Community Review - April 9, 2021

community comm unity review www.jewishharrisburg.org

April 9, 2021 | 27 Nissan, 5781 | Vol. 95, No. 8 Published by The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg | Greater Harrisburg’s Jewish Newspaper

JCCA, JFNA Programs to Honor Israel’s Past, Celebrate Present and Future

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any Jews living today have always known Israel as the Jewish homeland. But as a nation that was established just 73 years ago, the anguish of loss and joy of success related to its founding still echo in Israeli society today.

“The pain is very present,” says Ayelet Shanken, an Israeli native and local community member. “In any given family, there has been someone lost.”

Ayelet recalls dressing in blue and white, the colors of the Israeli flag, each year at school for the annual Yom HaZikaron ceremony to commemorate those lost. “They would read the names of the fallen soldiers that went to our school,” she says.

“Many schools have a Memorial Wall dedicated to former students.”

Several programs from JCC Association and Jewish Federations of North America this month will honor and celebrate Israel and its citizens in recognition of Yom HaZikaron (Day of Remembrance) and Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day).

JCCA will commemorate Yom HaZikaron on Tuesday, April 13 at 8pm with The Power of Jewish Peoplehood Through Personal and Collective Mourning, an intimate conversation about loss and healing as shared by Israelis who know the heartache and suffering from their own experiences.

As Israelis know well, the powerful sorrow of Yom HaZikaron is one that must be recognized, then set aside as the jubilation of Yom HaAtzmaut rushes in.

“Yom HaAtzmaut is a celebration – it’s the essence of life and land and home that could not exist without those soldiers that sacrificed,” Ayelet says, noting the sharp transition between grief and gratitude. “Sometimes you don’t even have the chance to wipe all your tears from the memorial before the fireworks

BY ADAM GROBMAN begin. The two are so intertwined - there cannot be one without the other.”

Anguish will give way to joy on Wednesday, April 14 at 8pm, when JCCA will celebrate the founding of the state of Israel with Moments of Pride Through Israeli Innovation.

The program will share the stories of three of the Jewish state’s innovative social entrepreneurs, whose work has advanced the fields of cybersecurity, agriculture, and emergency health care. Each entrepreneur will be joined by a celebrated Israeli author. For more info on both JCCA programs, visit virtualjcc.com/channel/ daysofmemory.

The celebration will continue on Thursday, April 15 at 7pm with the Jewish Federation of North America’s Global Celebration of Israel’s 73rd Independence Day. The program will highlight athletic achievements by Israelis throughout the history of the state and will be kicked off with a special farewell address from Reuven Rivlin, President of Israel.

JFNA will present a star-studded, sports-themed program in celebration of Israel Rivlin, who has served as Israel’s Independence Day, Yom HaAtzmaut, on Thursday, April 15.

10th President since 2014, will discuss how sports have helped shape Israeli Individual All-Around Event at the 2020 European society. Prior to entering the public sector, Rivlin served as Championships. legal advisor to the Beitar Jerusalem Sports Association and • Agnes Keleti, 100-year-old Hungarian-Israeli gymnast as manager of Beitar Jerusalem Football Club. and Holocaust survivor with ten Olympic medals.

This program will also feature: Keleti is the oldest living Olympic champion and • Amar’e Stoudemire, six-time NBA All-Star and player medalist. development assistant for the Brooklyn Nets, who will • Noa Tishby, Israeli actress and producer of the Emmyjoin the virtual 73-hoops challenge with the students of winning drama “In Treatment” on HBO. the Maryland Hillel.

• And many more!

• Mark Wilf, Minnesota Vikings Owner and Chair “This is an all-star studded cast of presenters,” says of JFNA Board of Trustees, who will give welcoming Jenn Ross, President/CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater remarks and discuss how his passions for sports, Israel, Harrisburg.

“I hope that members of our community will join and the Jewish community connect.

JFNA in celebrating Israel through this program.”

• Linoy Ashram, 2021 Olympic rhythmic gymnast To register for this FREE program from JFNA, visit jfeds. sensation and first Israeli to win the gold medal in the org/Israel73.

Message from the CEO

BY JENNIFER ROSS

I CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES APR 9 » 7:23PM APR 16 » 7:30PM APR 23 » 7:37PM

MARK YOUR CALENDARS MAY 2021 Sunday, May 16 - Erev Shavout Monday, May 17

am moved every year by the three commemoration days we observe this month. The traumas incurred by the victims of the Holocaust, honored on Yom Hashoah, seem inconceivable to me that so-called members of civil society entirely lost sight of the humanity of others. I have the utmost respect for the Israeli soldiers recognized on Yom HaZikaron who ensure the existence of their nation and the well-being of their citizens. I appreciate the time to honor them as I do our nation’s own living and fallen servicemen and to also mourn victims of terror. Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel Independence Day, provides an elated and uplifting celebration after these dark, but important moments.

Yom Hashoah takes place from April 7-8 and is a somber remembrance of everyone who perished in the Holocaust. Although the pandemic continues, we continue to fulfill our duty to ensure no one forgets the horrors of the Holocaust.

For a second year, we hold our 24-hour Reading of the Names virtually.

Thank you to Lillian Rappaport and Kesher Israel for their leadership roles.

Likewise, the Governor’s Civic Commemoration of the Holocaust was held online both years and I am appreciative of Hank Butler and other leaders at our partner agency Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition for ensuring this important observance continues during a pandemic.

Throughout the year, Lillian engages with local schools to provide Holocaust education and continues to do this as a volunteer online. Although we are not joining together at the Holocaust Memorial at Front and Sayford Streets, you can walk there any time to reflect on its somber purpose. There are several funds at the Jewish Community Foundation supporting Holocaust Education, including participation in March of the Living, and upkeep of the memorial.

You can contact Paulette Keifer at 904-307-2413 for more information.

We remember fallen Israeli soldiers on Yom HaZikaron on April 13-14 and celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel Independence Day) on April 14-15.

Hopefully, next year we can come together as a community to commemorate these important occasions. See our cover story for more information about special programs from our national organizations, JCCA and JFNA, that we hope you’ll attend as a follow-up to last year’s phenomenal programs, and watch for Israeli programming throughout the year.

PJ Library families can participate with Lori Rubin on Zoom for family friendly activities for Israel Independence Day. Contact Lori at l.rubin@ jewishfedhbg.org for more information if you don’t already receive PJ Library information.

Let me know how you will be observing these important commemorations.

You can reach me about this or other matters at j.ross@jewishfedhbg.org or 717-236-9555 x3104.

Shavout – JCC Open/Federation Offices closed

Tuesday, May 18 Shavout – JCC Open/Federation Offices closed

Monday, May 31 Memorial Day – JCC Open 8am - 1pm Please visit www.jewishharrisburg.org/reopening for up-to-date building information.

Inside This Issue Youth Athletes..................................................................... Pg. 4 Music Series......................................................................... Pg. 5 Resilience............................................................................. Pg. 9 To sign up for email updates from Jewish Federation, visit jewishharrisburg.org/emails

A copy of the official registration and financial information of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling, toll free within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

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Community Review Vol. 95, No. 8 April 9, 2021 (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.

President/CEO Jennifer Ross Editorial Board Members Roberta Krieger Rabbi Carl Choper Rita Gordon Jeanette Krebs Jennifer Ross STAFF Editor Adam Grobman a.grobman@jewishfedhbg.org Sales Director Ayelet Shanken 717-409-8222 a.shanken@jewishfedhbg.org Design and Layout Lisette Magaro Designs Graphic Designer Lisette Magaro 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.

Zach Simmons Gathers Insight Into Israel Through Postal History

BY ADAM GROBMAN

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tamp collecting is a hobby that stretches back to 1840, beginning with the issue of the first adhesive stamp in the United Kingdom - the Penny Black - which featured the image of Queen Victoria.

Ever since that first label clung to common envelopes, collectors have clutched and grabbed at the next stamp to add to their books.

Dr. Zach Simmons, a local physician and philatelist – one who studies and collects stamps and postal history – had a collection of stamps as a child. He returned to the hobby decades later, spurred by his interest in history. Now, his collection focuses on stamps and postal history – postmarks and cancellations – from early and pre-statehood Israel and Middle East.

“Generally stamps are issued to commemorate meaningful events in the history of a country,” he says. “What you would learn from the stamps of Israel is that it’s a very young country. The initial Israeli stamps celebrated contemporary events and figures – but also important Jewish themes, like High Holidays and the beauty of the land.”

Along with this difference, collectors find a few other interesting details that separate Israel’s stamps from other countries.

“When the British withdrew and Israel became a state, it happened abruptly – and nobody knew what the state would be named,” Zach says. “The first stamps had the Hebrew words ‘Doar Ivri’ rather than ‘Israel.’” The words, simply meaning “Hebrew Post,” show a glimpse into the work that was to be done as the country got off the ground.

Zach is a member of the Society of Israeli

Dr. Zach Simmons

Philatelists, a group that specializes in what many call “Holy Land Stamps and Postal History.” The group hosts its own meetings, publishes a quarterly journal, and shares information and displays collections at philatelic exhibitions.

He says that postal history and stamps lend insight into life at the time the piece was produced – and this is where his interests collide. “It better helps me understand the political and social history and context,” Zach says. “I like to be able to tell and understand the story behind what happened.”

For example, he says, the impact of British control in pre-state development is clear from looking at cancellations and postmarks that reference military post offices in the

area. Many stamps from the time period are printed in English, Arabic, and Hebrew. “It shows that it was a multicultural area – and always has been,” he says.

His focus on Middle Eastern material has helped him reflect and appreciate the Jewish state. “As a Jew, I feel it’s important for us to understand where the state of Israel came from, what was there before, and the very special nature of its development,” he says.

Building his collection lends Zach to a fair amount of research, during which he recently discovered an interesting Harrisburg connection.

While reading “The American Philatelist” a stamp collecting magazine, Zach was surprised to see a postmark bearing the name “Yeshiva Academy Station” from the first day of Chanukah 1996.

“When the U.S. issues a new stamp, it often authorizes relevant places that aren’t normally post offices to postmark those stamps,” Zach says. “So the school would have applied and were given permission to do that.”

As he travels along through this journey of the past through postal history, Zach says it is the people that he has met that keep him inspired.

“These are really bright people who have taught me a great deal,” he says. “Many of the people who first taught me about this are people who lived through the creation of the state. For them to see the development of Israel was very exciting and they transmitted that to me and taught me a great deal – I’m grateful to them.”

York JCC’s Jewish Food Festival to Have a Drive-Through Twist

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he York Jewish Community Center will hold its 30th Annual Jewish Food Festival on Sunday, April 25th from 12-4pm.

While COVID-19 prevented the JCC’s ability to physically celebrate the event together, this year’s program will send a bit of

the cultural experience home with guests by way of a drive-through format.

The Food Festival attracts thousands of visitors from Central Pennsylvania each year with a number of delicacies, including brisket, pastrami, matzah ball soup, kugel, and assorted desserts.

“Food is an important part of Jewish gatherings, and our Food Festival is about bringing people together, sharing our culture with the community, and enjoying great food,” said Rachel Singer, York JCC’s Culture & Arts Director. “We look forward to serving everyone curbside this year!”

Additional information about the Festival, including a full menu, can be found at yorkjcc.org. Pre-orders are accepted through April 7. For questions, contact Rachel at 717-843-0918.

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The Next Chapter

BY SAMMY SCHWAB

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any of my parent’s friends who I bump into at the JCC all ask me, “What is next”?

My answer is astoundingly simple, “EVERYTHING!” Everything is what is next. I may be a senior and graduating from high school, and ultimately the JCC in some respects, however, my shot clock is just starting. It is just the beginning, and not to sound so cliché, but here is why. Everything I learned in this building from the ELC to my incredibly influential 7 years at the Silver Academy, to BBYO/AZA events, community events like Purim and the book fair, to all Sports and Fitness (flag football, swimming, 5Ks, and mostly basketball programs) helped shape my DNA. This building and all the mentors that have supported kids during their development inside, helped evolve who I am, and often, the choices I make.

I am grateful that my childhood was spent in this remarkable building. It may be somewhat nondescript on the outside, but the inside teaches education, values,

Jewish heritage including Tzedakah, and the importance of family and community. I value my community greater than the individual and ultimately strive to leave things better than I found them.

Coaching Iddy Biddy where I started my basketball career 15 years ago is the perfect example of giving back to something that had an impact on you. Each volunteer coach wants to give back to the program that they were lucky enough to be a part of. They want to leave an impression on those wide eyed 4-6 year old kids that cannot wait to be moved up to the big-sized baskets. I love every Sunday because of what Coach Terri Travers instills on the basketball court 7 days a week. It is compassion, empathy, and do not think for a second she forgets competitiveness. I used to be surprised that she was not standing and screaming like most middle and high school coaches. It took me a while but ultimately understood she was teaching us to learn and

make independent decisions as a team, versus being spoon-fed what to do at all moments.

Teaching us to be leaders vs. only being led.

She instilled the world’s best recipe for success.

Ultimately, my message is to sign your kids up for as many programs as you can at the JCC. They will be surrounded by good people that care for them, and often teach them things that you would want to reinforce.

They will learn to leave something better than they found it. As I head to college in the Fall and become a member of an additional community, I cannot wait to get involved academically, socially, and in athletics. The famous saying, “All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten” is true in some ways, but what is also true is, “Everything I learned at the JCC, is who I am today.”

Sammy Schwab is heading to The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania this Fall.

Harrisburg JCC Aquatics Represented at the Girls 2A Swimming PIAA State Championships

BY MARKJOSEPH KASIAN

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n Friday, March 19th Jordan Plempel swam in the Girls 2A state championships held at Cumberland Valley High School; she competed in the 50-yard freestyle. She finished 11th out of 16th with a time of 25.01.

Jordan is a lifeguard here at the JCC, and in the summer time at our outdoor pool at Green Hills. This was the first year that she really competed in this event, which is a sprint. The past three swimming seasons

she focused and competed mainly in the 100 backstroke and the 200 I.M. Jordan swam for Susquehanna High School and qualified for states all four years of her high school career. During her freshman and sophomore years, she competed in the 100 Backstroke and the 200 I.M. at states which were held at Bucknell University. In her junior year, she again qualified for states in the 100 Backstroke and the 200 I.M., but she did not get to compete due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This past year has been nothing but a constant change for everyone and it was also a change for Jordan as she decided to change things up in her senior year and focus on an event that she hadn’t given a serious go until her senior year, and she succeeded. Jordan will be taking her swimming talents onto Millersville University next year after accepting a scholarship to be part of their women’s swim program.

At the JCC, Jordan has lifeguarded as well as taught private swim lessons and helped out

teaching the group swim classes. Jordan has been a very dedicated and committed employee here at the JCC and it has been a joy getting to work with her and getting to know her. We wish her the best of luck with her future and continued success in swimming and all that she does. Jordan encourages all young swimmers to pursue their goals. “It isn’t always easy, but the overwhelming feeling of accomplishment as you reach that goal you’ve set, makes it worthwhile,” she says. “All you have to do is get up and race.”

Any student who because of religious reasons is unable to take the SAT tests on Saturday may request Sunday testing.

Silver Academy is open for Sunday testing on the following dates: May 9, June 6, 2021. A letter from your religious leader is necessary the first time of registration. Check the SAT website for more details.

SAT tests with or without the Essay and SAT Subjects test are given on the above Sundays at Silver Academy, 3301 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

When registering, use code 39-308 for Silver Academy.

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Chisuk Emuna’s Strength Through Music Series Presents Tizmoret and The Match Twins

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usic has the power to lift us up, to give us strength.

Over the past several months, Chisuk Emuna Congregation has hosted free, virtual concerts as part of its Strength Through Music series. Performances to date have included world renowned Nefesh Mountain, Rabbi Micah Music, and Rena Branson.

Now, Chisuk Emuna is pleased to present two new concerts this spring: Tizmoret - an outstanding Jewish a cappella group, and Harrisburg’s own Match Twins.

Please join Chisuk Emuna on Sunday, April 11th at 8pm for an evening of light and song with Tizmoret A Cappella - the award-winning Jewish a cappella group from the Queens College Hillel in New The Match Twins

York. Tizmoret draws singers from colleges throughout the New York City area and has taken Jewish collegiate a cappella to the next level, performing classic Jewish melodies, American pop music and contemporary Israeli tunes. Sample a recent performance at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=qbO85cfP2ZM. This concert is generously underwritten by the Naomi and Marshall Spector Fund for Jewish Music.

Tizmoret had planned to visit Harrisburg last Spring prior to cancellation due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The music continues on Sunday, May 9th at 6 pm for a special Mother’s Day concert with The Match Twins. Geared toward families, this concert features Aviva and Leora Match performing songs for kids and adults alike.

This will be a lovely program to enjoy during a Mother’s Day dinner or a great way to wrap up your weekend!

Aviva and Leora, daughters of Dr. Craig and Janna Match, grew up singing in Harrisburg and are based in Towson, MD. The Match Twins are a dynamic twin duo who channel their energy and chemistry into tight, soulful harmonies, adding stereo sound to indie originals, and contemporary Jewish music.

All concerts are free and open to the community. Zoom links can be found on Chisuk Emuna’s website, www.chisukemuna.org.

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I.G.C.. INC. CONCIERGE JEWELERS EVENT

(610) 876-6611 www.igcmetals.com info@igcmetals.com

THURSDAY APRIL 29th | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM JCC HARRISBURG IN THE SPECTOR LOUNGE 3301 NO. FRONT ST HARRISBURG, PA 17110

Sell or appraise your gold, silver and platinum jewelry, flatware, and serving pieces. You can also bring any jewelry you need fitted or repaired and receive a quote from IGC. Replacement batteries for watches will be available. Find extra money when you turn your unwanted jewelry and heirlooms into treasures.

Call Cheryl and or email to schedule an appointment time as everyone attending must have a time slot, temperatures will be taken and everyone must wear a mask over the nose and mouth Email: C.yablon@jewishfedhbg.org or call 717-236-9555

Lock Haven University students in the Physician Assistant Program joined us outside of the JCC on March 13 and March 20 to offer Free Blood Pressure Screening and health information to members.

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Jewish Millennials: The Lost Generation

BY RABBI SAM YOLEN, CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL, LEBANON

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remember my Grandmother Jill telling me how hard it was for her and her husband, Burt, to buy their first home. My grandparents eloped in their early twenties, forgoing a party. They lived in the garage of my great-grandparents house.

“Your Grandfather Burt was handy,” my bubbe told me, “He made that garage feel like a home. But thank God we moved out two years later. Living with in-laws is not ideal.”

We both laughed, and then sighed. I realized that besides the experience of living at home as an adult, we didn’t share too much else in common. In that time period, most families could get by with one salary per household - it wasn’t until the late 1970s or 80s that two salary incomes became the norm.

Some grandparents tell me that back then, they could afford to attend college and pay rent while working a part-time job. To think it was common to go through college without a loan, or possible to buy a home without a credit score befuddles me. “It was a different world,” my grandma said succinctly “I could get an ice cream soda for a nickel.” We both

laughed, and then I said, “It must have been a silver nickel!”

Millennials, who entered the workforce by and large in 2007, inherited the largest economic recession that our country has ever known. The effects of that recession are still unresolved today - extenuated by coronavirus. For the last fifty years, rates of inflation have vastly exceeded the rate of wage growth, and even savers who have seen their bank accounts grow nominally are perplexed as to why their money buys less.

This impact has kept older people in the workforce for longer, forestalling retirement plans, and challenging young people to take unpaid internships, or extra degrees to compete in the marketplace. Inflation, often known as the silent tax, has potent social costs to it. These social costs manifest in generational warfare that I see on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and yes, even synagogue boards.

To state that today’s cohort of young adults is a lost generation is an understatement.

As we watch our childhood hangouts (like

malls) foreclose from rolling bankruptcies and as we see opioid addiction rates most heavily impact the 25-54 year age-group, I have to pause for a moment of reflection.

As of July 2020, 52% of millennials were living in their parents’ home, up from 47% in February 2020, according to the Pew analysis of Census Bureau data. That surpasses the previous high hit in 1940, when 48% of young adults lived with their parents - including my Grandparents Jill and Burt.

Summarized into social perception: If a group of people grew up with an unrealistic goal of “what is economically possible” and then fall vastly beneath it, subsequent depression will naturally ensue.

In that light, younger people must reprioritize their values to have a positive self-worth, and that usually means embracing the unconventional. Our Jewish community should be as supportive as we can in this endeavor.

One of the social costs of this phenomenon manifests itself in appropriate decorum.

Communication can sometimes feel like you are walking on eggshells. An example: I cannot talk with many of my friends about how lucky I am to have a job I love. To get to serve the Jewish community with compassion during this difficult time fills me with pride and gratitude. I wake up and count my blessings.

One year at Jewish summer camp, I remember trying to communicate this accomplishment to other staffers. Often these counselors clam up and say passively, “that’s great.” I noticed these counselors were in college or just past college age, and they had a pithy description of their experience. “I’m like a lot of people here,” a talented young lady told me once, “I work the 10 for 2.” Awkward silence… “I just quit my last job to be here at camp. I don’t know what I’ll do when summer’s over.”

The “10 for 2” is where a worker takes ten months on a job they severely dislike (but pays the bills) to work two months at a summer camp (or seasonal job) where they could live in “wanderlust.”

Wanderlust is the concept of chasing experiences over stability. It’s why young people flock to work at seasonal farms across the country, called “WWOOFing.”

It’s why long distance hiking trails are meccas for young ambitious people with

a couple hundred dollars and time to spare. It’s why the YouTube category “Van Life,” has millions of hits. It’s why a Wifi signal and a Spartan camper can inspire millions of young folks to redefine the American dream. The critically acclaimed movie Nomadland recently captured this multigenerational impact of living through The Great Recession. It’s the meager goalpost of ambitious and adventurous young people - the same people to whom owning a house is nearly impossible.

Once upon a time, the American Dream stood atop the tripod of the car, the home, and the job. Manufacturing was King. Suburbs, newly built, allowed for an exodus of Jews away from the cities. These homes appreciated in value and provided a good life for their denizens.

But now the infrastructure has changed.

Synagogues and JCCs have felt the brunt of these economic shifts, trying as best they can to offset revenue declines with fundraising campaigns. Young people, now the silent demographic majority, have either moved to rented apartments in the cities or work from homes they do not fully own. My heart goes out to these talented and charismatic young Jews who, in almost any other time period, would have had the stability of gainful employment, with a family on the way, and the ability to take a vacation every once in a while.

I long for the return of the American Dream and all its promises. I long for the easy laughter of friends who have enough sustenance to see their modest dreams accomplished.

No one generation has it the hardest. We all take turns passing the torch of tradition, l’dor v’dor. I can only hope this lost generation of millennials finds enough confidence to enter the houses of worship and Jewish homes we make accessible to them. The lack of this age cohort in our synagogue life has dire consequences. I know firsthand the hurting, to be in your 20s without a stable future, and I know G-d, prayer, and community can help provide healing and opportunities for confidence.

Be gentle with yourself and others, and let’s share in this religion together. No matter the age of the community member, they have a valuable perspective and deserve to be seen.

Even if they are not physically there.

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SAVE THE DATE - VIRTUAL Donor Recognition Celebration Join us virtually for an entertaining celebration as we honor our legacy and community heroes.

Imagine a vibrant Jewish community for generations to come.

June 10, 2021 @ 7:00 PM Watch for surprise 2021 Honorees Maximize Your Impact Help Friends & Neighbors in Need 50% MATCHING GIFT OPPURTUNITY

Do what is in your heart!

Your gift helps your friends and neighbor struggling through these challenging times.

The Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) of Central PA will match up to 50% of your gift*. *maximum JCF match $20,000

Make your gift through the Jewish Community Foundation of Central PA JCF Match Fund.

Thank you for improving lives, paying for medicine, keeping the lights on and the refrigerator filled, empowering people to return to work, providing vulnerable seniors and special needs children with mental and other health needs, and more.

CONTACT: Paulette Keifer 904-307-2413 or via email paulette.keifer@pajewishendowment.org Jewish Community Foundation of Central PA 3211 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110 DONATE THROUGH: pajewishendowment.org

OR MAIL YOUR CHECK.

8 | COMMUNITY REVIEW | greater harrisburg’s jewish newspaper

NOTE: “JCF Match Fund” on memo line

Resilience through Awareness and Imagination— Safe Space as a Lived Meditation

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BY FRANCINA FANTAUZZO, MA, ATR-P

ast week, I looked outside my window and noticed the minutest glimpse of purple peeking from blades of grass. I stood there in awe because for days my mind had been searching for a sense of peace and predictability, resembling my carefree days of childhood. Images of tiny toes touching wild violets and buttercups bathe my mind. My sister and I running and rolling down childsized hills.

And I welcome these memories into my heart.

I peeled off my socks and stepped out into the light rain. Noticing cool, wet grass under my feet; the spray of mist on my face.

Approaching, I greeted her, crouching down to behold her purple spray. Embracing, touching, feeling the softness. Examining every nuance of color and shade, shape, and form.

Inhaling fragrance. A quick kiss. Weeping with delight, I knew these beauties showed up to welcome me into the hope and newness of Spring.

CREATING A SAFE SPACE TO RETURN TO AGAIN AND AGAIN After having done a safe space meditation-imagining that sweet mindful time as a child when the only thing in the world was the grass under my feet, smells of fresh air, and the chorus of backyard chickadees, I set up my art space to recreate my sweet childhood memories. Representing vibrant violets and buttercups, grassy hills, and blue skies with colored tissue paper hardly matches the imagination, but it doesn’t matter. The act of creating and expressing is what matters. The experience of it all. The process of making the allusive concrete.

I embrace these memories as I embrace the act of artmaking. No expectations, just enjoying the moments; feeling the softening, the experience of joy in my body, and I take that feeling of joy with me—even as I let it go. These memories are not to hold onto with gripped hands. They come into awareness and float away in the same way in which they came, allowing room for acceptance and liberation.

Noticing the peeking purple blooms, either serendipitously or providently sent to me in my tiny corner of the world–is a Gift in itself–that mindful awareness and appreciation of the little things, that are not so little after all.

SAFE SPACE MEDITATION 1. Three-part breath--From a seated easy pose or lying comfortably, observe your normal breath. Then inhale into your belly to expand and then exhale to draw your navel toward your heart. Repeat three times. Then broaden your inhale to include your belly and chest, exhale, repeat. And lastly broaden your inhale to include your belly, chest, and ribs, and repeat as above.

2. Bring to mind a place, image, or words that give you a felt experience of wellbeing, calm, and safety.

3. Notice this feeling in your body.

8. Return to the 3-part breath.

4. Notice any words you associate with this feeling.

9. Return to normal breath pattern as you continue to allow yourself to feel any positive feelings in your body.

5. Notice any images that go along with this feeling.

6. Again, notice the feeling in your body.

7. Now say to yourself, “I can return to this place and feeling anytime I want to. Here I am safe.”

Francina Fantauzzo, MA, ATR-P, is currently working as a Family-Based Therapist with Jewish Family Services. Francina, as an art therapist and yoga therapist, is informed by mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies, creative expression, movement, and attunement to self and others. To learn more about the Family-Based Therapy program at JFS, call 717-233-1681 or visit www.jfsofhbg.org.

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Synagogue Life Beth El Temple 2637 N Front St | (717) 232-0556 | www.bethelhbg.org

Kesher Israel Congregation 2500 N 3rd St | (717) 238-0763 | www.kesherisrael.org

Beth El Temple is keeping its membership engaged through a variety of virtual initiatives including daily minyanim, Shabbat and holiday services, Gesher adult and youth Education, and a monthly Jewish author series.

For details about meetings and programming, contact Rabbi Elisha Friedman at rabbielishafriedman@gmail.com.

For more information, visit Kesher Israel's website.

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 activities are taking place remotely via the video conferencing app, Zoom, until further notice.

Chisuk Emuna is reaching out to members and friends to assist those in need during the COVID-19 Crisis. If you need help or would like to volunteer to help, please contact Rabbi Ron Muroff at rabbi@chisukemuna.org For more information and links to participate in programming, visit Chisuk Emuna's website.

Congregation Beth Israel, Lebanon 411 S 8th St | (717) 273-2669 | www.congregation-beth-israel.org Congregation Beth Israel is hosting virtual services. You can view services on their Vimeo page.

Contact Rabbi Sam Yolen at yolen002@gmail.com for details on both programming and minyan.

Ohev Sholom Congregation, York 2090 Hollywood Drive | 717-852-0000 | www.OhevSholomYork.org 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

For more information, visit Beth Israel's website.

Virtual Shabbat services will be held on April 16 and 30, and May 14 and 28. 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.

Congregation Beth Tikvah, Carlisle Asbell Center, 262 W High Street | (717)-240-8627 | www.bethtikvah.org

Temple Beth Shalom will be holding their annual Spaghetti Dinner, virtually again this year due to the pandemic. It will be held on May 9th at 6pm. There will be a raffle and we are planning for attendees to be able to bid on baskets online. More details to come.

Historic B’nai Jacob, Middletown Water & Nissley Streets | (717) 319-3014 | www.bnai-jacob.org Historic B’nai Jacob Synagogue, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, located at Water and Nissley Streets in Middletown, near the Harrisburg International Airport and Penn State-Harrisburg, is holding Zoom services led by Marc Bluestein. The connection information for each service, as well as 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.bnaijacob.org. We are a community Shul and you are welcome to join us. There are no membership dues or admission fees.

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 As part of Ohev Sholom’s adjustment to Covid-19, a new pre-recorded Shabbat service is posted to Ohev Sholom’s Youtube channel and Facebook page every Friday (links are at bottom of home page, ohevsholom.org).

JCC Senior Adult Programs All in-person senior programming is currently on pause, with the exception of the Artist-in-Residency program.

Weekly online programming is available at www.jewishharrisburg.org/virtual-programming.

AARP has extended the cancellation all in person classes thru August 31, 2021. The AARP Smart Driver online course will be available through August 31, 2021 with a 25% discount using the following website and promo code.

A series of wonderful programs presented by the National JCC Senior Alliance can be accessed through www.jewishharrisburg.org/national-jcc-adult-and-senior-alliance.

Website: www.aarpdriversafety.org Promo code : DRIVINGSKILLS

For more info on current programming, visit www.jewishharrisburg.org/reopening.

For online programming, visit www.jewishharrisburg.org/virtual-programming.

10 | COMMUNITY REVIEW | greater harrisburg’s jewish newspaper

Obituaries ROBERT S. PLOTKIN Robert S. Plotkin, age 89, died on March 16, 2021 in Annapolis, MD, following complications from a hip fracture. He was a long-time resident of Annapolis MD and Silver Spring, MD. Mr. Plotkin was born in New York City in 1932. After attending the City College of New York and Columbia Law School, he spent most of his working career at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, DC, where he served as a lawyer and regulator. He became the Board's legal expert on the GlassSteagall Act and wrote the Board's landmark decision permitting limited entry of banks into the investment banking business. He also directed the writing of the first regulation on discriminatory banking practices known as "redlining."

After retiring from the Fed, he moved to Annapolis, MD where he worked as a consultant and arbitrator. He greatly enjoyed swimming and boating. He was a member of Temple Beth Shalom in Arnold MD, a former director of the Watergate Improvement Association, and a volunteer docent at the Annapolis Maritime Museum. While we are proud of these myriad achievements, what

we will remember foremost are his personal qualities-- honesty, humor, directness, commitment to family, generosity, and concern for justice for all.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Eve Nezin Plotkin; daughter, Lisa Plotkin (Michael Green) and son Rick (Marguerite Rippy); grandchildren, Mira and David Green and Merrill Plotkin; sister, Irma Leeds and her children; sister-in-law Etta Becker and her daughters; and many wonderful relatives and friends.

Burial was at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Annapolis, MD on March 17, 2021. Memorial contributions may be made to the Maryland Food Bank, Temple Beth Shalom in Maryland, or the charity of your choice.

EDWARD LIEBER It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Edward Lieber, z'l, on Friday, March 5, 2021.

Edward is survived by his family; Dr. Andrea Lieber (Dr. Ted Merwin); and granddaughters Hannah, Sarah and Leah Merwin of Baltimore, Maryland.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021.

HERBERT WOLFE Herbert "Herb" Daniel Wolfe, 92, of Harrisburg, passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at Carolyn's House.

He was born in Harrisburg on July 4, 1928 to the late Isaac R. and Anna (Goldberg) Wolfe. Herb graduated from William Penn High School in 1946; he was a member of Beth El Temple and Blue Ridge Country Club. He was a lifetime member of the Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg and a member of William S. Snyder F. & A.M. Lodge #629. Herb served in the U.S. Army during World War II. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Larry and his daughter, Sheryl Brenner. Surviving is his loving wife of 66 years, Beatrice E. (Cohen) Wolfe; son Gary E. Wolfe; two grandchildren and a greatgranddaughter.

Graveside services were held on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at the Beth El Cemetery with Rabbi Ariana Capptauber officiating.

Arrangements by Hetrick-Bitner Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Central PA, Carolyn's House, 1701 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or to your favorite charity. To share on-line condolences, please visit www.BitnerCares.com.

DEBORAH GORDON Deborah Sondra Gordon, 84, of Harrisburg, passed away on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at the Homeland Center.

She was born in Providence, RI on April 30, 1936 to the late Max and Fannie (Glickman) Greenberg. Deborah retired from the State Hospital and was a member of Chisuk Emuna Congregation. She loved to exercise and play Mahjong.

She is preceded in death by her two brothers, Philip and Leonard Greenberg. Surviving is her son, Barry Gordon (Rita) of Harrisburg; daughter, Ellen Sanderson (Wayne) of Harrisburg/Florida; six grandchildren, Elise Gordon, Megan Patterson, Maura Chesney, Elan Gordon (Karine), Avi Gordon (Rachel), Jordan Sanderson (Ashley), and seven greatgrandchildren. Private graveside services were held at Lincoln Park Cemetery, Warwick, RI. Memorial contributions can be made to Chisuk Emuna Congregation, 3219 Green St, Harrisburg, 17110 or to Alzheimer's Association, Greater Pennsylvania Chapter, 2595 Interstate Drive Suite 100, Harrisburg, 17110 or to Homeland Center, 1901 N 5th St, Harrisburg, 17102. To share online condolences, please visit www.Bitnercares.com.

www.jewishharrisburg.org

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APRIL 9, 2021 | 11

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