Community Review - July 15, 2022

community review

www.jewishharrisburg.org

JCC FITNESS WILL “BECOME A TRUE DESTINATION” AT GRASS CAMPUS

BY ADAM GROBMAN

JCC Fitness is rising out of the basement and stepping into the light of day - literally.

Plans at the Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life promise to breathe life into the Harrisburg JCC’s alreadyeclectic Sports, Fitness, and Recreation department, with visions of new and improved offerings for runners, walkers, weightlifters, yogis, and more.

“We’ll be able to compete with any gym in the area, and still bring our tight-knit, community feel,” says Terri Travers, JCC Program Director who has led the SFR Department for two decades.

Designs for the fitness center are sure to get the blood pumping for athletes of all types. Blueprints show a dedicated area for heavy lifters, deadlifting and bench press, and stretching, with studio space for spinning, boxing, SilverSneakers and dance, yoga, and more. New treadmills and elliptical machines will enhance the cardio theatre.

The center will occupy the 2nd floor of the central "admin" building, which offers more than 40,000 square feet of event, fitness, and office space on the West side of 2nd St.

While the current gym’s narrow design leaves participants wanting for more space, the new fitness center will offer plenty of room for membership and participation to grow.

“It’s going to be a beautiful, large, open space that will motivate our members through high-end equipment, natural sunlight, and beautiful views looking out onto the river,” Terri continues.

Terri says that the SFR department also plans to expand the wellness offerings of the JCC. “We will have something for everyone,” she says. “We’re going to really become a true destination in this area – where someone can come in for a meditation class followed by a workout, and build that mind-body connection.”

Sports and Recreation will have its own area, where basketball and swim programs will take center court. More details to follow in the coming months.

Garry Brinton, a Campus Steering Committee member and avid fitness center user who has been visiting the JCC multiple times per week for 35+ years, says that he feels the plans will create the best fitness facility in the area.

“There are so many different activities that will be accommodated,” he says. “Terri has done an outstanding

job of putting together a variety of programs already –everything from Girls on the Run to Rocksteady Boxing –and I can’t wait to see the other great ideas that she brings to the new Campus.”

More than any one room or piece of gear, Terri says the department is looking forward to being able to take advantage of the large modern space that the Grass Campus offers.

“The possibilities are endless,” she says. “We’ll be able to utilize an entire campus for fitness – whether it’s outdoor tai chi on the balcony or walking programs across the Campus’ six acres. We’re a hidden secret right now, but we won’t be for long.”

For news, info, and updates on the Grass Campus, visit jewishharrisburg.org/grass-campus.

New Fitness Center at the Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life will elevate offerings for all.

More Milestones Ahead

BY ARNIE SOHINKI

A few more observations from my short time here so far:

That’s exactly what happened at the ‘Raise the Flag’ event dedicating the Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life last month. The event was held during my first week here in Harrisburg, and it’s hard to imagine a more incredible start.

As I listened to community leaders and builders, clergy, and elected officials, it was clear the passion and regard that this community has for Jewish life – past, present, and future. It was an honor to hear from members of the Grass family, who made the campus possible in tribute to their father through the Alexander Grass Foundation.

The Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life is certainly going to be something special for the Greater Harrisburg community. Borrowing from the Statement of Principles for a JCC, our goal is to create a vibrant and welcoming Jewish environment that encourages people to lead engaged lives of meaning and purpose. We believe that the Grass Campus will be a primary destination for Jewish engagement, a locus of learning, and celebration and a connector to Jewish life: a place where individuals and families can encounter Jewish ideas, principles, practices, and values; where they encounter Israel and explore the ideal of Jewish peoplehood in their lives; and a public square for convening important conversations both within the Jewish and among the broader community. It will be a gathering place and meeting place for all of our Jewish agencies and community members. Jewish Family Service, the Silver Academy the Jewish Community Center, and other partners will all enrich our community from the Grass Campus.

Countless community members came over to introduce themselves at the dedication - people who made time to come out on a rainy Thursday morning for the event. I could feel the warmth and welcome that I’ve been told makes this community so special.

1) the dedication, passion, and commitment of the Federation/JCC staff is exceptional. As I have the opportunity to get to know each of them better, it paints a wonderful picture as to why these agencies are so special.

2) the leadership and volunteers are extraordinary. Their guidance, involvement, and expertise make it possible to keep our doors open and enable us to deliver vital programs and services to the Greater Harrisburg community.

3) and as mentioned above, the excitement and possibilities surrounding the establishment and growth of the Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life will only enhance, help strengthen, and increase the vibrancy of the Greater Harrisburg Jewish and general community.

I’m looking forward to getting to know more of you and forming connections with you. And I’m sure there will be many more milestones to celebrate together during my time here. Jewish Harrisburg certainly has a bright future and I am thrilled to be a part of it.

L’shalom,

Community Review

Vol. 96, No. 14 July 15, 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

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.

Kesher Israel Holds Lively Dedication Celebrating New Home

BY MARY KLAUS

Kesher Israel Congregation recently celebrated its new home in Uptown Harrisburg with a dedication ceremony as loving as a favorite bubbe, as energetic as a hora, and as sweet as rugelach Musicians leapt on chairs and revved the crowd of Orthodox congregation members, who gladly clapped their hands, tapped their feet, and danced in the sanctuary at the celebration that few will forget.

Kesher Israel began holding services at its new building at the beginning of 2022. The congregation spent 1.5 years and $1.5 million transforming the former Riverside United Methodist Church at 3200 N. Third St. into a modern shul. Synagogue leaders say the new facility will better serve its 125 individuals and families than its cavernous shul at 2500 N. Third St., which had a capacity of 800.

“Change is difficult,” Benjamin Altman, congregation president, told the crowd of 100 members. “But this will serve us well.” He thanked everyone in the congregation, in the Jewish community, and in the general public for all their support.

Dan Grabenstein, past treasurer and head of the fundraising for Kesher Israel’s new home, also thanked the more than 200 people who made donations from $1 to more than $100,000. “The campaign has been successful beyond all our expectations,” he said.

The highlight of the informal and funfocused evening was the lively music of Simply Tsfat, a three-member band named after a city in northern Israel.

The trio, two Americans and one Israeli, played music in the tradition of Breslev Chassidim. Breslov is a branch of Chasidic Judaism which believes in a joyful relationship with God.

For more than an hour, band members Elyahu Reiter and Yonatan Zarum played their guitars while Yoni Lipshutz played his violin. Their music began with a lively rendition of the familiar Siman Tov u Mazel Tov to congratulate the congregation members on their new home.

The music then became increasingly louder, faster, and so energetic that people clapped their hands, tapped their toes and rose up from their seats. Sasha Flomin even danced around the sanctuary with Minna Flomin, his 2-year-old granddaughter, in his arms. Sometimes, one of the musicians would impart such wisdom to the crowd as “there’s no such thing as giving up.”

There were a few quieter songs, notably Shabbat-favorite Lecha Dodi

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams and State Rep. Patty Kim made brief appearances

at the event, which was an evening of music and celebration rather than speeches.

In addition to the music and refreshments that included cookies and ice cream, the dedication included tours of the upstairs and downstairs of Kesher Israel’s new home.

The building includes a sanctuary, community room, child care space, offices, conference rooms, a social hall, food prep area, utility room, and prayer chapel.

Visitors seemed pleased that Kesher Israel

tradition was honored, with the Holy Ark from the previous sanctuary and large picture frames each having twenty stained glass window panels featuring everything from the scales of justice to the Star of David. The familiar KI Lions also are in the new sanctuary.

The shul also has many modern touches. There are electronic screens on both levels, including two yahrzeit boards, replacing traditional plaques noting the names of members who have passed on. People can

touch a name on the board and see the late member’s picture and biography or pictures of candles and a scripture verse.

The synagogue also has bright LED lights, a state of the art security system, a modern fire alarm system, and internet access.

Several Kesher Israel members commented on the success of the transition to the new building.

Faye Doctrow grew up in the 1600 block of Green Street, which was then “an old Jewish neighborhood with three kosher butchers and the mikveh, the ritual bath. We were members of Kesher Israel. The teenage girls sat together in the back row on high holidays. We loved seeing all the hats that women wore. To this day, I wear a hat to honor my mother, who always wore one.”

Doctrow said that after she married, she joined her husband at Chisuk Emuna, but she already feels at home in the new Kesher Israel because it incorporates parts of the old shul.

Joel and Gail Burcat, KI members for decades, said they love their new shul.

“This building is more appropriate for a congregation of our size,” Joel Burcat said.

“We have a lot of nice touches from the old building.”

Gail, a Kesher Israel member her whole life, followed her grandmother and mother to the shul and brought her daughters here, too.

“When I was growing up, Kesher Israel was a big congregation,” she said. “Our sanctuary was full on the high holidays. Unfortunately, we lost members over the years.”

She said that moving to the new shul wasn’t as emotional as she expected because the old Kesher Israel was closed during the pandemic. “All the familiar touches from our old building make this feel like home,” she said. “This has a nice, warm environment.”

Kesher Israel was founded in 1902 and spent its early years in the area of Third and Briggs streets. When the state wanted the congregation’s original site decades later, the congregation moved to uptown, where members of its members had moved. The shul was at 2500 N. Third St. from 1949 until earlier this year.

The new location, an L-shaped red brick building built in 1956, is closer to the Jewish Community Center and Chisuk Emuna. More importantly, it’s in walking distance to the homes of most Kesher Israel members.

Ricki Gold said that she felt history in the old Kesher Israel but is pleased at how well the new one turned out.

Elez Bell, 16, recalled making his bar mitzvah in the old Kesher Israel. “It’s sad to leave behind memories,” he said. “But here, we have the same ark, the lions, and our stained glass. It’s a beautiful place.”

Members of Simply Tsfat entertained Kesher Israel members at building dedication.

There’s a theological twist that individuals sometimes go through at the end of their life. It is not as obvious and pronounced as a young person’s neardeath experience because it often happens so close to the end of one’s life, but it’s just as important. Sometimes it’s barely perceptible, like a gentle breeze that switches directions on a late summer’s day, but don’t be fooled. This is a huge theological departure, and for some people, it has the potential to help them struggling with their final journey into the unknown.

I experienced this a few weeks ago, when our shul’s music director, Elaine, lost her twoyear battle with ovarian cancer. She was 62. Holding my hand tight, she looked deeply into my face and said “We will see each other again,” before closing her eyes. Finally letting herself rest, barely audibly, she said, “We will come back again. I believe that.” In tears, I stayed there with her, humming shabbat melodies until her soft breathing revealed that she was fast asleep. I got up, hugged the family goodbye, still hoping that we had more memories to make. We didn’t. Later that night my phone lit up with a message from Elaine’s husband. On the screen was a picture of Elaine and I holding hands, then a simple text, “Elaine passed away.”

Elaine passed surrounded by loved ones, believing one of the most ancient of our religious tenets, that one day, she would come back to life and that we all would meet again - in the flesh.

Now, before we get dogmatic on this, and before we indulge our rational aversion to tradition, I want to reframe the concept of the “revival of the dead.” I don’t want you to think about zombies reincarnated by otherworldly spirits, or degenerative skeletons stumbling out of a movie like Pirates of the Caribbean. I also don’t want you to unilaterally write off this belief as immature, or as unevolved, as the insipid proto-philosophy of an uncivilized people. I want to first defend why this belief exists and then explain what it has become in our own modern Jewish canon. I want to do this both because its existence is historically important and also because it may help you with your own existential dread.

Imagine that you live in a time period before modern technology - like, way before modern technology. Physically, you are the same (depending on your age, you may not have all your teeth), and your intellect, character, humor, they are nearly the same. You happen to live at the first establishment of large cities, and it is the dawn of the age in the fertile crescent, and this is your milieu. Other than one bronze sword, a leather belt, some

Why We Look Behind the Veil

BY RABBI SAM YOLEN, CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL (LEBANON)

loincloths, pottery bowls, and an oil lamp, you have no possessions.

You don’t read books and there aren’t too many tablets out there to read. No pictures hanging on your wall. No car in your garage. All that you own is literally who you areyou are your body. You are your stories (told around a campfire). You are your family. You are your tribe. These relationships mean more to you than anything - whether you live or die, survive or perish, thrive or falter, this is all you have.

In this early world of civilization, the idea of going through a lonely passage without family, friends, neighbors, and society is painful and cold. The idea of not being in the world of the living, around all you know, is too hard to believe, so you settle on the idea that everything will come back to you exactly as it is. If you can look at the humanistic need for this belief before the rational intellectual proof of it, it makes sense.

I hear the modern Jew grumbling right now - “That’s ridiculous!” but hold off just a little bit longer to empathize with our ancestors from long ago. At the end of a hard life, when you are in pain, when you are tired and hungry (but can’t sleep or eat), when things seems grim and not even the love of your grandchildren can continue to awaken you, this belief of being reunited with your family and leaders, this belief of being reinstated within your own body becomes a very helpful idea. It becomes a tangible lifeline of positivity amidst the harsh reality of nonexistence. For some, this belief comes as severe emotional relief.

Maybe the two years of painful struggle allowed Elaine to demonstrate for our community how malleable one’s theology can be at the end of life. Maybe Elaine’s unique charisma brought people closer to an otherwise mystical and scientifically foreign concept - but that was her gift. And she wasn’t the first one to share it with me.

I had witnessed this idea before in my work at The Hebrew Home for the Aged in Riverdale, NY, but with someone much less lucid and clear-headed. In the Hebrew Home, I began talking with a nonagenarian in a common area. While commiserating, she told me she didn’t have too much time to talk, as her father would pick her up soon. Confused, I asked, “Does your father live here as well?” “No,” the elder replied, “But he comes here every night.” Originally, I wrote the conversation off as a painful episode of dementia, but more recently I returned to it as a testament to what a human mind may need to believe at life’s end.

In Hebrew, a euphemism for death is to

“gather to your kin.” We see it used with Abraham in Genesis 25:8, and subsequently almost every other main character of The Bible - Isaac, Jacob, Ishmael, Moses, and more all gathered to their kin. Sforno, the 15th century commentator named Obadia ben Jacob, describes this term as a bundle of souls - sometimes at different spiritual levels, but always connected after death in their family association. This early term is not the revival of the dead per se; however, the resurrection appears later in the development of the Hebrew Bible. The earliest belief of the afterlife is simple - that souls go to Sheol “Sheol,” in Hebrew, is “Shin-aleph-lamed.” The root of “Sheol,” also happens to mean “question,” “sha’al,” as if to say, “we really don’t know where these souls are going when they are ‘gathered to their kin,’ this just can’t be the end.”

The historic significance of the idea of resurrection of the dead is profound. Anthropologists can date societies based on how nuanced their conception of the afterlife is. The later the society, the more nuanced the afterlife is. In the same way that ancient Egyptians buried pharaoh first in small pyramids, then large pyramids, then secret underground tombs, the Jewish evolution of “what happens after I die” has a similar philosophical progression, from nebulous to grand.

Thus, bodily resurrection is a relatively late innovation in The Bible, only really appearing after being influenced by Greek Hellenization and the afterlife. A common proof text used by the Sages is a classical Midrash about the Exodus, at the beginning of the “Song at the Sea,” when the Israelites had just crossed over and began to sing. Interestingly enough, the Hebrew Bible describes the Israelites in the future tense, “Then they will sing at the sea of reeds,” which Midrash insists includes all of the souls of the Hebrew people ever, and thus, once these Israelites are brought back to life, “they will sing.” In one of the very latest books of the TaNaKh, Daniel 12:2 the concept is even more explicit - “many of those that sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to eternal life, others to reproaches, everlasting abhorrence.”

This idea is the final nonnegotiable belief of Maimonides’ thirteen principles of faith, which you may have heard chanted on Shabbat as “Yigdal.” The irony of Maimonides is that when analyzing the collection of his works (such as “The Guide for the Perplexed”), his language makes it unclear exactly how the “resurrection” will happen. In fact, Rambam’s brother, David, was lost at sea and had no physical body to be resurrected

to. This tragedy was so theologically difficult for Rambam to overcome that some scholars believe his letters, found in the Cairo Geniza, are smeared with his tears.

The belief in the resurrection is one of the few tenets that has the capacity to split different Jewish denominations. The Amidah, one of the central prayers of Judaism, has its second blessing as “blessed is God who revives the dead,” “M’chayei HaMeitim.” I grew up in a progressive synagogue which emphasized the alternative phrase “M’chayei haKol,” or praising God who “gives life to all things.” These different lines represent a departure of theology - for the Reform movement’s early leaders (in the 1840s in Germany), the idea of a physical resurrection of the dead was out of vogue. To them, “giving life to all” allows the modern worshiper to imagine the passing of their loved ones returning to the earth in a simple pine box, decomposing in a way that nourishes and sustains the ecology of nature - giving life to all. To those enlightened reformers, “reviving the dead” went against predominant scientific trends and was edited. While I am accustomed to praying in both ways, I find myself taking comfort in the mystical, logic-defying idea that one day I will be reunited with my tribe.

In the early days of Covid, I wrote about my grandmother’s passing. In the last years of her life, she would often tell me “I am in pain and I want a new body.” And at first I had no clue what to say to her. I would quickly change the subject, take her out for a walk, or sneak her a small chocolate to improve her mood. When she persisted in calling attention to her frailty, I finally introduced her to what lurked behind the veil. “You’re in luck,” I responded one day. “It says in our siddur you’ll be brought right back to your body anew.” She smiled and thought for a moment. “But I want to be taller - can God bring me back in a taller body?”

The luxury of the modern age is a long life, much longer than our ancestors. We get to think about these deep philosophies. If you’ve found dignified ways to give wisdom and love to your friends and family, does it really matter what theology you subscribe to?

Whether rational, mystical, humanistic, or otherwise, keep believing what you need to in order to be a fountain of strength to those who count on you. Ultimately, it’s your life to live, and your veil to pass through.

Like my grandmother, or our music director, Elaine, or countless others I’ve known, if tradition holds an answer for you, take comfort in knowing you won’t pass through the valley of the shadow of death alone.

A r e y o u l o o k i n g f o r a c o m m u n i t y t o s i n g , e a t , p r a y a n d c e l e b r a t e l i f e w i t h ? B e t h E l T e m p l e i s a v i b r a n t J e w i s h c o m m u n i t y r e a d y t o j o i n y o u w h e r e v e r y o u a r e o n y o u r J e w i s h j o u r n e y . O u r s a n c t u a r y b y t h e r i v e r i s a s p e c i a l p l a c e , a n d w e w a n t t o s h a r e i t w i t h y o u ! W e a r e p l e a s e d t o o f f e r f i r s t t i m e m e m b e r s a n o p p o r t u n i t y t o j o i n B e t h E l T e m p l e f o r a y e a r a t a 2 5 % d i s c o u n t ! T h i s i n c l u d e s :

C o m p l i m e n t a r y H i g h H o l i d a y t i c k e t s F r e e d e l i c i o u s h o l i d a y m e a l s J e w i s h e d u c a t i o n & s o c i a l p r o g r a m m i n g R a b b i n i c c o u n s e l i n g . . . & m u c h m o r e !

Create Your Charitable Legacy and Receive Income For Life

What Is A Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA)? A Legacy gift to the Jewish community that also pays you income for life. It is an agreement between you and the Jewish Community Foundation of Central PA (JCF) that helps you support what you care about and receive guaranteed fixed payments while you are alive. The amount leftover will support what is meaningful to you.

Who is eligible? Those with true charitable intent who want to leave a legacy and would like guaranteed fixed-income payments during their lifetime. Ideally those 55 and older.

How Does It Work? Contribute a minimum of $5000 cash or marketable securities to JCF. In return, JCF will pay you and your spouse or other eligible persons, a guaranteed fixed income for life. The

Thank you!

Your Permanent Legacy

Secure Jewish Life Forever!

You’re securing our future.

Benefits To You:

• You will receive immediate or deferred guaranteed income for yourself, a spouse, a child or another individual. (Gift annuities for persons other than you and your spouse may have gift and capital gains tax consequences).

• Receive a charitable income tax deduction for your gift in the year it is made.

• Gift highly appreciated assets to fund your CGA and you may avoid capital gains tax.

• Capital gains tax you pay on income you receive may be spread over a lifetime.

• Upon the death of those receiving annuity payments, a permanent legacy fund will be created in your name, at the Foundation, to support beloved charities meaningful to you.

You will secure the future of the Jewish community and Jewish life even after you are gone!

Will a CGA accomplish your goals? Support what is important to you!

Contact Paulette Keifer to discuss.

Paulette.Keifer@pajewishendowment.org or (904) 307 -2413

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 has resumed in-person services. Visit the website for details. For more information on programs and services, visit Chisuk Emuna's website.

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 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, located at Water and Nissley Streets in Middletown, near the Harrisburg Airport and Penn State Harrisburg Campus. Shabbos Service are led by Marc Bluestein on Zoom. The service program and zoom link will be emailed to members of the congregation and also is available by request using the contact form on the website at: 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. Our Congregation is currently working with consultants to reopen for inperson services later this year.

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 July 22, and August 5 and 19. Please note that Temple Beth Shalom’s Shabbat services will be via Zoom only for June, July and

August. The next in-person Shabbat service is planned for Friday, September 2. 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.

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

Temple Ohev Sholom has moved to a mix of in-person/live-streamed services and recorded videos. Please check the COVID-19 Info page of our website, www. ohevsholom.org, for the details of our "Back to Shul" plan, including our health and safety protocols, and check our Facebook page for updates. Thank you for your patience and support as we work our way back towards normalcy.

Obituaries

REBECCA SHERRON

Rebecca C. Sherron, age 68, passed away on Monday June 6th.

Rebecca was born in Brooklyn NY on August 9th 1953, to Holocaust Survivors Sam and Lillian Sherron, of blessed memory, whom she loved and cherished throughout all of her life. Rebecca was known for her vivacious spirit and her uncommonly kind soul.

Rebecca had an intense passion for everything in the Arts. At the young age of 9 she studied classical piano at the Juilliard School of Music and began to sing Barbara Streisand songs with perfect pitch and her exact sound. Her voice was stunning. Music lived deeply within Rebecca’s soul. She went on to graduate from Queens College with a BA in the dramatic arts. Rebecca’s deepest love and comfort, besides her family and friends, was watching her favorite TV shows and movies.

In 1983 she moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where she formed lifelong friendships and a prestigious career as an agent with the Attorney General’s office. She was also a proud founding member of the Harrisburg Second Generation Holocaust group.

Anyone who met Rebecca loved her instantly. She was uniquely warm, easy, fun to be with and open to everyone. She either became your surrogate mom or your best friend or both.

Even though cancer found its way into Rebecca’s body at the young age of 45, she never let it enter her soul. For 23 years she did everything she was told to do to survive cancer. Rebecca did this with the same strength and love for life that she shared with everyone she knew. In the end cancer never won. Rebecca did.

She is survived by her siblings Mark Sherron and Marian Sherron, whose lives will be forever changed without their beloved big sister.

LILLIAN MISTISHEN

Lillian Mistishen, 92, formerly of Port Carbon and Harrisburg, PA, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 25, 2022, in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.

Born July 23, 1929, in Pottsville, Pa, she was the daughter of Edward and Mary (Ocelus) Balulis. Lillian was united in marriage to her beloved husband Nick until his passing in 2016. Lillian is survived by her son Nicholas; daughter-in-law Gina; a grandson Tony; and a granddaughter Emily, all of Harrisburg.

Lillian was a devout Catholic and a big fan of EWTN. Before moving to Harrisburg in 2014, she was a long-time member of St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church in Port Carbon, PA. Recently, she was a member of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish in Harrisburg.

Prior to devoting her life to being a mother and homemaker, she was employed as an operator for Bell Telephone in the Philadelphia and Pottsville areas.

Lillian is also survived by several cousins, a niece, and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy Schock and Sister M. Grace Edward, a Carmelite nun, and her beloved granddaughter, Elena.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish, 2800 Paxton Church

Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17110 with Father Leo Goodman officiating. Interment at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish.

JCC Senior Adult Programs

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.

JULY 17TH- Bingo at Green Hills 1:00-2:30pm. Come and play bingo and go for a swim!

JULY 21ST - Millionaire Game

JULY 19TH - John Maietta - When America Hit The

Road: The Early Years Of Our Automotive Culture

A hundred years ago, an exciting new technology was transforming America: the automobile. This program presents the history of that colorful era, when the first “horseless carriages” were giving way to sporty roadsters, classy limousines, and the ubiquitous Model T Ford. As you’ll learn, the story of our country’s early car culture was driven by unprecedented prospects for freedom and mobility – along with the mixed blessings of high-speed roads, expanding suburbs, installment loans, and parking meters.

JULY 26TH - David Kopp Concert. Don’t miss out on hearing this wonderful musician. Please make your reservations by july 19th!

JULY 28TH - Dr. Donald Koones, HACC History Professor lectures on the amazing Andrea Bocelli. If ever there was truly an ultimate example of a person overcoming a disability to achieve greatness, it is Andrea Bocelli. Although completely blind since the age of 12 after a soccer accident, he went on to become an Italian opera singer, songwriter, and record producer. Celine Dion has said, "If God would have a singing voice, he must sound a lot Like Andrea Bocelli". Come and share the challenges and triumphs of his life, as well as glorious music.

BY ROBERTA KRIEGER

Hopefully you've all had a safe and enjoyable July 4th.

On Tuesday, June 14th, John Maietta did a presentation of "Inca Glories: The rise and fall of the greatest empire of the Americas.” John's lecture, accompanied by numerous slides, had our undivided attention. We are thankful that he is one of our regular speakers. Another reason to be thankful is our great caterer, Norman Gras, who once again did not disappoint us with his offering of baked fish and sweet potatoes. Another enjoyable afternoon at our Senior Club was had by all.

On Thursday, June 16th, as no formal program was scheduled, the exodus to the Miller had an early start. Our "gamers" had an extended time to play the game of their choice. Norman's pasta and meat sauce helped fuel them to get to the Miller.

On Tuesday, June 21st, we had our Business Meeting and Birthday Party. We are very fortunate that our membership is continually growing. This is definitely a tribute to both our Senior Advisor, Cheryl Yablon with her great program planning, and our superb Chef, Norman Gras. We have much to be thankful for.

On Thursday, June 23rd, Lillian Rappaport did her second session of "Holocaust Education in the 21st Century.” Lillian's sessions should not be missed. Besides being a remarkably delightful person, she is an excellent educator. Before she started her program, Norman, once again outdid himself with his macaroni and cheese. My friend said she always thought she made the best mac and cheese, but that was before she had Norman's. He definitely would be in the running for First Prize in any Mac and Cheese contest.

Hopefully you were able to join us on Tuesday, the 28th, for Pat Dodd, DCAAA Nutritionist, who spoke about "smart tips for successful meals”; and Dr. Donald Koones on Thursday, June 30th for his lecture on Showboat.

I will give you the highlights in the next issue of the Community Review.

The month of July has some amazing programs scheduled. In addition to our regular programming, on Sunday July 17th, we will be having Bingo at Green Hills from 1pm-2:30pm. Come and enjoy the game and stay to have a dip in the pool. Please join us for a delightful afternoon. Hope you stay well, are properly vaccinated, and wear masks appropriately.

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