December 3, 2015 edition of The Reporter by Becky Schastey

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VOLUME XIII, NUMBER 24

DECEMBER 3, 2015

Israel just approved immigration for 9,000 Ethiopian Jews – here’s who they are BY BEN SALES TEL AVIV (JTA) – The Israeli government has approved entry of the “last” group of Ethiopian Jews awaiting immigration to Israel. The move comes two years after the arrival of 450 Ethiopian Jews then deemed to be the “last” such group. Indeed, there have been several groups said to be the last since Ethiopian immigration began in the 1970s. The initial wave was supposed to have ended with a giant military-style operation

in 1991. Then Ethiopian aliyah “ended” again, in 1998. Then again in 2008. And again in 2010. Each time, advocates of continuing Ethiopian immigration prevailed upon the government to let in not just more Jews, but other groups with Jewish ancestry. Experts and Ethiopian community members say this group may actually be the one capping three decades of Ethiopian immigration. But when the new arrivals hit Israel, they’ll encounter

a whole new set of challenges. EthiopianIsraelis lag in employment, wages and education, and have protested what they call institutional discrimination. “The need is not to just bring olim to the land, but to invest in their integration,” said Roni Akale, director-general of the Ethiopian National Project, which develops educational programs for Ethiopian youth. “If they don’t invest, there will be damage. The state needs to take care of them.”

Here’s who Israel’s 135,000 Ethiopian Jews are, why their aliyah has taken more than 30 years and how the immigrants have fared. Jews have lived in Ethiopia for 3,000 years. Many believe that Jews first arrived in Ethiopia three millennia ago after splitting off from King Solomon’s ancient Jewish kingdom. Since then, Ethiopian Judaism developed mostly in isolation from the rest of world Jewry. Ethiopian See “Ethiopian” on page 15

JCC holds ribbon cutting for newly renovated swimming pool BY DANIEL J. CARDONICK The Jewish Community Center of Scranton has reopened its pool after a $1.4 million improvement project of the aquatic center. The seven-month project renovated the pool and its 60-year-old mechanical and lighting systems. A

ribbon cutting and party was held to celebrate on November 15. Enhancements include a complete pool renovation; improvements to the inside observation deck; a new, modern electric filtration and HVAC system; expanded pool seating capacity; and new

windows. Additionally, the renovation project enabled the entire aquatic center to be handicap accessible. The new pool at the JCC will enable people of all ages

to attend expanded swim classes and water exercise classes. JCC representatives thanked all of

See “Pool” on page 6

L-r: Bill Calpin, Jeff Leventhal, Dan Cardonick, Paula Herman and Ann Monsky attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new pool on November 15.

School children and their teachers swam in the new pool.

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

JCC and JHC

Rare APBD affects Jews

Candle lighting December 4..................................4:15 pm December 11.................................4:15 pm December 18................................4:17 pm December 25............................... 4:20 pm January 1..................................... 4:25 pm January 8..................................... 4:32 pm January 15................................... 4:39 pm Janaury 22................................... 4:48 pm January 29................................... 4:56 pm February 5................................... 5:05 pm February 12..................................5:14 pm

Area Chanukah celebrations; The Jewish Heritage Connection The rare Adult Polyglucosan Body recipes; eight ways to celebrate is welcomed into its new home in Disease affects Ashkenazi Jews PLUS without gifts; and more. the Jewish Community Center. and has no treatment or cure. Opinion........................................................2 Stories on pages 3, 9-11 Story on page 3 Story on page 6 D’var Torah..............................................10

THE REPORTER ■ DECEMBER 3, 2015

A MATTER OF OPINION Jonathan Pollard: the case for commutation of sentence The following editorial originally appeared on Israel National News (Arutz Sheva) on March 27, 2013. Pollard was released on November 20. During the course of President Obama’s interview with Israel’s Channel 2 on March 21, in response to whether he would consider commuting the life sentence of former civilian American naval intelligence analyst and convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard, he remarked: “As president, my first obligation is to observe the law here in the U.S. I need to make sure that every individual is treated fairly and equally.” To do so, he should begin with a question. Why have former U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Lawrence Korb, for-

Correction

In the November 19 issue of The Reporter, the column on page 2 by Avi Ganz should have included notice that the piece was reprinted with permission of The Times of Israel. The Reporter apologizes for this ommission. The piece also should have said about the author: “Avi Ganz is the program director of Ohr Torah Stone’s Yeshivat Darkaynu. He lives with his wife and four children in Gush Etzion, where he volunteers for MDA, plays the blues on his Hohner and reminisces about playing tackle football with the IFL.”

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

President: David Malinov Executive Director: Mark Silverberg 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 Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown

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

mer U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Dennis DeConcini, President Ronald Reagan’s National Security Advisor Robert McFarlane, former CIA Director James Woolsey, former Attorney General Michael Mukasey, former Deputy Attorney-General Philip Heymann, former Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger

sentence a “great injustice” and disproportionate to the crime he committed. In 1987, Pollard pleaded guilty in a plea agreement (a deal quashed by the judge at the request of Caspar Weinberger, then-secretary of state who had a visceral dislike of Israel) to one count of providing classified American intelligence information to an ally – Israel. However, a newly-declassified 1987 CIA Damage Assessment indicates that the information Pollard provided to Israeli intelligence related MARK SILVERBERG to Tunisian, Syrian, Pakistani, Iraqi, Libyan, Iranian and and George Schultz, 39 U.S. Congress- Soviet nuclear, chemical and biological men, 18 U.S. ex-Senators and even the warfare capabilities – vital intelligence European Parliament (on September 16, that Israel was legally entitled to receive 1993) repeatedly called for Pollard’s in accordance with an executive order sentence to be commuted? signed by President Reagan, but which The answer, quite simply, is because was being withheld as retaliation for Pollard’s punishment did not fit his crime. Israel’s pre-emptive strike on Iraq’s McFarlane went so far as to write that nuclear reactors. Pollard’s imprisonment was “disgraceful It included photos of the PLO headquarand mean-spirited,” and “well beyond ters in Tunisia and information on Soviet what any court would sentence for the arms shipments to Syria and other Arab same action today.” He called Pollard’s life states; Tunisian and Libyan air defense

FROM THE DESK OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

systems; information on Egyptian missile systems; and information on planned terrorist attacks against Israeli civilian targets. With regard to Syria, in particular, Pollard provided documents concerning a suspected research and development facility; the Syrian electronics intelligence system; remotely piloted vehicles; a national command, control and communications center in Damascus; Syrian military units to which Soviet advisors were assigned; and medical intelligence information on then Syrian President Hafez al-Assad. The common denominator in these documents was that they all related to the existential threat posed to Israel by these hostile Middle Eastern Arab/Persian/Asian countries. Pollard was never charged with treason, was not motivated by profit and was never indicted for harming the United States or for compromising U.S. capabilities, codes, agents or war plans. He was indicted and convicted on only one charge – one count of passing classified information to an ally – without intent to harm the United States. See “Pollard” on page 6

Seventy years after the Holocaust, why is Europe again labeling Jews? BY MICHAEL FREUND Reprinted with permission of Hamodia For the past several weeks, hardly a day has gone by without a barrage of Palestinian terror attacks against innocent Israelis. Fueled by ceaseless incitement orchestrated by senior Palestinian officials, terrorists have taken up knives, guns and stones in an effort to terrify and intimidate the Jewish state and instill fear among its residents. This is a clear-cut case of good versus evil, of a democratic society under siege by barbaric forces who attack men,

women and children simply because they are Jews. In the face of this violent onslaught, the nations of Europe should have been rallying around Israel and showing their support, as the only democracy in the Middle East confronts a new wave of hatred and hurt. But rather than backing the Jewish state, the European Union has shamefully decided to stand with the terrorists by turning up diplomatic pressure on Jerusalem. Indeed, the European Commission has

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Obama should resign To the Editor: Our presidents, from the beginning of this republic, were charged with the title of commander in chief and to defend this country against all our enemies. In our current time, an additional responsibility was placed on the president, which is to be the

leader of the free world, i.e. countries that follow the norms of world society. Obama fails on all counts. If he refuses to lead us against our enemies and refuses to be the leader of the free world, he should resign, along with his vice president, and turn over the leadership to the speaker

published guidelines aimed at singling out Jewish-owned businesses in Judea and Samaria by requiring that they bear special labels of origin. Needless to say, goods made by Palestinian-run plants in the territories would not similarly be branded. If that’s not discrimination, what is? The hypocrisy behind the European decision is all the more apparent when one considers that no such campaigns are being contemplated for other “disputed territories.” Hence, there is no European See “Labeling” on page 4

of the House. If he does not perform his duties, the Congress should begin impeachment proceedings on the basis of dereliction of duties and not protecting the American people. Allan Trynz Hemlock Farms

Silverberg’s analysis “objective, thoughtful” To the Editor: In the November 5 edition of The Reporter there was an article by Mark Silverberg, executive director of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Jewish Federation, titled “Fostering a culture of death has its price,” stating facts with regard to American monetary aid to the Palestinian Authority and recent action taken by Congress in that regard. You asked for comments from the community. In the 19 paragraphs in the article, Silverberg pointed out facts that most people were unaware of, or didn’t care much about, but of which I believe they should know and should care about. As a concerned member of the community, I, too, would like to comment. Over objections by the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to freeze $370 million in financial aid to the P.A. I believe this is significant and yet it received practically no publicity, as the mainstream media didn’t consider it newsworthy. This monetary assistance was earmarked to the P.A. for developing a Palestinian infrastructure and foster

economic growth. To me, infrastructure means roads, bridges, power and water systems. Economic growth I would define as loans or grants to build business, create jobs, grow crops, manufacture goods and products for trade and internal use – building up a system to be self-sustaining. I do not believe or agree that U.S. money should be used to buy weapons, explosives to promote terrorism or stir the psyche of the general population into a frenzy of death and destruction against a neighboring state or people, not only that it doesn’t recognize, but wants to liquidate off the face of the earth. U.S. money given by our government should not be used to pay benefits and pensions to so-called “martyrs,” actually thugs or killers doing time in prison or dead because of their illegal action and activities, or to their families who encourage these activities. The chairman of the USHR Intelligence Committee, Congressman Devin Nunes (R), when asked on the CBS program “Meet the Press” to comment on whether the rise in world terrorism as shown by recent terrorists attacks in Paris, Mali and Turkey

would come to America, he responded, “We don’t know, what we don’t know.” Well, there are people who do know, what the world is now seeing has become commonplace in Israel almost on a daily basis – from knife attacks encouraged by clerics such as Abu Rajab and Muhammad Salah, to words directly from P.A. President Mahmoud Abbas – “....filthy Jewish feet...” – those who we would want to lead educate instead of denouncing, agitating and encouraging violence and insurrection. Silverberg presented, I thought, an objective, thoughtful explanation and analysis of a situation in an area of the world where America does in fact have a strategic interest, an interest in promoting and protecting the only true democratic state and ally we have and can trust in the Middle East; an area of the world controlled, for the most part, not by freely elected governments of and by the people, but by despotic tyrannical dictatorships, kingdoms and non-governmental entities where they in fact are “practicing governmenting.” Joseph Albert

DECEMBER 3, 2015 ■ THE REPORTER

COMMUNITY NEWS Congregation B’nai Harim will share Chanukah with the Pocono community BY LEE EMERSON Volunteers from Congregation B’nai Harim will celebrate Chanukah throughout the Poconos this year. Children of all ages have been invited to participate. The celebration will include lighting the menorah, listening to the story of Chanukah, eating traditional latkes, playing

dreidel, singing along and doing a craft project. Congregation volunteers’ schedule will be: Tobyhanna Public Library on Monday, November 30, at 6:30 pm Eastern Monroe Public Library in Hughes on Wednesday, December 2, at 6 pm

Congregation B’nai Harim to hold Chanukah celebration

BY LEE EMERSON Congregation B’nai Harim will hold a Chanukah party and lunch on Sunday, December 13, at 12:30 pm, at Lake Naomi Clubhouse, 135 Miller Dr., Pocono Pines. A buffet lunch will be served, including blintzes with toppings, salads, salmon cakes and “Peter’s Latkes” served with sour cream and/or applesauce. Desserts and beverages will follow. The cost to

attend will be $22. Reservations are required before Thursday, December 10. Checks should be sent to Congregation B’nai Harim, P.O. Box 757, Pocono Pines, PA 18350. Included should be the number of people attending and a phone number with the check. For more information, call the message center at 570-646-0100.

JCC welcomes Jewish Heritage Connection to its building Jewish Heritage Connection has moved its office into the Jewish Community Center of Scranton. The announcement was made by JHC Director Rabbi Dovid Saks. The new office is located on the lower level of the building, as the JCC will now serve as a home base for JHC programs. The JHC office was in need of a new

Rabbi Dovid Saks and Rabbi Jacob Schnaidman put up the mezuzah for the new Jewish Heritage Connection office.

home after the building where it previously resided was sold. “The JCC welcomes Rabbi Saks and Jewish Heritage Connection into our building. It’s the natural place for him to be,” said JCC Executive Director Dan Cardonick. Talks to move JHC into the building began last spring. “The JCC thanks JHC for being a partner in its mission,” said a JCC representative. For more information about JHC and its programs, visit www.jewishheritageconnection.org.

Barrett

Friendly Library on Monday, December 7, at 10:30 am Clymer Library on Tuesday, December 8, at 6 pm Barrett Friendly Library on Wednesday, December 9, at 12:30 pm Lake Naomi Clubhouse on Sunday, December 13, at 12:30 pm (See related article on this page.) The Friendly Community Center, Mountainhome, on Sunday, December 13, at 2 pm Community members can attend any or all of the events. There will be no charge to attend. For more information on the community Chanukah programs, call the CBH message center at 570-646-0100 or visit www. bnaiharimpoconos.org. Congregation B’nai Harim is a Reform Jewish congregation located in Pocono Pines.

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 31............... January 14 Thursday, January 14................... January 28 Thursday, January 28................. February 11 Thursday, February 11............... February 25

About the cover This year’s holiday cover was designed by Jenn DePersis, production coordinator of The Reporter Group, which publishes The Reporter.

Jewish Community Center of Scranton Executive Director Dan Cardonick, Jewish Heritage Connection Director Rabbi Dovid Saks and Rabbi Jacob Schnaidman.

Alan Glassman

–Providing Wealth Management for Generations– T: 1.800.373.3383 F: 570.823.3416 www.riggsadvisors.com

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THE REPORTER ■ DECEMBER 3, 2015

Is Kosher Meals on Wheels for you?

Jewish Family Service of Northeastern Pennsylvania has a concern for the elderly in the community and offers programs and services that encourage healthy aging. The purpose of JFS’s Older Adult Program Services is to promote and preserve the dignity, self-respect and independence of the individual to the fullest extent possible. One of these services is the Kosher Meals on Wheels program. Home-delivered kosher meals are provided for older persons who live at home in the Jewish community. The goal of the Kosher Meals on Wheels program is to

provide balanced nutritional meals to those who temporarily or permanently would be unable to prepare them on their own. Nutritious meals are important in preventing individuals from becoming ill and/or assisting people to recover from hospitalization. The meals are prepared at the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania under rabbinical supervision so clients can continue to observe their religious dietary laws. When someone calls to receive KMOW, the social worker will make an appointment for a home visit to help evaluate and determine if additional

services would be beneficial. Part of the evaluation is making sure the client is receiving all services available to older persons, such as transportation, or other programs of the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging. If someone is needed to coordinate and arrange access to these services, JFS can help. Kosher Meals on Wheels can be paid for privately, or if financial assistance is needed to pay for the meals, the JFS social worker will assist in making a referral to the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging. If an individual is not eligible for the county program and is in need of

home delivered meals, but unable to pay, the JFS social workers can also assess the situation for financial assistance. The meals are delivered on five days of the week by volunteers. The volunteers are screened and trained by Jewish Family Service. When a client lives outside of Scranton, special arrangements will be made to have the meals delivered. Anyone who may benefit from Kosher Meals on Wheels, or knows someone who would, can call Maggy Bushwick, LCSW, NCG, coordinator, Older Adult Services, at 570-344-1186 or at mbuswhick@ jfsnepa.org.

Labeling

Continued from page 2

demand to label Chinese products made in Tibet, Russian items manufactured in Chechnya or Spanish goods from Catalonia. It seems that only when matters involve Jews do European liberals insist on such measures. This is not merely duplicity; it is antisemitic bigotry, pure and simple. And in the case of Europe, such a position is nothing less than morally obscene. We all remember what happened when Jews were singled out in Europe in the 1930s, and how the labeling of Jewish businesses quickly devolved into discrimination, delegitimization and, ultimately, destruction. Has the E.U. failed to learn the lessons of recent history? Just 70 years after the end of the Holocaust, can they really be

so insensitive and obtuse? Moreover, by moving forward with such a dubious plan at a time when Palestinian terrorism against Israel continues unabated, Europe is essentially providing encouragement to those who perpetrate violence. Consider the following. As of this writing, according to the latest statistics compiled by the IDF, there have been a total of 61 stabbings, seven shootings and eight car-ramming attacks carried out by Palestinian terrorists since October 1. As a result, 11 Israelis have been murdered and 153 injured, including 18 people who were seriously wounded. The aim of the terrorists is first and foremost to kill and maim Jews. But they also seek to compel Israel to make

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dangerous concessions and forgo control over Judea and Samaria. The European labeling program plays directly into the terrorists’ hands by advancing their objective, and the message it sends to the Palestinians is crystal clear: Instead of punishing them for resorting to violence, it actually serves to encourage further assaults. In fact, the issue of European labeling of Israeli products from Judea and Samaria is so blatantly unfair that it has succeeded in uniting various parties from across the Israeli political spectrum. Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely of the Likud strongly denounced the plan, saying that, “Our concern is that once you put a label on Judea and Samaria, you put a label on Israel. “We see it as a boycott of Israel for all intents and purposes,” she said, adding that, “we view it as a slippery slope. It’s simply a sweeping disqualification of Israel.” And MK Michael Oren of the Kulanu party, who previously served as Israeli ambassador to Washington, was even blunter, asserting that “The

EU decision to label Israeli products is antisemitic. “There are dozens of border disputes and ‘occupations’ in the world, but the E.U. decided to single out Israel,” he noted, adding, “They are not labeling products from China, India or Turkey – only Israel.” Even Israeli opposition leader Isaac Herzog of the Zionist Union came out sharply against the European proposal, arguing that it “won’t contribute to the end of the conflict and will only inflict serious economic harm on tens of thousands of Palestinians whose work in factories in Judea and Samaria enables them to support their families.” The European plan to label Israeli products from Judea and Samaria cannot be allowed to stand, and we must all raise our voices in protest against this repugnant scheme. In 1945, the Jewish people crawled out of the ovens of Europe and succeeded in returning to our ancestral homeland. No human power, and certainly not Europe, has the right to tell Jews where they can or cannot live, especially in the land of Israel.

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DECEMBER 3, 2015 ■ THE REPORTER

UJA CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS

What is JDC? – three names, one mission Commonly known as the Joint and the JDC, its official name is the American Joint Distribution Committee. Whatever the name, this organization’s life-saving mission is the same: to serve the needs of Jews throughout the world, particularly where their lives as Jews are threatened or made more difficult. Since 1914, JDC has served as the overseas arm of the American Jewish community. The JDC sponsors programs of relief, rescue and renewal, and helps Israel address its most urgent social challenges. It is “committed to the idea that all Jews are responsible for one another.” In addition, in times of crisis – natural disasters, war or famine – JDC offers aid to non-Jews to fulfill the Jewish tenet of tikkun olam, the moral responsibility to repair the world and alleviate suffering wherever it exists. JDC adheres to three operating principles: It remains non-partisan and apolitical. It seeks to empower local communities by creating model programs and training local leadership to run the programs. It builds coalitions with strategic partners who ultimately assume responsibility for the programs. The Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania splits its overseas allocation dollars between the Jewish Agency for Israel and the JDC. JDC IN EUROPE AND HOW UJA DOLLARS ARE ENHANCING JEWISH LIFE JDC has been a presence in Europe from the outset of the First World War, helping to rebuild shattered lives and

fragile communities. JDC provided aid during World War I, rescued Jews during World War II, cared for survivors in European Displaced Persons camps in the post-war period and has continued to support Jewish life until today – even during the communist years. The Iron Curtain that once separated European Jews is becoming a memory and the general movement is toward regional reunification. A new spirit of openness, cooperation and a sharing of resources and experiences is taking hold. This presents new opportunities and challenges alongside the continued need to care for the needy. Today, European Jewry comprises the world’s third largest concentration of Jews, after Israel and the U.S., and is a major player in the Jewish world. Over the last few years, the European Jewish reality, in both Western and Eastern Europe, has changed dramatically, affecting both the external and internal environments of the continent’s Jewish communities. Externally, the European Union has expanded and now includes 28 members from Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic States, with Croatia joining in 2013 and Turkey readying to become members within the next two years. On January 1, 2007, Bulgaria and Romania joined the European Union. Internally, there is a generational change in Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. Now, 25 years after the collapse of Communism, a new generation that has tasted democracy is coming of age and taking the lead in community life. The opportunity for developing communal leadership is supported by potential benefits of property restitution and the prospect

of eventual financial independence. And although the road ahead presents some difficult hurdles, which each community will need tackle at its own pace, the conditions in today’s Europe offer enormous possibilities for the future of the continent’s Jewish communities.

To complement these changes, particularly significant in Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic States, JDC is working to redefine its operations. Since the post-World War II period, JDC’s role in Western Europe has focused solely See “JDC” on page 8

CJP/JCRC statement on murder of Ezra Schwartz

Reprinted with permission of CJP/JCRC It is with great personal sadness that we join with the entire Greater Boston community to mourn the loss of Ezra Schwartz, who was viciously murdered today by a Palestinian terrorist. Schwartz was an 18-year-old from Sharon who graduated from Maimonides this past spring and was spending a gap year studying at Yeshivat Ashreinu in Beit Shemesh. At the time of the shooting attack, news reports say Schwartz was with a group delivering food to soldiers serving in the area. His four siblings; father, Ari, and mother, Ruth, are going through every family’s worst nightmare. Ezra’s family, including his siblings – Mollie, Hillel, Elon and Avi – are wonderful people and very close to many of our staff. They are well loved throughout the community, as was Ezra, especially at the Maimonides Day School, where all five children either attended or are currently enrolled; at their synagogue, Young Israel of Sharon; and through

their Camp Yavneh community. The human cost of this terrible wave of Palestinian violence continues to grow. Five Israelis were killed by Palestinian terrorists on November 19, including in an attack on a synagogue in Tel Aviv. Ezra was still a teenager. He possessed a bright, warm smile. On his Facebook page, he is never photographed alone, always smiling with friends or with his beloved sisters and brothers. He had such a bright, beautiful future ahead of him. That future was erased by an act of senseless, seething hate. As we mourn the loss of Ezra and all of the victims of terror, we pray for an end to this madness that seems to have consumed the entire world. Ezra wanted nothing more than to help feed another person, to study Torah and his faith, and to live a life in peace. That opportunity was stolen from him and from us. We pray that the Schwartz family finds comfort at this time of such great pain.

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THE REPORTER ■ DECEMBER 3, 2015

Rare numbing disease that plagues Jews has diagnosis, but no cure

BY SUZANNE POLLAK SILVER SPRING, MD (Washington Jewish Week via JTA) – David Epstein went to his doctor in 1997 to see why he was going to the bathroom so frequently and what was causing his fingers to go numb. Years of doctor visits, medical testing and prescription medications led nowhere. Meanwhile, the numbness gradually moved up his limbs – and his brother in Colorado began experiencing similar problems. Finally, in 2011, Epstein, who lives in the Leisure World retirement community here, learned he had Adult Polyglucosan Body Disease, or APBD, a genetic disorder with no treatment or cure. The disease results in reduced activity of the glycogen branching enzyme, which is used to make glycogen. Glycogen is the reserve fuel stored in a person’s cells. One in 68 Ashkenazi Jews is a carrier of at least one of the two gene mutations that cause this frequently misdiagnosed disease. The carrier frequency among the general population is unknown, but lower, said Dr. Jeff Levenson, a volunteer assistant at the Adult Polyglucosan Body Disease Research Foundation in New York. For a person to inherit the disease, both parents must be carriers. A test for the mutations has only been recently added to a disease panel that Ashkenazi Jews can be tested for at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Levenson is hopeful that once more people learn about APBD, testing for the mutation will increase. A person with the disease has a shorter than average life expectancy, Levenson said. “Usually by age 50, although we have patients in their 30s,” APBD “wreaks havoc” on the bodies of people with mutations to this enzyme, he said. APBD is extremely rare; only 160 to 200 cases have been documented. But Levenson believes “there are

thousands out there” living with undiagnosed APBD. Sufferers often are told they have multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease, prostate disease or some form of nerve damage, and suffer though years of medical testing and treatments. “On average, it takes seven years to find a diagnosis,” Levenson said. Meanwhile, numbness continues to move from the outer extremities up the legs and arms. Balance is affected. “I went through the medications and nothing worked,” Epstein said. Almost 15 years after the onset of symptoms, Epstein, 70, finally received the correct diagnosis after undergoing tests at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore. By this time, numbness had “slowly worked its way up from my feet, to my ankles, shins and knees. It’s progressive so the further down the leg, the more the numbness,” said Epstein, who is retired from his job as a financial manager with the federal government. He occasionally uses a cane while walking at night. Epstein said his brother, Howard, needs a wheelchair. While frustrated with his doctors’ ignorance about the disease, Epstein said his condition would likely be the same even if he had been diagnosed right away because there is no treatment for APBD. He tries to stay active by walking, riding a stationary bike and doing balancing exercises with a physical therapist. “Hopefully this will delay,” Epstein said, referring to the increased medical problems he knows are headed his way. A 70-year-old Atlanta attorney, who asked that his name not be used, isn’t sure how long he’s had APBD symptoms. He didn’t go to the doctor early on for what he considered minor problems, said his wife. The attorney retired when he was in his early 60s, and around that time he began stumbling and appeared stooped over. One of his two children told him he seemed drunk, his wife recalled. He soon found himself exhausted after only

walking a block, whereas he had previously traversed an 18-hole golf course on a regular basis, she said. He now needs a wheelchair to get around. At various times, the attorney was told he had neurological problems or advanced multiple sclerosis, and was given “heavy drugs,” his wife said. Both Epstein and theAtlanta couple are involved in efforts to increase the number of people on the Adult Polyglucosan Body Disease Research Foundation’s patient registry. “It allows researchers to understand more of the natural history of the disease, how it progresses over time,” Epstein said of the registry, which includes medical histories. See “Rare” on page 9

Pool

Continued from page 1 the individual donors who helped make the new pool a reality, as well as the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Scranton Area Foundation, Myer Davidow Foundation and the Foundation for the Jewish Elderly of Eastern Pennsylvania. The new JCC pool is one of just a few indoor pools in Scranton. The JCC has expanded membership opportunities for families, individuals and seniors. JCC members can also utilize the 4,000-square-foot fitness center, racquetball courts and early learning center, which has pre-school and child care programs, as well as a variety of recreational activities for children and adults. For more information on the JCC, visit www.scrantonjcc.org, call 570-346-6595 or visit for a tour of its facilities. Daniel J. Cardonick is the executive director of the Jewish Community Center of Scranton.

The Jewish Community Center of Scranton has reopened its pool after a $1.4 million improvement project.

Pollard Fun for adults, children & families!

x t E r a h v a a k g u a n n a za h Tuesday, Dec. 8 Event 5:30pm • Showtime 6:30pm

Dreidel -aThon Face Painting by

Photo Booth

featuring

Comedy Dog Thrill Show

Glatt Kosher Chinese Food

ah Chanuk Bingo Spin Art

Glatt Kosher Jewish Community Center of Scranton 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton

Adults: $6.00 • Children 12 & under: $3.00 Tickets can be purchased at the JCC For more information, please call 570-346-6595 Thanks to our sponsors: Foundation for the Jewish Elderly of Eastern PA and Pennsylvania Paper & Supply Co.

Continued from page 2 Under the heading “What the Israelis Did Not Ask For,” the assessment remarks (at page 43) that the Israelis “never expressed interest in U.S. military activities, plans, capabilities or equipment.” Even the sentencing judge, Aubrey Robinson, acknowledged that Pollard was an ideologue and not a mercenary. Moreover, contrary to the extremely damaging “worst spy in history” and “betraying America’s sources and methods” comments expressed by Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger, there is no evidence that Pollard’s actions led to the loss of a single American life throughout the years. No less a figure than Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Leeper has characterized damage caused by the release of the information that Pollard actually gave Israel as “minimal” and, in 1994, government sources were quoted as saying that “no one died as a result of Pollard” (The Washington Post, April 23, 1994). As former U.S. federal prosecutor John Loftus wrote, “Pollard was stealing Soviet secrets for Israel, not American secrets for the Soviets.” It is true, of course, that Pollard committed a serious crime and his espionage should not be condoned nor should the gravity of his crime be underestimated, but his 28-year sentence is outrageous, considering that the average sentence for passing classified material to an ally is 10 years, and the median time served for such an offense is between 2-4 years. Pollard is the only person in U.S. history to receive a life sentence for spying for a U.S. ally. Even agents who committed far more serious crimes on behalf of hostile nations did not receive such a harsh sentence. In fact, of the more than 50 recently convicted Soviet bloc and Chinese spies (except for Aldrich Ames and Robert Hanssen, both of whom also received life sentences for espionage activities that caused irreparable damage to U.S. interests and the loss of U.S. intelligence assets in the Soviet Union), twothirds served or were sentenced to less time than Pollard has already served. Pollard spied in the U.S., but not against the U.S. He has more than paid his debt. It is time for justice to be done and to commute his sentence to time served.

DECEMBER 3, 2015 ■ THE REPORTER

To Brighten the Festival of Lights

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Prices effective Sunday, November 8 thru Saturday, December 19, 2015 in our NY, PA,VT, NH, MA and CT stores only. All varieties may not be available in all stores.We reserve the right to limit quantities and substitute items. Not responsible for typographical errors.

THE REPORTER ■ DECEMBER 3, 2015

Create a Legacy for our Jewish Future in NEPA TYPES OF GIFTS

Your charitable gifts to the Federation can result in immediate and/or future benefits for you and your family.

PERPETUAL ANNUAL CAMPAIGN ENDOWMENTS (P.A.C.E.) There are considerable tax advantages in establishing a P.A.C.E. gift to the Federation outright or as part of your estate planning. In doing so, you can perpetuate your annual UJA Campaign gift in your name, the name of your family, in memory of a loved one or in celebration of a significant event in your life or the life of another. On average, the annual income normally calculates out to 5% of the amount of your P.A.C.E. endowment. The corpus of your Fund would not be affected, and only the income would be used for the annual UJA gift – in perpetuity. That is, a P.A.C.E. endowment of $100,000 would normally produce an annual gift of $5,000 to future UJA Campaigns.

IMMEDIATE GIFTS OF CASH Cash contributions are deductible as itemized deductions in the year you make the donation(s), up to 50% of your adjusted gross. Excess charitable deductions can be carried forward for up to five years.

GIFTS OF SECURITIES The best stocks to donate are obviously those with increased value. However, depreciated securities are not necessarily unworthy of charitable contributions. In order to preserve the best tax advantages, with regard to appreciated and depreciated securities, please contact the Federation.

MATCHING GIFTS If you work for a company that participates in a Matching Gift Program (see details in this issue of The Reporter), then the company will match your gift to the Jewish Federation. Please check with your Human Resources Department for more information.

GIFTS OF MUTUAL FUNDS Contributing mutual fund shares can provide the same tax advantages as appreciated stocks. Due to the great complexities involved with the transfer of mutual fund shares, please begin the transfer process well before December 31st.

GIFTS OF REAL ESTATE A charitable contribution of property is most attractive when there is no mortgage balance and the property is increasing in value. Based upon the fair market value, you may claim an income tax deduction, avoid all capital gains taxes, and remove that property from your taxable estate. You may transfer real estate to the Jewish Federation at any point, but please consult your tax professional or financial advisor prior to a real estate transaction.

DEFERRED/PLANNED GIFTS Deferred gifts are often called “planned gifts” because they are integrally connected to your financial and/or estate plans. They may range in size from very small bequests to multi-million dollar trusts. They are deferred gifts because, even though they are given today, the Jewish Federation will not realize their benefit until some time in the future. Please contact the Federation for more information regarding various planned giving options.

JDC

Continued from page 5

on providing technical assistance and community development, building leadership and maintaining self-sufficient Jewish communities. However, in Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic States, JDC’s focus has been on providing services to the needy – primarily Holocaust survivors – while maintaining the overall mission to help revive Jewish communal life in countries that lived under communist rule until the late 1980s. Today, working in partnership with local communities, JDC strives to serve pressing welfare needs, particularly those of Holocaust survivors and Jewish children, and strengthen communities through innovative programming concepts, networking and exchange. Helping communities toward self-sufficiency in all aspects of communal life is JDC’s overarching aim. Jewish values and Jewish solidarity are its guiding principles; technical assistance and the transfer of know-how and leadership and professional development are its modus operandi in this new Europe. CONNECTIONS TO JEWISH LIFE JDC supports Jewish life programs and opportunities throughout Europe. Considered of critical importance are the many unaffiliated Jews in the region, particularly those in the middle generation who grew up in an era when organized Jewish community life was either dormant or suppressed. Regional or inter-community programming is a hallmark of JDC’s work in the region, and this focus will continue to play an increasingly important role in the years to come. JDC currently supports: Jewish Community Centers in Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary. The Ronald S. Lauder/JDC International Summer Camp in Szarvas, Hungary. Local Jewish summer camps for more than 3,000 participants. Informal Jewish education, seminars such as Limmud Baltics and lectures by leading scholars. Regional youth gatherings, such as Weinberg Black Sea Gesher. Family camps and retreats. Jewish holiday and religious activities. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT JDC’s community development strategy focuses on fostering lay and professional leadership as well as furthering organizational capacity and communal growth. JDC’s tools include training, institutes for advanced learning, community consultations, networking events and Web-based learning, such as: The JDC International Center for Community Development at Oxford University. Jewishprograms.org. Strategic European Loan Fund (SELF).

Property

management seminars and training. The Center for Jewish Leadership (Leatid). Buncher Community Leadership Program. Pan-European gatherings, such as the European General Assembly. Innovative community development concepts and models. WELFARE JDC continues to provide support for 38,000 Holocaust survivors in Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic States. As these survivors become aged and frail, and are trying to cope with economic and political change, the social services they receive play an increasingly important role. Through the local Jewish communities, JDC provides the care these elderly need to live out their lives in dignity, with knowledge that they are not alone. Communities are assisted in funding programs for Holocaust survivors through restitution sources such as the Conference on Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference), the Swiss Banks Settlement, ICHEIC, the German Government and the Fondation pour la Memoire de la Shoah, who work in partnership with JDC. JDC is also working to transfer more programmatic and financial responsibility to local communities as they become increasingly capable. The following services are provided: Food packages. Meals-on-Wheels. Kosher canteens. Warm homes. Medications and medical consultations. Home care. Winter relief. SOS emergency support. Rehabilitation and respite care. Old age homes. Jewish and community activities. CHILDREN IN NEED As part of its Global Children’s Initiative, JDC is assisting Eastern European communities to extricate children in need from the cycle of poverty and allow them to fully integrate into society. In partnership with local communities, JDC has identified more than 1,200 Jewish children in need in the region. In 2014, JDC supported social services to nearly 800 Jewish children in need, providing individual case management, food, clothing and medical support. In addition to basic services, JDC has supported the participation of Jewish children in need in Jewish educational programming. JDC is also providing technical assistance and creating exchange opportunities for communal professionals who work with children and families.

Wishing Everyone a Happy Chanukah

GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUNDS The Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania expresses its gratitude to those who have made a commitment to our Endowment Fund. These very special contributions represent a commitment to maintain a high quality of Jewish life in our region for the decades that lie ahead.

CONTACT For further information, please contact Mark Silverberg, Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA at 570-961-2300 (ext. 1)

Sidney R. DeSantis - Supervisor 318 East Drinker Street, Dunmore, PA 570-343-6013 www.NEPAFuneralhome.com Serving the entire Jewish community of Northeastern, PA

DECEMBER 3, 2015 ■ THE REPORTER

At Chanukah, how do we kindle the lights within ourselves? BY DASEE BERKOWITZ JERUSALEM (JTA) – There is nothing cuter than my 5-year-old daughter coming home from kindergarten with an overly decorated menorah in hand singing “Ner Li Ner Li, Ner Li Dakik,” the Israeli version of “This Little Light of Mine.” The song speaks about the little candle, so thin, small and all hers to light. Personalizing the holiday for kids is just good pedagogy. Through song, play and creative arts, early childhood educators get these little Maccabees to embody the holiday and feel they have the power to create and even embody the light of Chanukah. And then they grow up.

Chanukah walking tour

The Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy will hold the tour “Delancey to Doughnuts: A Chanukah Walking Tour” on Sunday, December 13, at 10:45 am. The tour will begin at Congregation Bnai Jacob Anshe Brzezan (the Stanton Street Shul). Board member Elyssa Sampson will be on hand to share the building’s history. The tour will then continue through the Essex Street Market, built by Fiorello LaGuardia in an effort to remove pushcarts from New York City. The last stop will be Kehila Kedosha Janina (the Greek Synagogue and Museum), the only remaining Romaniote tradition synagogue. The program will conclude with sufganiyot (doughnuts) and coffee. Walkers will meet at the Stanton Street Synagogue, 180 Stanton St. (between Clinton and Attorney streets). The fee is $23 for adults and $21 for seniors/students. Advance reservations are required. An additional $2 fee is charged on the day of the tour. To register for the tour, visit www. nycjewishtours.org or call 212-374-4100, ext. 2.

They learn more details about the Chanukah story. They study the Maccabees and the civil war between the Jews. They analyze the military battles that the Hasmoneans conducted to achieve victory over the Assyrian Greeks. And they also learn about the ultimate corruption and failure of the Hasmonean dynasty itself. As they grow, they move further away from the simple message of Chanukah that they had claimed as children – to bring light to dark places. The contrast between the narrative about light that children learn in elementary school and the parallel one about the story of the Maccabean revolt that they learn more about as they get older is not just a developmental one – it’s a profound statement about how we view the world. Stories about war that can provide a sense of unity and purpose are ultimately draining, whereas ones about light and miracles are constantly renewing. Experiencing an ongoing war is grueling. Living in Jerusalem right now, I know that feeling intimately. Waves of terrorism, fear, uncertainty and distrust rise and then (eventually) fall. And citizens, Jews and Arabs alike, are left wondering what the future will hold, without any clarity that the once-touted promise to live with “peace and security” will return. It’s hard to dream big or even to believe in miracles at a time of ongoing war. You live for the day and then the day after. That is the mentality of war. A story of light and oil that lasted only for eight days is one of vision and hope. The rabbis of the Talmud picked up on the distinction. They spent so many more pages expounding upon the miracle of the oil, recounting the details of when and how to light the Chanukah menorah and only a few lines about the military victory achieved by the Maccabeans. Focusing on the light was tactical. The rabbis didn’t want the legacy of Chanukah to be about a victory won

by human hands in which God was absent. They wanted to elevate the victory of Chanukah to the heavenly realm. This is a celebration of miracles and God’s hand in history, not the brute force of the determined few, the rabbis would have said. The rabbinic approach is most telling in the haftarah they selected for the Shabbat of Chanukah, which include the words from Zechariah, “Not by might, and not by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord.” And now, living where I do, I understand the importance and wisdom of the rabbinic emphasis. Focusing on the miracle of the oil helps us put our faith in something bigger than ourselves. It gives us hope to look beyond the political machinations of the day to what the future could look like. It helps us break free of the never-ending cycle of violence and cynicism and can enable us to look forward to the possibilities that the “light driven” narrative can offer to our children and beyond. The rabbis wanted to ensure that a political victory, however needed at the time, wasn’t the end of the story. They wanted to ensure that we didn’t worship our own political might and are guided by a greater power. The Chanukah of the rabbis relies on the personal and embodied light that my 5-year-old sings about. There is a beautiful idea from the Book of Proverbs that we each contain within ourselves a light, “The life breath (the soul) of a human is the lamp of God. With it, God searches all the hidden chambers.” (Proverbs 20:27) Our internal light is God’s light within us, searching out every part of us, revealing in the hidden places our abilities to manifest that light outward. This Chanukah, how can we return to the pure idea of our own personal lights, or “ner li,” as my daughter would croon? Not only the one I hold in my hand to light the Chanukah menorah, but the one that I have within me to shine light into the dark, seemingly unmovable or unchangeable places around us? Dasee Berkowitz is a Jewish educational consultant and writer living in Jerusalem. She is a frequent contributor to JTA, the Forward and Kveller.com.

MatzoBall to be held on Dec. 24

MatzoBall, which has been called the nation’s leading Jewish single’s event, will be held on Thursday, December 24, from 9 pm-4 am, at Capitale, 130 Bowery, New York City. The party for Jewish singles is in its 29th year. The event is sponsored by the Society of Young Jewish Professionals, which was founded in 1987 to bring Jewish people together. For reservations and/or sponsorship information, contact info@matzoball.org.

Rare

Continued from page 6 Playing on the acronym for the disease, the foundation encourages anyone who (A) is an Ashkenazi Jew, (P) has peripheral numbness or weakness, (B) uses the bathroom frequently and (D) has diminished energy to take a saliva sample that Columbia University in New York will analyze to check for the disease. The foundation created a two-page open letter to Jewish community members and leaders that explains the disease, urging anyone who suspects they may have it to get in touch. With more patients on the registry, the chances of a drug company working for a cure increases, according to the letter. Very little research is taking place now, said Levenson. “This is really the wild, wild West,” he said.

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook

THE REPORTER ■ DECEMBER 3, 2015

• Regular Schedule of Services • 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 Elliott Kleinman President: Liza Roos Lucy Contact Person: Cheryl Badner, Congregation Administrator (570)253-2222 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: Irene Stolzenberg 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: David Malinov 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: Moshe Fink 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: Barbara Parker-Bell 1 Knox Street, Scranton, PA 18505, (off Lake Scranton Rd.) 570-344-7201 Friday evening Shabbat, 8 pm; Saturday morning, when Shabbat Scool is in session, at 11 am

TEMPLE ISRAEL OF DUNMORE President: Isadore Steckel Contact person: Jay Schectman 570-954-9354 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: Dr. Sandra Alfonsi Contact person: Dr. Sandra Alfonsi 570-223-7062 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, 7pm; Saturday morning Shabbat, 9 am

TEMPLE ISRAEL OF SCRANTON Affiliation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Rabbi Moshe Saks 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.

D’VAR TORAH

Filling the dark with light BY RABBI MENDEL RAICES, CHABAD OF THE MOUNTAINS Vayeshev, Genesis 37:1-40:23 The story is told about a wise man who wished to determine which of his three sons would inherit his successful business. The father devised a contest and decided whichever son won would inherit the business. He called his sons in and gave them each an equal sum of money, telling them they had to try and fill a room in its entirety with whatever they chose to use the money for. The first son bought bricks, yet when he put them in the room there was still unfilled space. The second son bought feathers and he, too, came up short. The third son bought a candle and matches, led his father into the room, closed the door and lit the candle. The entire room was filled with light. In this week’s parasha, we read the saga of Yosef, a man faced with challenge after challenge. He gets sold into slavery and he’s brought down to Egypt. For Yosef, coming from his father’s home, a home that was filled with physical and spiritual wealth and where he was a prince, the difference between the two places was like night and day. Yet Yosef does not despair. There in Egypt he lives with the values of his father’s home. After the fiasco with his master Potifar’s wife, he gets thrown

into a prison, and again he does not give up on God and the ways of his father. When he met people in despair, instead of wallowing in self-pity, he reached out to help. In the end, Yosef rose to become the overlord of Egypt and was rewarded with the opportunity to make a difference on a worldwide scale. In the process, he helped his family and set the standard for the Jewish nation in all future times of darkness and persecution. It’s appropriate that Chanukah begins this week and we begin lighting the menorah for all to see. We may wonder what one little light can do for us in this world filled with so much darkness. We begin to despair and say to ourselves, “If I do my mitzvah what will that change?” For this we have the lesson from Yosef: When we each do our little mitzvah, we each bring a little more light into the world. All of this light makes the world a holier place. That is why every day of Chanukah we increase in light by adding another candle; yesterday’s light is not enough, we need to add more light. We don’t suffice by lighting a candle for ourselves; rather we light the menorah by the door or window for all to see. Go ahead, strike a match and ignite one single candle, and it will fill even the darkest of rooms with light. Happy Chanukah.

Eight ways to celebrate Chanukah that don’t involve gifts BY MAAYAN JAFFE JNS.org Despite Chanukah being one of the few Jewish holidays not mentioned in the Torah, it gets a lot of play – pun intended. Shmuel Arnold of Baltimore recalls how while growing up in a secular Jewish household, his parents made an extra effort to give Chanukah gifts every night. Sometimes they needed to get creative, like wrapping socks or delivering a

gift from an extended family member. Without even a rendition of “Rock of Ages” around the Chanukah menorah, Arnold says the holiday had one meaning: presents. Today, however, married with three children ranging in age from 9 to 18, Arnold – like many other parents – tries to infuse more meaning into the Festival of Lights. With eight days of Chanukah coming up, here are eight See “Celebrate” on page 12

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

DECEMBER 3, 2015 ■ THE REPORTER

Refresh your Chanukah dessert table with pastry chef Paula Shoyer DECORATED BROWNIE BITES If you’re looking for something other than another doughnut or latkes variation, these are great, alternative treats that can be decorated with colored sugars, sprinkles, nonpareils, crushed candies, or nuts. Servings: 96 one-inch bites 10 ounces (280 g) bittersweet chocolate ½ cup (120 ml) canola oil, plus 2 tsp. for greasing pan 1½ cups (300 g) sugar 1 /3 cup (80 ml) soy milk 3 large eggs 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

½ tsp. salt ¾ tsp. baking powder 1 /3 cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa 1¼ cups (155 g) all-purpose flour At least 3 different colored sugars, sprinkles, nonpareils, crushed candies, or ground nuts 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Use 1 teaspoon oil to grease a 9x13-inch (23x33-cm) baking pan. Line with parchment paper, allowing some to extend up and over the sides. Grease top and sides with the other teaspoon of oil. See “Dessert” on page 13

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BY JNS.ORG It is a truth universally acknowledged that we can never get tired of Chanukah latkes and sufganiyot (the holiday’s deep-fried jelly doughnuts). But there’s no harm in adding some culinary variety to this year’s Festival of Lights. Pastry chef Paula Shoyer offers a doughnut recipe with a twist, as well as two alternative recipes that are great for Chanukah and will satisfy any sweet tooth. All of the recipes are courtesy of Shoyer’s “The Holiday Kosher Baker” (Sterling Epicure, November 2013). VANILLA DOUGHNUT HOLES (NUT FREE AND PAREVE) Doughnuts and potato latkes are the most traditional Chanukah foods. Like latkes, doughnuts are best eaten the day they are made, but even on the second day you can get good results by re-heating them. To make doughnuts look festive, roll them in colored sugar. Servings: 50 ¼ ounce (1 envelope; 7 g) Vanilla doughnut dry yeast ¼ cup (60 ml) warm water holes. (Photo courtesy ½ cup (100 g) plus 1 tsp. Paula Shoyer) sugar, divided ½ cup (120 ml) soy milk 2 Tbsp. (28 g) margarine, at room temperature for at least 15 minutes 1 large egg 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract ¼ tsp. salt 2¼-2½ cups (280-315 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting ½ cup (100g) plain or colored sugar for dusting doughnuts Canola oil for frying 1. In a large bowl, place the yeast, warm water and one teaspoon of the sugar, and stir. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, or until thick. 2. Add the remaining sugar, soy milk, margarine, egg, vanilla, salt and 1½ cups (190 g) flour and mix – either with a wooden spoon or with a dough hook in a stand mixer – on low speed. Add ½ cup (65 g) more flour and mix in. Add ¼ (30 g) cup flour and mix in. If the dough remains sticky, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough becomes smooth. 3. Cover the bowl with a clean dishtowel and let the dough rise for one hour in a warm place. I use a warming drawer (see note below) on a low setting (about 200°F/90°C), or you can turn your oven on to its lowest setting, place the bowl in the oven and then turn off the oven. 4. After one hour, punch down the dough by folding it over a few times and reshaping it into a ball. Re-cover the dough and let it rise for 10 minutes. 5. Dust a cookie sheet with flour. Sprinkle some flour on the counter or on parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll the dough out until it’s about ½-inch (1.25 cm) thick. Using a small round cookie cutter about 11½ inches (2.5-4 cm) in diameter, cut out small circles very close to each other, and place them on the cookie sheet. Re-roll any scraps. Cover the doughnuts with the towel. Place the cookie sheet back in the oven (warm, but turned off) or warming drawer. Let the doughnuts rise for 30 minutes. 6. Heat 1½ inches (4 cm) of oil in a medium saucepan for a few minutes and use a candy thermometer to see when the oil stays between 365°F and 375°F (185°C to 190°C); adjust the flame to keep the oil in that temperature range. Cover a cookie sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top of the cookie sheet and set it near the stovetop. 7. When the oil is ready, add the doughnut holes to the oil one at a time, top-side down, putting an edge in first and then sliding in the rest of the doughnut; if you drop the doughnuts into the pan an inch or higher from the oil it can splatter and burn your fingers. You can fry up to eight doughnut holes at a time. Cook for 45-60 seconds. Use tongs or chopsticks to turn the doughnut holes over and cook them another 45-60 seconds, or until golden. Lift with a slotted spoon and place on the wire rack to cool. Repeat with the remaining doughnuts. 8. Place the sugar in a shallow bowl and roll the doughnut holes in the sugar to coat. Store covered at room temperature for up to one day and re-heat to serve. Note: A warming drawer can be built right into your kitchen cabinet. It is ideal for keeping cooked food hot, warming plates and even proofing bread dough.

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THE REPORTER ■ DECEMBER 3, 2015

Celebrate

ways to celebrate the holiday that don’t involve gifts: CHANUKAH CRAFTS Every year, children learn how to light the candles and about the miracle of the Maccabees in school or Hebrew school. They also make a token Chanukah menorah (or chanukiah) – likely out of clay, nuts and bolts. Fun and creative activities can help Chanukah come alive at home, too. Pinterest has a colorful variety of Chanukah crafts that work for children ranging from toddlers through high schoolers. A favorite in my house is the Chanukah handprint. Children dip their palms into a bowl of fabric paint and stamp it on a sweatshirt (it works on paper, too, but a sweatshirt is more practical). Then, they dip each of their fingers into paint to create finger candles. Finally, they take their thumb and stamp it in the middle – the shamash (worker candle). Add a flame to each candle, and you’re done! My younger kids love the feel of the gushy paint and often use a different color for every finger candle. My oldest daughter is careful to ensure her print looks authentic. She uses the same color for the palm and the

A collage of Chanukah crafts projects for children. (Photo from Pinterest)

fingers, and then adds perfect yellow or orange ovals on top. CHANUKAH PARTY It might not seem so original, but Chanukah is a great time for a party. Unlike other Jewish holidays that involve extra time in synagogue, or for Orthodox Jews might preclude playing music or driving, Chanukah is eight days (except for a regularly observed Shabbat) of unabashed fun. Birthday in a Box offers traditional Chanukah party tips, as well as some fun and quirky new spins on Chanukah decorations, food and favors. CHANUKIAH TOUR If you live in a “Jewish area,” where lots of families celebrate the holiday, Arnold suggests taking a “chanukiah tour.” He says in that Baltimore or Israel (where he used to live), one can walk around the streets and see everyone’s lights in the windows. “It’s amazing… Being a yid is something you don’t have to hide anymore. When my father was growing up he used to get beaten up for being Jewish and he learned to place the menorah on the table, somewhere hidden inside the house,” says Arnold. “When we light, we make a big deal to put it in the window… and help people remember that you can be proud to be a Jew.” DREIDEL TOURNAMENT You have a little dreidel – so use it! Pull the neighbors, young and old, together for a dreidel tournament. Break into teams of three and four and get spinning. We use candy as prizes. (It’s best to use something wrapped since it will be touched by lots of little hands.) You can purchase dreidels in bulk from Judaica.com or often at your local synagogue’s gift shop. It adds to the excitement when you have dreidels of various sizes and colors. If you’re particularly serious about dreidel-playing, I found a website for a “chai stakes” dreidel tournament that breaks down the “official” rules and regulations for “World Series Dreidel.” In my house, however, we seem to do better when the children are free to cry over spinning too many Hebrew-letter shins (put two antes in the center) and the prize is Hershey’s KissesTM. TALK ABOUT THE MIRACLE As Arnold’s children have gotten older, he uses the

Continued from page 11 30 minutes required to sit around the Chanukah candles as a way to discuss the miracles of the holiday and some of its more esoteric significance. “When Hashem created the world there were no stars or planets. The or – the light – was a non-physical or. That or, the light of God, is what the Yevanim (Greeks) were trying to knock out of the world,”Arnold explains. “I tell my children that we can use Hashem’s light like a soldier uses night vision goggles… to see His hidden miracles, to appreciate the spiritual light.”

SHOP – FOR SOMEONE IN NEED Rebecca Katz of Overland Park, KS, remembers that as a child she and her family would work with a local charity to receive the names of local families in need – Jewish and non-Jewish. Then, she and her siblings would be provided those families’ holiday wish lists and go shopping for them (instead of for themselves). Once the gifts were purchased, they would hand wrap them and deliver them in person. “I remember one year, we got to this family, went upstairs and they had a tree, but it was completely empty underneath,” Katz says. “We put all the gifts there and it was so unexpected. The children were so happy.” RE-ENACT THE CHANUKAH STORY Younger children can enjoy a game of dress-up. If you have enough kids or can get classmates involved, a re-enactment of the Chanukah story can add to the spirit of the eight days. Kids enjoy dressing up in togas (just use some old sheets) and wielding plastic swords and shields. To make it easier, use a book, such as “The Story of Chanukah” by Norma Simon, as a guide. If your own children don’t want to dress up and tell the Chanukah story, Chabad.org has a large collection of Chanukah videos that both educate and entertain. SUFGANIYOT Chanukah is sweeter and oily-finger-lickin’ good with homemade sufganiyot (deep-fried jelly doughnuts). Miriam Litt of Modi’in, Israel, recalls how she used to spend hours in the kitchen baking Chanukah donuts. “I used real whipping cream and added pudding, and then I would squirt it inside,” she says. Sometimes, she would get creative by mixing up the creamy flavors. “I did my thing and the kids – they sure liked eating it,” Miriam says with a laugh.

DECEMBER 3, 2015 ■ THE REPORTER

Celebrate

2. Break of chop the chocolate into small pieces and melt it, either over a double boiler or in the microwave oven for 45 seconds, stir, heat for 30 seconds, stir, and heat another 15 seconds if needed, until completely melted. 3. When the chocolate is melted, add the oil and sugar and whisk well. Add the soy milk, eggs, and vanilla, and Decorated brownie whisk again. Add the salt, bak- bites.(Photo courtesy ing powder, and cocoa – and Paula Shoyer) mix. Finally, add the flour in four parts and whisk well each time. Scoop the mixture into the pan and spread it evenly. 4. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top looks dry and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out looking a little gooey. Cool for 30 minutes and then freeze for a minimum of one hour. 5. Place the decorations into small shallow bowls. Pull up the parchment paper to lift the brownie out of the pan. Trim ½ inch (1.25 cm) from the sides and cut the short side of the brownie into long ¾- to 1-inch (2-2.5-cm) wide strips. Cut each strip into small squares. 6. To decorate, press the top or bottom of each brownie into the desired decoration. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze them for up to three months. TIE-DYED MINI BLACK AND WHITE COOKIES (NUT FREE AND PAREVE) These tie-dyed cookies are a whimsical version of classic chocolate and vanilla black and white cookies that could also be a great, alternative addition to your Chanukah dessert table. You can make any design you like (I provide a few options below). Have fun! Servings: 70 Ingredients for cookies: ½ cup (100 g) sugar ¼ cup (60 ml) canola oil 2 large eggs 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Continued from page 11 consistency. If the white icing gets too loose, whisk in a teaspoon of confectioners’ sugar. Decorating the cookies: There are several options to decorate the cookies: Divide the icing among three or more bowls and color each with gel food coloring as desired. Spread about ¾ of a teaspoon on the flat side of each cookie. You can also ice half the cookie with one color and half with another color. Squeeze some drops of gel coloring onto a paper plate or waxed paper. Have a toothpick ready for each color. Ice about four cookies at a time with white icing. Use toothpicks to place tiny dots or short lines of different colors on the icing, and then use a toothpick to create a marbled effect. Let the cookies set 15 minutes. Store them covered at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze the cookies for up to three months. Paula Shoyer, a mother of four, believes that a healthy kosher diet can include desserts if they are homemade. A former attorney, she graduated from the Ritz Escoffier pastry program in Paris, and now teaches French and Jewish baking classes across the country and around the world. She is the author of the best-selling “The Kosher Baker: Over 160 The cover of “The Holiday Dairy-Free Recipes from Kosher Baker,” by Paula Traditional to Trendy,” Shoyer. (Photo by Sterling “The Holiday Kosher Epicure) Baker” and “The New Passover Menu.” She is a contributing editor to several kosher websites, such as kosherscoop.com and jewishfoodexperience.com; magazines such as Joy of Kosher, Whisk and Hadassah; and writes for The Washington Post. She lives in Chevy Chase, MD. To learn more about her, visit her website at www. thekosherbaker.com.

1 tsp. fresh lemon juice 1 /3 cup (80 ml) soy milk 1 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour ½ tsp. baking powder Dash salt Ingredients for icing: 2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice Several colors of gel food coloring Directions for the cookies: 1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). 2. Put the sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla and lemon juice into a large bowl, and beat for about 30 seconds with an electric mixer on medium speed until the ingredients are combined. Add the soy milk and mix in. Add the flour, baking powder and salt, and mix until combined. 3. Cover three cookie sheets with parchment paper, or plan to bake in batches. With a measuring teaspoon or melon-baller, drop heaping teaspoons of batter onto the cookie sheet, about 1 inch (4 cm) apart. Try to keep the shape of the cookies round. 4. Bake the cookies for 15-17 minutes, or until they feel solid when the top is pressed. The color should remain light; only the outside edges of the bottoms should look lightly browned if you lift up one cookie. If the cookies are stuck to the pan, they need a little more baking time. Remove the pan from the oven and slide the parchment onto a wire rack. When the pan has cooled, use a spatula to lift the cookies off the parchment, or peel the parchment off the cookies, and place them on the cooling rack. The cookies may be made one day in advance and stored covered at room temperature. Directions for the icing: 1. Put the confectioners’ sugar in a medium bowl. Add two tablespoons of boiling water, vanilla and lemon juice, and whisk vigorously. If the mixture is too thick to spread, add another ½ teaspoon (or more) of boiling water and whisk well until you have a thick, but still pourable, consistency. The icing will thicken as you ice the cookies and you will need to add another ½ teaspoon of boiling water to get the icing back to a spreadable

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THE REPORTER ■ DECEMBER 3, 2015

NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org

Egypt, Israel reject bid to reduce U.S.-led peacekeeping force in Sinai

December 2015

• Non-Feature Films • *Deli Man - In Houston, Texas, third-generation deli man Ziggy Gruber has built arguably the finest delicatessen restaurant in the U.S. His story augmented by the stories of iconic delis such as Katz s, 2nd Avenue Deli, Nate n Al, Carnegie, and the Stage embodies a tradition indelibly linked to its savory, nostalgic foods. Everything is a Present - The Wonder and Grace of Alice Sommer Hertz– This is the uplifting true story of the gifted pianist Alice Sommer Hertz who survived the Theresienstat concentration camp by playing classical piano concerts for Nazi dignitaries. Alice Sommer Hertz lived to the age of 106. Her story is an inspiration. Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story - Yoni Netanyahu was a complex, passionate individual thrust into defending his country in a time of war and violence. The older brother of Benjamin Natanyahu, the current Israel Prime Minister, Yoni led the miraculous raid on Entebbe in 1976. Although almost all of the Entebbe hostages were saved, Yoni was the lone military fatality. Featuring three Israeli Prime Ministers and recently released audio from the Entebbe raid itself. Hava Nagila (The Movie) - A documentary romp through the history, mystery and meaning of the great Jewish standard. Featuring interviews with Harry Belafonte, Leonard Nimoy and more, the film follows the ubiquitous party song on its fascinating journey from the shtetls of Eastern Europe to the kibbutzim of Palestine to the cul-de-sacs of America. Inside Hana’s Suitcase - The delivery of a battered suitcase to Fumiko Ishioka at the Tokyo Holocaust Museum begins the true-life mystery that became the subject of Karen Levine’s best-selling book Hana’s Suitcase. The film follows Fumiko’s search to discover the details of Hana’s life, which leads to the discovery of her brother George in Toronto. Israel: The Royal Tour - Travel editor Peter Greenberg (CBS News) takes us on magnificent tour of the Jewish homeland, Israel. The tour guide is none other than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The viewer gets a chance to visit the land of Israel from his own home! Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story (narrated by Dustin Hoffman) - This documentary portrays the contributions of Jewish major leaguers and the special meaning that baseball has had in the lives of American Jews. More than a film about sports, this is a story of immigration, assimilation, bigotry, heroism, the passing on of traditions, the shattering of stereotypes and, most of all, the greatest American pastime. *Nicky’s Family - An enthralling documentary that artfully tells the story of how Sir Nicholas Winton, now 104, a British stockbroker, gave up a 1938 skiing holiday to answer a friend’s request for help in Prague and didn’t stop helping until the war’s beginning stopped him. He had saved the lives of 669 children in his own personal Kindertransport. Shanghai Ghetto - One of the most amazing and captivating survival tales of WWII, this documentary recalls the strange-but-true story of thousands of European Jews who were shut out of country after country while trying to escape Nazi persecution. Left without options or entrance visa, a beacon of hope materialized for them on the other side of the world, and in the unlikeliest of places, Japanese-controlled Shanghai. The Case for Israel-Democracy’s Outpost - This documentary presents a vigorous case for Israel- for its basic right to exist, to protect its citizens from terrorism, and to defend its borders from hostile enemies. The Jewish Cardinal - This is the amazing true story of Jean-Marie Lustiger, the son of Polish-Jewish immigrants, who maintained his cultural identity as a Jew even after converting to Catholicism at a young age, and later joining the priesthood. The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg - As baseball’s first Jewish star, Hammerin’ Hank Greenberg’s career contains all the makings of a true American success story. Unmasked: Judaophobia - The Threat to Civilization – This documentary exposes the current political assault against the State of Israel fundamentally as a war against the Jewish people and their right to self-determination.

• Feature Films • *Amen - From the acclaimed director of Z and CAPITAL, Costa-Gavras presents a powerful and riveting account of the implementation of the Final Solution and the culpability of the Vatican in the extermination of millions in Nazi Death Camps. Fill the Void - This is the story of an eighteen-year-old, Shira, who is the youngest daughter of her family. Her dreams are about to come true as she is set to be married. Unexpectedly, her sister dies while giving birth to her first child. The drama of the story reaches its peak when the girls’ mother proposes a match between Shira and the young widower. Shira will have to choose between her heart’s wish and her family duty. Footnote - The winner of the Cannes Film Festival (Best Screenplay) is the tale of a great rivalry between a father and son, two eccentric professors, who have both dedicated their lives to work in Talmudic Studies. Each has a need for recognition in his chosen field and the day comes when father and son must look deeply inside themselves for the truth- advancement of his own career or of the others. Hidden in Silence - Przemysl, Poland, WWII. Germany emerges victorious over the Russians and the city comes under Nazi control. The Jews are sent to the ghettos. While some stand silent, Catholic teenager, Stefania Podgorska, choose the role of a savior and sneaks 13 Jews into her attic. *Ida: Poland 1962 - On the eve of her vows, 18-year old Anna meets her estranged aunt Wanda, a cynical Communist judge who shocks the naive Anna with a stunning revelation: Anna is Jewish and her real name is Ida. Tasked with this new identity, Ida and Wanda embark on a revelatory journey to their old family house to discover the fate of Ida’s birth parents and unearth dark secrets dating back to the Nazi occupation. *Music Box - In this intense courtroom thriller, Chicago attorney Ann Talbot (Jessica Lange) agrees to defend her Hungarian immigrant father Mike Laszlo (Armin Mueller-Stahl) against accusations of heinous war crimes committed 50 years earlier. As the trial unfolds, Ann probes for evidence that will not only establish his innocence, but also lay to rest her own agonizing doubts about his past. When a hospitalized witness is suddenly located in Budapest, the trial moves to her father’s homeland. Here crucial testimony plus Ann’s personal investigation lead to astonishing results. Noodle (compatible only on PAL/DVD players - Hebrew with English subtitles) - This film was a beloved entry in the Jewish Federation of NEPA’s Jewish Film Festival. It tells the heartwarming story of an Israeli stewardess, Miri, whose personal life as a war widow leaves her without much joy. Everything changes for Miri when her Oriental housemaid disappears one day leaving her with her young Oriental child! The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - Based on the best- selling novel, this movie is unforgettable. Set during WWII, the movie introduces us to Bruno, an innocent eight-year-old, ignores his mother and sets of on an adventure in the woods. Soon he meets a young boy and a surprising friendship develops. The Concert - Andrei Filipov was prodigy- at 20 he was the celebrated conductior for Russia’s renowned Bolshoi Orchestra. Thirty years later, still at the Bolshoi, he works as a janitor. Ousted during the communist era when he refused to fire the Jewish members of the orchestra, a broken Andrei now cleans the auditorium where he once performed in front of thousands. 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? The Other Son - As he is preparing to join the Israeli army for his national service, Joseph discovers he is not his parents’ biological son and that he was inadvertently switched at birth with Yacine, the son of a Palestinian family from the West Bank. This revelation turns the lives of these two families upside-down, forcing them to reassess their respective identities, their values and beliefs. *Woman in Gold - Maria Altman sought to regain a world famous painting of her aunt plundered by the Nazis during World War II. She did so not just to regain what was rightfully hers, but also to obtain some measure of justice for the death, destruction, and massive art theft perpetrated by the Nazis.

*connotes new films To borrow any of these films for home or synagogue use, please contact Dassy at 961-2300 x2 or dassy.ganz@jewishnepa.org.

Egypt and Israel refused to reduce the U.S.-led peacekeeping force in the Sinai Peninsula after the Multinational Force and Observers as well as some of its 12 contributor countries proposed to withdraw about one-fifth of the troops due to concerns over increased violence, an Egyptian official said on Nov. 24. Six troops were wounded by a roadside bomb in September, and the MFO believes they are too vulnerable. The Egyptian military has been battling an Islamic Stateaffiliated terror group in the Sinai Peninsula. “We said this is not the proper time, during a war on terrorism. It would give jihadists the wrong message,” an Egyptian official told Reuters. “That was the main outcome: No talks about any reduction now.” The MFO wanted the 400 troops to be replaced with remote surveillance equipment, the official said. The proposal was reviewed at a meeting the week of Nov. 20 in Rome with Egypt, Israel, and a U.S. delegation in attendance. Nearly 1,900 peacekeepers are positioned in the Sinai to monitor its demilitarization, in accordance with the terms of the 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace accord.

U.N. adopts six anti-Israel resolutions

The United Nations General Assembly on Nov. 24 adopted six anti-Israel resolutions sponsored by the Palestinian Authority and Syria. In one of the resolutions, the U.N. condemned Israel for retaining the northern Golan Heights region, demanding that Israel hand that territory to Syria. Another resolution urged Israel to end its “occupation” of the Palestinian territories and invoked the Palestinians’right to self-determination. Six nations – Israel, United States, Canada, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau – voted against the measures, with four countries abstaining. Hillel Neuer, executive director of U.N. Watch, called the world body’s timing on the resolutions “morally galling and logically absurd ...It’s astonishing,” said Neuer. “At a time when the Syrian regime is massacring its own people, how can the U.N. call for more people to be subject to [Syrian President Bashar] Assad’s rule?” Neuer added, “What is also outrageous is that these resolutions claim to care about Palestinians, yet the U.N. proves itself oblivious to the hundreds of Palestinians who continue to be slaughtered, maimed and expelled by Assad’s forces.” The U.N. has a longstanding reputation of disproportionate criticism of Israel.

The Jewish Federation’s Jewish Film Library just received two new films! The Ritchie Boys (NR)

Run out of Germany by the Nazis, a small contingent of German Jewish intellectuals exacted the perfect revenge--returning to Europe as U.S. soldiers to defeat the enemy. Groundbreaking and unforgettable, The Ritchie Boys is the never-before-told tale of a handful of German nationals who used their language and cultural knowledge to wage psychological warfare against the Nazis and to liberate Europe. Still sharp as octogen-arians, The Ritchie Boys -a medley of hilariously unlikely soldiers - vividly recall their treacherous and heroic slog through World War II, from their training at Camp Ritchie, Maryland to the beaches of Normandy, from dark weeks spent in a German POW camp to D-Day ebullience. Now highly successful artists, businessmen, and professors, The Ritchie Boys laugh at their clumbsy fit within the U.S. military, cry at the horrors of war, and marvel at the unorthodox - but effective - forms of interrogation and subterfuge that helped them to defeat the Nazis.

The Green Prince (Rated PG-13)

"The Green Prince" (2014 release; 95 min.) is a documentary about the improbable, "too good to be true", story of Mosab Yousef, the so-called Son of Hamas, who for over a decade worked as a spy for the Israeli security service Shin Bet, and Gonen Ben Yitzhak, his "handler" within Shin Bet. As the documentary opens, we are reminded of the historical context in the mid-90s within which all of this is taking place, and we then dive straight into the meat and bones of the documentary, namely the interviews with both of the protagonists. A fascinating movie which, once again, proves that “truth can be stranger than fiction”.

For more information, please contact Dassy at 570-961-2300 x2 or dassy.ganz@jewishnepa.org

DECEMBER 3, 2015 ■ THE REPORTER

NEWS IN BRIEF From JTA

Top Homeland Security officials brief hundreds of Jewish groups

Top Department of Homeland Security officials advised Jewish communities to initiate or review security maintenance in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris. Some 300 Jewish agencies nationwide joined a conference call on Nov. 23 with Alejandro Mayorkas, the deputy secretary, and two other top officials organized by the Secure Community Network, the security outlet for the national Jewish community. SCN’s director, Paul Goldenberg, said the officials briefed 500-600 Jewish lay and professional leaders. Goldenberg said Mayorkas and his aides did not report any specific threat in the United States, but advised the communities on security maintenance. “If they have not developed security management plans, they need to get those plans,” Goldenberg told JTA. “We’re asking Jewish agencies to institutionalize security as a part of the culture.” Goldenberg said that training organized by SCN, an arm of the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of

Major American Jewish Organizations, would incorporate findings from the Nov. 13 attacks in Paris, where at least 130 people were killed. Mayorkas explained how even when a primary target is not Jewish, the attackers may seek out Jewish targets in a secondary attack. He noted the attacks in Paris in January, where a satirical magazine that had mocked Islam was the first target; subsequently, attackers targeted a kosher supermarket. Speakers on the call also reported findings from a recent trip to Israel organized by a number of federations that included police chiefs from those localities. Israeli officials briefed their U.S. counterparts on how to prepare civilian institutions for a terrorist attack.

Amazon removing Nazi-symbol ads on NYC subways for new TV show

Amazon is removing its Nazi-symbol-laden ads for “The Man in the High Castle” television show from a highly trafficked New York City subway line. A spokesman for New York’s Metropolitan Transit Authority confirmed to The Gothamist on Nov. 24 that Amazon was pulling the wraparound advertisements featuring a modified Nazi

Ethiopian Jews do not celebrate post-biblical holidays like Chanukah and Purim, and they maintain their own unique celebrations, like the fall festival of Sigd. Successive Ethiopian governments persecuted the Jews, leaving them impoverished and relatively isolated in agrarian communities amid the country’s northern mountains. Contacts with outside Jewry increased in the 20th century. In 1973, Ovadia Yosef, then Sephardic chief rabbi of Israel, ruled that the Ethiopian community was Jewish, paving the way for their immigration. Ethiopian aliyah began with a trickle in 1977. Between 1984 and 1985, thousands of Ethiopian Jews fleeing famine crossed into Sudan, some of them traveling for up to a month on foot. From there, in a mission called Operation Moses, Israeli Defense Forces planes airlifted about 8,000 to Israel. In 1991, with Ethiopia’s government on the cusp of being overthrown by rebel groups, mass aliyah resumed with the clandestine Operation Solomon, which brought 14,500 Jews to Israel on 40 flights in just 36 hours. Some of the flights held double their normal capacity to save time. After Operation Solomon, advocates for the community urged the government to let another group of Ethiopians move to Israel. The group, whose members are known as Falash Mura, has Jewish ancestry, but is descended from Ethiopians who converted to Christianity about a century ago. Some Israeli officials opposed

Reichsadler eagle and a variation of a World War II-era Japanese flag from the 42nd Street shuttle. The ad campaign, which caused a stir on Tuesday, was scheduled to run through Dec. 14. Earlier in the day, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said, “While these ads technically may be within MTA guidelines, they’re irresponsible and offensive to World War II and Holocaust survivors, their families and countless other New Yorkers. Amazon should take them down.” MTA instituted a policy in April that bans political ads from its subways and buses. Under the resolution, MTA permits only the display of commercial advertising, public service announcements and government messages on its buses and subways. The Amazon ads do not violate this policy, an MTA spokesman told The Gothamist, which first reported the ad campaign. “The updated standards prohibit political advertisements. Unless you’re saying that you believe Amazon is advocating for a Nazi takeover of the United States, then it meets the standards. They’re advertising a show,” MTA spokesman Adam Lisberg told The Gothamist. Evan Bernstein, the Anti-Defamation League’s New York regional director, called the ads insensitive, according to The Gothamist.

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Falash Mura arrived in Israel from Ethiopia on August 28, 2013. (Photo by Miriam Alster/Flash90) the aliyah of the Falash Mura, saying their ties to Judaism were too weak. But in the 1990s and 2000s, successive governments brought waves of Falash Mura to Israel, who underwent formal conversion to Judaism after their arrival. Experts say this wave may really be the end of Ethiopian aliyah because it includes every Falash Mura known to Israel. Its primary purpose, according to the

government, is to reunite families split by earlier immigrations. To qualify for this round, candidates need to have family in Israel and have arrived in pre-aliyah compounds in Ethiopia run by the Jewish Agency by the start of 2010. For many Ethiopians, getting to Israel is only half the battle. Ethiopian immigrants, often from poor and uneducated families, have struggled to integrate. According to data compiled by the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute, a government-sponsored think tank, as of 2013 only 27 percent of Ethiopian-Israeli students qualified for university, as opposed to 51 percent of all Israelis. Average wages for Ethiopian-Israelis were more than a third lower than the Israeli average. Ethiopian-Israelis claim that state institutions discriminate against them. Following the emergence earlier this year of a video showing police officers beating an Ethiopian-Israeli soldier, Ethiopians massed in protest. Police responded with stun guns and a water cannon. Following the unrest, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to take steps to address the discrimination. “Among the general population, I’m sure there are some stereotypes, prejudices that affect access to employment,” said Jack Habib, Myers-JDC-Brookdale director. “How much of that is perception and how much of that is reality we don’t know. But there are these strong feelings of discrimination. It’s not an issue we can ignore.”

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THE REPORTER ■ DECEMBER 3, 2015

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DECEMBER 3, 2015 ■ THE REPORTER

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Jewish Community Center of Scranton 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 Phone: (570) 346-6595 Fax: (570) 346-6147

PROFESSIONAL STAFF: Executive Director: Ed Basan Membership Registrar: Gary Beckhorn Business Manager: Alice Berger Bookkeeper: Carol Gallitz Senior Luncheon Manager: Leah Gans Aquatics Director: Julia Goretsky Program Director: Vince Kalinoski Recreation Specialist: Scott Moskovitz Early Childhood Director: Rika Schaffer Senior Adult Director: Ilona Thurston Development Director: Marie McTiernan

AGENCY MISSION STATEMENT: The purpose of the Jewish Community Center is to develop and conduct a comprehensive program of activities, including education and recreation aimed at assisting individuals to meet their personal, social, recreational, educational, physical health and cultural needs/interests in order to achieve an affirmative identification with Jewish life and a deep appreciation of their reponsibilities as citizens of the community, the state and the nation.

BOARD OFFICERS: President: Eli Arenberg 1st Vice President: Ed Monsky 2nd Vice President: Doug Fink Treasurer: Michael Roth Secretary/Executive Director: Edward M. Basan Assistant Secretary: Filmore Rosenstein PROFESSIONAL STAFF: Executive Director: Ed Basan Membership Registrar: Gary Beckhorn Business Manager: Alice Berger Bookkeeper: Carol Gallitz Senior Luncheon Manager: Leah Gans Aquatics Director: Julia Goretsky Program Director: Vince Kalinoski Recreation Specialist: Scott Moskovitz Early Childhood Director: Rika Schaffer Senior Adult Director: Ilona Thurston Development Director: Marie McTiernan AGENCY MISSION STATEMENT: The purpose of the Jewish Community Center is to develop and conduct a comprehensive program of activities, including education and recreation aimed at assisting individuals to meet their personal, social, recreational, educational, physical health and cultural needs/interests in order to achieve an affirmative identification with Jewish life and a deep appreciation of their reponsibilities as citizens of the community, the state and

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