community review 3 18 16

pursue their scholarship and craft. Among the recipients were Marian Anderson, James Baldwin, Ralph Bunche, W. E. B. DuBois, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Gordon Parks, Jacob Lawrence and Augusta Savage.

Filmmaker Aviva Kempner, who has made it her creative mission to celebrate the untold stories of Jewish heroes and to investigate non- stereotypical images of Jews in history, was inspired to tell the story of Julius Rosenwald after attending a talk given by civil rights icon Julian Bond twelve years ago. Bond himself served as consultant on the film until his death last August.

Rosenwald is proudly presented as a joint effort of the Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival and the Mayor’s Interfaith Advisory Council. Tickets ($10) are on sale and pre-purchase is recommended: online at www.jewishharrisburg.org, by phone at 236-9555, ext. 0, and at the JCC Front Desk. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Harrisburg Public Schools Foundation.

Film provided by The National Center for Jewish Film, www.jewishfilm.org

March 18, 2016 | 8 Adar, 5776 | Vol. 90; No. 6Published by The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg | Greater Harrisburg’s Jewish Newspaper

www.jewishharrisburg.orgcommunity review

The highly acclaimed documentary Rosenwald comes to the JCC on Thursday, March 31st, at 7:00 p.m., along with its multi- award-winning creator, Aviva Kempner (The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg; Yoo Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg), who will conduct a Q&A after the screening.

This extraordinary, little-known story of a Jewish partnership with African-American communities recounts the life of Julius Rosenwald, the son of an immigrant peddler, who never finished high school but rose to become the multi-millionaire president of

Sears, Roebuck and Co., and who was one of the

20th century’s most effective philanthropists.

Inspired by the Jewish ideals of tzedakah and tikkun olam, and influenced first by the writings of, and then his personal relationship with, educator Booker T. Washington, Rosenwald used his extraordinary fortune to address America’s racial inequality directly. In the first decades of the 20th century, he joined forces with African-American communities to build over 5,300 schools throughout the South, making it possible, for the first time, for many black children to get a proper, public education under the laws of Jim Crow.

Among those who attended these schools were Tony Award winning playwright George Wolfe, poet Maya Angelou, U.S. Representative John Lewis, Pulitzer Prize winner Eugene Robinson of The Washington Post and the ancestors of US Attorney General Loretta Lynch and law professor Anita Hill.

Rosenwald also built YMCAs and housing for African-Americans to address the pressing needs of the Great Migration. Later he established a fund to award grants to a who’s who of African American intellectuals and artists so that they could

Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival teams up with Mayor’s Interfaith Advisory Council to

present acclaimed documentary, Rosenwald

CPBL Championship Winners: Back to Back X 2In what can only be described as an extraordinary night, the

JCC produced not one but two huge wins at the Central PA Basketball League Championship night on Thursday, February 11 at Harrisburg Academy. In 2015, the Girls and the Boys both won the championships. Going into the 2015-2016 season, the kids were hopeful to repeat as champions but realized it was far from a sure thing.

The Girls were the number-one seed and held off a tough Harrisburg Academy team. The boys, who were the two-seed, knocked off Carlisle Christian in a huge upset. The boys had lost to Carlisle Christian twice during the season. “The boys knew they could win it, but they were smart enough to realize they had to play their best to show everybody that they deserved to be the champions. Nothing was going to be given to them,” stated Coach Terri Travers.

Both games were close battles with the JCC very proud to repeat as champions. “Many players stepped up to play their best game of the season,” Travers continued. “Our girls’ and our boys’ teams had such a successful year. I am so proud of how hard they played, but more importantly how they proudly represented the JCC on and off the court all season long.

2 | community review | greater harrisburg’s jewish newspaper

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.

A Message from Margie Adelmann, CEO

Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg

Israel, innovation and interesting jobs! I often try to weave my message

together, but this week the only common thread seems to be that they all

start with the letter i!

In this issue of Community Review, you will read about two teens who

will travel to Israel this summer with the help of the Federation and the

Jewish Community Foundation. Shula Bronner and Yael Muroff were

awarded scholarships to experience, what I am certain will be, incredible

summers by participating in organized trips to Israel. Following their

return, I look forward to hearing about their journeys and sharing it with

you our readers. “Leich l’shalom” (go toward peace!)

Our Discover Catch program was recognized as a finalist in the Annual

Nonprofit Innovation Awards sponsored by the Central Penn Business

Journal. This extraordinary program, which we introduced in our Early

Learning Center about two years ago, competed with several other

amazing programs. We were thrilled to receive first runner-up recognition

at the awards breakfast attended by nearly 500 people on February 26th.

I have been bragging about our Discover Catch program, a coordinated

approach to child health, since we implemented the program. Awards

are always great to receive and “brag a little about”, but the outcomes

that we are seeing in the children who have participated and continue to

participate in Discover Catch is the best reward of all!

I hope that you will read the article about MarkJoseph Kasian, our

Aquatics Director. We are introducing a new series that will feature our

terrific employees who contribute to your experience at the JCC and

Federation. We are anxious to help you to get to know them and a bit

about what they do during their work day. For MarkJo, his number one

priority is your safety - but there is so much more to his job than meets

the eye!

Weaving together Israel, innovation and interesting jobs is really not

that hard after all. It’s recognition for a job well done!

L’Shalom,,

CommunityReview

Vol. 90 No. 6March 18, 2016

(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 MembersMargie Adelmann

Esther BoldesRabbi Carl Choper

Aaron DymRita Gordon

Jeanette Krebs

StaffEditor

Patti [email protected]

Interim Sales DirectorChristina Townley

717-233-0109, ext. 112ctownley@

benchmarkgroupmedia.com

Design and LayoutBenchmark Group Media

Graphic DesignerShawn Skvarna

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.

www.jewishharrisburg.org | march 18, 2016 | 3


foundation page


foundation page foundation page


Second Annual Indoor Triathlon a Great Success!

The Sports and Fitness Department at the Harrisburg JCC recently held its second annual Indoor Triathlon. The event is all about pushing for your best. Last year in the inaugural event, 12 participants took the challenge. In the second year of the event, the number doubled to 24 registrants.

Heats of 4 athletes started the race by hitting the pool for a 15-minute swim. After a short break to dry off and change, the competitors hit the spin bikes for a 2- minute ride guided by Sports and Fitness Department Chair Arthur Kravitz. The final test of endurance was to run or walk 15 minutes on the treadmills.

Participant Amy Bob stated, “What a fun morning spent at the JCC! I liked pushing myself to improve my results from last year, but most importantly I enjoyed the camaraderie of swimming, biking and running alongside my workout buddies in a friendly yet challenging event.” Rebecca Doctrow agreed, “I had a great time working out and challenging myself while cheering on my family and friends to do their best and beat their personal goals.”

Scholarship Winners will go

to Israel this Summer

The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg and the Jewish Community Foundation of Central Pennsylvania would like to congratulate Shula Bronner and Yael Muroff for winning scholarships from the Israel Scholarship Fund. What a great way to spend the summer and a wonderful opportunity to learn about Jewish life in Israel! This is also a unique way for the younger generation to explore their Jewish identity.

The Israel Scholarship Fund was created by Evelyne and Frank Bloom through the Jewish Community Foundation. Monies from this Fund provide scholarships to Jewish high school students in the Harrisburg area to help fund educational trips to Israel. All trips must be sanctioned by the Jewish Federation of North America. This competitive opportunity asked each applicant to complete several requirements including writing an essay about why a trip to Israel is so important and would strengthen their connection to the Jewish community. A committee from the Jewish Federation reviews all the essays, and this year Shula and Yael stood out as the deserving recipients of the $500 (each) scholarships.

Shula will attend Habonim Dror’s exciting five-week summer Israel adventure program, Machaneh Bonim Israel (MBI). MBI is structured for fifteen and sixteen year olds with a strong focus on leadership training and community building. Yael will attend Mach Hach Ba’aretz, a five-week educational summer tour for high school sophomores, which is part of the organization Bnei Akiva, an international Jewish youth group.

Part of Shula’s and Yael’s responsibly as award winners is to share their experience with the community upon their return. Each will compose an essay and submit photos about their trips to appear in various publications, including the Community Review. The winners will also give presentations about their trips to high school seniors, Hebrew High classes, and other interested parties. Shula and Yael sharing their stories with the community give them a chance to give back to the community, and inspire others to visit to Israel and support Jewish education and programming. Hopefully, community members will also be encouraged by the impact these scholarships can have on a young person’s life and will choose to give to the Israel Scholarship Fund or create a fund to support one of their own passions.

A very special thank you goes to Evelyne and Frank Bloom for their generous gift and forethought in creating the Israel Scholarship Fund and granting these once in a lifetime opportunities to our next generation of leaders. Also, thank you to the Jewish Community Foundation of Central PA for organizing the Fund and this program.

For more information about the Israel Endowment Fund or creating your own fund to support the community, contact Paulette Keifer, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Foundation of Central PA, at 717-236-9555 x3202 or [email protected].


The Sports and Fitness Department at the Harrisburg JCC recently held its second annual Indoor Triathlon. The event is all about pushing for your best. Last year in the inaugural event, 12 participants took the challenge. In the second year of the event, the number doubled to 24 registrants.

Heats of 4 athletes started the race by hitting the pool for a 15-minute swim. After a short break to dry off and change, the competitors hit the spin bikes for a 2- minute ride guided by Sports and Fitness Department Chair Arthur Kravitz. The final test of endurance was to run or walk 15 minutes on the treadmills.

Participant Amy Bob stated, “What a fun morning spent at the JCC! I liked pushing myself to improve my results from last year, but most importantly I enjoyed the camaraderie of swimming, biking and running alongside my workout buddies in a friendly yet challenging event.” Rebecca Doctrow agreed, “I had a great time working out and challenging myself while cheering on my family and friends to do their best and beat their personal goals.”

Caring Through Generosity Golf for a Cause – Support Benevolent Care

On June 6, 2016, the Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg will host our Second Annual Golf Tournament at Dauphin Highlands. With the help of individuals like you, the Campus exists in part today, through the generosity of its many friends. Generosity from the community helps assure that our residents receive the quality care and services they need, regardless of reimbursements provided by federal and state insurance and assistance programs.

Proceeds for this year’s tournament benefit Benevolent Care. Benevolent Care is our promise that residents who outlive their financial resources or who cannot otherwise afford to live at The Campus, will remain in our care throughout their lifetime. Last year, we raised $28,000 in support of Benevolent Care. With your help and support, we can exceed that this year. For details and Sponsorship opportunities, visit our website at www.jewishhomeharrisburg.org, and click on News.

Reservation deadline is April 28, 2016. Questions? Call Ann Myers, Director of Development at (717)441-8527 or email [email protected].

JCC Adult ProgramsClasses available at the Jewish Community Center: SilverSneakers® CLaSSIC – Have Fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement, and activity for daily living skills. Hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles, and a ball are offered for resistance, and a chair is used for seated and/or standing support. Tuesday/Thursday mornings 9:15 -10:15 a.m. AND Wednesday morning at 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Drop-in Fee $7.00 per class. Free to JCC members and SilverSneakers® participants. SilverSneakers® CaRDIO – Get up & go with an aerobic class for you – safe, heart healthy and gentle on the joints. The workout includes easy to follow low-impact movement and upper body strength, abdominal conditioning, stretching and relaxation exercises designed to energize your active lifestyle. Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:45-11:45 a.m. Drop-in Fee $7 per class. Free to JCC members and SilverSneakers® participants. SilverSneakers® YOGa – Yoga will move your whole body through a complete series of seated and standing yoga poses. Chair support is offered to safely perform a variety of postures designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of movement. Restorative breathing exercises and final relaxation will promote stress reduction and mental clarity. Mondays and Wednesdays 11:45-12:30 p.m. Drop-in Fee $7 per class. Free to JCC members and SilverSneakers® participants. Gentle Yoga – Easy Poses for those new to Yoga. One must be able to get down on to floor. Mondays at 9:45 -10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 5:00-5:45 p.m. Drop-in Fee $7 per class. Free to JCC members and SilverSneakers® participants. Zumba Gold – The class introduces easy-to-follow Zumba choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion and coordination. Perfect for beginners, or older adults. Thursdays at 11:00-11:45 a.m.SilverSplash® – Activate your aqua urge for variety! SilverSplash® offers lots of fun and shallow water moves to improve agility, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. No swimming ability is required and a special SilverSneakers® kickboard is used to develop strength, balance and coordination. Mondays/Wednesday 9:30 -10:30 a.m. Drop-in Fee $7 per class. Free to JCC members and SilverSneakers® participants.

The Jewish Community Center is offering the following senior events:Every Tuesday at 9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. SilverSneakers Classic10:30AM – Bridge, on the day we have our Business Meeting

(usually the 1st Tuesday of the month)10:30am Bridge the last Tuesday of the month

Every Thursday at 9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. – SilverSneakers Classic Senior Lunch will be served Tuesdays and Thursdays at Noon. Reservations are preferred

two days in advance if possible, but no later than 4:00PM the day before.Call Cheryl 236-9555 EXT. 3115

After-Lunch Programs are:March 17, 2016 – Rabbi Peter Kessler of Temple Ohev Sholom will speak to the group.March 21 & March 22, 2016 – AARP Safe Driving Course will meet from 12:30-4:30 p.m. You must be registered for this course with Cheryl. Cost is $15 for AARP members or $20 for non-AARP membersMarch 22, 2016 – “Mind, Body & Soul-Optimize the Chances of Avoiding Dementia” presented by MaryLynn Hawk of Home Instead Senior CareMarch 24, 2016 – Barbara Tranin Blank will present a Book Review on “Mary Sachs, Merchant Princess”March 29, 2016 – Rabbi Eric Cytryn of Beth El Temple will present a Musical Program for the Seniors.March 31, 2016 – Wear your old paint clothes we’re going to paint the lunch tables!april 5, 2016 - 10:30am – Bridge Bruce’s WayAfter Lunch, Business Meeting/Birthday Partyapril 7, 2016 – IGC Metals fund Raiser – buying Gold, Silver etc. verbal appraisals and minor repairs from 9am-4pm.After Lunch: Movie Day: “Checking Out” with Peter Falk, Laura San Giacomo, David Paymer and Judge Reinhold. A comedy about family, forgiveness and food! Running Time 1 hour, 35 minutes.april 12, 2016 - “The Jewish Perspective” moderator Bob Axelrod, Semi-retired Educational Director at Beth El Templeapril 13, 2016 – Bus Trip to King George Inn for lunch and the Bristol Riverside Theatre to see Neil Simon’s comedy “Rumors”.april 14, 2016 - Current Events discussion led by Herman Minkoffapril 19, 2016 – 11:00am Model Seder with the Silver Academy older grades.april 21, 2016 – Many of you, who have been coming to the seniors, know of the wonderful piano concerts we have heard through the years by Gabe Freedman, son of Chuck and Margaret Freedman. Gabe is very busy in college now, but I have received a wonderful CD of a concert he gave at the University of Pittsburgh last October. We will be listening to this wonderful music while doing our Bears without Borders project.april 26 and april 28, 2016 – There will be no Senior Lunch or programs during the Passover holiday.


Zumba Classes at The Jewish Homeand JCC

Alicia Smith just recently began volunteering the 1st Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at The Campus of the Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg instructing ZUMBA GOLD CHAIR/WHEEL-CHAIR classes. Smith states, “It’s truly a blessing to able to share my passion with this beautiful group of people. It made my day, and I absolutely loved every moment!” Alicia teaches regular-ly an 11a.m. Zumba Gold class, and a noontime Zumba class each week on Thursday at the JCC in Harrisburg. If you would like to come try a class at the J, call Linda (717) 236-9555, ext. 3050

The Silver Deli SuccessPastrami on Rye, kosher pickles, chip and Dr. Brown’s Cream

Soda all served at The JCC with a smile on February 22. The Silver Academy hosted The Silver Deli for one night only to launch their campaign to “Re-Stuff The Silver Academy Foun-dation.”

National Jewish Book Award winning author Ted Merwin was on hand to sign his book, “Pastrami on Rye. Many people took the time to chat with Ted and tell him all about their favor-ite Pastrami on Rye story.

Chef Josh from The Jewish Home supplied all of the meats, breads, condiments and coleslaw. Everyone was very pleased to know that we can now get good deli in Harrisburg from The Café at The Jewish Home.

“It was wonderful to see the entire community get together for a night of fun and food,” said Erin Brodsky at sixth grader at The Silver Academy. The student council baked big chocolate chip cookies and sold the sodas. There was also a very impor-tant lesson in economics taught to the students. They learned to take the amount of money that they received minus the cost of goods to learn what their net profit was. The $197 profit will be used their profits to buy a special treat for all of The Silver Academy students for Purim.

All this fun did have a cause, The Silver Academy Foundation needs to rebuild. This year with the lack of a state budget and the late passage of EITC, Education Improvement Tax Credit, the school has had to rely heavily on our Foundation. There are now naming opportunities available at The Silver Acade-my. They are also starting a Bonim Society and an Etz Chaim Society. For more information, please contact Shari Dym, the director of development, at [email protected].


Sunday Funday was a hit as the children dressed up as pirates, made art projects and decorated shark cookies. They then went on an adventurous scavenger hunt for “gold”, walked the plank around vicious sharks and alligators and found the hidden treasure chest. The program was co-sponsored by the JCC Children and Youth Department, Brenner Family Early Learning Center and PJ Library.

Pirates Sunday Funday Lots of Fun!


Sunday Funday was a hit as the children dressed up as pirates, made art projects and decorated shark cookies. They then went on an adventurous scavenger hunt for “gold”, walked the plank around vicious sharks and alligators and found the hidden treasure chest. The program was co-sponsored by the JCC Children and Youth Department, Brenner Family Early Learning Center and PJ Library.

Pirates Sunday Funday Lots of Fun!Over 20 ladies and one gentleman gathered at the JCC for a fun filled Plant Nite. The host guided the group step by step through an engaging table-top

gardening project while everyone enjoyed cocktails and snacks. The participants picked their own materials to use in their gardens including plants, colorful moss, and tiny dinosaurs. A fun time was had by all!

Plant Nite Event a Fun Evening!


New to the Harrisburg Jewish CommunityBy Oren Yagil

I have now been in Harrisburg for eleven months. Originally from Israel, I moved here from the Midwest, where I spent the past fourteen years. Since before I arrived here, I realized this is a special community, having been invited to Shabbat dinners with the Rabbi and other people I now consider friends in the community. These and many other events that led me to enjoy and appreciate being part of the Jewish community in Greater Harrisburg.

It is the very warm welcome with which I was received, the close-knit community that draws people in and leads them to stay far longer than they planned, as I met several folks who told me they came here for 2-3 years and this was 15 or 23 years ago. No doubt, this community grows on you. This is the place you’d want to stay and raise children.

In addition to the warmth of the community and its members, I was also struck by the close relationship of the Rabbis. Coming from Israel, I am sure you understand seeing reform and conservative rabbis together in one room with an orthodox rabbi is all but unheard of. Here I have found that not only do they tolerate each other, but they actually seem to get along pretty well, leading tashlich and holding other events together. I believe this does permeate in the community and impact how everyone is with each other. I feel very fortunate to live here. A community and its leaders that focus on what we have in common and what can bring us together rather than on what separates us. As an added bonus for me, an Israeli by origin, was finding the Israeli contingency that lives here. A small group of Israelis that participates in Jewish life and activities is also rare and an indicator on the quality of this community.

For me, all this together creates a very warm, welcoming, close community that I hope to make a home in. I am very grateful to many people who have been so welcoming to me, going out of their way to further connect me to more people and making me feel so at home.

I was told by many people that “what makes Harrisburg so special is that it’s two hours away from Baltimore, New York City, Philadelphia” and more, but I have found that what makes Harrisburg so special is the Jewish community as a whole and individuals within it.

AARP DRIVER SAFETY CLASS

WHERE: Jewish Community Center

3301 N. Front Street

Harrisburg, PA 17110

WHEN: March 21 and March 22, 2016

12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

8-hour classroom – no test – minimal fee ($20 to

AARP – if you belong to AARP you receive a $5

discount - price as of Jan.1, 2014)

Nation’s first and largest – Geared to your safety

needs

Learn how to compensate for age-related changes

Learn the new traffic laws

Review the rules of the road and much more

Your state law requires all auto insurance

companies provide a multi-year discount to

program graduates*

Millions of graduates; are you missing out?

Registration call Cheryl, 236-9555 ext.3115

*Most Insurance companies will give you a mini-

mum of 5% off your Insurance Premiums for three

years when completing this course! Call your Insur-

ance Company to see if you can financially benefit

from taking this class!!!

We only offer this two-day course once a year, and

you must take this course before being able to take

the one-day refresher course in the future.

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Zilbering and Dym Represent Harrisburg at Toomey’s Forum

From left: Nathan Diament, Executive Director of the OU Advocacy Center; Elliot Holtz, Co-Chairman of the PA OU Advocacy Center; Sen. Pat Toomey; Amir Goldman, Co-Chairman of the PA OU Advocacy Center; and Aaron Troodler, PA Director for the OU Advocacy Center.

ETHICAL WILLS PROGRAM REMINDER

We look forward to greeting senior members (age 75+) of our Jewish community at the Ethical Wills Project which will take place on Sunday afternoon, April 10, from 5:00-7:00 pm at the JCC. Teens from the Harrisburg Hebrew High School and local youth groups will be on hand to conduct the intergenerational interviews.

To get you started thinking about your responses, here’s a sneak preview of some of the questions the teens will be asking: What are the things you care most about?

What lessons have you learned in life?

What have been the happiest times/moment of your life?

What have been the saddest moments/times of your life?

What did you try to teach your children and grandchildren?

Talk about your home.

What inspires you?

Who are the people you have looked up to?

What you would like future generations to know most about you?

What messages or advice do you have future generations?

Please contact Lillian Rappaport at 236-9555, ext. 3402 or at [email protected] if you have any questions and/or to let her know that you’ll be joining us that afternoon.

Hebrew High Graduation Scheduled

for April 10The entire community is cordially invited to attend the

Harrisburg Hebrew High School graduation ceremony on Sunday evening, April 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center. Hebrew High graduation is achieved upon completion of five years of post B’nai Mitzvah Jewish education.

We are very proud of the students who make up the 2016 Hebrew High School graduating class:

Alison Nudel, daughter of Stephen and Gina NudelLaura Reback, daughter of James and Sharon Reback

Caroline Rubin, daughter of Stephen and Jennifer RubinKaela Shore, daughter of Matthew and Debra Shore

Tyler Swidler, son of Alan and Rhea SwidlerEli Weikert, son of Steven and Andrea Weikert

A very joyful mazel tov to our Hebrew High graduates and their families! We look forward to sharing our pride in their accomplishments with the community.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who sent cards, gifts, and well wishes following my recent surgeries. It was, and is, a source of comfort to me knowing that so many people care.

With sincere gratitude,Beverly Gorny

On Feb. 12, speaking before some 70 representatives of the Jewish community from Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania at the invitation of the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center, Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) reiterated his support for Israel and concern for its welfare from potential Iranian attack. He also vowed to consider finding a way to use public tax money to relieve a portion of the financial burden on parents sending their children to private religious institutions.

Toomey attended a by-invitation-only breakfast and community gathering at the Merion Station home of Amir and Stacy Goldman sponsored by the OU. He was joined by a cross-section of the local Jewish community, including rabbis, educators and local leaders, as well as representatives from Scranton and Harrisburg. The Silver Academy was represented by Rachel Zilbering, head of school, and Shari Dym, director of development.

For Toomey, who spoke for some 15 minutes and also took a few questions, it was an opportunity to connect in a non-political forum. “I wanted a chance to reach out to the Orthodox community so people would be able to share with me their concerns,” said Toomey afterwards.

“Talk a little about the security issues that are close to the front burner or on the front burner — just a great opportunity to have a dialogue.”

Toomey stated that he’s open to suggestions of a way to implement a rule that would defray costs for families sending their children to religious institutions, since a

good portion of their education is secular. However, Toomey cautions, it’s a complicated issue.

“I think we have a universal consensus that society has a responsibility to make sure every child gets the best education,” said Toomey. “That’s a real important value. It does not follow from that that the government has to provide that education. The government is the mechanism by which we ensure there’s an education available for that child. I have always been a big believer that the optimal way to fulfill that vision is to allow the resources — which, in this state, is property taxes — to be controlled by the parents. If you did that, you would open up a whole range of possibilities and would allow kids to get a better education. You’d create a much more competitive system which would raise the game for everybody and you’d do it at a lower cost.”

According to OU officials, having politicians like Toomey reaching out and speaking

directly with the people enables them to better appreciate each other. “I think his restatement of his commitment of the things that are important to the entire Jewish community was really big,” said Elliott Holtz, co-chair of OU Advocacy Center and chairman of the Foundation for Jewish Day Schools. “It’s great when you have all these politicians in a small setting and they give a direct, strong response to really understand their commitment.

“It’s very different when people get to speak to a politician one-on-one,” he continued. “We don’t have enough people in the Jewish community who can actually take the time, who come to listen, to hear, to support a position important to us — regardless of political affiliation. That’s one of the reasons we get involved: to make sure to provide forums for everybody at a grass roots level.”

The OU intends to offer all candidates similar opportunities to discuss the issues. “The OU is not a lobbying organization,” said Amir Goldman, who has hosted Allyson Schwartz and other candidates in recent years. “Our objective is to make sure the community is aware to get out the vote. We fundamentally believe most of the issues are bi-partisan.”

This article was adapted with permission from The Jewish Exponent article, “Toomey’s Message Hits Home at OU Meeting” dated February 12, 2016 by Jon Marks.


Board member and Early Childhood Education Committee Chair Lisa Fleming was pleased to accept the First Runner Up Award for our Discover CATCH Program at the Central

Penn Business Journal’s Nonprofit Innovation Awards breakfast. Lisa was joined at the breakfast with Andrea Weikert, Associate Executive Director and Chana Tillman, Brenner Family

Lef to right: Maria L. Royce, Senior Vice President-Strategy & Market Development/CSO, WellSpan Health Lisa Fleming, Board Member and Early Childhood Education Committee Chair Cheryl Tamasitis, AVP of Underwriting for Human Services, Philadelphia Insurance Companies Sam Bressi, President & CEO, Lancaster County Community Foundation.

Brenner Family Early Learning Center Received Award Early Learning Center (ELC) Director (not in picture).

This annual awards breakfast was attended by nearly 500 people and recognized nearly 35 finalists from organizations like ours for demonstrating resourcefulness and creativity in their operations. We were pleasantly surprised with the special recognition which came with a $1,000 donation to continue our mission!

There are countless stories that illuminate the outstanding outcomes of ELC’s new program, Discover CATCH. This nationally recognized curriculum sparked spectacular feedback since its inception in August 2014 and is the only comprehensive healthy living program for children in the local area. No other program integrates nutrition, exercise, and gardening/nature in an exciting way for children in this age group.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg wants to be proactive about the wellness of our community’s children and fulfill that need on a local level now, rather than face the consequences of unhealthy adults in the future. All children in the

ELC have access to Discover CATCH, and it is incorporated in the Creative Curriculum at no additional cost to families. The Jewish Community Center Association states “... designed to nurture a love of physical activity, provide an introduction to classroom-based gardening and nutrition, and encourage healthy eating in children ages 3-5... Little ones are motivated to walk, run, jump, dance and move their whole bodies while playing and having fun!” JCCA is the leading Jewish group in the White House’s Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnership and collaborates with First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move on CATCH to address childhood obesity, and the USDA’s People’s Garden Initiative in support of community gardens.

Discover CATCH is conducted every day, year round in our building and in the garden established specifically for this program. To learn more about Discover CATCH or to take a tour of the Center and Garden, please contact ELC Director Chana Tillman at [email protected] or 717-236-9555 ext. 3107.


The Harrisburg JCC boys’ basketball team recently hit the road and headed to Pittsburgh, PA for Presidents Day weekend. The group of 7 boys and Coach Terri Travers departed the JCC on Friday, February 12 for the first annual Tri-State Pittsburgh JCC tournament. The tournament was comprised of 6 teams including: Pittsburgh JCC, Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh, Yeshiva of Flatbush NY, Columbus Torah Academy and Fuchs Mizrachi of Cleveland.

The Harrisburg JCC played four games and went 2-1 in round-robin play, losing only in a close game to host Pittsburgh JCC. The boys pulled off wins against Hillel Academy and Columbus Torah Academy. The JCC, seeded 3rd, faced Fuchs Mizrachi in the playoffs on Monday, February 15. “We only had 7 guys and we were tired the last day, but we

JCC Basketball Boys Basketball Team travels toTri-State Tournament

Left to right: Matthew Plesco, Eli Weikert, Kearys Jackson, Devin Rosenberger, Ethan VanBuskirk, Justin Procope,

Ryan Jacobs and Coach Terri Travers.

Dueling Pianos Show a Huge Hit!

The Dueling Pianos show on Saturday, February 27 was extremely entertaining, and a huge hit!

The audience was thoroughly involved and participated throughout the entire event, laughing, clapping, singing, dancing, and loving every minute the performers were on stage. Dueling pianos involves two baby grand pianos, both facing each other. The piano players then put on an all-request show. Anything the audience wanted to hear, the players are sure to know. Whether its 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, or current, rap, country, or rock and roll. Anything you can imagine, they performed.

ELC have access to Discover CATCH, and it is incorporated in the Creative Curriculum at no additional cost to families. The Jewish Community Center Association states “... designed to nurture a love of physical activity, provide an introduction to classroom-based gardening and nutrition, and encourage healthy eating in children ages 3-5... Little ones are motivated to walk, run, jump, dance and move their whole bodies while playing and having fun!” JCCA is the leading Jewish group in the White House’s Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnership and collaborates with First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move on CATCH to address childhood obesity, and the USDA’s People’s Garden Initiative in support of community gardens.

Discover CATCH is conducted every day, year round in our building and in the garden established specifically for this program. To learn more about Discover CATCH or to take a tour of the Center and Garden, please contact ELC Director Chana Tillman at [email protected] or 717-236-9555 ext. 3107.

still managed to put up a great fight,” stated Travers. The boys were down by 22 in the second half after a very rare poor shooting performance. However, the boys never stopped playing. Travers continued, “We fought back strong and tied the game in the fourth quarter. Ultimately, we just didn’t have the

energy to pull out the win and lost the game by 3 with the final score of 69-66.”

The weekend was a great experience for the teens. The team included Eli Weikert, Kearys Jackson, Justin Procope, Devin Rosenberger, Matt Plesco, Ethan VanBuskirk and Ryan Jacobs.


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tHURSDaY, MaRCH 17Seniors Lunch Program, 11:30 a.m.,

Program: Guest Speaker Rabbi Peter Kessler

SUNDaY, MaRCH 20Purim Carnival, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., JCC

Community Blood Drive, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., JCC

Temple Ohev Sholom Purim Spiel, 2 p.m., JCC

MONDaY, MaRCH 21AARP Safe Driving Class,

12:30-4:30 p.m., JCC

tUESDaY, MaRCH 22Seniors Lunch Program, 11:30 a.m.

Program: “Mind, Body & Soul-Optimize the Chances of Avoiding Dementia” with

Mary Lynn Hawk of Home InsteadAARP Safe Driving Class,

12:30-4:30 p.m., JCC

tHURSDaY, MaRCH 24Seniors Lunch Program, 11:30 a.m.

Program: Barbara Trainin Blank will present a Book Review on “Mary Sachs, Merchant Princess” Women’s Megillah

Reading, 9 a.m.-Noon, JCC

tUESDaY, MaRCH 29Seniors Lunch Program, 11:30 a.m.,

Program: Rabbi Eric Cytryn will offer a Musical Program

tHURSDaY, MaRCH 31Seniors Lunch Program, 11:30 a.m., Program: Painting the lunch tables

Jewish Film Festival – Rosenwald program, 7 p.m., JCC

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

community calendar

A Purim Letter to Students -- and the Rest of Us

By Rabbi Akiva Males

Each year at this time, Ricki Gold leads Kesher Israel Congregation’s effort in sending out Purim Care Packages to our college students. This is a beautiful project that our Shul is proud to carry out. Over the years, many students have told me how much these care packages have meant to them. I am always happy to write a short holiday letter to be included in the package.

After writing my letter for this year’s Purim package, it struck me that while my letter was written for today’s college students, the message below is one that applies to all of us – regardless of age.

Wishing you a Happy Purim! Rabbi Akiva Males

Adar II 5776 / March 2016Dear KI students,I hope you are well. Can you believe that it’s Purim time already? I was just looking through the beginning of

chapter 3 of the Megillah of Esther, and I think there’s a message that clearly speaks to the contemporary Jewish student on campus.

Chapter 3 opens with Mordechai, a citizen of ancient Persia who was fully involved in his nation’s affairs. As a Jew, he had no problem going about his daily business and playing a completely active role in the non-Jewish society around him. But then something fundamentally different occurs: a new trend begins, with Mordechai’s contemporaries treating another human being -- Haman -- with the respect usually reserved for G-d alone.

At that point, Mordechai is forced to make a choice. Will he remain steadfast to his religious convictions, or will he go with the flow and violate his religious traditions and principles by bowing down to another human being as if he were G-d?

We all know what Mordechai chose to do and how the rest of the story played itself out. The question we need to ask ourselves is: how to react when pressured by our peers to act in a manner inconsistent with our Jewish values and traditions? How will we respond when forced to choose between social acceptance and the tenets of our rich Jewish legacy?

It is no coincidence that the Megillah concludes by calling Mordechai “HaYehudi” – the Jew (Esther 10:3). Mordechai was the ultimate proud Jew we can all look to for direction. While he played a full role in non-Jewish society and was an officer in the king’s court, Mordechai continued to hold his head up as a proud Jew. He never lost sight of his Jewish values and principles. In fact, he used those very principles to shape his decision- making process.

When the going gets tough, I hope we’ll all look to Mordechai for inspiration and guidance.Layala and I wish you a wonderful Purim!Rabbi Akiva Males [email protected]. Please stay in touch!


synagogue lifeBeth el temple232-0556 | www.betheltemplehbg.orgMinyan 7 a.m. daily and 5:30 p.m.Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m.Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00 p.m. Shabbat morning service 9:15 a.m. Saturday night mincha/maariv/havdalah at same time as Friday evening candle-lighting time.


Chisuk emuna Congregation 232-4851 | www.chisukemuna.org [email protected]: Torah Trope class with Gerry Gorelick, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.Explore the musical system of trope for reading Torah. Learners of all abilities welcome.

CongregationBeth israel Lebanon | 273-2669Visit the Congregation Beth Israel Web Site at www.congregation-beth-israel.org. All are welcome to our egalitarian services: Sundays at 9 a.m., Thursdays at 7:30 a.m. Our Shabbat services, led by Rabbi Paula Reimers, are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday evenings and on Shabbat morning at 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush.


CongregationBeth tikvah Carlisle | 245-2811www.bethtikvah.orgFriday Night Shabbat Services 7:15 p.m. Location: Asbell Center, 262 West High Street, Carlisle


historiC B’nai JaCoB Middletown | 319-3014 www.bnai-jacob.orgHistoric B’nai Jacob Synagogue, Water and Nissley Streets in Middletown, will conduct Shabbat Service and Purim Remembrance on Friday, March 25th at 7:30 p.m.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 daily Minyanim. Mornings: Sundays and Federal holidays at 8 a.m., Monday through Friday at 6:45 a.m. Rosh Chodesh and fast days at 6:30 a.m. Evening services begin at 20 minutes before sunset.Please join us for our 9 a.m. Shabbat morning services -

followed by Kiddush. Please contact our Office Manager, Cecelia Baker, at (717) 238-0763 for information about our congregation.


temple Beth shalom697-2662 | tbshalom.orgTemple Beth Shalom’s Friday evening Shabbat Services are at 7:15 p.m, followed by an oneg in the social hall. Services are led by Rabbi Daniel Grossman and Lay Leaders of Beth Shalom. Please call the office at 697-2662 or check the website calendar for details, as well as updates on when Saturday Shabbat services will be held. Rabbi Daniel Grossman will lead the Shabbat services on Friday, March 4 and April 8. Saturday morning Shabbat services, also led by Rabbi Grossman, will take

place on March 5 and April 9 at 9:00 a.m. On Saturday, March 19th at 6:00 p.m., there will be a Purim Festival/Potluck Dinner/Service with Rabbi Grossman at TBS. For details on upcoming Temple Beth Shalom services and events, check the website: http://tbshalom.org. temple ohev sholom233-6459 | www.ohevsholom.orgShabbat Service Friday, March 18, 2016, 6:00 PM, Lehrman Chapel B’nai Mitzvah, Saturday March 19, 2016, 10:30 AM, SanctuaryShabbat Service Friday, March 25, 2016, 6:00 PM, Lehrman Chapel Sisterhood Shabbat Service, Friday, April 1, 7:30 PM, Sanctuary


March 18 ....6:58 p.m.

March 25 ....7:05 p.m.

april 1 ........7:12 p.m.

Candlelighting

synagogue lifeARTHUR BERGER

Arthur L. Berger, 92, passed away on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at the Community General Osteopathic Hospital in Harrisburg, PA. Arthur was born in Brooklyn, NY on December 26, 1923 to the late Samuel & Ethel (Elster) Berger. His father owned a small jewelry and watch repair shop, and his mother was an artist. Arthur first lived with his family in a small apartment behind the Jewelry store before moving into their first house in Bellmore, NY. Arthur graduated Salutatorian from Mepham High School in Long Island, NY before continuing on to Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Leaving Wharton in his Junior Year, Arthur enlisted and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps where he started out as a meteorologist and received formal scientific training from Haverford, Yale and the University of North Carolina. He later became a radar officer. After leaving the army, Arthur went to Harvard Law School on the GI Bill and became a licensed attorney. In 1950 he moved to Harrisburg, PA and took a job at the Law Firm of McNees, Wallace & Nurick. He was hired in as their 12th lawyer, the firm today boasts well over 200 on staff lawyers. Arthur was with the firm for over 35 years, retiring as senior partner. While with the firm he started the Harrisburg Chapter of the Civil Liberties Union. Although he specialized in tax law, Arthur contributed a considerable amount of his time doing pro-bono civil rights work and even traveled to Louisiana to do Civil Rights work for the Civil Rights Movement in 1964. Also while in Harrisburg, Arthur ran for Congress as the Democratic candidate in District 19 in 1970 and 1974. In 1953 Arthur married his first wife, Jean (Schleisner) Berger, with whom he had three children. Arthur is survived by his beloved second wife, Sarah L. (Beck) Berger, his son James A. Berger & wife Jennifer Klein; his two daughters, Susan & Claudia Berger; his step-son, David Waisel & wife Laurie Ohlms; his step-daughter, Laurie Waisel & husband Scott Meit; his two sisters, Leatrice Nissen & husband Joseph and Gladys Reydman; his two granddaughters, Hanna & Teya Klein-Berger, and a large extended family. Funeral services for Arthur were held on Friday, February 26th at the Beth El Cemetery Chapel, with Rabbi Eric Cytryn officiating. Burial followed at Beth El Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Arthur's name to the American Civil Liberties Union, 125 Broad Street, 18th Floor, New York NY 10004 or to a public library of your choice. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit us at HetrickBitner.com or on Facebook.

MAX GOLDWEBERBeth El Temple Congregation shares our condolences with Amy and Rabbi Eric Cytryn on the loss of Max

Goldweber, who was 96 years old. Max Goldweber was Rabbi Cytryn's uncle. Uncle Max is survived by his daughters, Elyse and Ann, and granddaughter Gabrielle. Max was predeceased by

his beloved wife Dorothy, and two beloved sons-in-law, David Sloss and Terry Sousek. Max was Helen Cytryn's surviving sibling. Funeral services were held Friday, February 26th, at Plaza Jewish Community Chapel, with interment following at Cedar Park Cemetery in Paramus, New Jersey.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Helen and Samuel Cytryn Camp Scholarship Fund, which is part of the Beth El Temple Endowment Funds at Beth El Temple.

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