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VOLUME X, NUMBER 7 APRIL 6, 2017 JFSNEPA to honor Sondra and Morey Myers at second annual event Jewish Family Service of Northeast- The JFS Community Matters Event is ern Pennsylvania will honor Morey and said to “spotlight those who live those Sondra Myers at the second annual Com- same values and have made an impact in munity Matters Event, which will be held the greater community.” on Wednesday, May 24, from 6-9 pm, at Tickets for the event cost $100 per the Geisinger Commonwealth School of person and can be purchased online by Medicine, 525 Pine St., Scranton. visiting www.jfsnepa.org or by calling Following last year’s inaugural event, 570-344-1186. Sponsorship and ad book this year the program will continue to opportunities are also available by calling honor those who have contributed to 570-344-1186. JFS and are said to have made “a strong Established in 1915, JFS is a human impact” in the entire community. This service organization said to reflect the year’s entertainment will be provided by Jewish tradition of “caring and com- students from the Northeastern Pennsyl- passion for all people in need.” Through vania Philharmonic and a silent auction professional counseling, advocacy and will again be held during the event. educational programming, its services L-r: Arthur E. Levandoski, marketing and development for Jewish Family Service; Through its mental health counseling seek to “enhance and strengthen the qual- Sheila Nudelman Abdo, JFS executive director; Leah Laury, event chairwoman, Ida and older adult programs, JFS seeks to ity of individual, family and community L. Castro, vice president, government and community relations and chief diversity “enhance and strengthen” the quality of life.” This mission drives all services and officer for Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine; and Eric Weinberg, JFS individual, family and community life. activities of JFS. board president. Nikki Haley: Trump will not allow U.N. resolutions condemning Israel BY RON KAMPEAS Nikki Haley told AIPAC. “Never again earned the “warm- predecessor, Barack Obama. “We had just WASHINGTON (JTA) – The Trump do what we saw with resolution 2334 est reception” of done something that showed the United administration will not allow a repeat and make anyone question our support” any speaker with States at its weakest ever,” she said of of last year’s United Nations Security for Israel, Haley said on March 27 at an extended stand- the resolution. Council resolution condemning Israel the annual American Israel Public Af- ing ovation. AIPAC has striven to promote bipar- for its settlements, U.S. Ambassador fairs Committee conference, where she The Obama tisanship as a theme this conference, administration al- seeking to heal wounds with Democrats lowed through the opened over divisions with Obama over anti-settlements See “Haley” on page 4 resolutions in De- cember as one of its Nikki Haley spoke 2017 UJA last acts, triggering to reporters at “bitter recrimina- mpaign Updat tions” from Israel’s U.N. headquarters Ca e in New York on Pay it forward & give to government. the 2017 Jewish Federation Wishing you a Haley described March 27. (Photo her determination by Drew Angerer/ of Northeastern Pennsylvania to help steer the Getty Images) Annual Campaign! course of the United Nations and its happy and peaceful agencies from anti-Israel bias, noting her intervention keeping Salam Fayyad, the $838,616 former Palestinian prime minister, from as of March 30, 2017 becoming the body’s envoy to Libya, and For information or to Pa over! make a donation call in getting U.N. Secretary-General Antonio 570-961-2300 ext. 1 or Goal: send your gift to: Guterres to withdraw a U.N. affiliate’s Jewish Federation $896,000 report likening Israel to an apartheid state. of Northeastern Pennsylvania Haley was one of a number of speakers 601 Jefferson Ave., at AIPAC who drew a “sharp contrast” Scranton, PA 18510 at the conference between President (Please MEMO your pledge or gift 2017 Donald Trump’s administration and his UJA Campaign) Federation on Facebook The Jewish Federation of Northeast- ern Pennsylvania now has a page on Facebook to let community members Candle lighting know about upcoming events and keep April 7...... 7:17 pm connected. April 10...... 7:20 pm April 11...... after 8:22 pm April 14...... 7:24 pm INSIDE THIS ISSUE April 16...... 7:26 pm Passover Digging history At the U.N. April 17...... after 8:28 pm April 21...... 7:32 pm A look at new Passover children’s A documentary looks at how More than 2,000 Israel advocates books; the habits of successful Jewish prisoners dug a tunnel to convened at the U.N. for an anti- PLUS seder leaders; and more. escape from a WWII labor camp. BDS movement summit. Opinion...... 2 Stories on pages 6, 8 and 11 Story on page 5 Story on page 9 D’var Torah...... 10 2 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 6, 2017 A MATTER OF OPINION What made David Friedman’s confirmation so contentious? BY SARAH N. STERN supported settlement activity, because he prove to the world how far Israel is willing decades of empirical, and often heart- JNS.org was president of the American Friends of to go for peace, even in the absence of a breaking, experience is that this formula David Friedman was confirmed on Bet El Yeshiva, and he has questioned the negotiating partner.” simply hasn’t worked. If the objective is March 23 through the U.S. Senate to be the wisdom of the Oslo Accords. Since then, Gaza has been used as a “peace,” one must honestly ask oneself American ambassador to Israel. But that In the summer of 2005, I was in Israel, launching pad for thousands of Hamas if any of the politically gut-wrenching was only after a highly contentious debate, in the days of the unilateral withdrawal rockets into Israel, necessitating several and internally divisive land withdrawals and unfortunately, only because there is a from Gaza. I watched and listened as the wars and much loss of life on both the from the Sinai, Gaza, southern Lebanon Republican majority in the Senate. nation was engaged in a gut-wrenching Palestinian and Israeli sides. In southern and parts of Judea and Samaria have The same was true of Friedman’s prior and internally divisive debate. I saw Israel, when an alarm siren is sounded, actually brought us any closer to that approval by the Senate Foreign Relations how Israeli soldiers had been trained not Israelis have 15 seconds to find shelter. objective of peace. Committee. The committee’s minority to feel, as they forcibly removed Israeli By now, the rockets have a trajectory Rather than challenge the premises of leader, Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), voted settlers from their homes. One of those that can reach anywhere in the state this formulation, those in the State De- against him, as did every single Dem- soldiers confided in me, “This is not what of Israel. partment’s echo chamber simply dug their ocrat on the committee. Sen. Dianne I signed up for.” Israel’s morality during the two Gaza feet in further and rationalized its failure. Feinstein (D-CA) wrote on March 6 I listened to the radio when one mother wars has been questioned in the court of Each time, there is another excuse. “Israel that Friedman “lacks the necessary said, “Mr. Prime Minister, will you pack international public opinion, largely be- hasn’t given enough land,” or “Gaza was temperament to serve in such a crucial up my son’s room? I have not been able to cause of Hamas’ sinister use of children without a negotiating partner.” position,” and that his “divisive rhetoric go into it since he was killed in Lebanon. and women as human shields, which All of the State Department appa- and dangerous positions are contrary to Will you uproot the tree in my yard that inflates their civilian death count. ratchiks who stubbornly clung to this long-held policy and would undermine was planted in my sons’ memory?” In shaping American foreign policy, mantra were completely in favor of each our national security by inflaming ten- Jewish philanthropists funded the most Americans would like to believe of these withdrawals. Then, when those sions in the region.” greenhouses so that there would be an that certain ethical qualities are in the land withdrawals did not bring us closer In mid-February, five former U.S. am- economic infrastructure for the young, mix, such as intellectual honesty and to the designated objective, the diplomats bassadors to Israel – Thomas Pickering, nascent Palestinian enterprise, and many moral integrity. These qualities, whether came up with convenient, after-the-fact Edward Walker, James Cunningham, rabbis argued that we should keep the part of an individual’s nature or those of rationalizations. William Harrop and Daniel Kurtzer – synagogues, to turn them into mosques, national policy, often necessitate some Any scientist with an ounce of intellec- wrote a letter to the Foreign Relations because, “After all, we all pray to the difficult introspection. tual integrity would say we have reached Committee casting doubts upon President same God.” Sometimes it even involves the painful the null hypothesis, and that it is time to Donald Trump’s nominee for those exact As soon as the last vestige of a Jewish admission that one has been wrong – even re-examine the premises of the equation same reasons. presence was removed from Gaza, and the if one has been wrong for an extremely in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. David What made Friedman’s nomination so blue-and-white Israeli flag was lowered, long time. It is human nature that the Friedman, a fresh voice, is a step in the contentious? Among the reasons outlined the greenhouses and synagogues were longer the time, the deeper the resistance right direction. by Sen. Feinstein is that he has supported all destroyed in a frenzied atmosphere of to change. Sarah N. Stern is founder and president recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of hate-infested anarchy. Our foreign policy “experts” have of the Endowment for Middle East Truth, Israel and moving the American embassy Yet the government of Israel and most clung to certain misguided theories which describes itself as an unabashedly from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. He has directly of the Western policy world were con- for generations now, such as “land for pro-American and pro-Israel think tank vinced at the time that “this will finally peace.” What we have seen through and policy institute in Washington, DC. Linda Sarsour and the interfaith

“ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. dialogue fallacy President: David Malinov Executive Director: Mark Silverberg BY JONATHAN S. TOBIN to seek common ground on those issues Building bridges to Sarsour requires more JNS.org where we agree, rather than to focus only than just agreeing to disagree. If you are Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman One of the cornerstones of Jewish com- on our disagreements. Sarsour gave her going to share a platform with her, you Layout Editor: Diana Sochor Assistant Editor: Michael Nassberg munity relations work is building bridges defenders even more ammunition when are signaling that Jewish rights and the Production Coordinator: Jenn DePersis to other religious and ethnic communities. she helped raise money to restore a St. survival of Israel can be forgotten in the Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen The principle behind these efforts is sound. Louis Jewish cemetery that was damaged name of “resistance.” Kathy Brown Bookkeeper: We know that our safety as a minority by vandals. This episode illustrates a basic fallacy group is dependent on respect for the But Sarsour made the discussion even about the way interfaith dialogue is prac- OPINIONS The views expressed in rights of others. Dialogue with different more complicated by making it clear to ticed with respect to Israeli issues. editorials and opinion pieces are those of each author and not necessarily peoples and faiths can build relationships her liberal defenders that they needed to Concern about desecrated cemeteries the views of the Jewish Federation of and broaden our understanding of the check their Jewish identity at the door and bomb threats against Jewish Commu- Northeastern Pennsylvania. world, as well as strengthening the bonds when they joined her in anti-Trump nity Centers is praiseworthy. But when LETTERS The Reporter welcomes that unite us as fellow Americans in spite protests. In an interview with The Na- those who support a BDS movement that letters on subjects of interest to the of some of our differences. tion, she said feminism and Zionism are traffics in antisemitic slurs and opposes Jewish community. All letters must be But as the Jews who have made Pal- incompatible because Zionists ignored Jewish rights – as Sarsour does – join the signed and include a phone number. estinian-American activist Linda Sarsour the rights of Palestinian women. That ranks of those sounding the alarm about The editor may withhold the name upon request. into a heroine of the “resistance” against position was reflected in the published threats to Jews, it’s time to realize that the ADS The Reporter does not necessar- President Donald Trump have reminded platform of the Women’s Strike, which issue has been hijacked by some on the ily endorse any advertised products us, the problem with interfaith dialogue is explicitly listed the “decolonization left for partisan reasons that have nothing and services. In addition, the paper that it is not an end unto itself. If the end of Palestine” – in plain language, the to do with Jewish security. is not responsible for the kashruth of result is to both legitimize and strengthen destruction of Israel. Rasmea Odeh, a More to the point, when interfaith any advertiser’s product or establish- those who are working to undermine the Palestinian woman who was convicted efforts on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict ment. DEADLINE Regular deadline is two rights of the Jews, then what we are wit- for her role in the terrorist murder of feature Arabs and Muslims bashing Israel, weeks prior to the publication date. nessing is a self-destructive act that does two Israelis in 1969, signed the letter but Jews meekly agreeing with the an- far more harm than good. that introduced the strike. Odeh, who ti-Zionist sentiments or staying silent – as FEDERATION WEBSITE: Sarsour bolted to prominence in now lives in the U.S., is celebrated by all too many such dialogues have played www.jewishnepa.org January as one of the organizers of the the left as an “activist” and spoke at out – it does nothing to build bridges, let HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: women’s protest march in Washington, the national conference of the pro-BDS alone peace. Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA DC, that was intended as a defiant answer group Jewish Voice for Peace, another Genuine efforts to find common ground 18510 to Trump’s inauguration. She also helped curious example of dialogue. between diverse communities can help E-mail: [email protected] plan the International Women’s Strike Sarsour speaks of respect, yet she and both sides and reduce tension. But Linda Fax: (570) 346-6147 early in March that sought to mobilize Odeh have no respect for the rights of Jew- Sarsour’s liberal allies need to acknowl- Phone: (570) 961-2300 those who are upset about Trump’s rise. ish women in Israel to live in freedom in edge that she has taught us that coalition HOW TO REACH Shared antipathy for Trump erased any their own country without fearing terrorist building predicated on the abandonment THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: qualms mainstream liberals might have murderers. Asking people to embrace ei- of the defense of Jewish rights makes a Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 had about making common cause with ther feminism or Zionism is a false choice. mockery of the concept. E-mail: [email protected] an anti-Zionist who believes Israel should Indeed, one might also wonder how an Jonathan S. Tobin is opinion editor SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: be destroyed. advocate of Islamic sharia law like the of JNS.org and a contributing writer for Phone: (570) 961-2300 Their argument was that one of the cor- hijab-wearing Sarsour could be accepted National Review. Follow him on Twitter nerstones of interfaith dialogue requires us as a defender of the rights of women. at @jonathans_tobin. APRIL 6, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 3 COMMUNITY NEWS Congregation B’nai Harim wine tasting fund-raiser BY LEE EMERSON paired as six courses, and the appropriate wines will the number attending, along with one’s name and Sommelier Bobby Oeler will present wines from be included. phone number. around the world on Saturday, April 22, from 7-9 The cost of $35 per person will be all-inclusive. Congregation B’nai Harim, Reform Jewish Congrega- pm, at the Timber Trails clubhouse in Pocono Pines. Registration by Saturday, April 15, will be appre- tion, is located at Pocono Crest Road and Sullivan Trail, Attendees will learn how to decant wine, the role a ciated. To register, send a check made payable to just off Rt. 940, in Pocono Pines. For more information, magnet plays in softening wine, how to properly taste Congregation B’nai Harim, P.O. Box 757, Pocono visit www.bnaiharimpoconos.org or call the message wine and much more. Light hors d’oeuvres will be Pines, PA 18350. Included with the check should be center at 570-646-0100. Rabbi Chaim and Sara Bressler to be feted at SHDS 69th anniversary dinner At the Scranton Hebrew Day School, “much pride” have a second generation “come through the ranks.” As them this special tribute,” said a school representative. is said to be taken in the continual cycle of family their youngest grandchild finishes sixth grade this year A commemorative journal will be distributed at the generations passing through the school’s ranks, at the day school, school representatives said it is “most dinner and ads can be placed before the deadline of making the recognition of Grandparents of the Year fitting” for Rabbi Chaim and Sara Bressler be honored Monday, April 24, by calling the school office at 570- a “special distinction.” as Grandparents of the Year. 346-1576. At the school’s 69th anniversary dinner on Sunday, In 1965, Chaim co-founded Yeshiva Bais Moshe, the May 7, at the Jewish Community Center, 601 Jefferson internationally known Milton Eisner Yeshiva High School Ave., Scranton, the school will pay tribute to Rabbi in Scranton. Sara has taught at the day school from that Chaim and Sara Bressler as Grandparents of the Year. time as well. They have been credited with “devoting DEADLINES The parents of eight children, all day school alumni, their lives to ‘chinuch’ – education” by the school. “It school representatives said it is “especially gratifying” to is therefore doubly appropriate that the day school pay The following are deadlines for all articles and photos for upcoming Reporter issues. DEADLINE ISSUE Bais Yaakov activities Wednesday, April 5, early...... April 20 BAIS YAAKOV IN BROOKLYN BAIS YAAKOV HOSTS OD YOSEF CHAI Thursday, April 20...... May 4 Bais Yaakov students recently went on a school trip to DINNER CARNIVAL Thursday, May 4...... May 18 Brooklyn. They took a guided tour of the Shatzer matzah Each year, the Bais Yaakov students plan and run a Thursday, May 18...... June 1 bakery, then continued on to the Masbia central soup Purim carnival to benefit Od Yosef Chai, an organization kitchen, where they volunteered to help serve. They were based in Israel to assist the poor. Many families attend- also given a tour by manager Levi Kranz, who explained ed and enjoyed a meal prepared by Suzanne Severe, the work and volunteerism of Masbia, a restaurant-style Leah Laury and their crew. The students ran different facility that is free of charge to anyone seeking a meal. Purim-themed booths for the children. The tour continued on to the Hatzalah-ambulance BAIS YAAKOV AND THE BLIZZARD headquarters in Boro Park, where the students were Bais Yaakov held classes during this winter’s largest shown how calls are answered and dispatched. A Bais snowfall. The staff walked to school in order to teach. Yaakov representative noted that it was “fascinating However, approximately three-four hours each day was to see Hatzalah in action,”Published byas the Jewisha call Federation came of Greater in while Binghamton the taken up at the Jewish home volunteering with feeding tour was there. The trip ended with Purim shopping in and visiting residents, since the home was short staffed various stores. due to the weather. Bais Yaakov had received phone Bais Yaakov’s next trip is planned for April to attend calls from the Jewish Home, knowing “they can count 326 North Washington Ave., Scranton the Mishmeres Yom Iyun in Brooklyn. on us.” Staff members volunteered as well. (570)342-4517 py Passov Passover Hours Hap er Monday, April 10 ...... 6:30am - 3:30pm Tuesday, April 11 ...... 6:30am - 3:30pm Wednesday, April 12 ...... 6:30am - 8:30pm Next year Thursday, April 13 ...... 6:30am - 8:30pm may we all be free! Friday, April 14 ...... 6:30am - 8:30pm Sandy Weissberger Saturday, April 15 ...... 9:30am - 8:30pm Leon Kaplan Sunday, April 16 ...... 7:30am - 8:30pm Post #165 - Monday, April 17 ...... 6:30am - 8:30pm Jewish War Veterans Tuesday, April 18 ...... 6:30am - 2:00pm

To advertise, contact TAKE-OUT Bonnie Rozen at BREAKFAST SEDER DINE-IN 800-779-7896, ext. 244 MEALS LUNCH (MAKE or bonnie@ AVAILABLE RESERVATIONS) thereportergroup.org DINNER Happy Passover fromfrom ElanElan GardensGardens TheThe area’sarea’s onlyonly JewishJewish personalpersonal carecare facilityfacility 465 Venard Road Clarks Summit, PA 585-4400 ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook S1108 4 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 6, 2017 Mostly Opera to present “Opera to Die For” on Sunday, April 30 Mostly Opera of Scranton will present “Opera to Die For” on Sun- day, April 30, at 4 pm, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 500 Madison Ave., Scranton. The singers of Most- ly Opera will present a program fea- turing what have been called “some of the most dramatic moments in grand opera.” Tickets are available from Mostly Opera, P.O. Box 20044, Scranton, PA 18503; or by calling Cantor Vladimir Soprano Dr. Tenor Erik Sparks Soprano Sarah 570-702-4356; or at the door. The Aronzon will Barbara Nowicki will be featured Houck will sing cost will be $20 for adults, or $10 perform excerpts will sing “Senza in “Lucia di the mad scene for students. from Verdi’s “Don Mamma” from Lammermoor.” from “Lucia di Singing in the program will be Carlo.” “Suor Angelica.” Lammermoor.” Cantor Vladimir Aronzon, a basso Baritone and stage director Larry Vojtko, from Temple Israel. He will be performing pictured with soprano Nicole Rideout. excerpts from Verdi’s “Don Carlo,” based The king reflects on his life with a wife inquisitor is basso Brooks King. on the lives of Spanish royalty. Don Carlo, who does not love him. He consults with Also on the program will be the enne,” “Giullio Caesar,” “Manon,” “La in love with Elizabeth Valois, sees his the grand inquisitor, who consents to the Principessa scene from Puccini’s “Suor Wally,” “Turandot,” and the mad scene and father King Phillip marry her as part of a death sentence for Carlo, telling the king Angelica”; the confrontation scene from final scene from “Lucia di Lammermoor.” treaty of war. Aronzon will sing the role he must sacrifice his son for the sake of Donizetti’s “Maria Stuarda”; arias and Singing the mad scene will be soprano of King Phillip. the country. Singing the role of the grand duets from “Dido and Aeneas,” “L’Arlesi- Sarah Houck.

To get Federation updates via email, Haley Continued from page 1 settlements and the Iran nuclear deal. But for Israel – would harm U.S. interests. Republican speakers have not been able “Foreign assistance supports a crucial rregister on our website to resist digs at Obama. role in national security,” Granger “What I wanted to make sure of was said, “and makes up just a small por- www.jewishnepa.org that the United States was leading again,” tion of the national budget, less than Haley said. “I wear high heels. It’s not 1 percent.” for a fashion statement, it’s because if I Added Lowey: “The United States gets see something wrong I will kick it every a major payoff.” Pledge or Donate single time.” AIPAC says the broader foreign assis- Paul Ryan, the U.S. House of Represen- tance package advances U.S. leadership, tatives speaker, also spoke on March 27, better enabling Israel’s ally to defend it online at saying Obama had “damaged trust” with in international forums and to open doors Israel. “President Donald Trump’s com- for Israel in countries that might otherwise www.jewishnepa.org/donate mitment to Israel is sacrosanct,” he said. be wary of ties. Ryan described the Iran nuclear Foreign aid came up again later in deal, which swapped sanctions relief the evening when Rep. Steny Hoyer for Iran’s rollback of its nuclear pro- (D-MD), the minority whip, joined gram, as an “unmitigated disaster.” But Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), the like Vice President Mike Pence, who majority leader, to deliver what has spoke on March 26, he stopped short become the standard declaration at AI- of proposing dismantling the deal, as PAC conferences of bipartisan support Republicans consistently had during last for Israel by House leadership. The year’s campaign. Instead, Ryan endorsed leaders spoke of working closely on AIPAC-backed bipartisan legislation Israel, including their leading tours of that would increase non-nuclear-related Israel for House freshmen sponsored sanctions on Iran for testing nuclear by the American Israel Education missiles and backing terrorism and other Foundation, an AIPAC affiliate. disruptive activity. Arne Christenson, who manages The top two foreign operations of- public policy for AIPAC, asked both ficials in the House struck a bipartisan leaders to comment on overall foreign note, appearing together on March 27 aid. McCarthy, a conservative who was to back AIPAC’s bid to stop Trump’s among the first congressional leaders to proposed cuts to foreign assistance. back Trump last year, avoided an answer, Reps. Kay Granger (R-TX), a moderate focusing only on the need for assistance Republican who is the chairwoman of to Israel. the foreign operations subcommittee Hoyer, like Lowey and Granger, ar- of the Appropriations Committee, and gued that foreign assistance is a means Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY), the ranking of securing U.S. leadership in the world, Democrat on the subcommittee and on but also argued that diminishing foreign the committee, have worked together on assistance while maintaining current lev- foreign assistance for years. els of assistance for Israel, as Trump has Without naming Trump, they said proposed, would be counterproductive his proposal to slash foreign assistance for Israel. “To the extent that Israel [aid] funding by almost a third – even while is a larger and larger focus, it will raise preserving present levels of assistance controversy,” he said.

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Send Dassy Ganz an email if you would like to join the list. [email protected] APRIL 6, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 5 Digging history: documentary details Holocaust escape, unearths tunnel BY DEBORAH FINEBLUM cape, but the murders of the vast majority Jared Kushner. He received final day, the diggers switched JNS.org of the Jews of Novogrudok – a city in Kushner’s pledge of support directions, and the tunnel’s exit Ever since Michael Kagan, 60, was a Belarus – who were dead long before that and recruited Dror Shwartz, a came into view. boy growing up in the U.K., each detail fateful night. filmmaker who has worked at “My mother was overjoyed of his father’s escape from a Nazi labor “He was driven, determined to get it out Israel’s Yad Vashem Holocaust when my kids called her to say, camp has ricocheted through his mind there,” says Michael Kagan. Among his remembrance center. ‘We found the tunnel,’” reports and heart. Now, in his new documentary father’s projects was creating a museum In 2012, Michael Kagan and Betty Cohen of Jerusalem, who “Tunnel of Hope,” the son is sharing his at the escape site and marble monuments Shwartz scouted the former is writing a book on the fates father’s story with the world. marking the slain Jews’ graves. Novogrudok labor camp site, of all 230 escapees, including The risky escape plan was born of now an agricultural college, ul- her 96-year-old mother Fania It’s a story that Jack Kagan had fought Jack Kagan, who to keep alive, recording not only the es- increasing desperation by the 240 Jews timately winning permission to Brodsky. “Of all the tales of the clinging to life in the Novogrudok labor bring in escapees’ descendants escaped the Nazi Shoah, this is one that shows camp. It was a ragtag group, the last to dig for the tunnel. Three of labor camp of how resilient and resourceful survivors of some 11,000 Jews from the the escapees, including Jack Novogrudok. (Photo the Jews were.” town and adjacent villages – their ranks Kagan, were among the 55 courtesy of Michael Besides the escapees and decimated by two major slaughters in 1941 family members who made the Kagan) their descendants, the film fea- and 1942, along with starvation and illness. trip from Israel, the U.K. and tures the survivors’ non-Jewish Jack Kagan was 13 when the tunnel the U.S. that year. neighbors, one of whom tearfully recalls escape plan was hatched in the summer of The elder Kagan and the other escap- the massacre of Jews. Another local speaks 1943. Having lost all 10 toes to frostbite, ees’ memories of roundups, selections proudly about the Jewish lives his family he was recovering from their amputation and mass shootings provide the film’s saved – the Nazis killed his great-grand- when he overheard the adults, led by Berel viewers with context for the prisoners’ father for that heroism. Yoselevich, formulate the plan. It would growing desperation and willingness to David Silberklang, the senior historian take three months of painstaking labor, risk everything for a slim chance at sur- for Yad Vashem’s Research Institute, lauds with the prisoners covering for each other vival. In one of the film’s most powerful the film for spotlighting the story behind in the camp’s shoemaking and woodwork- scenes, Kagan simply takes off his shoe, the story. “It’s important to know that ing factories, to excavate the 2-by-2-foot revealing a foot without toes. they decided to take along the injured, tunnel destined to carry them to freedom A handful of prisoners, either fearful like Jack Kagan after his amputation,” in late September. of Nazi retribution or too weak to crawl he says. “They said, ‘It’s going to be all Among those who made it out that through the tunnel, turned down the op- of us or none of us.’ That’s a very Jewish night, two-thirds survived the war, with portunity to escape. The next day, those response to the Holocaust.” most of them – including Jack Kagan – es- remaining quickly erected a wall where In addition to the film, which is now In 2012, Michael Kagan and Dror caping to the forest and joining the Bielski they hid for three days. The Germans soon being broadcast by i24news across the Shwartz scouted the former Novogrudok partisans. Some nine months later, in June abandoned the camp and the remaining U.S., London’s Imperial War Museum labor camp site, now an agricultural 1944, Kagan was among those liberated prisoners were able to join the partisans houses a model of the labor camp and college, ultimately winning permission by the Soviets. in the forest. a tunnel for children to crawl through. to bring in escapees’ descendants to dig His son, Michael, who lives in Jeru- The film, which took three years to The Kagan family’s story is also among for the tunnel – pictured here – that their salem, shared the idea for a film with complete, documents the escapees’ week- those featured in Berlin’s official Holo- ancestors used to flee. (Photo courtesy family friend Murray Kushner – the uncle long dig for the tunnel – an often tedious caust memorial. of Michael Kagan) of President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, and frustrating job. But on the seventh and See “Tunnel” on page 9

Passover Greetings from Alan Glassman

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ea Ia Pad Sunday, June 4, 2017 This year’s theme: Celebrate Israel All Together!

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 6 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 6, 2017 The five (or so) habits of successful seder leaders BY EDMON J. RODMAN At the time, you may not think that these opposing LOS ANGELES (JTA) – What kind of leadership style points of view are what binds a seder together, but recall works best for a seder? During a period when we are that in the haggadah, when the five rabbis are sitting in experiencing a shake-up in national leadership, you may Bnei Brak telling and interpreting the story of the Exodus, want to re-examine the relationship that exists between each has something different to add, and it is the whole leader and participants at the Passover meal. of their interpretations taken together that heightens our Though seder leaders and participants are not elected, understanding of the text. there is still a seder mandate that governs your rela- Those not leading, but participating in the seder, don’t tionship: Everyone present – the wise, the wicked, the think that you are off the hook in setting its tone. In his simple and even the one who does not know how to ask a book “Keeping Passover,” Ira Steingroot points out that question – are all involved in the evening’s proceedings. being a seder guest “doesn’t mean that you have to be the Attending a Passover seder remains an “extremely life of the party or a maven (authority), and you certainly common practice” of American Jews, according to Pew do not want to monopolize the conversation, but you have Research Center, with approximately 70 percent partici- What’s the best way to lead a Passover seder? (Photo a role to play in the drama of the seder.” In fact, it is your pating. Despite its broad mandate, however, meaningful by Lior Zaltzman) responses and feelings that determine whether everyone at seders rarely function as true democracies. The seder is the table makes it past the plague of ennui. To aid in that a complicated undertaking with symbolic foods, actions Defying typical political alignment, I have found that quest, be sure you are following along, asking questions and storytelling, and on this night that is different from on the nights when the seder works – when most every and responding to the leader’s prompts. all others, the call is for an assertive leader who can question has been asked, and tradition and innovation I have also learned that regardless of leadership style guide a tableful of guests through a sea of ritual needs. have been shared – my style of leadership has fallen – some of us are like Moses pointing the way, others are Since Passover is an eight-day holiday of freedom, and somewhere between being a benevolent dictator and a more like Miriam, leading through interpretation and song the seder a celebration of the going out from Egypt, you liberal talk show host. – you will still need to do your homework. Whichever may think the people are clamoring for a democratic free- I say “benevolent dictator” because it is part of the your style, Steingroot’s book is a great source, as well as form kind of dinner – from chanting the Kiddush to singing leader’s job to find a way for everyone to retell the “Passover: The Family Guide to Spiritual Celebration” “Chad Gadya.” But after leading a family seder for more Passover story and ultimately exit the slavery of Egypt by Dr. Ron Wolfson with Joel Lurie Grishaver, and “A than 30 years, my experience has been that if I give everyone – even though they may not necessarily feel the need. Different Night, The Family Participation Haggadah,” a free hand to comment and question, and the seder runs Going around the table urging guests to share the reading by David Dishon and Noam Zion. long, revolution erupts, with the guests vigorously chanting is one way, and calling up guests beforehand to discuss Taking my own advice, a few nights before our first “When do we eat?” And if I try to rule the table with an iron and assign a specific section of the seder is another. encounter with all things matzah each year, I go through Kiddush cup, my poll numbers plummet, especially among Especially for whoever is going to lead the Four Ques- the haggadah and annotate, searching for my afikomen: the restless, 20-something contingent, who start texting tions – at our table, usually the youngest who can read a way to connect the story of traveling from slavery to madly under the table, presumably plotting a resistance. Hebrew – it helps to ask them personally beforehand freedom to the lives of my guests. One year, I held up rather than springing the task on them on the night of a Passover chocolate bar and referred to it as “the bean the seder. Such quiet lobbying helps reorient one from of our affliction,” calling attention to the children who being an audience member into one, as the haggadah See “Habits” on page 8 says, who can see themselves as if they had left Egypt. Passover Greetings As “liberal talk show host,” I get that the haggadah is filled with questions that must be questioned as well. I once opened a seder by asking, “What does it mean when om the haggadah says: ‘Let all those who are hungry come and eat with us?’” Especially in a year such as this one, where even benign conversation is abuzz with politics, there are going to be varying responses, from the bitter, like maror, to the sweet, like charoset. Passover Week Walking Tour on April 13 The Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy will hold a “Giants of the Lower East Side: A Passover Week Walking Tour” on Sunday, April 13. The tour will start at the Bialystoker Synagogue, a for- mer church that is now covered in murals and Tiffany inspired stained glass, to view a memorial plaque of a gangster. Other stops include the building that housed a newspaper edited by a Yiddish Socialist, the settlement house founded by a 26-year-old nurse, a yeshiva, and a former Bank building currently undergoing a major renovation. After the tour, walkers can have a kosher for Passover nosh at the Eldridge Street Synagogue and Each year at this time the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania calls upon members of our learn about the characters associated with the historic community to assist in defraying the expense of issuing our regional Jewish newspaper, The Reporter. house of worship. The tour will begin at 2 pm. Walkers will meet in front The newspaper is delivered twice of month (except for December and July which are single issue of the Bialystoker Synagogue, 7-11 Bialystoker Place/ months) to each and every identifiable Jewish home in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Willett Street (between Grand and Delancey streets), As the primary Jewish newspaper of our region, we have tried to produce a quality publication for you New York, NY. The cost is $30. that offers our readership something on everythingfrom opinions and columns on controversial issues For more information, visit www.nycjewishtours.org/ or contact the Jewish Conservancy at 212-374-4100. that affect our people and our times, to publicity for the events of our affiliated agencies and organizations to life cycle events, teen columns, personality profiles, letters to the editor, the Jewish community calendar and other columns that cover everything from food to entertainment. The Federation assumes the financial responsibility for funding the enterprise at a cost of $26,400 per year and asks only that we undertake a small letter writing mail campaign to our recipients in the hope of raising $10,000 from our readership to alleviate a share of that responsibility. We would be grateful if you would care enough to take the time to make a donation for our efforts in bringing The Reporter to your door. As always, your comments, opinions and suggestions are always welcome. With best wishes, Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of NE Pennsylvania 601 Jefferson Avenue Scranton, PA 18510 APRIL 6, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 7

Save the Date for a Mission to Harrisburg on Tuesday April 25! Get a chance to meet with State Officials, tour the beautiful State Capital building and more! Charter Bus/Box Lunch • Cost: $15/pp Please contact Dassy for further details and to make your reservation at 570-961-2300 x2 or [email protected] 8 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 6, 2017 Seven new kids’ books for Passover, from seder guides to stories BY PENNY SCHWARTZ “The Family (and Frog!) Haggadah” by Rabbi from each other about the (JTA) – From the wizardry of Harry Potter that Ron Isaacs and Karen Rostoker-Gruber; illustra- meaning of freedom – and echoes with Passover’s themes to a cartoon frog who tions by Jackie Urbanovic, Behrman House; all Jacob’s mother and Benito wisecracks his way through the seder, this year’s new ages; $7.95 also surprise him with a crop of Passover books for kids offers something for A wisecracking frog lasso and clothing he needs all ages and interests. The selection of fresh reads, in- takes center stage in this for an upcoming rodeo. cluding two family-friendly haggadahs, also includes an kid-friendly haggadah that Artist Gina Capaldi puts unusual Jewish immigrant tale set in rural Argentina and is a complete guide to a readers right in the action; a heartwarming, intergenerational story about an aging fun-filled, informative, kids will feel as if they are grandfather and his devoted granddaughter. Choose one abbreviated seder that’s riding along on horseback – or several – to educate and engage the young readers designed to be 30 minutes with Jacob and Benito, and in your family for this Passover, the eight-day festival of to an hour. The lively hagga- they’ll feel part of the fami- freedom that begins with the first seder on the evening dah, filled with photographs ly’s seder. An author’s note of April 10. and illustrations, begins explains that in the 1880s, “Passover Cowboy” “The (unofficial) Hogwarts Haggadah” by with a seder checklist and Jewish immigrants from (Photo by Apples and Moshe Rosenberg; designed by Aviva Shur, All candle-lighting prayers and Eastern Europe arrived Honey Press) ages; $27.95 guides families through the in Argentina. Goldin also Fans of Harry Potter will mainstays of the seder, from poses a timely discussion question that asks families to be in Hogwarts heaven this the Passover story, to the “The Family and Frog imagine what it would be like to move to a new country. Passover. Moshe Rosen- Ten Plagues to welcoming Haggadah” (Photo by “How It’s Made: Matzah” by Allison Ofanansky, berg’s haggadah draws on Elijah the Prophet. Songs go Behrman House) photographs by Aliyahu Alpern, Apples and Honey the parallels between the from the traditional favorite Press; ages 5-8; $15.95 wizardry of the best-selling “Dayenu” to “Take Me Out to the Seder.” An entertaining Kids get an up-close “Harry Potter” books and cartoon frog appears throughout with jokes and funny look at how matzah is the seder guide. “From the comments (“Hold on! I brought my hopmonica!”) that made in this fascinating concepts of slavery and are sure to bring giggles and keep kids engaged. new book overflowing freedom, to the focus on ed- “Passover Scavenger Hunt” by Shanna Silva, with stunning color pho- ucation, to the number four, illustrated by Miki Sakamoto, Kar-Ben; ages 4-9; tographs that bring to life Harry Potter and Passover $17.99 hardcover, $7.99 paperback small-batch, handmade share almost everything,” Every year at the seder, matzah-making to facto- Rosenberg writes in the Rachel’s Uncle Harry hides ries that bake 35,000 pieces introduction. the afikomen. The kids have of matzah every day. Kids “How It’s Made: Matzah” This is the second Jewish “The (unofficial) fun hunting for the special see the spiked rolling tool (Photo by Apples and Honey Harry Potter-themed book Hogwarts Haggadah” piece of matzah and get used to make the tiny holes Press) by Rosenberg, a rabbi and (Photo by Moshe a prize for finding it. But in the matzah and get a peek Judaic studies educator in Rosenberg) there’s one problem: Uncle inside the very hot ovens required for baking. Captions New York. (The first was Harry always makes it too and explanatory text are informative but simple, making “Morality for Muggles: Ethics in the Bible and the World easy! In Shanna Silva’s the photographs the stars of a wonderful book that will of Harry Potter.”) Traditionalists, take note: Rosenberg lively story, Rachel takes appeal both to kids and grownups. There are several “Do assures readers that every word of traditional haggadah over the job. She grabs her “Passover Scavenger It Yourself” recipes and craft projects, including baking text, in Hebrew and in English translation, is included. markers, scissors and a big Hunt” (Photo by Kar-Ben) matzah, making a matzah cover and growing the greens Interspersed throughout is commentary, via the lens of piece of cardboard and cre- for karpas, the symbolic vegetable eaten during the seder. J.K. Rowling’s characters, that takes on questions of ates a clever scavenger hunt with six rhyming clues to “Sammy Spider’s Passover Shapes” by Sylvia A. freedom, evil and the Four Children. There’s even a stump her cousins. Each clue reveals something related Rouss; illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn, Kar- Harry Potter-themed version of the popular seder song to the seder, from the charoset to the shank bone. In the Ben; ages 1-4; $5.99 board book “Had Gadya” (“One Small Goat”). end, the kids are left with a puzzle to solve that will The ever-popular Sam- lead them to Rachel’s perfect afikomen hiding place. my Spider – now in his 24th Miki Sakamoto’s illustrations are bright and colorful year – is back! “Passover and capture the fun as kids move picture frames, race Shapes” is the second around the house and crawl around closets looking Sammy Spider board book for clues. that is geared for toddlers. “A Different Kind of Passover” by Linda Leop- In this brightly illustrated old-Strauss, illustrated by Jeremy Tugeau, Kar- tale, the young spider cel- Ben; ages 4-9; $17.99, hardcover, $7.99 paperback ebrates the holiday with On the way to her grand- his human friend, Josh parents’ house for the seder, Shapiro. Little ones will “Sammy Spider’s a young girl named Jessica learn about Passover as Passover Shapes” (Photo is busy practicing the Four well as basic shapes. by Kar-Ben) Questions, in Hebrew, over and over. Jessica loves spending Passover with her NEWS IN BRIEF Best wishes grandparents, where every- from thing is the same year after “A Different Kind of From JNS.org Syvia & Debby year – running up the stairs at Passover” (Photo by Israelis warned of increased terror Eisenberg their apartment, finding piles Kar-Ben) of blankets and pillows for threat before Passover holiday travel the sleep over with her cousins, and enjoying the good Ahead of the Passover holiday, Israel has issued travel smells emanating from the kitchen. But this year will be advisories cautioning Israelis to avoid vacationing in the different because her grandfather just got home from the Egyptian Sinai, Turkey and Jordan. The Egyptian Sinai Wishing the hospital and is too weak to come to the seder table. In received the highest-level travel warning, level one, Scranton this heartwarming intergenerational story, Jessica comes out of four, described as “a very high concrete threat.” up with a plan for how Grandpa can still lead the seder, Turkey received a level-two warning, “a high concrete Jewish continuing the family tradition. Jeremy Tugeau’s large, threat,” and Jordan a level three “basic-level concrete Community expressive illustrations capture Jessica’s emotions of joy, threat.” Eitan Ben David, head of the Prime Minister’s a Happy disappointment and love she shares her with grandfather. Office Counter-Terrorism Bureau, said at a media brief- Passover! “The Passover Cowboy” by Barbara Diamond ing on March 27 the heightened travel warnings were Goldin, illustrated by Gina Capaldi, Apples and Hon- mainly related to increased threats presented by Islamic ey Press; ages 4-8; $17.95 State-affiliated groups operating in these areas. From acclaimed Jewish children’s book writer Barbara Diamond Goldin (“The Best Hanukkah Ever,” “Journeys With Elijah”) comes an unlikely Passover story set in Have a Joyous Passover the Argentine countryside in the late 1800s. Jacob is a Habits Continued from page 6 young Jewish boy whose Russian family immigrated to are sometimes exploited to harvest cacao beans and as a Argentina, but he doesn’t quite fit in. He makes a new way to discuss if we, too, were participating in slavery. friend, Benito, who helps him learn to ride horseback. This year, to provoke discussion, before we open the Jacob works up the courage to invite his non-Jewish pal door to Elijah, I plan on asking guests to imagine what to his family’s seder, but Benito says he has farm chores would happen if the prophet, as we imagine him – a robed Rabbi Rachel to do. But Benito ends up coming after all, at just the and perhaps turbaned man from the Middle East – was right moment: when Jacob opens the door to welcome detained at airport customs. Esserman Elijah, just as a flock of chickens arrive, too. Benito helps Edmon J. Rodman is a JTA columnist who writes on round up the chickens and joins the seder. Jewish life from Los Angeles. Contact him at edmojace@ As the family welcomes its new friend, they learn gmail.com. APRIL 6, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 9 Thousands attend anti-BDS summit at U.N. headquarters BY JNS STAFF (JNS.org) – More than 2,000 Israel advocates and supporters convened at the United Nations headquar- ters in New York on March 29 to speak out against the BDS movement. The summit was convened by Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon in partnership with Jewish and pro-Israel organizations, including the CAMERA media watchdog, AEPi, American Center for Law and Justice, Zionist Organization of America, Israel Bonds, StandWithUs, B’nai B’rith International, Israeli-Ameri- can Council, Maccabee Task Force, Hillel International, Students Supporting Israel, Hasbara Fellowships, Jewish Agency for Israel, Simon Wiesenthal Center, American Zionist Movement and others. “The halls of the U.N. are now being infiltrated by the boycott movement,” Danon declared at the start of the event. “The U.N.’s Human Rights Council is creating a blacklist of companies and corporations operating in parts of Israel. This is pure antisemitism and together with the U.S., our greatest ally, we will keep fighting until BDS is eliminated.” U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley – who de- scribed herself as the “new sheriff in town” at the world body during the recent AIPAC policy conference, given Some 2,000 Israel advocates and supporters attended the anti-BDS summit at the United Nations on March her bid to change the anti-Israel culture within the U.N. 29. (Photo by Shahar Azran) and its agencies – was the event’s main speaker. “The effort to delegitimize the state of Israel be- ing waged on college campuses and the anti-Israel NEWS IN BRIEF obsession at the U.N. are one in the same. They From JNS.org both seek to deny Israel’s right to exist. They are on tracking and combating antisemitism, has launched both efforts to intimidate her friends and embolden Arab states to challenge Israeli sovereignty in new interactive maps to track patterns of antisemitism on her enemies. They are both extensions of an ancient all of Jerusalem at UNESCO American college campuses. “The antisemitism plaguing hatred,” Haley said. According to a resolution draft obtained by Israeli our nation’s colleges and universities continues to grow,” “And how tragic is it that, of all the countries in government officials, Arab states plan to challenge Israeli said Tammi Rossman-Benjamin, AMCHA’s founder and the world to condemn for human rights violations, sovereignty in all of Jerusalem at the upcoming UNE- director. “One of AMCHA’s main goals, one we take very these voices choose to single out Israel. Iran, Syria, SCO Executive Board meeting in Paris, The Jerusalem seriously, is documenting and exposing the threat. We hope North Korea and other barbaric regimes are excused Post reported. The text was submitted by Algeria, Egypt, these new education and research tools will prove helpful by the BDS movement. It makes no sense. And it has Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar and Sudan on behalf of to advocacy organizations, government officials, univer- no connection to any reasonable definition of justice,” the Palestinians, and marks the first time Arab states have sity administrators, researchers and concerned parents, she added. contested Israeli sovereignty in western Jerusalem. The students and university stakeholders,” she said. Among resolution states, “Any action taken by Israel, the Occupying the interactive maps the organization has published (http:// power, to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration www.amchainitiative.org/antisemitism-mapping-portal) on the city of Jerusalem, are illegal and therefore null and is an antisemitism tracker map that details all types of Tunnel Continued from page 5 void and have no validity whatsoever.” Although the text antisemitism on campuses since 2015; a swastika tracker Last December, on the 75th anniversary of the massa- does not specifically comment on the Temple Mount and map focusing on all reported swastikas and graffiti, signs, cre of 5,200 of his Novogrudok friends and family, Jack Western Wall, it does attempt to classify Jewish holy sites posters or letters found on campuses; a BDS scorecard map Kagan died at 87. His son says he is glad his father lived such as the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron and Rachel’s that follows results of votes on BDS resolutions within long enough to be featured in the film, a tribute “to both Tomb in Bethlehem as being “an integral part of Palestine.” student governments since 2012; and an academic boycott his tenacity and the tenacity of Jewish life.” A vote on the resolution will be cast at UNESCO on May map that tracks faculty members at schools who have sup- The lesson is not lost on the next generation. 1. The UNESCO resolution comes amid new efforts by the ported boycotts of Israel. Additionally, AMCHA launched a “Seeing where it happened made it all the more real Trump administration to negotiate a regional peace accord. campus antisemitism photo gallery on both its website and and gave us all some closure,” says 26-year-old Itai Facebook page to help expose and raise awareness about Watchdog group launches maps to track these incidents. “It’s one thing to read about antisemitic Kagan, Jack’s grandson. “We grandchildren have antisemitism on college campuses more distance. To us, my grandfather’s story is more incidents; it’s quite another to see it. As they say, a picture blessing than burden.” The AMCHA Initiative, a Jewish nonprofit focused is worth a thousand words,” stated Rossman-Benjamin.

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 10 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 6, 2017 D’VAR TORAH None of us are free until all of us are free BY RABBI MARJORIE BERMAN, SPIRITUAL DI- society, in every society. We must not let fear – ours or RECTOR, RECONSTRUCTIONIST RABBINICAL others – get in the way. COLLEGE IN PHILADELPHIA How do we do this? How do we move forward in Tsav (Shabbat HaGadol), Leviticus 6:1-8:36 protecting immigrants, refugees and all those that are These days, I carry a deep grief in my heart. Most of vulnerable during this perilous moment in history? The the time, I don’t experience it as grief, though. I expe- midrash of Nachshon teaches us that when the Israelites rience it as paralysis, an inability to work efficiently, or were terrified, the impassible sea in front of them and impatience with my husband and daughter. This Shabbat, the Egyptian army closing in behind them, Nachshon Shabbat HaGadol, “The Great Sabbath,” is the Shabbat stepped forward. As others stood in fear, Nachshon that falls just before Passover. Traditionally, it is a time stepped into the sea. He saw no way through, but he that the rabbi explains the traditions and laws concerning knew he was doing the right thing, and so he continued the holiday. But today, I want to talk about what I believe to move forward. It wasn’t until the waters entered his is the core of chag Pesach, the festival of Passover. On mouth, when he was choking on the words “Mi Kamochah this holiday, we escape from the narrow straits (Mitz- nedar Bakodesh?!” (“Who is like you, God?!”) that the raim, the land of Egypt) to the wilderness (hamidbar). sea opened up before him and the way became clear. Metaphorically, we leave a narrow way of thinking, and How are each of us called to be Nachson in this mo- open ourselves to an expansive way of seeing the world, ment in history? All he did was put one foot in front of a place where we experience the Holy. In this place, we the other – each act a small step, literally. Some possible are taught to live according to a new paradigm, a set of actions include incorporating the Hebrew Immigrant laws teaching us that we are made in the image of God, Aid Society supplement on the global refugee crisis into that we are responsible for each other and that freedom your seder, calling your senators and representatives and duty go hand-in-hand. about the refugee ban, encouraging your synagogue to We are about to relive the festival of our great deliv- join the “Welcome Campaign,” organizing your shul or erance – why, then, do I feel such grief? Quite simply, even your city to become a sanctuary, or learning about everywhere I turn, there is bad news about the things what refugees in your area need for support. (To learn I care about most. Protecting our planet; honoring the more about how to take any of these steps, visit www. native peoples of America; preserving a safety net for hias.org or call 301-844-7300.) children, the elderly and others in need; transparency When I ask myself what to do with my grief, when I in government; reducing our military spending; giving feel I cannot do enough, this week’s Torah portion, Tsav, women the resources to plan when and how they want to offers guidance. The priests are given precise instructions start a family; universal health care; a free and unbiased about clearing out the ashes from prior sacrificial offer- press – all of these are under attack. To me, these things ings before preparing the new ones. It continues with are the building blocks of freedom and of a working an explanation of how to offer the sacrifice of gratitude. democracy. For me, all of these relate to the Passover The work ahead of us is not easy, nor will it be done in a story, but none so much as this: along with these other day. In order to overcome a sense of overwhelming and moral erosions, we are being taught to fear immigrants. to shed our paralysis, we must first clear out the ashes, Those who have made it safely to our shores are being our grief, at what our past efforts have failed to accom- ostracized, their children taunted at school, and some plish. Only then will we be ready to begin again. And, have experienced physical violence. Strangers in a strange as we move forward like Nachshon, words of praise and land, unfamiliar with our language and our customs, gratitude should be on our lips, reminding us of the great often fleeing unspeakable atrocities in their countries task that we are called to and the reason for which we of origin, these souls come seeking safe haven. Since do it. For once we were strangers in the land of Egypt.... the time of the Exodus, this is a story we have relived ourselves, over and over again. And for those of us here in America, it is the story of our parents, our grandparents or our great-grandparents. Thousands upon thousands of immigrants and refu- gees – those who had already gone through the “extreme vetting” process that often takes years, those that had addresses given to them, and agencies and communities ready to help them settle in, are being denied entry. And Domestic architecture tour those that are just beginning the process have little to no hope now. I think of my own life. What would have on April 23 happened if either of my grandfathers had been denied The Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy entry? The answer is no mystery. We know what happened will hold “O! Multitudes!: Three Centuries of to those that tried to leave the furnace of Europe during Domestic Architecture on Sunday, April 23, World War II, and were denied all ports. beginning at 10:45 am. The tour will feature architectural We do not tell the story of our Exodus only once a specialist and urban historian Barry Feldman, and will year, in order to remember that we were once strangers. explore housing on the Lower East Side. Walkers will This story is so central to our identity as a people and learn how to distinguish a tenement from a row house and so central to the moral fiber of Judaism, that we tell it see examples of pre-law, old law and new law tenements. every week. Each Shabbat, when we make Kiddush Walkers will meet at 58 Bowery, corner of Canal over the wine, we remember yetziat Mitzraim, the going Street, in front of HSBC Bank. The cost is $24 for adults out from Egypt. We say this every week to remind us and $22 for seniors and students. There is an additional Co-Presidents: Esther Adelman & Steven Seitchik where to stand in times such as these, identifying with $2 charge the day of the tour. For more information or the enslaved, the powerless, the weak, and standing up to register, visit www.nycjewishtours.org/ or call 212- for the rights of those that are most vulnerable in our 374-4100.

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Effective immediately, please send all articles & ads to our new E-mail address, [email protected]. APRIL 6, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 11 Passover “showstopper”: Israeli library buys book collection with 1500s haggadah BY ALINA DAIN SHARON last several centuries – more than the Bible. haggadah dates back to roughly 1486, “The Medieval Haggadah: Art, Narrative, JNS.org In particular, the Valmadonna collec- and was published by the Soncino fami- and Religious Imagination.” On the right, a man sits and prays tion’s 1556 haggadah is a rare, luxury ly, named for the Italian town where the “Due to the humanistic patronage of holding a liturgical book. On the left, a edition with attributes that “constitute the family ran its printing operation. These the Holy Roman Emperor and a general rabbi is seen explaining the story of the earliest examples of such texts,” said Marc early haggadahs were not illustrated. climate of relative tolerance and free trade, Jewish Exodus from Egypt to a child. Michael Epstein, a professor of religion The earliest known illustrated haggadah Prague in the 16th century was a place of These images were printed on the pages and visual culture, and the Mattie M. was printed in Constantinople (modern vibrant of Jewish communal and cultur- of a Passover haggadah in the city of Paschall (1899) and Norman Davis Chair Istanbul) around 1515, but only a few al life, and thus – along with Venice – a Prague in 1556. This nearly 500-year-old at Vassar College in New York. pages of this haggadah remain. Jewish crucial center of the newly developed art haggadah, one of only two remaining Just a few decades after Johannes printing spread to other parts of Europe and craft of Hebrew printing,” he said. copies, is part of the Valmadonna Trust Gutenberg invented the printing press in the 1500s, which also led to a growth “Jewish printing spread from Prague Library collection that was recently sold around 1440, printing spread to the Jew- in competition among printers. throughout Western as well as Eastern to the National Library of Israel, with the ish world, beginning in Rome and then “The cradle of Hebrew printing is, of Europe, the next great centers being in help of philanthropy from the Haim and moving throughout Italy and the Iberian course, Venice. But the printing of Jewish the Polish communities such as Lublin.” Hana Salomon Fund. Peninsula. Scholars tend to refer to the books north of the Alps began in Prague in By 1526, the family of Gershom “The haggadah is the most widely pub- era of early printing, before 1501, as the 1512 in the circle of Gershom ben Solomon ben Solomon Kohen, which also went lished book in Jewish history,” said Sharon Incunabula period. Jews were “tremen- Kohen and his brother Gronem,” said Epstein, by the name Katz and built what many Mintz, senior consultant for Judaica at the dously excited” to be able to print multiple who is the author of “Skies of Parchment, Seas considered an important and influential Sotheby’s auction house, which arranged books, Mintz explained. “They viewed it of Ink: Jewish Illuminated Manuscripts” and See “Library” on page 15 the sale to the Israeli library. Mintz told as a gift of God,” she said. JNS.org that more than 3,000 editions of The earliest printed haggadah was the haggadah have been printed during the printed in Spain in 1482. Another early

The Valmadonna collection on display at Sotheby’s in New York, before it was sold Pages from the 1500s Passover haggadah that was recently sold to the National to Israel’s national library. (Photo courtesy of Sotheby’s) Library of Israel. (Photo courtesy of Sotheby’s)

Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania 2017 UJA Campaign WE CAN MAKE THE WORLD BETTER BY WORKING TOGETHER The mission of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania is to rescue the imperiled, care for the vulnerable, support Israel and world Jewry, and revitalize and perpetuate Jewish life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Name: ______Address: ______City: ______State: ______ZIP:______Home phone: ______Work phone:______Cell phone: ______E-mail address: ______J I’m enclosing a gift of $ ______J I’ll pledge $______* * J One-time * J Quarterly installments (1/4 of total) * J Monthly installments (1/12 of total)

Payment options 2017 UJA Campaign Jewish Federation of J Please bill me at the above address. Northeastern Pennsylvania J Enclosed is my check payable to “UJA/Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania” 601 Jeerson Avenue, J PayPal or credit card (www.jewishnepa.org – “Donate” – “Donate Online”) Scranton, PA 18510 Telephone: 570-961-2300 (ext. 3) J Stock sales (www.jewishnepa.org – “Donate” – “Donating with stock”) J On-line banking (payment designated through my bank to “UJA/Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania”) My company (______) has a matching gift program. I’ll obtain the form and forward it to the Federation

Authorized signatureDate

ALAN SMERTZ AND SUSIE BLUM CONNORS, CO-CHAIRS OF OUR 2017 UJA CAMPAIGN THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook

12 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 6, 2017

D D ­e Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania presents “My Brother’s Keeper - e 911 of the Jewish People” How the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (AJDC) is changing the Jewish world Scranton Jewish Community Center Thursday, May 18 at 7pm Given the importance of the work done by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (AJDC) to assist imperiled and threatened Jewish communities around the world, a special program will be presented on ursday, May 18th at 7:00 PM in the Koppelman Auditorium of the Scranton JCC and will be open to our entire Jewish community - at no charge.

Our guest for the evening will be Shaun Goldstone, Global Development Ocer for the JDC who has participated in JDC’s worldwide international disaster relief e
orts in Haiti and Ethiopia and is currently responsible for raising the prole of JDC’s Eastern European and Asian humanitarian and Jewish renewal e
orts as well as fostering collaborations between the JDC and its partner organizations.

The program is open to the entire Jewish community and a dessert reception will follow. An RSVP to Mary Ann Mistysyn at either 961-2300 (x4) or [email protected] would be appreciated in order to facilitate food arrangements. We hope you can join us for this wonderful program. Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania D D APRIL 6, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 13 CAMPAIGN Alan Smertz and Susie Blum Connors General Campaign Co-Chairs

Total to date: $838,616

If you have not yet made THE your gift to the 2017 Federation/UJA Campaign, please contact Mark Silverberg TIME at 570-961-2300, ext. 1. Help us reach our goal of $900,000. Your support IS enables us to fund the many important Jewish needs right here in Northeastern NOW! Pennsylvania, in Israel and throughout the Jewish world. Your participation is also helping to ensure a strong Jewish future.

2017 Federation/UJA Annual Campaign One People. One Mission. Tikun Olam. 570-961-2300 (x1)

¡

p! $100 $180 $250 $500 $1,000 $1,800 other

Name: ______Email: ______

Home Phone: ( ) ______Work Phone: ( ) ______Cell Phone: ( ) ______

Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______

Please mail to: Jewish Federation of NE Pennsylvania, 601 Jeff erson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 or call 570-961-2300 (ext. 1) 14 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 6, 2017

Feature Films (as of September 2016) NEW Dough - An old Jewish baker (Jonathan Pryce) takes on a young Muslim apprentice to save his failing kosher bakery. When TO THE his apprentice’s marijuana stash accidentally falls in the mixing dough, the challah starts flying off the shelves! DOUGH is a warmhearted and humorous story about overcoming prejudice and finding redemption in unexpected places. (Shown at the LIBRARY! 2017 UJA campaign opening event) Everything is Illuminated - “Everything is Illuminated” tells the story of a young man’s quest to find the woman who saved his grandfather in a small Ukrainian town that was wiped off the map by the Nazi invasion. What starts out as a journey to piece together one family’s story under absurd circumstances turns into a meaningful journey with a powerful series of revelations -- the importance of remembrance, the perilous nature of secrets, the legacy of the Holocaust, and the meaning of friendship. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Europa Europa - Based on the autobiography of Solomon Perel, this movie recounts the severe actions a young boy must take in order to survive the Holocaust. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Hidden in Silence - Przemysl, Poland, WWII. Germany emerges victorious over the Russians and the city comes under Nazi control. The Jews are sent to the ghettos. While some stand silent, Catholic teenager, Stefania Podgorska, choose the role of a savior and sneaks 13 Jews into her attic. Inspired by real events, Munich reveals the intense story of the secret Israeli squad assigned to track down and assassinate the 11 Palestinians believed to have planned the 1972 Munich massacre of 11 Israeli athletes - and the personal toll this mission of revenge takes on the team and the man who led it. Music Box - In this intense courtroom thriller, Chicago attorney Ann Talbot (Jessica Lange) agres to defend her Hungarian immigrant father against accusations of heinous war crimes committed 50 years earlier. Remember - With the aid of a fellow Auschwitz survivor and a hand-written letter, an elderly man with demntia goes in search of the person responsible for the death of his family. (shown at the 2017 UJA campaign opening event) Munich - Inspired by real events, Munich reveals the intense story of the secret Israeli squad assigned to track down and assassinate the 11 Palestinians believed to have planned the 1972 Munich massacre of 11 Israeli athletes - and the personal toll this mission of revenge takes on the team and the man who led it. Son of Saul - October 1944, Auschwitz-Birkenau. Saul (Géza Röhrig) is a Hungarian member of the Sonderkommando, the group of Jewish prisoners forced to assist the Nazis. While working, Saul discovers the body of a boy he takes for his son. As the Sonderkommando plans a rebellion, Saul decides to carry out an impossible task: save the child’s body, find a rabbi to recite the mourner’s Kaddish and offer the boy a proper burial. (shown at the 2017 UJA campaign opening event) The Book Thief - THE BOOK THIEF tells the inspirational story of a spirited and courageous young girl who transforms the lives of everyone around her when she is sent to live with a new family in World War II Germany. The Jolson Story - THE JOLSON STORY is classic Hollywood biography at its best; a fast-paced, tune-filled extravaganza following the meteoric rise of legendary performer Al Jolson. THE JOLSON STORY was nominated for six 1946 Academy Awards , winning two, (Best Musical Scoring and Best Sound Recording). The Other Son - As he is preparing to join the Israeli army for his national service, Joseph discovers he is not his parents’ biological son and that he was inadvertently switched at birth with Yacine, the son of a Palestinian family from the West Bank. This revelation turns the lives of these two families upside-down, forcing them to reassess their respective identities, their values and beliefs. Woman in Gold - Based on the true story of Maria Altman, played by Helen Mirren, who sought to regain a world famous painting of her aunt plundered by the Nazis during World War II. She did so not just to regain what was rightfully hers but also to obtain some measure of justice for the death, destruction and massive art theft perpetrated by the Nazis. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Non-Feature Films 2016 Above and Beyond - In 1948, just three years after the liberation of Nazi death camps, a ragtag group of skilled American pilots - both Jewish and non-Jewish, answered a call for help. In secret and at great personal risk, they smuggled planes out of the U.S., trained behind the Iron Curtain and flew for Israel in its War of Independence. This band of brothers not only turned the tide of the war, they also embarked on personal journeys of discovery and pride. (Shown at the 2016 UJA campaign opening event) Everything is a Present: The Wonder and Grace of Alice Sommer Hertz - This is the uplifting true story of the gifted pianist Alice Sommer Hertz who survived the Theresienstat concentration camp by playing classical piano concerts for Nazi dignitaries. Alice Sommer Hertz lived to the age of 106. Her story is an inspiration. Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story - Yoni Netanyahu was a complex, passionate individual thrust into defending his country in a time of war and violence. The older brother of Benjamin Natanyahu, the current Israel Prime Minister, Yoni led the miraculous raid on Entebbe in 1976. Although almost all of the Entebbe hostages were saved, Yoni was the lone military fatality. Featuring three Israeli Prime Ministers and recently released audio from the Entebbe raid itself. Hava Nagila (The Movie) - A documentary romp through the history, mystery and meaning of the great Jewish standard. Featuring interviews with Harry Belafonte, Leonard Nimoy and more, the film follows the ubiquitous party song on its fascinating journey from the shtetls of Eastern Europe to the kibbutzim of Palestine to the cul-de-sacs of America. If These Knishes Could Talk tells the story of the New York accent: what it is, how it’s evolved, and the love/hate relationship New Yorkers have with it. It features writer Pete Hamill, director Penny Marshall, attorney Alan Dershowitz and screenwriter James McBride, along with a cast of characters from Canarsie to Tottenville. In between, it explores why New Yorkers eat chawclate and drink cawfee, and how the accent became the vibrant soundtrack of a charming, unforgiving and enduring city. Israel: The Royal Tour - Travel editor Peter Greenberg (CBS News) takes us on magnificent tour of the Jewish homeland, Israel. The tour guide is none other than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The viewer gets a chance to visit the land of Israel from his own home! Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story (narrated by Dustin Hoffman)- This documentary portrays the contributions of Jewish major leaguers and the special meaning that baseball has had in the lives of American Jews. More than a film about sports, this is a story of immigration, assimilation, bigotry, heroism, the passing on of traditions, the shattering of stereotypes and, most of all, the greatest American pastime. Nicky’s Family - An enthralling documentary that artfully tells the story of how Sir Nicholas Winton, now 104, a British stockbroker, gave up a 1938 skiing holiday to answer a friend’s request for help in Prague and didn’t stop helping until the war’s beginning stopped him. He had saved the lives of 669 children in his own personal Kindertransport. The Case for Israel - Democracy’s Outpost - This documentary presents a vigorous case for Israel- for its basic right to exist, to protect its citizens from terrorism, and to defend its borders from hostile enemies. The Israel Course - A 7-part Israel education series that sheds light on the Holy Land through the ages. Featuring biblical scholars and Middle East experts, including Harvard professor Alan Dershowitz, Emeritus Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Ambassador Dore Gold, Princeton professor Bernard Lewis and many others. The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg - As baseball’s first Jewish star, Hammerin’ Hank Greenberg’s career contains all the makings of a true American success story. Unmasked: Judaophobia - the Threat to Civilization – This documentary exposes the current political assault against the State of Israel fundamentally as a war against the Jewish people and their right to self-determination. APRIL 6, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 15 Library Continued from page 11 Jewish printing house, produced a print- Dr. Yoel Finkelman, the Haim and sionate lover of Hebrew books and Jewish was printed just 10 years before Jews were ed, illustrated haggadah that has become Hanna Salomon Judaica Collection cu- culture” who collected books for more than expelled from Spain. Additionally, the known as the Prague Haggadah, and is the rator at the National Library of Israel, six decades and assembled the “largest library houses a haggadah made by the earliest complete illustrated haggadah in also told JNS.org that the 1556 haggadah private collection of Hebrew books in communist movement in Ukraine during existence. The 1526 haggadah is notable is “an amazing example of a number of the world… one of the most significant the 1930s – an alternative haggadah that for the 60 woodcut illustrations accom- phenomena.” First, the haggadah provides collections.” Lunzer also assembled the was used to undermine Jewish religious panying its text, a number that Epstein examples of two unique fonts. One is largest collection of books printed on practice, for example, by equating chametz called “extraordinary.” a Hebrew font unique and identifiable parchment, such as the 1556 haggadah. with capitalism. “That number means that illustrations to Prague from that period. The other Notably, the collector possessed a copy of Israel’s national library is currently as a means of commentary were deemed is known as the most common font for the Babylonian Talmud produced by the waiting for the arrival of the Valmadonna to be central to the enterprise of printing printing in Yiddish at the time. Christian printer Daniel Bomberg, which collection, which it plans to catalogue and disseminating the haggadah,” he said. The other unique attribute of the 1556 was sold in 2015 – before the sale of his and unveil to public in a special event. In 1556, the Katz family printed the haggadah is the fact that it is printed on entire collection to Israel’s library – for The collection will also be displayed in haggadah whose copy is in the Valma- parchment as opposed to paper. In that era, the reported price of $9.3 million. the library’s new building, which is set donna collection. This haggadah utilizes parchment-printed books were considered Finkelman said that aside from its to open in 2020. The purchase of the some of the same illustrations from the a luxury because parchment was more du- acquisition of the Valmadonna collection, Valmadonna collection, Finkelman said, is 1526 haggadah, as well as several original rable than paper, and was more expensive Israel’s national library is home to the indicative of the library’s attempt to amass illustrations. For example, one illustration and harder to print on than paper. world’s largest collection of haggadahs, the world’s “most complete collection of features a depiction of Moses. Sotheby’s consultant Mintz also including the haggadah from 1482, which Jewish printing.” “[Moses] appears in the 1526 edition, pointed out that this haggadah doesn’t but in the 1556 edition he has horns. open with the standard haggadah text, Michelangelo’s ‘Moses’ in Rome was but instead with the text that is recited completed in 1516. The famous horns the night before Passover when Jews are on that statue seem to be Michelangelo’s traditionally required to search for cha- response to the challenge of attempting metz (leavened products) by candlelight to represent in sculptural form the light at night, followed by the burning of that that streamed from Moses’s face from the chametz. “This printed haggadah begins time he descended from Mount Sinai [in with what one does on the eve of Passover,” The line to view the Valmadonna collection outside Sotheby’s in New York, before Exodus 34:30]. The word ‘streamed’ and Mintz said, adding that several songs that the collection was sold to Israel’s national library.(Photo courtesy of Sotheby’s) the word ‘horn’ both have the Hebrew root Jews associate with Passover today, such K-R-N, and thus the sculptural challenge as “Ehad Mi Yodea” or “Had Gadya,” are converged with a display of grammatical not present in this haggadah because they punning,” Epstein explained. became part of the Passover tradition in Jewish Federation of NEPA “Michelangelo’s ‘Moses’ had con- later times. quered the aesthetic world of that time. The Valmadonna collection as a Everyone who was anyone knew of it. whole was a “showstopper” when it was So… the inclusion of horns in the 1556 displayed at Sotheby’s before the sale to image of Moses seems to indicate that Israel, attracting more than 3,000 visitors fashionable Jews wanted to be in on the a day, said Mintz. “People were lining ‘new’ way of depicting him, however up for hours outside the door” and “you ‘un-Jewish’ this seemed. The message here could see all the spectrums of the Jewish is that ‘Jews are modern and fashionable, people,” she said. Facebook ® is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc and aware of currents in the art world,’” The collection was founded by Jack the scholar added. Lunzer, whom Mintz described as a “pas-

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 16 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 6, 2017

Every Passover, Elijah has a standing invitation. No matter what. We open our door. Set a place at our table. And fill his cup. This year, let’s do the same for those in need. No matter what. Please give to the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania. You’ll be helping your Jewish community at home and around the world. And you’ll be opening up our Jewish future too.