Community Review 7 10 2015

July 10, 2015 | 23 Tammuz, 5775 | Vol. 89; No. 14Published by The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg | Greater Harrisburg’s Jewish Newspaper

www.jewishharrisburg.orgcommunity review

The JCC Day and Travel Camps are in full swing, with over 200 campers enjoying these exciting programs this summer! Word of mouth – friends telling friends – has brought in many new campers this season who are having a blast, along with their seasoned camper friends! If you’re wondering what all the hype is about, we invite you to take a trip up to Green Hills any Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. You will be amazed at the many wonderful activities that the campers are enjoying each day.

As for Green Hills Swim Club, the sparkling clear pool water and the new poolside lounge chairs make it the perfect place to relax, enjoy the fresh air, and even grab a bit to eat at the Snack Bar! Green Hills is open from 1-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on weekends! So what are you waiting for? Come join the fun!

JCC SUMMER CAMP IS IN FULL SWING!Green Hills Swim Club Welcomes You!

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, CEOJewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg

A couple of months ago, I agreed to speak at the newly formed West

Shore Young Professionals “Tales from the Top” program scheduled

for July 15th at the JCC. Coincidently, July 15th marks my two-year

anniversary with the Federation. (I didn’t realize that when I said yes -

not that I would have given a different answer!) Since I said yes, I have

been given a list of questions to consider, things like what was the most

challenging professional skill to develop and why? What was the biggest

shift in your original career plan? What are my most gratifying career

accomplishments? And many more questions. When I saw the list of

questions, it stopped me in my tracks! I don’t normally think about these

questions and even more so, I have never sat in front of an audience and

answered these thoughtful questions.

Hopefully, by the time you are reading this I will have thought about my

answers and prepared my remarks since the program will be just around

the corner, but at the moment I am not really sure what I am going to

say or where I am going to begin! When I began my career, did I ever see

myself at the helm of any organization, especially a Jewish organization?

Honestly, my answer is no. So how did I get here? I can answer that

question, but why have I worked in the not-for-profit sector my entire

career, and how did I end up at the Federation? That’s a story that I will

answer on the 15th. The event is open to the entire community, and I

hope you will think about attending - not necessarily to hear my story, but

to meet the dynamic young people who are members of this group and to

welcome them to the JCC.

Now about that 2-year anniversary! I looked back at my message from

my first anniversary and told you to hold on to your hats...year two was

going to be even busier! We accomplished much during the past year and

don’t intend to slow down. There have been ups and downs, (more ups

than downs) and at times it seems that projects take longer than I would

like them to, but in good time they are completed - like the handicapped

accessible doors. I knew I wanted them the first day I walked into the

Center and had to be resourceful and patient! I am thankful that we

have them and appreciate the many thanks that I have received from our

community for this improvement.

I would never take credit for all of the accomplishments that we continue

to achieve. I know it takes a village - or in this case a community! Our

hard-working and dedicated staff, Board, volunteers, donors, members,

students, guests, vendors, repair people, everyone who walks through our

doors is helping us to accomplish our goals, and for that I say thank you!

I look forward to year 3 and, as always, welcome your suggestions, your

feedback, your compliments and your concerns.

L’Shalom,

CommunityReview

Vol. 89 No. 14July 10, 2015

(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]

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.

thurSDay, JuLy 9Seniors Lunch Program, 11:30 a.m.

Program: Discussion withKeith Malzi on “Mindfulness and

Stress Reduction”, 12:30

tuESDay, JuLy 14Seniors Lunch Program, “Bridge

Bruce’s Way”, 10:30 a.m. Program: Installation of new Senior

Adult Club Officers

WEDnESDay, JuLy 15AARP Class, 12:30-4:30 p.m., JCC

thurSDay, JuLy 16 Seniors Lunch Program, 11:30 a.m.,

JCC Program: Paint the lunch tables

tuESDay, JuLy 21Seniors Lunch Program, 11:30 a.m.

Program: Musical concert withDavid Kopp, 12:30

thurSDay, JuLy 23Seniors Lunch Program, 11:30 a.m. Program: BINGO – Prizes for all!

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

communitycalendar

www.jewishharrisburg.org | july 10, 2015 | 3

federation page


foundation page


JCC Senior Adult Club Welcomes World-renowned Musician, and Harrisburg Native, David Kopp Tuesday, July 21, 2015

The JCC Senior Adult Club is happy to announce that Harriet Kopp’s son, David will be doing an after-lunch performance for the seniors on Tuesday, July 21, 2015.

David Kopp, pianist, is Associate Director of the Boston University School of Music, where he is a member of the music theory faculty. A Harrisburg native, David holds an undergraduate degree from Harvard University and graduate degrees from Stony Brook University and Brandeis University. His teachers include Charles Rosen, Nadia Boulanger, Katja Andy, Jules Gentil, and Dorothea Ziegler. He has performed extensively as soloist and chamber musician in the United States and abroad, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe; Wigmore Hall, London; and Jordan Hall, Boston. He has appeared as concerto soloist with the Harrisburg and Hershey Symphony Orchestras and the Brandeis Symphony. With pianist Rodney Lister he has recorded four-hand music of American composers Arthur Berger, Virgil Thomson, and Harold Shapero for New World Records. He has also recorded for the CRI and ARTBSN labels. Prior to Boston University, David taught at Yale, Harvard, and the University of Washington. He is the author of the book Chromatic Transformations in Nineteenth-Century Music, published by Cambridge University Press, as well as numerous articles and essays. His first public performance, at age 5, took place in the JCC’s Mary Sachs Auditorium.

Don’t miss your chance to see and hear one of Harrisburg’s wonderful musicians. For reservations call Cheryl at 236-9555 EXT 3115 by Tuesday, July 14th, 2015. Cost for lunch and program: $10 for Senior Adult Club Members/$20 for Non-Members of the Senior Adult Club.

AARP SAFE DRIVING REFRESHER COURSEFor those of you who have taken the AARP Safe Driving

Class three years ago, there will be four classes given in 2015. The classes will be given on the following days: Wednesday, July 15, 2015, Thursday, September 10, 2015 and Thursday, October 29, 2015. All classes run from 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Since this class is concentrated, in order for the instructor to have your certification cards prepared ahead of time, when you register, you will need to have the following information ready:

Name • Address • Phone number • Date of Birth8-digit Driver’s License Number and expiration date

To get discount your AARP membership numberYOU MUST BE ABLE TO SHOW A COPY OF YOUR LAST

AARP SAFE DRIVING COURSE CERTIFICATE

Class size is limited to 32 people and the cost is (as of Jan.1, 2014) $20 (check made payable to AARP) or if you are an AARP member you get a $5 discount. To register, call Cheryl at 236-9555, Ext. 3115.

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 a.m.-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. 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.

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 Classic 10:30AM – Discussion Group, on the day we have our Business Meeting

(usually the 2nd 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:

July 9, 2015 – Keith Malzi will discuss “Mindfulness and Stress Reduction”

July 14, 2015 – “Bridge Bruce’s Way” at 10:30am

After Lunch - Installation of New Officers

July 15, 2015 – AARP Safe Driving Refresher Course

July 16, 2015 – Paint the Lunch Tables

July 21, 2015 – David Kopp, Pianist, and Associate Director of the Boston University School of Music will honor us with a concert.

Cost $10 for Senior Adult Club Members/$20 for Non-Members of the Senior Adult Club

July 22, 2015 – Bus Trip to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse in New Jersey to see “Twist and Shout”

July 23, 2015 – Bingo – Prizes for All!!!

July 28, 2015 – “Bridge Bruce’s Way” at 10:30am After Lunch – John Maietta will present a lecture on “L’Chaim! A Short History of Beer and Wine” – “Liquid Bread” and “Bottled Poetry.” Beer and wine have been called these – and a lot more – over the last 10,000 years. This program offers a lively look at the history and cultural significance of our two most common “adult beverages.” From the drinking parties of ancient Greece, to the pious brew masters of medieval Europe, to the fads that drive the commercial market today, you’ll gain enough insight to quench the most ardent thirst for alcoholic knowledge.

July 30, 2015 – Bears Project: Knit, Stuff and Sew the Bears for children in South America



Volunteers at JFS Can Come In a Variety of AgesBy Lori Weitzman

Shachar Bluth (top left) and her Sisters

Our community has been blessed over the years to have families reside here for a few years

from our beautiful homeland, Israel. Their involvement makes an impact on those of us who

live here permanently, as well as those who return to Israel. Our small town that we call

Harrisburg grows in size by the overwhelming amount of support that we have throughout

our Jewish community. I consider this one of the special gifts that we offer here, especially

when raising a family.

Along with this support is finding ways to give back for those who strive to help people

in need. Avi and Adi Bluth came to Harrisburg with their five beautiful daughters. They

became a presence here in Harrisburg, being part of the JCC, The Silver Academy, and

Kesher Israel. Before returning to Israel in June, Avi wanted to find a way for his daughter,

Shachar, 12 years old, to give back to the community. With some coordination by one of

JFS’s long-time volunteers, Julie Sherman, we were able to make this work. On Tuesday

May 12th, Avi, Julie, and all five of his daughters drove out to The Jewish Home following

school and learned the process of packing meals for our Kosher Meals on Wheels program

at JFS. They were Julie’s assistants and all took part in the experience. It was a beautiful act

of mitzvot. Because the people receiving this food were not going to have the opportunity

to thank this wonderful family for their help that day, their volunteering was “anonymous.”

When we do acts of kindness anonymously, whether it is giving money or donating our time

in some way, this is truly considered to be the highest form of mitzvot.

By the end of the visit, Avi was also busy preparing the supplies for the next delivery day,

along with Shachar. They were wonderful, hard workers and had much enthusiasm about

taking part in our program.

Special thanks goes out to Julie for her willingness to take the extra time to meet with the

Bluths later than her usually scheduled time for packing and right before the Jewish Film

Festival opening! Your years of dedication to the KMOW Program are so appreciated!

If you know someone who would benefit from receiving Kosher Meals on Wheels, please

contact Jewish Family Service ( JFS) to make a referral. The program is for individuals age 60

and over. Meals can be paid for privately, or some individuals may qualify for assistance from

Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging. If you would be interested in becoming a volunteer

for Kosher Meals on Wheels, please contact Lori Weitzman at 717-233-1681.






By Rabbi Eric CytrynIt began as a friendly conversation on a rooftop in Jerusalem during a heatwave. It was

Erev Kol Nidrei in 1973 and I was discussing, with a group of friends, the future of the State of Israel. We were on the roof because the apartment was a sauna. Ironically, perhaps, we were on Jabotinsky Street, named after the leader of the revisionist school of Zionism who believed that “there are two sides to the Jordan River: this side is ours, and the other one as well!” I was talking with friends about the future of the Occupied Territories, when you could still call them that and not be labeled “anti-Zionist” or “a peacenik.” That year in Israel began my journey towards believing that implementation of “The Two State Solution” is the only possible road to peace between the Israeli and Palestinian people.

Forty-two years later, I teamed with Reverend Russell Sullivan of Pine Street Presbyterian Church to participate in a mission to the Holy Land sponsored by the newly formed “Interfaith Partners for Peace.” I have spoken about this mission often since our return six weeks ago, and Rev. Sullivan shared his insights about the mission at Beth El Temple at Friday Night services on June 12.

The following is an edited version of a sermon I gave on the Shabbat of Eliya Stein’s Bat Mitzvah celebration, just three days after I had returned from Israel. It is entitled: How Do We Teach Our Four Children to Embrace “The Other?”

Shabbat Shalom. Mazal Tov to the Steins and the Lerners on Eliya’s becoming a Bat Mitzvah; may you continue to have great joy and nachas from your children and your grandchildren.

This transition from childhood to young adulthood, which the Bat Mitzvah ceremony marks, is a moment - a spiritual snapshot - we take to reflect on the joys of childhood and the challenges of adolescence. The playfulness at which our children usually excel gives way to the growing pains of the teenage years;

This struggle, as Erik Erikson wrote about extensively, is a quest for fidelity and identity. The child transitions from what is done or given to them to envelop what the teenager does on her own behalf to transform herself, her relationship and her world. Adolescents struggle to discover their identity,

And you’ll hear tomorrow from Eliya that she has taken some compassionate and very mature first steps towards that end.

In our tradition, the four children of the Passover Hagadah, who we speak of and respond to at our Sedarim challenge us to find answers suitable to our historical predicament and our social reality.

I’ve just returned from an Interfaith Partners for Peace Mission to Israel, where these questions were paramount: “How do we educate our children to embrace the other, to live at peace beside those with whom they have been taught they have nothing in common and everything to distrust? Is it possible to do this in an atmosphere of mutual mistrust, mutual antagonism, and, as it seems in too many cases, mutual hatred between Arab and Israeli, Israeli and Palestinian, between Jew, Christian and Moslem?”

Those are very big questions. Who were asking these questions? Twelve pairs of Ministers and Rabbis from all over the United States, Ministers from different Main-Line Protestant Denominations and Rabbis from the varieties of Jewish Movements. There were some additional participants, making up a busload of 28 all together, plus our guide and driver.

Our Seven Day Mission included meetings with a few politicians but mostly with civilian leaders of grass-roots organizations that are making a difference as they bring together Israeli and Palestinian, Jew, Christian and Moslem, children, teens, and adults. To break the nascent stereotypes and to get to know each other they play together, study together and break bread to forge a better future for all the people of this challenging region, a “Holy” land shared by three monotheistic faiths, many “Chosen People” in the too often Promised Land.

Two examples will suffice this evening: this past Sunday we met with two organizations that bring together children and their parents from the different religious and ethnic divides.

The first organization is called “Kids4Peace.” This group strives to build interfaith communities that embody a culture of peace and empower a movement for change. From their website, this organization embraces the following values: DIVERSITY in family background, political perspective, and religious practice; EQUALITY among women and men, religions and cultures, nations and peoples; SENSITIVITY toward the pain, struggle and risk of living together; SPIRITUALITY as a source of strength, courage, and wisdom;

CONNECTIVITY across our global community and RESPECT for the experiences, beliefs, and choices of others, including those most different.

Mohammed, the current co-director of “Kids4Peace” and Meredith Rothbart, a native of Allentown who now lives in Jerusalem together presented this 13 year old organization’s mission and vision for a future filled with Israelis and Palestinians who know and respect their own and each other’s personal and national narratives with an appreciation that acceptance of the other must not be predicated on the negation of the self. This was the key messages

of every organization with whom we met; namely, that to accept the Palestinian narrative of victimization does not mean that we negate our own Jewish-Israeli narrative of victimization, and that the path towards peace includes recognition of two traumatized people needing to accept the legitimacy of their enemies’ claims while affirming their own claims to the land and to justice. Empowerment of the other is a first step towards peaceful coexistence and peace.

Through a network of local chapters, Kids4Peace operates five international summer camps and a six-year, year-round program for more than 250 Palestinian, Israeli and North American youth each year. Kids4Peace spreads the message that “Together, Peace is Possible.” Each child, each counselor and each parent is an ambassador of hope who challenge cynical voices and commit to creating a better future. Kids4Peace are trying to change the conversation — to bring new questions and new answers to the struggle for peace, new answers that are based in real relationships of trust and understanding.

Kids4Peace is a very inspiring and courageous organization. The second organization is the “Hand in Hand School System”“yad b’yad” in Hebrew -

and they currently have 5 public schools - including one we visited in Jerusalem - which bring together the same diverse population

As Kids4Peace with the same goal of created an environment where mutual respect can replace mutual contempt and children and their parents can learn together, play together and become friends.

Hand in Hand’s goal is to at least double their school population in the coming decade and expand their vision to create a strong, inclusive, shared society in Israel through a network of Jewish-Arab integrated and bilingual schools and organized communities.

These are two of the dozen or so organizations we experienced who are led by grass roots organizers, brave women and men who are making a difference.

Before I left on this mission, I spoke about people in Israel and Palestine who are striving to create an environment - to change the current atmosphere of mistrust and contempt to one of mutual acceptance and respect - so that the politicians will have no other choice than to work more vigorously for peaceful coexistence between Israeli and Palestinian, Jew, Muslim and Christian.

In traditionally dramatic Jewish terms, how do we help to create “The Wise Child” where wisdom must be defined as knowing one’s own self and faith and connection to the land and who, at the same time, respecting the other’s own self, faith and connection? How do those wise children build a new consensus based on mutual acceptance and, dare we say it tonight, love?

The Hand in Hand Schools and Kids4Peace are two organizations which are striving to reframe the questions and empower children and parents to find new answers that can work in a new reality. They are striving to change the conversation from “we cannot possibly do that” to “let’s make that happen.”

One final thought relates to the issues of peace and justice. (I am grateful to my colleague and friend Jamie Gibson for reminding me of this conversation.) After Shabbat in Jerusalem we met with the journalist and author Yossi Klein Halevi who shared with us this wisdom. He asked, “You know what I’m going to do when a peace agreement is signed? I’m going to go into mourning, a deep mourning.” Why? “Because as a religious Jew, I am connected to the city of Hevron, a city in which Jews have lived for thousands of years without interruption. It is the second holiest city in Judaism, after Jerusalem, with Tiberius coming in third. Peace and a Palestinian state will mean that I will have to give back this city that is so much a part of my Jewish religious heritage and history. How could I do anything but mourn?”

“But,” he said, “I know that I’m not the only one who will be in mourning. You see, I know Palestinians who have longed to return to Jaffa since the establishment of the state of Israel. I have interviewed Palestinians all of the territories and Gaza, and I know that they ache with a longing for their former homes with the same passion that I have for Hevron. And the day a peace agreement is signed, my Palestinian friends are going to go into mourning, too. For they will have given up, once and for all, any hope of returning to their homes in Jaffa and Haifa and Lydda and so many other places.”

“You see, my friends,” he said, looking right into our astonished faces, “peace, if it comes, will enshrine a profound injustice as a permanent part of our landscape. And yet, it may well be worth it. Peace is worth many compromises, even risks. But please don’t ask me to celebrate it, especially when it can only come with such harsh injustice to the causes of both sides.”

What Yossi Klein Halevi was pointing out is that sometimes the values of justice and peace are incompatible. As Americans we have a difficult time considering the possibility that the price of insisting on justice for both sides means there can never be peace. Many Israelis and Palestinians consider that possibility each day they ponder their future.

Each Shabbat morning we pray Psalm 34 which commands those who desire life, favoring long years to see goodness to “seek peace and pursue it.” Perhaps, in light of Yossi’s insightful wisdom, it is time to recognize that perhaps today God seeks peace, even at the cost of justice.

Reverend Russell Sullivan and Rabbi Eric Cytryn Participate inThe Interfaith Partners for Peace Mission to Israel and Palestine

synagogue life


Dear Harrisburg Jewish Community,All of us were sickened by the cold-blooded massacre which took place at the Emanuel AME

Church in Charleston, SC on June 17th. I thought it was important for me to share the letter I sent soon after to the three AME affiliated churches in the Harrisburg area. Rabbi Akiva Males Kesher Israel Congregation

June 24, 2015Bethel AME Church 1721 North Fifth Street Harrisburg, PA 17102Dear Bethel AME Church,

I hope you are well. My name is Akiva Males, and I serve as the rabbi of Kesher Israel Congregation – Harrisburg’s Orthodox synagogue.

On behalf of my congregation, I extend to you our deepest condolences upon the horrible murders which took place last week in the Emanuel AME Church of Charleston, SC. Together with Jewish congregations around the world, we are absolutely revolted by this awful incident. We can only imagine how this gut-wrenching crime has affected your congregational family.

The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) is the rabbinical body in which I am actively involved. Just after the horrific shootings, the leadership of the RCA sent the letter below to the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC. I share this letter with you, as it truly conveys our congregation’s feelings upon this abominable event.

To the Members of the Emanuel AME Church,As fellow human beings created in the image of God, as fellow Americans, and as members of a

people that shares the experiences of discrimination and murder based on faith and ethnicity, we, the

largest collection of Orthodox Jewish rabbis in the nation, express to you our outrage at the murders of nine of your brothers and sisters, including your pastor, the Rev. Clementa Pinckney.

We extend to you, and to their families, our deepest expressions of condolence and pledge to work with you, and other people of faith, to bring an end to violence and discrimination, and to the hatreds that so many of us hoped had waned which have returned with virulent force. We act in the spirit of consolation that came to us in our recent time of need, when Palestinian terrorists entered a place of worship during

services and massacred four rabbis, and letters of support came to us from fellow Americans.May the prophecy of Isaiah be fulfilled for you and your community, "The moon will shine like

the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the Lord binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted (30:26)" and "Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end (Isaiah 60:20)."

Sincerely yours, President Rabbi Leonard Matanky Executive Vice President Rabbi Mark Dratch

May G-d bless you – and all AME churches – with the comfort that only He can provide. Sincerely, Rabbi Akiva Males

Kesher Israel Congregation’s Rabbi Akiva Males can be reached at [email protected]

of every organization with whom we met; namely, that to accept the Palestinian narrative of victimization does not mean that we negate our own Jewish-Israeli narrative of victimization, and that the path towards peace includes recognition of two traumatized people needing to accept the legitimacy of their enemies’ claims while affirming their own claims to the land and to justice. Empowerment of the other is a first step towards peaceful coexistence and peace.

Through a network of local chapters, Kids4Peace operates five international summer camps and a six-year, year-round program for more than 250 Palestinian, Israeli and North American youth each year. Kids4Peace spreads the message that “Together, Peace is Possible.” Each child, each counselor and each parent is an ambassador of hope who challenge cynical voices and commit to creating a better future. Kids4Peace are trying to change the conversation — to bring new questions and new answers to the struggle for peace, new answers that are based in real relationships of trust and understanding.

Kids4Peace is a very inspiring and courageous organization. The second organization is the “Hand in Hand School System”“yad b’yad” in Hebrew -

and they currently have 5 public schools - including one we visited in Jerusalem - which bring together the same diverse population

As Kids4Peace with the same goal of created an environment where mutual respect can replace mutual contempt and children and their parents can learn together, play together and become friends.

Hand in Hand’s goal is to at least double their school population in the coming decade and expand their vision to create a strong, inclusive, shared society in Israel through a network of Jewish-Arab integrated and bilingual schools and organized communities.

These are two of the dozen or so organizations we experienced who are led by grass roots organizers, brave women and men who are making a difference.

Before I left on this mission, I spoke about people in Israel and Palestine who are striving to create an environment - to change the current atmosphere of mistrust and contempt to one of mutual acceptance and respect - so that the politicians will have no other choice than to work more vigorously for peaceful coexistence between Israeli and Palestinian, Jew, Muslim and Christian.

In traditionally dramatic Jewish terms, how do we help to create “The Wise Child” where wisdom must be defined as knowing one’s own self and faith and connection to the land and who, at the same time, respecting the other’s own self, faith and connection? How do those wise children build a new consensus based on mutual acceptance and, dare we say it tonight, love?

The Hand in Hand Schools and Kids4Peace are two organizations which are striving to reframe the questions and empower children and parents to find new answers that can work in a new reality. They are striving to change the conversation from “we cannot possibly do that” to “let’s make that happen.”

One final thought relates to the issues of peace and justice. (I am grateful to my colleague and friend Jamie Gibson for reminding me of this conversation.) After Shabbat in Jerusalem we met with the journalist and author Yossi Klein Halevi who shared with us this wisdom. He asked, “You know what I’m going to do when a peace agreement is signed? I’m going to go into mourning, a deep mourning.” Why? “Because as a religious Jew, I am connected to the city of Hevron, a city in which Jews have lived for thousands of years without interruption. It is the second holiest city in Judaism, after Jerusalem, with Tiberius coming in third. Peace and a Palestinian state will mean that I will have to give back this city that is so much a part of my Jewish religious heritage and history. How could I do anything but mourn?”

“But,” he said, “I know that I’m not the only one who will be in mourning. You see, I know Palestinians who have longed to return to Jaffa since the establishment of the state of Israel. I have interviewed Palestinians all of the territories and Gaza, and I know that they ache with a longing for their former homes with the same passion that I have for Hevron. And the day a peace agreement is signed, my Palestinian friends are going to go into mourning, too. For they will have given up, once and for all, any hope of returning to their homes in Jaffa and Haifa and Lydda and so many other places.”

“You see, my friends,” he said, looking right into our astonished faces, “peace, if it comes, will enshrine a profound injustice as a permanent part of our landscape. And yet, it may well be worth it. Peace is worth many compromises, even risks. But please don’t ask me to celebrate it, especially when it can only come with such harsh injustice to the causes of both sides.”

What Yossi Klein Halevi was pointing out is that sometimes the values of justice and peace are incompatible. As Americans we have a difficult time considering the possibility that the price of insisting on justice for both sides means there can never be peace. Many Israelis and Palestinians consider that possibility each day they ponder their future.

Each Shabbat morning we pray Psalm 34 which commands those who desire life, favoring long years to see goodness to “seek peace and pursue it.” Perhaps, in light of Yossi’s insightful wisdom, it is time to recognize that perhaps today God seeks peace, even at the cost of justice.

Reverend Russell Sullivan and Rabbi Eric Cytryn Participate inThe Interfaith Partners for Peace Mission to Israel and Palestine

synagogue life synagogue life


l ife cyclesynagogue lifeBeth el temple232-0556 | www.betheltemplehbg.org

Minyan 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]

Weekly Minyan times: Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m.Monday, Thursday mornings, 6:50 a.m.Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, 7 a.m. Sunday through Thursday evenings, 7:15 p.m..

Congregation Beth israel Lebanon | 273-2669

Visit the Congregation Beth Israel Web Site at www.congregation-beth-israel.orgAll 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.


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

Shabbat Services:July 10, 24August 7, 21

Everyone is welcome to join us!PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

historiC B’nai JaCoB Middletown | 319-3014 | www.bnai-jacob.org

Historic B’nai Jacob Synagogue, Water and Nissley Streets in Middletown, will conduct Shabbat Service and 111th Anniversary of the founding of the region’s oldest Shul on Friday, July 10th 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.org

Participate 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 shalom 697-2662 | www.tbshalom.org

Temple 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 check the website calendar for details. Saturday Shabbat services, led by Rabbi Grossman, will be held on July 11 and 25 at 9:00 a.m.On Friday, July 10, following the Shabbat service, a special reception will be held honoring long-time and very active members, Carol and Arnold Hillman, who will be moving out of the area at the end of July. Temple members wishing to attend should RSVP to Eileen Kranzel at 766-8022 or [email protected] by July 6th. For details on upcoming Temple Beth Shalom services and events, check the website: http://tbshalom.org.


temple ohev sholom 233-6459 | www.ohevsholom.org

HERBERT S. COHEN Herbert S. Cohen passed away

peacefully on June 18, 2015 at The Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg. Born in Harrisburg on January 8, 1927, he was the eldest son of David E. and Rose Cohen. A graduate of John Harris High School, he attended Temple University for a semester prior to entering the U.S. Army, and served as an MP in Nuremberg during the war trials there. After completing his degree from Temple University, Herb opened the Card and Gift Center at 230 N. Second Street, which his parents later maintained. On June 22, 1952, he wed Jeanette Cohen of Lancaster, PA, and they remained happily married for 63 years. Upon Herb’s graduation from Dickinson Law School in 1958, he clerked for Dauphin County judge Walter Sohn, and then joined the law practice of Moses K. Rosenberg. Later he served as Assistant District Attorney for Dauphin County, and opened his own practice prior to becoming Deputy Attorney General at the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. After three years, Herb assumed the duties of Administrative Law Judge for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, where he served for 25 years. He was a charming, funny, and kind man who will be missed by all who knew and loved him. An avid reader, Cohen was also a fervent Penn State football fan. In addition to his loving wife Jeanette, he is survived by his son Barry (Anne Mills) of Alexandria, VA and his daughter Andrea (Mark) Reisman of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, as well as his beloved granddaughters, Alyssa and Mollie Reisman. Having recently mourned the loss of his younger brother Jack (Cathy) Cohen, he is also survived by his sister Vicki Smeltz (Leonard Tintner), and his sister-in-law Lillian Gottlieb, both of Harrisburg. Cohen was a lifelong member of the Kesher Israel Synagogue Congregation. Funeral services and interment were held on Friday, June 19 at the Kesher Israel Cemetery Chapel with Rabbi Akiva Males officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg or to the Institute of the Arts in Healing (www.expressivemedia.org/donate). To leave an online condolence to the family, visit HetrickBitner.com.

BARRY J. EPSTEINBarry J. Epstein, 72, of Harrisburg,

passed away on Tuesday, June 23,


l ife cyclesynagogue life

July 10 .......8:18 p.m.

July 17 .......8:15 p.m.

July 24 .......8:09 p.m.

Candlelighting

2015 at Hershey Medical Center. He was the companion of 18 years of Linda Hall. He was born in Philadelphia on August 15, 1942, to the late Harry and Eva (Kurnick) Epstein. He graduated from Susquehanna Twp. High School as Valedictorian, then graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, and later attended Dickinson Law School and received an advanced law degree from Georgetown University. Barry worked as an attorney for over 30 years, first for the Department of Revenue, then for Kundrat & Sedor before his retirement. During his retirement, he was a member of the Clubs at Colonial Ridge, and an avid golfer. He was a member of the J.P. Associates Investment Club and he served on the Board of Directors for B’nai B’rith. He was a collector of all things interesting, and he was known for his sense of humor and great friendships. In addition to his companion, Linda Hall, he is survived by his children, Susan Epstein of San Francisco, CA, and Craig Epstein, and his wife, Sarah, also of San Francisco, CA; his brother, Harvey Epstein of Belmar, NJ; and the mother of his children, Helen Wade, of Napa, CA. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Butler. Funeral services were held on Sunday, June 28th at Mt. Moriah Cemetery Chapel in Harrisburg, with Rabbi Peter Kessler officiating. Hetrick-Bitner Funeral Home, Harrisburg handled the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be offered to B’nai B’rith or to a charity of your choice.

KENNETH EUGENE ESPENSHADE

Kenneth Eugene Espenshade, 68, of Harrisburg, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 21, 2015. Born in Harrisburg on March 2, 1947, he was the son of Julia E. Cassel Espenshade of Harrisburg and the late Carl Stout Espenshade. Kenny loved his job feeding animals at a farm in Hershey. He was a long-time member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hoernerstown. Kenny was an active participant in the Special Olympics winning many awards and ribbons. He was also an avid bike rider. Kenny will be greatly missed by his mother; two sisters, Doris J. Espenshade of Hershey, and Patricia Wilson of Dauphin; niece Jennifer Wilson and her significant other Scott Cawthern of Dauphin; nephew, Chad Wilson husband of Susan of Dauphin; and great

nephew, Cooper Wilson. He was preceded in death by a sister, Janet Marie Wilson. Funeral services were held Thursday, June 25th in the Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., Hummelstown. Interment was in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Harrisburg. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in memory of Kenny to the Special Olympics PA- Area M, P.O. Box 382, Summerdale, PA 17093. Online condolences may be shared on www.trefzandbowser.com.

PAUL CHARLES LESHKOPaul Charles Leshko, 84, died

Wednesday at Holy Spirit Hospital. Born in Wiconisco, PA on February 14, 1931, he was the eighth of nine children born to Charles (Wasily) and Mary Leshko. When he was 15, he altered his birth certificate in order to be able to enlist in the United States Army. His ruse was successful, and he was assigned to the US Army Air Corps (which became the US Air Force during his stint in USAC), and was stationed at the Nagoya Army Air Base in Japan for the next three years where he trained in meteorological observation. Upon his discharge from the Air Force, he returned home and married Patricia Ann Noel, worked at various jobs at AMP and the railroad while studying meteorology at Penn State University, and ultimately joined the National Weather Service as a meteorologist. He was posted to various weather stations around the country, including Caribou, Maine and Pittsburgh, PA, returning to Central Pennsylvania in 1972 and settling in Halifax, where he lived with his family and could be heard on the radio delivering weather broadcasts from the Federal Building in Harrisburg until his retirement in 1988. Charming and talkative, he loved reporting the weather, golfing, and working in his garden. He could tell a good story and the later the hour the funnier the story, particularly those involving his time in Japan. He had a soft heart for animals and children, regularly seeming to find stray dogs and cats that needed rescuing and making a friend of the garter snake that moved into his pool shed. He stated firmly on more than one occasion that when his time came he didn’t want flowers but would prefer that people donate the money to CARE, and also expressed the hope that his friends and family wouldn’t cry but would instead have a party that included a keg of beer. Paul’s wife

Pat predeceased him in 2012. He mourned the subsequent loss of his son, John, but is survived by his daughters Paula and Tanya, his son-in-law and best friend Len Harvey, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In deference to his wishes, he will be laid to rest without fanfare in Williamstown next to his beloved Pat, although there will not be a kegger (sorry, Dad).

WILLIAM LEVINWilliam Levin passed away

on June 21, 2015 in Cherry Hill, NJ. He was the husband of Sylvia Levin; father of Jay (Michele) Levin, Faith (Davy) Goldsmith, Robin (Arthur Herrmann) Levin and Brian (Margaret) Levin; brother of Joseph (Helene) Levin; 9 grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters. Funeral services were held on Monday, June 27th at Platt Memorial Chapels, Inc., Cherry Hill. Interment followed at Alliance Cemetery, Vineland, NJ. Contributions in William’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

RHONDA ROSENBERG SHORE

Rhonda Rosenberg Shore, 83, of Harrisburg passed away Friday, June 19, 2015 at the Community General Osteopathic Hospital. She was born in Manhattan, NY where she spent 30 years working as an accountant in the Garment District. She was the widow of Jack Rosenberg and Saul Shore and was preceded in death by her daughter, Rae Rosenberg. She is survived by her sons, Gary Rosenberg and Lenny Shore; her daughter-in-law, Barbara Shore; 8 grandchildren, Andrew, Hillary, Jeff, Rebecca, Marissa, David, Peter and Adam; and 4 great-grandchildren, Radek, Silas, Joey and Maggie. Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, June 24th in the Neill Funeral Home, Camp Hill.

ABRAHAM ROSENBLATTAbraham Rosenblatt, 98, passed

away on Sunday, June 21, 2015 at the Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg. Abraham was born in Providence, RI on November 2, 1916 to the late David and Anna Rosenblatt. Abraham proudly served his country during WWII in the United States Army. He later worked as a taxi driver in New York City. On October 23, 1943, Abraham married the love of his life, Jean Berger. They spent

67 wonderful years together before Jean’s passing.

Abraham was the oldest living member of the American Legion Post 1001. Abraham had a strong sense of family. He was a loving husband and father, and he enjoyed being around people.

In addition to his beloved wife and parents, Abraham is preceded in death by his 9 siblings and his son-in-law, Ira Shapiro. Abraham is survived by his 2 daughters: Linda Rosenblatt and Mindy Nugent; his 4 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law, a brother-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. Services for Abraham were private and at the convenience

of the family. The family would like to thank the Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg for all of the love, care and compassion that they showed to Abraham. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Jewish Home, 4000 Linglestown Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17112 or American Legion Post 1001, 225 Greenawalt Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17110. The family would also like to thank Aleshia for her great devotion. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Hetrick-Bitner Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence to the family, please visit us at HetrickBitner.com or on Facebook.


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Community Review 7 10 2015