obituaries
ADLER BERTRAM, 98, on April 4th, 2023.

Beloved husband of the late Janet
(nee Cohen); loving father of Robert
(Susan), Craig (Lynn) and Jamie (Jim)
Adler. Adoring grandfather of 7 grand-
children. Contributions in his memo-
ry may be made to Mazon, A Jewish
Response to Hunger.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
AUERBACH RIVA (nee Stark) on April 7, 2023.

Beloved wife of the late Martin; Loving
mother of Jonathan Auerbach (Karoline
Adler), Marc Auerbach, and David
Auerbach (Alison); Adoring grand-
mother of Nicholas, Gabriel, and
Phoebe. Contributions in her memory
may be made to ACCT, 111 W. Hunting
Park Ave., Phila, PA 19140, acctphilly.

org or Philly Paws, 100 N. 2nd St. (at
Arch), Phila., PA 19106, phillypaws.org
GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
BENVENESTE SHARON (nee Orenstein) on April
4, 2023. Wife of the late Albert.

Mother of Debra (Scott) Rubinsky,
Rachel (Steven) McCullough and
the late Deena (Benjamin) Pargman.

Grandmother of Sydney, Max and
Manny Pargman and Samuel Chack.

Sharon was a Past President of the
Women’s League for Conservative
Judaism in Philadelphia. Graveside
services are private. Contributions in
her memory may be made to the Torah
Fund Campaign, Women’s League
for Conservative Judaism, c/o Jewish
Theological Seminary, 3080 Broadway,
New York, NY 10027.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
CHAFETZ LAURIE (nee Lucker); Beloved wife of
the late Bruce; Loving mother of Meryl
Chafetz and Scott Chafetz (Rachel);
Dear sister of Linda Leibowitz (Stuart);
Adoring mom-mom of Dayna and
Parker. Contributions in her mem-
ory may be made to Leukemia and
Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org or a
charity of the donor’s choice.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
COREN HARRIET S. (nee Silow), Age 91, April
5, 2023, of Ventor, NJ. Beloved wife of
65 years to Benedict Coren (Coach),
who passed in April 2018. Proud moth-
er of Steven (Leslie), Bruce, and Jon
(Jaime); cherished grandmother of
Sara, Evan (Clare) and Alex and great
grandmother of Ben. Daughter of Irwin
and Dorothy Silow. Predeceased by
sisters Roberta Hausman, and Rita
Abelson. She has bequeathed to fami-
ly and friends a legacy of class, dignity,
and grace.

JOSEPH LEVINE & SONS
www.levinefuneral.com GOLDER
ROBERT B. passed away peaceful-
ly after a wonderful life of 92 years. A
leader in the paper industry, Bob was
also a community leader for 60 years.

He served as a past campaign chair
of the Jewish Federation, as well as a
past honoree & chair of its paper trade
division; he was also the former chair
of Philadelphia AIPAC, the Delaware
Valley PAC & a vice president of Beth
Shalom Congregation. Additionally, he &
his late wife Cis were major donors to
Federation & all Jewish causes, while
raising dollars & inspiring others to share
their passion. Bob is also the co-founder
of the “Cis Golder Quality of Life Grant,”
providing funds for women with financial
need as they battle breast cancer. Bob
& his late wife Cis shared a fairy tale for
marriage for 54 years, he was the be-
loved father of Ellyn Golder Saft, father-
in-law of the late Stephen Saft, grand-
father to Lauren Saft Hanulec (Steve)
& Jonathan Saft, great-grandfather to
Margot Cynthia Hanulec, brother of the
late Mervyn Golder & cherished partner
to Sandre Lustine for the past 16 years.

Please send contributions in Bob’s hon-
or to the Jewish Federation of Greater
Philadelphia, jewishphilly.org.

KAPLIN MARTIN “Marty” LARRY - April 12,
2023. Husband of Elaine “Laney”
(Nee New). Father of Philip Kaplin
and Jill (Michael) Freiman. Brother
of Janet Newman. Grandfather of
Shira, Bonnie and Matthew Freiman.

Contributions in his memory may be
made to the American Cancer Society,
www.cancer.org. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
KESSLER ARNOLD MAIER was born April 9,
1927 in Bethlehem, PA to Joseph and
Dora Kessler, the youngest of four
siblings, Natalie, Stanley, and Bernie.

He passed on April 6th, 2023. Arnold’s
life was defined by his commitment to
family, faith, social justice, and becom-
ing the president of any organization
he joined. In 1945, he was drafted
into the army, serving in Germany for
a year. Infantry training in the South
made him keenly aware of racial in-
justice. He attended Temple University
and Law School at night on the GI Bill,
leading to a successful career in civil
litigation. In 1958, he married Naomi
Winston (“my best friend”) and they
celebrated their 65th wedding anni-
versary just days before his passing.

Arnold is survived by three children
(Susan Kessler Ross, David Kessler
and Carole Kessler Rosen) and seven
grandchildren (Rebecca Rosen, Julia
Ross, Rachel Kessler, Alana Rosen,
Danielle Kessler, Adam Ross, and
Miriam Rose Kessler). Travel with fam-
ily was a highlight. Five weeks driv-
ing across the US in a Buick Electra
225 with 3 kids, winters in Florida, a
cruise to Alaska, and a celebration in
Israel with the grandkids were trea-
sured memories. Arnold was an avid
photographer; his favorite photo was
the annual grandchild photo on the
sofa. Arnold insisted that his three
children talk weekly while in college.

“Your friends may come and go; your
family is on whom you can depend.”
Arnold was a beloved leader in the
Philadelphia Jewish community. He
was chairperson of the Young Adult
Division of the Allied Jewish Appeal,
founded the Young Men’s Council, and
served as president of Jewish Family
Service and his congregation, Beth
Hillel-Beth El. “Because I am the pres-
ident,” ended most disagreements.

Arnold will serve as President of the
Gates of Heaven. As a leader of the
Philadelphia Bar Association in 1974,
he brought Jimmy Hoffa to speak to
the organization because he believed
Mr. Hoffa “gave voice to the little guy,”
as attorneys should. He loved his work
and was a respected litigator. He was
most proud when a social injustice was
corrected as the result of his efforts.

We may never enjoy a Mrs. Smith’s
pie, but it’s a safer place to work be-
cause of him. In his later years, Arnold
worried the world had become terrible.

In truth, he had tremendous hope for
the future. Extremes of political dis-
course disappointed him. Still, he
trusted his children and grandchildren
to make the world a better place. We
shall miss him and make him proud.

Contributions in memory may be
Family owned and Operated since 1883
32 APRIL 20, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT
made to Jewish Federation of Greater
Philadelphia or charity of choice.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
KRASSENSTEIN CLAIRE ANN (nee Caplan) April 10,
2023. Wife of Michael; Mother of Aryeh
Leib Yisrael (Lee) Krassenstein z”l
and Jill Rosenstein; Sister of Barbara
Slavin (Mark Goldstein) and Blanche
Kornfeld; Grandmother of Esther,
Yonatan (Rina), Matthew Reuben z”l,
Shoshi, David, and Levi. Contributions
in her memory may be made to Old
York Road Temple-Beth Am or charity
of your choice.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
KUBALL ROBERT on March 29, 2023. Beloved
husband of Susan (nee Schultz);
Loving father of Debbie Indictor
(Ken), Abby Watkins (Gregg), and
Brennan Kuball (Mandy); Dear broth-
er of Richard Kuball (Barbara) and the
late Nancy Frank; Brother-in-law of
Michael Frank; Devoted grandfather
of Hallie, Molly, Sophia, and Olivia. He
worked for Electro-Nite Co. for over
50 yrs and was loved in his industry
worldwide. Contributions in his mem-
ory may be made to Leukemia and
Lymphoma Society, 100 N. 20th St.,
Ste. 405, Phila., PA 19103.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
LANG NORMA M. (nee Dorfman), 92 of
Lansdale,PA formerly of Bensalem, PA
on April 10, 2023. Daughter of Phillip and
Elizabeth Dorfman; Beloved wife of the
late Irving; Loving mother of Sharon Shive
(Michael) and Pamela Lang; Dear sister
of Howard Dorfman (Linda) and Marilyn
Cohen; Devoted grandmother of Liza,
Jamie, Matthew, and Jack. Predeceased by
grandson Samuel Sokol. She was a lover
of books, old movies and jewelry. We would
like to thank the nurses and aides at Elm
Terrace Gardens for making her last days
comfortable. Contributions in her mem-
ory may be made to First Candle (SIDS
Alliance), 21 Locust Ave., Ste. 2 B-3, New
Canaan, CT 06840, www.firstcandle.org
GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com



d’var torah
LUBEROFF SHARON (SHERRY) on April 6, 2023.

Adored daughter of the late Lillian and
Nate; Dear cousin of the Engber fam-
ily; Devoted residence of KenCrest
Services. Sherry will be missed for her
sweet smile and pleasant disposition.

Contributions in her memory may be
made to KenCrest Services, 960 A
Harvest Dr. #100, Blue Bell, PA 19422.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
TANNENBAUM ELAINE RUTH (nee Brown)-April 6,
2023 of Margate, NJ; beloved wife
of the late Charles Tannenbaum and
the late Robert Wolfe Tepper; loving
mother of Susan Svigals (Dr. Paul)
and Sally Ware (Everett); cherished
grandmother of Bobby, Julie, Calvin
and Lucy; devoted sister of Shirley
Friedman (The late Milton). In lieu of
fl owers, contributions in Elaine’s mem-
ory may be made to the Alzheimer’s
Association, http://www.alz.org or a
charity of the donor’s choice.

JOSEPH LEVINE & SONS
www.levinefuneral.com WOLFE
DOROTHY “Dotty”, 102, of Haverford,
PA on April 5, 2023. Dotty is survived
by her daughter, Carolyn Spivak,
and grandson Paul Arthur Spivak.

Predeceased by her parents Jacob
and Helen Wexler (nee Klein); siblings,
Cece (Wexler) Cooper and Arthur
Wexler, and her husband, Martin
“Marty” Wolfe. In lieu of fl owers, dona-
tions may be made to the Quadrangle
Employee Appreciation Fund, The
Quadrangle, c/o Felicia Gonzalez,
3300 Darby Road, Haverford, PA
19041. THE DONOHUE FUNERAL HOME
www.donohuefuneralhome.com May Their Memor y
Be For a Bless ing
Th e Philadelphia Jewish Exponent
extends condolences to the families of
those who have passed.

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215-832-0700 Holy Taboo
Rabbi Ezra Weinberg
C Parshat Metzorah
an something that is taboo
somehow be holy?
Taboos are everywhere, even
in the Jewish community. The interesting
thing about taboo subjects is that you
often don’t realize they are taboo until you
start talking about them. And sometimes
you don’t even realize something is taboo
until you go through it yourself.

Here is one example: I never realized
that divorce was taboo in the Jewish
community until I got divorced myself.

More often than I could have predicted, I
experience an almost allergic reaction to
the topic, the equivalent of treif. A lot of
people don’t want to talk about it — which
is a succinct defi nition of taboo.

The Torah, on the other hand, is not
shy about diving into matters we might
consider taboo. The book of Leviticus
was extremely deliberate in handling
matters outside the bounds of what was
acceptable within the community.

In the sacrifi cial system, which was an
ancestor to Hebrew prayer, ritual objects,
as well as people, were assigned two
possible statuses: Tahor and Tameh,
which roughly translate as pure and
impure. Or as we might say today, kosher
and treif.

These designations are a signifi cant
reason these chapters are referred to
as the Holiness Code. These chapters
helped clarify the idea of holiness, a
divine trait that humans could access.

This leads me to question where the
intersection was between Tahor and
Tameh? Between holiness and taboo?
Do seemingly opposing designations
have underlying features and threads
of connection? Parshat Metzorah helps
make a link!
Repetition in the Torah, no matter how
subtle, clues us to something interest-
ing in the text. In one specifi c ritual in
Metzorah, the repetition is not subtle.

Parshat Metzorah describes the fi nal
stage of purifying someone who has
been contaminated by Tza’ra’at — a scaly
skin disease. After being exiled for seven
days and ritually cleansed and deemed
fi t to rejoin the community, there is one
more fi nal purifying ritual. It says, “The
priest shall take the blood of the guilt
off ering and put it upon the tip of the right
ear of the aff ected, the thumb of the right
hand and upon the toe of the right foot.”
(Lev 14:14)
This purifi cation ritual is almost an exact
repeat of a ritual six chapters earlier. In
parshat Tzav, it is Moses who places the
blood on Aaron and his sons. And where
does he put it? Also on the tip of the right
ear, the thumb on the right hand and
the big toe of the right foot! (Leviticus
8:23-24) from impurity. I like to imagine holiness
as a divine quality that we have only just
barely glimpsed. Perhaps holiness exists
as a continual invitation to transforma-
tion. For us today, what if we could see
the potential for holiness in something
that is taboo, a modern-day version of
what we used to think of as impurity?
How might injecting some holiness into
an experience rife with shame and social
avoidance shift our perspective?
The good news is that our tradition
already does this. Circling back to the
example of divorce, the ritual of a get is
considered a holy act of transformation
in Judaism. As a Jewish community, we
relate certain life events such as birth,
Repetition in the Torah, no matter how subtle,
clues us to something interesting in the text.

Same ritual, diff erent context. In this
case, this is not a ritual to cleanse the
unclean through contagious skin disease.

This is the fi nal initiation rite for Aaron
and his sons into the priesthood. Virtually
the same ritual. The former for welcoming
back the most defi led while the latter for
consecrating our most holy.

By using the same rite of passage,
one could argue the Torah is demon-
strating an unusual bond between Tahor
and Tameh. We usually think of them as
repellent ideas that are fundamentally in
opposition. But what if we made space to see them
as inextricably linked? The Torah does
just this. Through this blood-centric ritual,
the most outer circle, the contaminated
sick, is linked to the most inner circle, the
holy priesthood. I do not believe this is an
accident. The idea of holiness has to be more
than simply a status diff erentiating itself
marriage, death, conversion and even
divorce as elevations in holiness.

Holiness is not a concept reserved
for the most pure among us. Holiness,
and the associated rituals, is expansive
enough, as we see in Metzorah, to include
even those outside the camp. ■
Rabbi Ezra Weinberg is a Philadelphia-
based rabbi and a practitioner of confl ict
transformation. He is the founder of
ReVoice: A Journey of Discovery for
Jewish Families After Divorce. The Board
of Rabbis of Greater Philadelphia is proud
to provide diverse perspectives on Torah
commentary for the Jewish Exponent. The
opinions expressed in this column are
the author’s own and do not necessarily
refl ect the view of the Board of Rabbis.

JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 33