2013 annual report pdf by Becky Schastey

Jewish Federation of NEPA • Annual Report

Jewish Federation of NE Pennsylvania Perspectives on the Federation

Michael Greenstein President, Jewish Federation of NEPA

-by Michael Greenstein, President Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania

have joined us on these Missions over the past decade. Each has been the experience of a lifetime for those who shared it with us.

The Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania is the parliament of the Jewish communities of Northeastern Pennsylvania and includes Lackawanna, Pike, Monroe and Wayne counties.

• The underwriting and organization of Israel Emergency Campaigns including Operation Defensive Shield (2002), the Second Lebanon War (2006), Operation Cast Lead (2008-2009) and Operation Pillar of Defense (November, 2012). Our activities included the development and coordination of Letters to the Editors of our regional public newspapers, hosting community rallies, participating in Northeastern Pennsylvania radio talk shows on the subject, contacting our senators and congressmen, producing war-related videos for mass audiences, maintaining media contacts, sponsoring Buy Israel Goods (B.I.G.) day each March 30 and generally fostering support for Israel in times of crisis.

Metaphorically speaking, the Federation is the “garden” and its funded agencies in NEPA, Israel and around the world are the “flowers” within our garden, and each and every one of them fulfills an important role in defining our community. In short, we are “Family.” As such, the Federation raises funds through its annual UJA Campaign and allocates these funds locally, regionally, and for Israel and overseas Jewish needs through the JDC in 59 countries throughout the world. Specifically, it allocates its UJA dollars to our many educational, social, cultural, recreational and family service agencies in Northeastern Pennsylvania including the Scranton JCC, Jewish Family Service, the Scranton Hebrew Day School, Yeshiva Beth Moshe, Chabad, the Jewish Resource Center of the Poconos, our numerous part-time Hebrew schools, organizations and institutions in Scranton and the Poconos and conducts numerous specialized programs, projects and services. Our many and varied activities include (and have included): • Humanitarian relief efforts - The Federation has participated in disaster-relief efforts including the Israel Wildfire Relief Fund for the Carmel fire, the hurricane disaster relief efforts in Haiti, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the South Asian tsunami disaster, and most recently it continues to provide extensive financial, material and volunteer resources to the victims of Hurricane Sandy in Howard Beach, Belle Harbor, Rockaway Park, Arverne, Far Rockaway and Breezy Point - details of which form a significant part of this Report. • Missions to Israel. Last year’s Mission to Budapest and Israel took place from October 23-November 7, 2012. More than 240 members of our communities

• Participation in the annual Celebrate Israel Parade in New York. The Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania is the only Pennsylvania-based Federation that has chosen to participate in this Parade and each year, the tens of thousands of people who line New York’s 5th Avenue respond in appreciation as our Federation participants - banner held high - pass by. This year, our Federation took a full bus of participants (45 participants) to the Parade. • Annual Federation Mission to Harrisburg for discussions with our state elected representatives on matters that affect the Jewish communities of our region, and our participation in the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition - our Jewish lobby group in Harrisburg. • Sponsorship of the 2007 and 2009 Northeast Pennsylvania Jewish Film Festivals under the chairmanship of Carol Nelson Dembert. • Development of the NEPA Jewish Film Lending Library - available at no change to members of the community for their viewing enjoyment. • Significant funding for the Scranton JCC’s Teen Leadership Seminar in December 2012 that brought nine teens from Northeast PA on a whirlwind Israel experience. • The development of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Jewish Federation Business and Trade Alliance (www. jewishnepabta.org) to promote Jewish business growth throughout the region.

• The establishment (with the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania and Jewish Family Service) of the Jewish Resource Center (JRC) of the Poconos (Stroudsburg) that provides quality programs for the Jewish communities of the Pocono region. • Partnering with the Scranton JCC, Jewish Family Services, Temple Israel and Temple Hesed in determining the financial feasibility of constructing a new Jewish Community Campus. • Issuing grants to JFS for Russian Jewish resettlement and underwriting the travel expenses of Jewish Family Service (JFS) personnel to and from the Jewish Resource Center (Stroudsburg) and the Jewish Fellowship of Hemlock Farms to conduct programs and interviews in and for the Pocono Jewish communities. • Underwriting the cost of a Management Study (the Ryan Report) concerning the development of economies of scale between Federation agencies. • Retention of a Community Grants Writer for the 25th Anniversary of our Holocaust Symposium, details of which are included in this report. • Funding for JCC Purim Carnivals, Chanukah events, Yom Ha’atzmaut/Israel Independence Day programs, Israel volunteer programs like Sar El and High Holy Day-related programs. • Sponsorship of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Artists Street Fair (Stroudsburg).

Jeff Rubel, In Memoriam The Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania extends its condolences to the Rubel family on the recent passing of Jeffrey Rubel. In the final analysis, his contributions as President of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Jeff Rubel his support for Jewish education, Jewish continuity and for Israel, and his extensive involvement in many charitable organizations throughout Greater Scranton cannot be measured in words, but in his deeds. His advice, his guidance and his commitment to Jewish life represent an example to be emulated by all those who will assume leadership roles in our community in the years to come. *May his memory be a blessing, as was his presence among us.

Participants of the 2012 Teen Leadership Seminar in Israel included (front row, l-r) chaperone Rika Schaffer, Ali Epstein, Nina Lyubechansky, Alison Abdalla, Liza Rosenstein and chaperone Hilary Greenberg. Back row: Becky Fallk, Andy Fiegleman, Bradley Smertz, Sam Vale and Rachel Pollack. (Photo by Ann Wadika)

He will never be forgotten and he is deeply missed.

Annual Report • Jewish Federation of NEPA

• Sponsorship with the Sherman Theater (Stroudsburg) of the Matisyahu “Festival of Light” Concert on December 11, 2012, details of which are included in this Report. • Financial assistance provided for Scranton Hebrew Day School participation in the NY-based OU Job and Relocation Fair designed to attract Jewish families and business persons to our region. • Breast Cancer Awareness Programs at Elan Gardens in Clarks Summit. • The analysis of Jewish demographics in Pike, Wayne, Monroe and Lackawanna counties. • Special Reports (biographies) in The Reporter on successful Northeastern Pennsylvania Jewish businesspersons.

• New Federation projects – The successful completion of a three-year, $375,000 Harry and Jeanette Weinberg grant that allowed the Federation to reimburse part of its Campaign and operating expenses relating to its annual Missions to Israel, the Northeast Pennsylvania Jewish Film Festivals of 2007 and 2009, the expansion of Federation services to the Jewish communities of the Poconos, and reimbursement to the Federation Endowment Fund for expenses relating to the introduction of many new creative and innovative programs and its annual UJA Campaigns. • Hebrew school education – funding for our full and part-time Hebrew schools and yeshivas (locally and regionally), the Scranton JCC and Jewish Family Service. • The Reporter – The Federation funds The Reporter, our regional Jewish newspaper, at a cost of $26,000 per year but at no cost to our community other than voluntary contributions made through its annual “Friends of the Reporter” Campaign. These contributions total approximately $10,000 annually. • Holocaust educational programs – For the past 25 years, the Federation has sponsored Holocaust Symposia at Marywood University in Scranton at

which thousands of middle and high school students from throughout NEPA learn of the Holocaust through films and hold discussions with survivors and liberators. The Holocaust Education Resource Center (HERC) also sponsors teacher training seminars throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania (see “Echoes and Reflections” in this Report) and has hosted exhibits on Holocaust-related subjects throughout the region as well. As noted above, this is the 25th Anniversary of our Holocaust Symposium, details of which are included in this Report. • Capital expenses – relating to the expansion of regional Hebrew schools as was the case several years ago at the Jewish Fellowship of Hemlock Farms. • CRC activities – The Federation is extensively involved in numerous community relations activities (as set out in this Report), including supporting Israel through editorials in local and regional newspapers and the mainstream media, and with elected representatives at all levels of state and federal government. The CRC also provides High Holy Day information to the school superintendents and principals of the public schools of Northeastern Pennsylvania. These mailings and meetings include a schedule of the important Jewish Holy Days with explanations and requests to avoid school programming conflicts where possible and to recognize student absences as excusable. • Security-related issues - The Federation provides security materials and advice to its agencies on the process for obtaining Department of Homeland Security grants for high-risk, non-profit Jewish summer camps, institutions and synagogues in Northeastern Pennsylvania, especially in the wake of the last summer’s antisemitic vandalism at Camp Bonim in Waymart, PA.

Israel The Federation allocates almost $280,000 or 32% percent, of UJA funds raised during its annual UJA Campaign for Israel (through the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) in Jerusalem) and world Jewry (through the JDC). This represents one of the highest percentages of overseas dollars given by any Federation in the American Federation system.

Funds are transferred to the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) in Jerusalem and to the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (AJDC) in New York for allocation to 59 countries around the world. Through JAFI, a significant portion of these funds provide for Israel Experience programs like Masa Israel Journey, the Teen Israel Experience, and the Birthright Israel programs. These funds cover the cost of sending Israeli emissaries to Diaspora communities to strengthen Jewish identity and promote Israel Experience programs in those communities; provide summer and winter Jewish-experience camps, Sunday Schools, youth and student activities for Russianspeaking Jews in the former Soviet Union; arrange for aliyah to Israel for thousands of Jews now under threat in many European countries, and our UJA dollars facilitate their absorption into Israeli society through UJA-funded Hebrew-immersion programs at speciallydesigned Absorption Centers set up throughout Israel where they are assisted with financial aid, counseling, mortgage assistance and job placement – all funded exclusively by our UJA dollars. In fact, our Israel Mission participants visited the Mevasseret Tzion Absorption Center just south of Jerusalem in November 2007 and met with immigrants who had recently made Israel their new home.

Internationally Internationally, JDC funds care for the Jewish vulnerable and the imperiled in 59 countries around the world - from Singapore to Santiago to Budapest, and to the far reaches of what is now the former Soviet Union. With dollars raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the JDC funds relief and rescue services through Hesed Centers (providing free medicines and health care), community centers (for social and recreational programs) and financial assistance to isolated Jewish communities struggling to maintain a semblance of Jewish life for themselves and their families. That’s why any gift you make to our annual UJA Campaigns affects the lives of millions of our people around the world.

UJA Campaign 2013 – In Retrospect

For many years, and this year is no exception, the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania ranks as one of the highest contributing Federations in this country in terms of its Israel and Overseas allocation.

Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania contributes 32% of its gross UJA Campaign for this purpose – one of the highest percentages in the U.S.

With a national average of 17.7% of gross UJA Campaign dollars being directed to “Israel and Overseas Jewish needs” by 57 other “Small Federations” our size around this country, the Jewish

Given this country’s current economic state and especially the current economic impact of these affairs on our region, this is no small achievement.

2013 UJA paign Update m a C

In fact, of the 57 Federations our size across this country, this Federation’s total UJA Campaign ranks tenth (10th) across the nation.

Pay it forward & give to the 2013 Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania Annual Campaign!

$895,814 as of June 3, 2013

For information or to make a donation call 570-961-2300 ext. 1 or send your gift to: Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania 601 Jeﬀerson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 (Please MEMO your pledge or gift 2013 UJA Campaign)

Goal:

880,500

Donald Douglass, Esq., 2013 UJA Campaign Co-Chairman

Only two Federations in our “Small Federation”

Barbara Nivert, 2013 UJA Women’s Campaign Chairwoman

Jeff Rubel z’l, 2013 UJA Campaign Co-Chairman

category have an annual UJA Campaign above $1.5 million – Greensboro, North Carolina, and Tulsa,

Jewish Federation of NEPA • Annual Report

Oklahoma. The other eight (8) “Small Federations” have UJA Campaigns only slightly higher than ours - hovering between $900,000 and $1 million. There is a reason for our being near the top of our fund-raising category and much of that reason has to do with the quality of our volunteer base that is so well reflected in this 2013 Annual Report.

Campaign, and another $15,000 from our Community/Corporate UJA Division chaired by Peter O’Donnell. In that regard, our Federation is eternally grateful to Peter who has chaired our Community/Corporate UJA Division for well over a decade. We cannot thank him enough.

Peter O’Donnell, Chairman, 2013 Community/Corporate Division

This year, our UJA Men’s Division raised $715,724 in support of local, regional and world Jewish needs (including Israel and Overseas needs) and that amount included $70,248 from our regional affiliates in Pike, Wayne and Monroe counties, $165,090 raised through our Women’s

The Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania is grateful to the many volunteers who made this happen. They include (and we sincerely apologize if anyone has been left out of these acknowledgements): 2013 Annual UJA Campaign (Men’s Division) Jim Alperin, Rick Bishop, Charlie Cahn, Harris Cutler, David Dickstein, Don Douglass, Jim Ellenbogen, Richard Fine, Doug Fink, Moshe Fink, Joe Fisch, Alex Gans, Alan Glassman, Mike Greenstein, Seth Gross,

Scott Herlands, Dr. Sanford Holland, Ed Krawitz, James Linder, Mel Mogel, Sam Newman, Howard Pachter, Sam Rosen, Filmore Rosenstein, Jeff Rubel z’l, Dr. David Rutta, Rabbi Samuel Sandhaus, Ben Schnessel, Elliot Schoenberg, Rich Schwartz, Steve Seitchik, Alan Smertz, Edwin Utan, Jerry Weinberger and Jay Weiss. 2013 Annual UJA Campaign (Women’s Division) Esther Adelman, Naomi Alamar, Phyllis Brandes, Lainey Denis, Joyce Douglass, Esther Elefant, Rosalie Engelmyer, Ruth Fallick, Nancy Friedman, Dassy Ganz, Bonnie Green, Sheryl Gross, Dolores Gruber, Susan Herlands, Janet Holland, Susan Jacobson, Gloria Jurkowitz, Leah Laury, Iris Liebman, Jill Linder, Dale Miller, Sara Morris, Barbara Nivert, Sheila Nudelman-Abdo, Lynn Pearl, Helen Pinkus, Carol Rubel, Molly Rutta, Margaret Sheldon, Arline Swartz, Marcia Ufberg, Elaine Utan, Paula Wasser, Millie Weinberg and Tova Weiss.

Campaign 2013 Campaign Events

Campaign Opening Event

“Unmasked Judeophobia: The Threat to Civilization” September 9, 2012 Scranton Jewish Community Center More than 100 persons attended the Opening Event of the 2013 UJA Campaign on September 9, 2012, at the Scranton JCC. The program featured the award-winning documentary “Unmasked Judeophobia: The Threat to Civilization” and film producer Gloria Greenfield, president of DocEmet Films, was on hand to lead the Q&A immediately following the presentation. For the audience, “Unmasked Judeophobia” was a disturbing awakening to the rising acceptance around the world of the demonization, defamation and delegitimization of Israel and the Jewish people. It was a meticulous examination of rising anti-Jewish ideology and concluded that the current political assault against the state of Israel is really a war against the Jewish people and their right to self-determination. Jews are facing a threat much greater than a military threat on the battlefield or a traditional terror threat in urban centers. They are facing the possible uprooting of the very idea that there should be a nation state of and for the Jewish people.

Major Gifts Brunch September 23, 2012

During the production of the film, Greenfield travelled from Israel to Europe to North America, covering this phenomenon from all angles, including Christian and Islamic polemics against Jews, the proliferation of anti-Israeli bias in academia and cultural institutions, misinformation campaigns and state-sanctioned denials of Israel’s right to exist. The film examined this concerted antisemitic campaign that is catching on in many parts of the world - among academics and intellectuals and in major American and European publications. The growing international assault by mainstream and radical groups also is an assault against democratic values, she said, making this a matter of serious concern for free countries everywhere.

Hosts Kathleen (partially hidden) and Michael Karnoff listened to speaker Stephen Flatow.

Federation Executive Director Mark Silverberg and speaker Stephen Flatow

The documentary featured wide-ranging interviews including such eloquent and respected voices as commentator Alan Dershowitz, Senator Joe Lieberman, former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton, human rights activist Natan Sharansky, British attorney Anthony Julius, Wall Street Journal columnist Bret Stephens, Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Moshe Ya’alon and many others. Greenfield reminded the audience of the role Jewish Federations must play in fighting antisemitism and promoting Jewish identity. Those who attended, while disturbed by the events they witnessed, left with a better, albeit disturbing understanding of the world in which we live, and why Israel’s place in it must be preserved at all costs.

Don and Carol Dembert

Joyce Douglass, Women’s Campaign Chair Barbara Nivert and Louis Nivert.

Geri Sare

Ken and Bonnie Green

Al Reich

Annual Report • Jewish Federation of NEPA

2013 Pocono UJA Program - September 23, 2012

The elegant home of Michael and Kathleen Karnoff in Waverly was the venue for the annual Major Gifts Brunch for the 2013 UJA Campaign.

The featured speaker was attorney Stephen Flatow, who shared the poignant story of the life and tragic death of his daughter Alisa, who died of wounds sustained in a 1995 suicide bombing in Israel. He described his daughter’s joie de vivre, her love of Judaism, and her commitment to the State of Israel. Tearfully, he shared with the guests the heart-rending request of the hospital that fought so hard to save her life - Would the family consider donating Alisa’s organs so that other Israelis might live? Thinking of their daughter’s generous nature and the family’s personal Zionist and Jewish attitude that we must give back to our people and to the state of Israel that had given so much to them in general and to Alisa in particular, the Flatows made the difficult decision, and agreed. Later that afternoon, Colfax Avenue Enterprises (Federation caterers for both events) delighted an overflow audience at Temple Israel of the Poconos in Stroudsburg with a flavorful array of hor d’oeuvres, chicken buffet and desserts. Flatow, speaking to a packed room at Temple Israel of the Poconos, once again left the attendees spellbound. He closed his remarks at both events by speaking of the Yom Kippur season and said that though G-d decides each person’s fate for the coming year during these Holy Days of Awe, it is in each person’s hand to maximize his or her days by reaching out to others and supporting the Jewish People and the Land of Israel. Members of the Scranton, Greater Stroudsburg, Honesdale, Hemlock Farms and B’nai Harim Jewish communities present agreed that this was the most moving Pocono UJA program they had ever attended. The interaction between community members and the sense of community and friendship was evident through the camaraderie that was apparent to all, and the audience was clearly mesmerized and energized by the program.

2013 Super Sunday Sunday, October 14, 2012 – Nivert Metal Supply On Sunday, October 14, 2012, 12 Campaign volunteers schmoozed over coffee, bagels and pastries at Nivert Metal Supply headquarters in Throop prior to undertaking this year’s annual UJA telethon – Super Sunday – where as many as 540 donors from across Pike, Wayne, Monroe and Lackawanna counties and as far away as Phoenix and West Palm Beach were contacted in a marathon telethon on behalf our Jews everywhere.

This year’s Super Sunday volunteers included Esther Adelman, Maggy Bushwick, Don Douglass, Bernice Ecker, Esther Elefant, Nancy Friedman, Jeff Ganz, Ruth Gelb, Janet Holland, Barbara Nivert, Jeff Rubel z’l and Millie Weinberg.

Thanks to volunteers who came out early Sunday morning for this event as well as those who joined for the Monday evening follow-up session, the Jewish Federation’s annual UJA campaign raised thousands of dollars to help our local Jewish agencies in Northeast PA and Jews the world over, especially in Israel. Several volunteers took cards home to continue their follow-up phone calls even after the session at Nivert Metal concluded.

Mark Silverberg, Federation executive director, and Louis Nivert ,who “lends” his office each year for the Super Sunday Telethon.

Jeff Ganz made a call.

Phone volunteers Bernice Ecker and Nancy Friedman.

Esther Elefant and Nancy Friedman listened during the briefing.

Millie Weinberg at the breakfast table.

Jewish Federation of NEPA • Annual Report

2013 Women’s Campaign Events Thursday, October 18, 2012 - Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania Sunday, October 21, 2012 – Jewish Fellowship of Hemlock Farms On Thursday, October 18, 2012, and Sunday, October 21, 2012, the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania was privileged to host Ms. Barbara Dexter, a renowned harpist, for its 2013 UJA Women’s Campaign events at the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania and the Jewish Fellowship of Hemlock Farms respectively. Ms. Dexter is a musician par excellence, but more than that - she is a therapeutic harpist who spends a considerable amount of time at the bedside of patients with traumatic brain injuries, premature babies, and the mentally and physically challenged residents at St. Joseph’s Center in Scranton.

Sara Morris listened to the soothing Barbara Dexter who entertained music. at both events. Barbara Dexter looks on as Dassy and Shira Laury try to play the harp.

She explained to the assembled guests the healing power of the harp particularly for those with head injuries, and she shared moving stories of recovery which were clearly miraculous. Introduced in Scranton at the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania, by Dassy Ganz, assistant director of the Federation and by Barbara Nivert, 2013 Women’s Campaign Chair at the Jewish Fellowship, the events were both attended by large crowds. Ms. Dexter answered questions and even gave people an opportunity to play the harp. But mostly, she gave all who attended these events a chance to soar on the wings of her heavenly music.

Roz and Molly Rutta Some of the audience at the Hemlock Farms performance.

Steve Natt, Jewish Fellowship of Hemlock Farms President, Mark Silverberg, and Vernon and Marilyn Schlamowitz at the afternoon performance.

Some of the audience at the Jewish Home performance.

Investments Committee The Federation’s Investments Committee is responsible for the management of $7.7 million in Federation-endowed assets through its Endowment Fund.

Rubel z’l, Steve Seitchik and Margaret Sheldon. The Committee extends its condolences to Lois Dubin and her family on the loss of her husband, longtime Investment Committee member and community leader Bernie Dubin. He will be deeply missed by all of us.

These Funds include Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowments, Lion of Judah Endowments, Restricted Funds, Philanthropic Funds, Unrestricted Endowments, and bequests in testamentary documents. In so doing, it manages the Federation’s endowment portfolio to insure that it achieves the maximum return possible on its investments while still maintaining the integrity of the funds for the future.

There were three other significant developments this past year.

Ben Schnessel, Esq., Chairman, Investments Committee

Last year, after extensive telephone conference calls with Michael Dye of The Associated (The Baltimore Federation’s Endowment Foundation), $500,000 from various Federation endowment funds were transferred with Federation Board approval to the Foundation for investment purposes. As of the end of 2/28/2013, the value of the funds transferred to The Associated stood at $545,875.85 As of 3/31/2013 the Federation’s endowment portfolio was constituted and valued as follows: Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (P.A.C.E.): Unrestricted Endowments: Restricted Endowments: Philanthropic Funds:

$3,543,750 $3,092,595 $459,092 $599,307

The fair market value of all Federation endowments as of March 31, 2013, was $7,694,744. Members of the Committee include Ben Schnessel (chairman), Paul Alamar, Doug Fink, Alan Glassman, Michael Greenstein, Seth Gross, Mel Mogel, Jeff

In December, 2012, the Federation received a check in the amount of $100,000 from the Estate of Jerome Giles. These funds were recorded as a Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (P.A.C.E.), $95,500 of which was directed to the Federation’s P.A.C.E. Fund account at First Liberty Bank & Trust and $4,500 was added to UJA Campaign 2013 as a Campaign gift from the Estate of Jerome Giles. In addition, 4.5% of the income of $545,875.85 as of 11/30/2012 (or $24,564.41) from the Federation’s $500,000 investment with The Associated in Baltimore was distributed as follows - $11,005 (or 44.8%) as endowment income available for distribution by the Federation in CY 2013 from the Distribution Fund (UEF), and $13,560 (or 55.2%) was credited as a P.A.C.E. gift to UJA Campaign 2013 from the Betty Goldsmith P.A.C.E. Fund ($3,555); the Ida Rosenbluth P.A.C.E. Fund ($2,182); and the Morris Waldman P.A.C.E. Fund ($7,823) – the corpus of which had been transferred from Federation’s First Liberty Bank and Trust P.A.C.E. Funds to The Associated for investment purposes. The Federation also received a $125,000 General Operating Expense grant from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation to assist in offsetting the Federation’s general operating expenses. The funds will be distributed as follows (in accordance with the Board of Trustee’s decision of May 10, 2013): $30,000 - 2013 UJA Campaign gift $70,000 - Federation program subsidies (Unrestricted Endowment Fund income) $25,000 - Future contingencies (Unrestricted Endowment Fund income)

Annual Report • Jewish Federation of NEPA

Community Relations

Educational awareness of Jewish High Holy Days Our Community Relations Committee, under the leadership of Atty. David Fallk continues to work with our regional school superintendents making them aware of the Jewish students who attend their schools, and who would be expected to be absent during major Jewish religious holidays.

It has also forwarded this David Fallk, Esq. information to each and every Chairman, Community high school, middle school and Relations Committee (CRC) elementary school principal in Lackawanna, Pike, Wayne and Monroe counties. While there are occasional conflicts in the school districts across the region during the major Jewish holy days, these conflicts are based more on ignorance or internal scheduling problems than on apathy, insensitivity, or any anti-Jewish bias. The CRC has also sent detailed information on our regional synagogues and religious services to each major hotel in Northeast Pennsylvania as an added service for their Jewish clientele who may wish to pray with their fellow Jews on Shabbat or during a Jewish holy day, and who may be far from home.

In November 2012, the Federation agreed to participate with Rabbi Joe Mendelsohn of Scranton in developing educational resources and programs on religious diversity for Northeastern Pennsylvania schools and community organizations.

The message behind this service is to tell these visitors that they are at home with us here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Minion information has also been added to the new Federation web site as part of its “Synagogue Directory” under “Local Services.” This summer, David Fallk (as CRC chairman) and Mark Silverberg met with Dr. Michael Mahon, superintendent of the Abington School District, at his office in Clarks Summit to discuss pending absences of Jewish students from classes during the High Holy Days. Mr. Mahon was most receptive and indicated that he was meeting with School District teachers and would stress to them the importance of not holding examinations, reviews or even sporting events on these designated Holy Days. The meeting was very cordial.

Federation congratulates the Catholic Diocese on the selection of Pope Francis On March 15, 2013, the following letter was sent by the Federation to the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera of the Diocese of Scranton on the selection of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis. Dear Bishop Bambera: I hope all is well with you and all Catholics throughout the Diocese of Scranton, particularly as both of our

religions approach a holy season. This is just a short note to congratulate the Catholic community on the recent election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis – the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Our best wishes are with him as he takes on his new duties, and we wish him much success in his endeavors to bring healing and peace to Catholics and all peoples throughout the world. I must tell you that Jews worldwide have welcomed his selection. I’m informed that he has always had a warm relationship with the Jewish community of Argentina and enjoyed close friendships with many prominent rabbis throughout that country. Of particular note of admiration and gratitude was his strong, principled, and sympathetic reaction to the 1994 bombing of the Jewish Center in Buenos Aires – an act considered to be the deadliest in Argentina’s history. As Francis’s papacy proceeds, we look forward to our ongoing partnership with the Catholic Church and the Scranton Diocese in common causes including combating poverty - a great concern of the new Pope throughout his career. May his leadership, teachings, and personal example help to improve our broken world and bring all of us closer together as he has done in his native land. With warmest regards, Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania

NEPA Interfaith and Diversity Education Initiative

The Initiative involved the development of an explanatory Rabbi Joe Mendelsohn brochure, a handbook, an interfaith questionnaire, and other promotional materials, and a request to make presentations to several school systems. Rabbi Mendelsohn proposed developing a handbook containing all religious holidays together with basic descriptions of religions

based in NEPA together with appropriate sensitivity-training materials. These materials would be designed to encourage participation in community, college and university diversity programs, and to involve making presentations to secondary school superintendents, teacher inservice training sessions, school assemblies and community organizations. To that end, Rabbi Mendelsohn enlisted the support of four university students from the University of Scranton and Marywood University to gather this information. The Handbook was completed and printed in April. In the meantime, he created an educational component for teachers and other professionals that connect to scriptures and religious theologies. This initiative gained immediate support from the Scranton Area Ministerium, Lackawanna Commissioner Corey D. O’Brien, Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, Marywood University, University of Scranton, United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, Diocese of Scranton, Mayor Christopher Doherty, The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton School District and NEIU 19. In addition, Rabbi Mendelsohn promoted this project during his interfaith and diversity work in the community, receiving strong support from the greater Scranton community. During this past year, he participated in the University of Scranton’s Fifth Annual Diversity Fair for high school and university students, joining Dr. Mahmoud Fahmy in responding to film clips from the movie “Encounter Point” that described the efforts of Palestinians and Israelis to work toward peace on a grassroots level by emphasizing their commonalities. He also presented a workshop titled “Sensitivity Awareness” that required participants to look outside their preconceived notions through the use of vocabulary, and he ran a booth for students to learn more about interfaith efforts through examining quotes from different religious traditions.

The cover of the “Interfaith Resource Handbook,” which can be downloaded from the Jewish Federation’s website, www.jewishnepa.org.

Rabbi Mendelsohn also presented Judaism’s reaction at the Catholic Diocese’s lecture series on Vatican II. On Sunday, November 11, 2012, at

Mary, Mother of God Parish, Holy Rosary Church, he joined Rev. Phil Altavilla, the pastor of the Cathedral of St. Peter and Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith Affairs, in examining the Church’s relationship with non-Christian religions as a result of the Vatican’s document - Nostra Aetate. Together, they examined the intent, contents and specific language of the document and the perceptions generated from all three. In the spring, his new Interfaith Handbook was formally added to the NEPA Federation web site as part of his Interfaith and Diversity Initiative efforts. Under his guidance, Diversity and Interfaith program assistance is currently being provided to Marywood University, the University of Scranton and The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC). He has given a didactic to Geisinger chaplains on diversity and has assisted in editing their teaching materials to provide more inclusive language. He has taught Commonwealth Hospice of NEPA professionals as well. As a chaplain for the Pennsylvania State Police, Rabbi Mendelsohn has promoted sensitivity awareness and diversity, not only among his Christian colleagues, but throughout the force. Rabbi Mendelsohn also met with William King, the Supt. of Scranton Schools to discuss integration of the Interfaith Handbook into the schools and with Colin Furneaux, NEIU 19 Director of Curriculum and Instruction to discuss the integration of the material into our greater NEPA school systems. He has also met with our school superintendents from five school districts in IU20 – from Pleasant Valley to Delaware Valley. Special thanks must be extended to Harris Cutler who developed the idea with him and to the Jewish Federation of NEPA. For those wishing to view or obtain a copy of the newly-released 52-page “Interfaith Resource Handbook,” copies may be downloaded from the website of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania at www.jewishnepa.org at no charge. To facilitate even greater access to the Handbook, Rabbi Mendelsohn is starting a new web site (www. InterfaithResource.com) which will be linked to the Federation’s website.

Jewish Federation of NEPA • Annual Report

Antisemitic attacks at Camp Bonim (Waymart, PA)

During the evening hours of July 14 and July 15, 2012, Camp Bonim, an Orthodox Jewish summer camp located near Waymart, PA, was vandalized. Some property was destroyed and campers were cursed and threatened by youths who drove a truck through the unsecured camp site firing paint balls at them. With the active assistance of Paul Goldenberg, director of Secure Community Network, an agency representing the Jewish Federations

of North America on national security issues, Federation Executive Director Mark Silverberg met with Camp Bonim leaders, reviewed the security issues facing the camp, and shared with them two detailed security manuals listing the measures the Camp should undertake with the Department of Homeland Security in the immediate future. Camp security manuals were provided courtesy of Paul Goldenberg and Rabbi Allan Smith who performs a similar function for the Reform summer

Evans, director of the Wilkes-Barre JCC ,were also provided with this information for their respective summer camps.

camps of America. Both Dan Cardonick, director of the Scranton JCC, and Rick

Mr. Silverberg indicated that Mr. Goldenberg was prepared to assist Camp Bonim and our other Jewish summer camps and institutions in NEPA in obtaining Homeland Security grants designated for high-risk, nonprofit Jewish institutions, synagogues and summer camps (of which Camp Bonim was now one).

NEPA Federation funds donated to assist in covering Newtown funeral expenses In response to the horrific massacre of innocent children and teachers in the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, the following letter was sent to Rabbi Shaul Praver of Congregation Adath Israel in Newtown.

December 17, 2012

Pennsylvania go out to them.

Rabbi Shaul Praver Congregation Adath Israel, P.O. Box 623 115 Huntingtown Road Newtown, CT 06470

On behalf of our Federation, I enclose a check in the amount of $750 that I would ask be applied to offset, in some small way, the funeral expenses that are to be incurred.

A6-year-oldmemberofhisCongregation, Noah Pozner, was one of the victims.

Dear Rabbi,

Know as well, that our hearts and souls are with you and members of the Newtown community during this time of great sorrow.

Words cannot describe the sadness your community must feel over the tragic deaths of the 26 women and children at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. We cry with you. The world cries with you. No words could possibly explain this tragedy nor can they ease the pain of the parents and families of those who lost their loved ones to such a senseless, inhuman act. No words can express the overwhelming sadness they must feel or the tears shed by those who must bury their children and all the hopes and dreams they had for them.

With heartfelt grief for your community’s loss, Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of Nor theastern Pennsylvania

Noah Pozner, 6, was among the 20 child victims of the December 14, 2012, shooting massacre at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, that also claimed six adults. (Photo courtesy of the Pozner family, via Forward)

I realize the anguish each of them must feel, and I know the sense of hopelessness and futility that must be overwhelming them at this time. National Hadassah President Marcie Natan, right, planted a tree in memory of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, CT, at the Jewish National Fund’s Beersheva River Park. (Photo courtesy of JNF)

Please know that their love for their children and parents is shared by all of us, their loss is our loss, their tears are our tears, and the hearts of each and every member of our Jewish communities in Northeast

The sixth grade class at the Ad Gordon School in Tel Aviv made a sign reading “We Love Newtown” in support of the town. (Photo courtesy of FOCUS)

Israel Advocacy Initiatives The NYC “Celebrate Israel Parade” - Sunday, June 2, 2013 On Sunday, June 2, the Federation once again joined with thousands of marchers in the annual Celebrate Israel Parade when we marched down New York’s 5th Avenue with banners held high. This was especially gratifying for all 45 participants as our Federation remains the only Pennsylvania Federation that traditionally participates in this important political event in support of the Jewish State.

Mark Silverberg Executive Director, Jewish Federation of NEPA

Dassy Ganz, Assistant Director, Jewish Federation of NEPA

Thousands of supporters and wellwishers lined 5th Avenue and cheered our group as we walked past.

webmaster, for creating a photographic mosaic superimposed over the flag of Israel.

The theme of this year’s parade was “Picture Israel - The Art and the Craft.” In keeping with the theme, our Federation’s banner reflected the mosaic of diversity in the Jewish population of the state of Israel.

The participants in this year’s Celebrate Israel Parade received an official parade T-shirt and, of course, a day trip to New York City and a stop in Teaneck, NJ, for shopping and dinner.

We thank Becky Schastey, our Federation

It was an unforgettable day for everyone.

Annual Report • Jewish Federation of NEPA

“Operation Pillar of Defense” - October/November 2012 The citizens of Sderot in southern Israel have been under intermittent missile attack from Gaza terrorists for thirteen years. In fact, more than 15,000 rockets have been fired from Gaza at Israeli targets - 12,000 of those since Israel withdrew from the territory in September 2005. But in the fall of 2012, all of central and southern Israel as far away as Rishon LeZion, Tel Aviv, Beersheva and Jerusalem came under missile fire from the terrorist organizations controlling the Gaza Strip. But for the success of the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system, thousands of Israelis would have perished. Even with the Iron Dome system in place, however, life in southern and central Israel became unbearable as sirens wailed and millions of Israelis sought shelter in protected rooms and bomb shelters. Gazans rejoiced, but their celebrations did not last long. In response to the missile attacks, the full force of Israeli air power descended upon hundreds of strategic targets in Gaza. While Gazans rejoiced at the sight of terrified Israeli children scurrying to bomb shelters, the Israeli air force pounded Hamas communications centers, weapons arsenals, roads, airports and military infrastructures throughout the enclave. Contrary to the desire of its enemies to use Palestinian children as human shields from which to fire its missiles into Israeli civilian population centers – a double war crime that has yet to be prosecuted – Israel provided prior warnings to Gazans in targeted areas by dropping millions of leaflets, text-messaged Palestinians in and near targeted areas being used as weapons arsenals and sources of missile fire, and throughout the conflict continued the flow of humanitarian aid through its border crossing with Gaza. As one British commander commented, “No nation in history has ever fought a war in such a humane manner.” Even the Western media expressed a rare empathy with the Israelis and understood that, as a nation, it had every right to defend its population and its borders from attack. As Israel began calling up its estimated 70,000 reserves and as an Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip seemed

imminent, the leadership of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania was quietly preparing for what, at the time, appeared to be an imminent full-scale war in Gaza. Very discreetly, the framework and logistics for a massive community-wide Israel Rally had been put in place in anticipation of an expected Israeli invasion which, fortunately, never came to pass. Potential Israeli Consulate speakers from Philadelphia were lined up and a special video produced by local professionals was designed and prepared for screening before an anticipated large Community Rally planned for the Scranton JCC. Contacts were initiated with representatives of Senators Toomey and Casey as potential speakers at the Rally; Israeli and American flags were ordered and on stand-by, posters were printed and at-the-ready, an “Ode to Israeli Ingenuity” newspaper outlining hundreds of Israeli contributions in virtually every field of human endeavor was prepared for distribution, media contact information for press and TV personnel to cover the Rally was confirmed, two dozen 300-word “Letters of Support” to the editors of the major newspapers in Pike, Wayne, Monroe, Lackawanna and Luzerne counties were prepared in advance by the Federation covering every aspect of Israel’s right to respond to Hamas’s missile barrage, and over a dozen individuals throughout the five-county area of Northeast Pennsylvania were placed on alert and prepared to submit these letters to their local newspapers should it become necessary.

Israeli soldiers prepared their tanks along the Israel-Gaza border for a possible ground operation inside Gaza Strip on the third day of Operation Pillar of Defense on November 16. (Photo by Uri Lenz/ Flash90/JTA)

Israeli soldiers took cover as an air raid siren warned of incoming rockets before the funeral of Aaron Smadja, one of the three Israelis killed by a rocket fired from Gaza, at a cemetery in the southern city of Kiryat Malachi on November 15. (Photo by Tsafrir Abayov/Flash90/JTA)

In the end, a ceasefire was struck and an Israeli invasion was avoided by a ceasefire agreement that, for the most part, continues to remain in effect, at least for the moment. However, as Jews, we understand the meaning of the word “vigilance” and should Israel be threatened in future, this Federation is prepared to do whatever is necessary – including an Emergency War Campaign – to insure that the Jewish state and the people of Israel are secure and protected. We are one People; we share a common history; and historically, we understand very well the consequences of failure. Am Yisroel Chai.

Smoke rose from a building at Northern Gaza Strip after an Israeli Air Force airstrike as seen from the Israeli border side on November 16, the third day of Operation Pillar of Defense. (Photo by Uri Lenz/ Flash90/JTA)

Hundreds attended the funeral of 27-year-old Mira Scharf, who was killed when a grad rocket shot from Gaza hit an apartment building in the southern Israeli town of Kiryat Malachi, on November 15. (Photo by Miriam Alster/FLASH90/JTA)

Direct rocket hit in a house in Kibbutz Kfar Gaza near the Gaza border on November 16. (Photo by Jorge Novominsky/Flash90/JTA)

Jewish Federation of NEPA • Annual Report

“Yom Ha’Atzmaut/Israel Independence Day Celebration” In honor of Israel’s 65th birthday, members and friends of the Jewish Federation of NEPA had the pleasure of listening to two speakers who shared their recent experiences visiting the land of Israel. Jeanne Blom, of Hallstead, PA, mesmerized a group of close to 50 Israel supporters with her story as a volunteer on an Israeli army base as part of the Volunteers for Israel/SarEl organization which arranges with volunteers from all over the world to give time and energy to relieve the soldiers of the Israeli Defense Force from some mundane duties so they can stand in readiness to defend and protect the Jewish State. Jeanne’s engaging and candid style did much to enhance her presentation as did an array of beautiful and telling photos of her trip. As Jeanne said to the audience, “I am not Jewish, but I love the Jewish People and the Land and it was a chance of a lifetime to do something for the soldiers of the IDF.” Jeanne’s 17 year

old son, Jacob, accompanied her on her trip which was another special component of the experience. Brad Smertz, of Clarks Summit, then presented both a story of his own experiences and photos of his first visit to Israel as part of the Scranton JCC’s Teen Israel Experience, cosponsored by the Federation. His youthful enthusiasm and delightful pictures of beautiful scenery and active teens gave everyone the feeling that all young people should have a chance to visit and volunteer in Israel.

Jean Blom

Jacob Blom

Brad Smertz

The evening began and ended with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner and Ha’Tikva led by Cantor Vladimir Aronzon, and a small reception following the program featured a cake in the shape of the Israeli flag, blue and white cookies and fruit. Guests were able ask questions and talk to our speakers. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our Jewish homeland.

The audience viewed photos provided by Brad Smertz (standing at left).

Ann and Ed Monsky attended the Federation’s Yom Ha’atzmaut program on April 16.

Kim Glassman and her grandmother, Marion Glassman, attended the Yom Ha’atzmaut program on April 16.

The Story of Sar-El

Community members attended the Yom Ha’atzmaut program on April 16. Standing (l-r): Seth Gross, Ed Monsky, Ann Monsky, Irwin Schneider, Mark Silverberg and Joe Fisch. Seated: Speaker Brad Smertz, speaker Jeanne Blom and Dassy Ganz.

The Best Gift You Can Give Israel…Is Yourself Why would anyone on vacation rise at 6 am, work all day on an IDF base, endure Spartan accommodations and farm food – and pay to do it?

In the Beginning It was the summer of 1982 and Israel was in the midst of the Galilee War. Israeli reservists were being called up to defend the country just as the first crops of the season were ripening throughout the Jezreel Valley. The soldiers were needed to protect the country’s northern flank, but without their help in the fields the crop loss could have been disastrous. L-r: Sheila Nudelman-Abdo socialized with Irene Solzenberg at the Yom Ha’atzmaut program.

L-r: Sheryl Gross and Norma Fisch posed for a photo together. In the background was Irene Solzenberg.

To ease the problem, Israeli General Aharon Davidi sent emissaries to the United States to enlist volunteers to help with the harvest. But would Americans leave their comfortable homes and travel half-way around the world to literally lend their hands to a foreign land in a troubled region?

The Miracle The response was immediate and overwhelming. More than 600 idealistic men and women signed on. Working in the fields like pioneers, they ignored long days and harsh living conditions, helped save the harvest, and freed up reservists to battle Israel’s enemies.

Audience members listened to a presentation about Israel at the Yom Ha’atzmaut program.

Since 1982, men and women from more than 30 countries have volunteered on programs administered in Israel by Sar-El, an organization whose Hebrew acronym means “Service to Israel.” They have helped Israel shoulder her defense burden and boosted her economy.

Today Volunteers for Israel (VFI) is an outgrowth of “The Miracle.” Sar-El’s mission is to strengthen American ties to Israel and her people through hands-on, civilian volunteer service, and to show Israel that she doesn’t stand alone. It recruits, assists and processes volunteers for Sar-El, who work at non-combat activities and live alongside Israelis on military bases.

L-r: Tova Weiss, Jill Linder, Rabbi Dovid Saks and Cantor Vladimir Aronzon attended the Yom Ha’atzmaut program on April 16.

VFI also offers the acclaimed International Youth Program (IYP) each summer for young adults 17-25, an add-on to Taglit-Birthright tours, and other volunteer opportunities. VFI is a non-profit, non-sectarian, non-political U.S. organization funded and administered independent of Sar-El.

Annual Report • Jewish Federation of NEPA

2012 Budapest/Israel Mission October 27-November 7, 2012

Last year’s 2012 Mission to Budapest (October 23, 2012 – October 26, 2012) and Israel (October 27-November 7, 2012) was directed primarily to members of our community who had never before journeyed to our ancestral homeland. Our 2012 Mission participants included Anita and Norman Ben Ezra, Lou and Barbara Nivert, Stan and Maddy Spira, Janet and Art Sussman, Harriet Weinstock, Mark Silverberg, Barry Weiss, Gregg Weiss and Jay Weiss. Unfortunately, four members were forced to cancel at the last moment for health reasons. As is always the case during our Missions, tears of joy and pride over the achievements of the Jewish state in improving the lot of humanity in virtually every field of human endeavor were mixed with tears of sorrow when matched against the sacrifice our People have made throughout the eons of time, and the price Israelis continue to pay to insure the survival of the Jewish state today – surrounded as it is by those who are ideologically committed to its destruction. This year’s participants visited many of Israel’s major historical and archeological sites including the ancient Roman port city of Caesaria, Rosh Hanikra, Tiberias (on Lake Kinneret), Safed, the Golan Heights, Beit She’an and S’de Eliyahu (in the north). In Jerusalem, the group toured “Better Place” - Israel’s world-renown company in the production of electric cars - and later, entered the Old City through Jaffa Gate and visited the Cardo, the Western Wall (the Kotel), ventured through the Kotel Tunnel (that runs along the base of the Western Wall), and the Southern Steps of the ancient Temple Mount. They toured the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, the Machane Yehuda market, Maale Adumim, Kfar Adumim, the Machal Monument, the Tank Museum and Memorial Wall at Latrun, and they participated in a Beit Guvrin archeological dig in central Israel. Several members found historical artifacts as they sifted through the sand in the active archeological dig.. In southern Israel, the Mission participants explored Masada, visited Ein Gedi and swam in the Dead Sea. They planted trees in a JNF forest south of Jerusalem, visited a War of Independence-era secret bullet factory in Rehovot, toured the Palmach Museum in Tel Aviv, and spent the final evening at a restaurant in Jaffa reviewing the highlights of the Mission prior to returning home.

Masada – Tragic Fortress in the Sky In all of this, the story of Masada necessitates repeating and reminds us how grateful we should be to be living during the time of the Third Jewish See why everyone describes this as Unforgetable, the trip of a liftime!

Tel Aviv Caesaria Army Base Tiberias Sea of Galilee Jerusalem Tzfat (Safed) Golan Heights Masada Dead Sea Haifa

The Beit She'an site.

A view of the Western Wall.

Commonwealth - the modern state of Israel.

their weapons, leaving food so that the Romans would know that they had died of their own free will and had not perished from hunger.

In 73 C.E., after the Great Revolt had been savagely subdued, the Romans decided to put an end to the last pocket of Jewish resistance - the freedom fighters of Masada. For three years, Jewish rebels managed to keep the Romans off the mountain. Now, however, nearly 10,000 Roman soldiers tried starving them into submission - and when that didn’t work, they utilized every conceivable kind of contemporary siege weapon in an effort to break through the seemingly impregnable fortress. Finally, they breached the wall. Our Mission looked down from the summit of Masada to view the embankment that the Romans built in order to wheel a battering ram up to the wall of the Fortress. And – yes – we did see a battering ram! This one, however, was used in a 20th - century cinematic epic called Masada starring Peter O’Toole as the Roman General Flavius Silva. The embankment, an earthen ramp, was apparently erected by thousands of Jewish slaves whom the Romans brought to Masada especially for this purpose. They were certain that the Jews would hesitate to shoot at their own brethren and, in fact, they were right. When it became clear that the end was near, rebel leader Elazar Ben-Yair called his people - 967 men, women, and children - together. He reminded them that they had long ago resolved to serve G-d only, and not the Romans nor any other master. He called upon them to die as free men and women, rather than face capture and slavery by the pagan conquerors. His heartrending and moving speech (read to the group by our guide, Lee Glassman) persuaded them to commit suicide before the expected dawn attack by the Romans. They burned their belongings and

Lots were drawn, Glassman said, and 10 men were chosen as executioners. The rest lay side by side and bared their necks. At the end, one rebel leader killed the other nine and then took his own life. It was the first day of Passover, the holiday in which the Jews traditionally celebrate their freedom from bondage. As Glassman noted - during excavations on the mountain, 11 pottery shards were discovered in a room nearby. Each fragment bore a name, including that of “Ben-Yair” - the Jewish rebel leader. These shards are now part of Jewish history, and for two thousand years thereafter, Jews would be dispersed and subjected to blood libels, inquisitions, religious persecutions and d’himmitude (state legislated second-class status) in Islamic countries, culminating in the Holocaust that decimated two-thirds of European Jewry……..until the re-birth of the modern state of Israel. After visiting the synagogue on Masada and talking to the scribe as he was writing the sacred words into a new Torah, Mission participants gathered together in a corner and silently and in tears swore that “Masada shall never fall again.” Am Yisroel Chai. More than anything this Federation has done over the past decade, it has been Israel Missions such as these that have bound together the diverse Jewish communities of Pike, Wayne, Monroe and Lackawanna counties that comprise the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our thanks to Jay and Barry Weiss of Odyssey Travel, our 2012 Israel Mission coordinators, and Mark Silverberg, our Mission leader, for their efforts in making this Israel Mission the wonderful experience it could be for everyone involved.

Saturday, October 12 Tuesday, October 22, 2013 We’ll arrive Sunday evening into Israel and stay overnight in Tel Aviv. The next morning we’ll travel up the coast of the Mediterranean to Caesaria, and then travel to the city of Tiberias, on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, where we’ll stay for two nights. We’ll travel throughout the Galilee, and we’ll visit the mountaintop city of Safed, and there we’ll go up to the Golan Heights. Then it’s off to Jerusalem, a truly magical city. We’ll go through the Old City, go to the Western Wall, and see many other sites throughout the city that are so special and so sacred. One day will take us down to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth, and a visit to the mountain fortress of Massada. You will also have the chance to become “Archeologists For a Day”, as we take part in an active archeological dig, which is one of the most productive digs in the country! Near the end of the trip we will go to an IDF Army Base. We’ll have an opportunity to meet and talk with some of the youngsters who are serving in the Army today. We’ll also visit Tel Aviv, where we’ll sit in the actual place where Ben Gurion declared the state, in May, 1948, & then it’s off to the airport for our trip home.

Visiting Masada

On the Golan Heights: a former Syrian emplacement overlooking Israeli farmlands in the North

Visiting the Tank Museum at Latrun.

Walking through a Jerusalem shuk.

The cost of the trip is $3895 or $2965 for the land portion only. To sign up for the trip call Mark Silverberg at 570-961-2300 xt1. Questions? Call Barry Weiss, 570-650-0874 or Jay Weiss, 570-565-9515, or email bjtravel4@ gmail.com.

ISRAEL, 2013 Home to the World’s 3 Great Religions!

This journey will touch you spiritually, no matter who you are. Come and share an experience so unique, it will be like nothing else you’ve ever done!

Jewish Federation of NEPA • Annual Report

Mission to Harrisburg 2012 -by Joe Fisch, Esq. Chairman, NEPA Federation Chapter Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition On Tuesday, October 16, 2012, at 7:40 am, a delegation of 18 members from our NEPA Jewish communities boarded a bus and traveled from the Scranton JCC to the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg to spend a day on Capitol Hill. The group spanned the age and geographic spectrum. The program was arranged by Hank Butler, executive director of the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition, in cooperation with myself and Dassy Ganz, assistant director of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The beautiful fall foliage that lined the Route 81 corridor enhanced the trip. The travelers were welcomed to the capitol by Kyle Mullins, legislative director for Senator John Blake. Kyle served as the group’s leader throughout the day. A Senate hearing room was placed at the group’s disposal and served as the site for meeting legislators and our private visit with the new Israeli Consul General as well as the luncheon provided by the Federation. It was an exciting time at the Capitol. The legislative session was to be adjourned after two days to avoid “mischievous legislation” that could be enacted by a lame duck legislature between the election and the assumption of office of the new elected representatives. The circumstance was compounded by the funeral of former U.S. Senator Arlen Spector at Temple Har Zion in Penn Valley, which was being attended by many of the current and former Pennsylvania elected officials, including Governor Tom Corbett and former Governor Rendell. Our NEPA group was addressed by Senator Mike Stack, Secretary of Aging; Brian Duke; Senator John Blake; and Consul General of Israel to the MidAtlantic Region Yaron Sideman, and was visited by Senator Wosniak. The senators discussed issues of interest to the community including the progress of legislation relating to Terror Free Procurement (to preclude procurements to invest in Iran). They described the legislative process and the consensus building across the aisle required to pass legislation. Bipartisanship was common and the philosophic differences adversely affected a very small percentage (estimated at 5%) of the business of the legislature. Unfortunately that 5% gets most of the press. The senators described their support and the support of the Pennsylvania State Legislature for issues of interest to the Jewish community as well as for Israel, and exhibited sensitivity to the problems Israel faces gleaned in part from multiple trips to the Jewish State. The senators’ comments were underscored by the remarks of Hank Butler, who deals with the elected officials at the Capitol on a daily basis in his capacity as executive director of the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition. Secretary of Aging Duke spoke about aging issues, aging in place, and naturally occurring retirement communities (NORC). He also discussed his Department’s Four Year Plan, The Older Americans Act, the Aging and Disability Center and the Link Program. Hank Butler explained that the NORC concept originated in Israel. All speakers were generous with their time and invited questions and remained until all questions were answered. They indicated their door is always open when needed and invited suggestions for legislation and requests for assistance. The Senators exhibited collegiality when referring to colleagues across the aisle that might well be emulated on the Federal level. Lunch was then served during which we were visited by Consul General Sideman and his deputy consul. The consul general explained his duties and areas of responsibility as well as the trade cooperation envisioned between the Commonwealth and the state of Israel.

After the luncheon, the delegation was seated in the Senate Gallery as guests of Senator Blake to hear the remarks of the consul general to the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The day concluded with an interesting and informative tour of the Capitol, which is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful state capitols in the United States. In fact, President Theodore Roosevelt is said to have remarked at the dedication of the edifice in the early days of the 20th century that the building was the most magnificent structure he had ever seen. The trip to Harrisburg would have been worthwhile for the foliage viewed on the way and the tour of the Capitol Building. The point however was to learn about the legislative process and meet with legislators as constituents and these objectives were achieved. The visit with the Israeli consul general was an additional treat.

Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition The Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition (PJC), working individually and collectively with others, represents P e n n s y l v a n i a ’s J e w i s h communities before state government and with other Pennsylvanians. Jewish values guide the PJC’s Joe Fisch, Esq. focus on issues of importance to these communities, including public social policies and funding and regulation of the delivery of human services.

Annual Report • Jewish Federation of NEPA

2013 Commonwealth Civic Commemoration of the Holocaust April 8, 2013 - Harrisburg, PA On Monday April 8, 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvaniahostedtheannual Civic Commemoration of the Holocaust. It was a cooperative effort of the Governor, the Legislature and the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition. The venue was the beautiful Governors Reception Room located in the Main Capitol in Harrisburg. Governor Corbett was unable to attend this year, as he was out of state participating in a trade mission in Brazil. In his stead, we were privileged to hear from Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley. Matthew Handel, chairman of the board of the PJC, and Michael Sand, immediate past chairman, introduced the presenters Rabbi Eric Cytryn (Beth El Temple, Harrisburg), Lieutenant Governor Cawley, Sen. Michael Stack, Rep. Daniel Frankel and Francis Vigletta (Pennsylvania Catholic Conference). A high point of the program was the tribute to the survivors of the Shoah still with us, Freda Lederer, Fira Kaganovsky, Rose Machelmacher, Kurt Moses, our own Sam Rosen, Sam Sheron, and David Tuck,

some of whom participated in lighting the six candles - each candle memorializing one million Jewish men, women, and children murdered by the Nazis. Students from Silver Academy read excerpts from their essays on the lessons learned by their study of the Holocaust. The program concluded with a moving rendition of Zog Nit Keynmol by vocalist Susan Leviton. The remarks of all presenters were powerful and insightful thereby meeting the high standards of the Harrisburg program. The presentation of Lieutenant Governor Cawley was called “exceptional and particularly inspiring”. It was heartening to note the strong bi-partisan support evidenced by the many elected officials of both parties in the audience. It is imperative that we remain vigilant, that we remember, that we speak out and that we challenge. If we do so there is reason for optimism. If we do not, we can expect dire consequences.

Jewish Outreach NEPA Jewish Federation Business & Trade Alliance

Expand connections for your business Utilize the latest social media and outreach techniques Networking & Business Referrals Good for you! Good for your business!! Good for our community!!! Good for the future!!!! The primary motivation behind establishing our Business & Trade Alliance is to recognize that we are one “family” - that we have a responsibility to assist in promoting our collective business interests by directing interested parties to our business web sites, directing our products and services to the world market, facilitating our hiring processes, and sharing ideas with one another that will promote our business interests at the local, regional, national and international levels.

This is especially important given these difficult economic times. And if we are successful in this enterprise, the Federation asks only one thing - pay it forward by becoming involved in your Jewish community as did your parents and grandparents. The Alliance promotes businesses in Northeastern Pennsylvania by:

Becky Schastey, Webmaster NEPA Jewish Federation Business & Trade Alliance

• hosting joint regional business-oriented breakfast programs that include speakers of note for our NEPA business members • offering opportunities to socialize, network and share business leads and joint investment

opportunities with other NEPA-owned businesses in our region • developing critical business skills and solutions • hosting regular business card exchanges with other successful NEPA businessmen and women • promoting our members’ businesses utilizing the latest business networking venues including Linked-In Group, Google+, Facebook, Twitter and Yahoo Group • utilizing our new online catalogue of Alliance members’ goods and services • linking each member’s website to the Alliance website through a comprehensive NEPA Federation Business and Trade Alliance Directory • hosting an Alliance Resource Table at each program (including this Breakfast) for business flyers and cards.

BTA Network Breakfast - “Economic Outlook Breakfast” Tuesday, December 4, 2012 - Radisson Hotel, Scranton

Thirty-five business owners, managers and representatives attended Scranton’s Radisson Hotel for the NEPA Jewish Federation’s Business & Trade Alliance Networking Breakfast. While most of the attendees were from Scranton, several members of the BTA drove in from the Poconos and Wilkes-Barre proving that this project of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania is an important resource for all businesses in our region. The featured speaker was Bob Graham of Riggs Asset Management. Mr. Graham gave a cogent presentation explaining current trends in the national and international economy and what seems to be looming ahead in the future. Becky Schastey of BLS Strategies and director of communications for the BTA, presented an idea for the BTA to consider - that of an entrepreneurial trust with funds from local businesses to encourage young local businesses and perhaps to bring more business to our area.

L-r: Riggs Asset group’s Bob Graham, Sue Shoemaker, Alan Glassman and Liz Graham attended the Business and Trade Alliance autumn networking breakfast.

L-r: Robert Rahm of DDS, Rabbi Dovid Saks and Jeff Ganz posed for a photo together.

L-r: Rob Gelb and Bob Solfanelli enjoyed the breakfast.

L-r: Greta Kreidler, Steve Feuer and Becky Schastey networked at the breakfast.

Jewish Federation of NEPA â&#x20AC;˘ Annual Report

She invited each member in attendance to introduce himself/herself and his/her business. Though the breakfast ended then, many stayed to schmooze and network. The Business & Trade Alliance Resource Table was filled with brochures, newsletters, flyers and gifts from the many business owners present, each of whom had an opportunity at the end of the program to introduce him or herself and detail their business for the other guests. The interactions between BTA members from across NEPA validated the mission and purposes for which the Alliance was created. The message flowing through the program was that business is the foundation of any successful community and the creation of the Business & Trade Alliance facilitated that endeavor.

L-r: Noah Ganz and Rob Gelb socialized at the breakfast.

L-r: Ed Weiss and Rich Kramer enjoyed the program.

L-r: Lou Nivert, Rabbi Dovid Rosenberg and Elliot Schoenberg attended the event. Due to scheduling conďŹ&#x201A;icts, we are rescheduling the NEPA Jewish Federation Business & Trade Alliance Fall Networking Dinner and making it an

BTA Spring Networking Breakfast - â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is your HR Department like a revolving door?â&#x20AC;? Wednesday, May 29, 2013 - Radisson Hotel, Scranton

The historic Radisson Hotel in Scranton was, once again, the scenic venue for the Federationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business & Trade Alliance Spring Networking Breakfast on Tuesday morning May 29th, 2013. The Spring Breakfast was sponsored by DAJ Strategic Solutions of Scranton - a large business consulting firm that offers a wide and diverse variety of business consulting services among which is the Dream Manager Program â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the subject of the BTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring Breakfast.

Thank you for making the NEPA Jewish Federation Business & Trade Allianceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Spring Networking Breakfast a huge success! Wednesday, May 29 â&#x20AC;˘ Radisson Hotel, Scranton

Speaker Eric Weinberg

Mark Silverberg, Ilise Rubinow, Susie Jacobson and Bobby DeMeck (in background, Seth Gross)

Howard Grossman (L) and Marty Wolff listening to Eric Weinbergâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presentation

Eric Weinberg The program specifically focused on and Ziv Ben-Dov increasing employee engagement, improving employee job satisfaction, Chuck Cohen, Seth Gross, Alex Gans and Rabbi Dovid Rosenberg developing employee leadership, To become a member, register at http://JewishNepaBTA.org increasing teamwork in a company, and offering a benefit which provides a competitive advantage to retaining employees - Solutions to assist business leaders in â&#x20AC;&#x153;imagining a knowledge every successful business requires. future thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bigger than our pastâ&#x20AC;?, and in so doing â&#x20AC;&#x153;making business better for ourselves.â&#x20AC;? Eric Weinberg, certified dream manager of DAJ Strategy Solutions, took the guests through a practical A delicious hot breakfast buffet was served by and extremely interesting Dreamscaping Session and Colfax Avenue Enterprises and was subsidized and encouraged BTA members to â&#x20AC;&#x153;start dreaming again.â&#x20AC;? supported by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern The program was designed and engineered by DAJ Pennsylvania.

Speaker Eric Weinberg

L-r: Chuck Cohen, Seth Gross, Alex Gans and Rabbi Dovid Rosenberg

L-r: Howard Grossman and Marty Wolff listened to Eric Weinbergâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presentation.

L-r: Eric Weinberg and Ziv Ben-Dov

Economic Outlook

Fall Networking Breakfast

The Jewish Federation is proud to give a helping hand to the businesses, business professionals, and non-profit organizations of NEPA during these difficult economic times by creating the

with guest speaker Robert H. Graham

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NEPA Jewish Federation Business & Trade Alliance.

1.ĆŤ ,! '!.Ä&#x152;ĆŤRobert H. Graham +" Riggs Asset Management Company, Inc. 3%((ĆŤ %/ 1//ĆŤ0+ 5Ä&#x161;/ĆŤ! +*+)5ĆŤÄ&#x2019;ĆŤ,.+2% !ĆŤ%*/%#$0ĆŤ%*0+ĆŤ%0/ĆŤ"101.!Ä&#x2039;ĆŤ 00!* ĆŤ0$%/ĆŤ .! '" /0 * ĆŤĂź* ĆŤ+10ĆŤ$+3ĆŤ0$!ĆŤ! +*+)5ĆŤ3%((ĆŤ Ăť! 0ĆŤ 1/%*!//ĆŤ0+ 5ĆŤ * ĆŤ%*ĆŤ0$!ĆŤ"101.!Ä&#x201C; Robert H. Graham is President and Chief Investment Officer of Riggs Asset Management Company, Inc., an independent boutique investment advisory ďŹ rm serving affluent families and institutions throughout the United States and abroad. Mr. Graham advises clients on Growth and Income Investment Strategies; Wealth Preservation and Succession Planning for Entrepreneurs. Mr. Graham began his investment management career in 1989 and joined Riggs Asset Management Company in 1999 as a Senior Investment Officer and Principal. He is Chair of the Board of Directors for the North Branch Land Trust, serves as a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of Diamond City Partnership, member of the Board of Directors of Leadership Wilkes-Barre and the Family Business Forum. He is also a member of the Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leadership Group for the William G. McGowan School of Business at Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College. Mr. Graham is frequently featured in publications such as The Times-Tribune, The Citizenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Voice, The Northeastern Pennsylvania Business Journal, The Times Leader and The Standard Speaker where he provides insight into economics, investing and wealth management.

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It will allow people from Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Wayne and Pike counties 24/7 access to: . Exchange Business Leads . Promote your Business . Develop Critical Business Skills and Solutions

. Post Job Opportunities and Receive Resumes . Increase Search Engine Optimization . Socialize and Network with Other Successful Business people

Sign up for membership at http://JewishNepaBTA.org If you have not yet registered your business on our new Alliance web site, please contact Mark Silverberg at 570-961-2300 (ext. 1) or mark.silverberg@jewishnepa.org with your contact person, business name, business phone number, business e-mail address, and regular business postal address to ensure further Business and Trade Alliance communications and event invitations.

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Sponsorship Opportunities Available. Capture the leading role and benefits as an Event Sponsor. For more information, please call Mark Silverberg at 570-961-2300 (ext. 1).

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NEPA Jewish Federation Business & Trade Alliance

NEPAJFedBTA

NEPA Jewish Federation Business & Trade Alliance in Groups

Annual Report • Jewish Federation of NEPA

Jewish Resource Center of the Poconos

Funded initially through a series of annual grants from the Federation’s endowment fund for the past six years, and designed for the purpose of expanding Federation and other Jewish programs and services directly to the Jewish communities of the Pocono region of NEPA, the Jewish Resource Center of the Poconos Rabbi Yehuda Salkow, (JRC), under the direction of Director of the Jewish Resource Center of the Rabbi Yehuda Salkow, was Poconos, Stroudsburg, PA founded in November 2006 in Stroudsburg as a joint venture between the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania and Jewish Family Service based in Scranton. The JRC is located at 727 Main St., Stroudsburg. The Center’s easy access to the public, combined with its high visibility in a high-traffic area of the city, and its many and varied Jewish cultural, recreational and social programs have contributed to its seven productive years of operation. The concept aimed at providing a central facility that would offer cultural, educational, social and recreational programs and activities designed to attract members of the Jewish communities of Pike, Wayne and Monroe counties into the mainstream of Jewish life.

At the JRC, information and pamphlets are made available to newcomers inquiring about the Jewish Federation, the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania, Jewish Family Service and the Jewish synagogues and religious services offered in the Poconos for all religious streams of Judaism at Temple Israel of the Poconos (Stroudsburg), the Jewish Fellowship of Hemlock Farms (Lords Valley), Congregation B’nai Harim (Pocono Pines), Congregation Beth Israel (Honesdale) and Chabad of the Poconos (Stroudsburg). Referrals are made regularly to Jewish Family Service in Scranton whose counselors use the JRC for conducting interviews. Over the past six years, the JRC has provided support for Federation activities in many areas. It has facilitated and provided a base of operations and a central meeting place for the Federation to conduct its cultural programs in the Poconos. These programs have included the NEPA Artists’

Street Fair in the spring of 2011, recruitment efforts for Federation’s participation in the annual Celebrate Israel Parade in New York each June, Federation’s Annual Mission to Harrisburg in the Fall, the Matisyahu “Festival of Lights” Hannukah Concert at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, as well as the Federation’s annual Israel Mission each October/November. Through introductions made by Rabbi Salkow, the Federation has acquired new Campaign gifts with key organizers of these events, and all participants in JRC programs are encouraged to participate in the annual UJA Campaign.

In that regard, the JRC has hosted solicitor training workshops for Federation’s Pocono UJA solicitors, facilitated recruitment of participants for the Federation’s annual Israel Mission, hosted a joint luncheon for the Executive Directors of Wilkes-Barre, the Lehigh Valley and the Federation, as well as a dinner briefing for the Federation’s Executive Committee. Mark Silverberg, Federation executive director, has also been a featured speaker on several occasions at the JRC covering current events in the Middle East, and the Pocono phone book lists the Jewish Federation of NEPA and the JRC phone number (570-517-0815) from which calls are referred to the Federation office in Scranton. The Federation is also a member of the Pocono Chamber of Commerce. Separate and apart from the above Federation-related issues, the JRC offers its own programs (and those of the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania under the title “CLOSER”), including: •

senior adult activities

• a Senior-Adult Lunch Club featuring instructions in physical fitness, pet therapy, poetry readings, financial and legal workshops, senior living and films on a wide variety of subjects • a weekly Jewish Business Persons’ Lunch and Lecture Series • children’s activities including a popular weekly Kidz Klub and summer camp •

a Computer Multimedia Center

•

a children’s library and games

• the monthly Café Yehudi Restaurant Night offering menus featuring a wide variety of ethnic themes • weekly Torah and Talmud classes, holiday preparation workshops, Shabbaton-weekend retreats in downtown Stroudsburg •

mah jongg groups, and

• lectures on subjects as far-ranging as Jewish ethics to health and life cycle events, Jewish holidays, Jewish history, current events on Israel-related subjects, Jewish and civil law, Jewish philosophy... .and much more. For more information on JRC activities, please contact Rabbi Yehuda Salkow at 570-517-0815.

Matisyahu “Festival of Light” Concert December 11, 2012 -Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg

While the crowd in the Sherman Theater sang and swayed to Matisyahu’s reggae music, the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania held a basket raffle titled “Chance to Make a Difference” to raise money for Federation programs.

In so doing, it raised $300 and was assisted by a dedicated group of volunteers who assembled the baskets in Scranton and another group from the Jewish Resource Center of the Poconos in

Stroudsburg who managed the sales of the baskets in the lobby of the Sherman Theater. There were 18 baskets to be raffled off, including a Matisyahu memorabilia basket with a “Meet and Greet” opportunity. Winning tickets were drawn and posted in time for players to check for their numbers after the show. Kristine Arvello of Stroudsburg won

the “Meet and Greet” package. Before the show, VIP ticket holders were treated to a kosher sushi and dessert reception in the theater lobby.

Friends of The Reporter Dear Friend of The Reporter, Each year at this time the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania calls upon members of our community to assist in defraying the expense of issuing our regional Jewish newspaper, The Reporter. The newspaper is delivered twice of month (except for December and July which are single issue months) to each and every identifiable Jewish home in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

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 the primary Jewish newspaper of our region, we have tried to produce a quality publication for you that offers our readership something on everythingfrom opinions and columns on controversial issues 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

L-r: Elisheva Kosmerl, Norma Levine, Merle Turitz and Mark Silverberg attended the VIP reception.

Matisyahu performed at a recent show.

L-r: Dassy Ganz met with Pocono Committee members Donna Waite, Julie Harter and Steve Feuer.

Committee members in Scranton posed for a group photo. Seated: Molly Rutta and Rhonda Fallk. Standing: Dassy Ganz, Devorah Leah Selincourt and Phyllis Weinberg.

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

I WILL SUPPORT CONTINUATION OF OUR EXPANDED FEDERATION REPORTER BY CONTRIBUTING $36

$54

$100

OTHER AMT $

Name (s) (as you wish to appear on our list of “FRIENDS”) _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone:_________________________________________________________________________________________ __Check here if you prefer your name not to be published Please write and send tax deductible checks to Jewish Federation, 601 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510

Jewish Federation of NEPA • Annual Report

OU Jewish Community Job & Relocation Fair Scranton Community Participates in the Orthodox Union’s Jewish Communities’ Home and Job Relocation Fair -by Dassy Ganz With a growing number of Orthodox Jewish families frustrated with the high cost of living in major cities, many are prepared to make the move to “out of town” communities. The struggling economy has taken its toll on these families and some are out of work. Real estate and tuition costs in day schools in the big cities are sky high, and the pressures of “keeping up with the Cohens” are a reality they must face daily. As a result, many families want and need to make a change. They seek a warm environment with amenities suitable to their Orthodox Jewish lifestyle, such as kosher food, a Hebrew day school, a mikvah and synagogues. They also look for houses they can afford and for new job opportunities to support their families. Recently, the Orthodox Union (OU) created a wonderful opportunity for such families and smaller Jewish communities to network - The OU Jewish Communities’ Home and Job Relocation Fair. Now in its fourth year, this year’s Job Fair was held on Sunday April 21, 2013, at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan. Forty smaller communities were represented, some for the first time - including Scranton, PA.

L-r: Nacum Segal, a Jewish radio host, interviewed Rabbi Yisroel Brotsky and Meshulem Epstein at the OU Jewish Communities’ Home and Job Relocation Fair. brochure on the Orthodox community to take home as well as sample newsletters from our synagogues, the Scranton Hebrew Day School, the JCC and the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania.

L-r: Visitor Shmuel Fischler was greeted by Meshulem Epstein at the Scranton booth at the OU Jewish Communities’ Home and Job Relocation Fair.

Elisheva Lorber created a sheet of real estate listings with photos and financial information which was very informative as many people are looking for a more affordable community.

Organizers of the event were anticipating more than 1,000 people to attend. They were not disappointed.

Approximately 100 persons visited the Scranton Booth at the Fair with 60 leaving e-mail contact information thereby enabling us to invite them to a forthcoming Shabbos program in Scranton.

The Scranton Jewish community decided to get involved to see if it could grow the community with young families whose children would consider attending the Scranton Hebrew Day School thereby adding to the vibrancy of the Orthodox community as a whole. A new website was created for this Initiative (www.jewishscranton.org) highlighting all the reasons that make Scranton a wonderful place to live. Visitors to the Scranton Booth at the Fair received a

Many thanks to the Organizing Committee and to those who represented Scranton at the Fair. They included Rabbi Yisroel and Aviva Brotsky, Dr. Joel and Leah Laury, Meshulem and Rivky Epstein, Stuart and Elisheva Lorber, Rabbi Dovid Rosenberg, Rabbi Aryeh Jakubowicz and Dassy Ganz, and a special thank you is extended to those whose financial backing made this project possible – especially the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Rivky Epstein (left) discussed Scranton with a visitor at the booth at the OU Jewish Communities’ Home and Job Relocation Fair.

Holocaust Education Resource Center (HERC) “Echoes and Reflections” -by Tova Weiss A total of 47 individuals participated in the Professional Development Conference held Thursday, November 29, in Brennan Hall of the University of Scranton, coordinated by the Holocaust Education Resource Center (HERC). Participants included educators from 24 area schools, two New York State schools and several members of the Center’s Holocaust Education Advisory Board. HERC Director Tova Weiss worked with the Anti-Defamation League’s Philadelphia office to coordinate the day. Jerry Clark, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) facilitator/trainer who led the seminars, has served as a senior facilitator with the ADL for more than 11 years and has been involved in one way or another with nearly all of ADL’s educational programs. His career as a university professor, teacher, administrator, and human relations specialist spans three decades, and his expertise was obvious to all. Following registration and receipt of materials, participants spent three hours focusing on the Echoes and Reflections curriculum - a multi-media curriculum created by top educators from the three leading international Holocaust education institutions: Yad Vashem, Jerusalem, University of Southern California’s Shoah Foundation (formerly the Spielberg Shoah Foundation) and the AntiDefamation League. It included a DVD filled with accessible testimonies, documents, maps and other materials, and was supported by a website that is updated and expanded regularly. It was also geared to national and some state standards for social studies, English/language arts, and viewing and media literacy which made both preparation and cross-curricular use easy for educators. Participants were provided both with an overview of the curriculum and specific details of how best to

use it. They played the role of students as Mr. Clark taught part of the unit on Resistance - one of ten units in the curriculum - that covered both active and/or armed resistance and spiritual and cultural resistance. One key element was the ability to access the appropriate survivor testimony to fill in the background and bring the information to life. The survivors’ testimony was looked at carefully. Questions were asked, and dilemmas discussed. An important point made by Mr. Clark early on was that the difference must be noted in people’s situations and choices at different points in time and in different places. Possibilities of action, choices people could make, differed greatly from 1938-1940, from 19401941, and even more so later on. He discussed the concept of “choice-less choices” many face in different ways at different times, and how those choices narrow. He was able to elaborate on this more specifically during the mini-lesson on Resistance. One of the benefits of the Echoes and Reflections curriculum that a teacher remarked on was that it provided educators the ability to build a unit to their needs, whether it is a brief unit or a more extensive one. The morning seminar was very well received and evaluations were extremely positive. Participating educators received their copy of the curriculum, including the DVD, at no charge. Although it sells for $100, non-educators were provided the opportunity to

Small groups worked together during the “Becoming an Ally” seminar.

buy a copy at a discount on the day of the seminar. Participants then broke for lunch, and upon returning, became engrossed in a very interactive workshop on “Becoming an Ally” - a workshop that dealt with bullying in a positive manner, and empowering educators in school to deal with this growing and worrisome problem. They worked in the large group, in shifting groups, and finally in defined small groups during different phases of this workshop, and much thought and input were demanded of them. In the final small group exercise, each group also provided

There were 47 participants at the “Echoes and Reflections” conference.

Jerry Clark (back, walking behind a group of teachers), the master facilitator for the Anti-Defamation League, led both seminars.

Annual Report • Jewish Federation of NEPA

feedback on a particular situational problem with which it had been assigned to deal.

The HERC wishes to thank the following people and organizations:

This workshop covered all aspects of bullying - verbal, physical and cyber-bullying. The latter is a more insidious form of bullying that in recent years has caused more teen suicides than the other forms.

• For their support: The Jewish Federation of NEPA, the University of Scranton, the Weinberg Judaic Studies Institute of the University of Scranton and the Rosen Family Holocaust Education Fund.

The afternoon workshop was also extremely wellreceived and highly rated, and participants reported that they left feeling enriched. In addition to that stated sentiment, several of the younger educators who began teaching the Holocaust more recently said they would love to receive further and deeper training in the subject with specific classroom applications. “Both subjects were extremely important to cover,” said one young woman, “but I’d love to have an additional full day focusing strictly on the Holocaust, and even more time with an expert in this particular curriculum. There is just so much to learn and teach!”

• For providing ACT 48 Hours to educators: Northeast Educational Intermediate Unit 19 • For help, advice and arrangements: Dr. Darlene Miller-Lanning of the University of Scranton and Karen White of NEIU. • For handling the early morning registration and giving out materials: David and Phyllis Malinov and Laura Santoski. •

For additional help provided: Bill Burke.

Phyllis Malinov (front, right), a member of the HERC’s Advisory Board, worked in a group at the conference. •

Administrative help: Rae Magliocchi.

• Special thanks to Randi Boyette, associate regional director of education, ADL, Philadelphia. The HERC hopes to provide additional professional development opportunities in the future.

Holocaust Symposium – 25th Anniversary events, May 2013 A benchmark anniversary was reached as the Annual Teen Symposium on the Holocaust recently took place at Marywood University for the 25th time. It fulfilled a hope that had been expressed to Symposium planners over the years: the hope that another generation (their children) would still have the privilege of meeting and hearing from people who Tova Weiss, Director lived through the Holocaust and Emerita, Holocaust from veterans who fought in the Education Resource Center European Theater. In fact, there was a parent in the audience who had participated as a high school student. Each day of the event, held on Tuesday, May 21, and Wednesday, May 22, began with warmest thanks expressed to Marywood University and the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania for co-sponsoring the Symposium since 1988. The long-term partnership was specifically recognized for allowing more than 28,000 students and teachers to hear firsthand accounts and interface with living history. As has been a longtime practice, Marywood University’s representative, Campus Minister Sr. John Michele Southwick gave the opening remarks in Marywood University’s large Theater following a welcome by Tova Weiss, representing the Holocaust Education Resource Center. Response to Sr. John’s remarks was very warm and they set the perfect tone for the day. Tova also thanked Symposium Coordinator Mary Ann Answini for her fine work as this year’s registration was the largest in the history of the program (almost 1,600 participants) and required a lot of planning. All the guest speakers were introduced to much applause prior to a film screening. The film then provided a broad overview beginning with life before the Holocaust, continuing through the pre-war and World War II years, the progression of loss of liberty and life, through liberation of the camps, and ended with post liberation life in the Displaced Persons Camps.

Holocaust Education Resource Center 25th Holocaust Symposium Anniversary Contributors’ Wall of Honor PLATINUM Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania Joanne Aronsohn Monahan/Milrice Foundation

GOLD Deutsch Family Foundation Marywood University

SILVER First Northern Bank & Trust Michael & Sheila Cutler Nivert Metal Supply PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

BRONZE Geisinger Health System Lackawanna College Mohegan Sun Pennsylvania Holocaust Education Council Phyllis & Jerry Chazan Rosen Family Holocaust Education Fund University of Scranton

SUPPORTERS Alan Goldstein Amos B’nai B’rith Lodge #136 BDM Moving Helpers Cawley, Johnson & Sanders, PC Chabad of the Abingtons Congregation Machzikeh Hadas Deborah Eisenberg Ed & Ann Monsky Esther Adelman First Liberty Bank & Trust Gihon River Press, Inc. Goldye Weinberger Harper Collins Publishers Harris & Janice Cutler

Keystone College Mary Lil Walsh Michael & Tina MacDowell and Misericordia University Robert & Laney Ufberg Sandvik Materials Technology Sharon & Saul Levy Susan Cagley Susie & Jim Connors Syvia Eisenberg Temple Israel of Scranton Temple Israel of the Poconos Woodloch Pines Inc.

Following the film, the entire gathering was addressed by former Staff Sergeant and retired attorney Alan Moskin from Nanuet, NY. His talk centered on three things: First, he shared his experiences in battle, including the loss of good buddies and specific incidents meant to linger in the listeners’ mind. He then described the shock of discovering horrors Mary Ann Answini, beyond imagining, even for battleHolocaust Symposium hardened soldiers, when his group Director entered Gunskirschen Lager, a sub-camp of Mathausen Concentration Camp. He also shared memories of overcoming revulsion and being able to muster compassion in reaction to the emaciated, sick and lice-infested survivors. The final part of his talk was dedicated to how young people today can avoid hate and actions that demean and harm others in their everyday life. He encouraged listeners to stand up for what is right, even when it’s not easy to do so. As one student wrote in his evaluation, “I really liked that Alan Moskin didn’t go all easy on us just because we are young.” The large group then broke into 13 smaller groups on Tuesday and 12 groups on Wednesday in order to meet with survivors and one medic to hear personal experiences. Each school’s attendees were spread out among the classrooms in order to allow participants to share the different experiences they heard upon returning to their own classrooms. It has been a hallmark of this program that group size has been comparatively small, and thanks to the efforts of Symposium Coordinator Mary Ann Answini, this year was no exception. Sessions were held in the Liberal Arts building, the Library’s Media Center, the Comerford Theater in the Science building, the Music building and in the Theater itself. Each group had a facilitator assigned to it along with at least one teacher. Several people trained as facilitators this year by participating in a training seminar and sitting in on a classroom session the first day in order to serve as facilitator on the second day of the program. Many of the survivors traveled a long way as most come from parts of New Jersey and New York as well as from Philadelphia. The facilitator volunteers hail from the greater Scranton area and from Hemlock Farms, Lord’s Valley, Pennsylvania. This year’s facilitators and guest speakers are listed in the “Thank You” section below. It is not easy to put one’s life on hold for two days and many have done just that year after year. Following lunch, a final session was held back in the Theater. Known as the Abe Plotkin Memorial Lecture established and underwritten by the Pennsylvania Holocaust Education Council (PHEC), the keynote address was given by Sonia Goldstein, a survivor from Vilna who spent a long time in the Vilna Ghetto, over a year in Stuthof concentration camp, then several labor camps, and was then forced on a “death march” which few survived. She included her moving story of liberation by the Russian forces and described the frantic attempts to find family and friends after the war ended. Listeners got a feel for how long and hard each journey was when survivors followed a tip to trace a loved one. Sonia’s talk insured that each participant heard from two survivors in an attempt to satisfy the many requests for this received each year. A special presentation was made on each day of the event to mark the 25th anniversary. On Tuesday, North Pocono Middle School was awarded a $250 Amazon Gift Card for the longest number of years of participation with the largest number of students. The gift is meant to enhance a large resource collection already owned by the school. On Wednesday, two schools were awarded the Clara Isaacman Memorial Trunk filled with student and

educator materials. Developed by the PHEC, there is one trunk appropriate for middle school and another for high school. Each contains maps, reference materials, a classroom set of books, DVDs, nonfiction (memoirs and diaries) and fiction books. Trunk contents can be shared by teachers, and the PHEC provides a professional development session on how best to use the materials. Trunks donated in memory or honor of an individual bear a plaque to that effect, and each trunk is partially underwritten by the PHEC. In this case, the major portion of the cost was underwritten by the Deutsch Family Foundation. The schools chosen for the awards have excellent Holocaust units in place in both the history and literature departments. The middle school trunk was presented to West Scranton Intermediate School in honor of Ignatz Deutsch, and the high school trunk was presented to Wyoming Area Secondary Center in memory of Sarah “Simi” Deutsch. In each case, the trunk was shipped directly to the school and the plaque was presented at the Symposium as a photo of the West Scranton’s trunk was screened for all to see. Special thanks were given to the school districts that and principals who paved the way for teachers and students to participate. Schools this year encompassed Bradford, East Stroudsburg, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties in NEPA and Sullivan County in NY. The schools were: Baptist Bible College, Dallas High School, Dunmore High School, East Stroudsburg High School North Campus, E.L. Meyers High School, Elk Lake High School, Fell Charter School, Lackawanna Trail High School, Lakeland High School, Lake-Lehman High School, Montrose Area High School, Mountain View High School, North Pocono Middle School, Northeast Intermediate School, Old Forge High School, Riverside High School, Scranton High School, Sullivan West High School, Towanda Area High School, Valley View High School, West Scranton High School, West Scranton Intermediate School, and Wyoming Area Secondary Center. Five home-schooled

In their voices: evaluation remarks Thank you for organizing this event and offering it to educators. It has been a highlight of our curriculum each year.” Homeschooling teacher I learned so many things . . . I got a more real perspective on the Holocaust.” Lackawanna Trail, 8th grade student *I learned how emotional and how horrific this is to the people [who went through it]. I can see and feel the pain in it all.” Mountain View HS, 9th grade student *It was my first time and it was a tremendous experience.” Riverside HS, grade 11 student “Opportunities are fewer and fewer and I’m glad I had this chance. One day the survivors won’t be here to tell their stories so it is important that we learn them and can tell the story.” E.L. Meyers HS, 11th grade student “I learned a lot about the Holocaust from the speakers. I never lost interest in the speakers’ stories.” North Pocono, 8th grade student “The speakers were very inspirational.” North Pocono, 8th grade student “I am so grateful to you for all you do to educate our schools and communities!” Educator, Fell Charter School

students and their parents participated as well.

Jewish Federation of NEPA • Annual Report

One additional piece of the program took place at Abington Heights Middle School on Wednesday: survivor Frida Herskovits spoke at an early morning assembly to 350 eighth grade students. Facilitator Bill Burke accompanied her, and an e-mail was received later that day as follows from the liaison educator: “Frida was wonderful! It was such a gift to meet her. She really connected with the students. It is my hope that her words of love and tolerance remain in the hearts of all who heard her speak today.” All participants received material packets prepared by Holocaust Education Resource Center (HERC) volunteers. Educators received the book “The Yellow Star” in addition to a rich packet that included several CD/DVDs. The books were made possible through the great generosity of Joanne Aronsohn Monahan and the Milrice Foundation. Kudos to Symposium Coordinator Mary Ann Answini and outgoing HERC Director and Symposium Consultant Tova Weiss for a job well done. The logistics of moving 800 people each day to sessions, to lunch and back to the Theater was a challenge well met as was the overall coordination. Conference Liaison Ann O’Neill said that this was the best organized program in memory despite the numbers. Warmest thanks to the Planning Committee, guest speakers, facilitators, dedicated Federation staff Rae Magliocchi, and to the many volunteers who helped make this year’s program a reality and a great success. THANK YOU TO: Facilitators and Facilitators in Training: Bill Burke, Carol Burke, Maggy Bushwick, Phyllis Chazan, Jim Connors, Susie Connors, Christine Eagan, David I. Fallk Esq., John Farkas, Seth Gross, Jim Kane, Santina Lonergan, David Malinov, Phyllis Malinov, Rabbi Joseph Mendelsohn, Gail Neldon, Angelo Papa, Eilene Papa, Arlene Rudin, Carly Rudzinski, Ellen Ruffman, Laura Santoski, Anne Marie Zeni Facilitator Training: Carol Rubel Guest Speakers: Ronnie Breslow, George Frank, Walter Gantz, Sonia Goldstein, Trudy Gompers, Elly Gross, Frida Herskovits, Michael Herskovitz, Alan Moskin, Annalie Nossbaum, Manya Perel, Sam Rosen, Soni Sandhaus, Judith Sherman, Micha Tomkiewicz, Armold Vanderhorst, Ela Weissberger Hospitality bags: Laney Ufberg Volunteer long-distance drivers: Bill Burke, David Malinov, Ellen Ruffman Volunteer in-town and on-campus drivers: Jerry Chazan, Phyllis Chazan, Dassy Ganz, Etty Fink, Ruth Luchins, Emunah Kofman, Laura Santoski, Neil Weinberg Volunteers at Marywood: Phil Answini, Jerry Chazan, Jim Connors, George Conrad, Jill Linder, Laura Linder General preparations: Susie Connors, Michal Fink, Barbara Nivert, Becky Schastey, Rozzie Weinberg Registration desk: Antanine Kane, Rae Magliocchi Set-up: Mary Ann Answini, George Conrad, Jim Kane, Tova Weiss Marywood: Conference Liaison Ann O’Neill; Summer Conference Assistants: Zacharey Lewis, Tolu Omole, Diljot Sacheveda, Natalie Winters; IT Department: Vince Gatto; and the Security Department. Symposium Planning Committee: Mary Ann Answini, Coordinator, Bill Burke, Carol Burke, Maggy Bushwick, Jerry Chazan, Phyllis Chazan, Jim Connors, Susie Connors, Antanine Kane, Jim Kane, Leah Laury, Dave Malinov, Phyllis Malinov, Laura Santoski and Tova Weiss, Consultant. Books: Joanne Aronsohn Monahan U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum: Teacher DVDs If your name was inadvertently left out, please accept our apologies and let us know.

25th Symposium Anniversary Recognition Event The 25th Symposium Anniversary Recognition Event that took place Tuesday evening, May 21, gave public tribute to the vision of the Symposium’s founders and to the strong commitment of institutions and people who nourished and developed it through the years. About 125 people attended the event at the Jewish Community Center that began with a cocktail reception, continued with an awards program and ended with a dessert reception. They represented a cross-section of community that came out to honor Seymour and Kathy Brotman, Tova Weiss and Marywood University for their roles in making Holocaust education accessible and real to over 28,000 students and teachers in Northeast Pennsylvania through the annual Symposium. Among the guests were school principals and teachers, Marywood faculty and board members, Federation board members, members of the general community and this year’s Symposium guest speakers. Natalie Gelb served as toastmistress for the awards evening, introduced by Recognition Event co-chair Annie Monsky. After words of welcome, she introduced Western Wayne High School sophomore Timothy Shaffer who led the assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance, then spoke about the impact that Holocaust education has had on his life and learning. An avid student of history, Timothy attended the Symposium twice. Natalie asked for a moment of silence in recognition of Jeff Rubel, the Federation’s president, having passed away that day. She then spoke about the importance of collaboration in successful programs and praised the longterm partnership of the Jewish Federation and Marywood University as one of the best examples in this area. Their commitment she said, has expressed itself in the support of three University presidents, two Federation executive directors and a changing cast of Board members over the last quarter century. She thanked the many school superintendents and principals who encouraged and enabled teachers and students to participate over the years, the many volunteers who helped implement the program annually, and the financial supporters of the program. Attorney David Fallk was called on to present the award to former Executive Director Seymour Brotman and Kathy Brotman. He recounted some of their 29 years of professional leadership and volunteer involvement with major communal events then focused on their roles as visionaries in establishing the Symposium. Kathy Brotman, who also served as interim coordinator of the Symposium for one year and was active in its planning for many more, accepted with brief remarks and expressed her gratitude for the honor. Each honoree received a beautiful flame-shaped engraved glass award and a unique cookbook titled “Recipes Remembered – A Celebration of Survival: The remarkable stories and authentic recipes of Holocaust survivors.” Dassy Ganz was called on to present the award to Tova Weiss, who has been involved with the Symposium in different capacities since 1988, including its founding, and served as its coordinator for seventeen of the last

eighteen years in her capacity as director of the Holocaust Education Resource Center. Tova accepted the award in the name of all the people who helped make the Symposium both a reality and a success over the years -- with success being measured through feedback that the program helped to sensitize young people and change attitudes and understandings in a positive way. She also thanked Mary Ann Answini for working with her the last three years and taking the reins capably as the main coordinator this year. Seymour Brotman came forward as Keynoter. He provided some history of the Symposium and its development and thanked people who had been very involved over the years. As he talked about what has been learned from the Holocaust and what remains to be done as we look around the world, he came full circle to the institutions that have worked together to educate and bring about real change. With that, he called on the Federation’s current Executive Director, Mark Silverberg, to join him in presenting the award to Sister Anne Munley, IHM, current President of Marywood University, who accepted as its representative. He expressed deep gratitude to her and to the University’s Board for their continued commitment. In her remarks, Sr. Anne praised the experience of students at the Symposium as the type of “transformative education” that inspires, guides and continues to resonate, much like the education the University offers and encourages. She explained that Marywood’s commitment is based in a shared belief in educating for social justice, compassion and responsible action. The program ended with the reading of a moving original poem by survivor Judith Sherman. Everyone was then invited to enjoy dessert. Warmest thanks are due to the 25th Anniversary Recognition Event Committee: Annie Monsky and Barbara Nivert, cochairs, Mary Ann Answini, Susie Connors, Dassy Ganz, Seth Gross, Laura Santoski, Laney Ufberg, Phyllis Weinberg, and Tova Weiss, with special thanks to Annie Monsky for her extra efforts. Thank you to Harpist Hannah Canty who provided musical background during the opening reception, Paulette Okun and Ed Monsky who handled the Reception Table, Federation Staff Dolores Gruber and Rae Magliocchi, JCC Executive Director Dan Cardonick and front desk staff Mary Beth Lorber, who were very helpful to the cochairs. Thank you also to Jerry Chazan who helped serve older guests. Finally, thank you to all the following (listed in category groupings): For donations of Wine: Esther Adelman, Sondra Alfonsi, Phyllis Brandes, Alex Gans, Don Douglass, Dassy Ganz, Alan Goldstein, Seth Gross, Suzy Jacobson, David Malinov, Ann Monsky, Barbara Nivert, Barry Tremper, Laney Ufberg, Paula Wasser, Eric Weinberg, Jay Weiss; Floral arrangements: Courtesy of Ann Monsky; Award arrangements: Susie Connors; Fundraising: Howard Grossman; Help with invitations: Laney Ufberg; Volunteer driver: Emunah Kofman; JCC Custodians Dave Hensley and Wayne Hallock for their gracious help.

Annual Report • Jewish Federation of NEPA

Hurricane Sandy Superstorm Relief A Trip into Destruction, Desperation and Hope

- by Dr. Sandra Alfonsi, Director of the Hurricane Sandy Relief Project, Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania The Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania expresses it sincerest appreciation to the many individuals and companies who made (and continue to make) significant financial contributions and/or contributions of food, products, goods and services in support of the Federation’s Hurricane Sandy Relief effort. In no small way, their efforts have assisted in restoring lives of thousands of people, sustained their hope when all seemed lost and confirmed the rationale that has united us as a People throughout the eons of time – tikkun olam. In a small but significant way, we, as a Jewish community have sustained life and thereby “repaired the world.” Part 1 At 9:30 am on Sunday, November 25, my friend Tony Stefano and I left Temple Israel of the Poconos for the ravaged communities of Far Rockaway, Rockaway Park and Belle Harbor.

Jersey license plate. When I said no and told her that we were from the Poconos - from Northeast PA - she turned around and stopped both the workers and the victims of Hurricane Sandy. She said, “These people have come from Pennsylvania to help us. Make room in the parking lot and help unload what they have brought to us.” The respect with which they made room; the respect with which they climbed into our truck and unloaded exactly what we told them to take, and the respect with which they said “thank you” and helped guide our truck out of the lot – this respect spoke of their pain, their isolation, their needs, and their hope for their recovery. Then we took our truck into what is known as the Peninsula – the poorest neighborhoods in the Rockaways. We saw a tiny church visibly in need and a few congregants visibly struggling to clean. As we entered into what was now a skeleton of a church and asked for the Pastor, we were greeted by a charming, well-spoken man from either Sierra Leone or the Ivory Coast. There were members of his congregation, dressed in their Sabbath clothes, trying to clean the church – everything that could be salvaged was in the front yard.

We drove a 14-foot truck that I named the Hurricane Sandy Mitzvah Truck, almost filled with of donations of winter clothing, cleaning supplies and basic needs of daily life such as toilet paper and paper towels. Most of what we carried had been donated by members of Temple Israel of the Poconos, the Jewish Resource Center, Golan Hadassah of NEPA and the Jewish Federation of NEPA. Because of generous donations of cash and generous discounts in places of business, I was able to purchase a lot of the much requested items.

Devastation comparable to that of 9/11 was visible in every direction – houses totally destroyed; others that were shells standing with little remaining inside; broken windows, dangling door frames, chipped or broken front steps, missing railings, chunks of cement from the destroyed barriers, ruined furniture and dust – so much dust that police, workmen and people walked with masks. How could I find the Jewish community when the three synagogues were closed – with condemned or restricted signs posted on their doors?

This photo were taken in a Jewish home in Belle Harbor, NY. The owner is staying with friends in New Jersey, but will not be able to return home for about one year. The house will need about $1 million in structural repairs. We told him that we had come from Pennsylvania to help and asked him if he and his people needed supplies. When we asked for help unloading, everyone volunteered, even the youngest boy of about 9 years of age. They formed a human chain and passed box after box down from the truck, into their yard and onto a long table. As they opened everything and touched everything, I watched the suffering on their faces lift for a moment, replaced with smiles.

It was bitter cold that Sunday and warm winter clothes were at a premium. Tony and I went inside to see how we could bring the truck into the parking lot to unload. We asked what they needed and they asked what we had.

And then the Pastor and his wife came to speak to me. The Pastor said how he had lost everything. I told him, “You still have your life.” His answer was “You are right. And where there is life there is hope.”

As I listed the items, the woman who was speaking to me asked me if we came from New Jersey since the truck had a

Part 2

The tragedy of Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath has devastated the lives of millions of people in NY, NJ and CT. Hundreds of thousands are without food, water, medical supplies, shelter and the basic necessities of life.

HELP US HELP THEM!

AN URGENT MESSAGE FROM THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA:

SUPERSTORM RELIEF FUND

The tragedy of Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath has devastated the lives of millions of people in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Hundreds of thousands are without food, water, medical supplies, shelter and the basic necessities of life. Their lives hang in the balance. As Jews, we must do our part in relieving their suffering as we have always done when faced with national catastrophes like Hurricane Katrina. The lives of millions of Americans hang in the balance. We must be there for them.

Please donate… Tax-deductible contributions made out to the Jewish Federation of NEPA/Hurricane should be mailed to our office at 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. You can also donate online by visiting http://jewishnepa.org/site/hurricane-sandy-donations/

Thank you for your generosity.

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JewishNEPA

It was Rabbi Berkowitz who gave me the answer. He kept repeating that it has been seven weeks since Hurricane Sandy hit and that I am the only person to come to see him and his shul. I answered that with me is an entire Jewish community. Then, he took me into his beautiful shul and I saw for myself the horrible damage and destruction. And again Rabbi Berkowitz asked me what he should do and how his congregation will survive. What he did not know as we left his parking lot was that we would be back in 20 minutes accompanied by a reporter from NY1 television who would film the damage in the shul and interview him.

We left Rabbi Berkowitz and went to Belle Harbor to find Rabbi Levi Osdoba of the Belle Harbor Torah Institute. He waited anxiously for our Mitzvah Van and greeted me with a warm smile as I stepped out.

We went to the Belle Harbor Yacht Club which is functioning as the collection and distribution center for all of Rockaway Park and Belle Harbor.

WONDERING WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP? DONATE NOW!

Rabbi Berkowitz is still the tall, slender and impressive man whom I first met more than 12 years ago. But just as his voice had lost some of its resonance so had his stance and stride lost much of its energy. As we greeted each other, I asked myself what I could possibly bring to him that could help repair the trauma that continues to devastate his soul.

During the interview I looked at Rabbi Berkowitz and I saw the strong, proud, vibrant Rabbi whom I had met so many years before. His eyes were finally clear and his voice strong as he thanked me. I knew then what we had brought to him. We had brought something very special and it had helped rescue this wonderful Rabbi from the depths of despair – we brought him Tikvah - Hope and the knowledge that there are Jews who care and do acts of Chesed that are not random.

As we headed toward the Rockaways, we went through Howard Beach and saw rows of houses – beautiful middle class homes - with condemned signs posted on them. Then we crossed into the Rockaways and headed to Rockaway Park and Belle Harbor.

the phone over the past two weeks, I noticed a lack of tonality in his voice. But now I saw that his body language and demeanor had also changed drastically.

I saw a young Rabbi, a gentle man who had lost his Torah Institute but whose eyes were filled with hope and also gratitude. I understood that it was not merely gratitude for what we had brought to him – cleaning supplies, clothes, toys, kosher food products and gift cards from Home Depot and Target. His eyes brimmed as he thanked me for caring; for all the e-mails that I continue to send to him and Rabbi Berkowitz with information on aid available to their communities; and for the delicacy with which we have approached this entire question of need within the Jewish community. Our final stop was at the small church in Arverne. Tony accompanied me to the lower level of the church and we saw the progress –a boiler and a hot water heater and framed walls. Two very charming women came to greet us and to help unload cleaning supplies and clothes. Part 3 On Sunday morning, January 20, Tony and I set out for our third trip into one of the areas devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

On Sunday morning, December 23, Tony and I set out from my house at 8 am for our second trip to the hurricane ravaged areas of Howard Beach, Belle Harbor and the Rockaways. Our Mitzvah Van was filled with cleaning supplies, clothes, toys, kosher food products and gifts cards from Home Depot and Target

This trip was very different. We drove my car and we carried no donations.

We had our first drop off at Ansche Shalom Chabad in Kew Gardens, Queens, where we unloaded cleaning supplies, clothes, paper plates, cups, napkins, plastic silverware and kosher food products including cereal and cookies for the children. Cleaning supplies went into another area and clothes were hung or placed on tables in still another section.

After speaking several times with Rabbi Berkowitz about the survival and rebirth of his shul, I called Mark Silverberg and asked him if we – the Federation of Northeast Pennsylvania - could “adopt” the Rockwood Park Jewish Center as one of its own and work towards its survival.

Rabbi Hecht told me that people come from the three devastated communities in Far Rockaway to choose what they need. I looked around at our boxes, bags and neatly hung clothing and I was so proud of what our Jewish community in NEPA had just contributed to the welfare of people whom we have never met. Then, we set out for Howard Beach and a meeting with Rabbi Tzvi Berkowitz, spiritual leader of the Rockwood Park Jewish Center. I was not prepared for what I saw: windows covered with garbage bags or filled with mattresses; damage to the outside walls; bags of trash piled along them; uprooted bushes and trees; commercial standing lights with no power to make them work since the generator either was not connected or did not work. Then I saw Rabbi Berkowitz as he walked toward me. I looked at him and for the first time I saw face-to-face the human toll of this hurricane. When I spoke with him on

I carried a notebook with blank pages – a notebook that hopefully would be filled, in part, with notes for saving and rebuilding a synagogue.

“Go for it!” was Mark’s answer. And so I put together our team - Corey Bearak, my friend and colleague from the Queens Jewish Community Council and chairman of the board of the Northeast Queens Jewish Community Council; Manny Behar, my friend and also executive director when I was president of the Queens Jewish Community Council, and Yoel Sharabi, my extraordinary friend and Israeli entertainer who has been by my side since 1985 for outreach and fundraising for Hadassah and the Queens Jewish Community Council. And of course Mark Silverberg. The meeting lasted for almost three hours. We met a new member of our team. Moshe Rudich spoke about the Jewish youth program that is Rabbi Berkowitz’s dream. Moshe’s partner heads a yeshiva that wants to relocate to the Rockwood Park JC. We closed the meeting with this decision - the Rockwood Park Jewish Center will become the home of both the

Jewish Federation of NEPA â&#x20AC;˘ Annual Report

Youth program and yeshiva.

outnumber those of the destruction.

Part 4

By mid-May, I will have venture for the first time into Staten Island with supplies. Our relief effort â&#x20AC;&#x201C; regardless of its size and content, will continue as long as New Yorkers are suffering. That is the promise that I made the moment I came down to the Rockaways in November. That is the promise made to the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania and that promise has honored, supported and kept a reality.

At 8 am on Sunday, February 3, Tony and I set out for our fourth trip into the devastated areas of the Rockaways. Every trip down to the Rockaways has had its own character and left its own impression on me. But this particular trip was very different from the outset since it was the first time that someone from a devastated area had contacted me with a plea for help. I had already planned another trip down before I received the e-mail detailing the overwhelming needs in Breezy Point - a community that I had not yet visited. I contacted the Rockaway Wish Organization to find out what was needed and what we could bring down from our Federation. Rockaway Wish told me that the Belle Harbor Yacht Club is now closed for its own repairs and that the collection center is now located in Breezy Point. They also gave me the name, phone number and e-mail address of the young woman in charge of the entire project in Breezy Point. Something inside pushed me to finally send an e-mail asking if the woman needed any of the cleaning supplies or clothing that we had available. Her e-mail to me preceded the one that I sent and its content stunned me. Here was a community pleading â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not merely asking, for cleaning supplies, bleach to fight severe mold, basic food supplies and personal hygiene supplies. Here was a community with people finally coming back to their devastated homes without electricity and heat, where water had finally been pumped out after more than three months, homes filled with mold and debris and dirt. A wave of nausea passed through me as I read her description of â&#x20AC;&#x153;lifeâ&#x20AC;? in this devastated area. I immediately sent her e-mail to Mark Silverberg and within a few minutes I had his answer and I knew that devoted members of our Federation would step up to help. My plans were made within the hour and my friend Tony and I went out to shop for food and hygiene items and to reserve a mini-van. All of the cleaning items had already been promised by a Federation board member â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Douglas Fink, president of Pennsylvania Paper and Supply Company (Scranton). I sent an e-mail listing what we would bring and her answer was,â&#x20AC;&#x153;WOW!!!! All I can say right now is WOW! Oh...and THANK YOU! Terrific.â&#x20AC;? Our first stop this Sunday was in Belle Harbor, where we met Rabbi Osdoba and delivered cleaning supplies, canned food and Visa gift cards which he will hand out to members of his devastated community to buy food. When we finished unloading and I gave him the Visa gift cards, Rabbi Osdoba looked in the van and asked me where we were headed with all of the other items. I said very simply that I had received a cry for help from Breezy Point and that was where we were headed. Then we drove to Breezy Point and as we entered the community, the same overwhelming nausea that I had when I read the e-mail washed over me. Breezy Point is a 500-acre cooperative. It is nowhere close to being back to normal. Empty foundations stand open on the blocks that burned. Elsewhere, houses remain shifted off their foundations. There is still no electricity, so almost everyone leaves as the sun sets.

A community in need met at the church, where members collected donated supplies. This time, we headed only to Breezy Point with an unscheduled emergency delivery of food and a few bags of cleaning supplies. As we arrived at Breezy Point, we saw the first sign of improvement. Street lights were functioning, there was less of a police presence, and we entered without having to stop and identify ourselves. We knew that last week, Breezy had finally gotten clean running water. Then we parked in front of the collection center. Reality met us at the door. Planks of wood still lay where concrete had been destroyed by the water. Sidewalks were non â&#x20AC;&#x201C;existent and stairs still unrepaired. We were greeted by Toni Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Antonio, the dynamo director of this center and Mabel Veronica, her assistant. At the moment when Toni grabbed and hugged me and Mabel did the same, I understood that working street lights do not tell the story of the people and that when we are asked to bring food, we must respond because the emergency is real and unabated. What made this particular welcome so unusual were the smiles and the laughter that greeted us along with the hugs. Tony and I were engulfed by the sheer happiness of these two young women who were delighted to see us â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not just for the food and supplies that we carried, but also because we had traveled so many miles to answer Toniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appeal for food. Conclusion There is really no conclusion to this Hurricane Sandy Relief effortâ&#x20AC;Śat least, not for now. Six months after this storm struck, more than 2,000 people in the Rockaways are still in motels; residents of New Dorp Beach in Staten Island rely on a tent city for provisions of food, clothing and hygiene supplies; good people still deliver massive donations of water, food and clothing to hundreds if not thousands of good people in pain. And we continue our Federationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hurricane Sandy Relief efforts even as this tragedy has disappeared from the headlines of our major newspapers and the mainstream media. In March, we provided food and money for Pesach to Rabbi Osdobaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community in Belle Harbor. On April 15, I met with the leadership of the New York Federation, the Orthodox Union (OU), National Hadassah and NY State Assemblyman Phillip Goldfeder to discuss the future of the Rockwood Park Jewish Center in Howard Beach.

I am humbled and emotionally drained by this experience. I am so proud of the response given â&#x20AC;&#x201C; willingly and lovingly, by the members of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania. I will never forget how the victims of Hurricane Sandy that we visited welcomed us, thanked us and embraced us. I cried with them and for them and took pleasure when I finally saw smiles on their haggard faces. Their faces remain etched in my consciousness, my memory and my heart. It has been and remains an honor to serve them, to help them and in my own very personal way - to love them.

Jewish Film Lending Library The Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania wishes to express its sincerest thanks to Carol Nelson Dembert whosetime,effort,determination and creativity allowed our Federation to sponsor two NEPA Jewish Film Festivals in 2007 and 2009, the films of which were comparable to those featured by the major Jewish Film Festivals Carol Nelson Dembert held annually throughout this country. The establishment of our NEPA Jewish Federation Film Loan Library is a tribute to her efforts and those of the twenty working Film Festival Committees that she managed in bringing this entertainment bonanza to Northeast Pennsylvania. In doing so, Carol and her volunteers brought honor to our community, to our People and to Israel for which she has our deepest gratitude. New Season of

Films!

May 2013 t /PO 'FBUVSF 'JMNT t A Film Unfinished, a harrowing look at the devious art of a propaganda film made by the Third Reich, is a rich and well-researched investigation into the filmic history of the Warsaw Ghetto. As A Film Unfinished aims to set the record straight, it furthers a political resistance that Jews undertook during the war. In other words, this documentary is a tribute, a correction of history to honor those who died, witnessed, or survived atrocities prior to their move to Treblinka, Warsawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s affiliate death camp. Blessed is the Match - In 1944, 22-year Hannah Senesh parachuted into Nazi- occupied Europe with a small group of Jewish volunteers from Palestine. Theirs was the only military rescue mission for Jews that occurred in World War II. Budapest to Gettyburg - The past and present collide as a world-renowned historian confronts a history he has refused to study-his own. Gabor Boritt is an expert on Abraham Lincoln and the American Civil War. But it took his sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s urging to get him to return to his native Hungary and learn about the Jewish experience there from the time of his childhood until, together with his family, he escaped to the United States. Constantineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sword, is a 2007 historical documentary film on the relationship between the Catholic Church and Jews. Directed and produced by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Oren Jacoby, the film is inspired by former priest James P. Carrollâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2001 book Constantineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sword. Inside Hanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Suitcase - A real-life Japanese schoolteacher, who appears throughout the film, sparked this entire story by gathering artifacts for a Holocaust educational center she was developing along with a group of girls and boys called The Small Wings. After applying to receive Holocaust artifacts, a large box arrives with a handful of artifacts, including a battered brown suitcase labeled with Hana Bradyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name. The teacher and her students begin searching for the story behind the suitcase. What they discover will surprise you. They wind up unlocking--and showing us in the film--a whole series of deeply moving memories and other related artifacts and photos. Finally, Hanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surviving brother George travels to Japan to meet the Japanese students. I Have Never Forgotten You: The Life and Legacy of Simon Wiesenthal - Wiesenthal, a Holocaust survivor who lost 89 family members, helped track down over 1,100 Nazi war criminals and spent six decades fighting anti-Semitism and prejudice against all people. Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story - This excellent documentary, narrated by Dustin Hoffman, portrays the contributions of Jewish major leaguers and the special meaning that baseball has had in the lives of American Jews. Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story was shown at the Opening Event for the 2012 UJA Campaign. The Case for Israel: Democracyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outpost - Famed attorney, Alan Dershowitz, 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 Life and Times of Hank Greenberg - As baseballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Jewish star, Hammering Hank Greenbergâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career contains all the makings of a true American success story. t 'FBUVSF 'JMNT t

Breezy Point is the last New York neighborhood left without clean water. We found the address and after getting police permission to enter an alleyway, we stopped in front of Parish Hall, the severely water-damaged social hall of one of the two standing Catholic churches. A lovely woman named Kathy greeted us and unlocked the building. As we unloaded and carried all of the supplies into the social hall, I understood the full extent of the catastrophe. A man came quietly into the hall holding a box. He made his way to the shelves and carefully picked a few canned food items, two rolls of paper towels and two bottles of water. I looked at him as he passed by me and I saw his pain.

This meeting resulted in the creation of a mega coalition whose purpose it will be to make certain that this severely damaged synagogue survives. On April 28, I celebrated Lag Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Omer with lifelong members of the congregation of the Rockwood Park JC and several new young Orthodox families who are joining the shul. Signs of the devastation of Hurricane Sandy are still everywhere. But signs of revitalization and life

A Woman Called Golda - Ingrid Bergman plays Golda Meir, the Russian born, Wisconsin raised woman who became Israelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prime minister in the 1960â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and early 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Crossing Delancey - This is a warm comedy taking place in New York City. Isabella Grossman desires to rise above her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lower East Side community but her grandmother has other matchmaking plans. Footnote - The story of a great rivalry between a father and son, both eccentric professors who have both dedicated their lives to work in Talmudic Studies departments of Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Though the father shuns overt praise for his work and the son is desperate for it, how will each react when the father is to be awarded the most sought after prize, the Israel prize? This Oscar nominated film will entrance from the start. Frisco Kid - Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1850 and new rabbi Avram Belinski sets out from Philadelphia toward San Francisco. Cowpoke bandit Tom Lillard hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen a rabbi before but he knows when one needs a heap of help. Getting this tenderfoot to Frisco in one piece will cause a heap of trouble- with the law, Native Americans and a bunch of killers. Good - In an attempt to establish its credibility, the new Nazi government is seeking out experts to endorse its policies and they come across Johnnie Halderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s novel of a husband who aids his terminally ill wife in an assisted suicide. Because of this the Nazis flatter Johnnie arranging for high paying and prestigious positions. Never evil, Johnnie Halder is an Everyman who goes along, accepts what he is told without question until he is an unwitting accomplice to the Nazi killing machine. Hidden In Silence - Przemysl, Poland, WWII. Germany emerges victorious over the Russians, and the city comes under Nazi control. The Jewish are sent to the ghettos. While some stand silent, Catholic teenager Stefania Podgorska chooses the role of a savior and sneaks 13 Jews into her attic. Every day, she risks detection--and immediate execution--by smuggling food and water to the silent group living above her. And when two German nurses are assigned to her living quarters, the chances of discovery become dangerously high. This is the true story of a young womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selfless commitment and unwavering resolve in the face of war. Noodle (PAL version- can only be played on computer NOT regular DVD players) - At thirty-seven, Miri is a twice-widowed, El Al flight attendant. Her well regulated existence is suddenly turned upside down by an abandoned Chinese boy whose migrant-worker mother has been deported from Israel. The film is a touching comic-drama in which two human beings- as different from each other as Tel Aviv is from Beijing- accompany each other on a remarkable journey, one that takes them both back to a meaningful life. Noraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Will - When his ex-wife Nora dies right before Passover, Jose is forced to stay with her body until she can be properly put to rest. He soon realizes that he is part of Noraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan to bring her family back together for one last Passover feast, leading Jose to reexamine their relationship. (not rated) Operation Thunderbolt - The true story of the Entebbe hijacking and rescue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Operation Thunderbolt,â&#x20AC;? was filmed in Israel with the full cooperation of the Israeli government, and is an exciting re-creation of the events of those tense days. We see the full scope of the story, from the original hijacking to the passengersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; captivity in Uganda to the agonized debates at the highest levels of the Israeli government over a diplomatic vs. a military solution. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Operation Thunderboltâ&#x20AC;? is the thrilling and true story of how one small country refused to let their people be killed by terrorists and took action to prevent it. People who claim that Israel is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;terrorist stateâ&#x20AC;? should see the film and be reminded who the real terrorists are. Orthodox Stance (documentary-2007) - Dimitriy Salita, a Russian immigrant, is making history as a top professional boxer and rigorously observant Jew. While providing an intimate, 3-year long look at the trials and tribulations faced by an up and coming professional boxer, ORTHODOX STANCE is a portrait of seemingly incompatible cultures and characters working together to support Dmitriyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rare and remarkable devotion to both Orthodox Judaism and the pursuit of a professional boxing title.

As Tony and I drove back to the Poconos, I told him: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now you understand why both Rabbi Berkowitz and Rabbi Osdoba gave us their blessings when we said that we were on our way with relief items to Breezy Point. These are human souls in pain and in need and my Federation understands this.â&#x20AC;?

Playing for Time - An outstanding cast brings life to this Fania Fenelon autobiography about a Jewish cabaret singer and other Jewish prisoners whose lives were spared at Auschwitz in exchange for performing for their captors. Rashevskiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tango - Just about every dilemma of modern Jewish identity gets an airing in this packed tale of a clan of more or less secularized Belgian Jews thrown into spiritual crisis by the death of the matriarch who has held all doubts and family warfare in check. (not rated) Sarahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Key - Julia Jarmond, an American journalist is commissioned to write an article about the notorious Vel dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hiv round up, which took place in Paris, in 1942. She stumbles upon a family secret which will link her forever to the destiny of a young Jewish girl, Sarah. The Angel Levine - Things couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get worse for Jewish tailor Morris Mishkin (Zero Mostel). His shop has gone up in flames, his daughter has married outside the faith and, worse yet, his wife is slowly dying. But just when he decides to give up on God, a mysterious man (Harry Belafonte) appears, claiming to be his Jewish guardian angel! Doubtful that the stranger is Jewish, never mind an angel, Mishkin must overcome his skepticism if he wants one last chance at redemption. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - Set during World War II, this is the story of Bruno, an innocent and naĂŻve eight-year old boy who meets a boy while romping in the woods. A surprising friendship develops.

Part 5 At 8:00 am on Tuesday, February 26, Tony and I set out for our fifth trip into the devastated areas of the Rockaways.

A Matter of Size - Winner of numerous international awards, this Israeli comedy is a hilarious and heart-warming tale about four overweight guys who learn to love themselves through the Japanese sport of sumo wrestling. (not rated)

The Couple - Based on the true story of a Jewish Hungarianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desperate attempts to save his family from the Nazi death camps. Mr. Krauzenberg (Martin Landau) is forced to hand over his vast wealth to the Nazis for the safe passage of his family out of occupied Europe, only to find his two remaining servants are left trapped in a web of deceit and danger. Their only hope for survival relies on the courage of Krauzenberg.

One of the three devastated shuls in Belle Harbor. No one is allowed into them. The water line is visible on the pillar next to the front steps of the synagogue.

The Debt - Academy Award winner Helen Mirren and two-time Academy Award nominee Tom Wilkinson star in The Debt. In 1966, three Mossad agents were assigned to track down a feared Nazi war criminal hiding in East Berlin, a mission accomplished at great risk and personal costâ&#x20AC;Ś or was it? Wallenberg: A Heroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Story - Wallenberg: A Heroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Story is an incredibly riveting, Emmy award-winning, fact-based story about a hero who helped over 100,000 Hungarian Jews escape from the Nazis during the Holocaust. Ushpizin - A fable set in the Orthodox Jewish world in Jerusalem, Ushpizin tells the story of a poor childless couple, Moshe and Malli, whose belief in the goodness of the Almighty follows a roller coaster of situations and emotions but leads to the ultimate happiness, the birth of their son.

Annual Report • Jewish Federation of NEPA

I Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania I 2013 Annual Meeting Program

You are cordially invited to the Annual Meeting of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Please join us as we elect our Officers and Trustees, celebrate the achievements of the past year, and honor several individuals for their leadership contributions to our community and Klal Yisroel. Thursday, June 13, 2013, 7:00 pm Linder Room • Scranton Jewish Community Center • 601 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton 2013 Annual Meeting Program Welcome and introductions.....................................................................................Dr. David Malinov, Chairman Invocation........................................................................................ Rabbi Moshe Saks, Temple Israel (Scranton) State of the Federation Address...............................................................................Dr. David Malinov, Chairman 2013 UJA Campaign Report....................................................................................Don Douglass, Barbara Nivert Presentation of Campaign Awards................................................................Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Nominating Committee Report......................................................................... Edward Monsky, Esq., Chairman Installation of Officers and Trustees.............................................. Rabbi Moshe Saks, Temple Israel (Scranton) Closing Remarks........................................................................................................Dr. David Malinov, Chairman Reception Nominating Committee Report

Proposed Slate of Officers and Trustees 2013-2016 Officers* President..................................................................................................................................Michael Greenstein* Administrative Vice-President.......................................................................................................... Douglas Fink* Vice-President............................................................................................................................ Dr. David Malinov* Vice-President............................................................................................................................ Elliot Schoenberg* Treasurer............................................................................................................................. Jerry Weinberger, Esq.* Assistant Treasurer..........................................................................................................................Barry Tremper* Assistant Secretary................................................................................................................... Don Douglass, Esq.* *To be elected at the Annual Meeting Board of Trustees Term Expiring in 2016* (3-year term) Jim Ellenbogen, Joseph Fisch, Esq., Leah Laury, Phyllis Malinov, Mel Mogel, Dr. Geordee Pollock, Alma Shaffer, Suzanne Tremper and Eric Weinberg *Trustees to be elected at the Annual Meeting Term Expiring in 2014* (1-year term) Sandra Alfonsi, Phyllis Barax, Susan Colombo Diamond, Dan Marcus, Larry Milliken, Lynn Pearl and Karen Pollack *Trustees to be elected at the Annual Meeting Continuing Terms Esther Adelman, Herb Appel, Jeanne Atlas, Phyllis Brandes, Mark Davis, Lainey Denis, Atty. Richard Fine, Natalie Gelb, Laurel Glassman, Alan Goldstein, Jill Linder, Atty. Ed Monsky, Molly Rutta, Eugene Schneider (replacing Jacques Deutsch), Laney Ufberg, Paula Wasser, Steven Weinberger and Jay Weiss

Our thanks is extended to the following Trustees whose terms of office are expiring: Shlomo Fink, Dr. Gerald Fragin, Alex Gans, Janet Holland, Robin Jacobson, Susan Jacobson, Robert Klomp, Michael Mardo, Ann Monsky, Sam Rosen, Lew Sare, Atty. Ben Schnessel and Alan Smertz