Community Review - October 7, 2022

Celebrating the Colorful and Meaningful Art of Chisuk Emuna

BY MARY KLAUS

Behind the peaceful, sand-colored exterior of Chisuk Emuna Congregation lies more than a spiritual home for a warm Jewish synagogue.

Inside the shul, Chisuk Emuna also houses a plethora of art, including a creative mosaic art door, a colorful Kiddush cart, an intricately woven Beyn Gavrah (torah cover), and a dramatic donor wall featuring Jewish values in Hebrew and English.

That art and more was celebrated at Chisuk Emuna on a recent afternoon featuring tours of the highlights throughout the synagogue, a dedication service, and the harmonious and healing spiritual music of Kol HaNeshama, the Harrisburg Jewish Chorus.

“When we moved from Division Street to Green Street, we tried to create a meaningful venue, a place for people to find whatever religious and spiritual environment is meaningful to them,” said Cory Schneider, who chaired the Chisuk Emuna art celebration held on September 18th. “We have a flexible space here, both physically and emotionally, so that people can interpret it in their own way with a personal vision.”

The shul at 3219 Green St. is the seventh home of Chisuk Emuna, founded in 1883 by hardworking Lithuanian immigrants who fled religious persecution and came to the United States for religious freedom.

On April 3, 2009, just days before Passover, the congregation’s home at Fifth and Division streets was destroyed by fire. The resilient congregation relocated to the Jewish Community Center, then was forced out of there in the fall of 2011 by flooding, resulting in another relocation.

Chisuk Emuna raised money, bought the property of the old Riverside School on Green Street, and built a 13,500 square

foot synagogue with a contemporary design, large sanctuary, classrooms, conference room, offices, and a fenced-in patio. The teamwork it took to reach this point is reflected in the colorful donor wall visible from the front door.

Rabbi Ron Muroff, Chisuk Emuna spiritual leader for twenty-nine years, referred to the fire during his dedication of the ark door.

“On the night of the fire as we stood outside our burning building, Stan Schheider (then congregation president) turned to me and said ‘We couldn’t decide so God intervened.’ I smiled. As Stan insightfully perceived, even in the midst of that sad night we would be forced to act. We would be blessed with the opportunity to help our congregation and community grew.”

The rabbi said that he and Chisuk Emuna members could not have imagined then just how blessed they would be.

“Isn’t it amazing how sometimes our darkest nights are followed by our brightest days?” he asked.

The art celebration proved to be one of those bright days.

Susan Leviton, who designed the ark doors made of tiny hand-cut glass pieces, told the congregation about the

creation of that art, the focal point of the sanctuary. Leviton also designed the donor wall, tribute book fabric cover, cabinet housing the sacred Torah scrolls, Torah mantles, kiddush cart, and eternal light in the Beit Midrash Chapel.

She called the ark door in white, iridescent, and translucent glass her interpretation of a rabbinic tale that the Hebrew alphabet existed prior to creation.

“The colors (of the ark door) should not fight for attention but rather sit back at the right time and bow out, allowing the Torahs to emerge in their full color mantles,” she said, standing before the cherry-framed door. “The curve was designed to focus attention to the open ark as well, opening left to embrace the Torahs.” She called the background “a controlled chaos of color.”

Leviton smiled as a beam of sun made the ark door sparkle while she spoke. She described spending about 650 hours over more than six months to cut by hand about 15,000 small pieces of glass in various materials and colors.

She also designed two sets of Torah mantles - one set colorful for year-round use, and one High Holidays set in

Chisuk Emuna Congregation's Donor Wall is just one of the many pieces of spiritual artwork featured at last month's celebration.

Wishing You a Happy Sukkot

BY ARNIE SOHINKI

Chag Sukkot Sameach! Wishing you and your families a happy Sukkot holiday. Sukkot commemorates the forty years the Jewish people spent in the desert on their way to the Promised Land after escaping slavery in Egypt. With a little stretch of the imagination, it feels “bashert” and appropriate that one of our first community-wide, allages event, The Sukkot Sock Hop and Soda Social (October 9th, 1 – 3pm) will celebrate the holiday of Sukkot, as we begin the process of transitioning to our new home at The Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life. I hope you will join us for this free program of music, crafts, edible sukkahs, and exciting activities for all ages. Whether you pre-register at jewishharrisburg.org/sukkah-sock-hop or just show up, we look forward to welcoming you at this community happening!

As you join with us to celebrate Sukkot on the campus, you will notice that construction has also begun on the buildings. We look forward to sharing pictures of our progress and updates with you as we turn the already-gorgeous and well-maintained buildings into activity and gathering areas suitable for our community’s children, adults, and seniors. Plan to take a tour during the festivities – after all, this is your home, too.

JCCs are somewhat similar to a sukkah, even though they are a more permanent structure. The connection is that a JCC is a “third place,” away from home and work, where Jews can join together, learn, and celebrate as a community. The JCC is a primary destination for Jewish engagement, a place for learning and celebration and a connector to Jewish life for families and individuals.

Our community is known for our penchant for hachnasat orchim, welcoming and inviting people to our community – making you feel honored, relaxed, and at home. As part of our Sukkot Hop, we welcome the community and guests to have a snack in the sukkah. We will have a treat available for you as we reflect on inclusion and hospitality towards all - new community members and those who have been involved for many years.

Whether you shake a lulav, have a festive meal with family and friends, or just read a bit about Sukkot this year, the Federation wishes you a joyous holiday and we look forward to a year of milestones and celebrations together.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 10

Sukkot – Federation and ELC Closed, JCC Open

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11

Sukkot - Federation Closed, JCC and ELC Open

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17

Shimini Atzeret – Federation Closed, JCC and ELC Open

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18

Simchat Torah – Federation Closed, JCC and ELC Open

Community Review

Vol. 96, No. 20 October 7, 2022 (ISSN 1047-9996) (USPS 126-860)

Published bi-weekly by the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg, 3301 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17110. Subscription rate: $50 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Harrisburg, PA, and additional entry office.

Editorial Board Members

Roberta Krieger

Rabbi Carl Choper Rita Gordon

Jeanette Krebs Arnie Sohinki

STAFF Editor Adam Grobman a.grobman@jewishfedhbg.org

Candle Lighting Times

Oct 7 » 6:21pm

Oct 14 » 6:11pm

Oct 21 » 6:00pm

Sales Director Ayelet Shanken 717-409-8222 a.shanken@jewishfedhbg.org

Design and Layout

Lisette Stahl

Graphic Designer Lisette Stahl

Postmaster: Send address changes to Community Review, 3301 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA., 17110.

Mission Statement of The Community Review: Inform readers about local, national and international events of interest to Jews. Promote Jewish values, Jewish identity and a sense of Jewish community in central Pennsylvania.

The opinions expressed in the Community Review do not necessarily reflect the position of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg. The Federation does not endorse any candidate or political party for any elected office.

Remembering Lois Lehrman Grass z'l

Note from the Board of Directors and Staff of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg: We are so grateful for Lois’ lifetime of service to the Jewish community both in Harrisburg and beyond, as well as her other many contributions to cultural institutions that have created such an enduring legacy. May her memory be for an eternal blessing, and may we all be inspired by her commitment to leaving the world a better place than she found it.

Please read more about Lois’ legacy and her impact across our entire community below.

Lois Lehrman Grass, whose lifelong dedication to community service gained her recognition as a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania, died September 21st. She was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on September 30, 1931, the daughter of Benjamin and Rose Herman Lehrman, in whose memory she named the Lehrman Chapel at Temple Ohev Sholom, the Rose Lehrman Arts Center at HACC, and the Rose Lehrman Wing at The Hebrew University School of Education in Jerusalem.

Lois was a visionary community leader, often at the forefront of initiatives that led to the creation of long-term community assets, including Jewish Family Service,

Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, and Capital Area School for the Arts Charter School (CASA). She was instrumental in the creation of the Aurora Club for people with developmental disabilities as well as the Hamilton Health Center. In her 30’s, she was Chairman of the Red Cross Chapter of Harrisburg and the first woman to chair the United Way campaign. She believed in “making things happen.”

While she understood profoundly the importance of philanthropy, she was, first and foremost, a dedicated and highly respected “hands on” volunteer. She devoted her insight, experience, and resources to building community and nurturing organizations and talent wherever she saw promise and purpose. She worked tirelessly - often “under the radar” - to foster and provide leadership to organizations and projects about which she felt deeply. Lois was passionate, in particular, about the arts and Judaism. She was a major supporter of the Harrisburg Jewish community and Jewish institutions in the United States and Israel, including the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC, where she was a founding donor. Her love and support of the arts benefited many organizations. In the tradition of a true arts patron, she fostered

the careers of promising young talents, often through commissions of their work. Concert grand pianos gifted by Lois grace the stages of Whitaker Center and the Rose Lehrman Arts Center. She was a founding member of the National Museum of Woman in the Arts and a member of the Museum’s National Advisory Board. In 1989, she was an inaugural recipient of the Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts in the Capital Region.

Lois was known for her gracious hospitality. She loved good food, good drink, and good company and she knew how to throw a fabulous party. She frequently hosted events at her home for the benefit of community organizations.

She is survived by her son Martin Grass and wife Jody; son Roger Grass and wife Marina; daughter Elizabeth Weese and husband Brian; son-in-law Jason Shapiro; 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; brother Gilbert Lehrman; brother Lewis Lehrman and wife Louise. She was pre-deceased by her daughter, Linda Grass Shapiro, her sister Barbara Weinberg, and her longtime companion, Bowman Brown.

Services were held on September 23 at 2:00pm at Temple Ohev Sholom, 2345 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Burial at Mount Moriah Cemetery, Strouse and Fritchey Streets.

To honor Lois’s memory, contributions may be made to any Jewish, arts, or healthcare organization of your choice. To share on-line condolences please visit  www.BitnerCares.com

Rabbi Peter Kessler officiating. Arrangements by Hetrick-Bitner Funeral Home.

Lois Lehrman Grass z'l

March of the Living ’23 Plans To Return to Poland, Israel

BY JENNA RAPPAPORT

Am Yisrael Chai...the Jewish people live, is the recurring theme of the March of the Living, an inspiring, exhilarating, and memorable journey with Jewish teens from across the globe.  The “March” is a roller coaster of emotions - from sadness to elation, from despair to hope, and above all, a feeling of “oneness” with  K’lal Yisrael, the Jewish people.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg will be offering the  March of the Living  to local Jewish high school seniors. Over a two-week period, many thousands of students from all corners of the earth gather together in Poland to commemorate Yom Ha’shoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, and then proceed to Israel to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day.

I am excited to use my lifelong connection to this community in facilitating the MOTL program. A graduate of Hebrew High and a former March of the Living participant, I wrote my master’s thesis on the topic of the Holocaust and have extensive experience with Holocaust programming.

The approximate dates for March of the Living ’23 are April 16-May 1.

The March not only provides an extraordinary opportunity for Jewish youth to gain a greater understanding of twentieth century Jewish history, but it also serves as a catalyst to reaffirm Jewish commitment and identity. The impact of the March lasts a lifetime. One March alumnus stated, “Before I went on the March, I was a Jew in my head.  Now I’m a Jew in my heart.” From another student: “I have NEVER, ever in my life, been more proud to be a Jew.”

The  March of the Living preparatory course will begin on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at 1pm at the JCC and will continue to meet weekly. More information will be forthcoming. It is our hope that every Jewish teen in our community participates in the  March of the Living during their senior year in high school.

For more information on the March of the Living, please contact Jenna Rappaport at j.rappaport@jewishfedhbg.org

York JCC Plans Fall Fest & Open House

OFFERS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD TRUCKS, CHILDREN & FAMILY ACTIVITIES, & MORE

The York Jewish Community Center will host J Fall Fest, a free event open to the public which will take place on Wednesday, October 12 at the York JCC from 4-6pm.

All are invited to enjoy an evening of food, entertainment, and activities for all ages. Free family-friendly activities include live music, balloon artists, art and fitness activities, a petting zoo, touch-a-truck, and more. Food trucks will be available for outdoor dining.

Tours of the community center will be offered throughout the day, showcasing the fullcourt gymnasium, fitness center, heated indoor pool, group fitness, and water aerobics classes, cultural, social, and inclusive programs. More information can be found at yorkjcc.org/fallfest or by calling 717.843.0918.

Celebrating the Colorful and Meaningful Art of Chisuk Emuna

Continued from page 1

white with metallic fabric accents to embrace the purity of season. Those were displayed briefly during the celebration.

Leviton thanked all the people who inspired and encouraged her during her work in the shul, with special praise for Steve Spector, a master woodworker who hand-crafted nearly every wood furnishing in the synagogue.

“We are not a congregation where people simply write checks to buy things we need,” she said. “We are doers and makers. I am overjoyed that I have been trusted to craft so much of what people find beautiful and inspiring.”

She expressed hope that people looking at the art in the shul, “will see yourselves, find what you need in the moment, and share your insights and wonder with one another.”

Chisuk Emuna art seems to speak to the congregation. A carving of the Ten Commandments flanked by two standing lions dates to Chisuk Emuna’s home in 1917 and symbolizes the long history of this congregation.

The donor wall, which Leviton says “embodies the history and culture of our congregation,” represents everything from the immigrant history of the congregation to Jewish values. Alternating panels with the names of major donors who funded Chisuk Emuna give an indication how invested this congregation is in their shul.

The Yahrzeit, with the words “May Their Memory Be For A Blessing,” shows that Chisuk Emuna remembers those of blessed memory. The Beyn Gavrah, which covers the Torah on the readers’ table when it is not actively being read, highlights the beautiful needlepoint of five women who have profound respect for the Torah.

Visitors also spent time in the Beit Midrash, which translates into House of Learning, to see other works of history and art there.

As the dedication service ended, Gerald Gorelick led the congregation in mincha, a fitting ending to an afternoon of art and appreciation at Chisuk Emuna.

Linda Skulsky: Two Decades (and Counting!) of Excellence at the JCC

BY ADAM GROBMAN

For more than twenty years, most community members’ introduction to the JCC came from Linda Skulsky. Since becoming Membership Director in 2000, Linda has given hundreds (if not thousands) of tours of the building and phone calls to prospective members. With each one, she’s taken a personalized approach, learning about the individual’s fitness goals and interests and explaining how they fit into the offerings at the JCC.

“If they walk through the door, they already have the thought there,” Linda says. “All I did was take that and show them how to be successful with it.”

Linda retired from her role as Membership Director at the end of August, but she’s not leaving the JCC community. She’ll keep going with her passion for lifelong fitness – and bringing others along for the journey – by continuing fitness instruction, including her weekly “Pump It Up” fitness class, where she has a devoted following.

“She’s enthusiastic, motivational, inspirational, energetic, and prepared,” says Pam Suter, a longtime JCC member and friend who has taken many fitness classes

with Linda over the years. “She’s an instructor that is attentive to you and really hands-on.”

Pam says that Linda’s coaching style carries over to her role in introducing people to the JCC’s offerings.

“I always see her walking around with new members, introducing them and showing the facilities – so, when you walk into class the first time, you have familiar faces and that’s really important,” Pam says. “She appreciates the need for personal interaction, and that the JCC is a community.”

Through her two decades in her role, Linda helped to refine the membership processes of the JCC, and in 2010 helped to introduce SilverSneakers, a program near and dear to her heart as it helps people to stay active throughout their lifetimes.

“It’s nice to help people that come in and are timid of what they can do or should do,” Linda says. “I tell them, ‘You can do it at any age, any time.’”

JCC Program Director Terri Travers says that Linda was gifted at making members feel welcome at the JCC.

“She’s had a great way of interacting with and communicating with members and instantly

became your friend on a tour,” Terri says. “She showed the importance and benefits of working out and how people could lead a happier and healthier lifestyle by coming here to the JCC.”

Terri says that Linda has always been involved above and beyond what her roles required.

“She’d always play cashier at the Senior Adult holiday productions, pitched in at events over the years from 5K to Big Night, and of course was a rambunctious clock keeper when her son played basketball, which was always entertaining,” Terri says. “She truly believed in being a part of everything – I’m thrilled that she’s still going to be an active part of our fitness family and will continue to bring her excitement and love of this community and fitness to all of our members.”

Linda has fond memories of her children’s involvement at the JCC – like her son, Matt, hitting a clutch three-pointer at JamFest in the early 2000s and son, Michael, working as a counselor at summer camp – and now her grandchildren are involved in JCC programs, too. With her family growing – another grandchild on the way! – she felt it was time to transition out of her membership role.

Linda Skulsky

“I’ll miss the people the most” she says. “Most of my social life is here – it’s been a lot of years and a lot of friends. It’s just wonderful for me to be part of it.”

Though she’ll have new focuses outside of the JCC, Linda is intent on continuing to grow her fitness knowledge and share that with members.

“I do intend to take up some new exercise,” Linda says. “And when I do, I’ll come back to the JCC and offer it!”

Rainy Day Can’t Wash Out JCC 5K Fun

BY TERRI TRAVERS

Showers and a gray sky couldn’t stop the fun of the JCC’s annual 5K run/walk held on Sunday, September 11. The event, which benefits the Sports and Fitness Department as well as the Josh Klein Bikkur Cholim Society, had about 100 people cross the finish line. Additional members of the community came out to cheer on the runners and walkers.

Andrew Springer finished first with an impressive time of 18:24. Second place was grabbed by Chris Forno. The female top spot was taken by JCC staff member Elizabeth Glabus in an impressive time of 22:47. “It’s just a great day,” stated Jordan Klein, Co-Chair of the event. “I love running with my son and daughter as well as so many of our family members and friends.” A huge thank you to our sponsors who supported such a fun event that brings all ages of the community together. The event had participants who were over 75 years of age and as young as a few months old being pushed in a stroller. The event brings together so many people from our community. A special thank you to the Susquehanna Police who provided assistance for the race as well as the countless volunteers and members of the planning committee.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2022 SPONSORS

Dan Morra

Klein Family Dentistry

Premier Medical Rehab

The Zacharia Family

The Schwab Family

Chris Baldrige and David Skerpon

Pennsylvania Retina Specialists

Caren & Alan Schein

Levin Promotional Products

The Shamash Family

The Berman Family Honoring the Bar Mitzvah of Ben Smithers

The Plesco Family

Hilton Diminick Orthodontic Associates

Jenn Ross

Periodontal Associates

Commonwealth Packaging Company

Wayd W. Wolgemuth

Linda and Corky Goldstein

In Loving Memory of Marlene and Herm Minkoff

OMSI

CJ’s Italian Ice & Custard Las Vegas NV The Doctrow Family

The Bernstein Family Art & Deb Kravitz

Neurofeedback & Counseling Center of PA

JDOG Junk Removal & Hauling Steve Schauder

JFS Holds Successful Adoption and Foster Care Picnic

BY RACHEL KUHR, JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE, DIRECTOR OF ADOPTION AND FAMILY SERVICES

We were thrilled to hold our annual Jewish Family Service Adoption and Foster Care Picnic in person recently. Because of COVID-19, this was the first picnic we have been able to plan in three years. JFS staff joined with several families at Green Hills and had a great day.

At every picnic that we have EVER held, there seems to be a pattern. First people are not sure who to talk to and how. Then, they eat and swim, or swim and eat. And then there is a point, a moment, when all the JFS staff look out and think, “Voila!”

The families are talking to each other. Three teen girls are doing crafts together. An older youth who was adopted many years ago is trying to draw the shy toddler into a smile. The five-year-old children have organized a game of tag. And the moms are trading recipes and IEP strategies. Maybe the dads are joining in. Or maybe they are playing tag, too.

That is why we hold a picnic. It is why staff dedicate a weekend afternoon to carry ice and juice boxes and trays of food to the pavilion by the pool. We know that our families do best when they are connected to each other. And we, as the professionals, have families to learn from. Our families benefit when we can say to one parent, “you should talk to this other parent who had a similar experience navigating the system of having a child hospitalized last month.”

Our families benefit when a child shows up and asks for the other child they were playing with last time, and they want to play again. Our families do best when they use each other for support, for a respite, and leave us out of the equation. We doubt we will ever be out of a job, but when our families grow beyond needing us, we know we are doing what is best for everyone.

JFS wants to thank Terri Travers, JCC Program Director, and the JCC staff for making our picnic possible. Our families love being at Green Hills.

For more information about foster care, adoption from foster care, or state funded support services for families after adoption, please call JFS at 717-233-1681 and ask to talk to someone in the program.

See the previous edition of Community Review to read more about the team.

Members of the 1972 JCC Basketball Team reunited last month to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their championship-winning season.

Conference Agenda:

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• Preserving Jewish Cemeteries

• Advance Planning for congregations

• Engagement: The Central PA Small Congregations Cohort

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Synagogue Life

BETH EL TEMPLE

2637 N Front St | (717) 232-0556 | www.bethelhbg.org

Beth El Temple has resumed in-person Friday evening and Shabbat morning services. We also offer a mix of in-person and Zoom minyans. For more information, visit Beth El's website.

CHISUK EMUNA CONGREGATION 3219 Green St | (717) 232-4851 | info@chisukemuna.org | www.chisukemuna.org

Chisuk Emuna Congregation will be holding services in person and on Zoom. For more information, please contact the office at 717-232-4851 or info@chisukemuna.org.

CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL, LEBANON 411 S 8th St | (717) 273-2669 | www.congregation-beth-israel.org

Contact Rabbi Sam Yolen at yolen002@gmail.com for details on both programming and minyan. For more information, visit Beth Israel's website.

CONGREGATION BETH TIKVAH, CARLISLE Asbell Center, 262 W High Street | (717)-240-8627 | www.bethtikvah.org

HISTORIC B’NAI JACOB, MIDDLETOWN Water & Nissley Streets | (717) 319-3014 www.bnai-jacob.org

Historic B’nai Jacob Synagogue, located at Water and Nissley Streets in Middletown, near the Harrisburg International Airport and Penn State-Harrisburg, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Marc Bluestein is currently leading the services. Connection information and program materials will be provided by email to the Congregation and also can be requested by using the contact form on our Shul website: http://www.bnai-jacob.org. We are a community Shul and you are welcome to join us. There are no membership dues or admission fees.

KESHER ISRAEL CONGREGATION 3200 N 3rd St | (717) 238-0763 | www.kesherisrael.org

Kesher Israel is holding in-person daily and Shabbat davening. For details about services, meetings, and programming, contact Benjamin Altman, President, at president@kesherisrael.org, or Ashley Caraballo at office@kesherisrael.org. For more information, visit Kesher Israel's website.

OHEV SHOLOM CONGREGATION, YORK 2090 Hollywood Drive | 717-852-0000 | www.OhevSholomYork.org

Ohev Sholom Congregation is a Conservative congregation serving York County in an inclusive, egalitarian manner. Established in 1902, the congregation is led by our student rabbi in association with our lay leadership. Ohev Sholom provides adult educational opportunities in conjunction with our local Chabad Learning Center while embracing different levels of observance, stages of life, and family structures.

TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL 2090 Hollywood Dr, York | (717) 843-2676 | www.tbiyork.org York’s 140-year-old Reform congregation.

TEMPLE BETH SHALOM 913 Allendale Rd, Mechanicsburg | (717) 697-2662 | www.tbshalom.org

Shabbat services will be held on October 14 and 28. Services are both in person and via Zoom. If you are not on our email contact list and would like to attend, please call or email the Temple office in advance of the service in case of scheduling changes. Services are led by Rabbi Carl Choper of Beth Shalom. Please email the office at tbshalom@gmail.com or call 717-697-2662 for information if you would like to join the services.

High Holiday services will be held in person this year as well as via Zoom, and will be led by Rabbi Carl Choper. To make reservations for the High Holiday services, please call the office, 697-2662 or register on our website, https://tbshalom.org/high-holidays. There is no charge to attend the High Holiday services.

A Sukkot celebration will be held on October 9. Please RSVP by October 3 if you plan to attend.

TEMPLE OHEV SHOLOM 2345 N Front St | (717) 233-6459 | www.ohevsholom.org Please visit Temple Ohev Sholom’s website for up-to-date services information.

FOUNDING

The Alexander Grass Foundation

Sam Levine & Irene Berman-Levine

Myra & Stuart Sacks

Sandy & Marcia Cohen

The Forman Family

Larry Freedman

Robert Grass

The Hodara Family

The Kluger Family

The Dorothy B. and S. Lawrence Koplovitz Foundation In memory of S. Lawrence Koplovitz D.O.

Conrad & Gail Siegel

Zachary & Nancy Simmons

Abby, Brandon, Aaron, & Adam Smith

Sheri & Michael Solomon

www.jewishharrisburg.org

Obituaries

PHYLLIS BERMAN

Phyllis Berman, AKA -“B”, a resident of Susquehanna Township for over 60 years, has left us with many fond memories of her creativity and zest for life. A devoted wife of 71 years to her husband, Leonard N. Berman, and mother to Harriete Berman (Bill Shelander) of San Mateo, California, Irene Berman-Levine (Sam Levine) of Susquehanna Township and Jessica Berman (David Washko, of Blessed Memory) of West Hanover Township. B will also be fondly remembered by her four grandchildren and their spouses/ significant others: Isaac Levine (Tori), Rachel Levine (Steph), Agustus Shelander (Lilibel), and Aryn Shelander (Josh). B was also blessed with her two great-grandchildren, Reuben and Eli Levine. In addition, our B is survived by her brother Ralph Weaver and sisters Martha Husick and Jeannie O’Day and brother-in-law, Charles Berman (Brenda).

Phyllis will always be remembered for her smile, laughter, cooking, pride of presentation (both personal and otherwise), organizational skills, and determination to do things the right way, not necessarily the traditional way (which she considered boring). She challenged her family and friends to think outside of the box and most importantly to enjoy life’s adventure. Always ready for the 5:00 cocktail hour, Phyllis was the consummate entertainer, whether in Harrisburg, Florida, or Long

Beach Island. Phyllis and Leonard enjoyed their many years on Long Beach Island where we have fond memories of her enjoying the view from her yellow rocking chair throne.

In addition to her biological family, Phyllis considered Ohev Sholom Temple to be her second family. As past president of the Sisterhood, Phyllis was instrumental in organizing many events over the years and she was always involved with the activities of the synagogue. Her lifelong desire to learn motivated her to organize a woman’s Soup & Study for many years. Highlights of her involvement include her favorite activities, organizing the fabulous decorations for Ohev Sholom’s book reviews and making sure Ohev Sholom built a REAL sukkah (nothing but real food and greens would satisfy her).

For literally decades, she was a fixture at the Harrisburg Bridge Club and we thank her many partners over the years. She was a volunteer on the CONTACT hotline for many years. When her children were young, she contributed her creativity to every classroom event.

Phyllis was most renowned for her creativity and cooking skills and her natural talent for art. With no formal training, she could bring color and design to any piece of art, from painting designs on a wall to decorating a bird gourd. But she would not do it alone. Even if you had no talent, she would insist that you pick up a colored pen and start to paint. In terms of cooking, she applied her high standards to

every meal, which was challenging when she referred to Irene’s attempts at cooking a chicken as “roadkill.” But that was ok, as she preferred to be the entertainer and her friends have fond memories of the many meals and cocktail hours she created.

Services and interment were held Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at the Bookstaber Chapel, 4245 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg.

Instead of flowers, please help us continue B’s legacy of giving by making a contribution to the Phyllis Berman Ohev Sholom Sisterhood Fund at 2345 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or Hospice of Central PA. (hospiceofcentralpa.org).

The Sephardic Jews of Ottoman Turkey

JCC Senior Adult Programs

JCC Senior Adult Club Lunches and programs are held twice-weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Lunch is served at 12 noon, with to-go options available for those who prefer not to unmask to eat. All programs begin after lunch unless otherwise indicated.

OCT 11 Sukkot – No Lunch or Program

OCT 13 Session 6 of “Holocaust Education in the 21st Century,” with educator, Lillian Rappaport

OCT 18 Shemini Atzeret – No Lunch or Program

OCT 20 Business Meeting/Birthday Party – a reason for bagel, lox and cream cheese!

OCT 25 “Christopher Columbus: Villain or Hero?” with Retired Army Colonel John Maietta - Each October brings our annual observance of the “discovery” of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492. Once hailed as a bold explorer and icon of Italian-American pride, Columbus is now condemned by some as a genocidal tyrant. This program presents the true story of his four fateful voyages to the New World, recounts the troubling circumstances of his final years in Spain, and examines the complex legacy he leaves behind today.

OCT 27 Join the Silver Academy Middle School students for our 2nd Better Together program of the year. Enjoy a delicious lunch with the students and then enjoy fun activities based on our theme of Joyfully Jewish! Hope to see you there!

BY ROBERTA KRIEGER

On Tuesday, September 6th, after a lunch of tuna salad and macaroni and cheese, Jeff Jacobs led us in our current events program.  Jeff, we thank you for volunteering to moderate these programs for us.  There are definitely two sides to every story.  If you do not believe me, come to these programs.  Although Jeff might not lead us into temptation, there are many times our evil sides might be quite visible.

On Thursday, September 8th, we had session #5 of Holocaust Education in the 21s Century, with educator, Lillian Rappaport.  These sessions are something we all look forward to.  Lillian, we truly appreciate you.  Prior to our lesson we had Norman Gras’ delicious Stuffed Peppers for lunch.

On Tuesday, September 13th, Retired Army Colonel, John Maietta, did a program on classic toys.  We were encouraged to bring in some of our own for “show and tell.”  Beverly G. brought in some Rainbow Brite dolls which brought smiles to our faces.  Karen N. brought in original Barbie, Ken, and Midge dolls as well as a doll that was her grandmother’s, which she had restored.  I asked Karen if we could set up a playdate.

It was a very nostalgic and fun program.  Norman didn’t neglect to delight our palettes.  We had baked fish and orzo “a la Norman Gras” for lunch.

To finish off the week, on Thursday, September 15th, Dr. Koones lectured on “Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History.”  He chose an eclectic group of women to speak about, among whom were Joan of Arc, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Anne Boleyn, just to name a few.  It was a very interesting program and we were sorry when it was over.  Prior to Dr. Koones’ lecture, we had a great lunch of baked chicken (Dr. Koones’ favorite) and rice pilaf.

Somehow or other we managed (barely) to get through the last week.  Our amazing Sr. Advisor, Cheryl Yablon, left us to take a group from our club to Charleston, South Carolina.  Happy to say they all had an amazing time and that Cheryl is back!!!

Looking forward to seeing you at lunch. Hope you stay well, are vaccinated, and wear masks appropriately. Take care.