Community Review - December 16, 2022

community review

www.jewishharrisburg.org

MIRACLES: FROM CHANUKAH TO TODAY

BY ADAM GROBMAN

In 2003, Disney Channel’s Full-Court Miracle told the unlikely story of a Jewish high school basketball team who beat the odds to win against a mighty opponent.

At the Harrisburg JCC, a team had a similar miracle finish at an early-2000s JamFest.

“It was a great game back and forth,” says Alex Hess, who played basketball at the JCC through middle school and was playing Center for the team. With less than a second left in the game and down by one point, the JCC team needed a miracle.

“We drew up this play for an in-bound where Justin Ruth would throw the ball toward the basket, and all I could do was tip the ball in – and that’s what happened,” says Alex, who now lives in Charleston, South Carolina. “We were all celebrating on the court as a team – I just couldn’t believe it went in.”

The Chanukah holiday tells the story of the Maccabean revolt and reclamation of Jerusalem, as well as that of the oil that miraculously burned - and lit the menorah - for eight days.

Rabbi Ron Muroff of Chisuk Emuna Congregation says that miracles need not be so dramatic, alluding to examples from the films Oh God and Fiddler on the Roof in which the characters compare modern-day events to biblical phenomena.

“These two Hollywood examples reflect a popular notion that miracles are rare events that defy expectations and rational explanations,” he says. “In contrast, Albert Einstein asserted that ‘there are only two ways to live your life. One as though nothing is a miracle, the other as though everything is a miracle.’ In this view, experiencing miracles is determined by our mindset, not by the characteristics of particular events.”

Community member Ellie Friedman has the mindset of being surrounded by miracles, having lived with lung cancer for more than twenty years. “At the time of my diagnosis, I was given a 2% chance of surviving for five years,” she says.

She was able to join one of the first groups of people to take a new, daily drug – one that she calls a miracle in itself – which, along with a healthy lifestyle, has her doctors predicting a normal life expectancy for her.

“I don’t know the meaning of why I lived – I think it’s a miracle,” she says. “All of nature, including humans, has a way of overcoming the most incredible odds, and that to me enters the realm of a miracle. I see miracles almost daily – from being able to see my children get married, to holding my grandchildren in my arms, to being able to travel to the most miraculous places in the world like the Grand Canyon. Even seeing a plant growing out of a rock will make my heart soar.”

Sometimes, what we consider to be “miracles” are the result of an extraordinary amount of time, resources, effort, and care. Donors and volunteers from across the country and globe have raised countless funds and offered a helping hand in support of millions of refugees and Jewish community members in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Here in Harrisburg, Jewish Family Service is preparing to launch an effort to assist Ukrainian refugees in finding safety and stability in our area and has already helped to resettle dozens of Afghan families in Central Pennsylvania.

“If you think about what happened in Afghanistan – it’s really a miracle to get from there to the United States,” says Hazem Algebraeel, Director of Refugee Services at JFS. “The universe has given a second chance to the Afghanis, and now it’s time to give the same opportunity to Ukrainians who are suffering the consequences of war.” Hazem says that the Chanukah theme of “light in the darkness” especially rings true in the efforts to assist those in need in Ukraine.

“In many places, there is no electricity or power – it is complete darkness,” he says. “If we can manage to get people here and help them to start over, that can represent the light for them.”

The Community Review wishes our readers a Happy Chanukah starting the evening of Sunday, December 18th.

Ellie Friedman among the Redwoods of California. Ellie, who has lived with cancer for twenty years, says that she "sees miracles almost daily."

BY ARNIE SOHINKI

the holiday of Hanukkah or as we sometimes refer to it, “The Festival of Lights.” And why is that important to me? Because light can transform darkness.

have been dealing with a great deal of darkness, whether it is the increase in anti-Semitic incidents, terrorist attacks, the continuation of the pandemic consequences, inflation – I could go on, but I want this to be a joyful time around the festive holiday of Chanukkah.

Chanukah is one of Judaism’s most visible holidays, celebrated with a nightly hanukkiah (menorah) lighting, recitation of special prayers, and enjoying fried foods (if it is okay with our doctors). Chanukah begins on the eve of Kislev 25 and continues for eight days. This year, the holiday runs from December 18-26.

What is Chanuka all about? In the second century BCE, the Holy Land was ruled by the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks), who tried to force the people of Israel to accept Greek culture and beliefs instead of mitzvah observance and belief in Gd. Against all odds, a small band of faithful but poorlyarmed Jews, led by Judah the Maccabee, defeated one of the mightiest armies on Earth, drove the Greeks from the land, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, and rededicated it to the service of Gd.

When they wanted to light the Temple’s Menorah (the seven-branched edition), they found only a single container of olive oil that had escaped

contamination by the Greeks (this was before candles were invented). Miraculously, they lit the menorah and the one-day supply of oil lasted for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity. To commemorate and publicize these miracles, the sages created the festival of Hanukah.

One of the pre-eminent parts of the festival is the nightly menorah lighting. The menorah holds nine candles, one of which is called the shamash (“helper or attendant”). The shamash is lit first and used to light all of the other candles. The shamash always sits a little bit higher or separate from the rest of the candles so as to not get confused with the other ones. The eight candles remind us of the miracle of the oil burning for eight days. Many people have the tradition of placing the lit hanukia in their window, symbolizing the hard-won freedom of the Jewish people to practice their religion without fear of persecution.

And like in many Jewish holidays, there are certain foods associated in our Channukah celebration. Since the Chanukkah miracle involved oil, it is customary to eat foods fried in oil. The Eastern-European classic is the potato latke (pancake) smothered with applesauce and/or sour cream, and the reigning Israeli favorite (mine too) is the jelly-filled sufganyiot (doughnuts).

You will note that throughout this message, Channuka is spelled in many different ways. That is intentional, as the spelling transliteration is different to each one of us. How many ways can you think of spelling Hanuka? The festive lights of Channukka create a future of hope for the land and the people of Israel and for diaspora Jewry.

A key message is clear - a little light goes a long way. The Chanukka candles are lit when dusk is falling. Placed in our windows, they serve as a beacon for the darkening streets. No matter how dark it is outside, a candle of goodness and celebration can transform the darkness itself into light.

Wishing you and your families a safe and happy Channukkah season, and to those celebrating the many seasonal holidays across backgrounds and faiths, please enjoy your time celebrating with family and friends. And to everyone, have a happy, safe, and exciting New Year. May it be a year that brings all good things your way!!

Community Review

Vol. 96, No. 25 December 16, 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

Advertising Oren Yagil 717-409-8222 oren@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.

JTLP Opens Arms, Welcomes The Stranger

BY JUDITH HODARA

The Jewish Teen Learning Project had a hands-on discussion of Immigration and its importance to the Jewish community on Sunday, November 20.

Area teens met with Hadiya Amini, who arrived with her family from Afghanistan in February and is currently studying computer programming at HACC. She shared the story of her family's life in Kabul and the ways in which her life changed under Taliban rule. Hadiya answered questions from our teens about her life in Harrisburg and what has changed for her since she arrived. Hadiya hopes to return to her country one day when it is peaceful and to encourage young women to pursue their dreams as she has.

Jill Family, Professor of Law at Widener College of Law, shared different scenarios for admitting individuals to the US, encouraging the teens to decide in small groups the three individuals that they would prioritize from farmers to those with spouses in the US, from academics to those escaping persecution by their governments. Professor Family encouraged the students to understand the roots of their decision making, taking into consideration their own inherent biases which

may have affected their overall approach to devising their list. Through debating passionately with their colleagues, the students were able to understand the ways in which the US government makes similar decisions and the factors which may impact these decisions.

Rabbi Marc Kline, of Temple Ohev Shalom shared his insights from texts about why welcoming the stranger is so important for the Jewish community. Drawing on biblical texts, the students discussed the hospitality shown by Abraham to visitors of his tent, and how we have all experienced "being a stranger" like our ancestors in Egypt. Rabbi Marc's connection to the students allowed them to really consider their own roles in supporting those who are new to our communities, and how we can reach out personally and through Jewish organizations to help newcomers to acclimate to Harrisburg.

The program was well attended and the discussion so spirited. This program was followed by December 11th’s session exploring new Jewish foodways and making shakshuka!

Stay tuned for details! Questions? Contact Judith Hodara at judith.hodara@gmail.com.

SCHWAB HOLOCAUST ESSAY CONTEST

The Schwab Holocaust Education Fund of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg is proud to announce its annual Holocaust Essay Contest. A committee composed of Second Generation members and educators will judge all entries.

TOPIC: Why is it important to study and investigate a phenomenon such as the Holocaust?

ELIGIBILITY: Open to all students in grades 7 through 12 in central Pennsylvania.

DEADLINE: March 20, 2023. Winner will read essay at the Harrisburg, PA Yom Ha’shoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) commemoration in April 2023.

AWARDS:

First prize 10-12 grades: $500 7-9 grades: $500

Second prize 10-12 grades: $300 7-9 grades: $300

Third prize 10-12 grades: $200 7-9 grades: $200

REQUIREMENTS:

1) All entries must be original, independent and accompanied by a cover page. The following information must be included on cover page: student’s name, address, phone number, grade level, e-mail address for student and parent(s), school name, address, and phone number. Author’s name should appear only on the cover page. Copies should be clean, i.e. no comments or grades from teachers.

2) All essays must be typed, double-spaced on a single side of paper. The length of the composition should not exceed eight pages.

3) Essays will be evaluated for content, clarity and composition.

4) Send essays to: The Schwab Holocaust Essay Contest c/o Lillian Rappaport Jewish Federation of Greater Hbg. 3301 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17110 or to l.rappaport@jewishfedhbg.org

JCC Alum Dena Markowitz Joins Federation Staff

BY ADAM GROBMAN

Lifelong Harrisburger Dena Markowitz’s connection to the Harrisburg JCC spans generations. Her grandfather, Joseph Lowy, was in charge of food service at what was then the Yeshiva Academy, and was the original mashgiach at Giant Foods.

“He was famous for his chicken and his tuna fish,” says Dena, who made her own mark at the JCC as she, and later her children, became camp counselors and made friends and connections through programming in the community. Dena’s father, Marty Lowy, served on numerous boards in the Jewish community, and her mother, Mimi, was an avid basketball player at the JCC. “My family is very much rooted here in Harrisburg and the JCC.”

Now, she’s ready for the next chapter of her JCC story – Dena joined the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg’s staff as the Director of Finance in late October. She comes to the role with more than twenty-five years of experience working for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the Audit Division Chief for the Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation.

Dena’s role will be crucial throughout the recently-launched Comprehensive Campaign and the transition to the new Grass Campus in 2023. She is excited to join the team in this pivotal moment in organization history.

“It has come full circle,” she says. “The JCC has been a centerpiece in our family’s lives – it’s now my turn to give back to a place that has given my family so much.”

Dena’s husband, Steve, is a past board member of the Jewish Federation, and together they are parents to Spencer and Lacey. Their dog, Oakley, is also JCC-famous, having been featured on the cover of Community Review following 2017’s Doggy Dip at Green Hills Swim Club.

Dena has enjoyed the benefits of the JCC over the years, and sees the potential that lies ahead.

“I want to help move things in the obviously positive direction that the organization is going, especially with the Grass Campus,” she says. “The people that are involved now have started something great and I want to be a part of it.”

Dena Markowitz, Director of Finance at the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg, can be reached at d.markowitz@jewishfedhbg.org or 717-236-9555 x 3201.

Happy Hanukkah from the Jewish Community Foundation Board and Professional Team!

HANUKKAH IS A GREAT TIME TO MAKE CHARITABLE GIFTS!

Create your Legacy and support your favorite causes.

Hanukkah is a time when we join family and friends, exchange gifts, enjoy a bountiful meal and celebrate a great miracle!

Historically, we have pulled together to offer an outstretched hand of hope and comfort to our Jewish friends, neighbors and community when needed. Thanks to you, we navigated the pandemic and helped those struggling with financial hardship.

Please consider gifts on our Wish List and spread Hanukkah Joy throughout the year! Your gift in any amount will help to ensure that others in our community experience great miracles too.

Wish List 2022

Temple Ohev Sholom is seeking funding to improve accessibility and to enhance safety and security.

Our goal is to enable all members and guests to have access to all the services offered in our sanctuary. Upgrades to the audio system for in house and online listening and improving the accessibility from our sanctuary to the Chapel will provide a full and engaging experience to all members.

Safety and security improves necessary due to the recognition of the increasing risks to Jewish institutions. At Temple Ohev Sholom, this will require upgrading most of our building's entry and exit doors along with ongoing security training for staff, teachers and leaders and adding security cameras.

Please contact Ari Nepon to discuss needs of the Temple at 408-824-8708.

Historic B’nai Jacob is requesting funds to purchase more seat cushions for our pews. The pews originally came from the old Dauphin County Courthouse back when the shul was being built in 1906. They are seeking to purchase three 12 foot long cushions and hope to outfitting the remaining 10 or so smaller pews rows in the future.

As you may be aware, they recently mitigated flooding and floor board damage to the new Singer Family Social Hall floor, which had became a hazard, at a cost of $55,000. The Hall has been refurbished and they invite all members of the community to come see it.

For more information, you may contact Historic B ’nai Jacob Synagogue via the contact form on their website: bnai-jacob.org.

Jewish Family Service of Greater Harrisburg is requesting urgent funding for Emergency Financial Assistance.

The mission of our JFS is to help community member’s meet life’s challenges and our agency has always focused on serving community members in need. We have seen a dramatic increase in families and individuals reaching out seeking both financial assistance and assistance with purchasing food a 2,000% increase. Since March of 2020, JFS has provided $78,000 to 431 clients through our Emergency Financial Assistance and Case Management Program.

JFS is seeking any gift to aid in this emergency financial assistance for our most vulnerable community members. The focus of your gift will be to keep low income seniors and families housed and intact. Any gift helps and 100% of funds received will be used to provide direct client assistance. For more information, or to give, please call Kim Hutnick at 717-233-1681 or email her at khutnick@jfsofhbg.org.

Our needs are fundamental ones linked to worship space and the need for a new staff position. Some of these include repairs such as roof replacement/ ceiling repair and electrical updates to mitigate fire liability. These costs are significant – in excess of $100,000.

TBI has been relying on dedicated and overextended volunteers to oversee day to day happenings. To help build a solid foundation for us to thrive for years to come, we have to create a new paid position focusing on board and donor development plus recruitment.

For more information contact the Temple at 717-843-2676.

Make your Holiday Hanukkah Gifts to support causes on the Holiday Wish List!

The York Jewish Community Center is seeking a $5,000 to support our Israel 75/Jewish Food Festival event, which provides community engagement and education to the York and greater Central Pennsylvania region. For more information on this & other York JCC initiatives, contact Jessica Montour, Chief Advancement Officer at jmontour@yorkjcc.org or 717-843-0918 (#118).

Support Early Childhood Education with a gift from the York JCC Amazon Smile Wishlist. Items range from $5-$100. Visit yorkjcc.org/giving-tuesday to learn more or call at 717-843-0918.

Women of Vision (WOV) members and donors support and empower Jewish women and children to weather challenging times. WOV provides an outstretched hand of hope and comfort when it is needed.

Please assist Women of Vision and help Jewish women and families to survive and thrive! Now more than ever, women and their families need our support!

Y Your Gift to WOV Will Improve Lives!

Your support will aid women & children struggling to pay for medicine, keep the lights on, and the refrigerator filled; educate women to empower them to achieve in the workforce and support their families, assist special needs children and seniors with health, socialization and more; provide financial aid and general support of women & their families during life’s challenges.

Let’s show them they can count on us during challenging times.

For more information on supporting the Women ofVision’s mission please contact Michele at the JCF at 717-409-8220 or michele@pajewishendowment.org.

Still Looking for Year End Hanukkah Gift Options?

Choose from these and other Foundation Sponsored Funds or create a fund to help people in a way that is meaningful to you. Please make your gift today. Online at www.pajewishendowment.org/donate or contact us to discuss these and other gifting opportunities.

FREE LOAN FUND: Assisting families in need with free loans.

NEVER AGAIN HOLOCAUST EDUCATION FUND: Providing educational resources to teachers to prevent anti -semitism, bigotry and hate.

EMERGENT NEEDS FUND: Supporting those in our community in need of critical financial assistance.

LEGACY PROGRAM FUND: Ensuring Jewish life now and in the future in our community!

PHILANTHROPY FUND OF THE JCF: Supporting grants to local synagogues and agency initiatives for our Jewish community.

OUR COMMUNITY DIGITAL NEWSLETTER

A message from Sam Levine and Josh Millman, C ochai rs The Kol Central PA Fund, is a component fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Central PA (JCF), and was designed to support central PA Jewish communities’ digital publication!

Kol Central PA has proven to be vital in keeping our Jewish community connected and informed. A brainchild of Ed Beck, who developed and expanded this online resource for 22 years, is now administered by the Federation. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the editor, Katherine Baker, the support of Federation Team Member, Adam Grobman, and volunteer Jerry Morrison, Head of the Editorial Committee. Of course, our gratitude goes to Ed Beck who continues to offer guidance and contribute content. Subscriptions expaned to to over 4,000.

JCF is honored to administer the Kol Central PA Fund, providing the sole financial support for the expenses of this signature Jewish publication. All thanks to your contributions! Special thanks to Kol Central PA ’s Lifetime Sponsors: Ed and Esther Beck, Ed Finkelstein, and Peggy Grove.

Our intent is to raise gifts from generous supporters like you, so the gifts received will cover the expenses of the first 5 years of publication, while simultaneously continuing to grow the principal. Our goal is that by the end of the 5 year period, publication will be fully funded from a percent of the Kol Central PA Fund.

To achieve the goal to keep our community digitally connected, we ask you for your either with new or continued support. Help us to stay connected, one to another, through our communities ’ one and only digital publication – Kol Central PA!

Thank you for all that you do to support our Jewish community.

Please donate through our website www.pajewishendowment.org, with the sponsor form in The Community Review or by mailing a check to JCF at 3211 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

You will improve lives, support our community, create legacies and ensure a vibrant Jewish community for today and for future generations!

Do what is in your heart!

Mail Gifts to: Jewish Community Foundation of Central PA 3211 N. Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17110 | 717-409-8220

Please include the Jewish Community in your Legacy plan with a gift through your will, trust, retirement account or life insurance policy. Contact Paulette Keifer to discuss how the Jewish Community Foundation can help you in developing a personal Legacy plan that is right for you and your family.

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 December 16, January 6 and 20. 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.

Temple Beth Shalom will hold a Hanukkah Party on Sunday, December 18 at 4:30pm. Please join us for latkes and a candle lighting. RSVP by Wednesday, December 14 to the synagogue office, either by phone or email.

For details on upcoming Temple Beth Shalom services and events, check the website: http://tbshalom.org.

TEMPLE OHEV SHOLOM

2345 N Front St | (717) 233-6459 | www.ohevsholom.org

Shabbat Services are held Friday evenings at 6pm in person and are also live-streamed on the Ohev Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OhevSholom and on the Ohev YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/TempleOhevSholomHbgPa.

• Friday, Dec. 16: 4th and 5th grade family Shabbat service

• Sunday, Dec. 18 at 5:30pm: Sisterhood Hanukkah dinner

• Saturday, Jan. 7 at 10am: “Tot Shabbat” in the Lehrman Chapel. RSVP to the front office, 717-233-6459 or office@ohevsholom.org.

• Friday, Jan. 13 at 6:45 to 8pm: Sisterhood Soup and Study

• Saturday, Jan. 21: Sisterhood winter social

• Sunday, Feb. 5, Kugel-making with Sisterhood

www.jewishharrisburg.org

Obituaries

SHARON FAYE KLEIMAN ALTOFF

Sharon Faye Kleiman Altoff, 61, of Harrisburg, passed away on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 surrounded by her family.

Sharon was born on October 11, 1961 in Philadelphia, PA and is the daughter of the late Elaine Cohen. She was a 1979 graduate of Susquehanna Township High School and a 1983 graduate of Syracuse University, Newhouse School of Public Communications and went on to be a savvy businesswoman with an entrepreneurial spirit.

Sharon was one who lived every day to the fullest. She loved exercising and spending time with her community of friends at Gold’s Gym, reading, her beloved German Shepherds, being a devoted friend, mother, sister, and wife, and spending time with her grandchildren. Being a “Gigi” was the highlight of her later years. Travel was her passion. She craved the excitement of exploring new places and she and her husband traveled extensively throughout the world in their 37 years together.

Surviving is her husband, Robert J. Altoff, 2 daughters, Rachael Speck and her husband, Alex of Pittsburgh, Jennifer Keepes and her husband, Joshua of Kansas City, a stepson, Geoffrey Altoff and his wife, Donelle of Carlisle, a brother, David Kleiman of Harrisburg, a sister, Jill Weaver of Harrisburg, 5 grandchildren, Micah Robert Altoff, Dylan

Speck, Parker Speck, Elaine Keepes, and Eleanor Faye Keepes. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Louis & Ida Cohen and her paternal grandparents, David & Reba Kleiman.

A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held at Stock’s on 2nd Street, 211 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 on Sunday, December 18, 2022 from 1PM until 3PM.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Association of Frontotemporal Dementia, 2700 Horizon Drive, Suite 120, King of Prussia, PA 19406, www.theaftd.org.

JACQUELINE A. KLEIMAN

Jacqueline A. Kleiman, 89, formerly of Camp Hill, went to Heaven on Friday, November 11, with her daughters, Jamie and Jill by her side at Bethany Village, Lower Allen Twp.

Jackie graduated from Lemoyne High School, Class of 1952, after graduating from Business School she worked as a legal secretary until her girls were born. She returned to the workforce when her girls were older.

Jackie loved being a mother and spent as much time as possible with “her girls.” Every holiday was spent with her family. Devin and Cameron, her local grandchildren, had a very special and close relationship with “Grammy.” She and her husband, Dick

took them to wonderful places and taught them so much. Jackie was an avid gardener. She was passionate about art, animals, and dancing. Her love of travel took her and Dick to many places around the world. In their later years the two spent the winters in Palm Desert, California with many of their friends. They loved dancing and big band events. Jackie was involved in many charities and was a generous donor to animal shelters. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi for over fifty years and made many lifetime friends through her sorority. She was also a Silver Sneaker, performing at many nursing homes for the residents.

Born on October 10, 1933, in Wilkinsburg, PA, Jackie was the daughter of the late Walter H. and Dorothy A. (Brown) Reamer. She was the widow of M. Richard Kleiman, her beloved husband of over forty years, and was also preceded in death by a sister, D. Virginia Johnson.

Surviving are her daughters, Jamie L. Hoffman (David Killian) of Carlisle, and Jill A. Marshall of Shermans Dale; a stepson, David Kleiman (Suzie) of CA; a stepdaughter, Stephanie Kleiman of Hawaii; three grandchildren, Devin, Cameron and Liam; extended family members and Jay Marshall of Florida, father of “the girls.”

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. In her honor and in lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to any animal rescue of your choice.

ANN KRANICH

With great sadness we share that our mother, Ann Kranich, left this life and her wide community of friends and family. She died peacefully on Nov. 21st. Ann made friends easily and had a knack for making each of them feel uniquely loved and cherished. Her enthusiasm for life was infectious. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Ann was born on April 4th, 1931, in Elizabeth, New Jersey to Archie and Marion (Van Moppes) Josephson. She grew up

outside New York City and spent every summer on the Jersey Shore. She loved going into Manhattan and socializing with her friends.

She attended Florida Southern College and the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in New York City. After graduating, she worked as a millinery buyer at Gimbels. Ann met her husband, H. Robert (Bob) Kranich while in New York and they moved to Harrisburg, PA. She owned a gift shop, Ann's Place, for several years, after which she was a travel agent at Travel Professionals. She loved films, reading, yoga, art, playing bridge, entertaining, dancing — she loved to dance.

Traveling was also her passion and she visited many wonderful places around the world.

She is preceded in death by her husband Bob and her brother Donald. She is survived by her daughter Betsy Lehrman (Jim), daughter Nancy McElroy, and son Larry (Valerie), along with grandchildren Jessica Lehrman (Philip), Cassidy Lehrman, Kevin McElroy, Anna McElroy, Ethan Kranich Strauss and Emma Strauss Kranich, as well as great granddaughter Story Annand.

There was a Zoom memorial service/shiva on Sunday, December 4.

Contributions can be made to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania or to the charity of your choice.

JCC Senior Adult Programs

DEC 20 Eternal Egypt: From King Tut to the Arab Spring (Part Two) with Retired Army Colonel John Maietta. Today we conclude our journey through Egyptian history with a look at the last 2,000 years. With the glory days of the great Pharoahs behind us, we’ll focus on the heritage of early Jewish and Christian life; the advent and evolution of Muslim rule; the fascination of the West with the wonders of this ancient land; and the challenges which have struck Egypt since the 20th century, culminating in the failed promise of the 2011 “Arab Spring” revolt.

DEC 22 DCAAA nutritionist – Pat Dodd will discuss “eating on the run.”

DEC 27 Mary Klaus will be speaking about her just-published book, “Blue Ribbon Patriotism: How The Pennsylvania Farm Show Helped The World War II Effort”. Klaus, the Pennsylvania Farm Show historian and author of “Hold Your Horses! The Pennsylvania Farm Show At 100,” wrote a book about what she calls “one of the Farm Show’s best kept secrets.” in 1942-43, The Farm Show Complex housed the Pennsylvania State School Of Aeronautics where hundreds of people (mostly young adults and many teen-agers) learned how to repair airplane engines from planes that had been shot up in World War II. After the school closed, the Farm Show Complex then housed the Army Air Corp’s Engine Repair Department, where damaged aircraft engines were repaired. After the repairs, the engines were sent to the Middletown Air Depot to be put in airplanes, tested and sent back to the war. The “normal” Farm Show resumed in 1947.

DEC 29 New Year’s Party

Senior Update

BY ROBERTA KRIEGER

We have had some excellent programs during the month of November.  At the time I am writing this, only the November 29th program, Famous Jewish Women Who Made History from Biblical Times to the Present, remained on our schedule.  This was led by our senior club member, Heather Jackson. I’ll give you some more details on this wonderful program in the next edition.

On Tuesday, November 15th, once again, Norman Gras outdid himself with his amazing salmon croquettes.  Even those of us who never had, or desired to have, absolutely loved them.  Many of us wished we could have done “take-out” with a second meal.  Normally, when fish is on the menu we would be served a white fish, so people who normally would have opted out were pleased.  This changeover made for a lot of happy people.  Following this great lunch, Retired Army Colonel, John Maietta gave us Part I of his program Eternal Egypt from King Tut to the Arab Spring.  This was an excellent presentation, which is the norm when John Maietta is the lecturer.

I do have to say this - Cleopatra did NOT look anything like Elizabeth Taylor!  Cannot wait until December 20th, for part II of this program.  Coincidentally, PBS had a special about King Tut which was very timely.

On Tuesday, November 17th, we joined The Silver Academy’s students (after a great lunch of pasta and meat sauce), playing various Thanksgiving themed games and activities.  It is great fun to have the students join us once a month.  Jackie Rubin does a great job putting these programs together.  We also handed in our favorite Holiday recipes, as per the request of Jackie.

On Tuesday, November 22nd, once again we had our Thanksgiving luncheon.  This is one of the highlights of the year.  Our Super Senior Advisor, Cheryl Yablon,  did an amazing job of making the room look so festive, as well as setting up Clint Edwards to entertain us.  Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the room look like a magazine photo.  The end result looked like the room was decorated by professionals.   Kudos to you all!!!  It was an afternoon to remember...great lunch, good friends, and wonderful entertainment.  This day, as always, is the initial sign-up for our theatre show trips and needless to say, sign up, we did.  Now we have lots to look forward to in the coming months.

In the next issue I will give you the highlights of the next scheduled programs. Hopefully you will have been there to see at least some.

Hope you stay well, are properly vaccinated, and wear masks appropriately. Take care.

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.

Capital Blue Cross is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.