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Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania MAY 24, 2012
VOLUME X, NUMBER 11
A lens called “friendship”: Tova Weiss to be recognized at Federation annual meeting on June 14 By Dassy Ganz “Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” – Anaïs Nin When asked to write “something about Tova Weiss in honor of her service to the Holocaust Education Resource Center,” I asked, “Why me?” After all, the Federation has an executive director who is both a facile writer and Weiss’ work supervisor, so why ask me? Understandably, Weiss’ decision to separate herself from this “part-time job” that has consumed far more than 40 hours of her week for many, many years is the harbinger of change: for Weiss – there will be time to relax and pursue many of her other interests – and for the Federation, her departure means that a new coordinator of the Teen Symposium, Mary Ann Answini, will be officially welcomed onboard. The answer to my query has framed my commentary: “Because you’re her friend.” That simple statement allowed me to reflect about the work and contribution of Weiss using the lens of friendship, rather than the dry, objective rhetoric of professional accomplishments. Anaïs Nin’s assessment about the transformative power of friendship resonates
and coordinated teacher-trainin this moment because it was ing workshops on teaching the through Weiss’ work with the Holocaust. Her collaborative HERC that we first met many efforts with numerous instituyears ago. As a teacher and tions and agencies in the Northadministrator in the Scranton eastern Pennsylvania area have School District, I wanted to innovated programs that reach take my students to the annual the arts, legal and social work Teen Symposium, and reached agency communities, as well as out to Weiss for information and the education community. assistance. Her warm acceptance Tova Weiss Prior to holding this position, of my intention began a series of conversations between us that has never Weiss was a teacher in day schools and ended, or even slowed down! In fact, supplementary Hebrew schools, and was as Nin alluded, meeting Weiss was the very active within the Jewish community, impetus for me to begin to volunteer for including a four-year stint as head of the the HERC, something I am sure I would Community Relations Committee of the never have done were it not for Weiss’ Jewish Federation. She is also active in gentle encouragement to become part of local and national organizations. Weiss holds a B.A. in English and the team. Thousands of educators in Northeastern education from Pennsylvania State UniPennsylvania know Weiss as the director versity, and an M.A. in education from of the HERC, a position she has held for Marywood University. She has taught a more than 16 years. She was the first to variety of subjects, including the Hololead the Resource Center after it was caust, in Connecticut and Pennsylvania. established by the Jewish Federation. She is a graduate of Yad Vashem’s SumIn that capacity, she has created, imple- mer Education Seminar on Anti-Semitism, mented and coordinated the general com- and was a Melton Fellow in the Melton munity and public and parochial school’s Senior Educators Program at the Melton Holocaust-related and commemorative Centre, Hebrew University, in Jerusalem. programs for the Jewish community. A While there, she took a year-long course member of the Pennsylvania Holocaust on teaching the Holocaust at Yad Vashem’s Education Council, Weiss has conducted International School for Holocaust Studies.
JCC Awards banquet to be held on June 10
The JCC Awards Banquet Reception will be held on Sunday, June 10, at 6 pm, in the Goodman Lounge. Dinner and the awards presentation will begin at 6:30 pm in the
Koppelman Auditorium. Tickets will cost $38 per person for seating in tables of eight. To make a reservation, call the JCC front desk at
346-6595. Reservations will be taken by payment only. “Mazel tov to all the award recipients,” said organizers of the program.
Bais Yaakov to honor Schwartzes, Ben Dovs at Tribute Dinner on June 17 Bais Yaakov of Scranton will hold its annual Tribute Dinner on Sunday, June 17, at 5 pm, at the Jewish Community Center. Richard and Patti Schwartz and Zev and Nancy Weinberger Ben Dov will be honored at the dinner. Both native to Scranton, the Schwartzes “have made their mark in so many ways,” noted a BY representative. Richard has been the president of Beth Shalom for two terms. “He pays attention to every detail of the shul’s needs, from making sure everything is set up and cleaned up properly, to seeing that necessary repairs are made,” explained a BY representative. Richard is a musician and music teacher in SSD, and uses his skills at various Jewish functions. Bais Yaakov, located at Beth Shalom, frequently requests assistance from Richard. Patti is also a musician, and has played
violin since age 8, resulting in her becoming a master violinist. Throughout the past few years, Patti has joined the school’s productions on the piano and violin. Her involvement in BY has included helping at numerous school functions in ways other than performing music, such as gourmet cooking. She is involved in the community, having served on the boards of JFS and the JCC. “The Bais Yaakov is proud to honor Richard and Patti Schwartz,” said a BY representative. Both Schwartzes will perform at the Tribute Dinner reception. Nancy Weinberger Ben Dov grew up in Scranton, where she has lived her entire life. She grew up in a home where community involvement was “paramount,” according to a BY representative, and “Ben Dov is a number one volunteer.” She frequently helps at day school functions, and primar-
ily at Bais Yaakov of Scranton functions. Her volunteer work has included carnivals, pizza making, play production evenings and other Bais Yaakov events. “She never says no to anything in the community, and for this the Bais Yaakov chooses to honor her,” explained a BY representative. Zev Ben Dov grew up in Israel, and came to the United States and Scranton to teach theater and drama classes for many years at both Marywood and the University of Scranton. Zev taught college-level public speaking and Hebrew language at BY for many years. He offered many in-services to BY students, particularly about eretz Yisrael, including a public event called “This Land is My Land” with a turnout of close to 200 people. He continued on to a new degree in social work and works as a private therapist.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Israeli technology
Shavuot
Inclusion in shuls
Israel shows off its homeland Cookbook author Jamie Geller Shuls are expanding their inclusion security tech to international offers several recipes for pizzas to efforts to include those with visitors at two conferences. serve for a Shavuot meal. emotional/mental disabilities. Story on page 5 Story on page 8 Story on page 13
She presented a workshop on “Holocaust and the Arts” at a Melton Center Educators Conference in 2000, and has participated in professional conferences from 1980 through the present. Weiss is married to Jay Weiss, has three children, three step-children and seven grandchildren. An accomplished scholar, artist and cook (you should taste her noodle pudding), Weiss is a spirited, warm, loving and compassionate woman. Her friendship has graced my life and enriched my interaction with the Holocaust Education Resource Center. Like the tens of thousands of high school students for whom she has brought history to life, I will always be indebted to her for her vigor and vision. She, truly, has influenced generations yet unborn by educating teens of our area about the common history and common responsibility that all sentient humans share. Yasher koach, Tova Weiss, on a job well done! Now, go forward to your new opportunities to shine! Goal: $900,000
2012 UJA
fe! Campaign i L o T Update
$807,659 as of 5/21/12 For more information or to make a donation please call 570-961-2300 ext. 1 or send your gift to: Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania 601 Jefferson Avenue Scranton, PA 18510 (Please MEMO your pledge or gift 2012 UJA Campaign)
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THE REPORTER ■ MAY 24, 2012
a matter of opinion
Jewish education, here and in Israel
Israel’s educational system needs a fresh start By Chaim Peri (JTA) – The wildfire that raged through Mount Carmel near Haifa in December 2010 was devastating for northern Israel. At Yemin Orde, the educational village for at-risk and immigrant youth that I ran for many years, the fire destroyed nearly half of our facilities. But when it came time to rebuild our cloistered safe haven for 500 youths, we had the opportunity for a fresh start. After celebrating Israel’s 64th birthday, the country’s whole educational system could use a fresh start. The utopian ideals of Israel’s early days have been replaced by post-modern confusion, namely the worship of school scores and OECD rankings, while basic human values lag behind. Contemporary Israel struggles to piece together a fragmented social puzzle of extremes, with a staggering 15 percent of its children and youth physically and socially at risk, mentally impoverished and alienated. Undoubtedly, this situation forebodes ill for the social fabric of a country. There is an urgent need to “restart” the concept of education, to re-examine the connection between scholastic scores and the school culture. It is time to go back to the basics – to educational environments motivated by human values, not comparisons and
“ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510.
President: Margaret Sheldon Executive Director: Mark Silverberg Advisory Board Chair: Margaret Sheldon Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman Layout Editor: Diana Sochor Assistant Editor: Michael Nassberg Production Coordinator: Jenn DePersis Graphic Artist: Danielle Esquivel Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen Circulation: Maria Kutz
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@epix.net 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
numbers, but rather to healthy “sanctuaries” for children and youth. At the Yemin Orde Youth Village, education transforms survivors into leaders. It is a microcosm of what the state of Israel had inscribed on its banner from its very onset – inclusiveness, tolerance, spirituality and benevolence. Its mentschen graduates from Ethiopia, the former Soviet Union or the most impoverished neighborhoods of Israel are a living testimony to the validity of the village’s educational philosophy and methodology. Graduates find comfort knowing that the Yemin Orde community will always be there for them, much like in a functional family. Current U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, when she was the first lady, made famous the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” The Youth Village educational concept as applied in Israel has been one of the building blocks of the Zionist ethos. It gave birth to the Village Way, which was designed to introduce wholeness and coherence to young lives that otherwise are bombarded by the chaotic onslaught of 21st century stimuli. The Village Way is a blueprint that allows teachers to re-create their own version of the plan for their children, which incorporates cultural identity, pride, and having a sense of direction and security about the future. The children’s personal abilities and strengths are reinforced. They learn life skills that enable them to grow into successful, compassionate members of society, and they begin to heal wounds of the past and learn to give of themselves. Celebrating cultural holidays geared toward a diverse population, community service, individual attention, positive role models and mentors as educators, and ongoing graduate support are core elements of the Village Way blueprint. Education will be empowered to provide an antidote to social alienation and helplessness among children and youth. The Village Way can lead Israel back on track in terms of scholastic achievement in literacy and science – as in the days when learning and educating joined forces to produce Israel’s foremost leaders. The Village Way allows Israel’s educators to again assume their rightful place in society – the status of nation builders (not unlike contemporary “educational stars” in Finland and South Korea, or America’s Teach for America and charter school movement). In laying out a distinct blueprint for education, the Village Way offers the state of Israel not only a beacon of hope in the aftermath of flames, but also the means to achieve an educational environment or homeland in which every child deserves to grow. Chaim Peri, who served as director of the Yemin Orde Youth Village (www.yeminorde. org) for three decades beginning in 1978, is the author of “Teenagers Educated the Village Way.”
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.
Reconsideration of state aid to Jewish schools is welcome
By Nathan Diament (JTA) – For decades, the American Jewish community has debated the advisability, constitutionality and necessity of government aid to Jewish (and other faiths’) parochial schools. But with the United States still experiencing tough economic challenges, the American Jewish community finds its schools under greater financial stress than ever. This reality, alongside the solidification of court rulings upholding government aid programs and a current of broader education reform, has positioned 2012 to be a year in which we see signs of a sea change within the Jewish community over this perennial issue. Since the mid-1950s, the majority view within the Jewish community has opposed government aid to parochial schools on the grounds that it diverts funds from the public schools, breaches the “wall of separation” between religion and state, and runs counter to the communal responsibility to support our own institutions. On the other side, the Orthodox and other conservative segments of the community advocated for public sector support for Jewish schools. This admittedly minority camp contended that as a matter of economic fairness, citizens paying taxes that support local school budgets are entitled to some support in return; that First Amendment principles did not bar carefully crafted and religion-neutral state aid programs; and that in the absence of full communal support for our schools, resorting to state support was warranted. In a series of U.S. Supreme Court decisions rendered in the 1990s and 2000s, the constitutional question was clearly settled in favor of state support programs and against the “strict separationists.” The high court approved state-funded special education teachers in parochial schools, state-funded textbooks and technology, and more, culminating in the 2000 ruling upholding Cleveland’s school voucher program as constitutional. Under the program, publicly funded vouchers could be spent on parochial school tuition. The liberal camp has also, essentially, lost the argument about the “diversion” of funds. The historically political champions of the traditional public school systems – Democrats – are deviating from longstanding orthodoxy by strongly backing charter schools, which are publicly funded but privately administered (and free from unionized teachers). Inner-city mayors and reform-driven governors are denouncing the social injustice of low-income children trapped in failing public schools and pursuing an array of initiatives to offer opportunities to these children. The debate line is no longer over whether to support “school choice,” but simply how expansive that choice will be. This leaves as the last argument standing the question of necessity, and in the context of the economy of the past five years, America’s Jewish day schools desperately require more support – and it is not within the community’s ability to provide it alone. Today, Jewish day schools (of all denominations) amount to more than a $2 billion enterprise annually, according to the Avi Chai Foundation. A conservative estimate assesses annual scholarship awards at more than $500 million, and that is nearly twice
the amount that was being awarded five years ago. Requests for scholarship show no signs of abating. If the Jewish community is going to fund its educational system by itself, we have yet to identify where the funds will come from, let alone the will to make the decisions to secure or re-allocate those funds. The need is clear and present. And so we get to 2012 and several signs indicating a shift in the debate. One prominent sign is the essay recently published in The Wall Street Journal by Peter Beinart making the “Jewish case” for state funding for Jewish education. While Beinart’s latest book featuring intense criticism of Israel generated a tidal wave of tough responses from Jewish organizational leaders and pundits, Beinart’s Wall Street Journal column received virtually no comment from the community’s liberal stalwarts. A second notable sign of shift is the recent political debate in Louisiana in which a new and ambitious school voucher program was enacted into law – with the explicit endorsement of the Jewish Federation of New Orleans – making it the first Federation in the country to embrace a school voucher proposal. This action in the Bayou State follows on the JCRCs of Baltimore and Greater Washington endorsements of legislation to create a Maryland state tax credit for contributions to school scholarship funds, and active support for analogous public support programs from Jewish Federations in Pennsylvania, Florida and Arizona, where they are already in place. The UJA-Federation of New York is the Federation entity with the largest number of Jewish citizens and day schools within its jurisdiction, so it is a significant sign when it hires a new staffer into its Albany lobbying shop tasked with “day school advocacy,” as it did earlier this year. Finally, a sign we see down the road is the upcoming convention of the JCPA that will launch a renewed examination of communal policy on the topic of government support for Jewish education. JCPA, the umbrella entity for national and local Jewish organizations throughout the U.S., last “examined” this topic 15 years ago, but those of us who participated in that discussion thought it a sham, with rejection of all forms of state support a foregone conclusion. This time, with the economic landscape at hand and the Federation entities directly participating in state aid programs, we have a hopeful sense that the position adopted by the broader community will not be reflexive and dogmatic but appropriately sensitive and nuanced. As the Jewish calendar has turned from Passover toward Shavuot, we turn our attention from achieving Jewish freedom to understanding Jewish purpose. The fact that our ancestors’ Exodus culminated at Sinai is a lesson to us that our central purpose is the transmission of Jewish knowledge and commitment. Today we do that best through Jewish schools, and we must ensure their viability to ensure the next generation. The permissibility and necessity of state support to make our school system viable are clear and, in 2012, we are seeing signs that we might indeed make this prospect a reality. Nathan J. Diament is the executive director for public policy for the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America.
MAY 24, 2012 ■
THE REPORTER
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community news Temple Israel to honor “Rabbi Joe” Mendelsohn
Temple Israel has invited the community to he became known as “Rabbi Joe.” He served the honor “Rabbi Joe” Mendelsohn for his service to Knoxville community for three years. the temple and the Greater Scranton community Mendelsohn came to Scranton in the summer on Saturday, June 2, at 9 am. A kiddush luncheon of 2004. Hired as the spiritual leader of Temple will follow. Israel, he immediately became involved in the A third generation Angelino, Mendelsohn community. He is on the board of community graduated from UCLA in 1972 with a B.A. in organizations designed to promote health and political science. His first career, as a recruiter for welfare, including Interdependence Day, Lackadata processing professionals, led to owning and wanna County Area Agency on Aging Advisory operating a four-person recruiting firm handling Council and Scranton Reads. In addition, since clients throughout the West Coast area. In 1993, “Rabbi Joe” 2005, he has been a chaplain for Troop R of Mendelsohn the Pennsylvania State Police. “His interache entered the seminary, first at the University of Judaism in Los Angeles and then at the Jewish Theological tion with families in time of need, however, has made Seminary in New York, graduating in 2001 with ordination the biggest impact in the community,” noted a Temple and an M.H.L. Israel representative. Mendelsohn’s first pulpit was in Knoxville, TN, where Mendelsohn’s officer positions include founder, presi-
dent, vice president or secretary of Greater Scranton Area’s MLK Commission between 2005-12; president, Scranton Area Ministerium, 2005-12; president, American Cancer Society – Lackawanna County Chapter, from 2011-12; and vice president, Northeastern Pennsylvania End of Life Coalition, from 2008-12. Mendelsohn teaches a variety courses for Marywood University’s Lifelong Learning Institute, the medical community and volunteer organizations. Both Mendelsohn and his wife, Linda, were co-recipients of the 2011 United Way Interdependency Day Award. Mendelsohn has been honored by the Lackawanna Bar Association, the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania and its voluntary auxiliary, and the MLK Commission. Reservations can be made by calling the temple at 3420350 by Friday, May 25.
JWV to hold Memorial Day programs The Sandy Weissberger-Leon Kaplan Post #165, Jewish War Veterans U.S.A., has announced that they will hold special programs for Memorial Day. This year’s Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 28, the second day of Shavout, on which the Post will also commemorate Yizkor. The Post will hold four separate programs, as all Jewish cemeteries will be closed on May 28. The first Memorial Day program to be conducted by Post #165 will be held on Friday, May 25, at Temple Hesed, in Scranton, during its regular Friday night service. All members
of the Post have been encouraged to attend, along with members of Temple Hesed, especially those who are veterans. The second Memorial Day program will be conducted in conjunction with the regular Saturday morning service of Temple Israel, in Dunmore, on Saturday, May 26, at 7:30 am. A third program will also be held that Saturday at 9 am at Temple Israel. The fourth Memorial Day program will be conducted during Yizkor on Memorial Day at the service at the Jewish Home in Scranton. The Post will sponsor a kiddush
Bais Yaakov hosted Bnos Chaim Seminary of Jackson, NJ Bnos Chaim Seminary visited Scranton for a Shabbaton in order to experience out-of-town living from May 4-5. Bnos Chaim, in its first year, is under the direction of Rabbi Aryeh Mintz. The theme of Shabbat was “Choviv Adom Shnivra B’Tzelem.” The program began with lunch, followed by a talk about “Chinuch Jewish Education” by Rabbi Nosson Adlin, principal of the Scranton Hebrew Day School, and observation of classes in the school. Girls heard from Rabbi Mordechai Dov Fine, of Machzikeh Hadas, about Jewish life in small town America since the turn of the century, as well as the misirat nefesh (personal sacrifice) for Torah that people had to send their sons as far away as Europe to yeshivas. The students also heard from Rabbi Avrohom Turin,
mashgiach rucheni of Yeshiva Bais Moshe, and Rabbi Moshe Shatzkes, whose wife is a teacher in Bnos Chaim. There were panel discussions led by Rebbetzin Doris Fine, Ruthy Luchins and Mashie Shatzkes, as well as interactive games prepared by the students from both schools. The guest speaker at shalosh seudot was Miri Salkow, Mishmeres program coordinator at Bais Yaakov of Scranton, and wife of Rabbi Yehuda Salkow, director of the Jewish Resource Center of the Poconos. The food preparation for the Shabbaton was done under the direction of Shanie Davidson, of Two Sisters Catering, who is also the home management teacher at Bais Yaakov. Hostess bags were designed by Jack Deutsch and Marcia Ufberg, as well as her son, Jonah, all of Starr Uniform.
after the service at the Home. The Post has expressed its appreciation to Rabbis Daniel Swartz, Joseph Mendelsohn and Samuel Sandhaus for their assistance and cooperation in presenting the Memorial Day programs to the community. The next general meeting of Post #165 will be held at Elan Gardens on Sunday, June 3.
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TH held “A Taste of the Mediterranean” By Emily Trunzo Temple Hesed held a new fund-raiser, “A Taste of the Mediterranean,” on May 5. More than 100 people attended
Susan Shapiro, Angela Weinberg and Esther Adelman discussed the wine.
the program. Wine glasses were given to each couple or person as they entered the room, and a buffet was available for those in attendance to enjoy. The food had a Mediterranean theme, featuring salads, pizza, cheeses and other assorted foods. Ken and Dale Miller were the creators, chairmen and coordinators of the event. David Falchek was the host. As the evening progressed, Falchek introduced each wine, describing its taste and origin. After he introduced D a v i d F a l c h e k the wines, members of Temple presented the wines Hesed provided samples to all at the event.
Notice to our Pocono Readers 911 Emergency Management Services has been updating mailing addresses in Monroe County and Lehman Townships in Pike County. Please don't forget to notify the Federation so you will continue to receive The Reporter. Thanks, Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania
See “Taste” on page 4
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THE REPORTER ■ MAY 24, 2012
Earth Day at Temple Hesed
By Emily Trunzo Students and teachers from Temple Hesed gathered on April 29, the Saturday after Earth Day, to learn about trees and plants seen around the temple. Rabbi Daniel Swartz began with prayers for the day and an explanation about some of the fauna and flora seen around the temple. After the explanations and prayers, the students set out to collect the trash that had been discarded on the Temple Hesed property and down Knox Road to Lake Scranton Road. The students wore rubber gloves and worked with the teachers. Approximately 25 bags of trash were collected and sorted for recycling. “The students learned a good lesson of caring for the earth,” said a temple representative.
At left: Jordan Spatt and Cheryl Friedman gathered trash at Temple Hesed on April 29.
At right: Don Minkoff, Alisia Selznick, Jonathan Goldenziel and Isabelle Spatt worked to clean around the temple.
L-r: Some of the participants helping were Jonathan Goldenziel, Rabbi Daniel Swartz, Aliza Selznick, Sadie Shapiro, Alex Waskovich, Isabelle Spatt, Alysia Goldenziel, Casey Friedman, Jacob and Reece Weinberg, and Jacob Frank.
Rabbi Daniel Swartz lea prayers for protecting the earth.
Taste
Continued from page 3
who wished to try them. The wines included varieties from Israel, Greece, France, Italy and Spain, as well as one from Birdsong Winery in Pennsylvania. Other members from Temple Hesed, as well as a waiter and waitress, helped serve assorted hot foods. Michael Dillon performed music for the program.
Rabbi Daniel Swartz showed some unusual flowers to Reece Weinberg. Harry and Mary Beth Adelman attended “A Taste of the Mediterranean” at Temple Hesed.
Rabbis Daniel and Marjorie Swartz enjoyed the program.
L-r: Jacob Weinberg, Alex Waskovich, Sadie Shapiro and Jacob Fink collected trash.
Victor and Abby Byman Cushing attended the Temple Hesed wine tasting.
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Marilyn Deutsch and Barbara Parker Bell socialized at “A Taste of the Mediterranean” at Temple Hesed.
MAY 24, 2012 ■
THE REPORTER
Israel shows off its homeland security technologies to international visitors
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since it joined the international police organization By Mati Wagner in October 1949. JERUSALEM (JTA) – Israel’s security techAmong the Israeli innovations on display nologies were on display as the country hosted were the “skunk,” a liquid with a putrid odor, two separate international contingents. An Interpol and the “screamer,” a hand-held device the size European Regional Conference brought 110 senior of a bullhorn that emits a sound so loud that it law enforcement officers from 49 countries to Tel can paralyze. Israeli police developed both as Aviv, while a recent homeland security conference non-lethal means of crowd control in the wake drew 37 mayors from two dozen worldwide cities of the October 2000 riots that left 12 Arab Isto sites throughout Israel. raelis dead. “Israel has been forced to overcome difficult The Or Commission, an Israeli panel of inquiry circumstances, including war and terror, in order set up after the riots, criticized the police for being to survive,” said Alfred Vanderpuije, mayor of the unprepared and possibly using excessive force to Ghana capital of Accra, following a visit to Elbit disperse the mobs. “The skunk and the screamer are Systems, a defense electronics company based in more ethical than your average police baton since Haifa. “And this has put the Israelis in a unique they don’t cause long-term injuries,” said Cmdr. Oded situation to develop security technologies.” Shemla, who heads research and development for In the decade following the terror attacks of 9/11, the police technology division. “They also happen Israeli security exports rose from about $2 billion a year to more than $7 billion, according to data L-r: Interpol President Khoo Boon Hui, Israeli Police Chief Yohanan to be more effective.” An interactive simulator capable of constructing supplied by SIBAT, Israel’s Defense Export and Danino, and Interpol officials Ronald Kenneth Noble and Yoav Segalovitz Defense Cooperation Agency. Part of the rise was at the international police organization's European Regional Conference realistic scenarios, from soccer game riots and violent demonstrations to kidnappings and sniper attacks, attributed to the growing international demand for in Tel Aviv on May 8. (Photo by Gideon Markowicz/Flash90/JTA) also was on display. more effective homeland security systems. “What is unique about our technology is that it is deAt Elbit and other security firms such as Magal Security used to fight crime and help officials react more efficiently Systems and Elta Group, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace to natural disasters, said Amnon Sofrim, who heads Elta’s veloped by policemen for policemen,” said Shemla, who Industries, Vanderpuije and the other mayors saw presen- homeland security projects. “Instead of endless patrols, we previously was a police helicopter unit pilot. Interpol officials were not authorized to comment on tations on defense technologies. Originally developed for can use strategically placed cameras or electronic devices the Israel Defense Forces to fight wars and terror, many connected to a situation room to detect the beginning of a Israel’s innovations vis-a-vis other member countries. of the systems are being modified for civilian use, such as robbery or a fire,” said Sofrim, former chief of the IDF’s Shemla said, however, that senior police officers from securing large cities. intelligence corps. “And this allows us to use a limited Europe were particularly impressed that the Israeli Called the “digital army project,” Elbit’s technology amount of security forces or firefighters only where they technologies presented at the conference already were in use and had proven to be effective in real-life situaconnects all military forces to a single communication are really needed.” network that enables the free transferral of audio and video There were signs that the meetings between mayors tions. “We were not showing them an abstract concept,” information. “From the individual soldier to entire divisions and Israeli security experts might lead to business ties. “I he said. “We were showing them things that actually on the land, in the air and on the sea, all our forces are was very impressed with what I saw and am even think- work in the field.” Jake Rosen, who chairs the American Council for interconnected,” said Dalia Rosen, Elbit’s vice president ing about bringing some of these ideas back to Ghana,” World Jewry that organized and sponsored the internaof corporate communications. “In the past few years, we Vanderpuije said. tional mayors’ conference, said there is room for more have begun adopting the tools we have developed and While private Israeli firms were showing the mayors applied on the battlefield for use in a civilian context to homeland security technologies, a similar show-and-tell security export growth. “One of the goals of this year’s create what we call ‘safe cities.’” was taking place in Tel Aviv at Interpol’s 41st regional con- conference is to break down prejudices [toward Israel] See “Securities” on page 6 The basic tools that are used to fight terrorism can be ference, the first time Israel has hosted such a conference
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6
THE REPORTER ■ MAY 24, 2012
jewish community center news BBYO holds WOW Weekend
The Scranton BBYO chapter attended the WOW Weekend convention in Allentown from March 30-April 1, one of the five annual conventions held in Central Region East. The chapter “had so much excitement and enthusiasm going into the convention,” according to representatives, that they were able to bring 14 members, a recent chapter record. More than 300 Jewish teens from throughout New York, Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware attended. According to organizers of the convention, it was called the “WOW Weekend” because the programming was meant to “wow” the members. The convention started on March 30 with dinner and services, followed by a presentation about the dangers of substance abuse. Saturday began with Shabbat services, followed by a “separates” program, where AZA (boys) played a version of capture the flag and BBG (girls) participated in a Sisterhood activity. The afternoon programming included a story from a Holocaust survivor. CRE BBYO also held a Havdalah service, which was attended by the teens at the convention and also community members from throughout the region. The teens sang both traditional Havdalah and a few popular songs that were selected by members. Many participants brought their own instruments to add to the service. Havdalah was followed by one of the marquee events, the annual Beau/Sweetheart Dance, where one AZA and BBG are selected by their own chapters to represent them. This year, Ethan Kreinces and Ellie Sullum were chosen
to show off Scranton BBYO as “beau” and “sweetheart.” “It was a great and memorable night for each teen who attended,” said organizers of the program. The AZAs and BBGs held their regional meetings on Sunday. They discussed upcoming business and updates on individual chapters. “Each teen was able to make a difference in the organization,” explained a BBYO representative. “It is a chance for everyone to have their voices heard and have an impact on the region.” Following meetings, the convention was concluded with a Spirit Circle, where the teenagers performed cheers, shared memories and said good-bye. “WOW Weekend is only one of the great opportunities that come from being a BBYO member,” noted a BBYO representative. The chapter also holds local programs, including social, educational, community service and business meetings. Through BBYO, teens are able to “enhance their Jewish journey” and be a part of an organization with tens of thousands of members from around the world. From International Summer programs to local activities and philanthropic events, BBYO develops “the leaders of tomorrow’s Jewish community,” said a BBYO representative. “It is an organization run by Jewish teens, for Jewish teens.” For more information on BBYO, contact Aaron Brooks, Scranton BBYO city director, at 346-6595, ext.116, or at aaron@scrantonjcc.org.
JCC commemorates Yom Hashoah
The local community commemoration of Yom Hashoah was held on April 19 in the Koppelman Auditorium of the JCC. The event featured a historical exhibit about the Holocaust and a memorial service, which drew more than 90 people. Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty attended the program and participated in the service. The service included a candlelighting and prayer for the six million victims of the Holocaust. Following the service, there was a screening of the film “The Rescuers,” a documentary about diplomats who rescued Jews dur-
ing World War II. Dr. Sylvia Smoller, guest speaker and Holocaust survivor, was in attendance and was featured in the documentary. Organizers of the commemoration expressed their appreciation for all of the staff and volunteers who contributed to the event, particularly Esther Adelman, event chairwoman; Vince Kalinoski, program director; and Sam Rosen, volunteer and Holocaust survivor. Also thanked were Tova Weiss and the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, who partnered with the JCC on the program.
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.
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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
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Ethan Kreinces and Ellie Sullum were selected as Scranton BBYO “beau” and “sweetheart.”
Securities
Continued from page 5
and overcome feelings of hesitation about doing business here,” Rosen said. “We have to be proactive in allowing access to Israeli know-how and in countering anti-Israel sentiment.” Rosen said that political leaders such as Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who has claimed that Israel plans to “terminate” the Palestinian people, are “obstacles to openness” when it comes to economic ties with Israel. However, Rosen noted that Venezuela should not be seen as monolithic. Antonio Ledezma, who beat a proChavez candidate to become mayor of Caracas, attended the conference. Otto Perez Leal, the mayor of Mixco, Guatemala, and son of Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina, said his municipality already was implementing security cameras and other technologies developed in Israel. “Our army and police use this equipment to integrate our forces and improve our ability to respond to natural disasters and other challenges,” Leal said. “It’s not just about training people and it’s not just about technology. It’s about combining them both. And that is something that we are learning from you.”
MAY 24, 2012 ■
THE REPORTER
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Three million (free) books on, PJ Library eyes expansion
promoting tikkun olam (repairing the world), JewBy Uriel Heilman ish summer camp, visiting Israel and contemporary NEW YORK (JTA) – PJ Library wants to come families enjoying Judaism. between parents and children – literally. Every month, Richard Michelson’s “Across the Alley” is a PJ Library mails free Jewish-themed children’s books richly illustrated story about prejudice that tells the to nearly 100,000 households in North America with tale of a black boy and a Jewish boy who live next a grand ambition: that somewhere between Dr. Seuss door to each other, but never talk – except at night, and the Berenstain Bears, a child may turn to a book when out of view of their friends they become best like Vivian Newman’s “Ella’s Trip to Israel” or Laurel buddies. It’s mailed to 6- and 7-year-olds. Latifa Snyder’s “Baxter, the Pig Who Wanted to Be Kosher,” Berry Kropf’s “It’s Challah Time!” is a photo-iland spark a Jewish discussion in a household that lustrated storybook about baking challah; it’s mailed doesn’t have enough of them. to 2-year-olds. “The conversations that take place in the home Each age group, from 6 months to 8 years old, between parents and children, and parents among receives its own age-appropriate books, and all the themselves, is one of the most important byproducts books include a parents’ guide for further discusof this program,” says PJ Library’s director, Marcie sion or activity. “After we get a book, we usually Greenfield Simons. “We’re helping Jews on the peread it for two weeks straight every night,” said riphery take those first baby steps to being welcomed by the Jewish community.” Harold Grinspoon, the founder of PJ Library, read one of the program's Margo Hirsch Strahlberg, a lawyer from Chicago with three children. “For my 6-and-a-half-year-old In the past seven years, PJ Library has helped books with a gaggle of children. (Photo by PJ Library) and my 4-year-old, when we get a book it’s excitpublish more than 200 titles that have filled ing. It’s not really educating us because I send them to a kids’ shelves in 175 North American communities, delivering free books to mostly middle-class children Jewish day school, but it’s complementing what they’re become a force in the publishing industry through its whose families are, for the most part, already involved mass purchases and spawned two similar programs in Jewish life. “To me, it’s about priorities in the Jewish already learning.” The $100 or so per-household cost of sending a in Hebrew – one in Israel and one for the children of community and how eccentric philanthropists do what Israelis living in the United States. Next month, the they want,” the professional said. “It’s not that there’s year’s worth of PJ products – 11 books and one CD organization plans to send out its three millionth freely a problem with the program, but I question the premise. – is split between the Grinspoon Foundation and the distributed book. The logic of you’re giving books to kids and you’ll create community institutions. The institutions also help market the program to new families and run community For Harold Grinspoon, the 82-year-old real estate mo- lifelong Jews has to get proved.” gul and Jewish philanthropist from Massachusetts who PJ Library says most of its recipients hail from events around the books, including pajama Havdalah founded the program, PJ Library is about more than just households where there were fewer than 10 Jewish parties, holiday concerts and intergenerational book books. It’s meant to be a portal to Jewish life. “What kind books before the deliveries began. That figure is from readings at senior homes. Keeping the program free for of an educational process are we getting with these kids?” a 2010 PJ Library e-mail survey of more than 16,000 recipients is the key, PJ officials say, though recipients Grinspoon said. “How much are they loving Judaism? Are recipient households that also showed that 26 percent are asked after a year or two in the program if they’d they baking challahs? Are they dancing and singing and of respondents were interfaith families, 32 percent were like to “pay it forward” and make a donation to fund enjoying the joys of Judaism?” not synagogue affiliated and one-third saying they were books for someone else. “The idea that this is a gift from the Jewish commuIn the absence of an independent, longitudinal study, unlikely or only somewhat likely to read Jewish content it’s impossible to say whether this $8 million-a-year pro- if not for PJ Library. About three-quarters of respon- nity is an important message that each family is getting: gram – which is paid for by a 50-50 partnership between dents said they read the books at least once a week and You’re part of something bigger,” said Greenfield Simons, Grinspoon’s foundation and local Jewish community the vast majority said it made them feel or think about PJ’s director. In the Israeli version of PJ, called Sifriyat Pijama and partners, including Federations, private donors, JCCs, Y’s being Jewish. started in 2009, kids get the books at school as part of a and synagogues – is having a significant impact on Jewish The books, which are chosen by a selection committee of curriculum supported by the Education Ministry. The books community engagement or practice. educators and editors, run the gamut from explicitly Jewish One Jewish educational professional who asked not to to barely so. The themes reflect the personal predilections are discussed in class before being sent home to some See “PJ” on page 10 be named said Jewish communities are wasting money of the program’s founder, who puts a premium on stories
2012 Annual Meeting “Celebrating our Partner Agencies” Scranton Jewish Community Center Koppelman Auditorium Thursday, June 14th, 2012 7:00 PM Program Welcome & Introductions Seth/Sheryl Gross, Chairpersons Anthems Dr. Charles Osborne Invocation Rabbi Daniel Swartz, Temple Hesed Perspectives/Memoriam Margaret Sheldon, President Presidential Award Presentation Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Presentation - UJA Campaign Chairman Award Margaret Sheldon, President Presentation - UJA Women’s Campaign Award Margaret Sheldon, President Recognition - UJA Campaign Leadership Douglas Fink, General Campaign Presentation of Holocaust Education Award Bill & Carol Burke Presentation of Award to Mary Lil Walsh Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Nominating Committee Report Michael Greenstein, Chair Installation of Officers and Trustees Rabbi Daniel Swartz, Temple Hesed
Concluding Remarks Jeff Rubel, Incoming President
Refreshments
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8
THE REPORTER ■ MAY 24, 2012
Putting pizzazz into pizza for Shavuot
find these at your local pizzeria. By Jamie Geller First up, Onion Lovers Pizza: Eat this (JTA) – The mere mention of Shavuot with those you love and serve Listerine sends images of cheesecakes dancing before for dessert. This one takes the prize for my eyes and calling my name. I love cheesecolor: the red onions give it a real splash, cakes and they love me – so much they plant and combined with shallots, Vidalias and themselves on my hips forever. chopped chives, it’s a sure winner. On the two-day festival, which this I’ve never seen a local pizza shop put year begins on the evening of May 26, the potatoes (that aren’t fried) or avocado on Jewish people became the People of the Book. When we said “yes” to accepting Jamie Geller wants to put a pie, so I thought I should be the first. the Torah, we created a bond – like mar- avocado on everything; here The avocado, as I see it, is one of God’s gifts to this world. My goal, before 120, riage, our sages say – with our Creator she tries it with pizza. (Photo is to try it on everything. Hey, I just saw that will never be broken. courtesy Joy of Kosher with Martha (as in Stewart) put zucchini ribSo in honor of my marriage to a man that Jamie Geller) bons on a Bundt cake, so why not throw does not like cheesecake – not really sure what to do about that – and my waistline, I’m forsaking the avocado on a pizza? Heavenly! Try this super summer concoction: Peach and Arugula cheesecake and making his favorite dairy delicacy, pizza, to Pizza. It’s not too sweet, as the arugula has a bit of a bite, satisfy the custom of enjoying dairy delights on Shavuot. but it’s summer perfection in a pie. When I met my hubby-to-be eight years ago, I was a My hubby’s favorite slice is piled high with Creamy bachelorette on a perpetual diet; my go-to foods were salad, fruit and yogurt. Bachelor food looks more like a slice (or Baked Ziti. Cover your dough with sauce and top it with as two or three) of pizza daily – could be for breakfast, lunch, much ziti as you can handle. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese bubbly and browned. Bake any extra ziti in dinner or all three. So, as a cultured pizza connoisseur, my future spouse a casserole, as per the recipe instructions. (I must admit, I introduced me to pizza shops all over New York: the good, kinda love that version too!) The idea here is to be so satisfied that you won’t even the great and the fabulous, complete with running commentary on the specialties of each. I discovered that a New crave the cheesecake for dessert. Maybe I’ll bum a slice York pizza shop is so much more than just plain pies. It was off my neighbor. Happy Shavuot! almost surrealistic to experience – fries and onion rings and fried eggplant on a pizza, even salad. I pretended especially Onion Lovers Pizza Prep time: 15 minutes to go for the salad pizza, but I must confess I loved, loved, Cook time: 15 minutes loved those onion ring pies and all the rest! Ready time: 30 minutes Plain pizza is so yesterday, I concluded. And since that Servings: 4 time, I must have my slice all dressed up, piled with every1 small Vidalia or sweet onion, thinly sliced thing, like it’s going to the pizza party of the year. Of course, 1 cup sliced shallots now I make my own. There’s no point to standing in line 1 Tbsp. olive oil at the pizza place when it’s so easy to do it yourself. I have 1 frozen pizza dough, defrosted (9-ounce) developed some amazing pizzas that are healthy and quick, 2 to 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour and one oh-so yummy carb-fest for my other half. You won’t
¼ cup ricotta cheese ½ tsp. kosher salt ¼ cup diced red onion ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese 2 Tbsp. chopped chives Freshly ground black pepper, to taste In a medium saute pan, saute Vidalia onion and shallots in olive oil over medium high heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until softened and beginning to caramelize. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 450°. Sprinkle a rimless baking sheet with 1 tablespoon flour and set aside. On a lightly floured surface, roll out pizza dough to a 10-inch circle and transfer to prepared baking sheet. Prick dough all over with a fork to help prevent large bubbles from forming during baking. Spread dough evenly with ricotta cheese and sprinkle with salt. Top with sauteed onion mixture, red onion and mozzarella cheese. Bake for 12 to 16 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly. Garnish with chives and pepper, and slice into 6 to 8 wedges to serve. Potato and Avocado Pizza Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Ready time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 1 medium Yukon gold potato, scrubbed 1 frozen pizza dough, defrosted (9-ounce) 2 to 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 Tbsp. olive oil ¼ tsp. kosher salt ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1 green onion, chopped ½ medium avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced In a small saucepan, cover potato with ½-inch water and bring to a boil. Simmer until just tender when pierced with a fork, about 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool until comfortable to handle. Slice into ¼-inch thin slices and set aside. See “Shavuot” on page 12
Quick Reference Guide to Planned Giving
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Use this planned giving quick reference guide to help determine the best strategy for achieving your philanthropic and financial goals. For more information or to discuss these planned giving options, please contact: Mark Silverberg, Executive Director, Jewish Federation of NEPA, 570-961-2300 (x1) or at mark.silverberg@jewishnepa.org.
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Donate the real estate or sell it to a charity at a bargain price
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Young families bringing new life to Budapest shuls By Ruth Ellen Gruber BUDAPEST (JTA) – Linda Ban is a rebbetzin, but with a mass of curly hair and chunky rings on the fingers of both hands, she hardly fits the stereotype of a Central European rabbi’s wife. A mother of two in her mid-30s, Ban is married to Tamas Vero, the 38-year-old spiritual leader of Budapest’s Frankel Leo Street Synagogue, a neo-Gothic building hidden in a courtyard near the Danube. The congregation may hold a key to the Jewish future in Hungary. Frankel Leo is among a handful of Budapest synagogues that has seen an upsurge of membership and communal engagement in recent years thanks to active young rabbis and a family-friendly focus. “A year-and-a-half ago, after I took over as rabbi, our synagogue was almost empty, with just eight or nine people coming on Friday nights,” said Rabbi Istvan Darvas, 38, of the Dozsa Gyorgy Street Synagogue. “Now we have 60 or more each Friday, and we are still growing.” Another of these congregations, Bet Shalom, had such an increase in membership that it outgrew its premises. The week before Passover, Bet Shalom, which in the past decade or so has jumped from about 20 members to approximately 250, celebrated the gala inauguration of a rebuilt synagogue complex that includes a new sanctuary that doubles the seating of the previous one to 169. The event received mainstream media coverage; speakers included the Israeli ambassador. “It’s the first time in 80 years that a
Rabbi Tamas Vero and his wife, Linda Ban, outside Budapest's Frankel Leo Street Synagogue, where they head a growing congregation mainly made up of young families like themselves. (Photo by Ruth Ellen Gruber)
congregation has grown so much that it needed a bigger synagogue,” said Jozsef Horvath, 43, Bet Shalom’s president. “Our old synagogue was too small for the number of people, and there was no place for kiddush and no space for learning.” With an estimated 80,000 Jews, Budapest has the largest Jewish population of any central European city. It is home to about 20 Jewish congregations, ranging from the dominant Neolog (moderate Conservative) stream to traditional Orthodox and Chabad, to American-style Reform, to informal minyanim such as Dor Hadash, an independent egalitarian congregation that is associated with the Masorti (Conservative) movement. As in other post-communist countries, there has been a revival of Jewish life and identity since the Iron Curtain came down more than 20 years ago. But the rate of intermarriage remains high – according to surveys about 50 percent – and most of the city’s Jews have nothing to do with organized Jewish life. Studies show that those who do affiliate often experience Jewishness outside the home and outside the synagogue through organizations that range from the city’s Jewish community center, to youth groups, to the Jewish summer camp at Szarvas in southern Hungary. Many self-identifying young Jews reject established Judaism and gravitate toward an alternative Jewish youth scene that focuses on cafés and cultural events in the trendy See “Budapest” on page 14
MAY 24, 2012 ■
THE REPORTER
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THE REPORTER ■ MAY 24, 2012
Regular Scheduleof
Services
ABINGTON TOR AH 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 749 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit, PA 18411 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 ISR AEL____________________ Affiliation: Union for Reform Judaism Rabbi Allan L. Smith President: Henry M. Skier Contact Person: Len London (570) 698-9651 615 Court Street, Honesdale, PA 18431 570-253-2222 • fax: 570-226-1105 CONGREGATION B’NAI HARIM____________________ Affiliation: Union for Reform Judaism Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum President: Phyllis Miller P.O. Box 757 Sullivan Rd., Pocono Pines, PA 18350 (located at RT 940 and Pocono Crest Rd at Sullivan Trail 570-646-0100 • Website: www.bnaiharimpoconos.org Shabbat Morning Services, 10 am – noon; every other Saturday Potluck Shabbat Dinner with blessings and program of varying topics, one Friday every month – call for schedule. JEWISH FELLOWSHIP OF HEMLOCK FARMS__________ Cantor Charles Osborne President: Steve Natt Forest Drive 1516 Hemlock Farms, Lords Valley, PA 18428 570-775-7497 • E-Mail: jf hf@enter.net Friday evening Shabbat service 7:30 pm, Saturday morning Shabbat Service 9:30 am. MACHZIKEH HADAS SYNAGOGUE__________________ Rabbi Mordechai Fine President: Dr. Shaya Barax 600 Monroe Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 570-342-6271 OHEV ZEDEK CONGREGATION_____________________ Rabbi Mordechai Fine 1432 Mulberry St, Scranton, PA 18510 Contact person: Michael Mellner - 570-343-3183 TEMPLE HESED__________________________________ Union of Reform Judaism Rabbi Daniel J. Swartz Presidents: Eric Weinberg 1 Knox Street, Scranton, PA 18505, (off Lake Scranton Rd.) 570-344-7201 Friday evening Shabbat, 8 pm; Saturday morning Shabbat, 11:15 am TEMPLE ISR AEL OF DUNMORE_____________________ President: Isadore Steckel 515 East Drinker St., Dunmore, PA 18512 570-344-3011 Saturday morning Shabbat 7:30 am; also services for Yizkor TEMPLE ISR AEL OF THE POCONOS_________________ Affiliation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Rabbi Baruch Melman President: Chuck Feinstein Contact person: Art Glantz 570-424-7876 660 Wallace St., Stroudsburg, PA, 18360 (one block off Rte. 191 (5th Street) at Avenue A) 570-421-8781 • Website: www.templeisraelofthepoconos.org E-Mail: tipoc@ptd.net Friday evening Shabbat, 8pm; Saturday morning Shabbat, 9 am TEMPLE ISR AEL OF SCR ANTON____________________ Affiliation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Rabbi Joseph Mendelsohn President: Michael Mardo 918 East Gibson St., Scranton, PA, 18510 (located at the corner of Gibson & Monroe Sts.) 570-342-0350 Fax: 570-342-7250 • E-Mail: tiscran@epix.net Sunday, 8 am; Mon & Thurs, 7:15 am; Tue, Wed & Fri, 7:25 am; Rosh Hodesh & Chagim weekdays, 7 am; Shabbat Morning Service, 8:45 am; evening services: Sun – Thurs, 5:45 pm; Friday Shabbat and Saturday Havdalah services, call for times.
d’var torah
A message from the desert by RABBI AMI SILVER, JEWISH LEARNING INITIATIVE, CORNELL UNIVERSITY Bamidbar (erev Shavuot), Numbers 1:1-4:20 “And God spoke to Moshe in the Sinai Desert.” (Bamidbar 1:1) Anybody who does not make him/herself free like a desert cannot acquire wisdom or Torah. (Midrash Bamidbar Rabbah 1:7) When many of us today hear the word “desert” we think of a place that is devoid of life. Images abound of a menacing and endless landscape where people are stranded and lost, suffering from thirst and exhaustion. In the Torah, however, the desert plays a central role in the story of the birth and national and spiritual history of the Jewish people. In the book of Shemot (Exodus), we learn about the liberation from the shackles of slavery in Egypt into the desert; the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, aptly situated in the Sinai Desert; and the building of the Mishkan, the sacred temple that sojourns with the Jewish people in their desert travels. In addition, we begin reading this week from the book of Bamidbar (Numbers), whose name literally means “in the desert” and is a book devoted entirely to recounting the stories, trials and travails of 38 years of the Jewish people’s wandering in the desert. Why is a place that is defined by desolation and hardship so crucial to the story of Jewish nationhood? Moreover, and with particular relevance to the upcoming holiday of Shavuot, what is the significance of the desert as the location of the giving of the Torah at Sinai? It is precisely the desert’s vastness, its silence, its extreme climate and lack of resources that were the necessary elements in establishing the bond between the Jewish people and God. The Hebrew word midbar (desert) is a homograph of the word medaber, which means “speaking.” This alludes to the unique kind of communication that was sought in the desert. The desert’s challenging and disorienting effect pushes people beyond their limits, away from familiarity and comfort, and propels them into uncharted territory in which they must be shaped by new experiences, and in which a direct and penetrating message can take hold. The apex of this communication occurred at Sinai with the giving of the Torah amidst fire, smoke and thunder, and the awesome power of God’s voice that was heard by all. But this revelation was pre-empted by a softer, private encounter between God and Moshe at the burning bush. When Moshe leads his sheep “beyond the desert’s edge to the Mountain of God” (Shemot 3:1), a place identified by many commentators as Mount Sinai, God’s message comes through the diminutive sneh (the burning bush) which has clear linguistic links to the name Sinai. While Moshe’s encounter at the bush is certainly miraculous and intense, it lacks all of the fanfare and terror of Mount Sinai, so much so that Moshe feels that he can respond and enter into a debate with God over the instructions he has received. Why is this first encounter so strikingly different? It is because Moshe is ready for the communication. Just
before hearing God’s voice, Moshe says, “Let me turn and see this great sight, why is the bush not consumed?” In response to Moshe turning toward the bush, God speaks: “And God saw that he turned to see, and God called out to him from within the bush” (Ibid. 3:3-4). Moshe is already, as it were, in a desert-like state, open, puzzled, ready to alter his course at any moment and seeking to question and understand what he sees before him. He doesn’t need to be pushed by force to hear the voice of God, he merely needs to be tempted by a curious vision to find God waiting to address him. If one knows what to look for, a desert is, in fact, teeming with life, and encompasses a vibrant ecosystem in which each small plant, animal and element is significant. If one does not know, or does not care to look, a desert is a threatening and empty wasteland. In the landscape of our own lives, the desert expanse constantly looms. There is always another step to take into an unfamiliar realm and new situations that surprise and challenge us in all areas of life. The Torah itself contains a message from the desert. It is a voice that speaks amidst the chaos of the world offering a gentle, constant invitation to take one step further, to seek meaning where it seems absent and to challenge our assumptions when the world seems bleak. The choice is ours to either walk in the world with the open eyes and mind of Moshe, seeking to learn from life as it presents itself, or to fight to maintain the status quo of how we think life should be. We are similarly given the choice to dig into the Torah and be touched by it, or to keep it at arm’s length and be content with the decided limits of its relevance for us. It is my prayer that we clean the slate this year and give ourselves and the Torah a chance to begin again, so that it may guide us through the deserts that we traverse and urge us forward into the new frontiers that await us, silently, patiently calling our name. Along with his wife, Eliana, Rabbi Ami Silver co-directs the OU’s Jewish Learning Initiative at Cornell University in a partnership with Cornell Hillel. E-mail him comments at ads297@cornell.edu.
PJ
Continued from page 7
120,000 Israeli households. “In most nursery schools they come home with a library book from the school, and they always have to bring them back,” said Medinah Korn, a mother of four in Ramat Beit Shemesh, whose 4-year-old son, Uriel, gets the books through his school. “He’s so excited when he gets one in his knapsack because this one is for keeping.” The Israeli-American version of the program – called Sifriyat Pijama B’America (sifriya is Hebrew for library) – uses those same Hebrew books and is geared to children of Israelis living in America who sign up for the program either online or at events hosted by local Jewish day schools. Next school year, organizers plan to expand the year-old program from 2,000 recipients to 6,000. “The goal is to give them an appetite to start being affiliated in Jewish life, and eventually increase Israeli enrollment in Jewish day schools,” said Adam Milstein, an Israeli-American investor and Jewish philanthropist from Los Angeles who has put $100,000 into the $600,000 program. For this initiative, too, half the funding comes from Grinspoon. Grinspoon is in talks to expand elsewhere in the Jewish world, and PJ already runs an outreach program to boost enrollment in the Russian-speaking Jewish community in New York. As books become increasingly digitized, PJ Library says it is committed to sticking with the old pulp-and-paper model. “There’s something incredibly powerful about parents and children snuggling together with a real book in their hands,” Greenfield Simons said. “We’re pretty wedded to this idea.”
MAY 24, 2012 ■
THE REPORTER
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THE REPORTER ■ MAY 24, 2012
Book review
History and human nature by rabbi rachel esserman What is the essence of the historical moment? How do disparate strands of human behavior weave together to form events from the Holocaust to the Civil Rights Movement? Elliot Perlman explores these questions in his marvelous novel “The Street Sweeper” (Riverhead Books). The word that came to mind after reading its more than 600 pages was “magical.” How did Perlman manage to combine the different elements of this book – from its numerous story lines to its history lectures – to create a work that qualifies as one of the best novels I’ve ever read? When looking at each different element, I’m baffled at how the pieces came together, but also grateful to Perlman for fashioning such a moving and impressive work. At first, the plot of “The Street Sweeper” seems to focuses on two men: the African American Lamont Williams and the Jewish Adam Zignelik. Following his release from prison after serving six years for a crime he didn’t commit, Lamont clings to his probationary position as a hospital janitor. His dream is to learn the whereabouts of his 8-year-old daughter, whom he hasn’t seen since she was 2½. Yet, even though his job description forbids him from doing so, Lamont assists an elderly patient, Henryk Mandelbrot, who requests his help. The two strike up an unexpected friendship, with Henryk sharing the horrific events in which he took part during the Holocaust. Adam, an untenured history professor at Columbia University and the son of a famous civil rights advocate, is in despair as his professional and personal life fall apart. When William McCray, a friend of Adam’s late father, approaches him with a research project, Adam looks for reasons to refuse the offer: he’s never done World War II research, there are others with more experience, etc. Yet when his preliminary inquiries take an unexpected
turn, Adam wonders if he’s discovered a way to redeem his own life. The story of these two men slowly builds and expands in surprising and unforseen ways. Each step they undertake opens a new plot line – from pre-World War II Europe to contemporary America – all of which come together at the end of the novel. Yet, unlike many works with multiple plots, “The Street Sweeper” isn’t difficult to read. Perlman makes certain readers know whom the characters are without calling attention to the fact. He also explores the way that history works, how unexpected influences can change the course of a person’s life and, at times, affect the larger world. Even when the author offers historical information that in less experienced hands could stop the action, he finds a way to connect it to his characters’ lives. Perlman’s authorial voice – which gives readers a more in-depth understanding of these people than they have of themselves – not only makes them feel threedimensional, but offers a great understanding of human nature in general. In addition, “The Street Sweeper” explores racism and antisemitism, showing the powerful effect they have on people’s lives. For example, in a section that takes place in a concentration camp, one character notes that the camp “was the end of every slur, racial or religious, against the Jews. Every time someone harbored the belief, or just the sneaking suspicion, even when it shamed them, that the Jews, as a people, are dishonest and immoral, that they are avaricious, deceitful, cunning, that they are capitalists, that they are communists, that they are responsible for all the troubles in the world, that they are guilty of deicide, that belief or suspicion, sometimes barely conscious, adds momentum to a train on a journey of its own; this is where the line finally ends, at this mountain of corpses.” The author also shows the way racism affects Lamont’s life, how the assumptions made simply because the color
of his skin and the section of the city in which he lives prevent him from receiving justice. This racism plays a role in the lives of even the more prosperous African American characters. The themes of “The Street Sweeper” slowly build throughout the course of the novel. My leisurely reading pace began to quicken as the pages turned because I so wanted to know what happened to the characters. When reading the last chapter, I kept thinking, “I can’t believe how good this is. I can’t believe he’s pulling this all together.” Somehow, Perlman manages a wonderful magic trick, making “The Street Sweeper” a brilliant addition to contemporary literature.
Shavuot
Continued from page 8
While potato is cooking, preheat oven to 450°. Sprinkle a rimless baking sheet with 1 tablespoon flour and set aside. On a lightly floured surface, roll out pizza dough to a 10-inch circle and transfer to prepared baking sheet. Prick dough all over with a fork to help prevent large bubbles from forming during baking. Sprinkle with sliced garlic, olive oil and salt. Layer potato slices all over pizza and top with cheese and green onion. Bake for 12 to 16 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly. Top with avocado slices once out of the oven. Slice into 6 to 8 wedges and serve immediately. Peach and Arugula Pizza Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Ready time: 25 minutes Servings: 4 1 frozen pizza dough, defrosted (9-ounce) 2 to 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 2 Tbsp. sour cream 1 small yellow peach, pitted and cut into 10 slices ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 cup arugula, washed and dried thoroughly 1 to 2 Tbsp.olive oil Preheat oven to 450°. Sprinkle a rimless baking sheet with 1 tablespoon flour and set aside. On a lightly floured surface, roll out pizza dough to a 10-inch circle and transfer to prepared baking sheet. Prick dough all over with a fork to help prevent large bubbles from forming during baking. Top with sour cream, peach slices, cheese and pepper. Bake for 12 to 16 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly. Top with arugula and drizzle with olive oil. Cut into 6 to 8 wedges and serve immediately. Creamy Ziti This is it, the Geller ziti! Hubby and I are famous in our neighborhood for this yummy dish. It’s a quick prep, but it lasts long in people’s memories. Prep time: 12 minutes Ready time: 12 minutes Servings: 6-8 1 (1-pound) box ziti or penne rigate 2 (26-oz.) jars prepared marinara sauce 1 (32-oz.) container ricotta cheese 2 (8-oz.) packages shredded mozzarella cheese, divided Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. Cook ziti about 2 to 3 minutes less than package directions for al dente pasta. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and set aside. In a large bowl, mix marinara sauce, ricotta and 1 cup of mozzarella. Pour about 2 cups of the sauce mixture in prepared pan, spreading over bottom. Combine ziti and remaining sauce mixture, and stir until well combined, making sure there are no dry patches of pasta. Pour into pan and spread to edges. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over ziti to cover. Spray a sheet of aluminum foil with cooking spray and cover ziti. This will keep the cheese from sticking to the foil. Bake, covered, at 375° for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Uncover and continue baking until cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Serve hot, straight out of the pan. Tip: One secret to this ziti is that the pasta is slightly undercooked before it goes into the oven, which helps prevent it from becoming too mushy. Jamie Geller is the author of the best-selling “Quick and Kosher” cookbook series and creator of the Joy of Kosher with Jamie Geller magazine. She is the host of the “Quick and Kosher” cooking show online at youtube.com/ joyofkosher and on-air on JLTV. Follow more of Geller’s “Quick and Kosher” cooking adventures on Twitter @
MAY 24, 2012 ■
THE REPORTER
Synagogues slowly expanding inclusion to those with emotional, mental disabilities By Shira Schoenberg BOSTON (JTA) – On a recent Sunday, Ayla Watson celebrated her bat mitzvah. Ayla, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other behavioral difficulties, ascended the bima and recited the Torah reading for Rosh Chodesh, the new month. The service culminated a year of thrice-weekly classes or services at Temple Beth Emunah in Brockton, MA, and one-on-one tutoring. Ayla learned her Torah portion phonetically and listened to a tape again and again. Now Ayla, who struggled with several tutors, wants to learn to read Hebrew and trope (the Torah and haftarah chants). In recent years, as physical adaptations like wheelchair access have become more widespread, synagogues have made strides at including people like Ayla – congregants with emotional, behavioral or mental disabilities. And Jewish organizations advocating for people with disabilities have started to focus on teaching religious schools and synagogues to welcome those with nonphysical disabilities into congregational life. But there is still a way to go. Synagogues often do not know how to deal with individuals whose behavior can be disruptive. Shelly Christensen, author of “Jewish Community Guide to Inclusion of People with Disabilities,” says stigmas remain for mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and anxiety. Deborah Gettes, co-chairwoman of the Jewish Special Education International Consortium, a network of special education professionals, says conversations are just beginning about the need for synagogues to become inclusive to people with mental or emotional disabilities in services, youth groups and membership. Temple Beth Emunah, a Conservative synagogue, opened its special needs program 13 years ago. Students receive one-on-one tutoring in Hebrew language, then join the mainstream Hebrew school. All of the students practice leading services together and work toward reading from the Torah. The key, says Educational Director Fran Litner, is “acceptance and kindness” by students and staff. At the Reform Temple Beth-El in Hillsborough, NJ, the religious school has a separate class for students with developmental disabilities, which this year has three students. Lisa
Children celebrated Chanukah at Temple Beth Emunah in Brockton, MA, where children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have programs to help them study for their bar/bat mitzvah ceremony. (Photo by Temple Beth Emunah) Friedman, its education co-director, says accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis and extend to adults. For instance, a teenage helper came to a high school retreat to shadow a boy with autism and make sure any special needs were taken care of; a blind high school student has a guide; a congregant escorts a developmentally delayed man living in a group home to services and Shabbat dinners. Those synagogues, however, may be the exception rather than the rule. Rina Pianko, a member of the UJA-Federation of New York’s Caring Commission, has three sons. Her youngest, Gideon, is on the autism spectrum. While living in Connecticut, Pianko switched from a Conservative to an Orthodox synagogue because the Orthodox shul was the only area synagogue that would allow her son to attend Hebrew school and have a bar mitzvah ceremony. Jewish institutions such as camps and Hebrew schools did not have the tools or resources to help her son, Pianko says. Now living in New York, Gideon Pianko, 24, attends services geared toward people with disabilities at Congregation Rodeph Shalom, a Reform temple. His interest in musical theater led a synagogue leader to invite him to attend rehearsals for a synagogue performance of “Damn
13
Yankees.” In the past decade, his mother said, “There’s been a sea change in how this is looked at... It’s not looked at as tzedakah [charity] but as something that’s a right.” Similarly, Judi Roth left an independent minyan in Newton, MA, after her son, now 23, was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. The minyan had no rabbi and most individual congregants did not offer to help. She says some minyan members stopped inviting her over for Shabbat because of the difficulty of dealing with her son. Roth switched to the Orthodox Congregation Shaarei Tefillah, where the rabbi set a welcoming tone for her family. Members took her son to services and encouraged him to lead part of the Shabbat service. Arlene Remz, executive director of Gateways: Access to Jewish Education, which offers educational services to Jewish children with special needs in the Boston area, says individuals with mental illness often fall through the cracks. Gateways recently expanded its synagogue b’nai mitzvah partnership for special needs students. Students have tutors or attend small classes through Gateways, then hold bar or bat mitzvah ceremonies in their home congregations. Gateways is beginning to train religious school staff to teach Hebrew in a “multisensory” way – for example, using color coding or mnemonics. Sandy Slavet, who works for Jewish Family and Children’s Service in Boston, says many congregations try to be inclusive, but don’t know how, for example, to handle a person who interrupts with questions during a sermon. Gettes cites two main barriers to inclusion for those with physical and mental disabilities: the expense of retrofitting older synagogue buildings to make them physically accessible, and attitudinal barriers where congregants and leaders may acknowledge physical disabilities but not emotional or cognitive ones. And there are questions about how to communicate inclusivity to others. While in recent years there has been a greater awareness of the need for inclusion, Christensen says, synagogue officials and congregants fear taking the steps needed. She says they worry about the financial costs of accommodation, about saying or doing the wrong thing or about lowering See “Inclusion” on page 14
ÊVisit the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania on the web at www.jewishnepa.org or on Facebook
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THE REPORTER ■ MAY 24, 2012
Jewish Federation of NEPA
Jewish Film Library
The Jewish Film Library Update - Check out new titles in both feature & non-feature films. Contact Dassy Ganz dassy.ganz@jewishnepa.org for information.
Feature Films Currently Available- SEptember 2011 A Stranger Among Us - A New York policewoman enters the Hasidic community to investigate a diamond robbery/murder. Cast a Giant Shadow - U.S. Colonel David “Mickey” Marcus goes to 1940’s Israel to help re organize its army. Defiance - The extraordinary true story of the Bielski brothers who turned a group of war refugees into powerful freedom fighters against the Nazi regime Frisco Kid - It’s 1850 and new rabbi Avram Belinski sets out from Philadelphia toward San Francisco. Cowpoke bandit Tom Lillard hasn’t seen a rabbi before. But he knows when one needs a heap of help. And getting this tenderfoot to Frisco in one piece will cause a heap of trouble - with the law, Native Americans and a bunch of killers. Gentleman’s Agreement - A magazine writer (played by Gregory Peck) posed as a Jew to expose anti-Semitism in 1940’s America. Good - Featured at the 2009 Jewish Film Festival of NEPA In an attempt to establish its credibility, the new Nazi government is seeking out experts to endorse its policies, and they trip across Johnnie Halder’s (Viggo Mortensen) sensitively written 1920s novel of a husband who aids his terminally ill wife in an assisted suicide. Although Johnnie despises Naziism he is flattered by the attention paid to his novel, and accepts (with misgivings) an honorary commission in the SS. This opens the door to promotions at the University. He becomes Dean of Literature after the former Dean, Herr Mandelbaum “leaves in such a hurry.” He is tapped to inspect facilities for the care of the mentally ill, based on his “humanitarian” writings. Throughout “Good”, Johnnie is “good,” but he becomes increasingly blind to what is happening around him as he travels down the slippery slope that eventually takes him to Auschwitz on an inspecton tour. Never evil, Johnnie Halder is an Everyman who goes along, accepts what he told without question, and is increasingly co-opted by flattery and comfort. In the end, he comes to realize that he is stumbling through a waking nightmare of which he in part created. Not judgmental of its protagonist, GOOD invites us to question just what a “good” man is and does and where the bounds of responsibility lie. Kazablan*- Israel’s all-time Great Musical, nominated for two Golden Globe Awards. This 1970’s mega-hit is Israel’s answer to the musical West Side Story, with its story of star-crossed lovers, street gangs and cultural differences. With its exhilarating music and choreography, Kazablan is sure to entertain. Lies My Father Told Me - The heart-warming story of the Jewish immigrant community of 1920’s Montreal. David, the grandson, lives with his parents, his grandfather Zaida and Zaida’s aging horse Ferdeleh. Noodle - (PAL version- can only be played on computer NOT regular DVD players)At thirty-seven, Miri is a twice-widowed, El Al flight attendant. Her well-regulated existence is suddenly turned upside down by an abandoned Chinese boy whose migrant-worker mother has been deported from Israel. The film is a touching comic-drama in which two human beings -- as different from each other as Tel Aviv is from Beijing -- accompany each other on a remarkable journey, one that takes them both back to a meaningful life. Schindler’s List*-The Academy Award winning film by Steven Spielberg tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, the man responsible for saving the lives of hundreds of Jews during the Holocaust. School Ties - A young man from the wrong side of the tracks gets a football scholarship to a private school, which will lead to his entrance to Harvard. He is well accepted at the blue blood school until it is revealed that he is Jewish. The Angel Levine - Things couldn’t get worse for Jewish tailor Morris Mishkin (Zero Mostel). His shop has gone up in flames, his daughter has married outside the faith and, worse yet, his wife is slowly dying. But just when he decides to give up on God, a mysterious man (Harry Belafonte) appears, claiming to be his Jewish guardian angel! Doubtful that the stranger is Jewish, never mind an angel. Mishkin must overcome his skepticism if he want ones last chance at redemption. The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz -*A Jewish teenager is determined to “make it” no matter what it takes. On his path to success he faces anti-Semitism, betrays family and friends, and faces the responsibilities of being an adult. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas -* Set during World War II, this is the story of Bruno, an innocent, and naïve eight-year –old boy who meets a boy while romping in the woods. A surprising friendship develops. The Impossible Spy*- Elie Cohen was a family man leading a quiet, normal life, when at the age of 35, he was recruited by Israel’s secret service (Mossad) and assigned a mission that would forever change his life, and the history of Israel. Today he is regarded as a legend and a national hero. The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob -*In this French comedy, Louis de Funes stars as Victor Pivert, a hopelessly bigoted man. Victor loves people, as long as they’re Caucasian, French, and Catholic. But when it comes to foreigners, Victor draws the line. His ultimate nightmare becomes a reality the day of his daughter’s wedding, when he stumbles across a group of Arab revolutionaries and is forced into hiding as a rabbi. Gerard Oury’s film features an onslaught of hilarious chase sequences. Ushpizin- A fable set in the orthodox Jewish world in Jerusalem, Ushpizin tells the story of a poor childless couple, Moshe and Malli (played to perfection by award winning actor Shuli Rand and his real-life wife, Michal Bat-Sheva Rand) whose belief in the goodness of the Almighty follows a roller coaster of situations and emotions but leads to the ultimate happiness, the birth of their son.
Non-Feature Films Blessed is the Match*- In 1944, 22-year old Hannah Senesh parachuted into Nazi-occupied Europe with a small group of Jewish volunteers from Palestine. Theirs was the only military rescue mission for Jews that occurred in World War II. Told through Hannah’s letters, diaries and poems, her mother’s memoirs and the recollections of those who knew and loved her, the film traces her life from her childhood in Budapest to her time in British-controlled Palestine, to her daring mission to rescue Jews in her native Hungary. Budapest to Gettysburg*- The past and present collide as a world-renowned historian confronts a history he has refused to study- his own. Gabor Boritt is an expert on Abraham Lincoln and the American Civil War. But it took his son’s urging to get him to return to his native Hungary and learn about the Jewish experience there from the time of his childhood until, together with his family, he escaped to the United States. Constantine’s Sword - Constantine’s Sword is an astonishing exploration of the dark side of Christianity, following acclaimed author and former priest James Carrol on a journey of remembrance and reckoning. Warning of what happens when military power and religious fervor are joined, this new film from Oscar-nominated director Oren Jacoby asks: Is the fanaticism that threatens the world today fueled by our own deeply held beliefs? I Have Never Forgotten You - The Life and Legacy of Simon Wiesenthal*- Wiesenthal, a Holocaust survivor who lost 89 family members, helped track down over 1,00 Nazi war criminals and spent six decades fighting anti-Semitism and prejudice against all people. Into the Arms of Strangers - A superb documentary that chronicles the Kindertransport, an extraordinary rescue operation to save the youngest victims of Nazi terror. Making Trouble - A just released documentary telling the story of six of the greatest female Jewish comics entertainers of the last century- Molly Picon, Fanny Brice Sophie Tucker, Joan Rivers, Gilda Radner and Wendy Wasserstein. Night and Fog - One of first cinematic reflections on the horrors of the Holocaust, Night and Fog, filmmaker Alain Renais investigates the cyclical nature of man’s violence toward man and presents the unsettling suggestion that such horror could come again. Steal a Pencil for Me*- 1943: Holland is under Total Nazi occupation. After deportation Jack his wife and his new love find themselves living in the same barracks in a concentration camp. This documentary chronicles the secret love letters written by Jack and Ina which gives them the strength to survive the war. The Case for Israel - Democracy’s Outpost Famed attorney, Alan Dershowitz, presents a vigorous case for Israel- for its basic right to exist, to protect its citizens from terrorism and to defend its borders from hostile enemies. Featured commentators include: Ehud Barak, Caroline Glick, Dore Gold, Tzipi Livni and Natan Sharansky. The Jewish Americans - A Series by David Grubin*- This series traces 350 years of Jewish American history from the arrival of the first Jews in 1654 up to the present day. The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg - As baseball’s first Jewish star, Hammering’ Hank Greenberg’s career contains all the makings of a true American success story. An extraordinary ball player notorious for his hours of daily practice, Greenberg’s career was an inspiration to all and captured the headlines and the admiration of sportswriters and fans alike. This is the story of how he became an American hero. With All Your Heart- (Hebrew with English subtitles)The poignant true story of the life of Leut. Roi Klein, who gave up his life to save his battalion during the Lebanon War of 2002.
*Films marked with an * are newly acquired by the Film Library.
Inclusion
Continued from page 13 standards for “typical” students when opening a religious school to kids with disabilities. Christensen acknowledges there are few easy solutions, particularly when it comes to mental illnesses that result in behavioral problems. The Union for Reform Judaism, according to Rabbi Edythe Mencher, who consults with URJ congregations on creating caring communities, provides literature and online information about mental health, eating disorders, suicide prevention and depression. Congregations are urged to partner with mental health organizations, and clergy are encouraged to speak about mental health issues from the pulpit and offer teenagers classes on recognizing depression. The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s Commission on Inclusion of People with Disabilities in 2008 published a guide for congregations wanting to be more inclusive. Yachad, The National Jewish Council for Disabilities, is run by the Orthodox Union and has programs, including Shabbat retreats, for those of all ages. Participants visit communities, interact with their peers and participate in synagogue life – leading prayers, reading from the Torah, or giving a d’var Torah. Ideally, Mencher says, synagogues can provide a place where people who have difficulty socially can feel welcomed. “Whether through adult education or programs for preschoolers,” she said, “our effort and work is to extend the message that the Jewish community is for everyone.”
Budapest
Continued from page 9 downtown Jewish quarter. Against this background, the Frankel Leo, Dozsa Gyorgy and Bet Shalom synagogues are, some say, changing the face of Jewish religious life in Hungary. Led by local rabbis who came of age after the fall of communism, they are attempting to engage young people within the organized mainstream and promote the synagogue as the focus of community, learning and long-term Jewish continuity. Horvath, a civil engineer whose wife is a convert to Judaism, agrees. “This is the future,” he said. He said he had grown up in an unaffiliated, nonreligious home. It wasn’t until he was about 20 that he learned his mother, a child survivor of the Holocaust, was Jewish. He drew closer to the Jewish world, and to Judaism, when he began to play basketball for the Maccabi sports club in his 20s. He eventually served as the chairman of Maccabi in Hungary for 12 years. Each of the growing congregations has a different orientation, but all three come under Mazsihisz, the official Jewish umbrella organization. Vero, Darvas and Zoltan Radnoti, the rabbi at Bet Shalom, were all trained at the Neolog Rabbinical Seminary in Budapest. Radnoti now regards himself as Modern Orthodox, and the new Bet Shalom sanctuary includes a mechitzah, the ritual barrier separating men and women. He and Darvas both reach out to intermarried families or other non-Jews who wish to convert. Most of the congregants at Frankel Leo are young couples and families who joined Jewish youth organizations and went to the Szarvas Jewish summer camp as children and teens, but had little else to do with organized Jewish life afterward. Now that they are married and have children, said Ban, they are coming back. A rarity in Hungary, Ban and her husband both grew up in traditional Jewish homes. They use their own lives and upbringings as examples in their teaching of Jewish values, traditions and culture to the young families now joining their congregation. In particular, Ban has incorporated her own family history and experiences in a series of illustrated children’s books that explain and explore Jews, Jewishness and Judaism in simple yet meaningful terms geared toward everyone in any extended modern family. “Countless parents have difficulty talking to children about Judaism because they are full of unanswered questions themselves,” she wrote in “What Does It Mean to Be Jewish,” one of her books that also was published in an English-language edition. “I would like to create opportunities,” she wrote, “for all members of the family – grandparents, parents, stepparents and children, Jews and non-Jews, believers and non-believers alike – to talk to each other openly and honestly about Judaism, without taboos, expectations or prescribed answers.”
Rabbi Zoltan Radnoti spoke at the ceremony marking the rededication of his synagogue after it was enlarged to three times its previous size due to the growing community. (Photo by Ruth Ellen Gruber)
MAY 24, 2012 ■
THE REPORTER
15
NEWS IN bRIEF From JTA
G-8 agrees on oil policies ahead of Iran sanctions
The G-8 forum of major industrial nations agreed take action to keep the oil market stable, a signal to Iran that the international community is ready to absorb any retaliation for sanctions. “There have been increasing disruptions in the supply of oil to the global market over the past several months, which pose a substantial risk to global economic growth,” said the statement issued on May 19 from Camp David, MD, the presidential retreat where President Barack Obama was hosting the G-8 summit. “In response, major producers have increased their output while drawing prudently on excess capacity. Looking ahead to the likelihood of further disruptions in oil sales and the expected increased demand over the coming months, we are monitoring the situation closely and stand ready to call upon the International Energy Agency to take appropriate action to ensure that the market is fully and timely supplied.” The International Energy Agency is the body that coordinates energy policy for Western nations during crises. The reference to “disruptions” apparently referred to threats over recent months by Iran to block the supply of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, a Persian Gulf transit point for much of the world’s oil supply. The threats drove up oil prices for a period; these were steadied in part after the United States raised its profile in the Gulf and extracted pledges from major oil producers like Saudi Arabia to compensate should Iran cut off its own exports of crude. U.S. officials said in briefings that the statement was aimed particularly at any Iranian threat to further disrupt oil markets as major sanctions set in place aimed at getting the Islamic Republic to comply with demands that it make transparent its suspected nuclear weapons program. The European Union is set to launch such sanctions in June. In its summary statement, the G-8, which in addition to the United States includes Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Russia, expressed “grave concern” over Iran’s nuclear program and said the nations remained committed to a “dual track,” pressuring Iran through sanctions and using diplomatic channels. Israel wants pressure on Iran to be maintained until it provably stops enriching uranium and dismantles an enrichment facility near Qom. The Obama administration is pressing Israel not to go ahead with a strike on Iran while the United States leads efforts to end the suspected weapons program through sanctions and diplomacy.
Denmark follows South Africa in allowing special labels for settlement goods
Denmark’s foreign minister said he plans to allow supermarkets to place a special label on goods originating from West Bank settlements. The announcement by Villy Sovndal comes shortly after a similar initiative by South Africa. “This is a step that clearly shows consumers that the products are produced under conditions that not only the Danish government, but also European governments, do not approve of,” Sovndal told the Politiken newspaper on May 18. “It will then be up to consumers whether they choose to buy the products or not.” Earlier that week, the South Africa Department of Trade and Industry announced that products originating from Palestinian-controlled areas of the West Bank will be labeled as such, and not as Israeli products. In a notice printed in a governmental publication, South African Trade Minister Rob Davies declared that consumers in his country should not be misled into believing that products originating from the OPT, or Occupied Palestinian Territories, are products originating from Israel. Davies specified in his notice some ‘’misleading labeled products’’ as “Ahava products, and other cosmetic brands, technology and soft drinks.” Open Shuhada Street, a Palestinian international organization focusing on the issue of rules of origin, has been campaigning in South Africa for several months against products manufactured in Israeli settlements. It has threatened to use legal action to require the South African government to declare the labeling of these products as “illegal” and “consumer misleading.” The Palestinian lobby targets specifically Dead Sea beauty products made in Kibbutz Mitzpeh Shalem, which is located about a mile from the western shores of the Dead Sea in the eastern West Bank. The decision is set to take effect on July 1. The Israeli Embassy in Pretoria criticized the proposal in a statement issued on May 20. “We regret the decision to adopt this notice, which carries an unpleasant scent of singling out Israel on a national and on a political basis,” the embassy said, adding that it is investigating the implications of the decision. The bilateral trade between the two countries surpasses $1 billion a year. Ben Swartz, spokesperson of the South Africa Zionist Federation, said the Jewish community in South Africa is deeply concerned by the proposal and that the content of the notice is “highly political and politicized, and has been prepared without proper public debate and discussion.” Swartz said he does not believe that the proposal reflects all governing parties in South Africa, nor the African National Congress, the country’s governing party, as a whole.
Comic actor John Cleese signs on to Israeli film
British comic actor John Cleese has signed on to a film by Israeli director Reshef Levi. Cleese will play a disgraced, eccentric British lord in the heist comedy “Hunting Elephants,” in which three Israeli senior citizens help a 12-year-old boy hatch a plan to rob a bank in order to save his family home. Cleese’s participation was announced recently at the Cannes Film Festival and reported first by the Hollywood Reporter. Also at Cannes, an Egyptian director told reporters that he does not want his film distributed in Israel, according to Yediot Achronot. Yousry Nasrallah learned during the interview at Cannes that his film “After the Battle” was picked up for distribution in Israel. “I do not know at all if the film was sold to Israel,” he said. “But if you want my opinion, no, I do not want it to be. Not as long as the Israelis still occupy the Palestinian territories.” Several reporters reportedly applauded the director’s statement.
Polish agriculture minister says he won’t ban shechitah
Poland’s minister of agriculture said he will not bow to activists and ban ritual slaughter in the country. Polish Agricultural Minister Marek Sawicki said May 16 that banning ritual slaughter would be contrary to the Polish Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion. “Under European Union law, ritual slaughter is acceptable and there is no reason to prohibit it,” Sawicki also said. The Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita reported over the May 20 weekend that one of the Polish slaughterhouses where ritual slaughter is conducted belongs to a colleague of the minister. Polish animal rights organizations have been protesting against shechitah, or ritual slaughter, saying that animals slaughtered according to Jewish and Islamic law suffer much more than those killed in the traditional way. The Polish Ministry of Agriculture authorized the use of ritual slaughter several years ago, but animal rights activists say that a Polish animal protection law does not allow it. Earlier in May, activists asked the country’s prosecutor to investigate whether the ministry is violating the law by allowing ritual slaughter. Under Polish law, animals must be stunned before slaughter; the only exception is ritual slaughter. Animal rights activists also believe that allowing ritual slaughter in Poland is illegal because it is not regulated by government act but by authorization of the minister of agriculture. Polish slaughterhouses produce meat that is sent to Israel and to Muslim countries.
Trader Joe’s pareve chocolate chips go dairy
Trader Joe’s semi-sweet chocolate chips will no longer be certified nondairy. OK-Certi-
fication would no longer be able to certify the products as pareve because of a change in the supplier’s production procedure, the Los Angeles Jewish Journal reported recently. In a statement, Trader Joe’s said the ingredients have not changed and the chips will continue to be made on equipment dedicated to nondairy chocolate. The bagging process, however, has changed, with the supplier now using a dry cleaning procedure for a machine that also packages milk chocolate products. These changes “triggered the need for an FDA regulated, dairy-related allergen statement, and this in turn brought about a change in the kosher certification for our item -- going from ‘Kosher Parve’ to ‘Kosher Dairy,’” the statement read. As a result, OK Kosher said supervising rabbis can no longer guarantee that errant milk chocolate won’t be in the semi-sweet bags. A petition at change.org urges “Trader Joe’s: Keep the Chocolate Chips Pareve!” A Facebook campaign to restore the pareve status was also launched.
Hebrew Bible published In Eskimo language
After a 34-year translation project, the Hebrew and Christian Bibles were published for the first time in an Eskimo language. In mid-May, a group of Inuit Christians in the Canadian territory Nunavut completed the task of translating the texts into the local Inuktitut, according to Ha’aretz. Plant and animal names were among the biggest difficulties and often the word “tree” was used for them. In some cases, English words such as “camel” were used. One surprising difficulty was the complete absence of a term for “peace” in Inuktitut. That forced the translators to use complete sentences to get the idea across to readers, according to Ha’aretz. There are approximately 50,000 Inuits in Canada. The translation project was funded by the Canadian Bible Society and the Anglican Church at a cost of $1.7 million. The translation will be launched in a ceremony at the igloo-shaped St. Jude’s Anglican Cathedral in Iqaluit, Nunavut’s capital, on June 3.
Jewish Federation Acquires New Film Festival Picks Dassy Ganz, assistant to executive director of the Jewish Federation, announces that thanks to the generosity of the Glassman family of Scranton, the Federation film library has acquired a number of newly released films recently shown at film festivals around the country. Film Library Continues to Grow Thanks to Your Donations Thanks to the generosity of Ms. Lindsay Leventhal, the film library now owns 5 new films of Jewish interest: A Film Unfinished- Using footage completely unparalleled, A Film Unfinished provides new insight into the Nazi propaganda machine further exposing an agenda already known to be deceitful beyond our greatest beliefs. (non-feature) A Matter of Size- Winner of numerous international awards, this Israeli comedy is a hilarious and heart-warming tale about four overweight guys who learn to love themselves through the Japanese sport of sumo wrestling. (not rated) Blessed is the Match- The life and death of Hannah Senesh (non-feature) Inglorious Basterds- This popular WWII revenge fantasy film follows a Nazi-scalping squad of American soldiers is on a daring mission to take down the leaders of the Third Reich (rated R) Komediant-(non-feature) The glory days of the Yiddish stage are brought to life in this funny saga of a legendary theatrical family, the Bursteins. Smoothly incorporating rare archival footage and interviews with Yiddish stage veterans, this tightly edited and briskly paced documentary is as richly bittersweet and the Yiddish theater itself. Nora’s Will- When his ex-wife Nora dies right before Passover, Jose is forced to stay with her body until she can be properly put to rest. He soon realizes that he is part of Nora’s plan to bring her family back together for one last Passover feast, leading Jose to reexamine their relationship. (not rated) Rashevski’s Tango- Just about every dilemma of modern Jewish identity gets an airing in this packed tale of a clan of more or less secularized Belgian Jews thrown into spiritual crisis by the death of the matriarch who has held all doubts and family warfare in check. (not rated) The Boy in the Striped Pajamas- Based on the best-selling novel, this movie is set during WWII and tells the inspiring story of two boys and the power of the human spirit. (rated PG-13) The Hidden Child- A gripping tale of survival, The Hidden Child tells the story of a six-year-old girl and her sister, separated from their parents, dodging bullets, lying for survival, and relying on the compassion of strangers To Take a Wife- A powerful drama about a woman’s struggle for independence and emotional freedom in the face of family tradition. (not rated) The following are also now available for private and synagogue viewing: Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story. This excellent documentary, narrated by Dustin Hoffman, portrays the contributions of Jewish major leaguers and the special meaning that baseball has had in the lives of American Jews. Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story was shown at the 2012 UJA Kick-Off in Scranton this past September. The Debt- Academy Award® winner Helen Mirren and two-time Academy Award® nominee Tom Wilkinson star in The Debt. In 1966, three Mossad agents were assigned to track down a feared Nazi war criminal hiding in East Berlin, a mission accomplished at great risk and personal cost - or was it? Sarah’s Key- Julia Jarmond (Kristin Scott Thomas), an American journalist married to a Frenchman, is commissioned to write an article about the notorious Vel d’Hiv round up, which took place in Paris, in 1942. She stumbles upon a family secret which will link her forever to the destiny of a young Jewish girl, Sarah. Julia learns that the apartment she and her husband Bertrand plan to move into was acquired by Bertrand’s family when its Jewish occupants were dispossessed and deported 60 years before. She resolves to find out what happened to the former occupants: Wladyslaw and Rywka Starzynski, parents of 10-year-old Sarah and 4-year-old Michel. Please contact Dassy Ganz at the Federation to borrow these or other films in our library.
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THE REPORTER ■ MAY 24, 2012