December 6, 2012 Edition of the Reporter by Becky Schastey

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Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania DECEMBER 6, 2012

VOLUME X, NUMBER 24

Matisyahu to perform in Stroudsburg on Chanukah The Jewish Federation has announced that internationally known reggae star Matisyahu will perform at the Sherman Theater

Matisyahu performed at a recent show.

in Stroudsburg on Tuesday, December 11, the fourth night of Chanukah, as part of his “Festival of Light” tour. “Matisyahu appeared on the music scene with an eclectic reggae sound, uplifting message and proud Jewish identity,” noted a Federation representative. His newest album, “Spark Seeker,” is said to continue in that style. Richard Berkowitz, owner and president of the Sherman Theater, has given the Jewish Federation an opportunity for fund-raising through the event. VIP tickets for $50 include a strictly kosher sushi and dessert reception. There will also be a basket raffle called “Chance to Make a Difference.” Each chance will cost $5 or three for $10. All proceeds will benefit Federation projects. Committee members include Steve Feuer, Barbara Fredericks, Julie Harter, Bruce Stein and Donna Waite, of Stroudsburg; and Rhonda Fallk, Sue Diamond, Molly Rutta, Devorah Leah Selincourt and Phyllis Weinberg, of Scranton, who are working with the chairwoman, Dassy Ganz, of the Federation. Becky Schastey is in charge of marketing and Rae Magliocchi is involved with media publicity.

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

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

Sandy update

2013 UJA paign Update Cam

Pay it forward & give to the 2013 Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania Annual Campaign! Goal: $800,090

A photo taken in a Jewish home in Belle Harbor, NY, at the only home open for entry. For a first person account of local efforts to aid Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in New York, see page 5.

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

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Federation on Facebook The Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania now has a page on Facebook to let community members know about upcoming events and keep connected.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Chanukah

Jewish music notes

Returning to the fold

Candle lighting December 7..................................... 4:15 pm December 14.................................... 4:16 pm December 21...................................4:18 pm December 28...................................4:23 pm January 4.........................................4:29 pm January 11........................................4:36 pm

Chanukah programs at Pocono An Israeli singer has fans in Iran; Long-lost Jews in southern Italy PLUS libraries; recipes; holiday children’s a former rapper, now cantor, turns are reclaiming their roots and Opinion...........................................................2 books; and celebrating courage. to Jewish spiritual music. place in the Jewish community. Jewish Community Center News............6 Stories on pages 3, 8-10 Stories on page 14 Story on page 16 D’var Torah...................................................8

THE REPORTER ■ december 6, 2012

a matter of opinion

A leap of faith – analysis of the Israeli-Hamas cease-fire agreement

Reprinted with permission of Arutz Sheva (w w w.israelnationalnews.com) and Family Securit y Matters (w w w. familysecurit ymatters.org) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman marked the Egyptianbrokered cease-fire with Gaza that went into effect on November 21 by announcing that the limited goals set for the operation had been achieved – eliminating Hamas missile sites and reinstating the Gaza cease-fire. But were these goals achieved and, if so, are they broad enough to establish an enduring peace? According to the terms of the cease-fire agreement, Israel and Hamas agreed to halt “all hostilities.” Israel is restricted from deploying ground troops or targeting terrorist leaders in Gaza, provided, of course, that Hamas and its militias abide by the terms of the cease-fire. For Hamas, that means an end to Israeli air strikes and assassinations of its terrorist leaders. For Israel, it means a halt to missile fire from Hamas and its militias and an end to any further attempts at cross-border incursions into Israel from Gaza. The agreement also calls for “opening the Gaza crossings, facilitating the movement of people and the transfer of goods,

and refraining from restricting residents’ free movement.” In effect, it means that the self-declared security zone that Israel established along the Gaza border to prevent terrorist attacks no longer exists. It also means that the Egyptians will open the

from the desk of the executive director

“ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510.

President: Jeff Rubel Executive Director: Mark Silverberg Advisory Board Chair: Margaret Sheldon Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman Layout Editor: Diana Sochor Assistant Editor: Michael Nassberg Production Coordinator: Jenn DePersis Graphic Artist: Alaina Cardarelli Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen

Opinions The views expressed in editorials and opinion pieces are those of each author and not necessarily the views of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Letters The Reporter welcomes letters on subjects of interest to the Jewish community. All letters must be signed and include a phone number. The editor may withhold the name upon request. ADS The Reporter does not necessarily endorse any advertised products and services. In addition, the paper is not responsible for the kashruth of any advertiser’s product or establishment. Deadline Regular deadline is two weeks prior to the publication date. Federation website: www.jewishnepa.org How to SUBMIT ARTICLES: Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 E-mail: jfnepareporter@jewishnepa.org Fax: (570) 346-6147 Phone: (570) 961-2300 How to reach the advertising Representative: Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 E-mail: bonnie@thereportergroup.org Subscription Information: Phone: (570) 961-2300

Mark silverberG Rafah border crossing with Gaza and, at least on paper, take much more significant action to prevent arms smuggling into the enclave, although as one editorialist in Israel Hayom commented: “You would have to be an incorrigible optimist to believe that Egypt, under the leadership of President Mohammed Morsi, will do what Mubarak’s Egypt failed to do – fight terror. But still, the alternative is far worse.” Israeli reaction to the cease-fire agreement appears split. The first group is satisfied that a cease-fire has been announced and that Operation Pillar of Defense has come to an end. The second is frustrated that Netanyahu acquiesced to international pressure and failed to destroy Hamas once and for all and re-conquer Gaza. According to a new survey conducted by the Dahaf polling institute, immediately after the cease-fire was concluded, 43 percent of Israelis feel this way. On the positive side, Hamas’s command and control structures have been destroyed. Throughout the course of the operation Israel launched more than 1,600 attacks, mostly precision air strikes on missile squads, launch sites, tunnels, infrastructure and government and communication facilities. There was negligible collateral

damage and minimal harm to uninvolved civilians – the importance of which cannot be overstated. Another positive element was that President Obama supported the operation and reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself – a fact that may prove crucial in the months ahead, given that Iran has not abandoned its nuclear weapons quest and Israel will need U.S. support to destroy the centrifuges that have placed Iran on the fast-track to nuclear weapons capability. Most importantly, Obama vowed to help the Israelis address their primary security concern (the smuggling of Iranian weapons and explosives through the Sinai into Gaza) by establishing along the Suez Canal and northern Sinai borders sophisticated electronic sensing devices and security fences managed by highly-trained U.S. security specialists. He also agreed, according to Debka sources, to deploy U.S. special forces in the Sinai peninsula. It was these latter undertakings and Morsi’s threat to terminate the 1979 Egypt-Israeli Peace Treaty that dissuaded Netanyahu, at the last moment, from invading Gaza. The hope of the Israeli government is that a strong and determined U.S. presence in the Sinai will deprive Hamas and its Salafist allies of the sophisticated Iranian missiles that could provoke Israel into invading the territory, overthrowing the Hamas regime and reconquering Gaza. Obama also pledged additional funding for Israel’s anti-missile defense systems, including Iron Dome (for short-range rockets), David’s Sling (for medium- to long-range rockets) and Arrow (for longrange conventional ballistic missiles and high-altitude nuclear warheads). In another positive aspect of the operation, while one can find plenty of objectionable Western media coverage, the world

media generally covered recent events in the Middle East in a more balanced fashion than it did during Operation Cast Lead in 2008-09 by showing Israeli civilians under missile attack and published photos of Hamas using human shields and firing missiles into Israeli population centers from populated and protected areas – both of which are Hamas “trademarks” and war crimes under international law. When the first reports of Gazan civilian casualties came in, Western governments called on Israel to exercise “maximum restraint,” but there was no outrage at Israel’s offensive as in the case of Operation Cast Lead – most probably because the collateral damage was relatively low. What was evident as well was that the operation had the overwhelming support of Israel’s citizenry, who were willing to pay the price of sitting in protected rooms and bomb shelters for long periods of time and were even prepared to support a possible ground invasion of Gaza to put an end to being terrorized by Hamas missiles. Finally, the impressive success of the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system (which intercepted more than 420 missiles, achieving a success rate of more than 90 percent) not only protected 3.5 million Israelis under missile attack, but sent a message to Iran that its most advanced Fajr-5 missiles were no match for U.S./Israeli anti-missile technology, while its own missile and enrichment sites were still vulnerable. It also put Iran on notice that the U.S. intends to protect its interests in the Middle East and would henceforth work to prevent any further Iranian incursions into the region – Lebanon (Hezbollah) and Syria included. Despite these positive elements, however, there are significant downsides to the cease-fire – downsides that have led many See “Cease-fire” on page 10

letters to the editor Israel-Gaza cease-fire in retrospect Part 1 By Mark Silverberg This piece was published as a Letter to the Editor in The Scranton Times-Tribune on November 21 in response to a November 19 front page Associated Press photo depicting a Gazan holding his dead child amid the rubble in Gaza City. Tragic as this is, we must understand that Hamas is utterly indifferent to the welfare of its own people. First and foremost, it is a terrorist organization that’s committing a double war crime in attacking Israel. It not only uses Palestinian civilians – as well as homes, children’s playgrounds, civilian factories, soccer fields, gas stations, mosques, schools, ambulances and hospitals – as shields against attack, but it intentionally fires missiles from these locations into Israeli population centers hoping to kill as many Israeli civilians as possible. Since 2009, more than 2,600 missiles have been fired at Israel’s civilian population, including Israeli schools and hospitals. For them, it’s a win-win situation. They know that if Israel refrains from retaliating for fear of striking civilians, its terrorists will live to fire more missiles into Israeli cities and towns. Alternatively, if Israel does retaliate, it risks incurring civilian casualties as collateral damage, thereby providing Hamas and the Western media with anti-Israel propaganda. Foreign media repeatedly have called Israel’s counter-terrorist operations “deadly” and “relentless,” occasionally mentioning the barrage of missiles falling on Israeli civilians but without noting that the attacks on southern Israel’s civilian population have

continued without media coverage for years with only limited Israeli retaliation. This is an intolerable situation and Israel should not accept it. What would the Europeans do if Paris or London came under missile fire? What about our own responses to 9/11? Israel has every right to protect its citizens and defend its country. The death of innocents is always a tragedy, but there is no moral equivalency between the collateral damage that sometimes accompanies an Israeli military strike against terrorists, and Hamas’s intentional use of human shields and protected property (hospitals and mosques) when firing missiles indiscriminately into Israeli population centers.

Part 2

This e-mail communication took place on November 21 between Mark Silverberg, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and Brian Langan, Northeastern Pennsylvania regional manager for U.S. Senator Pat Toomey, concerning a proposed bill being put forward by Toomey in December tying U.S. military aid to Egypt’s continued adherence to the 1979 Israel-Egyptian Treaty. A similar discussion took place with Maurya Morris representing Senator Bob Casey. Hi Brian, Firstly, I appreciate your working with me (should it become necessary) in arranging to have a representative from Senator Toomey’s office speak with our community should circumstances in the Middle East deteriorate to a point where an Israel Solidarity Rally would be organized. Fortunately, we have not yet reached that point.

I also appreciate the opportunity to express the thanks of our Federation for Senator Toomey’s bill on “prohibiting the use of fiscal year 2013 funds for United States participation in joint military exercises with Egypt if the Government of Egypt abrogates, terminates or withdraws from the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty.” Let me know if the following is suitable. “Senator Toomey has consistently demonstrated his commitment and strong support for Israel. The legislation he has introduced highlights the importance of the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty to future peaceful relations between the two countries. It attaches all necessary safeguards to ensure compliance with the Treaty – a Treaty that has kept the peace between Israel and Egypt for over three decades. On behalf of the Jewish communities of Northeastern Pennsylvania, please express our thanks to the Senator for his efforts.” Happy Thanksgiving. Mark Silverberg Executive director, Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania Reply from Brian Langan Hi Mark, Thanks for the update regarding the Israel Solidarity Rally. We are thankful that events haven’t reached the point to organize this rally, but our office stands ready to participate if it becomes necessary. Also, thank you for your willingness to provide a quote regarding the legislation the senator will be introducing. It’s perfect and greatly appreciated. Thanks again and happy Thanksgiving!

DECEMBER 6, 2012 ■

THE REPORTER

community news Volunteers help prepare and deliver Shabbat dinners to community seniors

Jewish Discovery Center launches “Shabbat in a Box” social service By Chaim Davidson Due to a limited grant from the Jewish Foundation for the Elderly of Eastern Pennsylvania, the Jewish Discovery Center in Waverly has launched a formal “Shabbat in a Box” program based on one conceived by Co-director Chany Rapoport. For years, staff and volunteers at the JDC have delivered Shabbat dinner packages to various members of the community. The grant will allow the service to be taken “to the next level” by making it available to a broader audience.

To sponsor a Shabbat dinner for $26.50, call 587-3300. Once each month, volunteers assemble to shop, prepare, cook, bake and deliver Shabbat dinners to community members – oftentimes based on word of mouth or requests from those in need – who may be elderly or infirm, recovering from a surgery or illness, nursing a new baby or simply alone and in need of moral support.

Norma Krasne-Levine to hold Chanukah program at Pocono libraries

Norma Krasne-Levine, a member of Congregation B’nai Harim, will present a Chanukah program at two Pocono libraries. Participants at each will hear the story of Chanukah, learn holiday songs, make dreidels and eat latkes.

The programs will be held at the Clymer Library of Pocono Pines on Saturday, December 8, at 1 pm, and at the Barrett-Paradise Friendly Library, in Cresco, on Wednesday, December 12, at 10:30 am.

SHDS students conduct toy drive for Hurricane Sandy victims Students at the Scranton Hebrew Day School recently collected assorted items for children affected by Hurricane Sandy in New York. The day school lobby has become a collection point for children’s books, CDs, toys, games and more. Many children searched their closets and toy boxes for new or lightly used items to donate. “Even at this young age, children feel the pain of their brothers and are more than willing to share with those less fortunate,” noted a day school representative. The items will be personally distributed at the end of November to families in need L-r: Chaya Suri Schwartz, Hadassah Laury, Shira Laury and Batsheva Gruber in New York. contributed to the collection boxes.

About the cover This year’s Chanukah cover was illustrated by Alaina Cardarelli, graphic artist for The Reporter Group, which publishes The Reporter.

Save the Date!

Each package contains two small challah loaves, grape juice, chicken soup, gefilte fish and a sealed dinner for two. The package also includes Shabbat candles and an instruction card with blessings and kiddush instructions. “It’s not just about a meal being delivered, but also a special Shabbat embrace,” said Rapoport. “Shabbat in a Box shares the warmth of the traditional Shabbat experience, allowing it to brighten up someone else’s week.” The response from recipients has been called “extremely heartwarming.” Anyone aware of someone in need of a visit or looking to volunteer can contact the JDC at 587-3300 or visit http://JewishNEPA.com/shabbatinabox.

S E N I L D A E D The following are deadlines for all articles and photos for upcoming Reporter issues.

DEADLINE

ISSUE

Thursday, December 20...................... January 3 Thursday, January 3.......................... January 17 Thursday, January 17........................ January 31 Thursday, January 31...................... February 14

Happy Chanukah!

Bob & Dolly Baron

May you and your family be blessed during the holiday and throughout the year! Bruce and Rho

Wednesday, Dec. 12 • 5:30pm JCC Auditorium

ÊVisit the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania on the web at www.jewishnepa.org or on Facebook

THE REPORTER ■ december 6, 2012

Holocaust education: A personal quest

By Sharon Nichols “What I’m trying to do is provide opportunities for in-depth Holocaust education. I come across people, including adults, who don’t know about the Holocaust or who don’t understand the relevance today. When I or my authors speak, we relate it to current

situations,” said Steve Feuer, publisher at Gihon River Press. Feuer came to this commitment both naturally and inadvertently. He retired from the book printing industry after 30 years, mostly spent in New York City. He had his own business as a printer bro-

Jewish Family Service held “Grow Yourself” series

Jewish Family Service’s “Grow Yourself” program offered a safety seminar in November in which participants learned, hands-on, about personal safety. Organizers of the program said that Master Bridget Morrissey, of American Dojo Karate, led the seminar “in a very energetic and engaging way. All participants left the seminar feeling empowered.” For information about future programs, visit www.jfsoflackawanna. org. L-r: Michele Ackerman, Janet Holland, Leah Laury, Morrissey, Denise Matis and Emily Matis.

ker and also worked for other book printers as a salesman. After living there part-time, he moved to East Stroudsburg, PA, permanently a few years ago. As an adult, he discovered a previously unknown extended family and learned that some of his family perished at Auschwitz. “A whole branch of my family that had been lost to me is now found... and now that it is “Ursula’s Prism” and “Bitter Freedom,” two of the books personal, I have much published by Gihon River Press. more than a passing interest in the Holocaust... I am book” is a children’s book by author amazed and in awe of [survivors] and Ellen Bari and illustrated by Avi Katz, an Israeli. Another title, to be co-published their stories.” Feuer attended the reading of a play at with Texas Tech University Press, is “Jan the Anne Frank Center in New York. The Karski, One Man Who Tried to Stop the play was “Silence Not, a Love Story” by Holocaust.” Karski, a non-Jewish Polish Cynthia Cooper. At the conclusion of the diplomat, tried to convince the Allies to performance, he asked the author if she’d bomb the railroad lines to Auschwitz. like to publish it. This became Gihon He twice escaped from Poland, and later River Press’s first offering. Since then, taught at Georgetown and received the he has added “Bitter Freedom” by Jafa President’s Medal of Freedom. Another Wallach and “Ursula’s Prism” by Anna work in progress is “Women of Valor Block to his available titles. Both are re- – Resisting the Third Reich.” It is a cipients of Mom’s Choice Award, which compendium of vignettes from interviews recognizes excellence in family-friendly with surviving resistors. “I try to do books products. In 2011, the Florida Publishers about people who were heroes, who put Association awarded its silver medal for themselves out for others during that time – ordinary citizens who did enormously adult fiction to “Ursula’s Prism.” Gihon River Press books are avail- brave things,” Feuer explained. In keeping with his mission of Holoable through several distributors, at trade shows and book fairs, and online caust education, Feuer noted that authors in print and as an e-book. Free teachers’ are available for speaking engagements and book signings. For more information, and readers’ guides are available. Additionally, Feuer has several proj- visit www.gihonriverpress.com or call ects in process. “The Tattered Prayer- Feuer at 917-612-8857.

At right: Steve Feuer, publisher of Gihon River Press, spoke to several young people after a reading.

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DECEMBER 6, 2012 ■

First person

THE REPORTER

Superstorm Relief Fund update: A trip into destruction, desperation and hope By Dr. Sandra Alfonsi At 9:30 am on 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. We drove a 14-foot truck that I named the “Hurricane Sandy Mitzvah Truck.” I called it this because I remembered the Chabad Mitzvah tanks that used to stop on the streets of Manhattan looking for Jewish women who wanted to learn how to light Shabbat candles, and Jewish men who wanted to learn how to put on tefillin. I thought that this was a suitable, even catchy, name. Our Mitzvah Truck was almost completely full 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 Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania. 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.

Pastor Foluso Akinbola (center) and his wife, Toyin (left), met with Dr. Sandra Alfonsi. I needed to spearhead this project for the people of the Rockaways because I had spent so much time there over at least a decade as president of the Queens Region of Hadassah and the Queens Jewish Community Council. The neighbor-

hoods, the synagogues and the people were a part of my life, a part of my memory and a part of my history as a Jew, as a Jewish communal leader and as a resident of Queens. I traveled with my heart almost literally in my mouth, afraid of what I would experience, of what I would see and would no longer see. As Tony, my friend Elana (who lives in Forest Hills) and I headed toward the Rockaways, we went through Howard Beach and saw rows of houses – beautiful middle class homes – with “condemned” signs posted on them. We saw destroyed boats literally perched on lawns and crosswalks, and countless numbers of destroyed cars either parked or being towed. Then we crossed into the Rockaways and headed to Rockaway Park and Belle Harbor. 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. See “Relief” on page 12

All above: 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. Supplies were left at the Belle Harbor Yacht Club, which is the main collection area for Belle Harbor and Rockaway Park. Many people came to the club for supplies, clothes and non-perishable items.

Sign up today! 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 NEPA Jewish Federation Business & Trade Alliance.

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.

Take Center Stage! 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). NEPA Jewish Federation Business & Trade Alliance

NEPAJFedBTA

NEPA Jewish Federation Business & Trade Alliance in Groups

ÊVisit the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania on the web at www.jewishnepa.org or on Facebook

THE REPORTER ■ december 6, 2012

jewish community center news Area poets featured at Social Adults event Members of the Social Adults of the JCC and the general community visited the Koppelman Auditorium on November 13 for a night of food and entertainment by poets from Northeastern Pennsylvania. The event began with a dinner served by volunteers from the JCC BBYO and students from the University of

Scranton. The poets’ performance, which was described as “energetic” and “fun-filled,” included a medley from the “Four Seasons” by the Jersey Boys, as well as “I Will Survive,” “Sixteen Candles,” “La Bamba” and “Hot, Hot, Hot.” There were also appearances from “Kermit the Frog” and “Gloria Gaynor.” The auditorium was

filled by dancing attendees, which at one point included a conga line. “People loved the entire evening,” said organizers of the event. For information about other upcoming dinners and events, see the JCC newsletter.

Below and at right: Social Adult Club members and general community participants enjoyed the entertainment.

Day Care celebrated U.N. Children’s Day At left: At a celebration of United Nations Children’s Day on October 24, every child, from infant-preschool age, at the JCC Preschool and Day Care wore a costume. The parade started in the Day Care wing and continued in the front offices and down to the new Wellness Center. The parade ended with a visit to the United Way offices. The group sang as it returned to its room for snacks.

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

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

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Sephardic Music Festival

The eighth annual Sephardic Music Festival will be held in venues around New York City from December 8-12, with a new festival compilation album scheduled for release on December 11. The festival is the first Jewish music festival to focus exclusively on Sephardic music and culture, and showcase the Mizrahi, Yemenite and Ladino artists from around the world. The festival offers a platform for performers of traditional Sephardic folk music and innovators who fuse traditional Sephardic rhythms, melodies and motifs with modern musical styles. Among the artists who will be appearing are Pharoah’s Daughter, Cannibal Animal Machine, Vanessa Paloma, Mika Karny and the Kol Dodi Ensemble, Yakar Rhythms and more. The festival’s second compilation album, set for release on December 11, includes everything from folk songs to hip hop, electro and dance music. The album’s tracks incorporate Jewish liturgical and ceremonial texts, Sabbath songs and classic love poems, as well as original compositions inspired by traditional themes. Details and updated information can be found at www. sephardicfest.com.

NYC children photo exhibit

The Laurie M. Tisch Gallery, located in the JCC in Manhattan, is hosting the exhibit “NYChildren by Danny Goldfield” through January 3. Danny Goldfield’s “NYChildren” is a growing exhibit of 169 portraits reflecting the photographer’s quest to photograph one child from every country on earth, finding each child living in New York City. For more information call 646-505-5708 or visit www. jccmanhattan.org/the-laurie-m-tisch-gallery.

Kosher on a Budget

The website Kosher on a Budget, http://kosheronabudget. com/, is written by Mara Strom Sachs. The site seeks to help its readers save money by sharing tips, stories, recipes, freebies, coupons, deal match-ups and help preparing budgets. All products recommended by Sachs in her blog or on the site are kosher. Readers are also offered the opportunity to share ideas.

DECEMBER 6, 2012 ■

THE REPORTER

THE REPORTER ■ december 6, 2012

d’var torah ABINGTON TORAH CENTER

Rabbi Dovid Saks President: Richard Rutta Jewish Heritage Connection 108 North Abington Rd., Clarks Summit, PA 18411 570-346-1321 • Website: www.jewishheritageconnection.org Sunday morning services at 8:30 am Call for other scheduled services throughout the week.

BETH SHALOM CONGREGATION

Rabbi Yisroel Brotsky 1025 Vine St., Scranton, PA 18510, (corner of Vine & Clay Ave.) 570-346-0502 • fax: 570-346-8800 Weekday – Shacharit: Sun 8 am; Mon, Thurs. & Rosh Chodesh, 6:30 am; Tue, Wed & Fri, 6:45 am; Sat & Holidays, 8:45 am. Mincha during the week is approx. 10 minutes before sunset, followed by Maariv.

BICHOR CHOLEM CONGREGATION/ CHABAD OF THE ABINGTONS Rabbi Benny Rapoport President: Richard I. Schwartz 216 Miller Road, Waverly, PA 18471 570-587-3300 • Website: www.JewishNEPA.com Saturday morning Shabbat Service 9:30 am. Call or visit us online for our bi-weekly schedule

CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF THE POCONOS Rabbi Mendel Bendet 570-420-8655 • Website: www.chabadpoconos.com Please contact us for schedules and locations.

CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL

Affiliation: Union for Reform Judaism Rabbi Allan L. Smith President: Henry M. Skier Contact Person: Ben Schnessel, Esq. (570) 222-3020 615 Court Street, Honesdale, PA 18431 570-253-2222 • fax: 570-226-1105

CONGREGATION B’NAI HARIM

Affiliation: Union for Reform Judaism Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum President: Phyllis Miller P.O. Box 757 Sullivan Rd., Pocono Pines, PA 18350 (located at RT 940 and Pocono Crest Rd at Sullivan Trail 570-646-0100 • Website: www.bnaiharimpoconos.org Shabbat Morning Services, 10 am – noon; every other Saturday Potluck Shabbat Dinner with blessings and program of varying topics, one Friday every month – call for schedule.

JEWISH FELLOWSHIP OF HEMLOCK FARMS

Rabbi Steve Nathan President: Steve Natt Forest Drive 1516 Hemlock Farms, Lords Valley, PA 18428 570-775-7497 • E-Mail: jfhf@enter.net Friday evening Shabbat service 7:30 pm, Saturday morning Shabbat Service 9:30 am.

MACHZIKEH HADAS SYNAGOGUE Rabbi Mordechai Fine President: Dr. Shaya Barax 600 Monroe Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 570-342-6271

OHEV ZEDEK CONGREGATION

Rabbi Mordechai Fine 1432 Mulberry St, Scranton, PA 18510 Contact person: Michael Mellner - 570-343-3183

TEMPLE HESED

Union of Reform Judaism Rabbi Daniel J. Swartz President: Eric Weinberg 1 Knox Street, Scranton, PA 18505, (off Lake Scranton Rd.) 570-344-7201 Friday evening Shabbat, 8 pm; Saturday morning Shabbat, 11:15 am

TEMPLE ISRAEL OF DUNMORE

President: Isadore Steckel 515 East Drinker St., Dunmore, PA 18512 Saturday morning Shabbat 7:30 am; also services for Yizkor

TEMPLE ISRAEL OF THE POCONOS

Affiliation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Rabbi Baruch Melman President: Suzanne Tremper Contact person: Art Glantz 570-424-7876 711 Wallace St., Stroudsburg, PA, 18360 (one block off Rte. 191 (5th Street) at Avenue A) 570-421-8781 • Website: www.templeisraelofthepoconos.org E-Mail: tipoc@ptd.net Friday evening Shabbat, 8pm; Saturday morning Shabbat, 9 am

TEMPLE ISRAEL OF SCRANTON

Affiliation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism President: Michael Mardo 918 East Gibson St., Scranton, PA, 18510 (located at the corner of Gibson & Monroe Sts.) 570-342-0350 Fax: 570-342-7250 • E-Mail: tiscran@epix.net Sunday, 8 am; Mon & Thurs, 7:15 am; Tue, Wed & Fri, 7:25 am; Rosh Hodesh & Chagim weekdays, 7 am; Shabbat Morning Service, 8:45 am; evening services: Sun – Thurs, 5:45 pm; Friday Shabbat and Saturday Havdalah services, call for times.

A light unto the nations by RABBI AARON SLONIM, CHABAD CENTER, vestal, ny Vayeshev, Genesis 37:1-40:23 “A light unto the nations”: For most of us this is a familiar theme, a platitude we tout without too much thought about if or how this mandate is reflected in our personal lives. For the biblical Joseph, however, this was no tag line. It was, quite literally, the story of his life. In parashat Vayeshev, we read the story of Joseph’s descent to Egypt. From the beginning, Joseph’s life is punctuated by crisis. Time and time again he is mistreated and maligned. Yet, even in his lowly state, cast in the role of a young immigrant servant, those around him come to recognize his uniqueness. The Egyptians discern that Joseph enjoys Divine accompaniment and thus inordinate fortune and achievement: “His master realized that God was with Joseph and God granted success to everything he did.” (Genesis 39:3) Despite many challenges that come his way, he retains his dignity and, more importantly, a determination not to veer from what is right. One case in point is Joseph’s refusal to be seduced by his master’s wife. He resists her many overtures, knowing full well the dire consequences of his actions. Because of his unyielding position he is confined to prison. There again, surrounded by unsavory characters, Joseph draws upon his reservoir of spiritual strength to rise above his circumstance. Again, the fact that God is with him is apparent to those around him: “God was with Joseph and God granted him success in everything he did.” (Genesis 39:24) Through a series of events in prison, Joseph’s greatness becomes known to Pharaoh, who crowns him as viceroy. His rise to this position does not take a conventional course; over and over again, it is perceived that he is a man of God, possessed of supernal vision and energy. Through his

convictions he has a profound effect on Egyptian society, bringing the masses to a realization of a higher power that guides all. Of all biblical characters, only Joseph enjoys the distinction of being called a tzadik, for he, unlike any other, ventured into a dark, immoral place to shed the light of God. Joseph thus becomes the model for Jewish behavior in the exile; unwavering, unflinching devotion to God’s word keeps the Jew alive and earns him not only recognition, but respect. More than that, it is the way in which the world comes to recognize the Divine and bring His word into their lives. And that brings us to Chanukah. Chanukah is unique among our festivals in that a formalized rabbinic dictum urges Jews to publicize the miracle and share the message with the world-at-large. Originally, menorahs were lit outside the entrance of their homes. It was only later, for fear of religious persecution, that menorahs were moved inside, yet they were still lit with the intention of maximum publicity at doors or windows. Additionally, the Chanukah lights are lit specifically at night, when the contrast of the flames against the darkness is most clear. Like Joseph in Egypt, the Chanukah lights bring God’s eternal message into the dark night. Their radiance illuminates “the outside” so that it no longer looms as a threat, but rather beckons as an opportunity; another part of the world we can bring “inside.” Each one of us is Joseph with a message to project and share. Each one of us is a menorah with a unique glow to cast and, like on Chanukah, we must add to our luminescence consistently. Next Shabbat, which falls during Chanukah, we read the prophetic portion from Zechariah in which the prophet so succinctly and unequivocally captures the essence of Joseph and the holiday with the exclamation, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”

Oh, it’s frying time again... but it doesn’t have to be ping potatoes for healthier vegetables By Chavie Lieber that provide vitamins and nutrition as NEW YORK (JTA) – Gone are opposed to starch. “My favorite latke the days when the Chanukah holiday variety to make is my variation using meant an eight-day binge fest of all rutabaga and turnip,” Silver said. things fried. “Rutabaga is a starchy vegetable, The Festival of Lights, which but it’s not actually a carb. It gives commemorates the Maccabean revolt a similar consistency to potatoes and against the Greeks, has a longstanding is delicious.” tradition of oily foods such as latkes Shaya Klechevsky, a personal chef and donuts in remembrance of the from Brooklyn who writes the kosher miracle of the temple oil, which lasted cuisine blog At Your Palate, says eight days instead of the expected one. But for some, the holiday has become Swapping potatoes for other vegetables, there are ways to make healthier doan excuse to inhale fried potato pan- like carrots, zucchini and sweet potatoes, nuts, or sufganiyot – also a traditional cakes and custard-filled pastry. is one way to cut calories on the eight-day Chanukah food though one generally “People have a misconception of frying festival of Chanukah. (Photo by Sam more popular in Israel than the United States. But Klechevsky warns about the tradition to fry on Chanukah,” Felder/Creative Commons) playing too much with recipes. Yosef Silver, the author of the blog “When making the batter, you can use a little bit of This American Bite, told JTA. “The concept is to remember the oil, but that doesn’t necessarily mean frying. We’ve whole wheat if you want to veer away from white flour, gotten so wrapped up with frying, but there are ways to but you need to be careful because too much whole wheat will turn your donuts into bricks,” Klechevsky said. “You make Chanukah food, like latkes, just using oil.” These days, with everyone from the first lady on down can also substitute sugar with honey.” Rather than altering the recipe for the dough, Klechevsky drawing attention to our widening waistlines, Jewish foodies have plenty of options for consuming traditional holiday says the best way to make healthy donuts is to use healthy fillings, like sugar-free jams, nuts, fruit and granola. fare without packing on the pounds. Silver was raised on the old way – frying everything. “The best option is to bake donuts rather than fry them,” But now he prefers to bake latkes rather than fry them. “If Klechevsky said. “The taste won’t be the same, but it will you prefer to use the traditional potato latke recipe, the best be close. You can buy little round molds and fill them way to make it healthy would be to pan fry it with an oil with batter.” Erica Lokshin, a wellness dietitian at Sloan Kettering substitute like Pam,” Silver said. “If you want to incorporate Cancer Center in New York, points out that baked donuts oil, add only a tablespoon and lightly pan-fry it.” See “Frying” on page 15 For those who prefer a fried taste, Silver suggests swap-

DECEMBER 6, 2012 ■

THE REPORTER

New children’s books: high seas adventures, food and fun By Penny Schwartz BOSTON (JTA) – An imaginative historical tale of adventure set on the high seas will captivate young readers this Chanukah season. “Emanuel and the Hanukkah Rescue” is one of a few new children’s books for the eight day Festival of Lights, which begins this year on the evening of December 8. Meanwhile, two fun-filled books aim to get food-loving kids of all ages into the kitchen with tantalizing menus while offering other fun holiday activities. “Emanuel and the Hanukkah Rescue” by Heidi Smith Hyde, illustrated by Jamet Akib, Kar-Ben ($17.95 hardcover; $7.95 paperback; $13.95 ebook); ages 5-9. From the opening pages of “Emanuel and the Hanukkah Rescue,” young readers will know they’re in for something out of the ordinar y. Set in the 18th century whaling port of New Bedford, MA, the fictionalized historical tale by Heidi Smith Hyde tells the story of a spir- At right: “Emanuel and the ited 9-year-old Jewish Hanukkah Rescue” by Heidi boy named Emanuel Smith Hyde, illustrated by Aguilar whose father Jamet Akib. (Photo by Kar-Ben is a merchant who sells Publishing, a division of Lerner sailing supplies and Publishing Group) other provisions to the city’s whalers. “Papa, when will I be old enough to go to sea?” Emanuel asks his father, who cautions his son against the dangers of whaling. Emanuel yearns to place the family menorah in the window during Chanukah, but his father is fearful, recalling the tragedy of the Inquisition in his home country of Portugal, where Jews were not free to practice their faith. “This isn’t Portugal, Papa. This is America!” Emanuel protests, reminding his father that Chanukah celebrates religious freedom. On the last day of Chanukah, Emanuel stows away aboard a whaling ship, leaving a note for his papa explaining his hope to be free. But a sudden and vicious storm transforms the fun adventure, as Emanuel learns first-hand the dangers of the sea. By story’s end, the reunited father and son find

hope and courage in the light of Chanukah and its power to inspire freedom. Artist Jamel Akib’s richly colored pastel paintings cast a luminous glow across the landscape. His highly detailed, realistic illustrations put readers into the story, from the interiors of the merchant shop and the family home to the dramatic scenes at sea. One double-page spread depicts the busy working waterfront where angular, strong whalers unload crates and barrels from ships. Hyde was inspired to create the story after reading an article about Jewish involvement in New Bedford’s whaling industry. Jews were an integral part of the industry in New England coastal areas, she learned, serving as merchants, candle exporters and even ship owners. Some Jews in the region practiced their faith in secret. Hyde says she was struck by the parallels with Chanukah, with its themes of the miracle of the oil and religious freedom. In “Emanuel,” she wanted to explore what it means to hide one’s identity. “Mostly, I want kids to realize that it’s important to be themselves, not to be afraid of who they are,” she told JTA. “Hanukkah Sweets and Treats” by Ronne Randall, Windmill Books This colorful book offers step-by-step instructions for six holiday recipes, including Luscious Latkes, Easy Applesauce, Fudgy Gelt and a Cupcake Menorah. The large print format with lots of photographs and graphics opens with a two-page spread, “Before You Begin Cooking,” with lists of what you will need as well as safety precautions and even a section on how to use measuring spoons. Boxed sidebars offer littleknown facts on the history of apples, a note on the nutrition of potatoes (before they’re fried in oil) and this astonishing statistic: The largest bakery in Israel produces up to 250,000 sufganiyot – Israeli-style filled doughnuts – on each of the eight days of Chanukah. A simple glossary defines words, including dough, Maccabees, vitamin and Yiddish. “Maccabee Meals: Food and Fun for Hanukkah” by Judye Groner and Madeline Wikler, illustrated by Ursula Roma, Kar-Ben ($8.95 paperback; $6.95 ebook); ages 7-12. Authors Judye Groner and Madeline Wikler know a thing or two about kids and fun for the Jewish holidays. The pair have co-written more than two dozen books, including their first, “My Very Own Haggadah,” that has sold more than two million copies.

“Maccabee Meals” features large, easy-to-read print, lots of lively illustrations and a selection of enticing, unique recipes such as Waffle Latkes with yogurt, or a tea sandwich in the design of a menorah. Interspersed with the recipes and drawings are short stories and other Chanukah facts. One box tells readers that Chanukah and Christmas coincide once every 38 years. Who knew? All recipes are marked with a dreidel symbol “Maccabee Meals” by indicating whether they are Judye Groner and Madeline dairy, meat or pareve – and Wikler, illustrated by Ursula with a dreidel score ranging Roma. (Photo by Kar-Ben from no cooking ease to the Publishing, a division of harder use of hot stove with Lerner Publishing Group) an adult. Instructions for crafts, playing dreidel and candle blessings complete the book. Parents will most appreciate the page on party etiquette and this one-liner: “Remember, good cooks always leave the kitchen neat and clean.”

At right: A Menorah Sandwich recipe from the book “Maccabee Meals” by Judye Groner and Madeline Wikler, ill-ustrated by Ursula Roma. (Photo by KarBen Publishing, a division of Lerner Publishing Group)

ÊVisit the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania on the web at www.jewishnepa.org or on Facebook

THE REPORTER ■ december 6, 2012

With a candle each night, celebrate the many dimensions of courage

By Dasee Berkowitz NEW YORK (JTA) – My 4-year-old son is obsessed with superheroes, dressing up at every opportunity as the superhero du jour to do battle with the bad guys lurking around the corner. (My 2-year-old daughter is just as enthusiastic, but at her age all she can really muster is a “meanie” face.) From a developmental perspective, I know this fantasy play is his way of exercising control over a world he is learning is increasingly out of his control. But I also see other qualities – his desire to be strong, to stand up for the good guys – in short, to be courageous. Becoming courageous doesn’t happen overnight. It

Cease-fire

analysts to believe that the cease-fire is just a temporary respite and will allow Hamas the time to re-group, re-arm and re-train. Operation Pillar of Defense was not the decisive victory most Israelis wanted and, as a consequence, Israeli deterrence may have been only partially restored. While Hamas sustained serious and devastating damage to its command and control structures, its military infrastructure, its communications networks, its arms manufacturing capabilities and its weapons arsenals, its 15,000-strong militia remains largely intact. As a result, the moment the cease-fire was declared, Gazans filled the streets of Gaza City, as they did after 9/11, throwing candies in the air and proclaiming “victory over the Zionists” as they watched the residents of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv lie down on the ground or run to their safe rooms, stairwells and bomb shelters. Hamas will now boast that its “resistance” led to Israel’s agreement to end targeted killings and military operations in Gaza and the easing of restrictions on what can flow in and out of Gaza via land crossings and the sea – each of which are terms of the cease-fire agreement. In effect, Israeli concessions will be interpreted as flowing from Israeli weakness and eventually the perception of Israeli weakness will lead to a renewal of hostilities. Such is the culture of the Arab world. Another concern arising from Operation Pillar of Defense (although not perceived as such by the Western media) is that Egyptian President Morsi has emerged as one of the key players in the Middle East. Considerable power has now been placed in the hands of a country that ideologically identifies with Hamas. Morsi’s Islamist government brokered the cease-fire and is now not only a regional

From our families to yours,

At right: Writer Dasee Berkowitz's 4-year-old son, Tamir, prepared to battle the bad guys – his way of showing courage, which we celebrate at Chanukah. (Photo courtesy Dasee Berkowitz)

develops when children have opportunities to stand up for what’s right and to take responsible risks. Through experiences my husband and I provide, and the stories we tell them, we can lay some groundwork. As I think about a central message of the Chanukah story and the way I want to portray it to my kids, models of courage abound. From Judah Maccabee, to Judith and Hannah and her seven sons, heroes and heroines fought for the right to be different, to be Jews who refused to assimilate into the prevailing Hellenistic culture. When Antiochus Epiphanes came to power, and observance of the most basic mitzvot (circumcision, Shabbat See “Courage” on page 16

mediator on good terms with the U.S. president, but also an arbiter between Israel and Hamas with U.S. blessings. As such, if any side has complaints against the other, it must turn to Egypt for mediation. In accepting this provision, Israel has effectively deferred a major national security issue to a Muslim Brotherhooddominated Egyptian government committed to Israel’s destruction. Morsi remains adamant in his refusal to speak with Israelis, has problems even uttering the word “Israel” and supports the use of force against Israel to liberate “Muslim lands.” In the end, he not only has a serious credibility problem so far as the Israelis are concerned, but he will have to do a careful balancing act with his own Islamist constituents in his dealings with “the Zionist entity” (to quote Egypt’s leading Islamist clerics). In light of this, it is doubtful whether Egypt can serve as a fair and impartial mediator. Many in the security-diplomacy field share that doubt, but they also understand that the alternatives are far worse. Egypt’s new role as mediator is particularly worrisome, given recent disclosures by Debka that Netanyahu avoided a final ground invasion of Gaza due, in large measure, to Morsi’s threat to cancel the 1979 Peace Treaty with Israel. Israel’s problem is that Obama also cautioned Netanyahu against such an invasion at his press conference in Thailand during the crisis, when he said, “Israel has every right to expect that it does not have missiles fired into its territory... If (the defense of Israel) can be accomplished without a ramping up of military activity in Gaza, that’s preferable. It’s not just preferable for the people of Gaza. It’s also preferable for Israelis, because if Israeli troops are in Gaza, they’re much more at risk of incurring fatalities or being wounded.” Britain Foreign Secretary William Hague added to the warning by noting: “A ground invasion is much more difficult for the international community to sympathize with or support.” These warnings may have serious implications for the future if the recently negotiated cease-fire agreement breaks down. In determining whether or not to invade Gaza, Netanyahu, Barak and Lieberman are confronted with a dilemma. On the one hand, Morsi, the pragmatic Islamist that he is, will not jeopardize Egypt’s annual military aid package of $2 billion from the United States, the $6.3 billion pledge from the European Union and the $4.8 billion loan just approved by the International Monetary Fund by unilaterally terminating the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty unless he believes that he can terminate or

Continued from page 2 at least bypass the treaty without financial penalties. He knows that his views on an Israeli invasion are shared both by President Obama and EU leaders who are concerned about the diplomatic, political and economic backlash in the Arab world that would accompany an Israeli invasion and extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As Jonathan Halevy writes in the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, “The fear is that an all-out confrontation would spark an uncontrollable eruption of violence that would endanger Western interests in the Middle East, while also agitating Muslim communities in the West.” Should the cease-fire agreement fall apart, as is likely, Hamas will no doubt appeal to its Egyptian ally to abrogate or at least bypass the treaty, should Israel invade, and since U.S. and European opposition to an invasion is not expected to change for the reasons noted, Morsi may well decide to abrogate or bypass the provisions of the treaty if he believes that his U.S., European and World Bank benefactors will continue their financial commitments to Egypt because of the Israeli invasion. This time round, taking into account these two alternatives, Netanyahu determined that the lesser evil would be simply to accept the current cease-fire, rather than invading Gaza and risking both American political and financial censure and possible Egyptian termination of the treaty. In so doing, Israel may have won itself a brief respite from missile attacks on its civilian population, but not an end to the long-term threat posed by Hamas and its Salafist militias in Gaza. Despite a U.S. commitment to keep sophisticated Iranian missiles out of the hands of Hamas, the threat of a resurgent Hamas supported by Iran remains real. While its capacity to wage war has been seriously diminished, Hamas’ continuing ties with Iran, its genocidal ideology toward Jews and the Jewish state, and its entire socio-political and educational system which is based upon this jihadist pathology remain intact and unaltered. If Hamas is able to re-arm, re-train and re-group despite U.S. and Egyptian assurances to prevent it from doing so, then a more dangerous confrontation is assured. In that eventuality, if Morsi, Obama and EU leaders line up against an Israeli ground invasion (even though Hamas is an internationally recognized terrorist organization), Israel will face a Hobbesian choice. It will have to choose between a limited air operation with limited security goals along the lines of Operation Pillar of Defense or re-conquering Gaza and returning it to the status quo ante. If it chooses the latter, it may not only incur the wrath of the U.S. and Europeans, but facilitate Egypt’s revocation of the EgyptIsrael Treaty that has kept the peace between Egypt and Israel for more than three decades. As Barry Rubin writes, “If the idea of Israel going in on the ground into the Gaza Strip provoked so much international horror, imagine the reaction to Israel overthrowing Hamas altogether.” The moment for making that choice may not be far off. Mark Silverberg’s articles have been archived at www. marksilverberg.com.

Notice to our Pocono Readers 911 Emergency Management Services has been updating mailing addresses in Monroe County and Lehman Townships in Pike County. Please don't forget to notify the Federation so you will continue to receive The Reporter. Thanks, Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania

DECEMBER 6, 2012 ■

THE REPORTER

THE REPORTER ■ december 6, 2012

Relief

Where were all of my Hadassah members? What had happened to my large Rockaway Park Chapter of Hadassah? Where could I find my beloved Jewish community? How could I find the Jewish community when the three synagogues were closed – with “condemned” or “restricted” signs posted on their doors? As I got out of the truck and stood in front of Ohab Tzdek – the Belle Harbor Jewish Center, memories of all the Shabbatons that I had participated in flooded my mind as tears rolled down my face. Elana came out of the truck and asked me if I was OK. “How can I be OK?” I sobbed. “This is my life.” How did we find the Jews of Rockaway Park and Belle Harbor? The mezuzot affixed to doorposts tell a story of a thriving, well-positioned Jewish community. We found houses and mezuzot, but no people. Elana took us to the home of one of her friends and I got permission to enter his home and take photos. He and his family will not be able to return to this home for at least a year. So, where did we find the people who needed our donations? 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. There were so many cars – some damaged by the storm and others still intact. It was difficult to find a place to park the truck. The parking lot was full of people, as was the building itself – people quietly taking much-needed items for cleaning their homes, for personal hygiene and to wear. 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. 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 Jersey license plate. When I said no and told her that we were from the Poconos – from Northeastern Pennsylvania – she turned around and stopped both the workers and the victims of Hurricane Sandy. She said, “These people have

Inside the church, the plaster and drywall were destroyed by the flooding.

Grow Yourself...

Continued from page 5 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 Elana, Tony and I took our truck into what is known as the Peninsula – the poorest neighborhoods in the Rockaways. Elana saw a tiny church visibly in need and a few congregants visibly struggling to clean. She and I got out of the truck and left Tony with it. As Elana and I entered into what was now a skeleton of a church, we asked for the pastor and we were greeted by a charming, well-spoken man from A community in need met at the church, where members collected donated either Sierra Leone or the Ivory Coast. supplies. He brought his wife to meet me and we embraced each There were members of his congregation, dressed in their Sabbath clothes, trying to clean the church – everything other, crying. Her words, “Thank you, thank you.” My words, “You are welcome, you are welcome. You are not alone.” We that could be salvaged was in the front yard. We told him that we had come from Pennsylvania to kissed each other’s cheeks and comforted each other. Tony, Elana and I returned to our now empty Mitzvah help and asked him if he and his people needed supplies. I still have no idea what this charming African minister and Truck and drove Elana back to Forest Hills. As Tony and his congregants thought of two white women – one with I proceeded back to Stroudsburg, my mind was filled with flaming red hair and the other still crying from a variety of visions of destruction and devastation. But words echoed in experiences – standing near him, offering help. I do know my mind as well... “They have come from Pennsylvania to that when we asked for help unloading, everyone volun- help us. They are from the Jewish community in the Poconos, but they have come to help all of us. She says that she will teered, even the youngest boy of about 9 years of age. I invited them to look in the truck and take what they come back again. Thank you. God bless you.” What I have not seen since the onset of this horrible needed. We unloaded the remainder of items in the truck – cleaning items, toilet paper, all of the clothes that had storm is an organized hands-on response from any Jewish been donated and purchased through donations, and the community – other than ours. I finally understood why I named our truck the “Mitzfew food items that we had on the truck. They formed a human chain and passed box after box down vah Truck” – our fragmented Jewish community has from the truck, into their yard and onto a long table. At the end, come together to take a stand as the Jewish community of I handed them the blankets and afghans that I had taken from Northeastern Pennsylvania to help those devastated by this horrific storm. We must return again – this was not a storm my house and two boxes of my husband’s sweaters. As they opened everything and touched everything, whose signs can be swept away by brooms. I still must determine what help we can bring to the Far I watched the suffering on their faces lift for a moment, replaced with smiles. I saw one handsome young man Rockaway Jewish community. I still must find the rabbis pick up one of my husband’s sweaters and hold it against of the three synagogues in Belle Harbor and see what we, himself. I smiled at him as I thought how my Ferdinando the Jewish community of NEPA, can do to help them and would have literally taken a sweater off his back to give their congregations. And while we help rebuild Hashem’s synagogues in warmth to a shivering person. And then the pastor and his wife came to speak to me. Belle Harbor, we will also help rebuild a small church of The pastor said how he had lost everything. I told him, “You African Christians who met and were embraced by a Jewish still have your life.” His answer was “You are right. And communal leader from Queens and the Poconos. My thanks to all of you who have reached out to help where there is life there is hope.” I said, “This is a house of God and God does not forsake those who believe. I am and comfort a devastated community in need. I was and am proud to represent the Jewish community of Northeastern here and I will come back.” Pennsylvania in this endeavor. Dr. Sandra Alfonsi is the Northeastern Pennsylvania director of the Hurricane Sandy Relief Project.

Tour a 100 Year-Old House!

Guided tour of the 100 year old Catlin House See artifacts • clothing • furniture of the era Where: The Catlin House 232 Monroe Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510 When: Tuesday, December 18 from 6:30-8 pm Registration Information: JFS Members - $10 Non-Member - $15 To register please call 570-344-1186, or by e-mail bushwick@jfsoflackawanna.org Checks can be made payable to: Jewish Family Service of Lackawanna County Registration & Pre-Payment required

For future programming, check out our website at www.jfsoflackawanna.org

Above and below: Photos were taken in a Jewish home in Belle Harbor, NY, at the only home open for entry. 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.

DECEMBER 6, 2012 ■

THE REPORTER

Yale professor’s exhibit showed that “Big Food” is real – and scary By Elisa Spungen Bildner NEW HAVEN, CT (JTA) – What is it with Jews and food? We’re obsessed about it, but often with the wrong kind, like the large bagel we crave on the way into work – 337 calories, add another 50, plus 3 grams of saturated fat, for one tablespoon of cream cheese. Or, the oil-laden latkes we’ll be scarfing down come December – 83 calories and 5 grams of fat, and that’s merely one frozen potato pancake. (Courtesy of the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s vast nutritional database, Food-A-Pedia.) Jeannette Ickovics, a professor at the Yale School of Public Health, is also obsessed about food, but more often with the right kind. Yet she credits this directly to growing up in her Jewish home. Ickovics was the lead curator of “Big Food: Health, Culture and the Evolution of Eating,” an exhibit at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History in New Haven, CT, which ran through end of November. Despite the lofty subtitle, it’s really a graphic and entertaining display of society’s escalating descent into obesity, provoked by bad food choices and the creeping supersizing of portions.

Pablo Cruz and his mother, Sarah Miller, reacted to a display on the power of food marketing logos from popular soft drink companies on baby bottles at the “Big Food: Health, Culture and the Evolution of Eating” exhibit at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History in New Haven, CT. (Photo by Yale School of Public Health)

Sarah Conley, a visitor to the “Big Food: Health, Culture and the Evolution of Eating” exhibit at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History in New Haven, CT, grimaced as she handled the equivalent of five pounds of human fat while her sister, Gloria, looked on. (Photo by Yale School of Public Health) Since chances are you did not make it to the exhibit, I’ll give you a digest of the highlights. I begin my Ickovics-guided tour with lunch: She thoughtfully schleps a portable smorgasbord of lentils, grilled peppers, zucchini and at least three other vegetables to the Peabody, so that I will be less inclined to grab a slice of Frank Pepe’s legendary pizza on my way into town. Ickovics tells me her parents – both Holocaust survivors – settled in Philadelphia in 1961 by way of Hungary, where her father joined the army during World War II, using fake Catholic papers, before spying for the Russians in the Resistance. Her mother came through Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Reichenbach concentration camps. Post-Holocaust: a displaced persons camp; Genoa, Italy; and finally, Haifa. In 1960s America, when other parents opened boxes of Kraft spaghetti dinner for supper or Kellogg’s brown sugar cinnamon Pop-Tarts for breakfast, Ickovics’ newly immigrated mother, Rachel, served borscht from fresh beets, shlishkes – the Hungarian version of gnocchi – and walnuts and honey or an occasional apple cake for dessert – homemade, of course. “We grew up on whole foods,”

says Ickovics. “We didn’t get meals from a can, box or plastic bag.” She ate in the same way her mother was reared in her Hungarian Jewish home: fresh vegetables, beans, everything from scratch, she says. In her own life, Ickovics believes in moderation; she says research indicates this way of eating is more sustainable, especially for weight loss. “You could argue that there are traditional foods, Jewish treats like bagels, lox and cream cheese, that are high in fat and sugar, and that you should never have them,” she says. “But that’s not where I draw my personal line as a mother or professor of public health. Enjoy them, but only occasionally.” Ickovics clearly draws the line, though, at soda (or “pop,” as I called the Diet Rite Cola that was a staple in my ‘60s suburban Chicago home). “Big Food” is unmerciful toward sugary drinks: Choosing these is a no-no. One exhibit showcases cans and bottles of liquids alongside See “Food” on page 21

The drink exhibit at the “Big Food: Health, Culture and the Evolution of Eating” exhibit at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History in New Haven, CT, showed that many popular beverages pack a sugary punch, with some having as many as 20 spoonfuls in a single container. (Photo by Yale School of Public Health)

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THE REPORTER ■ december 6, 2012

Jewish music notes

With Farsi album, Israeli singer Rita finds herself a fan club in Iran By Chavie Lieber NEW YORK (JTA) – It’s not every day an Israeli wakes up to an e-mail inbox full of love letters from Iran. Yet they come in droves to the Israeli singer Rita Yahan-Farouz. The 50-year-old Iran native, who performs under the name Rita, is arguably Israel’s most popular female entertainer. She has put out 12 albums since hitting the Israeli music scene in 1985, many of them going platinum on the country’s charts. Rita’s latest album, “My Joys,” is sung in Farsi, in which she is fluent. By including old folk tunes from Iranian culture, like the traditional Persian wedding song “Shah Doomad,” Rita has won legions of listeners in a land whose leaders regularly call for her adopted country’s demise. “You wouldn’t believe some of the emails I get from people in Iran,” Rita says laughingly during a phone interview with JTA while traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco as part of her U.S. tour through mid-November. “They tell me how much they love me and how much they love Israel.” Rita describes her musical vibe as a “gypsy band,” infusing classic Mediterranean spirits of complex percussion rhythms and upbeat tempos with unusual instruments of the genre like woodwinds, ouds and violins. Growing up in Tehran under the shah’s rule, Rita remembers a vibrant childhood filled with Persian music. Still, the family kept their Jewish identity a secret from neighbors. In 1970, when Rita was 8, her family moved to Israel. “My sister came home from school one time in tears because her teacher asked her to recite a Muslim prayer in front of the class. The teacher

Malka Spigel CD

Israeli musician Malka Spigel recently released her new CD “Every Day Is Like The First Day” via Swim. The CD features Spigel, Colin Newman and a number of collaborators, including Andy Ramsay, Johnny Marr and Matthew Simms. To learn more about Spigel, visit www.mayanewman.com.

Jewish children’s music CD

The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism has released the 11th CD in its “The Spirit Series”: “The Spirit of Jewish Children’s Music.” It features music and prayers sung by members of the Cantors Assembly and includes familiar and new compositions with Hebrew texts, translations, and commentaries. The suggested donation for each CD is $18. For more information or to order a CD, call 866-5-SHALOM.

The Israeli singer Rita is hoping to have her next concert in Iran, where many fans buy her music on the black market. (Photo by Araham Joseph Pal) was shocked when she didn’t know it,” Rita recalls. “After that incident, my father decided we should leave Iran.” Rita says she has dreamed of creating an album that could serve as a bridge between two countries that have seen nothing but tension in recent years. “The songs on my album in Farsi are the soundtrack of my childhood,” she says. “My mother had a beautiful voice and was always singing these traditional songs to me, even when we were in Israel, so there was always a piece of Iran in me. There’s more to the region than violence, bombs and darkness, and I want to share the rich culture I am a part of.” Since Iran’s Internet is heavily censored by the government, Rita’s album is sold on the black market, fans have told her. But her music is played at weddings and nightclubs in Iran, and she says her fans love the fact that she’s Israeli. Rita says the power of music has already created a dialogue with the people of Iran: Many who e-mail her write that they don’t hate Israelis and want nothing more than to hear her perform. “I’m completely in love with your voice – you have no idea how hard it was to send you this e-mail!” one fan writes. “My wish is that one day I can see you perform in Israel – even if this means that upon returning to Iran, I would have to be beaten, and imprisoned for three years.” And another: “I’m writing you from Shiraz in Iran, and just wanted to tell you that you’re a source of great pride for us. The beautiful and emotional songs you sing in this time of war, this crazy time of Islamic control gives an overwhelming feeling of closeness and love between the countries of Iran and Israel. I ask from the great and merciful god to send you happiness and health.” Rita is happy that she can send positive messages about Israel to the rest of the world and would like to perform in Iran. “There’s a good chance I will perform in Iran very soon, as soon as the borders are easy to open,” she says. “I have a strong connection to the people of Iran and it would send an incredible message.”

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Dreams of stardom dashed, L.A. cantor turns to Jewish spiritual music

By Rebecca Spence LOS ANGELES (JTA) – In 1999, Hillel Tigay was one half of the now defunct Jewish rap group M.O.T., which stood for Members of the Tribe. On songs like “Kosher Nostra” and “Oh God, Get a Job,” Tigay’s “Hebehop” alter-ego, Dr. Dreidel, riffed on such timeworn subjects as Jewish gangsters and gelt-minded mothers. Nearly 15 years later, Tigay, 43, is still taking his musical inspiration from the Jewish experience. But with his latest project, “Judeo,” the rap-inspired send-ups of Meyer Lansky and Yiddishe mamas have given way to heartfelt Hallelujah choruses and the ancient sounds of Middle Eastern instruments. “There is nobody more surprised by this entire project than me,” said Tigay, sitting barefoot in his wood-paneled living room in West Los Angeles. “If someone had told me 10 years ago that I’d be doing this, I would have laughed like Sarah in the Bible story.” Now a cantor at the progressive Los Angeles congregation Ikar, Tigay’s latest musical undertaking is a CD of Jewish spiritual music, sung in both Hebrew and Aramaic, that he hopes will cross over into the spiritual and world music markets. Like M.O.T., which Tigay describes as a kind of “performance art,” this latest project is concept-heavy. Set for a December 11 release, “Judeo” is based on Tigay’s interpretation of what music might have sounded like 2,000 years ago at the Temple in Jerusalem. While the Bible describes the instruments played – cymbals, drums, lyres and reed flutes, among them – as well as the Levites who sang psalms during sacrifices, there is, of course, no way to authentically reproduce what the music would have sounded like in the Second Temple period. After its destruction, the rabbis forbade Jews from playing instruments during prayer services as a sign of mourning and the music was lost. “I had two choices,” Tigay said of the album. “Either go for historical veracity or go for real beauty and resonance, and for me it was a no-brainer.” The result is evident on “Judeo’s” 10 songs, which owe as much to New Wave and classical music as they do to the haunting sounds of the santur, a steel-stringed harp used on the album, or the ney, a reed flute played since antiquity. In a sense, “Judeo” represents an amalgam of Tigay’s diverse influences, including the 1980s pop group Tears For Fears, Peter Gabriel and the Bach fugues he has loved since he was a student of musicology at the University of Pennsylvania. During his last semester at Penn, Tigay left Philadelphia for L.A., where he hoped to land a record deal. He managed to secure one at A&M, but it ultimately fell through. His next break, with M.O.T., faltered when the album was released with no marketing budget the same week as new albums from Seal and Madonna.

Hillel Tigay's new album “Judeo,” in Hebrew and Aramaic, is based on his interpretation of what music may have sounded like 2,000 years ago at the Temple in Jerusalem. (Photo courtesy Ikar Music Lab/PR) His dream of pop stardom effectively crushed, Tigay took a job as the cantor at Ikar, where a young rabbi named Sharon Brous was building a synagogue community more dynamic than any he had known growing up in Philadelphia’s Main Line suburbs. As the son of a renowned Bible scholar and Jewish educator, Tigay was heavily steeped in Judaism and had spent parts of his childhood in Israel, where his father, Jeffrey Tigay, would take sabbaticals.(Tigay is also the brother of former JTA reporter Chanan Tigay.) But despite his Conservative Jewish upbringing, and the fact that he was getting paid to sing at High Holidays services while still in high school, Tigay never imagined he’d follow in the family tradition. Seven years later, Tigay does not regret his decision to “go into his parents’ business,” as he puts it. If anything, Ikar has given him a solid platform for creative expression and experimentation. “Judeo” marks the first official project of the Ikar Music Lab, which Tigay and Brous hope will one day become a physical studio space when Ikar acquires its own building. The community has held Shabbat services at the Westside Jewish Community Center since its founding in 2004. Over the last several years, as Tigay composed the melodies for “Judeo,” he would bring them to services, where he regularly sings to the accompaniment of a hand drum. “Our community is a living laboratory for the music that Hillel has been creating,” Brous said. “As we learned how to pray more deeply than ever before, there was this beautiful interplay between the real live community and a profoundly talented composer.” Luckily for Tigay, that interplay between composer and community didn’t end with davening. Ikar member Jeff Ayeroff, a music executive who greenlighted Madonna’s career and spearheaded the marketing campaign for Paul Simon’s “Graceland,” proved instrumental in the making of “Judeo.” See “Music” on page 15

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THE REPORTER

Israeli startup Argo hopes to put paraplegics back on their feet By Ben Sales YOKNE’AM ILIT, Israel (JTA) – Radi Kaiuf was serving in Lebanon in 1988 with the Israel Defense Forces’ Golani Brigade when, in the middle of an operation, he took two bullets to the stomach and one to the back. He was lucky to be alive, doctors said, but he would never walk again. Now, Kaiuf meets co-workers at eye level, standing with them in the hallway of his workplace, Argo Medical Technologies. It’s on the sixth floor of an office building and if he wanted to, he could take the stairs. Four oblong black plastic cases are strapped to Kaiuf’s legs and waist, and connected to a thin black backpack. In his hands he’s holding what look like ski poles. Before walking away, Kaiuf presses a small button atop one of the poles, leans forward ever so slightly, and with the sound of a whirring machine, his legs begin to move. In one sense at least, the doctors were right: Without this device, Kaiuf would be confined to a wheelchair. But he is one of six people who, almost daily, use the ReWalk, a 44-pound exoskeleton that allows individuals with spinal cord injuries to walk, stand and sit with minimal exertion. “At the beginning I didn’t believe I could walk,” said Kaiuf, who now works full time at Argo testing the device. “All you know is the wheelchair. It was really incredible.

Music With a taste for Kirtan, the Hindu devotional music popularized in the U.S. by artists such as Krishna Das (the Long Island-born Jeffrey Kagel), Ayeroff encouraged Tigay to create something equally transcendent and uplifting. “I felt like there was a place for something like that in Jewish music,” Ayeroff said. Ayeroff’s involvement also took the album to the next level. To ensure that “Judeo” had broad appeal, Ayeroff turned to Shiva Baum, who had been the executive producer for Krishna Das’ “Breath of the Heart” album. When it came time for mixing, he called on Brandon Duncan, who had worked on albums by The Rolling Stones

Frying have half the calories and one-third the fat of fried. “Chanukah foods loaded in oil are high in cholesterol, which can be really bad for your heart, and eating them for eight says straight increases risks,” Lokshin said. Lokshin says that when serving toppings to go with latkes, reduced-fat sour cream and unsweetened applesauce are the best options. And since no one wants to feel deprived around the holidays, she suggests picking one night to indulge. “It’s better to designate which night of the holiday you will enjoy latkes and donuts, and stick to your regular eating routine on the other nights,” Lokshin said. “Otherwise, you’re picking at a donut here and a latke there, and over an eight-day period you will probably consume more than you hoped you had and it will throw off your eating routine in the long run.” Below are a couple of healthier latkes recipes. Roasted Gingered Carrot Latkes (From Shaya Klechevsky) 6 cups coarsely grated peeled carrots 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 3 Tbsp. whole wheat flour 1½ tsp. salt ¾ tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. ground black pepper 7 tsp. finely grated peeled fresh ginger 3 large eggs, beaten to blend Blended olive oil (for frying) Preheat oven to 425°. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with olive oil, or take a pastry brush dipped in olive oil and lightly

It’s fun to walk. It returns me to normal, like everyone else.” The ReWalk, which was developed by Argo and released in September, is the brainchild of Amit Goffer, an Israeli computer scientist and inventor who became paralyzed after a 1997 car accident. Although he cannot use the ReWalk himself because he lacks the use of his arms, he began designing the device with the help of a $50,000 grant from the Israeli government because he was frustrated at the lack of alternatives to a wheelchair. “It’s natural to me that if there’s a problem, physics has a solution,” said Goffer, 59, who is now Argo’s chief technological officer. He hopes to one day help develop a similar device for quadriplegics, though for now he is focused on launching the ReWalk. The device functions through motors attached to the legs that can propel a disabled person at a slow walking speed. A tilt sensor, the same technology used on Segway electric transporters, can sense whether the user wants to move forward or back, stand or sit. Poles are used for added support. Training for the ReWalk takes about 12 hours over the course of a few weeks. Larry Jasinski, Argo’s CEO, says the most difficult part of the training is getting used to walking and balancing again with only the upper body. “Individuals who got

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and Lucinda Williams. Finally, Ayeroff, who is credited as an executive producer, secured distribution through Warner Music Group’s independent arm, ADA. Whether or not “Judeo” finds an audience beyond the confines of the Jewish community, as Ayeroff and Tigay hope it will, is yet to be determined. But in the meantime, Tigay said he would be happy if the album brought a few unaffiliated members of the tribe back into the fold. “I want to attract disaffected Jews and change things for them,” he said. “If I can give them the religious experience they get from U2 or Coldplay in a Jewish context, then I’ll have accomplished my goal.”

injured, they changed the environment around them to live with ramps and function on wheels,” said Jasinski. “We give them functionality in a regular environment. There’s an emotional component of this product.” Though not yet cleared for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jasinski estimates that 250,000 people in the United States and Europe could use the ReWalk. The device is already available in Europe, where 32-year-old Claire Lomas completed the London Marathon with the help of a ReWalk in May. Lomas walked about two miles of the 26.2-mile course each day, completing it in a little over two weeks. That kind of performance doesn’t come cheap: the device costs $65,000 and Radi Kaiuf, who is paralyzed from the waist down, walks current models are not ex- using the ReWalk, a device made by Israel's Argo Medical pected to last more than five Technologies that allows paralyzed people to walk, stand, years. Jasinski counters that sit and even climb stairs. (Photo by Ben Sales) high-end electric wheelchairs are not much cheaper and added that Argo becomes clear that the medical benefit is working to conduct studies touting the outweighs the cost, you will get groups ReWalk’s health and work benefits in an to pay for it.” For many currently confined to wheeleffort to persuade insurance companies to chairs, however, the promise of walking cover part of the cost. The U.S. Department of Veterans again is priceless. “For them, if you have Affairs has already agreed to help buy something that can make you stand, you ReWalks for injured veterans and Jasinski go to the end of the world to get it,” Kaiuf is also hoping for assistance from Israel’s said. “In their dreams, they’re still walking. Defense Ministry. He noted that using the Their dream is to walk.” His happiest moment with the ReWalk ReWalk burns fat and builds some muscle. “A healthier person can work better,” came when his daughter saw him with it for said Jasinski. “It’s easier to work when the first time. “She said, ‘Abba, you’re tall!’” you can stand up and talk to people. If it he recalled. “That made me feel good.”

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coat the foil. Place grated carrots in a large bowl; press with paper towels to absorb any moisture. In another bowl, combine flours, salt, baking powder and pepper, and blend together. Add carrots, ginger and eggs to the flour mixture and combine. Mixture shouldn’t be too wet or too dry. When forming patties, the mixture should stick to itself and not come apart. If it’s too wet, add a little bit more flour; if it’s too dry, add more beaten egg. Allow to stand for 10-12 minutes for ingredients to absorb into each other. Place patties, about 3½-inch rounds, onto the greased baking sheet. Leave a little room around each one. Place tray into middle rack of oven and roast for 10-12 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Makes about 15 latkes. Rutabaga and Turnip Latkes (From Yosef Silver) 2 rutabaga, shredded 2 turnips, shredded 1 large onion, shredded 1 egg, plus one egg white ½ tsp. of garlic powder ¼ tsp. salt ½ tsp. of freshly ground black pepper Preheat the oven to 375°. Mix all the ingredients, then shape the latkes so they are approximately the size of your palm and about ¼-inch thick. Grease a cookie sheet with olive oil if you want to keep with tradition, or substitute coconut oil for a lighter alternative. Place the latkes on the cookie sheet with space between them. Once the oven has heated, bake the latkes until golden brown.

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THE REPORTER ■ december 6, 2012

In southern Italy, long-lost Jews returning to the fold

By Ruth Ellen Gruber SAN NICANDRO GARGANICO, Italy (JTA) – In the Christian cemetery of this sleepy farming town on the spur of Italy’s boot, Lucia Leone looks up at a row of tombs marked incongruously by Stars of David. “That’s my mother,” she said. “And that’s my grandmother and great-grandmother. And that’s Donato Manduzio, who started everything.” Manduzio, who died in 1948, was a self-taught local peasant, a disabled World War I veteran who in 1930 embraced Judaism on his own after having a visionary dream. A charismatic figure with a reputation as a faith healer, Manduzio attracted dozens of followers among his poverty-stricken neighbors. The San Nicandro Jews observed their own brand of homemade Judaism for years, even during fascist rule and World

Courage

celebration and kashrut) were turned into capital offenses, their acts of courage formed the basis of a central narrative of the Chanukah story that has been passed down through the generations. Consider Judah Macabee, whose army with a bunch of Jewish soldiers used guerrilla tactics and religious zeal to defeat the stronger Assyrian Greek army. He forced the Assyrian Greeks to rescind the policies that forbade Jewish practice, and in 164 B.C.E. liberated the Temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it to a place of Jewish worship. Consider Judith, who did her part to prevent the siege of Jerusalem in her hometown of Bethulia by seducing Holfenes, the Assyrian Greek army general, and then decapitating him. Her bravery is so highly esteemed by the rabbis that it is because of her act of courage that Jewish women are obligated to light Chanukah candles. And consider Hannah and her seven sons, who refused to bow down to Zeus and Antiochus, and eat non-kosher meat. The Book of Maccabees relates that each of her sons and then her mother were tortured to death. These acts of courage seem extreme and even unpalatable to our modern ear – what woman would sacrifice her son, not to mention all seven? And aren’t we a peace-loving people who should not extol brute force? But they also lead us to deeper questions about the nature of courage. Are there values and beliefs for which we are willing to make great sacrifices, and if any of these

Lucia Leone, shown here opening the shutters of the little synagogue in San Nicandro. (Photo by Ruth Ellen Gruber)

values or beliefs were to be violated, would we be stirred to action? While these figures present us with one narrative of the Chanukah story – of heroism in battle and martyrdom – a second narrative is favored by the ancient rabbis. The story begins with the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem and the faith that the Jews had that the small cruse of oil which should have lasted for one day only could last for eight (in time for others to travel and get more oil.) The second narrative downplays the military victory won by human hands and elevates the story to one in which our faith in God and God’s miracles are kindled. It reminds us that courage is born when we continue to have faith and hope even in our darkest time. Having faith in itself is an important kind of courage. While the call to be courageous is central to the Chanukah story – spiritually or physically – it is also daunting. But the rabbis offered another way for us to understand how to live a courageous life and be our own heroes. “Who is a hero?” the rabbis ask. “One who overcomes his urges?” (Mishna, Pirkei Avot 4:1) Overcoming our most natural desires and exercising personal restraint is another kind of heroism. This is a kind of everyday courage. When we are present in a difficult conversation with someone we care about even though our impulse is to leave, we are a hero. When we resist the urge to say something that we know will offend another person,

War II. But eventually they were recognized by Italian Jewish authorities and, in a remarkable episode, they formally converted en masse in the 1940s. “It would seem to be the only case of collective conversion to Judaism in modern times,” historian John Davis wrote in an acclaimed recent book about the case. Manduzio died two months before Israel was born. But almost all the others in the group – about 70 people – made aliyah by 1949. Leone, her family and a handful of other families are descendants of the four or five women who chose to stay behind. Some had never formally converted, some had non-Jewish husbands who didn’t want to leave. Against all odds, they kept Judaism alive in their homes – and in their hearts – for more than half a century, lighting the See “Italy” on page 18

Continued from page 10 even if we think it is warranted, we are courageous. When we have vowed not to feed a habit that is destructive to us, and when tempted and resist (a smoke, an extra piece of chocolate cake), we are being our own heroes. This Chanukah, celebrate all of the dimensions of courage by dedicating each night to one of them: Candle 1 to the classic Chanukah heroes of Judah Maccabee, Judith and Hannah. Candle 2 to the courageous acts of our children who welcome a new kid to the school, speak out against bullying or have faith that the next day at school might be a little better than today. Candle 3 to someone in your community who took up a cause you believe in and fought for it. Candle 4 to someone in your family – perhaps a parent or grandparent – and a courageous act they performed during their lives. Candle 5 to American and Israeli soldiers who are fighting to protect values and ideals that are sacred to us. Candle 6 to the courage that you have exercised by restraint – with a co-worker, spouse, child, friend or parent. Candle 7 to a person in your life who exemplifies courage the most. Candle 8 to that quality of courage in ourselves that enables us to bring light into dark places and for the energy to continue to stoke the embers of our own sense of courage.

DECEMBER 6, 2012 ■

THE REPORTER

THE REPORTER ■ december 6, 2012

Italy

Continued from page 16

candles, keeping kosher, and observing Shabbat and the holidays on their own. Until a decade ago, they maintained a low profile. “We weren’t afraid, but as much as possible we kept our identity to ourselves,” Leone, who is in her late 40s, told JTA. Today, they form a fervent congregation of about 35 people that has won the embrace of Italy’s Orthodox Jewish mainstream community as part of a concerted new effort by the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, or UCEI, aimed at reaching out to so-called Returning Jews in the south. “We don’t feel so alone anymore,” Leone said. “Every month a rabbi or teacher comes to us, and we meet up at the holidays and other times with Jews from Calabria, Sicily, Naples and elsewhere in Apulia. And of course there are a lot of websites and Facebook that help us keep in touch.” Last year, seven San Nicandro Jews underwent formal, Orthodox conversions. Leone, her husband and their two grown children were among them. “Finally!” Leone said. “Baruch Hashem! It took five years of study, but it was a beautiful experience.” The San Nicandro Jews are a special case, but they are among dozens of other Italians in the southern part of the country who are embracing Jewish identity. Spread out around several towns and cities, most are descendants of anusim – Jews forced to convert to Christianity or face expulsion 500 years ago. Many describe mysterious family

Lucia Leone looked up at the tombs marked with Stars of David of Donato Manduzio and some of his followers in the Christian cemetery in San Nicandro Garganico, Italy. (Photo by Ruth Ellen Gruber)

traditions rooted in Jewish practice: covering mirrors after a death or burning a bit of dough when baking bread. “These are people who maintained their Jewishness for dozens of generations,” said Rabbi Scialom Bahbout, chief rabbi for Naples and southern Italy. “They had very strong roots at the beginning and these left their mark.” Since 2010, Bahbout has been the UCEI’s religious reference point for the region. “I’ve been trying to converge the people together from the various regions – Apulia, Calabria, Sicily – to create a movement,” he told JTA. Others are reaching out, too. For the past decade, American Rabbi Barbara Aiello, whose own ancestors were anusim, has led Ner Tamid del Sud, an independent Jewish prayer and study center in Calabria. Aiello’s center operates outside the Orthodox Jewish establishment and is not recognized by the UCEI. But interest is so great, she said, that her group plans to open a new synagogue next summer when the building is completed. “Ner Tamid del Sud is not affiliated with any Jewish movement,” said Aiello, who divides her time between Calabria and the United States. “We are pluralistic in that we are open and welcoming to Jews of all backgrounds, including interfaith families and Jewish families where the father is the Jewish parent.” In early September, dozens of Jews from all over the south converged on Trani, an ancient port town on Italy’s heel, for a special Shabbat celebration that concluded Lech Lecha, a week-long Jewish cultural festival held in Trani and nine other Apulian towns. No Jews live in Trani, but the town has been a focal point for Jewish revival since 2004, when a medieval synagogue there that for centuries had been used as a church was deconsecrated and restored as a house of Jewish worship. This time, the congregation was too big for the tiny sanctuary and Saturday morning services took place in the piazza outside. At sundown, Bahbout held aloft the Havdalah candle as cries of “shavua tov!” kicked off the festival’s final night. Later, after dinner at a local restaurant that had been specially koshered for the occasion, Davide Scibilia, from Catania, Sicily, recounted how he had always known he was Jewish but only became affiliated with organized Jewry two or three years ago. “Our Judaism was lived in the home,” he said. “We celebrated Shabbat, I didn’t go to school on Saturday and my mother cooked dinner on Friday before sunset. My father circumcised me himself when I was 8 days old. “We didn’t eat meat because there wasn’t kosher food

Dancers outside the 13th century Scolanova synagogue in Trani, during the Lech Lecha Jewish culture festival in September. (Photo by Ruth Ellen Gruber) locally, so we cooked soya in all forms,” he added. “My mother was great in this.” Back in San Nicandro, Leone showed a visitor the community’s one-room meeting hall, where a picture of Manduzio held pride of place, and the tiny nearby synagogue where they meet to pray and sometimes host gatherings of other Jews from the south. On most Shabbats there is no minyan; most community members are women. Keeping the mitzvahs is not always easy, Leone said. For one thing, buying kosher meat means a four-hour drive to Rome. A proud Jewish mother, Leone kvelled over how her children were both immersed in Jewish life: Her daughter studies in Rome to be a Jewish teacher, and her son serves as a kosher supervisor, or mashgiach, at Shabbatons and other events. She did confess to one concern, however: Her daughter is still single. “Let’s hope for a good marriage – above all to a Jewish man,” she said. “She’s 27. It’s time.”

Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment

Your gift to the Annual Campaign DOES A WORLD OF GOOD. Endowing your gift allows you to be there for the Jewish community of NEPA forever. A Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) is a permanent fund that endows your Jewish community Annual Campaign gift as a lasting legacy. A PACE fund will continue to make an annual gift in perpetuity on your behalf. To determine the amount you need to endow your entire campaign gift, multiply your current annual gift by 20. You can fund your PACE by adding the JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA to your will, or by making the Federation a beneficiary of your IRA. All contributions to establish a PACE are tax deductible.

Let your name be remembered as a blessing. Endowments can be created through a variety of vehicles, some of which do not necessitate funding during your lifetime yet still provide your estate with considerable tax benefits. They also enable you to perpetuate your commitment to the Annual Campaign in a way that best achieves your own personal financial and estate planning goals. Examples Of Ways To Fund Your Pace Gift Are:

* outright contribution of cash, appreciated securities or other long-term * capital gain property such as real estate * charitable remainder trust * gift of life insurance * charitable lead trust * gift of IRA or pension plan assets * grant from your foundation * reserved life estate in your residence * bequest Using appreciated property, such as securities or real estate, affords you the opportunity to eliminate the income tax on the long-term capital gain, will in some instances generate a full income tax charitable deduction and will remove those assets from your estate for estate tax purposes. For more information contact Mark Silverberg at Mark.Silverberg@jewishnepa.org or call 570-961-2300.

DECEMBER 6, 2012 ■

THE REPORTER

WONDERING WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP? DONATE NOW! 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

THE REPORTER ■ december 6, 2012

In Jewish literature

Jewish fiction finds a new home on the Internet By Jeffrey F. Barken JNS.org Speaking over lively klezmer music in a Krakow café, Canadian author and freelance journalist Menachem Kaiser wonders if Jewish readers are comfortable with the term “Jewish fiction.” Kaiser is a recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship in Lithuania, where he teaches creative writing. His story, “Din,” was recently published alongside several prominent authors in a new online journal, JewishFiction.net. “Din” is a sensitive account of the personal guilt and private anguish of “genetic incompatibility” faced by a young Jewish couple, each a carrier of lethal Tay Sachs disease. Although Kaiser admits that his Jewish background strongly influences his work, and that “highly Jewish” themes often rise to the surface and become his focus, he is reluctant to narrowly define the genre that he and fellow Jewish writers produce. “Are we writing in a closed language?” he tells JNS.org, warning against typifying Jewish motifs. “We’re not exactly an endangered species and it’s not an emerging market. In many ways, it is actually a dominant voice.” If not dominant, Jewish voices have always been impacted by the cultural and political realities that surround the faith. Always at the center of modern public dialogue and debate, Israel is the source of strongly emotional and disparate views among readers. For Dr. Nora Gold, the founder and editor of JewishFiction.net, publishing Jewish stories from around the world has highlighted and linked unique perspectives. “I see this journal as a means to bring together in one place first-rate Jewish fiction from many different countries, thus allowing us all to experience simultaneously the rich diversity that exists within Jewish culture and the core elements that unite us,” she writes in the “About” section of the journal. “I am also committed to trying to build a bridge, and a dialogue, between Jewish writers in Israel and the Diaspora.” Since debuting in September 2010, the JewishFiction.net site (www.jewishfiction. net) – which can be read free of charge – has attracted readers in 95 different countries. Registered as a nonprofit in Canada, the site is the only online or print publication in the world devoted solely to Jewish fiction. Gold actively solicits and receives submissions and translations of works by distinguished authors – including Elie Wiesel, Ann Birstein, Chava Rosenfarb, Yorem Kaniuk and others – lending the publication real prestige. To achieve broad appeal, every issue reserves space for bright, energized, up-and-coming new writers. Gold’s team of reviewers is swamped with submissions and blessed with an abundance of young talent. Gold herself won a Canadian Jewish Book Award for “Marrow and Other Stories.” As editor-in-chief, Gold pays particular attention not only to gender balance, but also to the language mix represented on

the site. Every installment includes at least two or three Hebrew works translated into English. Stories have also been translated from Spanish, French, Russian, Rumanian, Serbian, Turkish, Croatian and Yiddish. Gold recalls founding JewishFiction.net in part because she worried that upheaval in the publishing industry might limit opportunities for Jewish voices to be heard. The global nature of the Internet allows her to portray a vivid perspective of Jewish communities previously isolated by language barriers, but also provides a vehicle for spotlighting quality storytelling otherwise rejected by mainstream publishers due to its Jewish content. Ostracizing Jewish writers is a serious charge. Yet, several writers in Gold’s circle readily recount rejection because their work focused on Jewish themes unfamiliar to general audiences. Indeed, many also worry that hints of antisemitism and anti-Israeli sentiment influence modern media practices. Author Leora Skolkin, whose novel “Edges” is currently being adapted for film and whose story, “A Tape of Helen Gilderstein Speaking,” was published in the December 2011 issue of JewishFiction.net, observes a narrowing of publishable Jewish perspectives, especially in journalism. “When I talk to Jewish Americans, they expect there to be one ideology or sensibility applicable to Israel,” she tells JNS.org. “This is not the case. For example, Israel is now less a by-product of the Holocaust in Europe than it once was. In fact it is an authentic Middle Eastern country and this viewpoint is almost never heard.” Skolkin’s fiction focuses primarily on her relationship with her mother, a character whose lineage in the Levant dates back to the 16th century. Skolkin’s mother represents the heroine who once concealed munitions during a daring mission to supply Haganah soldiers fighting for Israel’s independence, but she also is a symbol of the country’s historical diversity. Through this character, Skolkin is able to conjure a time when borders were porous, Israel was not surrounded by hostile Arab states, and Jewish relations with Palestinians were not as tense. “My mother always said: once you talk about certain things, you ruin them,” Skolkin writes in “A Tape of Helen Gilderstein Speaking.” The quotation is a reference to a Kabbalah ritual that her mother strictly observed. “In silence, you are preserving the dignity of experience,” Skolkin further explains the quote. She openly wonders if this method of dealing with traumatic events like the Holocaust might have saved Jewish people today from having to deal with a backlash in public opinion. “Prior to the 1967 war, there was still post-Holocaust sympathy for the plight of the Jews, but we forgot to be humble after victories and now we are seen as ‘occupiers,’” Skolkin says. She refuses to accept the See “Fiction” on page 21

Book review

Families, children and community by RABBI RACHEL ESSERMAN Many short stories focus on loners, people unable or unwilling to make human connections. While these works can offer insight into human nature, it was a pleasant change of pace to read two new collections whose authors concentrate on families, children and community. The characters in Racelle Rosett’s “Moving Waters” (Argo Navis) and David Ebenbach’s “Into the Wilderness” (Washington Writer’s Publishing House) show just how important are the warmth, love and caring that others can offer, particularly during the difficult times in our lives. The majority of the characters in “Moving Waters” belong to a Reform Jewish synagogue in Hollywood. While each story can be read separately, the readers’ experience is enriched by glimpses of reoccurring characters, who play major roles in some tales and minor roles in others. For example, Rabbi Beth Rosen is the focus of several stories, my favorite of which is “Tiyul,” which perfectly captures the difficulty clergy experience when dealing with their congregants’ pain. Rabbi Beth’s compassion is clear in an earlier tale, “Beth Beth,” which shows her helping a member of the synagogue deal with major losses. Yet, she also appears in “Moving Waters,” the collection’s first story, which focuses on Winter Bloom. The wonderful opening shows how, to her great surprise, Winter falls in love with her son’s friend’s nanny. To mark the transition from heterosexual wife to lesbian lover, Rabbi Beth encourages her to visit the mikvah, an experience that reminds Winter how one change can affect many lives. Several stories focus on the relationship between parents and children. Rafe Mendelssohn is the main character in two moving tales, “Good” and “Minyon,” which explore Rafe’s feelings about the father who deserted him and his sister at a young age. In the former story, which takes place during Yom Kippur, Rafe must decide if he can forgive his father for the harm he’s done, even though the man has never asked for forgiveness. In the latter story, Rafe sits near a hospital chapel, wondering if he can find it in his heart to visit his dying father before it’s too late. In the sad, but beautifully written “Shomer,” the young narrator, who must come to terms with multiple losses, is astonished to find beauty still exists, but in an unexpected form. “Shidach” is a surprising, glorious story about a blind date: Neither Ira Berger nor Iris Tellerman are looking for a match. Ira is in love with his ex-wife and Iris still mourns for her late husband. When partway through the evening Iris must leave for a family emergency, Ira’s life takes an unexpected turn. Many of the stories concentrate on life

changes: In “New Jew,” Nina Shepard, who was brought up Christian, discovers her family is actually Jewish. The shock leads her to a synagogue, where she discovers an unexpected connection. Convert Alison Emory Rosenblatt wonders if she will ever feel completely at ease in her synagogue in the wonderful “The Heart of the Stranger,” although she also experiences a sense of wonder that her daughter considers the building a second home. While the characters in “Moving Water” belong to the same community, the people featured in “Into the Wilderness” live in several different cities. What ties these stories together is their focus on the difficulties and joys of being a parent. For example, in “Jewish Day,” a divorced father wants to spend a pleasant day with his two children at a baseball game. Unfortunately, his son sulks because he’s missing a birthday party and his daughter roots for the opposing team, which irritates the Mets fans sitting close by. A father of a newborn realizes the very different ways he and his wife feel about her career in “Near Missing.” Although he longs to protect his wife, whose difficult pregnancy has left him fearful, she looks to challenge her body by demanding physical feats. In “Naming,” a couple debates whether or not they should have a child; everyone else they know seems to be starting a family, yet they are unsure if having a baby is right for them. A father helps his son deal with the loss of his first love in the moving “Hungry to Eat” by not only offering food, but allowing his son to see the losses he’s suffered. “Peanuts” is a terrific story about a lesbian couple who ponder whether or not their son needs a male influence in his life. The tale’s twists and turns will leave you smiling. My favorite stories, though, are the four “Judith” tales. In these delightful works, readers learn how Judith almost absentmindedly became a single parent. In “Into the Wilderness,” she arrives home from the hospital with her daughter and that first evening is surprised to find herself no longer alone in her apartment. Explaining her reaction to being pregnant is the focus of “Judith in the Path,” while the third story “Judith Gone Wild” shows just how exhausting it is to be a single parent of a baby who doesn’t sleep through the night. However, my favorite tale is the moving and marvelous “Life is the Fruit,” in which Judith must not only decide on a name for her baby in time for the naming ceremony at her synagogue, but plan how she is going to deal with all the changes that have occurred in her life. While each story is satisfying on its own, together they become a wonderful look at parental love. Part of me hopes that See “Families” on page 21

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DECEMBER 6, 2012 ■

Food

varying numbers of bright orange spoons corresponding to the amount of sugar in each: 16 spoonfuls of sugar in a 20-ounce can of Red Bull, 19 spoonfuls in a 23-ounce can of Arizona Iced Tea. A slide show on milestones in our food history heralded the 1982 introduction of Diet Coke (weirdly, in retrospect) as one of the most successful product launches of the decade. How misguided we were: I also learned that “just one 8 oz. sugary drink every day increases a child’s odds of becoming obese by 60 percent.” Another display features clear plastic baby bottles painted with Diet Pepsi, Dr. Pepper and Mountain Dew logos. Ickovics tells me that she’s overheard people walking by, loudly complaining that it was poor taste for “Big Food” to fabricate such monstrosities for the exhibit. But they weren’t fabricated, Ickovits says. “They were purchased,” Ickovics insists, explaining that companies shrewdly manufactured these bottles because they knew that kids, potential consumers, “learn to identify logos before they learn to read.” We walk through the narrow entry to the exhibit, lined on either side with Plexiglas panels shielding, among other items, a mountain of 2-liter plastic bottles of Coke, Sprite and Pepsi on one side, and fake round loaves of white bread and a large oval platter of 36 pounds of dummy French fries on the other. The exhibition illustrates to scale the amount of food the average American eats every year. This includes 170 pounds of red meat, 79 pounds of added fats and oils, 607 pounds of dairy, including 33 of cheese and 5 gallons of ice cream. Compare this to only 127 and 149 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables, respectively. A mock kid’s room, complete with a teen mannequin supine on his bed, his left hand reaching into a bag of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips and his right fiddling with a TV remote, wordlessly puts many of the exhibit’s messages together. Sneakers lie unworn on the floor, a desktop computer is on, a sociology text sits closed on the night table next to a Pepsi can, a psychology book for school is also unread. Message on the computer monitor: Log out, go outside and play. Another exhibit speaks more pointedly to this kid’s parents. Chili con carne recipes from two editions of that American classic, “The Joy of Cooking,” are compared. A single serving in the 1936 edition is 243 calories; the 2006 version shoots up to 611 calories, thanks to three

times the amount of beef. Perhaps Big Food’s piece de resistance is the slimylooking yellow blob marbled with pink, situated alone in a case in the middle of the exhibit: the plastic equivalent of five pounds of human fat. A teenage girl walks by and tells her mom that “it’s the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen.” Her mother responds: “I can’t believe that’s really just five extra pounds.” Big Food is fun to wander through, although the obesity statistics are sobering: In 2010, more than 20 percent of the adult population in every state was obese, and in two-thirds, that total was more than 30 percent. One out of every two adults and one out of every three kids is overweight or obese. So what’s fun in “Big Food”? You can try “Smash Your Food,” which identifies the fat, sugar and salt in what you’ve (virtually) smashed. There’s another game consisting of prettily colored wood doors, with a nutrition facts label posted on the outside of each. Visitors have to guess what food’s inside. One lime green door is plastered with an ingredient list 18 lines long. We learn that a single serving of this mystery product is 260 calories and contains 14 grams of fat. Open the door and you’re staring at a package of Nacho Cheese Doritos. “Big Food” also turns its attention to that ubiquitous Jewish (Polish, to be exact) delicacy, the bagel. There are two replicas: one, looking minute, represents the bagel circa 20 years ago (140 calories), while the other, huger in comparison, signifies the bagel of today (350

Families

Continued from page 20

Ebenbach will write more about Judith (a novel perhaps?) since she is such an appealing character. Both authors make you feel for their characters, who come across as friends and neighbors, people whose acquaintance I was glad to make. The fact that some are Jewishly connected adds to the stories’ charm. In Rosett’s case, it’s wonderful to read about people who care for their community and synagogue, knowing that it can help them through difficult times. While not all of Ebenbach’s stories have Jewish themes, the idea of the importance of family shines through. Each collection is so well done, I look forward to more works by both authors.

THE REPORTER

Continued from page 13 calories). Even time-honored Jewish foods can’t escape supersizing. Ickovics says that “Big Food” has reached more than 100,000 people and that negotiations are under way for “Big Food to Go,” a national tour. The opportunity to improve the health of individuals, families and communities is part of her personal tikkun olam, and the reason she chose a career in public health and curated this exhibition. “All the work I do is guided by a moral compass deep in my core that says we must not be indifferent in the face of injustice and inequity,” she says. I asked if she had parting nutritional advice for a Jewish audience. “Break bread (not too much), enjoy your latkes (with applesauce instead of sour cream) and raise your glass (water, not soda). L’chaim!” Elisa Spungen Bildner is the co-chairwoman of JTA’s Board of Directors.

Fiction

Continued from page 20 title of “occupiers” given her family’s presence in Israel long before the conception of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ultimately, Skolkin sees a unique opportunity for writers submitting their work to JewishFiction.net rather than to mainstream publications like the New Yorker, The New York Times, or even popular Jewish sites like Tablet. “I thirst for the world to be more open to a comprehensive history of Israel,” she explains. “At JewishFiction.net, there is real diversity you can’t get anywhere else. What Dr. Gold and JewishFiction.net gave me was a sense of affirmation.” As new and acclaimed voices in fiction join JewishFiction.net, it is clear that Gold is fulfilling her ambition: highlighting the rich diversity of Jewish culture. Whether or not the publication represents the emerging genre of “Jewish fiction,” the term Kaiser worries is overbearing, ultimately will be determined by the publication’s readership. Gold is pleased to report that JewishFiction.net engages a large Jewish audience as well as a growing number of enthusiastic non-Jewish readers. Kaiser, meanwhile, remains focused on his writing and distances himself from being labeled a Jewish author. “You get a nugget of an idea and something happens,” he advises creative writers, “whether or not the story fits with a publication’s mission shouldn’t matter.”

ÊVisit the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania on the web at www.jewishnepa.org or on Facebook

THE REPORTER ■ december 6, 2012

New Season of

Films!

December 2012

• Non-Feature Films •

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, Warsaw’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 studyhis own. Gabor Boritt is an expert on Abraham Lincoln and the American Civil War. But it took his son’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. Constantine’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. Carroll’s 2001 book Constantine’s Sword. Inside Hana’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 Brady’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, Hana’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: Democracy’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 baseball’s first Jewish star, Hammering Hank Greenberg’s career contains all the makings of a true American success story.

• Feature Films •

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) A Woman Called Golda - Ingrid Bergman plays Golda Meir, the Russian born, Wisconsin raised woman who became Israel’s prime minister in the 1960’s and early 1970’s. Crossing Delancey - This is a warm comedy taking place in New York City. Isabella Grossman desires to rise above her family’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 - It’s 1850 and new rabbi Avram Belinski sets out from Philadelphia toward San Francisco. Cowpoke bandit Tom Lillard hasn’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 Halder’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 woman’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. Nora’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 Nora’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. “Operation Thunderbolt,” 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 passengers’ captivity in Uganda to the agonized debates at the highest levels of the Israeli government over a diplomatic vs. a military solution. “Operation Thunderbolt” 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 “terrorist state” should see the film and be reminded who the real terrorists are.

NEWS IN bRIEF From JTA

Israeli Cabinet resolution rejects U.N. vote upgrading Palestinian status

Israel’s Cabinet approved a resolution rejecting the U.N. vote to upgrade the status of the Palestinians and said it would not transfer tax payments to the Palestinian Authority. The resolution was adopted on Dec. 2 at the regular weekly Cabinet meeting. “The Jewish people have natural, historical, legal rights to its homeland with its eternal capital Jerusalem,” it said in part. “The state of Israel as the state of the Jewish people has rights and claims to areas that are under dispute in the land of Israel.” The resolution also said that the Nov. 29 vote by the United Nations’ General Assembly to grant the Palestinians non-member observer state status will not be used as the basis for future peace negotiations. Also on Dec. 2, Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz said he would not transfer tax payments collected by Israel on behalf of the Palestinian Authority as part of the punitive measures taken in the wake of the General Assembly vote. Instead, Steinitz said, he would use the money “to offset their debt to the Electric Corporation.” Israel collects taxes and customs duties on goods imported into the West Bank on behalf of the P.A. in the amount of approximately $100 million a month. It is not the first time that Israel has frozen payments to the Palestinian Authority.

Netanyahu: Israel to continue construction in settlements

Israel will continue to build in Jerusalem and other areas on its “map of strategic interests,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. Netanyahu made the remarks on Dec. 2 at the beginning of the regular Cabinet meeting as Israel was being slammed by the international community for authorizing the construction of about 3,000 new housing units near Jerusalem and in the West Bank. The authorization reportedly was made by the nine-member security Cabinet on the evening of Nov. 29 in the hours after the United Nations General Assembly approved enhanced observer statehood status for the Palestinians. Referring to the General Assembly vote, Netanyahu said at the Cabinet meeting, “The attack on Zionism and the state of Israel forces us to reinforce and speed up the implementation of the settlement plans in all the areas the government has decided to settle in. These are not my words, but the words of the government of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1975 following the U.N. resolution that compared Zionism to racism.” Defense Minister Ehud Barak confirmed on Dec. 2 that the construction approval was meant as a reaction to the Palestinian U.N. statehood bid. Many of the approved units reportedly will be built in the E1 corridor connecting Jerusalem to the large Ma’aleh Adumim settlement, and which the Palestinians say is necessary to keep the borders of their as yet-established Palestinian state contiguous. U.N. SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon said in a statement that the construction in the E1 corridor would “represent an almost fatal blow to remaining chances of securing a two-state solution.”

Int’l court to consider implications of U.N. Palestine resolution

Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court said following the U.N. General Assembly vote to upgrade the Palestinians’ status that the court “will consider the legal implications of this resolution.” Israel was concerned that the Palestinians with the upgraded observer state status they were granted on Nov. 29 would ask the court to prosecute Israeli military officials and political leaders for war crimes. The court, based in The Hague, is an independent organization and not part of the United Nations system. Israel is not a member of the treaty-based court, which was formed 10 years ago. ICC prosecutors in April decided not to investigate alleged war crimes during Israel’s month-long Operation Cast Lead in Gaza that began in December 2008.

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. Rashevski’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) Sarah’s Key - Julia Jarmond, an American journalist is commissioned to write an article about the notorious Vel d’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 couldn’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 naïve eight-year old boy who meets a boy while romping in the woods. A surprising friendship develops. The Couple - Based on the true story of a Jewish Hungarian’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. 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 cost… or was it? Wallenberg: A Hero’s Story - Wallenberg: A Hero’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.

December 2012

New to the Lending Library! 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 Dmitriy’s rare and remarkable devotion to both Orthodox Judaism and the pursuit of

DECEMBER 6, 2012 ■

THE REPORTER

NEWS IN bRIEF From JTA

Jonathan Pollard collapses in jail, rushed to hospital

Convicted spy for Israel Jonathan Pollard was undergoing observation in a hospital after collapsing in his jail cell. Pollard collapsed on Dec. 1 at the Federal Correction Institution in Butner, NC, after complaining of being in serious pain for several weeks. He is receiving strong pain management medication, the Committee to Bring Jonathan Pollard Home told JTA in a statement. Doctors are set to hold more consultations and decide on further medical intervention, the statement said. The committee said that Pollard’s wife, Esther, has been receiving updates about her husband’s condition. She and the committee have called on people to pray for his recovery. “Because of his long years of incarceration under harsh conditions (including seven years in solitary confinement), inadequate nutrition and inadequate medical care, Jonathan is suffering from numerous medical conditions,” the committee’s statement said. “The compounded effect of these multiple medical issues is wreaking havoc on his overall health and threatening his ability to survive. His body is simply worn out.” The statement called for Pollard’s “speedy release from prison so that he can finally get the medical attention he desperately needs, at home, in a humane and safe environment.” Pollard has suffered from a variety of illnesses since being imprisoned for life in 1986 after accepting a plea bargain for spying for Israel while working as a civilian analyst for the U.S. Navy. Esther Pollard recently asked President Barack Obama to grant clemency for her husband, since U.S. presidents often grant clemency requests from Thanksgiving through the winter holidays. The calls to release Pollard have intensified in recent months, with pleas from lawmakers and former top officials of both U.S. political parties. Pollard has been hospitalized several times during his time in prison. In April, he was rushed to a federal hospital outside the prison on the eve of Passover suffering from an unspecified emergency condition.

Jobbik deputy: Lawmaker with Israeli passport must step down

A lawmaker for Hungary’s ultranationalist Jobbik party demanded that a Parliament colleague resign because she has Israeli citizenship. Elod Novak said during a news conference on Nov. 29 that Katalin Ertsey of the opposition LMP Party should step down because she had an Israeli passport in addition to her Hungarian nationality. Index, a Hungarian news portal, later quoted Novak as saying, “Israel has more deputies in the Hungarian Parliament than they have in the Israeli Knesset,” and this caused the Hungarian Parliament to make “favorable” decisions toward Israel. Novak sent an e-mail to all deputies on Nov. 28 requesting that in the public interest, they make any dual citizenship public. The French news agency AFP quoted Attila Peterfalvi, president of the National Data Protection and Freedom of Information Authority, as saying a lawmaker’s dual citizenship is in the public domain but the other nationality is not made known. Having to declare that would be a “violation of human dignity,” he said. Novak’s comments came in the wake of remarks by fellow Jobbik lawmaker Marton Gyongyosi, who had proposed drawing up a list of people in the country “to see how many are of Jewish origin and present a certain national security risk to Hungary.” Gyongyosi made his remarks during a Nov. 26 parliamentary debate on Israel’s military operation against escalated terrorist bombings from the Gaza Strip. Gyongyosi later apologized to his “Jewish compatriots,” saying he meant only those with dual Hungarian-Israeli citizenship. The Anti-Defamation League has called Jobbik an “overtly antisemitic party.”

possible step to try to avoid war.” Barak did not address Iran in his prepared remarks, but, pressed by reporters, implied skepticism of the Obama administration’s diplomatic gambits. “Sanctions are working, and they’re more helping than anything I remember in the past, vis-a-vis Iran,” Barak said. “But I don’t believe that this kind of sanctions will bring the ayatollahs into a moment of truth, where they sit around the table and look at each other’s eyes and decide that the game is over, they cannot stand it anymore, they’re going to give up their nuclear intention. I don’t see it happening.” Instead, Barak said, Iran would have to be “coerced” into ending the program, which he predicted would happen in 2013. Barak also offered an implied critique of how the Obama administration was handling the civil war in Syria and the Assad regime’s brutal response. “It’s criminal behavior on a global scale, what he’s doing to his own people, using jet fighters and helicopters and artillery and tanks, killing his own people,” Barak said. “The whole world is watching. And somehow, it’s not easy to mobilize enough sense of purpose and unity of action and political will to translate the – our feelings about what happens there into action to stop it. And that’s one of the lessons I have took from the last few years in the Middle East.”

U.S. Senate passes enhanced Iran sanctions

The U.S. Senate, urged by AIPAC and over Obama administration objections, unanimously approved tightened Iran sanctions. “In an effort to circumvent international sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran, some purchasers of Iranian oil and natural gas have been using gold and other precious metals to pay for petroleum products,” the American Israel Public Affairs Committee said in a letter on Nov. 30 to senators considering the legislation, first proposed by Sens. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Mark Kirk (R-IL). “Iran in turn has used these precious metals to circumvent financial sanctions, using them to barter for goods,” said the AIPAC letter to senators. “The Menendez-Kirk-Lieberman amendment would close this loophole, without impacting humanitarian trade.” The Obama administration made a last-minute effort to kill the amendment, a move first reported by The Cable, which reports on Congress for Foreign Policy magazine. In meetings with sponsors, administration officials said the new sanctions would scare off efforts to enlist nations to cooperate with existing sanctions. “As we focus with our partners on effectively implementing these efforts, we believe additional authorities now threaten to undercut these efforts,” Tommy Vietor, the national security spokesman, told The Cable. “We also have concerns with some of the formulations as currently drafted in the text and want to work through them with our congressional partners to make the law more effective and consistent with the current sanctions law to ensure we don’t undercut our success to date.” The legislation, attached as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, passed later on Nov. 30 unanimously, earning AIPAC’s praise. “America must continue to lead the international effort to stop Iran’s illicit nuclear pursuit,” it said in a statement. “AIPAC urges the immediate implementation of the new sanctions.” Should the House also pass the NDAA, the amendment must survive reconciliation of the House and Senate bills. President Barack Obama is likely in any case to sign the NDAA, considered to be a critical defense spending bill.

Polish ministry says it’s working to protect ritual slaughter

Poland may need to changes its laws on animal welfare to preserve ritual slaughter there, the country’s Ministry of Agriculture said. The ministry statement on Nov. 30 came three days after a Polish court ruled that a 2004 government directive enshrining ritual slaughter was unconstitutional. “Immediately after the announcement of the decision, the minister of Agriculture and Rural Development has taken up actions to prepare legal solutions which would not lead to infringement”of religious freedoms, the ministry said in its statement. Michael Schudrich, the chief rabbi of Poland, told JTA, “We’re concerned, but have full confidence this will be dealt with in a timely and effective fashion. There is a tremendous amount of good will on the part of Polish government officials to resolve this.” The statement also said that Poland intended to implement Regulation 1099 – a set of rules drawn up by the European Union that is meant to legalize ritual slaughter in the EU’s 27 member states. The regulation is scheduled to come into effect on Jan. 1. Countries are not required to implement the rules or may implement them partially. Poland has about 6,000 Jews and 25,000 Muslims, according to the European Jewish Congress and the U.S. State Department, respectively. The country’s for-export industry of kosher and halal meat is worth approximately $259 million, according to the French news agency AFP, with kosher exports accounting for 20 percent, according to Piotr Kadlcik, president of the Union of Jewish Communities in Poland.

Obama administration pledges more funding for Iron Dome

The Obama administration will seek additional funding for Israel’s Iron Dome antimissile program in the wake of its successes in the most recent Israel-Hamas war. “This spring, we announced that we would provide $70 million in fiscal 2012 on top of the $205 million previously appropriated to meet Israel’s needs for that fiscal year,” Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said at a Pentagon news conference on Nov. 29 with his Israeli counterpart, Ehud Barak. “And we will obviously continue to work together to seek additional funding to enable Israel to boost Iron Dome’s capacity further and to help prevent the kind of escalation and violence that we’ve seen.” Panetta said Iron Dome intercepted 400 rockets during the eight day war, an 85 percent success rate. On Nov. 29, the Senate unanimously approved an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that urges the administration to assess any further Israeli need for additional Iron Dome batteries. Panetta presented Barak, who is retiring, with the Defense Department’s highest civilian honor – one traditionally given to U.S. presidents when they leave office – the Distinguished Public Servant Award. Panetta also presented Barak with a signed photo of the two men at an Iron Dome battery in Israel, in August. Barak, in turn, presented Panetta with a model of an Iron Dome missile. Barak is widely admired within the Pentagon establishment, and has been seen especially during his most recent tenure as defense minister in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government as the best address for U.S. pleas to Israel for restraint. Many of the recent U.S. overtures calling on Israel to keep from striking Iran in a bid to head off its suspected nuclear program were made in representations to Barak. The news conference, however, suggested that some fissures between the countries persist, particularly regarding Iran and Syria policy. Panetta said he and Barak had discussed Iran and suggested that Barak agreed with the U.S. assessment that “there is time and space for an effort to try to achieve a diplomatic solution.” Such a solution, Panetta continued, “remains, I believe, the preferred outcome for both the United States and for Israel,” Panetta said. “After all, Minister Barak is a battle-hardened warrior. And like so many great military leaders, he is fundamentally a man of peace, because he’s seen war firsthand. He recognizes that we must take every

PROJECT JOY, through the Scranton Jewish Community Center, was the “brainchild” of a very special woman, RoseBud Leventhal. Although RoseBud has passed on, the project continues in her memory. The monies come solely from private donations. Due to the ever changing needs of the community and our present economy, we have expanded our gift base. Our goal is a simple one. We want every child to experience a special holiday season. Through your generosity, we can do this. This year in our area the economic situation has worsened. Our gift might be the only one a child receives. Last year, over 70 children benefited from wonderful gifts we purchased from wish lists that we received from Jewish Family Services, the Catherine McCauley Center and Saint Joseph’s Center. In 2009 we added Children and Youth Services and Children’s Advocacy to our lists of needy children and were thrilled that we were able to help even more kids. And, as always, we still visited the pediatric departments of our three local Scranton hospitals to give their patients gifts of cheer over the holidays. Once we were made aware of specific needy families in the area, we were fortunate to have the monies to assist them too. We hope this year to give even more gifts with your help. Each year we receive so many “thank you letters and notes” which just confirms how extremely vital and special this project has become. This all depends on you! Please send a donation to “PROJECT JOY” in care of the Scranton JCC, 601 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510. Or you can just drop off a new unwrapped toy at the JCC office. We will be wrapping the gifts on Thursday, December 13th at the JCC starting at 9:00am. All volunteers are welcome. Please call Carol Leventhal at 587-2931 or 586-0241 if you will be able to help us wrap gifts this year. It’s fun and worthwhile! Thank You! Carol Leventhal, Chairperson Project Joy

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THE REPORTER ■ december 6, 2012