Community Review - 11 14 14

November 14, 2014 | 21 Cheshvan, 5775 | Vol. 88; No. 23Published by The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg | Greater Harrisburg’s Jewish Newspaper

www.jewishharrisburg.orgcommunity review

“Stop the Sirens” campaign exceeds

goal!

Our community’s donations for the “Stop the Sirens” Campaign of the Jewish Federation of North America (JFNA) have exceeded its goal of $34,500, having raised nearly $40,000 to date! The larger North American campaign has also exceeded its goal of $36 million. All proceeds from the campaign will go directly to Israel without any administrative costs taken by any of the Federations.

The money raised is already making a difference in Israel for immediate needs of those directly impacted by the conflict including four main areas:

• TraumaSupportandpsychologicalcounseling• Resortinghope,optimismandsenseofnormalcyto the communities most severely affected• Providingrespiteforfirst-lineresponders• EconomicRecovery

Additionally, funds will continue to support relief efforts in the South while expanding the purview of assistance in other areas of the country.

JFNA will continue to support the Fund for Victims of Terror and will work closely with anchor institutions to ensure key infrastructure is bolstered, including hospitals and institutions of higher education. Funds will also be allocated for an evaluation of JFNA’s emergency response, the outcomes of which will be instrumental in reacting to future emergence activities.

Thank you to everyone in the Greater Harrisburg Community that generously supported the “Stop the Sirens” Campaign!

2 | community review | greater harrisburg’s jewish newspaper

CommunityReview

Vol. 88 No. 23November 14, 2013

(ISSN 1047-9996)(USPS 126-860)

Published bi-weeklyby the Jewish Federation of

Greater Harrisburg,3301 N. Front Street,

Harrisburg, Pa., 17110. Subscription rate: $50 per year.

Periodicals postage paid atHarrisburg, Pa., and

additional entry office.

Editorial Board Chairman Bruce Bagley

Editorial Board MembersMargie Adelmann

Bruce BagleyEsther Boldes

Rabbi Carl ChoperAaron DymRita Gordon

Jeanette Krebs

StaffEditor

Patti [email protected]

Sales DirectorMarty Lamonoff

717 232-6279717-877-5973

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

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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.

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.

Listening to actress Diane Steinbrink during our Senior Club Luncheon do her shtick about Neil Simon, I looked around the room and was reminded again that we have a very vibrant senior community. Many of the folks in the audience could practically repeat every word with Ms. Steinbrink as she performed monologues from Neil Simon shows like Brighton Beach Memoirs, Lost in Yonkers and Biloxi Blues. They have been and continue to enjoy educational, cultural and entertaining events much like this one and often in the Mary Sachs Auditorium. They share stories with me about watching their children and grandchildren perform on our stage, attending rallies, enjoying the Jewish Film Festival, celebratory events and even exercising in there after the 2011 flood.

The Mary Sachs Auditorium holds so much history for our community. If only the walls could talk! But fortunately for me, I have the opportunity to hear first-hand accounts of the rich history.

A couple of weeks ago, we started a new chapter in the Mary Sachs. We launched our Next Generation Leadership program; a program that is designed to develop future leaders for our Federation and JCC. There are social, educational and communal components of the program. We are piloting this 2-year program with eight bright young community members (ages 27-42). This cohort met to get to know each other a little better. Together they braided challah and added 3 ingredients (of their choosing) knowing that while the challah rose, they would share why they chose the ingredients to braid into their strands and how their choices reflected their personality. They continued the conversation about the 3 strands answering these 3 questions: What they are most proud of in our Jewish community; what they would like to learn more about, and what challenges they see that concern them. I quickly learned that most of our cohort grew up in our community and, like our seniors, share fond memories of times together in the Mary Sachs; and those newer to our community have already begun making memories.

As I sat with the seniors at lunch, I thought again of the history of our community and I thought about our Leadership program and once again felt very fortunate to be able to live in and work in a Jewish community that can celebrate 100 years. It is a community that can be optimistic about the next 100 years because of young leaders committed to ensuring our legacy is preserved and our future is bright.

L’Shalom,

A Message from Margie Adelmann, CEOJewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg

www.jewishharrisburg.org | november 14, 2014 | 3


SAVE THE DATE! NOVEMBER 20, 2014“MEDICARE 101”

Are you in your early 60s and thinking about retiring in the next few years? Or, are you already on Medicare, but have questions about the different programs and might be thinking about switching during open enrollment? Come to an informative program to findoutaboutthingsyouneedtoconsiderbeforeretiringandapplyingforMedicareorswitchingyourcarriers.PartAisautomatic-anobrainer.However,therearefinepointstothinkaboutwhenapplyingforPartB,D,C&Medigap,a.k.aSupplementalPlans.OnThursday,November20,2014,at theSeniorAdultClubLuncheon,RebeccaNurick,PA-SMPProgramManagerfortheMedicareFraudDivision,CARIE(CenterforAdvocacyFor theRightsand Interestsof theElderly) inPhiladelphia,willbe coming to speakon“Medicare 101” and will also supply some important information on fraud.TheSeniorAdultClubLunchstartsat12:00Noon.Costforlunchis$10forNon-Senior

Adult Club members/ donation for Senior Adult Club members. If you are still working and cannotmakethelunch,theprogramwillstartatapproximately12:30-12:40p.m.andwilltakeabout45minutestoanhourwith“QandA”.Don’tmissthisimportantprogram–yourfuture health coverage depends on it! To make reservations for lunch, please call Cheryl at 236-9555Ext.3115.

ORDER YOUR 2015 MAH JONGG CARDS TODAY! CARDS WILL BE PURCHASED ON

JANUARY 30, 2015

The Harrisburg JCC Senior Adult Club is once again selling the National Mah Jongg League’s card for 2015.

The price of the 2015 card is $8.00 for a standard card and $9.00foralarge-printcard.Please make your checks payable to the Harrisburg JCC

Senior Adult Club and mail them to:Cheryl Yablon Harrisburg JCC 3301 N. Front St. Harrisburg, PA17110ByJanuary29,2015.ONLYthenumberofcards thathave

been paid for will be ordered! The Mah Jongg League will mail your card to you in the spring.

HELP THE JCC SENIOR ADULT DEPARTMENT

BUYA$5BONTONCOMMUNITYDAYBOOKLETANDRECEIVEACOUPONFOR$10OFFYOURFIRSTPURCHASE,30%COUPONAND25%OFFSAVINGSPASSTOUSEOVER&OVER!!!!

WHEN:FRIDAYNOVEMBER14THANDSATURDAY,NOV.15TH,2014

WHERE:ATANYBONTONDEPARTMENTSTOREWHY:TOHELPTHESENIORS’KOSHER

NUTRITIONPROGRAM!

BONTONCOMMUNITYDAYBOOKLETSAREAVAILABLEFORPURCHASEFROMCHERYLAT236-9555EXT.3115

"JCC Programs are funded by the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg.”



Where Does The Music Go?

By Felix ThauOne of the many jewels in the

central Pennsylvania crown is the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. Its home is the recently refurbished Forum Auditorium, certainly in design and decor a unique and incomparable venue. I recently attended an all-Beethoven performance. The master’s Piano Concerto No. 4 was followed by his Symphony No. 3, Eroica.

As a child, classical music seemed always on the radio (FM of course) or record player, both of which were set in a furniture piece, the style of the era, manufactured by Blaupunkt.

Born in 1921, in the shadow of the Reichstag and of Jewish immigrants from Zablotov, my father and his family directly felt the oppression of the Nazi, high-stepping boots. Yet, what I later discovered to be rather common among German-Jewish Holocaust survivors, there continued to be in my father a firmly entrenched pride in all things German. As an example, and with more than a whisper of truth, my father joked that the reason the U.S. space program was superior to that of the USSR was because the U.S. German scientists were brainier than the USSR German rocketeers.

I became quite familiar with all things Beethoven. Near the top of the list was the Eroica. When the orchestra began, the melodies awoke memories. I imagined my father, returning from his resting place, to listen to those familiar sounds, transfixed and transformed. Music and mind melded.

In that uncommonly stunning and rare moment, I began to consider where such powerful music is reposed after its physical presence dissipates. Words swirled as mind vibrated in sympathy with sound. A poem began to form, with structure just as Beethoven and dad might expect. Why not a sonnet, in which pathos and cosmos co-exist? Out of that experience comes this:

Where Does The Music Go?Where does the music go when notes

do fade away?Is every measure, in its time,

forever lost or in a sphere we cannot find?

Thus, to repetition we are bade.

The strain played once again for us to hear.

The once strange sounds then part of us become.

A grandeur great, much larger than the sum.

Of mind and soul enmeshed, the tune endears.

And in the hearing, we drift to a placewhere for us G-d has set a striking

space,in which we are at one with hearing’s

grace,a line to G-d directly we may trace.

For music is an unabated joy.The sounds may die but in our center

cloy.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE PLEASE DONATE!!!The JCC will be having another American Red CrossBlood Drive on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 from1:00to6:00p.m.intheMarySachsAuditorium.TheRedCrossprovidesover40%ofthebloodneedsintheUnitedStates; responds to disasters both large and small; helps members of the military, veterans and their families; and teaches lifesaving skills. Maintaining sufficient blood tomeet patient needs is a delicate balance between supply anddemand.Inadditiontodisaster-relatedbloodneeds,theRedCrossmustcollectenoughbloodeachandeveryday to help accident victims, cancer patients, surgical candidates, children with blood disorders and others. TheNortheastern Pennsylvania region is responsible for

collecting 102,000 units of life saving blood in the coming fiscalyear.Tomeettheneedsofpatientsinhospitalsthatthe region serves, over 400 units of blood must be collected daily.“Criticaltype”bloodneededareO,AnegativeandBnegative donors, whose blood is frequently in high demand by hospitals, but oftentimes is in short supply. There is a particular need for type O negative blood. All blood types can receive type O negative red blood cells. That’s why it’s used in emergencies when there is no time to determine the blood type of the patient. Pleasehelpbydonatingblood,ifyoucan.Foraspecifictime to come in, call CherylYablon, 236-9555, ext. 3115.Drop-insarewelcome.



In 1957, President Dwight Eisenhower led the nation, Gov. John Fine led the state and Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” led the music charts.

Americans paid 24 cents for a gallon of gas, 28 cents for a dozen eggs and 19 cents for a loaf of bread.

Few people locked their doors at night. Children played with water guns, not real ones. It was the age of innocence, trust and the golden age of Harrisburg Jewry.

Michael Solomon of Susquehanna Twp. recalled growing up during these years in an area of Uptown Harrisburg nicknamed “Little Israel” and stretching from Division Street north into Susquehanna Twp.

Local Jews shopped at the Uptown Shopping Center, buying groceries at Food Fair owned by the Friedland family and managed by Morris Levy; and bowled at the Uptown Bowling Lanes owned by the Isaacman Brothers. They ate

nearby at the R&L owned and operated by Ruth and Lew Slusky.

“To my reckoning, the 3500 block of Green Street was 100 percent Jewish occupied and every house was loaded with kids,” Solomon said, recalling the Woolfs, Caplans, Bogins, Landis’, Hoffmans, Epsteins, Lipsetts, Breners, Brenners, Formans, Abrams’ and Blooms. “The 3400 block of Second Street, Montrose Street and the 3400 and 3600 blocks of Green Street weren’t far behind.” He said that the Rosenschein family even had a Kennedy-esque compound of contiguous homes in the area!

“Ground Zero of Little Israel was probably the corner of Green and Montrose where on most summer evenings a crowd of teenagers would gather on the Rockmaker lawn,” he said. “You could ride your bike in relative safety after dark and still travel the necessary blocks to make it home in time for a good lecture or worse.”

Solomon said that Jewish youth on bicycles had various hangouts, including Loper’s for grape slush; Mr. Fifteen for a 15 cent hamburger; Howard Johnson’s for peppermint stick ice cream and the Barbecue Cottage for outstanding barbecue.

“The Uptown of my youth was forever changed in the early 70’s with the construction of I-81 which literally split the neighborhood,” he said. A few years later, Tropical Storm Agnes also “was an unrelenting game-changer.”

1965-1990, JCC REFLECTS THE TIMES – The Jewish Community Center modernized during its third quarter century. In 1965, Dr. Sidney Rubenstein was president of the Jewish Community Center and Morris Schwab was president of the United Jewish Community.

Some 1965 Community Review editions show that Mike Rubinsky offered 10 guitar lessons for $10 on Sunday afternoons at the JCC;

Benjamin Lipsky, principal of Harrisburg Hebrew School for 22 years, received a national Jewish Education award; the Brenner-Miller families donated new draperies for the Henry Miller auditorium; and the JCC teens took a two-day trip to New York City to see Ginger Rogers in “Hello Dolly.”

The United Jewish Community Appeal reached $241,183 as of April 30, 1965. The community held a champagne ball using “Springtime in Israel” as its theme. The community that year offered a showcase of performing nights on four Sunday nights featuring music, dance and drama.

In 1966, Roslyn Benjamin became the first woman president of the Jewish Community Center.

In 1971, Temple Beth Shalom was formed, the area’s first Reconstructionist and first West Shore synagogue.

The Jewish community was stressed during the next few years,

“Little Israel”, Golden Age of Harrisburg Jewry, Modernization – Part 2By Mary Klaus

both from anti-Semitism and from flooding caused by Tropical Storm Agnes.

By 1990, the Harrisburg Jewish population exceeded 10,000, although it had spread beyond Uptown Harrisburg and nearby Susquehanna Twp. The old United Jewish Community had evolved into the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg.

1990-2015, TRANSITIONS – The United Jewish Community in 1995 launched a $9 million campaign to renovate and expand the Jewish Community Center. The renovations were completed the next year.

The Yeshiva Academy became The Silver Academy in memory of Rabbi David L. Silver.

In 2004, the community mourned Albert Hursh, who had worked at the Jewish Community Center and United Jewish Community for more than 70 years. Hursh began working at the old Y in 1933 and by 1951 was executive director of the Jewish Community Center and United Jewish Community.

In 2009, the community mourned Alex Grass, founder of Rite Aid Corp. and a prominent philanthropist and leader in the Harrisburg Jewish community. He died after battling lung cancer for a decade.

Tropical Storm Lee inundated the Jewish Community Center in 2011, causing millions of dollars in damage. Flood water damaged the fitness center, childhood center and mechanical room. The swimming pool was filled with mud and floodwater.

Yet the community spirit survived.

“We’re not thinking of closing,” said Marilynn Abrams, then Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg president. “We have to get our building back.”

The community did just that. “We are so much more than

a building,” said Andrea Lieber, Silver Academy president. “The JCC is truly a community center. This is a family here. Everyone is welcome in the family.”


“Little Israel”, Golden Age of Harrisburg Jewry, Modernization – Part 2By Mary Klaus Did you

know?

Thatin1958,UThant,eventualUNSecretaryGeneral and Nobel Laureate, spoke at the JCC in honor of Israel’s 10th anniversary.

That comedian Alan KinggracedtheMarySachsstagein1961.

Thatin1966,TheDukeEllingtonOrchestraperformed at the JCC.

That the “Showcase of Stars”in1969includedthe likes of Morey Amsterdam, London LeeandRobertAlda.

MORE JCC “TIDBITS”

The Jewish Community Center housed the Harrisburg Hebrew School at 1110 N. Third St.

I have no records of the attendance, which was large. There were at least six grades.

I recall some of the teachers: Minsky, MeyerovitzandRabbiKlein.Theirnamesare synonymous with “FEAR”

I believe its last principal was Aaron Feinerman

~BernyceLichterman~

Henry Miller Auditorium


WINTER BREAK VACATION CAMP

KickoffthewintertimebluesbyattendingtheJCCholidaymini camp.

For:Kindergarten–5thgrade7:30am–6:00pm

Monday, December 23 – Movie and Groovin’ DayJoin us as the JCC is turned into a private movie theater. Enjoypopcornandothermovietreatsinthisfundayatthemovies. Lunch will be provided, bring a bathing suit and towel.

tuesday, December 24 - anything Goes Day

Think you have the skills to outlast others? Spend the morning competing against other teams in various challenges, including steal the flag, dodge ball and lots of other fun activities. Lunch will be provided, bring a bathing suit and towel.

thursday, December 26 - Hershey Chocolate World

Take the chocolate tour, create your own candy bar and enjoyan icecreamtreat.Pleasepacka lunch,bathingsuitand towel.

friday, December 27 - Mad Science DayBackbypopulardemand…..Spendthemorningparticipatingin crazy scienceprojects. Lunchwill beprovided,bringabathing suit and towel.

Monday December 30 - arts and Sports Day

This day is perfect for all art and sport lovers. Some activities for the day include sports with Terri Travers, beads and gimp, edible crafts and more! Lunch will be provided, bring a bathing suit and towel.

tuesday, December 31 - Pajama Party Youdon’thavetogetoutofpajama’sforthisday.ComeandenjoybreakfastforlunchandcelebratetheNewYearattheJCCwithmusic,dancing&games.Bringabathingsuitandtowel.

thursday, January 2 - Winter Wonderland

Make an edible snowman, chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate,andenjoyawinterymovieandtimeinthegym.Lunch will be provided, pack a bathing suit and towel.

Cost: $45/a day/after care participants; $50/a day/JCC

Members;$75/adayregularrate.CostforDecember27:$55/aftercareparticipants,$60/JCC

Members, $85/regular rate. DeadlineisDecember9.Feesincreaseby$5adayafterthis

date.FinaldeadlineisDecember16.

Toregister,pleasecontactthefrontofficeat236-9555,ext.0.Questions?ContactTerryat236-9555ext.3121or

[email protected].

Brenner Family Early Learning Center Benefits from the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program


Heather Barron-Bowlin with Philadelphia Insurance is joined by Leon

Feinerman, American Insurance Administrators, Inc. to present Margie

Adelmann,FederationCEOwithacheckrepresentingPhiladelphiaInsurance’s

generousEducationalImprovementTaxCredit(EITC)donationfortheBrenner

FamilyEarlyLearningCenter.ChildrenfromourPre-Kclassroomsaid“cheese”

with big smiles as they showed their gratitude for this wonderful donation!

Brenner Family Early Learning Center Benefits from the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program


VIOLINS OF HOPE

Left to right: Violins of Hope author James Grymes, Federation CEO Margie Adelmann.

Author James Grymes signs books for those attending the program

On Tuesday, October 28th, the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg welcomed noted author Jay Grymes to the Mary Sachs Auditorium for an interesting and inspiring program. Mr. Grymes spoke about his book Violins of Hope, which he signed for those people who attended the program. A delightful dessert reception followed the program and book signing.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg extends a special “thank you” to the Lois Lehrman Grass Foundation for its generosity in sponsoring this event.


VIOLINS OF HOPE At Kol Nidre, sitting with my congregation, I had what I call an “ah-ha moment.”

The wonderful student rabbi, Ariana Katz, a rabbinical student at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, was speaking about sin and redemption, but to me, it brought echoes of a therapy session I had that afternoon with an adolescent. This teen, like most teens, knew there were consequences for each failure to follow parental rules. This teen knew that failure to do chores meant less allowance, and failure to comply with household computer times meant losing computer time, and failure to answer the phone when a parent called meant no phone for so many days. This teen also got that failure to study or complete homework meant bad grades and restriction at home until the grades came up. But what they struggled with, as do many teens, is the impact on the parent-child relationship when they choose not to follow the rules.

So when Ms. Katz spoke the following, my ears perked up and I got that electric feeling of connections between the words she spoke and my work as an adolescent therapist. This is a direct quote from the sermon that Ms. Katz was kind enough to send to me:

The Rambam teaches in Hilchot Teshuva that...“sin” is really one's separating themselves from the Source, from G-d. "How great is the merit of repentance! Yesterday one was separated from Hashem and today, after repenting, one merits to cleave to the Divine Presence. Today, one does Mitzvot which are pleasantly and happily accepted and Hashem even craves for them!" (Hilchos Teshuva 7:7) The returning is not as much a returning to a Righteous Life, but a returning to God. When we hurt another, or ourselves, we are actively drawing distinctions, and putting space between ourselves and our community.

And we know that... transgression begets a transgression, as it says in Pirkei Avot 4:2. The further we separate ourselves from God, or the further we separate ourselves from each other, the easier it is to continue spiraling away. The more we fight with our parents, or our partner, the easier it is to forget who they truly are, to connect deeply.

So that's a simple message. The more we separate from God, and from our community, the harder it is to get back. That's what makes (the reply) so difficult, the humility to return to how things truly can be. But at the site of return, there is purity. Simply by existing, you have worth.

This struck me because we, as adults, may not realize how much of parenting is about relationships. When a child is little, and they disobey, and you put them into time out, even in a chair in your sight, they feel separate from you, and they long for that reconnection to you, and your acceptance of them. This is why punishments can work - not that we make a child suffer

through losing privileges but because they see how hurt we are and how hurt our relationship is by their choice. Just as Hashem wants us to repent and do better, so that we may remain close to him, so do we want our child, or our teen, to repent, to do better, because it allows that relationship to stay strong, and to feel good to both sides.

When a child is young, our goal is for them to see us as the adult who will keep them safe, meet their needs, allow them to be creative and curious, and teach them what they need to learn to be successful in their lives. They also need us to love them unconditionally, to accept them for who they are, and to like who they are as people. This relationship building is not only important for correcting their behaviors, but it is essential for them to learn how to have successful relationships as adults. When they mess up, when they sin, it is the parent’s responsibility to help them return, to find a way to repent that is meaningful and will allow them to return to the fold of the family as quickly as possible.

In this vein, I have a few suggestions. One is to highlight this lesson for children. It is not enough to let them know that it is wrong to draw on the walls of the living room, or steal cookies, or come in later than agreed. Make sure the child or teen knows how it impacts you, and that the punishment includes a way for them to rebuild the damage done to your relationship. “We will have to wash and repair the wall together.” “Because you can’t eat only one cookie, there are no cookies this week, and that means I don’t get any either, and that makes me very sad.” “You came in an hour late, so you owe me an hour of worry time: tomorrow you have to help me at the grocery store where I won’t have to worry about where you are and what you are doing.”

As Ms. Katz said so clearly to me, the further we separate ourselves, the harder it is to come back. Don’t use punishment to create a big canyon between you and your teen. Create a bridge, a way for them to come back as a valued and unconditionally loved part of the family. It is best for them, and for you, and for our community.

If you have questions or comments, feel free to contact Rachel Kuhr, at JFS (717-233-1681).

Helping your teen atone –A lesson from Yom Kippur for parents

By Rachel Kuhr, LCSW, Coordinator, Mynd Works Children’s Services

Kesher Israel Congregation Welcomes Torah Tours to

HarrisburgBy Rabbi Akiva Males

The conclusion of the holiday of Sukkos at KI was greatly enhanced by the presence of eight energetic college students (four young men along with four young women) who joined our congregation through Yeshiva University’s Torah Tours program.

Now in its third decade, the Aaron and Blanche Schreiber Torah Tours program shares the Torah knowledge and enthusiasm of Yeshiva University (YU)

students with Jewish communities throughout the world. During the holiday celebration of Simchas Torah, teams of young men and women visit communities across the United States, Canada, and Europe to teach Torah classes, lead singing and dancing,

meet with synagogue youth, and create a fun and spirited Yom Tov experience. Aside from providing a wonderful amount of liveliness to KI’s services, the Torah Tours team did an excellent job at preparing and delivering thoughtful words of Torah at several of KI’s programs. The students also did a great job at interacting with everyone in the congregation. The positive feedback has been phenomenal. Here is some feedback I received from one of the YU Students:

Dear Rabbi Males and Kesher Israel Congregation, Thank you so much for your warm hospitality. Your community was so warm and welcoming -- and it really made my Yom Tov all the more enjoyable.

I learned a tremendous amount from all of the different types of people we met, and I am truly grateful to have had such a wonderful experience. Thank you! Avi Lerer (2014 Torah Tours Team) P.S. We did stop at Cabela's and it was amazing! Here's a group photo we took there.

Kesher Israel Congregation sincerely thanks:

• YeshivaUniversityfortheirongoingservicetoourcongregation• TheReid,Frankston-Morris,Powers,Salkin,andMalesfamiliesfor

housing and hosting our 2014 Torah Tours teamKesher Israel’s Rabbi Akiva Males can be reached at: rabbimales@

yahoo.com


PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

The Pennsylvania JewishCoalition (PJC) commendsGovernor Tom Corbett and the Pennsylvania Legislaturefor their passing and signing legislation to prohibit the Department of GeneralServices from entering into contracts with companies investing in Iran's energy sector. The introduction of this legislation (now Act 149 of2014) by originally sponsored by Senator Michael Stack (D-Philadelphia) in the stateSenate and RepresentativeDan Frankel (D-Allegheny)in the state House of Representatives stronglydisplays the commitment of our elected officials tocontinue their stance against terrorism in our society.“Pennsylvania’s Jewish

community appreciates

the hard work, support, and commitment of Governor Tom Corbett the Pennsylvania Senate andHouse of Representativesfor the passage and signing of this historic legislation.' commented Matt Handel, ChairmanofthePennsylvaniaJewish Coalition. ‘Iran Free Procurement is thenextstepaftertheenactmentofterror-free divestment in 2010."

Four other states: California, Florida, Indiana, and Maryland, have already passed and enacted similar efforts. Passing andenacting this legislation gives Pennsylvania a voiceto express our opposition to businesses investing or operating in countries that support and sponsor terrorism.

Act 149 of 2014 Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition Commends Governor Tom Corbettand the Pennsylvania Legislature for Their Continued Efforts to Take a Stand

against Terrorism

“Act 149 of 2014 (Iran FreeProcurement)sendsastrongmessagethatPennsylvaniansare committed to continuing their stand against acts of terrorism.' Handel continued. 'OurCommonwealth, joiningthe other states that have enacted this effort, will

reinforce the pressure to counter the atrocities of those countries supporting and sponsoring acts of terrorism.”

The Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition (PJC) is the eyes, ears, and voice in Harrisburg of the Jewish communities across Pennsylvania,

including Altoona, Erie, Harrisburg, Lehigh Valley, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reading, Wilkes- Barre, and York Jewish Federations.

Standing, left to right: Robin Schatz, Government Affairs Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia; Hank Butler, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition. Seated, left to right, Elad Strohmayer, Deputy Consul General of Israel; Governor Tom Corbett; Len Cooper, Treasurer, Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition


Saturday, NoVember 15“DANCINGWITHOURCOMMUNITYSTARS”,

6:45P.M.,JCC

tueSday, NoVember 18SENIORLUNCHPROGRAM,10A.M.,JCC,

PROGRAM:“THEJEWISHPERSPECTIVE”WITHBOBAXELROD,12:30P.M.

thurSday, NoVember 20SENIORLUNCHPROGRAM,10A.M.,JCC,PROGRAM:“MEDICARE101”ANDFRAUD

PREVENTIONWITHREBECCANURICK,12:30P.M.

tueSday, NoVember 25SENIORSTHANKSGIVINGLUNCHEONWITHENTERTAINMENTBYFRANKSINATRA,AKANORMANSPANGLER,12NOON,JCC

thurSday, NoVember 27THANKSGIVINGDAY

BUSINESSOFFICESCLOSED

Friday, NoVember 28BUSINESSOFFICESCLOSED


community calendar

including Altoona, Erie, Harrisburg, Lehigh Valley, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reading, Wilkes- Barre, and York Jewish Federations.


Remarks from the 51st JFS Annual Meeting, October 21, 2014By Barry Stein, Executive Director

Good evening. I’m Barry Stein, the new Executive Director at Jewish Family Service and I want to welcome all of you to our 51st Annual Meeting. Thank you for being here with us tonight.

This is the time of year in the Jewish world when we typically pause and take a collective deep breath. It is a time when the fall Jewish holiday Family Service, we are scrambling to catch up after many short weeks of holiday closings cycle is behind us and the Thanksgiving and Chanukah seasons are soon to come. However, at Jewish Family Service we are scrambling to catch up after many weeks of holiday closings and, quite literally, are now throwing ourselves into a New Year of activity. Oh, so

much to do and such little time to do it! And yet, we are ready for the challenge and the promise that the future holds.

The challenges are many but the opportunities are great. To begin with, Jewish Family Service has a long history of caring, a dedicated staff, devoted volunteers and a full range of transformative services stretching from birth to the twilight years. We are partners in creating families through the adoption process; we give kids struggling at school or at home the chance to feel more self-assured and accomplished; we enable older adults to live life to the fullest; we support people throughout our community who need a helping hand to overcome a financial or emotional

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Keep Herin the Pink

crisis. Many of our employees are here with us this evening; would you please stand at your seats and be acknowledged for the incredible work you do. I also want to take this opportunity to applaud the efforts of tonight’s honored volunteers, Aaron Brenner, Marcie Brenner and Tatyana Benoudiz.

Robert Kennedy once said, “You can look at what is and ask ‘why?’ Or you can look at what can be and ask ‘why not?” Thanks to all of you, our donors, volunteers, employees and funders (the Jewish Federation, United Way), JFS has completed our first fifty years of serving the Harrisburg community. And, without a doubt, the time is ripe to continue that journey for the next fifty years.

First of all, we are blessed with strong leadership. Neely Meals, is completing her term as Board President after leading the organization through a year of transitioning to a new Executive Director. I am obviously the beneficiary of that process. Karen Ball is officially assuming the role as Board President at tonight’s meeting. Karen has served on the JFS Board since 2010 and brings a high degree of energy, enthusiasm and knowledge of Greater Harrisburg to her new position. I would also like to acknowledge the dedication of all our new, continuing and departing Board members who were recognized earlier by Rabbi Kessler and are listed in your program booklet.

Second, our sister organizations

within the Jewish community are preparing to forge a promising partnership under the auspices of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg. As a matter of fact, two days from now, Margie Adelmann, my colleague from the Federation, has scheduled a meeting with various representatives from throughout the Jewish community to begin exploring ways we can better collaborate on integrating and securing funds for services to older adults and their care giving families. In a similar vein, Margie and I have discussed bringing together communal organizations to brainstorm likely collaborations to enhance the well-being of youth and their families. The message is clear; the new normal in Jewish communal services is working together to improve the quality of life for our shared constituencies.

Third, numerous United Way beneficiary agencies through the leadership of United Way of the Capital Region are moving forward with a new initiative to assess and measure community impact. Collective Impact, as United Way is referring to this initiative, will engage not-for-profit organizations, businesses, schools, places of worship, foundations and government entities in a process to identify needs, establish benchmarks for success and develop lasting solutions to pervasive challenges. The process is predicated on (a) facilitating great communication; (b) getting the right people around the table; and (c) creating consistency

in setting and measuring outcomes across organizations. JFS, indeed, has a golden opportunity to actively participate in planning, join with other non-profits in collaborative efforts and essentially assume a more significant role in the provision of vital community services.

In closing, let me pull a page out of the playbook of our Jewish tradition by sharing an enlightening story told by the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of European Chassidism. The story goes something like this:

Once a young man wished to learn how to be a blacksmith. He approached an older man, who took him on as an apprentice. Soon the young man’s technique was perfect. He had learned all the skills of the trade. But when the time came to forge iron on his own, he was a failure. Turning with pleading eyes to his teacher, he asked what he was doing wrong. His teacher said, “You have all the information, all the tools, and you’ve mastered the techniques, but you still do not know how to kindle a spark.

At Jewish Family Service we have the tools and techniques at our fingertips. What we need to do in the coming year is pay closer attention to the spark that’s there to be nurtured. By working cooperatively and seizing the opportunities that present themselves, we will build a more vibrant and comprehensive response to community needs. Please join together with me in taking the next important step in this very exciting journey.

ON THE CAMpuSSECuRITY upDATE Oneyearago,weimplementedbuilding-widesecurityprocedures.Thankyouforhelping

us to continue to enforce these procedures. The staffs of the JFGH, the Silver Academy, and the Security Committee are committed to ensuring the building and campus is a safe environmentforeveryone.Belowareremindersaboutourpractices.

• Allmembersage16yearsandolderwillberequiredtoswipetheirmembershipcard when entering the building. In the event your card is lost or stolen, please notify the AtriumStafforcall236-9555,ext.0soanewcardcanbeissued.

• AllvisitorsarerequiredtoshowaphotoID,signin,wearavisitor’sbadgeandbe escorted while in the building.

• TheBrennerFamilyEarlyLearningCenter(ELC)hasalsoadoptednewsecurity practicesfortheVaughnStreetchilddrop-offarea.Allparentshavebeenissuedakey fobtogainaccesstotheELCfromtheoutsidedoor(VaughnStreet)andtheinterior doorinsidethebuildingtotheELCfacility.TheELCstaffhasbeentrainedonnew security practices to ensure that only authorized personnel are granted access.

Weneedyourhelptoo!Ifyouseesomething-saysomething.

pLEASE SLOW DOWNThespeedlimitintheparkinglotinfrontoftheJCCis5milesperhour.Pleasefollowthe

speed limit to help us to ensure the safety of all of our members, from the very youngest to theveryoldest.THANKYOU!


Remarks from the 51st JFS Annual Meeting, October 21, 2014By Barry Stein, Executive Director


l ife cyclesynagogue lifeBETh EL TEMPLE232-0556 | www.betheltemplehbg.orgMinyan 7 a.m. daily and 5:30 p.m.Sundaymorningat9:00a.m.Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat6:00 p.m.Shabbat morning service 9:15a.m.Saturday night mincha/maariv/havdalah at same time as Friday evening candlelighting time


ChISuk EMuNA CONGREGATION 232-4851 | www.chisukemuna.org [email protected]

Weekly Minyan times: Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m.

Monday, Thursday mornings, 6:50 a.m.Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridaymornings,7a.m.Sunday through Thursday evenings,7:15p.m.Friday, November 14: ErevShabbat Service, 4:30 pmSaturday, November 15: Shabbat Morning Services begin at 9:15 a.m. MazelTot Shabbat and Junior Congregation begins at 10:00 a.m. Shabbat Mincha, Torah Study and Maariv, 4:35 p.m.Sunday, November 16: Chisuk Emuna Book Sale, Bake Saleand Yiddish Culture Series presentation, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.RoshHodesh–It’saGirlThing,3:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 22: Shabbat Morning Services begin at 9:15 am; Mincha,Maariv and Torah Study, 4:30 p.m.Friday, November 28: ErevShabbat Service, 4:20 p.m.Saturday, November 29:Shabbat Morning Services begin at 9:15 a.m. ShabbatMincha, Torah Study and Maariv, 4:25 p.m.

CONGREGATIONBETh ISRAEL Lebanon | 273-2669Visit the Congregation BethIsrael Web Site at www.congregat ion-bethisrael .org. All are welcome to our egalitarian services: Sundays

at 9 a.m., Thursdays at 7:30a.m. Our Shabbat services, led byRabbiPaulaReimers,areat7:30 p.m. on Friday eveningsand on Shabbat morning at 9:30a.m.followedbyKiddush.


CONGREGATIONBETh TIkVAhCarlisle | 245-2811 | www.bethtikvah.org


hISTORIC B’NAI JACOB Middletown | 319-3014 www.bnai-jacob.orgHistoricB’naiJacobSynagogue,Water and Nissley Streets in Middletown, offers a schedule of Shabbat and holiday services. We are a Community Shul,

all are welcome. Tel 717-319-3014 Visit our website for more information


kEShER ISRAEL CONGREGATION 238-0763 | www.kesherisrael.orgParticipate in our dailyMinyanim. Mornings: Sundays and Federal holidays at 8 a.m., Monday through Friday at 6:45 a.m. Rosh Chodesh andfastdaysat6:30a.m.Eveningservices begin at 20 minutes before sunset. Please join usforour9a.m.Shabbatmorningservices-followedbyKiddush.Please contact our OfficeManager, Cecelia Baker, at(717)238-0763for informationabout our congregation.


TEMPLE BETh ShALOM 697-2662 | www.tbshalom.orgTemple Beth Shalom’s Fridayevening Shabbat Services are at 7:15p.m,followedbyanoneginthe social hall. Services are led byRabbiDanielGrossmanandLay Leaders of Beth Shalom.Please check the websitecalendar for details. A Saturday morning Shabbat servicewillbeheldat9:00a.m.onNovember15, ledbyRabbiDanielGrossman.A special Shabbat dinner and service is planned on Friday, November 14, in celebration ofTemple Beth Shalom’s 44thAnnual Charter Night. Duringthe evening, the 2014 Josh Jacobson Award, which recognizes an individual who works to promote and support the mission of our congregation, will be presented. TheSisterhoodBookGroupwillmeet on Tuesday, November 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the homeof Eileen Kranzel, to discussthe book, “Once We Were Brothers” by Ronald Balson.Please contact Eileen [email protected] ifyou plan to attend. All women are welcome!For details on upcoming Temple Beth Shalom services andevents, check the website: http://tbshalom.org.


TEMPLE OhEV ShOLOM 233-6459 | www.ohevsholom.org


l ife cyclesynagogue life

November 14 .......................................... 4:33 p.m.

November 21 .......................................... 4:26 p.m.

November 28 .......................................... 4:22 p.m.

CANDLELIgHTINg

LAURA BROMBERG

Laura Bromberg, of Harrisburg, passed away October 23, 2014 at the Jewish Home. She was a loving wife,

devoted mother and devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. Laura was born in New York on May 23,

1915 to the late Rose and Leon Riesenberg.

She retired from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Laura was a life-time member of Hadassah, and mem-

ber of Kesher Israel Congregation. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, son Dr. Sam Bromberg, her

brothers Sam and Mac, and sisters Bea and Selma. Surviving are her daughter, Debra Rudy and husband, Dr.

Frank Rudy of Estero, FL and her son, Henry Bromberg and wife, Drea of Santa Fe, NM. She is also survived

by four grandchildren, Emilie (Gordon) Florenkowsky, Amanda ( Jeffrey) Berman, Allison and Nicole Rudy,

and by three great-grandchildren, Richard, Samuel and Lincoln, as well as many nieces and nephews. Funeral

services were held on Sunday, October 26th at the Kesher Israel Cemetery Chapel in Harrisburg.

MURIEL "MICKEY" FURMAN

Muriel "Mickey" Furman, long-time Beth El Temple member, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2014 at

the age 89. Muriel lived in Harrisburg and was born and raised in York, Pennsylvania. She was pre-deceased by

her husband Morris "Moe" Furman. Muriel is survived by her sister Jean (Robert) Lipsitt of Florida; daughter

Joyce (Alan) Torchon of Philadelphia; daughter Sandy ( Jay) Bodenstein; grandson Jeffrey Torchon; three grand-

daughters Lisa Libidinsky, Susie (Robb) Kleinman and Ellen Rome; and two great-grandchildren Abby and

Aiden Kleinman. Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 30th in the Beth El Cemetery Chapel with

Rabbi Eric Cytryn officiating. Interment followed at the Beth El Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be

made to Beth El Temple.

CARL PLATKIN

Carl Platkin, 90 of Harrisburg, passed away October 29, 2014 at the Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg. He

was the husband of the late Leonor Levinson Platkin for 44 years and father to Brenda Falk of Rockville, MD;

Charles Platkin of Harrisburg; Jerry Platkin of Boulder, CO; and David Platkin of York; grandfather to 7 and

great-grandfather to 6-1/2 and the husband of the late Esta Wolfe Platkin for 22 years. Carl was a decorated

veteran of the World War II European Theatre as a ball turret gunner on a B17 Flying Fortress in the Bloody

Hundredth Bomb Group, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal and two Purple

Hearts. He was the owner of Columbia Garment Co. with the late John Markel, his best friend and lifelong

business partner.

The funeral service was attended by immediate family. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions

to the Jewish War Veterans, http://www.jwv.org/, 1811 R Street NW Washington, DC 20009. To share on-line

condolences, please visit www.HetrickBitner.com.


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