and Lois Cohen. It was with great GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. This was to already said about Irv, that he was an inspiration, that sadness that I learned that this incredible team, who be a place to house arts organizations and to he was loving and beloved, that he not only received were inextricably joined at the hip, had lost one of its make, practice and show new art as contrasted to honors but brought honor to all that he did, that he members, Irv Cohen. To Lois, Helene, Richard and the museum’s role of exhibiting established and was compassionate, that he had empathy, that he had their families, I extend my heartfelt sadness on his recognized creative work. dignity, that he was gentle, that he had a strong sense of recent death. This working relationship turned out to be a himself, and yet was humble, that he was an inspiration, Over the years, I was blessed to have had many wonderful experience as we spent many, many that his wit was legend. opportunities to work with Irv and Lois on behalf of hours together over three years conceiving, acquiring I will always remember his soft chuckle and the the broader Berks County Community. Through the the location, developing the plans, overseeing smile that appeared in his eyes just before that wide Jewish Federation of Reading, their generosity and construction, and raising the funds to achieve the grin that gathered everyone in. passion for helping others focused on Jewish Family objective. —Arlene Krumholz February 2021 SHALOM Page 7 When Dena and I moved to Berks success because of his intelligence, County in 1971 while in our 20’s, Lois & analytical, and entrepreneurial skills. I Irv were already philanthropic community was so amazed that such a man would leaders. They became and continued to make a decision based on emotion and be role models for us, as they were for do so knowingly about himself. so many others. As the years went on and we had the As time went on, we both had the privilege and pleasure to get to know pleasure and benefit of working with Lois & Irv much better, I came to realize Irv on various projects. About 40 years that Irv made many decisions from his ago, I approached him for some help heart. This included family decisions, and advice regarding a UJA Major Gifts philanthropic choices especially those dinner. The help he willingly agreed to related to children and students, even was that he and Lois would host the some business decisions that he shared event in their home. I asked his advice as with me. For Irv, “kishkes” or “from the to what type of speaker we should use – heart” could be translated into meaning a politician, professor, Middle East expert just “doing the right thing.” He exemplified or…? Irv’s answer, which impressed me Tikkun Olam – repairing the world. then and to this day, was, “If you want to Working with Irv Cohen was a raise money from me, you need to have truly meaningful and memorable life a speaker who is going to reach me experience which Dena and I will always in my kishkes (guts).” I had previously treasure. In fact, I think you could say that Irv and Lois Cohen with Dena and Vic Hammel and Penn State Berks Chancellor Keith Hillkirk. The two thought of Irv primarily as a businessman it got us right in the kishkes! couples started the Cohen-Hammel Fellows Program at the school. Photo courtesy of Reading Eagle who had achieved significant financial —Dena & Vic Hammel
Reading JCC officers in 1969: Seated, from left, Irv Cohen, Bernie Fromm, Harry Sack; standing, Ellis Schein, Jack Goroff and Ed Lakin. Photo courtesy of Roger Schein.
Irv Cohen with his grandson Evan Schiff, who wrote,“I just wanted to share this picture and say that ever since I was a child I was riding on my PopPop’s shoulders, that didn’t change my entire life. To know PopPop was a honor, to be family a blessing. He left a legacy of warmth and generosity that will stretch into future generations. He was a titan of a man and he’s incredibly missed. Love between grandparents Irvin and Lois Cohen accept the 2014 Thun Award fin honor of their lifetime of community service and and grandchildren is uncomplicated, it’s pure, and that’s the thing I’ll remember most about him, just being philanthropy. With them is Fulton Bank Regional Vice President Jeffrey Rush. Courtesy of Reading Eagle enveloped by an overwhelming love.”
Irvin Cohen speaks at a tribute to Albert Boscov. Photo courtesy of Reading Eagle Page 8 SHALOM February 2021 Lishmor Al HaOlam: Guarding the planet What spices go with plastic?
By Andi Franklin easy and some not so easy fixes. Consumer Reports and Solange Israel-Mintz gives six recommended actions: Plastic pollution is huge! So, in the coming months, 1. Drink tap water and buy soda pop in cans we will be exploring the best ways to reduce it. In our — avoiding bottled water is everyone’s number one first revisit of plastic pollution, we tackle the problem suggestion. of plastic micro-fragment ingestion. Reliable research 2. Buy and store food in glass, silicone, foil indicates that tiny bits of plastic are in our food, our or paper. For good options, visit the “seven great drinking water, and in the air we breathe. As a result, suggestions for plastic-free alternatives for food wraps” we may be ingesting as much as a credit card’s worth (https://treadingmyownpath.com/2017/06/22/7-plastic- of plastics per week. free-alternatives-to-food-wrap/) Cracking open a new plastic bottle or tearing a 3. Heat food in or on the stove. If you microwave, wrapper off a snack releases micro-fragments into the use glass, ceramic or silicone containers, lids, or wraps, air causing household dust to be full of plastic particles not plastic. that we cannot avoid breathing. Washing plastic-based 4. Eat fresh food as much as possible, avoiding fabric, such as fleece, releases plastic particles into items wrapped in plastic. We recognize that this our water supply. Cooking, microwaving and storing suggestion is almost impossible. However, we can use food in plastic contaminates our food. Plastics, which reusable mesh bags and silicone bags. Most farmers’ pollute our oceans and lakes, often are ingested by sea markets are very amenable to using what you bring. animals. Some of these animals, especially shellfish, 5. Vacuum regularly and carefully dispose of the further digest and break the micro-fragments down into collected contents. even smaller nano-fragments. Micro-fragments of some 6. Let’s work with our community. Our impact is nontoxic plastics may travel quickly and safely through not limited to what we, as individuals, do. Ask groceries our digestive system. But not enough research has been to ‘un-plastic’ their produce, give reusable non-plastic done to verify this. However, nano-fragments are small containers as gifts and let us know if you have any other enough to get into our blood stream and may do us harm. suggestions so we can share them. We do not need all of that plastic, and here are some Next month we will dive deeper into recycling.
Obituaries Herbert Schneider, 103. Herb Post 170 of the Jewish War Veterans, Home Builders. He was a member of was born on Dec.17, 1917, in the President of Reading Rotary Club, RCOS. Lionel is survived by his wife, Irvin Cohen, 95, of Reading. Irv was a Bronx. He and his family moved Boy Scouts, and American Lung Mary J.; and his son Elliott and his graduate of Mount Penn High School and to Reading when he was a young Association. Herb was elected to wife, Stacey. Other survivors include Penn State University and a World War child. Herb attended Reading the Reading School Board, Charter his grandchildren, nieces and cousins. II veteran. He was a member of Temple High, where he played tennis and Study Commission and 2006 Tax --- Oheb Sholom and a past president of achieved quarterfinals of the State Study Commission, and was vice Irwin J. “Irv” Goldstein, 84, of the Reading Jewish Community Center. Tennis Championship in 1936. president of the Downtown Merchants Wyomissing. Irv was born in Brooklyn, He and his wife, Lois, were proud Penn He earned a degree in business Association. For many years Herb served in the Army and was a design Staters who spent many weekends at administration at Drexel University was a regular attendee of the JCC engineer for NGK Metals. He was an football games and became supporters where he was captain of the tennis Friendship Circle, where everyone avid golfer, enjoyed walking at the of the Penn State Musical Theater team. During World War II, Herb enjoyed his jokes. Berkshire Mall, played poker and programs at University Park. Irv was was an Air Force First Lieutenant of Herb is survived by daughters was very creative and artistic. He is founder and CEO of Eastern Machine the 351st Bomb Group Division and Nancy (Doug Nagle) and Penny survived by his daughter Amy and Products, Inc. a metal stamping and served in England, where his men Beitman, six grandchildren, and her husband, Daniel, of Blandon, fabricating business. He was also were responsible for loading bombs four great-grandchildren. He was and many nieces, nephews and the CEO of Construction Fasteners into B-17 bombers. He won many predeceased by his son Stephen cousins. Inc., an internationally recognized medals, including the Bronze Star Craig Schneider. --- industrial fastener manufacturer based and the Soldier’s Medal, awarded A more detailed article about Herb Evelyn Drezner, of Reading. in Wyomissing. Irv was a passionate for a heroic act of valor that entailed was written on the occasion of his Evelyn was a graduate of Reading supporter of the arts. He was one of risking one’s own life. In 1947, he 100th birthday and appears in the High School and Syracuse University the founders and vice president of joined the Air National Guard and December 2017 edition of Shalom, with a degree in speech pathology. Reading’s GoggleWorks and a board served during the Korean War. Herb available at readingjewishcommunity. She worked in the Reading School member of the Reading Public Museum. married Shirley (Rickey) in 1947 and org. District as a speech teacher and He is survived by his wife, Lois, and was a devoted caregiver to her for 10 --- enjoyed playing the piano, bridge his daughter Helene, his son Richard, years until her death in 2005. Lionel O. Asher, 92, of Sinking and tennis. She is survived by her his four grandchildren and his four He had a 35-year career as Spring. Lionel was the founder sons: Jess and his wife, Robin, of great-children. Other survivors include manager of Harold’s Furniture. Herb and president of Argo Furniture Wyomissing; and Dean and his wife, his brother Lee and many nieces and was civic-minded and volunteered Manufacturing company and founded Amy. Other survivors include her four nephews. on many boards, including President and served as president of the grandchildren and her two great- --- of Shomrei HaBrith, Commander of Deerfield Development Residential grandchildren. February 2021 SHALOM Page 9 Purim teaches us not to take our lives for granted
By Rabbi Yosef Lipsker remind us that G-d “hides Himself” in When we read the Purim story with what I’ve got: Clean air. Running Chabad Center of Berks County our life stories. And He hardwires us to the proper G-dly lens, we realize that water. Overall good health. G-d’s In Megillat Esther, The Scroll of seek meaning in all of our stories — so the story could have never occurred unconditional love. People who love Esther, traditionally that we find Him in the process. without the hand of G-d. Why did me. People whom I love. The Torah, read on the eve of The Purim story is our universal King Ahasuerus pick Esther, out of a treasure trove of wisdom that has Purim (Feb. 25 this story — a story of ups and downs, thousands of beautiful maidens? And worked in keeping the Jewish people year) and then again good times and bad times, that gives us how was it that Mordechai knew just together for 2,000 years and has held on Purim day, there is the freedom to create the backdrop of the language that Bigthan and Teresh me personally in times of happiness a main character that perception: Do we perceive the Purim were conversing in, thereby able to and sadness and sorrow. seems to be missing saga as a series of coincidences or pass on the information of their plot What about the fact that there’s no in action. Divine-driven? Do we see our own lives to kill the king? When we see how guarantee for tomorrow? That’s what In a nutshell: as luck or as G-d-given? many coincidences occur in just this makes gratitude something we have to The wicked Haman The code of Jewish law reinforces one story, we realize that they are actively achieve — to consciously live plots to create a genocide, getting this concept with a curious rule: If one ultimately not mere coincidences; they in the here and now. King Ahasuerus on board to have reads the Purim story backwards, they are intentional parts of the progression Our humility and vulnerability is what all the Jews slain and annihilated. have not completed the mitzvah of from the Narrator of us all. makes our gratefulness precious and Eventually, Queen Esther intercedes hearing the story. The spirit of the law So the core message of Purim is beautiful: All we have is today. on her people’s behalf with great risk to is that if one reads the megillah as a not taking our lives for granted. Actively Like reading the Purim story from her own life, and the decree is annulled, story that happened way back when, looking and being grateful for today’s the beginning to the end, in the right culminating in a day of great celebration as a quaint tale of the past, they have miracles from up Above. order, with the right lenses, I’m going and joy for the Jewish people. missed the whole point of the story- My commitment this Purim is to to work harder to see that my ordinary Strangely, G-d’s name is not the tale of adversity and miracles is stop waiting for events or even crises life is ultimately extraordinary. mentioned even once throughout the our story today — individually, and to happen to appreciate what I have It’s all a pretty big miracle. story. This was done deliberately to collectively as a Jewish people. and to start actively appreciating Thank you G-d. Tips on how to cultivate a giving spirit in children
By Gail Baer and expose them to others’ lives. The receive an allowance, talk to them about share meals with those who may feel Vice President, Jewish Family & pandemic provides a unique opportunity allocating a small amount to help others. isolated. If your kids do not like to cook, Children’s Services, Phoenix, Ariz. for inspiring generosity and engagement Make a plan. Family giving should be get them outside and have them do yard Young people of all ages benefit for good. So many of our friends and part of a plan. Without being too specific, work for a neighbor who may not be from being generous and caring about neighbors need assistance. The power it is OK to give your children a basic able to get outside. Encourage them to others. I have seen it in my children of being in an unfamiliar location allows understanding of how much you give send hand-written notes to loved ones and by observing other families who children to imagine life in someone else’s financially to charitable organizations. or seniors in your community. Be sure are engaged in charitable giving. If you shoes, even for a short period. As parents, Perhaps discuss the approximate to acknowledge when kids are being want happy, well-adjusted children, we need to get comfortable with being percentage of your income that you give charitable and helpful. Good things come it is important to teach them to be uncomfortable. This means spending to charity. Talk to them about why you from hard work and they also come compassionate. If you want your children time outside of our neighborhoods, at a choose these organizations. Allocate a when helping others. Kids mimic what to be tomorrow’s leaders, teach them shelter, food bank or other social service certain portion of the family’s philanthropy they learn at home. Do not miss the to help others. Teaching children to be agency that provides immediate relief for to be decided by your children. What an opportunity to be a role model. empathetic can make them more likable individuals facing a crisis. opportunity to empower their generosity! No matter how your family chooses to and conscience-driven. Children learn Involve your children with financial You will also find out what moves them. give, know that organizations who are the by watching and observing their parents. giving. Giving can start at any age. Prioritize empathy and be a role recipients of your generosity will always We have a real opportunity to model a It does not matter if your child has $1 model. Giving should be routine and it be grateful for the support of your time generous spirit. If this sounds good to or $50 or $500. Can you imagine if should not just be something adults do. and resources. Your children will also be you, I have a few suggestions. everyone allotted a small percentage Cleaning out closets and donating gently leading the next generation in creating a Together with your children, step of their earnings to helping others used items is something everyone can more caring, compassionate community out of comfort zones, open their eyes, or a designated charity? If your kids have a hand in. Cook as a family and for all. Page ShalomPage 10 March SHALOM2010 February 2021 Jewish FamilyDo youService remember?
By Tootie Moyer • The only cereals sold were listened to the game on the radio every called rummage sales. Discussion of addiction important• toYou alldid dishes in the sink, no Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, All Bran and oatmeal. Thanksgiving. • Bar and Bat Mitzvahs were a dishwashers. • Grade-school children danced • No television — we talked, played simple affair – today they are as big as By Sari Incledon, M. Ed. will not be limited to issues dealing with Others)• Mostprovided homes the hadfollowing outhouses. statistics. aroundFor theevery May Pole.person who has a cards or board games, and went to bed early. a wedding. We invite the entire adolescents. Drug and alcohol abuse is According• Your to mom Dr. Jaywashed Holder, clothes Medical on a substance• Boys abuse wore knickersproblem, and several girls • Do you remember these icons: • Funeral services were held at community to attend a a problem for all age groups, and we all washDirector board and — founder no washing of the machines. Exodus woreothers galoshes. are affected. Those affected Ingrid Bergman, Fannie Brice, Deanna your home. program Jewish Family need to know more about it. Treatment• Sewing Center machines in Miami, had chemical a knee may• beYou spouses, made pasteparents, for yourchildren, kids Durbin, Harold Lloyd, and Carole Do you remember when you Service is sponsoring: In a recent article, “Overcoming stickdependency — no electric is the sewing number machines. one secret withsiblings, baking grandparents soda. – all are hurt Lombard? remembered everything? “What Every Family Denial” (Na’amat Woman Winter 2009/10) in the• JewishWomen community. wore corsets Reportedly, and in different• You ways.saluted What the can flag we every as a • I am listening to Glenn Miller My memory has now shut down. See Needs to Know about Barbara Trainin Blank wrote: “Alcohol and garters.up to 50 percent of patient populations morningcommunal in school.organization do to address now —do you remember “I’ve Got a Girl you again. Alcohol and Drug chemical dependency don’t discriminate, in some• A residentialmilkman came treatment to your centers door the• problem? Reading Awareness High School’s is an important rival in Kalamazoo”? Stay well and we will all be together Abuse & Addiction: An affecting Jews and non-Jews alike, and everydayare Jews to– sellas areyou 20 dairy percent products. of those infirst football step andwas we Pottsville, invite everyone and we in theall • Yard and garage sales were soon at the JCC. Interactive Dialogue women as much as men. Addiction calling national drug hot lines (yet Jews community to share questions and with David Rotenberg.” and alcoholism can be found in every comprise less than 3 percent of the U.S. concerns at our above mentioned This program will be held Wednesday, socioeconomic and religious segment of population). Chemical dependency is the program on April 28. April 28 at 7 p.m. at the JCC. the Jewish community”. third leading killer in the U.S. It is also an Our program is free, though February � Shevat-Adar David is the executive director of An article on the JACS Web unreported and/or unknown contributor reservations are requested. For more Adolescent Youth Services at Caron site (Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically to deaths caused by car accidents, heart information, call Sari at 610-921- Foundation, however his presentation Dependent Persons and Significant attacks, suicides and strokes. 0624. Shabbat Candle Lightings Torah Portions Volunteer Opportunities Available – BERKS ENCORE PROVIDES FREE TAX PREPARATION February 5 February 6/24 Shevat FROM TRAINED VOLUNTEERS 5:10 p.m.Jewish Family Service seeks volunteersYitro (Exodus to 18:1 help-20:23 our) seniors with grocery shopping and other errands. February 12 February 13/1 Adar Was your household income less than $50,000 in 2009? 5:18 p.m.If you have some time, call SariMishpatim or Carole (Exodus at 610-921-0624 21:1-24:18) . Household income may be higher in some cases, February 19 February 20 / 8 Adar but call 610-374-3195 for more details. 5:26 p.m. Jewish Family ServiceTerumah (Exodus thanks 25:1-27:19) Call today to schedule an appointment from now until April 15. February 26 February 27/15 Adar 5:34 p.m. Dr. Jeffrey BlankTetzahveh D.D.S. (Exodus 27:20-30:10) Berks Encore, 40 N. Ninth St., 610-374-3195 for providing professional services to our client.
Enjoy Tax Benefits While Contributing to BERKS ENCORE RECEIVES AWARDS Jewish Family Service Vehicle Donation Program Congratulations to Berks Encore employees Carolyn Krebs and Martha Sitler for receiving one of the Social Security Administrations highest awards for their providing the public with Call SariCall at Sari610-921-0624, at information covering Social Security issues. e-mail [email protected] 610-921-0624or go to Berks Encore enables older adults to achieve a better quality of www.charitableautoresources.com life by providing a comprehensive program of services, referrals, or email education and advocacy. For more information call Berks Encore [email protected] at 610-374-3195 or visit them at www.Berksencorepa.org
B"H DecorateLiving your with cars in Purim Loss spirit! Join Chabad, KZ, RCOS, and the Jewish Federation of Reading formerly Bereavement Group Mondays, MarchFOR A COMMUNITY and 22, 3:00- 4:30 p.m. 2131_Shalom_ad:LayoutFor more information1 9/8/09D 11:57r AMiv Pagecalle- 1 tSarih ratu 610-921-0624 A f f i n i t y B a n k P A . c o m A FOX REHABILITATION EDUCATION SERIES Purim Car-nival Caring for Alzheimer’s or Dementia Tips to Relieve the Stress Banking the Way Participants will remain in their cars and enjoy.... of Bathing & Dressing MEGILLAH READINGIt Should Be. Tuesday, February 23 • 1:00pm on Zoom PRE PACKAGED MISHLOACH MONOT RSVP by calling 610-624-1299 or email [email protected]. ENTERTAINMENTNow open in Exeter. MUSIC Strict adherence Products that to Covid guidelines make sense, service that makes friends.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25 6:00 PM At Chabad, 2320 HampdenWYOMIS SBlvd.ING | READING SINKING SPRING | MUHLENBERG | EXETER RSVP is necessary by Feb 22 to [email protected] 0or.8 610-334-157798.7700 LEARN MORE AT 803 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601 • www.manoratms.com February 2021 SHALOM Page 11 Local teens heal world in Tikkun Olam program
By Adi Shalev As you know, after a lot of thinking, checking, surveying, and brainstorming, the teens and I decided to start a new program called Tikkun Olam for students in grades 10-12. Tikkun Olam is a main value in modern Jewish tradition, and each of us can do it in her or his own way. Our program gives the Jewish youth of the Reading area the opportunity to be partners in Tikkun Olam, the healing of the world. Once a month the teens will volunteer somewhere in our community, and this will count as service hours for school. I am happy to say that on Jan. 10 we had our first volunteer program. We got together and we worked for a worthwhile cause, preparing lunch for the Opportunity House in Reading. Opportunity House changes lives by educating, housing, feeding and empowering people to stand on their own feet. Our mission was to cook lunch for families, children, and single adults. In “normal” days, we would go the Opportunity House kitchen and cook and serve the meal there. However, because of COVID-19 restrictions it was not possible. We did not let it stop us and we prepared the lunch at the Federation office, under the COVID restrictions. On Sunday, Feb. 7, we will again prepare lunch for Opportunity House. Please contact Adi at AdiS@ JFReading.org of you would like to join or if you have questions. Page 12 SHALOM February 2021 ‘Show the light’
By Carole Robinson I received an unusual holiday card from my longtime friend Pam. Pam costumed herself
e to look like Bob Ross, a 1980- 1990’s instructional television painter and c included one of his
i infamous quotes as her greeting, “You need the dark in order to show the light.”
v Upon reflection, this sentiment recalls the light of the Chanukah candles during our dark winter evenings. Each night, we kindle
r an additional candle, and the light shines brighter. Just as the light of the candles illuminates the darkness, Jewish Family Service is e pleased to be able to brighten the lives of many community members during these dreary times.
S Though we were unable to celebrate Chanukah in-person with our Friendship Circle friends, JFS delivered Chanukah-in- Nina Hornberger, left, was one of the volunteers who delivered Chanukah treats to our community’s seniors in a-bag to 40 seniors. Each of them received December. Haia Mazuz and Andi Franklin, right, collaborated to create gift bags for Tu B’Shevat. a delicious meal complete with latkes, apple
l y sauce and sour cream and accompanied Friendship Circle Tu B’Shevat Seder. JFS thanks the Chanukah and Tu by a dreidel, gelt, and a pack of disposable In lieu of a seder, Andi Franklin and B’Shevat deliverers: Sue Farrara, Cindy i masks. Seniors in residential facilities were Haia Mazuz collaborated to create lovely Balchunas, Mike Robinson, Corinne also treated to yummy latkes, dreidels, and Tu B’Shevat gift bags for our community Wernick, Sharon Syret, Stef Brok, and gelt to wish them a joyous Chanukah. filled with dried fruits, nuts, and chocolate, Amanda, Nina and George Hornberger. One grateful recipient exclaimed, “It was packed in recycled pages of the Shalom. Thank you also to Boscov’s Ala Carte for out of this world! And the little extras made JFS delivered those treats and lunch to making our tasty monthly meals. it so festive.” celebrate with our seniors. It means so In addition, a big thank you to the m Phone calls from other seniors included much to them to be remembered, especially Isadore and Anna Oritsky Philanthropic the following comments, “They were the at joyful times. Foundation and to all those who have best latkes I had this year!” “My daughter We are doing our best to reach our donated to JFS to allow us to continue
a says thanks for taking care of us.” “I am entire Jewish community and apologize connecting with the community in so isolated. I don’t take what Jewish if we inadvertently missed a senior who innovative ways. Family Service does for granted. It is very lives alone or has health issues and would I welcome suggestions for other ways to appreciated.” appreciate a meal. Please let us know if reach out to our community seniors. In the F JFS usually commemorates Tu you or someone you know would like to words of Bob Ross, “With all our creative B’Shevat, the birthday of the trees, with a receive a meal next month. power, we will create a better tomorrow.”
h Jewish Family Service food pantries By Carole Robinson According to statistics provided by Feeding America, 50 million people may experience hunger because of COVID19. There is a 60% increase in the number of people seeking help from food banks across the country. Jewish Family Service, in partnership with Helping Harvest, operates two monthly drive-through food pantries to help meet these needs. The pantry at the Olivet Boys and Girls Club, Pendora ewi s Unit, is held on the first Wednesday of the month. The pantry at Reading/Hampden Heights SDA Church is on the second
J Tuesday of the month. Both pantries provide food for eligible participants in the city of Reading, as well as other areas of Food Pantry Berks County. In January, the Olivet Food Pantry was a Friendship Circle constant hubbub of activity, with cars lined Counseling Services up to the bridge waiting for food. We were able to serve 191 households, Transportation consisting of 259 children, 274 adults, and 147 seniors. The SDA pantry initiated a Financial Assistance new method of packing food. Volunteers Hospital and loaded shopping carts with items and wheeled them to the waiting cars. We Home Visitations distributed food to 75 households, made up of 109 children, 120 adults, and 43 Living with Loss seniors. Information and Thank you to our January volunteers: Ellen Schwartz, Gordon and Carol Referral Perlmutter, Sid Lempiner, Will and Margo Levin, Tim and Jen Reilly, Raymond Case Management Gehring, Cindy and George Balchunas, Holiday Programs Jannine Shapiro, Oleg Umanov, and members of SDA Church.
Clockwise from top left, cars line up for the January food distribution at the Olivet Food Pantry, an SDA food pantry volunteer is ready with shopping carts, and volunteers in action at Olivet, where 191 households received food assistance at our most recent distribution.. February 2021 SHALOM Page 13 Jewish Broadcasting Service available on Comcast
From Federation staff news from Israel, leading Jewish or study Talmud; and twice-daily JBS Jewish Broadcasting Service, figures, issues and events of Jewish programs for Jewish children and America’s leading 24/7 Jewish importance, call-in programs, grandchildren. cultural network, is now available on Jewish studies, 92nd Street Y, “All of us at JBS are thrilled to be Comcast Xfinity X1 CH 1684, making Live Friday and holiday services joining the Comcast Xfinity family,” it available and easily accessible to for the home-bound, children’s added JBS President Mark S. Golub. more viewers than ever before. programs, films, music, books and “Comcast is not only one of the JBS is also available on Xfinity entertainment. JBS presents daily news and premiere television providers with a Stream’s web and mobile apps for JBS is for members of the Jewish analysis from and about Israel; long and respected history of serving out-of-home viewing. Through this community and anyone with a passion extensive event coverage of major the needs of all the communities expansion, JBS is now available to for learning and a desire to gain a Jewish conferences, addresses and it covers, it believes in connecting more than 70 million homes. greater understanding of Jewish lectures; an array of Jewish Studies diverse audiences to the content The addition of JBS will give all tradition, Jewish life, and the land programs including series where and the moments that matter most Xfinity X1 customers access to daily of Israel. viewers can learn to read Hebrew to them.” IDF sees record number of Israeli Arab conscripts
From online news sources Directorate announced. The number of number of new Israeli Arab troops, the over 100 conscripts. This year also saw a More than 1,000 Israeli Arabs have conscripts from the Arab sector is more number of those enlisting for combat breakthrough in the willingness of young volunteered to serve in the IDF as than twice that of previous years, and roles has also increased. Some 450 new Druze people from the villages of Majdal conscripts or reservists in the past year, includes Muslims from areas such as soldiers enlisted as scouts and fighters in Shams, Buqata, Mas’ada and Ein Kinya and most after the coronavirus crisis Taibe, Qalansuwa and East Jerusalem. the Bedouin patrol unit, while dozens more in the northern Golan Heights to enlist. In began in March, the military’s Manpower Alongside the overall increase in the have joined prominent infantry brigades the past, the four villages have refrained such as Kfir and Nahal and others still are from expressing formal identification with serving in the Border Police. Israel, out of fear that the Golan Heights The increase in conscripts can be would be returned to Syrian control. attributed to a Manpower Directorate The IDF is also preparing to open online initiative through which some classrooms for technology studies 4,000 possible volunteers expressed in several Druze villages and Arab ZOOM WITH US! their interest in joining the IDF this year high schools, in order to help them alone. To the army’s amazement, some integrate as technicians in the military February 20th at 10:00 am of those who expressed an interest and allow to acquire a profession for their came from so-called enemy states in civilian futures. “Since the beginning of the region. The applications from these the coronavirus crisis in March, there countries had to be declined however has been a significant change in the due to security considerations. “About willingness of young people in both the bbat 700 would-be volunteers called from Arab and Haredi sectors to take part tSha Arab countries such as Lebanon and in the IDF,” said a senior officer in the To Syria, perhaps as part of the change Manpower Directorate. Join Rabbi Michelson for a musical, story-filled the region is going through. We could The IDF intends to utilize some of its interactive hour for children through grade 2. Members & not believe the demand,” the Manpower new Arab and ultra-Orthodox conscripts non-members welcome. No registration required. Zoom link Directorate said. “As a result, we opened as Home Front Command forces in their available at ohebsholom.org. Future Tot Shabbat dates: a recruitment bureau in the Galilee, respective localities or villages during 3/20, 4/17, 5/15, & 6/12. where volunteers can study to improve emergencies, due to the understanding their Hebrew. This branch will be able that they best know the local population to recruit a total of up to 2,500 people a and its needs. “In the ultra-Orthodox year,” the Directorate said. sector alone, at least three sessions of The IDF’s “Ambassadors in Uniform” basic training will begin by the end of initiative — which offers opinion leaders in April, adding 300 ultra-Orthodox soldiers the Arab sector a short introductory term to the Home Front Command,” says the SHORT-TER M in the army — also doubled this year with senior officer. REHABILITATION
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2000 Cambridge Avenue | Wyomissing, PA 19610 Page 14 SHALOM February 2021 UN singles out Israel for condemnation
From online news sources Committee, UN Watch said in a “The UN’s assault on Israel with resolutions singling out Israel in 2020,” he The United Nations General Assembly statement. One of them, titled “Oil slick a torrent of one-sided resolutions is charged. “Yet these same nations failed in late December adopted two resolutions on Lebanese shores,” condemns Israel surreal,” said Hillel Neuer, executive to introduce a single UNGA resolution criticizing Israel, bringing 2020’s total over an alleged 2006 incident from the director of the Geneva-based UN Watch. this year on the human rights situation in tally to 17 resolutions against the Jewish Second Lebanon War fought with terror “It’s absurd that in the year 2020, out China, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, state versus six resolutions singling out group Hezbollah. It passed with 162 of a total 23 of UN General Assembly Cuba, Turkey, Pakistan, Vietnam, Algeria, any other country, according to a tally by countries supporting it, seven opposing it resolutions that criticize countries, 17 of or on 175 other countries.” pro-Israel watchdog UN Watch. and six abstaining. The second criticized them — more than 70 percent — were He noted that there had been Israel and activists have long the Jewish state for allegedly exploiting focused on one single country: Israel. “modest yet notable progress” in slammed the UN for routinely adopting the natural resources of Palestinians Make no mistake: the purpose of the 2020, with some EU states opposing decision after decision directed against in the West Bank and Syrians in the lopsided condemnations is to demonize or abstaining in votes to renew the Israel, saying it exploits an overwhelming Golan Heights, and passed 153-6, with the Jewish state. When the General mandates of UN bodies dedicated to automatic majority that votes to censure 17 abstentions. Assembly gives in to politicization and Palestinian rights. “Today’s farce at the Jerusalem no matter the subject. Those votes join 15 others last year selectivity by discriminating against General Assembly underscores a simple General Assembly resolutions are that singled out Israel for censure, while Israel, it violates the UN Charter’s fact: the UN’s automatic majority has no nonbinding but are seen as carrying just six targeted all other countries guarantee of equal treatment to all interest in truly helping Palestinians, symbolic significance. The two motions combined: One each condemned the nations, large and small,” Neuer added. nor in protecting anyone’s human were ratified after their drafts were regimes of North Korea, Iran, Syria, and “We note that the UK and EU states rights; the goal of these ritual, one- adopted in November by the General Myanmar, and two were on Crimea, like France, Germany and Spain voted sided condemnations is to scapegoat Assembly’s Economic and Financial which was seized in 2014 by Russia. Yes to more than two-thirds of the UNGA Israel,” Neuer concluded. Agency’s education material promote hatred of Israel
From online news sources in the Gaza Strip are called upon to Educational content produced by “defend the motherland with blood.” the United Nations Relief and Works It can take the form of a math Agency (UNRWA) is filled with hate problem asking students to identify and encouragement to jihad, violence the correct number of martyrs from and martyrdom, and entirely devoid the First Intifada, to the complete of any material that promotes peace eradication of Israel, a UN member and peace-making, according to the state, from any maps featured in research institute IMPACT-se based UNRWA-created books, with the out of the Hebrew University of entire territory being labelled as Jerusalem. a modern-day Palestine with no IMPACT-se describes itself as a demarcation lines. “research, policy and advocacy When it is mentioned, Israel is organization that monitors and analyzes usually referred to as “The Enemy” education,” according to “international or the “Zionist Occupation,” a clear standards on peace and tolerance as violation of the UN’s principles of derived from UNESCO declarations and neutrality that UNRWA is expected to A boy takes part in a Hamas protest against Israel in 2020. resolutions.” prioritize, explained IMPACT-se in the According to the report, children research. The report goes on to expose West Bank. the conspiracies propagated in the According to IMPACT-se, this educational material, such as a libel that UNRWA-created material is, in “Zionists” deliberately set fire to Al-Aqsa places, more extremist than the Mosque and that Israel deliberately Palestinian Authority material it dumps radioactive and toxic waste in the complements.
KZ ADULT EDUCATION 2020-2021 with Dr. Robert Seesengood
Reading the Writings: The Ketuvim in Scholarship and Popular Culture You know, very well, the stories of Ruth and Esther. You’ve read Qohelet often. But how far into Psalms have you gone? Are Jewish proverbs the source of both Jewish wisdom and Jew- ish comedy? Are Job and Shir Hashirim dramas (or the inspiration for modern movies)? And what about Chronicles? Or the weird and mysterious book of Daniel? The Ketuvim are a fascinating collection, tucked into the back of the Bible, that is brimming with strange and interesting content. They’ve been a regular interest to scholars; they tell us a great deal about how ancient Jews thought and lived, and about how the Bible came together. The Ketuvim have staying power; they show up in a great deal in popular culture, and their sto- ries brim with witty language and with characters – Esther, Ruth, David, Solomon – who are integral to Jewish imagination. This class, over the winter and spring of 2020-2021, is an opportunity to read through the Ketuvim together and discover again these wonderful Writ- ings.
This class will be held online on the second Thursday of the month: 6:30-7:30 pm
November 12 ~ December 10 ~ January 14 ~ February 11 March 11 ~ April 8 ~ May 13 ~ June 10
You must register for the course or for an individual class in order to receive the Zoom link. You can contact us at: [email protected] Dr. Robert Seesengood (Th.M., Princeton Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Drew University) is Professor of Religious Studies and Associate Dean at Albright College, Reading, PA. He is the author of numerous articles and five books, all on the subject of biblical studies. He’s currently at work on American Standard: The Bible in U.S. Popular Media and Culture (Blackwell).
555 Warwick Drive, Wyomissing, PA 19610
610Ͳ374Ͳ1763
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.kesherzion.org February 2021 SHALOM Page 15 Join us to learn more about ecological education farm
By Adi Shalev previously exist in Israeli education. Hava and Adam is an ecological As a center that demonstrates educational farm that deals with sustainability, the farm strives for environmental and social education ecological independence by using solar and belongs to the city of Modi’in. energy, independent waste treatment, The farm was founded in 2003, rainwater collection and gray water with the aim of raising awareness of system, ecological construction in a the deep connection between humans variety of techniques, recycling, and and the environment, by educating and organic farming. demonstrating a sustainable lifestyle. Through the educational activities, The zoom call, which will take implementation in every home. It grew out of the vision of the and the variety of experiences offered place on Feb. 28 at 1 p.m., will be led Finally, Leila, an American participant educator and intellectual, Yitzhak to farm visitors, the farm allows each by Gisela Shulman, the coordinator in the eco-Israel program, on behalf of Gaziel, who believed that the most visitor to be exposed and experience of the farm’s international programs. the Jewish Agency’s travel program, effective way to instill values of practical ecology - to learn, grow and Gisela will talk about the sustainability will join to tell about her experience at sustainability is by creating a practical develop - and be a small nucleus of life on the farm and give simple tips for the farm and Adam. learning environment, one that did not change in their immediate environment. Anti-Israel movement is dying on campuses
By Avi Benlolo world. Anti-Israel students and even shifting. Every generation of university universities reject false claims that and Richard L. Cravatts faculty spread the biggest lie of this students needs a cause to fight for. For virulent anti-Israel activism is simply The momentum against Israel and century: that Israel is an apartheid state a time, that cause was anti-Israelism and “criticism of Israel,” and instead call it the Jewish people is shifting. that is treating Palestinians inhumanely; anti-Semitism. But they are starting to fall what it is. After spending 20 years in the and like apartheid-era South Africa, Israel out of fashion. According to the IHRA definition, if trenches of campus warfare, we were deserved to be criminalized, dismantled, This is because of two fundamental the behavior of individuals on campus delighted to hear that the University of and destroyed. factors. First, the changing landscape involves “denying the Jewish people Toronto has launched “an anti-Semitism Over time, that lie was so widely in the Middle East is making their right to self-determination, e.g., Working Group to examine and address accepted on campus that openly calling Palestinian propaganda untenable. by claiming that the existence of a anti-Semitism on campus.” for the genocide of the Jewish people Secondly, and more fundamentally, state of Israel is a racist endeavor,” Given the fact that University of became the rallying cry of the pro- is that the growing global acceptance “drawing comparisons of contemporary Toronto is the birthplace of the infamous Palestinian movement: “From the river of the International Holocaust Israeli policy to that of the Nazis” or Israeli Apartheid Week, it is about time to the sea, Palestine will be free” — Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) “holding Jews collectively responsible that the university stepped up, as it effectively meaning the elimination of definition of anti-Semitism is making for actions of the State of Israel,” says, to ensure it is an inclusive and Israel. it harder for university administrators then those expressions are not mere welcoming place for Jewish members of Despite our calls for a task force to to turn a blind eye to the hatred that political commentary, but are, in fact, its community. counter this incessant hate, for decades has been brewing on their campuses. anti-Semitic. Sadly, like many other universities, now, students have graduated with a The declaration specifically says that Of course, universities can still reject University of Toronto has not been an mistaken view that Israel is singularly evil those who “claim that the existence of the IHRA definition on the excuse that inclusive and welcoming place for many among nations. They have participated a State of Israel is a racist endeavor” it may suppress free speech. But they years. Students, faculty, and Jewish in slanderous campaigns and events are anti-Semitic. cannot disregard the rapid developments community members have been calling designed to denigrate Israel. Some have In August, Florida State University on the ground in the Middle East. The attention to anti-Semitism on campus been taught by professors that Jews are was one of several universities in Abraham Accords have changed the since the very first anti-Israel meeting colonizers, despite the fact that they are the United States to adopt the IHRA playing field. They have burst the fake was held on a Sunday morning in indigenous to the land. definition, which showed that university boycott, divestment, and sanctions January 2002. So, what made the University of administrators have begun to see the campaign against the Jewish state. Trade Matt Gurney, a Toronto print and Toronto reverse course and state that its wisdom of having guidelines by which between Israel, Bahrain and the United broadcast journalist expressed: “And now “aim is to see to it that the university not to identify and, hopefully, eliminate hate Arab Emirates is already exploding, and comes the hard part.” only responds when there are incidents from their campuses. this is completely and utterly invalidating In order to enter the lecture hall or allegations of anti-Semitism, but is While some anti-Israel professors and the university campaigns against the on that fateful day, attendees were also proactive in creating a culture of radical student groups have condemned Jews. obligated to sign a declaration agreeing inclusion within which various forms of the IHRA definition, claiming that it This is why we not only welcome the to “Palestinian resistance by any means.” discrimination, including anti-Semitism, will chill their speech and punish their recent announcement by the University To put this into context, “resistance” are better understood and tackled ideology, the truth is that it does nothing of Toronto but believe it will set an referred to the suicide attacks that were through education”? of the sort. The definition does not example for Canadian universities and taking place in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem It is not that the announcement criminalize speech. Campus Israel- lead the way in eliminating this pernicious at the time, in a concerted attempt to coincided with the 72nd anniversary haters and anti-Semites can continue form of hatred from our campuses. murder Jews. of the Universal Declaration of Human to defame the Jewish state and single Avi Benlolo is a human rights activist. From there, radicalism spread to Rights. The answer is that the momentum it out for opprobrium, condemnation, Richard L. Cravatts is president emeritus thousands of campuses around the against Israel and the Jewish people is and slander. What it does do is help of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East. Page 16 SHALOM February 2021 252 new immigrants from lost tribe arrive in Israel
New immigrants from Bnei Menashe community step off the plane in Israel. Photo by Eleonora Shiluv/Courtesy of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration
From online news sources of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and 19 seniors aged 62 years or older. miracle,” says Michael Freund, founder Hailing from northeast India, the and the Shavei Israel organization They underwent a quick absorption and chairman of Shavei Israel. “The Bnei Menashe community is said to joined the 3,000-strong Bnei Menashe process at the airport and were sent story of this unique community that be descended from the Lost Tribes of community already in the country. Some to quarantine according to Covid-19 maintained its connection to the Jewish Israel — specifically the tribe of Menashe 7,000 more community members await regulations. people and the land of Israel down — that scattered across the globe after immigration in northeast India. “As we celebrate the festival of through the generations is powerful being exiled at the end of the First Temple This week’s immigrants include Hanukkah and the miracle of the flask and inspiring and I fervently hope that period in the eighth century BCE. 50 families and 24 single individuals, of oil, the aliyah [immigration] of the lost we will soon see all the remaining The 252 new immigrants who made four infants under the age of two, 39 tribe of Bnei Menashe after 2,700 years Bnei Menashe make aliyah as well,” their way to Israel this week with the help children aged 12 years old or younger of exile is itself a modern-day Hanukkah he added.
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Physicians: James P. Restrepo, M.D., FACS, ECNU Charles K. Lutz, M.D., FACS Jeffrey S. Driben, M.D., FACS, ECNU Scott J. Cronin, M.D. Adam P. Vasconcellos, M.D.
Nurse Practitioner: Rosemarie Montgomery MS, CRNP, FNP-C
Audiologists:
Melanie A. Appler, AuD, FAAA Matthew R. Bonsall, AuD, FAAA Jenna L. Galan, AuD, CCC-A
Providing diagnostic and rehabilitative services for all types of hearing loss, for any age group. Hearing and Balance Disorders State of the Art Hearing Aid Fittings In House Hearing Aid Repairs
ENT Head & Neck Specialists, PC 985 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing 610-374-5599 • www.ent-hns.net February 2021 SHALOM Page 17 Israeli, Palestinian young entrepreneurs get to connect
From online news sources Nakba, [Israel’s] Independence Day, A worldwide pandemic has failed the Holocaust, checkpoints, and to put a damper on an initiative that everything,” Cohen explained. aims to bring together young Israeli For many of those taking part, he and Palestinian entrepreneurs and tech added, it is the first time that they get enthusiasts. to meet the so-called “other side.” Joint Israeli-Palestinian NGO “Even though those communities Tech2Peace is barreling ahead with live so close to each other, they are so plans to double the size of its intensive divided,” Cohen said, noting that the tech seminars in 2021. program also encourages long-term Health restrictions and lockdowns business partnerships. notwithstanding, over the past year 60 Participants come from all walks people took part in the organization’s of life: secular, religious, refugee program, which not only provides camps, peripheral towns, and major participants with valuable tech skills cities. but also promotes peace through More than 150 people have so dialogue. far graduated from the program Tomer Cohen, the 28-year-old and recently demand has greatly co-founder and co-executive director increased. of Tech2Peace, calls it a “very weird The COVID-19 pandemic, which mixture of high-tech workshops upended so many learning programs alongside dialogue. Half of the time it around the globe, failed to slow The joint Israeli-Palestinian NGO Tech2Peace brings entrepreneurs of different backgrounds together to is about high-tech. Every participant Tech2Peace down, Cohen noted, promote peace and prosperity for Jewish and Arab communities in Israel, and the pandemic has failed to slow chooses his or her own track — if it’s as organizers turned to holding down the effort. programming, mobile app development, seminars outdoors to observe health etc.; the other half of the time it’s about regulations and maintain social dialogue.” distancing. develop my tech skills and also I’m While Tech2Peace hopes to Following their pilot seminar in the “We continue to grow very rapidly from Jerusalem and [was always bridge the divide between Israeli and southern Israeli town of Yeruham in despite the coronavirus,” Cohen curious] to know about the other Palestinian youth, the NGO does not 2018, the venture received the Israeli observed. side.” advertise itself as presenting a solution Hope prize, an award launched by Adnan Jaber, 25, is one of the Since then, Jaber also has launched to the conflict. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin that program’s successful graduates. his own startup: a smartphone Rather, the goal is to establish is worth $3,100. Over the years, tech Jaber, who grew up in east application called “Yalla Reyada” that a vibrant and long-lasting tech giants such as Google and Microsoft Jerusalem, called the experience aims to help individuals achieve their community that its leaders hope have worked together with Tech2Peace “unique” and said that he was fitness goals. will grow significantly in the near to help provide advanced technological inspired to sign up during his last “I like to call myself a social future. training. year of studies at the Arab American entrepreneur. I love sports a lot,” “In five to 10 years, one of them During Tech2Peace’s intensive University, located in the Palestinian he said. “If we want a better future is going to be a mayor of a town seminars, no topic is off-limits for Israeli city of Jenin. in this region for both [Israelis and in Palestine or in Israel and it’s and Palestinian participants. “I was a tech student and wanted Palestinians], I think there must be already going to make a huge change “When they’re becoming already to get a job in high-tech in Tel Aviv,” collaborative businesses together. because we target those very talented friends, we start to talk about the stated Jaber, now a board member That’s how people can get along and leaders,” co-founder Tomer Cohen most painful experiences: about at Tech2Peace. “I wanted to better trust each other more.” said.
2021 KESHER ZION SYNAGOGUE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021
MEGILLAH READING AT 6:00 p.m.
SERVICES WILL BE IN-PERSON AND VIA ZOOM
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86910394898? pwd=Y2ZwNUp2YXUzbWl4d3EyOS8yaXRqdz09
KESHER ZION SYNAGOGUE 555 WARWICK DRIVE, WYOMISSING, PA 19610 YOUR RSVP IS APPRECIATED 610-374-1763– KZSECRETARY@ENTERMAIL NET Page 18 SHALOM February 2021 Israeli officials take on claim that Gaza is occupied From online news sources Gaza, despite having withdrawn in 2005. also obligated to maintain Gaza from a control.” This traditionally has required Two of Israel’s top international law If Bensouda, Gross and a number humanitarian perspective, whether with boots on the ground and, at the very officials have published a rare public of Israeli critics in UN bodies and special needs during coronavirus times least, involvement in running the day- article to challenge the International internationally are correct that Israel or with sufficient medical, food, utilities, to-day affairs of the foreign territory and Criminal Court Prosecution and others occupies Gaza, it could mean that the and other items during more regular population. who say Israel still illegally occupies Jewish state might be restricted in what periods. As the article says, Israel has zero Gaza. categories of force it could use to combat In contrast, Schondorf and Shamir- involvement in running Gaza’s day-to- The article, published in the journal Hamas attacks, let alone protests or riots Bohrer say that there is no basis to rely day affairs, which are run by Hamas. Iyunei Mishpat (Legal Studies) addresses on the border. Further, it could mean that on the decisions of the UN General Further, the article cites a legal brief filed cases of alleged Israeli war crimes in any humanitarian crisis in Gaza puts Assembly or other political bodies to by Germany in the Israel-Palestinian ongoing fighting with Hamas as well as Israel at fault. decide international law. Regarding proceedings before the ICC to support its humanitarian obligations Jerusalem has When there are debates about the ICTY decision, they say that critics’ views. All of this means that Israel has not to Gaza. These issues have major long- Israeli blockades to prevent rockets and understanding of the decisions is occupied Gaza since 2005. Rather, when term implications at the national security other weapons smuggling, these legal misplaced. In the ICTY case in question, Israel facilitates food, economic and and diplomatic levels, including whether questions could have a decisive impact. the court was dealing with a situation medical aid to Gaza, it is on a voluntary Israel’s naval blockade and other periodic Essentially, Bensouda, Gross and where a foreign state controlled an humanitarian basis and balanced along closures of Gaza are legal. much of the international community say internal group within another state in with valid security considerations, says The authors: Deputy Attorney-General that it is irrelevant that the IDF withdrew order to impose its will on the other the article. Roy Schondorf and IDF International Law and that Israel withdrew from Israeli state. In any event, the Israeli officials’ In December 2019, Bensouda Division Chief Col. Eran Shamir-Borer settlements within the Gaza Strip. Rather, article says that the ICTY decision was requested that the ICC Pretrial Chamber have led much of Israel’s handling of ICC they argue that Israel can “occupy” Gaza an outlier creating a new doctrine which endorse by March her desire to conduct issues and humanitarian dilemmas with as long as it exerts functional control. no one else has adopted. a full criminal probe of Israel and Hamas Gaza. Schondorf rarely writes publicly They note that Israel controls Gaza’s Moreover, the article says that the regarding the 2014 Gaza War, the 2018 or appears in public, and Shamir-Borer airspace, maritime borders, wherever ideas Israeli critics are bringing to the Gaza border crisis, and the settlement appears even less often. there is a blockade, and most of its land Gaza question are “wishful thinking” enterprise. It seems that the impetus for their borders. They broaden these arguments or “aspirations” to create new law The chamber has still not decided article was to address prior statements by by saying that Israel’s ability to control which does not exist. Instead, they say the issue, with the question remaining ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda as well Gaza’s interactions with the outside world that to be considered an “occupier,” a whether it will decide now that President as a current article by prominent Israeli means it can also control the economic country cannot merely have aspects of Joe Biden has taken office or wait for Prof. Eyal Gross in the same journal, and humanitarian situation there. functional power over a territory. Rather, Bensouda’s successor to take over in declaring that Israel still legally occupies In this light, they say that Israel is it must have at a minimum “effective June.
Help is available Jewish Family Service wants to help Jewish community members who are struggling due to COVID-19. JFS is ready to assist individuals and families facing eviction, utility shut-off, and food scarcity.
For assistance, contact Carole or Sari at 610-921-0624. Your phone call to JFS will be kept confidential
B"H ב״ה CHABAD OF BERKS TOGETHER WITH CHABAD OF CHESTER COUNTY INVITE YOU TO A PASSOVER CATERING Zoom> HAMANTASH BAKE-OFF! CHABAD OF BERKS WILL BE OFFERING SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 7:00 PM KOSHER CATERING Join Tickey & Chana FOR PASSOVER in the kitchen once again Savory, sweet and traditional hamantashen with a variety of toppings
RSVP to [email protected] LOOK OUT FOR FURTHER DETAILS OF MENUS Upon registration ingredients and Zoom info will be provided. AND PRICING February 2021 SHALOM Page 19 Israeli researchers release findings on aging process
From online news sources These aggregations can lead to the Researchers at Technion - Israel development of neurodegenerative Institute of Technology have released diseases, including Alzheimer’s, findings that could explain why the body Parkinson’s, ALS, and Huntington’s. deteriorates with age. “Protein damage occurs frequently, According to the study, a body’s and during the course of evolution a protein quality control system cellular control mechanism has evolved deteriorates with age, and considering that tests the quality of proteins from the this system protects cells from moment they are synthesized (“born”) accumulating damaged proteins, when on the ribosome until they die,” Technion the system is damaged or not working explained in a statement. properly it causes clusters of these The company went on to add: proteins to form and produces a “toxic “This mechanism, called proteostasis, effect, particularly … in the brain.” identifies damaged proteins and deals The study explains that proteins with them in one of three ways: it refolds take part in all biological processes, them; sequesters and inactivates them and physically they depend on a so they will not affect cellular activity; specific three-dimensional structure or sends them to the proteasome, the to interact normally will other cell cellular trash can.” components. “This mechanism ensures that When proteins “misfold,” as they damaged proteins, which occur in tend to do with age, the proteins healthy cells as well, are treated “However, the aging process involves previously demonstrated in worms, can not only function properly, but and do not accumulate to form toxic the deterioration of the proteostasis Technion recreated the conditions in it also causes them to become aggregates, such as those that lead to mechanism.” human cells and presented its findings “sticky” and accumulate in clusters. neurodegenerative disease,” it added. While the deterioration had been in the context of heat stress. Page 20 SHALOM February 2021 National park honoring Jewish American signed into law
From online news sources led to a partnership between the National Abraham Lincoln, Julius Rosenwald By 1928, one-third of the South’s rural WASHINGTON, D.C. – January Trust, the Campaign to Create the Julius made his fortune as co-owner of Sears, African American school children and marksed a significant win in the decades- Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools Roebuck and Company. His own teachers were educated in Rosenwald long effort to recognize and celebrate the National Historical Park, and the National parents, however, had fled persecution Schools. Notable former students include philanthropic legacy of Julius Rosenwald Parks Conservation Association, which in Germany in the late 1900s, and he poet and activist Maya Angelou and the and his impact on American democratic together collaborated to achieve the began to channel his experience of late Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, among equality. successful enactment of the Julius hatred and bigotry into the creation of many notable others. With President Donald Trump’s Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools the Rosenwald School Fund, which “History shows us,” Leggs continued, signing of the Julius Rosenwald and Act of 2020 (H.R.3250). had a lasting impact on education in “that countless ordinary citizens were the Rosenwald Schools Act of 2020, a Within this effort the Trust’s African America. vanguards of collective action and human process begins that would lead to the American Cultural Heritage Action A prominent philanthropist, innovation. These stories and landmarks establishment of the first National Park Fund established a grant fund that has Rosenwald joined the board of esteemed serve as a testament to our progress, Service site to honor a Jewish American provided over $2.5 million in matching black educator Booker T. Washington’s and they remind us that our work is not and celebrate the contribution of grants to advance Rosenwald School Tuskegee Institute in 1912. complete.” a Jewish American to our society, preservation, including planning, Together, these two champions of Passage of the bill was a multi-year while preserving a selection of iconic engineering studies, architectural social justice, one a former slave and the effort, but in January it was signed into Rosenwald Schools. plans, archaeology, research, and other a first-generation American refugee law. The National Trust for Historic rehabilitation. from persecution, used architecture The legislation, sponsored by Preservation first highlighted the “Rosenwald Schools unearth a and innovation to address the crisis in Illinois Democratic Rep. Danny Davis threatened nature of the Rosenwald fascinating and true history of African education facing Black families across and Sen. Richard Durbin, directs the legacy by placing Rosenwald Schools on American activism, achievement, and the South. Department of the Interior to conduct its 11 Most Endangered Historic Places resilience in the United States,” said Between 1917 and 1932, the a special resources study of sites List in 2002. Brent Leggs, executive director of the Rosenwald School Fund, working in associated with the life and legacy of The National Trust supported African American Cultural Heritage partnership with local Black communities, Julius Rosenwald, with a special focus the preservation of Rosenwald Action Fund. “Their permanent helped to finance the construction of on Rosenwald Schools and determine Schools for many years, providing preservation and interpretation broadens more than 5,300 state-of-the-art school how they might be designated as workshops, conferences, and technical our understanding of the civil rights fight buildings for community and academic a new unit within the National Park assistance — including a publication: for equality in twentieth century America use. System. the Grassroots Guide to Preserving and the enduring power of interracial The schools served as a lifeline for Once established, the Rosenwald Rosenwald Schools. cooperation.” students and educators whose progress park unit would become the first of more The heightened awareness created The story behind the schools was held back by the separate and than 420 National Park Service sites by the endangered list designation and Born in 1862 in Springfield, Illinois unequal school system that ruled the Jim to honor the life and contributions of a Rosenwald Schools initiative ultimately not far from the residence of President Crow South. Jewish American. What’s behind European bans on kosher slaughtering
By Melanie Phillips Hogan advised that E.U. member states, maneuver is supposedly motivated by stunning, meat processing plants in The West’s predominant ideology “are obliged to respect the deeply held concern for animal welfare. Yet the court Europe are often inhumane places where of moral and cultural relativism has religious beliefs of adherents to the unravels this, too, through its own lack of livestock are factory farmed, pumped full propelled the rise of paganism, as Muslim and Jewish faiths by allowing consistency or logic. After all, why didn’t of chemicals, and industrially killed. well as the veneration of the animal for the ritual slaughter of animals,” and it insist on equivalent prior stunning of So, if the requirement for stunning and natural world, at the expense of that requiring stunning in the slaughter animals that are hunted, trapped, or shot has little to do with animal welfare, humanity. process “would compromise the essence for sport or other supposed community what is the real driving force behind The European Union likes to pose of the religious guarantees” the E.U. benefits? The court’s response to this it? This argument over ritual slaughter as the avatar of tolerance, freedom, and provides. Yet the court has brushed point was laughable. In those kinds has gone on in Europe for many years. all civilized values. Now it has ripped aside the Advocate-General’s warning, of activities, it said, “compliance with At its base, it reflects the priority over off its own disguise to reveal something instead claiming that it had struck “a fair animal-welfare requirements would humans that is now given to animals rather more ugly. Its highest judicial balance” between animal welfare and adversely affect the very nature of the with a corresponding rise in ignorance, body, the European Court of Justice, religious freedom. event concerned.” The fact that requiring sentimentality, and hypocrisy over their has issued a ruling upholding the ban on But its ruling does nothing of the kind. animals to be stunned before slaughter welfare. That moral confusion is one of kosher and halal ritual slaughter in two It is illiberal and oppressive; it upholds would “adversely affect the very nature the outcomes of the prevailing dogma regions of Belgium. The ruling supports neither animal welfare nor religious of the event concerned” for Jews and of universalism, which has caused the requirement that animals being freedom; and its arguments are not Muslims is obviously of no account— much of Europe increasingly to reject slaughtered should first be stunned, a just meretricious but fail even by their because, in Orwellian fashion, the court the precepts of the Hebrew Bible. That practice forbidden in both Judaism and own internal logic. It first acknowledges has redefined the very nature of that in turn accounts for the secularism and Islam. that pre-slaughter stunning “entails a event. hostility to religion upon which the E.U. At present, European regulations limitation” on the rights of Jews and Hunting, fishing, or other cultural itself is based. ban slaughtering animals without pre- Muslims to the freedom to manifest and sporting events that involve the The E.U. prides itself on the core stunning, though exceptions to this have their religion. It then says, however, killing of animals “result at most in a Enlightenment values of liberalism been permitted for religious slaughter. that the law permits interference with marginal production of meat which and tolerance. Those values, however, Some European countries, however, that freedom. How so? Through a is not economically significant,” the emerged from British thinkers whose have forbidden such exceptions and thus piece of linguistic gobbledygook that court said. “Consequently, such events values were framed by the Bible. In banned kosher and halal slaughtering misrepresents the religious precept itself. cannot reasonably be understood as a continental Europe, by contrast, the practices. These countries include Thus, it states that stunning is “limited food-production activity, which justifies Enlightenment was fueled by a vicious Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, to one aspect of the specific ritual act of their being treated differently from hatred of religion and the belief that and Slovenia. Two regions in Belgium— slaughter, and that act of slaughter is not, slaughtering.” Why? What difference reason could only be advanced if religion Flanders and Wallonia—imposed a by contrast, prohibited as such.” does “marginal production” make if the were suppressed. It is that European similar ban in 2017. Belgian Jews and This takes sophistry to a high level principal concern is for the welfare of the strain of universalist Enlightenment Muslims challenged this, and the ruling indeed. Both Judaism and Islam require animal? Quite obviously, none. “Those thinking that forms the values of the by the European court has now provided animals to “be intact and healthy at activities,” stated the ruling, “take place European Union. It has also given rise its unpalatable response. the time of slaughter” for meat to be in a context where conditions for killing to the West’s predominant ideology of Bad enough that individual countries kosher or halal. Stunning an animal by are very different from those employed moral and cultural relativism, which has have been sliding down this path. Such firing a captive bolt into its head orby for farmed animals.” propelled the rise of paganism and the a ruling by the E.U.’s highest court, electric shock may harm its brain. The Well, indeed, but not in the way the veneration of the animal and natural however, is far worse. Not only may it animal may thus become damaged court meant. The stag suffering painfully world at the expense of humanity. And prompt more countries to follow suit, but and forbidden to eat. The prohibition from a bullet wound, the mink dying of its that now has Jewish and Muslim religious it also sends out a devastating cultural against stunning is therefore a crucial injuries in a trap or the fox torn to pieces practices squarely in its sights. signal. This is that the core principle element in the religious rituals of kosher by a pack of hounds all meet a far crueler At the start of 2020, Europeans joined of Western modernity, that minority and halal slaughter. So, the way the death than does the animal slaughtered other nations of the world in marking groups can freely practice their religious court claims to be respecting freedom according to the rites of kashrut and the 75th anniversary of the liberation of precepts in a private sphere within which of religious practice is by taking it upon halal. It is essential to those rites that the Auschwitz, vowing “never again.” At the they pose no threat to the majority, has itself to redefine that practice in a way animal is killed in the most humane way end of this horrible year, the custodians now been junked in Europe. those religions reject. It seeks to prohibit possible. As a result, it has its throat slit of the European Jewish graveyard have Why didn’t the court insist on a core religious precept, requiring Jews with a sharp knife, which causes virtually instead demonstrated all too bleakly just equivalent prior stunning of animals and Muslims instead to adopt a practice instant unconsciousness and death. The what they think that means for the values hunted, trapped, or shot for sport or forbidden to them under religious law. idea that stunning is humane is risible. It of freedom and tolerance so many have other supposed community benefits? It then seeks to sanitize this intolerant is often ineffective, causing the animal given their lives to defend. This danger was realized even by the move by claiming it is not forbidden to to be subjected to this assault more Advocate-General who gave his opinion Jews and Muslims because the court than once before it eventually loses Melanie Phillips is a British journalist, in the case, Gerard Hogan. In September, has redefined that law. This oppressive consciousness. And even with prior broadcaster and author. MayFebruary 2010 2021 SHALOMShalom PagePage 21 10 Federation Honorial - Memorial Card Information HonorialsHonorials and and Memorials Memorials ContributionsContributions may may be be made made to to the the following following Funds: Funds: Please mail your payment with complete information to the Jewish UJA-Federation Campaign $10 Federation, PO Box 14925, Reading, PA 19612-4925 or bring to the Jewish Federation Jewish Community Campaign Cultural Center, 1100 Berkshire Blvd, Suite 125, Wyomissing. You may set up Jewish Family Service $10 a “savings account” for the purpose of sending cards. Please contact the Leo Camp LectureLecture FundFund $10 Jewish Federation at 610-921-0624 for further information. JFS FoodFood BankBank $25 JFS Taxi TransportationTransportation ProgramProgram $20 Contributions as of Jan. 15 Contributions as of April 16 Holocaust Library & Resource CenterCenter $18 Doris Levin Fund UJA-FederationJewish Family Service Campaign Doris Levin Fund $10 In honor of: In honor of: PJ Library Fund Zach Simon’s graduation from law school – Eleanor and Peter Reyner Sarah Simon’s engagement – Vic and Dena Hammel Michael ClyminHarry (Ellen & Abramson’sRose Sack father) Fund – Susan and Richard D’Angelo Rebecca Bub’s being awarded the distinguished degree of Doctor of Alma and Ed Lakin’s new home – Vic and Dena Hammel, Mildred & Ivan Frank MehringerEvelyn – Edith Thompson Mendelsohn Fund Medicine from the University of Queensland in Australia – Carol Greenberg, Gordon Eleanor and Peter Reyner Sam Goodman’s engagement – Alma and Ed Lakin Marriage of Beth and Bob Caster’s son Morty to Carmen Colmenarez – Elliott Alyse Corbin’s marriage – Carol and Bernie Gerber, Alma and Ed Lakin Doris Levin Fund and Doris Leisawitz Sue Viener’s Birthday – Yvonne & Rob Oppenheimer InSue memory B. Viener of: Memorial Fund (PJ Library) Birth of Ellen and Don Abramson’s new granddaughter Ruth Leora Birth of Selma Cutler’s great-grandson Jacob - Debbie Goodman and John In honorDr. Walter of: Gershenfeld – Stephanie and Dennis Arbige, Carole and Mike Abramson – Jay and Evelyn Lipschutz Moyer RobinsonBirth of Don and Ellen Abramson’s new granddaughter Ruth Leora Birth of Carol and Gordon Perlmutter’s new grandson – Debbie Goodman and AbramsonShoshana – GeorgeTannenbaum Viener, – SueCarole Schlanger and Mike Robinson In memory of: John Moyer Marriage of Beth and Bob Caster’s son Morty to Carmen Colmenarez – Stanley Ferber (Sari Incledon’s father) – Carol Greenberg HolocaustGeorge Viener Library and Resource Center Donald Love – Helene Goldman Singer Get well: In memory of: Evelyn Drezner – Corinne and Andy Wernick, Marc and Marcy Filstein, Sharon Harold Leifer – Rob and Yvonne Oppenheimer Shoshana Tannenbaum – Ken and Mary –Holt, Sue George Wachs and Sue Viener, Sue and Julian Syret, Sue Schlanger, Sid and Esther Bratt. Bill and Anne Sedlis, Roger Ernestine Urken (Vic Hammel’s mother) Schlanger, Gordon and Carol Perlmutter, Leah Kanter-Salis, Rosemary and John Schein, Jay and Evelyn Lipschutz, Cheryl and Eric Farber Evelyn Thompson Nursery School Fund Deegan, Naum and Lyudmila Ger, Louis and Katherine Danzico, Florence and Irwin Goldstein – Sid and Esther Bratt Friendship Circle Fund In memory of: Marvin Segal, Vic and Dena Hammel, Emma Holder, Susan Gallagher, Mildred & Irvin Cohen – Cheryl and Eric Farber, Alvin & Betsy Katz In honor of: Shoshana Tannenbaum – Beth and Bob Caster Ivan Gordon, Carrie & Stephen Latman, Judy, Bob & Susan Pollack, Anna & Moisey Arnold Berman (Ron Berman’s father) – Andy and Corinne Wernick Marriage of Beth and Bob Caster’s son Morty to Carmen Comenarez – Glenn Schneider, Norman & Rita Wilikofsky, Audrey Williams, Alan and Esther Strauss, Ernestine Urken (Vic Hammel’s mother) – Jim and Jackye Barrer, Andy and and Gaye Corbin Jewish Family Service Jay and Evelyn Lipschutz, Carol and Bernie Gerber, Barbara and Seth Rosenzweig, Corinne Wernick, Cheryl and Eric Farber, Manny and Yvonne Wittels, Sue and Mel In honor of: JohnIn memory Castrege of: and family, Michael Geraci, Maxine & Dick Henry, Piekara Family, Blum Birth of Carol and Gordon Perlmutter’s new grandson – Sue and George Viener, LauraDonna Higgins Eisenberg – Lorrie Heisler and Jennie Saft Betsy and Al Katz Irwin Goldstein – Lorrie Heisler and Jennie Saft JFSBat Food Mitzvah Pantry of Fran Mendelsohn’s granddaughter – Rosalye Yashek In memory of: FriendshipEdwin & Alma Circle N. ’51 Lakin Holocaust Library and Resource Center In memoryEvelyn Dreznerof: – Rosalye Yashek, Sharon Scullin and Jim Rothstein, Karen In honorGet well: of: andShoshana Myron Kabakoff Tannenbaum – Jill and Gladys Skaist HaroldMarriage Leifer of Beth– Glenn and and Bob Gaye Caster’s Corbin son Morty to Carmen Colmenarez – Eleanor and Peter Reyner Federation Jewish Community Campaign In memory of: HolocaustIn memory of: education spreading inDavid Berks Bender – EleanorCounty and Peter Reyner Evelyn Drezner – Anzie and Edward Golden, Esta and Randy Neugroschel, ContinuedAmy and Marc from Besser, Page 5C. Harold Cohn, Paulalso Kozloff that theand studentsfamily are genuinely EvelynOn a Thompson wider note, Nursery there have School justice Fund and (Lakin Holocaust Preschool) remembrance today. silenceIrvin is Cohen not the – reasonRob and why Yvonne survivors Oppenheimer, interested Anzie in hearing and Edward their stories. Golden I know Inbeen honor many of: recent developments in I am heartened to hear that three additional areErnestine invited in. Urken Instead, (Vic thatHammel’s factor mother)is my students– Anzie and were Edward genuinely Golden, interested Debbie in HolocaustBirth of educationAlan Seltzer’s in Berks granddaughter County schools – Beth inand Berks Bob CountyCaster will be offering presentGoodman because and John of the Moyer, immense Debbie respect and Davidhearing Goldberg Hilde’s story and many still talk andBirth the ofsurrounding Ellen and Don’s areas. Abramson’s Within granddaughterthese courses for Ruth their Leorastudents. Abramson studentsArnold have Berman for these (Ron individuals Berman’s and father) about – Debbie it now, and several David weeks Goldberg later. –the Beth past and month Bob Caster I have met with two Though the fourth quarter of the individuals who are in the process school year has begun, there are still of developing a Holocaust course to many additional opportunities that be offered at their local high school. remain. I just spoke to an undergraduate One gentleman was from Lancaster ethics class at Penn State Berks County. The other, Gerry Evans, is a regarding the ethical/moral implications teacher at Hamburg High School. I of the Holocaust. I found the students have been in contact with two other to be receptive and inquisitive and local teachers, Pete Ruckelshaus at have been asked to deliver a similar Twin Valley and Jim Konecke at Wilson program in the classes that the same High School. Pete has resurrected a professor also teaches at Reading Area course on Holocaust Literature at Twin Community College. Valley, and its first offering is during As mentioned above, Kim Yashek, the current fourth quarter. He is very daughter of the late local Holocaust excited about offering this course to survivor Richard Yashek, is speaking at his students and has even lined up Twin Valley, Hamburg and Fleetwood. several guest speakers including Rabbi Right now Albright College is hosting Brian Michelson, Kim Yashek and Hilde an exhibit titled, “Stories Among Us: Gernsheimer. Washington State Connections to the Jim Konecke is teaching at Wilson Holocaust, Lessons in Genocide.” The Central Junior High but will be moving up exhibit includes the stories of five Holocaust to Wilson High School at the beginning survivors and one liberator and has of next school year. He will be offering a received good reviews. It 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 partW ofY theO courseMIS willS IlookNG at post-war OPT OspecializesMETR IinC Holocaust CEN Teducation.ER The Best Care In Sight! Plan for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah & Wedding Guests! Comprehensive Vision & Medical Eye Care
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