NO WONDER HAPPY NEW YEAR! “Wonder Woman 1984” starts strong before falling flat. DECEMBER 31, 2020 / 16 TEVET 5781 PAGE 14 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM — WHAT IT MEANS TO BE JEWISH IN PHILADELPHIA — $1.00 OF NOTE LOCAL Political Rivals Find Common Ground Jonathan Tobin, Burt Siegel agree on several issues. Page 4 OPINION Crossing Bridges to Learn from Others Bridges a metaphor for bringing people and causes together. Page 10 MUSIC Ring in the New Year Check out our eclectic playlist. Page 15 Volume 133 Number 38 Published Weekly Since 1887 Planning Underway for Jewish Farm JESSE BERNSTEIN | JE STAFF THERE ARE A LOT OF WAYS to get to Doylestown from Philadelphia. You could take 202, or 611, if you wanted. You could even take back roads, if you’re a glutton for punishment. Yitzchak Glasman’s road to Doylestown, where he hopes to break ground on Shalem Farm in February, took him on a route that included years-long pit stops in France, Israel, California and all over South America. His road to Doylestown involved marrying an American, a freelance garden design business and losing his job due to the pandemic. Th e road to the future site of Shalem Farm has been as circuitous as it could be, but Glasman is hoping that the Jewish educational farm he plans to build is going to be worth the trip. “I want the farm to be a demonstration of what we can do when we use our Jewish permaculture techniques,” Glasman said. Glasman, 36, grew up on the west side of Paris in a neighborhood he said was sort of like Lower Merion (he lives Philadelphians protest on June 2 in Center City. Photo by Rob Bulmahn licensed under CC By 2.0 2020: Year in Review SOPHIE PANZER |JE STAFF IN JANUARY, the Jewish Exponent asked leaders in the Philadelphia Jewish community to share their thoughts and goals for the year ahead. No one could have anticipated that a global pandemic, social unrest and a contentious presidential election would make the year even more tumultuous than 2019, which featured multiple armed See Farm, Page 9 WE’RE A twitter ABOUT JEWISH PHILADELPHIA. attacks on Jewish communities in the United States and Europe. Th is year tested Jewish institutions, families and individuals in ways they have never been tested before. Yet, in keeping with the nearly 4,000-year history of the Jewish people, members of our community met devastation with strength, creativity and resilience. Here’s a look back at the stories the Exponent covered. Go to jewishexponent. com to read them all. See Review, Page 8 Follow us @jewishexponent THIS WEEK I N T H IS I SSU E 4 HEADLINES Local Israel National Global 10 OPINION Columns Kvetch ’n’ Kvell Einstein Healthcare Network President and CEO Barry Freedman retires. 12 LIFESTYLE & CULTURE 6 Food Arts Tina Dixon Spence bets on brick-and- mortar boutique. 12 13 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 16 TORAH COMMENTARY 17 COMMUNITY Miriam’s Advice Well Philacatessen Ho ho no? A reader writes that her 4-year-old son has announced that he wants to be Santa Claus next Halloween, and she’s concerned about the implications. Miriam notes that the reader shouldn’t worry — with Halloween 10 months away, the child likely will forget about the idea in the coming months. And if the child’s interest doesn’t fade, Santa might be an entertaining costume for the often- irreverent Purim. For details, read Miriam’s Advice Well online. From dating to parenting, Miriam welcomes all questions. Email yours to news@jewishexponent.com and put “Advice Well Question” in the subject line. jewishexponent.com/2020/12/28/dear-miriam-santa-suggestion- shakes-parent/ The start of a new year is a time for new beginnings, but if you want to start fresh, sometimes you have to deal with the old. That’s what food columnist Keri White did recently when she made a soup that took advantage of various food items in her refrigerator and pantry. She says the beauty of the soup is that just about anything you have on hand can be used. Read Philacatessen, her online blog, for the recipe. And check Philacatessen regularly for content not normally found in the printed edition, including other recipes, gift ideas, restaurant reviews and food news from around the Delaware Valley. jewishexponent.com/2020/12/28/clean-out-the-larder-soup/ SANTA SUGGESTION SHAKES PARENT Jewish Federation Deaths Calendar 20 CLASSIFIEDS CANDLE LIGHTING Jan. 1 4:29 p.m. Jan. 8 4:35 p.m. Name: Dignity Memorial Width: 9.25 in Depth: 5.5 in Color: Black Comment: JE-Combo Ad Number: 00092965 Hot beverages ideal for winter social (distancing) scene. ‘CLEAN OUT THE LARDER’ SOUP PLAN PLAN AHEAD AHEAD FOR FOR peace peace of of mind. mind. WHEN YOU MA KE YOU R FI N A L A R RANGEMENTS IN ADVANCE, WHEN YOU MA KE YOU R FI N A L A R RANGEMENTS IN ADVANCE, WHEN YOU MA KE YOU R that FI N A L A reflects R RANGEMENTS IN ADVANCE, plan passions. 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Tobin had all the makings of a knock-down, drag-’em-out cage match. Siegel is a man of the left, and Tobin, his interlocutor on the evening of Dec. 22, is a conser- vative. The combatants were told by the moderator that their answers would be timed, but that there’d be a few minutes for rebuttal. The argumentative possibilities offered by an event titled “Jews, Civil Rights, Black Lives Matter and Implications of the 2020 Election for Israel,” had the potential to go like many a family seder. But something else happened. Though the two certainly had their disagreements, the two men spoke with genial civility for more than 90 minutes in a conversation hosted by The Kehillah of Old York Road, via Zoom. In fact, Siegel and Tobin seemed to find much more common ground than contested territory. Even the latter was disputed with courtesy, regarding topics ranging from President Donald Trump to interfaith marriage to Israel’s relationship with Saudi Arabia. Siegel, a former director of the Jewish Community Relations Council and current vice chair of Democratic Jewish Outreach Pennsylvania, is a frequent commentator on hot-button political issues, appearing in the pages of the Jewish Exponent and in a blog for the Times of Israel. Tobin, former editor-in- chief of the Exponent, once led Commentary, a neoconser- vative magazine with a long Jewish history. Today, he is editor-in-chief of the Jewish News Syndicate, a wire service, and frequently contrib- utes to a raft of conservative magazines between cable news appearances. The two men have been on the opposite sides of American and Israeli political issues for years, and neither is particu- larly prone to backing off of what they believe in. And yet, the miraculous happened. Siegel joked before the event began that yearning for the end of argument between Jews was akin to prophesizing that lion will lie down with lamb. On that evening, in a conversation introduced by Rabbi Robert Leib and Rabbi David Glanzberg-Krainin, for just a moment, paw curled tenderly around hoof. It is “a wonderful Jewish tradition to disagree with one another,” Glanzberg-Krainin said, but even more so to do it with respect. Leib, senior rabbi at Old York Road Temple – Beth Am, led the structured conversa- tion, wherein questions were posed to either Tobin or Siegel, whose timed answers were met with the latter’s retort, often boomeranging back to the original speaker for further comment. Siegel had a background of the Golden Gate Bridge; Tobin sat in front of a shelf of books. Siegel said that the true impact of the Abraham Accords won’t be known for some time, and that to treat the agreement normalizing relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain as an unmitigated success for Trump was a mistake. Tobin, often willing to cede ground to Siegel’s attacks on the president’s character, defended the accords as a significant achievement, agreeing with Siegel that “Messianic rhetoric” had taken its import a bit out of proportion. Siegel and Tobin went back and forth, answering Leib’s pointed questions about the responsibilities of white Jews to their Black co-religion- ists, what the future holds for Rabbi Robert Leib (highlighted) poses a question to Jonathan Tobin (center) and Burt Siegel (middle row, far left).  Screenshot by Jesse Bernstein Jewish people in Europe and Israel advocacy on college campuses. When Leib made reference to an “epidemic of silence” regarding the response of major American Jewish organizations to anti-Semitism, Tobin redirected the conver- sation to silence regarding anti-Orthodox bigotry, and Siegel redirected to European anti-Semitism in particular. “I don’t disagree with anything Jonathan said,” Siegel said after Tobin laid out his issues with The New York Times’ 1619 Project. “This is not an issue which we disagree,” Tobin said after Siegel explained his thoughts on a particular sense of Jewish superiority. When it came to naming the biggest challenges facing American Jews going forward, Tobin and Siegel found so much common ground they were practically standing on each other’s toes. With different wording and different favored topics, both of them wished for “a healthy, proud Jewish community in America,” as Siegel said. The event was supported by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, Beth Sholom Congregation, Old York Road Temple – Beth Am, Congregation Adath Jeshurun, Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel and Or Hadash: A Reconstructionist Congregation. l jbernstein@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0740 Those We’ve Lost: Attorney Bernice Bricklin OB ITUARY JESSE BERNSTEIN | JE STAFF THE LAST TIME that Lila Bricklin communicated with her mother, Bernice Bricklin, she sang to her. The song was familiar to them both. The Bricklin sisters, Lila, Shoshana and Aliza, were 4 DECEMBER 31, 2020 put to sleep as children with Hebrew lullabies chosen for the match between name and lyric. Lila was sent to slumber with “Laila laila, haru’ach goveret”; Shoshana, with “Shnei shoshanim, shnei shoshanim”; and Aliza, with “Hanan v’Aliza utzu basadeh.” On the night before her mother died at 93 from complications of COVID-19, Lila sang all that she could remember of “Laila, laila.” The aide who held a phone to her mother’s ear told Lila that Bernice Bricklin moved her foot a bit in response. She died the next day, Dec. 19. Bricklin (née Krauss), was born in Feltonville in 1927. After raising three daughters, JEWISH EXPONENT Bricklin, a woman of firmly held beliefs with no compunc- tion about voicing them, earned a bachelor’s degree from Beaver College (now Arcadia University) and a law degree from Temple University. She spent the decade prior to her college education fighting in the trenches of the great social debates, organizing for the National Women’s Political Caucus, lobbying for nuclear disarmament and working for draft counseling groups during the Vietnam War. She marched for the Equal Rights Amendment as well. Her political vitality was rivaled by her passion for mothering. Bernice Bricklin was an enthusiastic singer and JEWISHEXPONENT.COM H EADLINES had a knack for cooking fl eishig dishes with seemingly milchig ingredients, but that were, in fact, pareve. She taught her daughters how to cook, how to sing and how to do both as Jewish women. More than that, she taught them how their Jewish femininity was connected to their responsibili- ties to the people around them. “She had boundless energy,” Lila Bricklin said. “Even well into her 70s, she could outpace you or me.” Aft er becoming a lawyer, Bricklin brought a new dimension toward her work of creating a more just world. Virtual Dementia Support Groups Specially Designed for Families and Caregivers on Zoom The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the Month January 5 and January 19, 2021 10:00 am - 11:00 am Bernice Bricklin died from complications of COVID-19 at the age of 93. Courtesy of Lila Bricklin “I’ve tried to hold on to what she passed on to us. In the fight for justice, particularly.” Joining is easy! Call 215.321.6166 or e-mail Yardley@arden-courts.com to register and receive the link to join the support group. You do not need to download the Zoom application to join the event. SHOSHANA BRICKLIN Memory Care Community She gave countless hours to organizations like the Freedom Valley Girl Scout Council, the Jewish Community Relations Council, the Center for Empowerment of Women and the Green Tree Run Condominium Association. She was a founding member of the Whitemarsh Valley Fair Housing Council, a Democratic committeeperson and an advocate for victims of domestic abuse. Bricklin worked on Sam Katz’s 2003 mayoral campaign and C. Dolores Tucker’s congressional campaign. She loved Judaism and was a fi erce feminist, Shoshana Bricklin said, recalling her mother as a “force of nature.” Her mother was a key player in the earlier days of organized Reconstructionist Judaism, serving on the Federation of Reconst r uc t ionist Congregations. It was with Bernice Bricklin’s contribution that the fi rst iteration of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College was brought to Broad Street. A lifelong learner, Bricklin had learned with RRC cofounders Mordecai Kaplan and Ira Eiesenstein, and found their vision of the world worth pursuing. “I’ve tried to hold on to what she passed on to us,” said Shoshana Bricklin, who is an ordained kohelet. “In the fi ght for justice, particularly.” Bricklin, suffering from dementia in her later years, lived in Cathedral Village from 2007 until her death. Bricklin is survived by her daughters, Shoshana (Bert), Lila and Aliza (Andy), and four grandchildren. She was prede- ceased by longtime companion Cy Keller. ● If you are caring for someone with dementia, who is caring for you? You are not alone. This virtual informational, supportive group will help you to learn more about the disease as well as understand their feelings about the changes dementia has made on their daily lives. Support groups can also help you: • • • • Learn practical caregiving information Get mutual support Learn about your local community resources Find solutions to challenging behaviors arden-courts.org jbernstein@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0740 13899_Yardley_Jan_5.5x11.indd 1 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM JEWISH EXPONENT 12/18/20 12:03 PM DECEMBER 31, 2020 5 H eadlines Einstein CEO Retires After 18 Years at Helm L OCA L SOPHIE PANZER | JE STAFF Some people retire when they feel their career has reached a natural stopping point, but nothing about 2020 felt natural for Barry Freedman. The president and CEO of Einstein Healthcare Network was hospitalized twice for respiratory issues in the past two years, so he spent a large part of his last year at Einstein working from home. The coronavirus pandemic has strenuously tested medical centers like Einstein, but Freedman said seeing his staff’s response to the crisis and the heroism of front-line workers actually makes him feel better about his Dec. 31 retirement. “If I hadn’t seen how well our team performed during this pandemic, and if I didn’t know how great a leadership team exists there both clini- cally and administratively, it would make it hard,” he said. “But I know the team has such capability that I don’t worry about the institution. I can leave with the comfort that they will continue to do very well going forward without me.” Freedman, 72, has worked at Einstein for 18 years and in health care for 49. He was presi- dent and CEO of the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York prior to taking his position at Einstein. Back then, he never imagined leaving New York, but found himself drawn to Einstein’s mission as well as Philadelphia’s arts, culture and community. Looking back on nearly two decades leading the network, Freedman is especially proud of overseeing projects that represent its mission to serve communities in need. One was an early expansion of the obstetrics department. Between the late ’90s and 2010, 6 DECEMBER 31, 2020 Barry Freedman Photo by Wesley Hilton imagine,” he said. The board then discovered an opportunity to acquire a hospital in Elkins Park less than five miles from the Broad Street location, which allowed them to relocate the rehabilita- tion program into a much larger space and expand research and outpatient services. The MossRehab facilities now serve North Philadelphia as well as patients in Montgomery County. A third major project was Einstein’s merger with Montgomery Hospital Medical Center. The latter did not have the ability to expand on its own, so Einstein acquired the building and created Einstein Medical Center Montgomery to serve the Norristown area and expand its market presence. “We thank Barry for his tireless efforts and strategic vision over the past two decades,” said Lawrence Reichlin, chairman of the and having everybody buy into that helped, but I also think being open and transparent and being a good listener helped,” he said. “If you don’t have a participatory style, I don’t think you ever get to the kind of culture that we have at Einstein, which is, I think, my most important legacy.” Einstein’s Board of Trustees appointed Ken Levitan to serve as interim CEO when Freedman departs. Levitan has worked at Einstein for more than 13 years, and most recently served as executive vice president and chief admin- istrative officer and as the lead of the Incident Command Center during the COVID-19 pandemic. Freedman has promised himself not to overcommit during the first six months of retirement, when he wants to focus on establishing a regular workout routine. He also plans to continue to help the Board of If I hadn’t seen how well our team performed during this pandemic, and if I didn’t know how great a leadership team exists there both clinically and administratively, it would make it hard. But I know the team has such capability that I don’t worry about the institution. I can leave with the comfort that they will continue to do very well going forward without me.” BARRY FREEDMAN hospitals in the region were losing money, and 17 closed their obstetrics services as a result.” “I went to the board and talked about the implications of that to a community like ours, where that is such a vital service,” he said. Rather than closing Einstein’s obstetric services, the board authorized a $10 million investment to provide more beds and expand the capacity of labor and delivery rooms, particularly for under- served populations near the Broad Street location. He also oversaw the revamping of Einstein’s rehabilitation facilities. “When I arrived in 2003, one of the first things I discov- ered was that rehabilitation, which has national acclaim, was housed in a facility that, I would guess there were four patients in a room, there were no bathrooms in the room, the building was 50, 75 years old at least. And here we had this superb rehabilitation service and capability amongst the worst facilities and terrible accommodations I could JEWISH EXPONENT Board of Trustees and the Board of Overseers for Einstein. “His leadership has been essential to Einstein realizing its mission and vision to provide high-quality care to the communities most in need.” Freedman, who served on the boards of the Jewish Exponent and Congregation Rodeph Shalom, is happy to have created a strong culture at Einstein during his tenure, one where coworkers feel like family. “Crystallizing our mission Trustees at Einstein on special projects and stay involved with some national health groups, including America’s Essential Hospitals, Health Partners Plans and the Healthcare Institute. He wants to give back by continuing to mentor health care professionals and organi- zations in need of guidance. “I’ve been fortunate and blessed to have wonderful positions and to have benefited from that,” he said. l spanzer@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0729 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM H eadlines 10 Heartwarming Jewish Stories from 2020 WORLD GABE FRIEDMAN | JTA.ORG THERE’S NO sugarcoating it: 2020 was a difficult, trying, tragic year. But just because COVID-19 dominated the headlines and our personal lives, that doesn’t mean there weren’t any Jewish bright spots. Plenty of history was made and here are some of the Jewish stories that helped distract us from the pain of the past year. The Jews involved with the vaccine Several Jewish scientists have been at the forefront to produce an effective COVID-19 vaccine, trying to alleviate the suffering inflicted on the world by the virus. There is Mikael Dolsten, the Swedish Jewish head scien- tist at Pfizer, who was key in helping the pharmaceu- tical giant produce the first approved vaccine. Tal Zaks, an Israeli, is the chief medical officer of Moderna, the other American company to produce a vaccine authorized by the FDA. And the CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla, is a Greek Jew proud of his heritage — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims that helped Israel become one of the first countries to secure a Pfizer vaccine contract. Even this year had its bright spots. Getty Images; photo design by Grace Yagel via JTA.org Harris have helped charge a wave of love for intermarried families. The couple released a video together about Chanukah — “one of our favorite holidays in our big, modern family,” Emhoff said. Zach Banner as mishpocha The 6-foot-8, nearly 350-pound offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers of Chamorro and African- American ancestry became one of the Jewish community’s favorite sons this year. After the Philadelphia Eagles’ DeSean Jackson made headlines in July when he posted a series of anti-Semitic messages on social media, Banner was among the most prominent people to call him out and say publicly that Jews “deal with the same amount of hate, similar hardships and hard times” as the Black community. Banner said he was partly inspired to speak out after being in Pittsburgh during the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in 2018. Banner’s love for the Jews didn’t stop with one post — after what he called an outpouring of love from the community, he donated some of his earnings to a Tree of Life-related charity and tried challah to raise money for his charitable foundation. Maybe it was all of the quarantine isolation. Maybe it was the sense of solidarity brought on by the pain experi- enced around the world this year. Whatever the reason, this was the year that a large chunk of the celebrity zeitgeist, Jewish and non-, had fun marking Chanukah. Non-Jewish rock star Dave Grohl and his Jewish producer posted eight entertaining covers of songs by Jewish musicians, one for every night. Haim, the Jewish pop band, marked the holiday with song and dance and a guitar giveaway. Daveed Diggs, the Black and Jewish star of “Hamilton,” gave us a delightful Chanukah rap (for kids). Jewish Broadway star Nicolette Robinson and her non-Jewish Broadway star husband Leslie Odom Jr. covered “Maoz Tzur” for a holiday album. And the list didn’t stop there. See 2020, Page 21 Name: House Ads/rop Width: 5.5 in Depth: 7.38 in Color: Black Comment: Happy New Year Ad Number: 00092966 Happy New Year from the The first Jewish second husband Vice President-elect Kamala Harris wasn’t the only member of the Biden presidential ticket to make history. Her husband, Doug Emhoff, became the first “second husband” in American political history — and the first Jewish spouse of a president or vice president. He has relished the role, speaking at events aimed at Jewish voters and with Jewish politicians. The year of the celebrity Along the way, Emhoff and Chanukah video JEWISHEXPONENT.COM JEWISH EXPONENT DECEMBER 31, 2020 7 H eadlines Review Continued from Page 1 JANUARY Gov. Tom Wolf Visits Israel On Jan. 5, Gov. Tom Wolf became the first sitting governor of Pennsylvania since Tom Ridge to visit Israel. Wolf was joined by his wife, as well as leaders of the Jewish communities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. He spent time visiting national landmarks like Yad Vashem and sites of collaboration between Israelis and Pennsylvanians. FEBRUARY advice on how to make a new normal feel meaningful. Many recommended paying extra atten- tion to urchatz — washing hands — during the festive meal. APRIL Those We’ve Lost to COVID-19 As COVID-19 cases and deaths rose across the country, the Exponent started a series called “Those We’ve Lost” to pay tribute to victims of a virus that threatened to overwhelm their memory. Some of these people died in Philadelphia, and others died elsewhere, having counted friends and family in the region. DECEMBER 31, 2020 AUGUST Pandemic Pods on the Rise As Parents, Teachers Face Tough Choices As the school year approached, parents who wanted to balance their children’s safety with their ability to socialize formed learning “pods”: small groups of students and parents MAY who split the cost of private Medical Students Team Up to teachers. Supply PPE to Philly Hospitals Medical Students for Masks, a Hebrew Schools Prepare to grassroots fundraising organiza- Reopen Safely tion created by medical students Religious schools planned (many of whom are Jewish), to welcome students back with raised $60,999 and bought more hybrid instruction models and than 20,000 personal protective stringent classroom cleaning equipment items — including protocols. Classes that met in N95 masks, face shields, goggles person would be smaller in size and gowns — for Philadelphia- and students would be discour- aged from sharing classroom area hospitals by May 3. toys and materials. Pennsylvania Civil Rights Tour Inspires Debate on Risk The American Jewish Committee of Philadelphia/ Southern New Jersey and the Dialogue Institute hosted a follow-up to the Philadelphia civil rights mission to the South, a pilgrimage to sites where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. put his brand of civil disobedience into practice. Jewish participants and congregants at Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Old City gathered to discuss history, JUNE advocacy and solidarity. Local Jewish Community Joins George Floyd Protests MARCH When mass protests rose up How the New Coronavirus in Philadelphia in response to the Has Disrupted Life for Jewish killing of George Floyd in police Philly custody, Jewish Philadelphians Our first feature story joined the demonstrations and about the pandemic focused organizations delivered state- on Jewish schools, nonprofits ments decrying systemic racism. and senior centers that closed Black Jewish Philadelphians in response to local cases of spoke about their experiences the novel coronavirus. We also with racism, particularly during spoke with members of our encounters with the police. community who were impacted by travel quarantines, partic- JULY ularly synagogue leaders who Jewish Retailers Navigate had to cancel missions to Israel Revenue Loss, Reopening Issues and students whose semesters As Jewish businesses abroad were cut short. reopened during the Green Phase, owners contended with Philly’s Passover Plans Change new safety regulations and in the Wake of COVID-19 uncertainty. BYOBs served Passover was the first major limited numbers of customers Jewish holiday that had to be at a time, and clothing retailers observed in a socially distanced let people shop by appointment. manner during the pandemic. Families planned scaled-down or A Day in the Life of Summer virtual seders while rabbis offered Camp During a Pandemic 8 Day camps like Camp Kef at Kaiserman JCC strove to provide kids with a semblance of normalcy this summer with plenty of sanitizing and social distancing. Gaga and basket- ball were out, but swimming and soccer were in. Bishop J. Louis Felton and Laura Frank, interim director of the JCRC of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, co-facilitated a roundtable on race and anti-Semitism.  Photo by ESM Productions Rabbi Danielle Parmenter and her daughter Annabel create an art project for the High Holidays. Photo by Rachel Blum SEPTEMBER High Holiday Kits Turn Homes Into Sanctuaries While some synagogues opted for in-person High Holidays services with masks and social distancing this year, others chose to help people celebrate at home by distrib- uting boxes and kits filled with food, prayer books, candles, recipes and more. Black Clergy of Philadelphia, Jewish Federation Convene Discussion of Racism and Anti-Semitism The Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia organized a roundtable on racism and anti-Semitism in response to an anti-Semitic meme posted to Facebook on July 23 by Minister Rodney Muhammad, president of the Philadelphia NAACP. Leaders discussed the history of solidarity among their communities JEWISH EXPONENT Volunteer Mike DeMarco drops off PPE at the Penn Presbyterian Medical Center Emergency Department.  Photo by Mike DeMarco and ways to strengthen their mitzvahs and socially distanced relationships in the future. baby namings, but celebrations continued in some form or OCTOBER another. Families got creative to Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, celebrate their special days, often Simchas Continue — With beaming in loved ones on Zoom Modifications for ceremonies and resched- It was the year of microwed- uling parties for when it will be dings, scaled-down bar safe to gather in person again. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM H eadlines Farm Continued from Page 1 Mikki Rosenberg and his wife Hannah celebrate their wedding a bit differently from how they planned. Photo by Rabbi Yaakov Hoffman NOVEMBER Election Day Mixes New and Familiar If they hadn’t already voted by mail, Jewish voters got in line to make their voices heard. Polling places in Philadelphia featured signs about social distancing and lots of hand sanitizer. Although there was plenty of anxiety in the air, there was levity as well: At the Commodore John Barry Arts and Cultural Center, one poll worker convinced his family that another poll worker, Rabbi Alan LaPayover, was Bernie Sanders. DECEMBER There’s Still Plenty to Do for Chanukah This Year in Philadelphia Jewish organizations celebrated the Festival of Lights with virtual perfor- mances, art installations, care packages, cooking classes, socially distanced candle lighting ceremonies, magic shows, trivia games and more. Health Care Workers Receive First Vaccine Doses When the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was granted emergency use autho- rization by the Food and Drug Administration, Jewish health care workers shared what it was like to receive this protection while working to save lives on the front lines of the pandemic. l spanzer@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0729 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM in Wynnewood). The family house had a garden, and Glasman spent as much time in it as he could. His first job was to clean up a local garden, where the time he spent immersed in thoughtfully planned agriculture nurtured something in him. He studied sustain- able tourism and hospitality in France and, for 10 years, worked in sustainable tourism and agro-tourism in South America, France and Israel. It was in Israel that he met his wife, Rachel, a New Jersey native. In 2016, the newly fused Glasmans moved to California, and Yitzchak Glasman got his first experience as a garden designer. After spending time in Lancaster so Rachel Glasman could more easily commute to her job at Franklin & Marshall College, they moved to Wynnewood, where Yitzchak worked as a freelance garden designer, showing families how to grow their own food, and as a Jewish educator. When he lost his teaching job due to the pandemic, it left him with time to fill and long-dormant ideas to nurture. He decided to follow his dream: to build an organic farm created with principles of Jewish permaculture. Shalem Farm would be the name. Shalem means “complete” in Hebrew, Glasman explained. He feels that shalem captures something about his project, which melds permaculture and Jewish principles of ecology. By creating a diverse, self-sus- taining organic farm, Glasman believes that there are many lessons to be taught to those who are curious about the undergirding principles of such a project. Glasman imagines that Shalem Farm, a project for which he seeks to raise $53,000 via the Jewish crowdfunding platform Jewcer, will be a pluralistic, welcoming environ- ment for Jewish students and a destination for field trips, gardening workshops and holiday retreats. “It could be a place where we can learn, work, practice, relax, have fun and connect,” Glasman said, comparing his vision to the Pearlstone Conference & Retreat Center in Reisterstown, Maryland. Pearlstone, similarly suffused with Jewish principles, sits on 180 acres. At the moment, Glasman is looking to make 10 work. “From a commercial farming perspective, that’s not huge,” said Nati Passow, co-founder and executive director of the now-defunct Jewish Farm School. “But from an educational farming perspective, that’s a really nice size.” Passow is excited to see what Glasman can do with his own site, a practice that Jewish Farm School eschewed in its work. Though the farm school is no more, the educational materials that they developed were compiled and made freely available to people interested in learning or teaching. Glasman has used those materials for reference in the creation of Shalem Farm’s educational programs. “There’s a lot of potential here,” Passow said. In addition to the guidance he’s received from Passow, Glasman has gotten helpful advice from Mark Lichty, who owns land in Doylestown. Though Lichty is not Jewish, he is interested in land regen- eration as a bulwark against climate change, and when he heard about Glasman’s project, he was only happy to pitch in. “He’s a passionate guy, and he’s got a deep background in this,” Lichty said. “He’s a very committed person.” Nice as it is to have that kind of support in his corner, Glasman’s project will not be without difficulty. That’s true for any venture that seeks to JEWISH EXPONENT The future site of Shalem Farm Yitzchak Glasman wants Shalem Farm to be a pluralistic, welcoming environment for Jewish students. Photos by Yitzchak Glasman work the land, but Glasman’s Shalem Farm has an added hassle. Part of the idea for Shalem Farm is that it will be a land regeneration project, converting land that was previ- ously used for conventional monoculture into the teeming Jewish landscape he envisions. The money he hopes to raise through Jewcer will be used to cover regeneration costs, as well as materials, labor and the creation of a nonprofit entity to support the farm’s educational activities. It won’t be easy, and Glasman’s fundraiser has a long way to go. But with his journey to Doylestown taking as long as it has, raising money to do what he loves is just another step. l jbernstein@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0740 DECEMBER 31, 2020 9 O pinion LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Goodbye, 2020 BY LIZ SPIKOL I SAW A COMMERCIAL for Match.com recently in which Satan goes on a date with a woman named 2-0-2-0 — and they sit and stare at the New York skyline, hoping the year will just go on forever. I am not one to cite TV spots in my writing (my high school English teacher would call it déclassé), but in this case I am making an exception. The ad is such a perfect encapsulation of what we’re all feeling — that 2020 just sucked, relentlessly. But we survived. Bloody, battle-scarred, our forces depleted — but the Jewish Exponent is still here, unlike so many of our media brethren. As other Jewish newspapers closed or shuttered their print editions, we have continued in print and online, even as we cut staff positions, including one reporter and our digital editor. (And this week we’re digital-only, but it’s the only time this year.) Truth is, compared to most media outlets, we’ve been lucky. The pandemic has devas- tated newspapers, magazines and digital media products nationwide, with thousands of journalism jobs lost, many of them at local news outlets that can ill afford a smaller staff. In Pennsylvania, there were 18 media companies negatively affected by the coronavirus; our daily, The Philadelphia Inquirer, cut 505 jobs. The Jewish Exponent’s survival is unquestionably owed to the passion and commitment of our readership. I have never worked at a publi- cation with a more involved, invested audience. If we do something you like, we hear about it. If we do something you don’t like, we hear about it. But we also get calls and letters just saying hello, reaching out, making contact, kvetching about life in the city. It’s a real community of readers and, like the Jewish communities we all belong to, it’s haimishe. As grateful as I am for that support, I am just as thankful to the Exponent staff as there’s a tremendous amount of work that goes into creating this paper every week. Our whole team, which switched from working in an office to working from home in a matter of days, has been strikingly resilient. In fact, staff writer Sophie Panzer moved to Philadelphia and started at the Exponent just a few short weeks before the pandemic stuck us at home. In a new city with unprecedented challenges, she has excelled, bringing us new coverage areas and fantastic story ideas. Jesse Bernstein also made the switch without missing a beat, expanding his role as staff writer and books editor, and taking on new tasks with sunny aplomb. And Managing Editor Andy Gotlieb, who I call the Leatherman tool of our company — he can write, he can edit, he can probably juggle with oranges for all I know — kept our newsroom organized and on target with deadlines, even as all our procedures changed. I couldn’t ask for a better crew, and I am grateful to them every day for all their hard work. There are many other people who make this paper possible: Susan Baron, Steve Burke, Mike Costello, Nicole McNally, Taylor Orlin, Jennifer Perkins- Frantz, Sharon Schmuckler, Shari Seitz and Justin Tice. I remember in February, when COVID still seemed distant, I read some first-person accounts of 1918 pandemic survivors. I wondered what would it be like to live through such universal hardship. How would we make it through? Now, as the calendar turns to 2021, the answer is clear: We improvise. We get creative. We lead with kindness. We band together. We raise our voices. We fight. Here’s to another year of feisty Jews making a difference. We promise to be here to cover it. Crossing Bridges to Learn From Others BY ABBEY FRANK I ’ V E A LWAY S H A D a fascination with bridges. I clearly recall the thrill of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge each summer on the way to Virginia Beach, looking out the window to the surrounding water and feeling a rush of excitement. This narrow road, supported by a strong base and endless wires and pulleys, was taking me somewhere else — to 10 DECEMBER 31, 2020 vacation and days in the sand. As I grew older, my fascination morphed from pure excitement to hesitation. Crossing a large body of water on pavement supported by a skeletal founda- tion held up by thin pieces of metal was scary. How is this bridge holding up all the cars and people crossing? Is it worth the risk to get to the other side? Like others, I give thought to how the metaphor of crossing a bridge influences my personal and professional life. Like building a physical bridge, moving forward through a narrow space is not always easy. But bringing two sides together most often leads to something better; resistance often leads to stagnation. This is particularly true within the Jewish community. Much has been written about connecting traditional institutions with innovative start-ups that are attracting younger members; far less, about bridging our operational structure to those of the business sector. In a recent meeting, a lay leader shared a vision for our organization — to change our operations to function more like a business. In other meetings, I have fielded questions about our “product” and measuring “returns on investment,” or ROI. These are welcome conversations as nonprofits should pay closer attention to fixed and variable costs, maintain a balanced budget and think strategically about how our investments impact change. More concerning, however, is adapting a for-profit model of ROI to our work. In the private JEWISH EXPONENT sector, managers scruti- nize monthly, quarterly and year-end profit statements to assess their performance. If a product is not yielding a profit, it is often abandoned quickly to protect against further economic loss. This is not a strategy that can easily be bridged from the corporate world. Our invest- ments are in people, programs and strategies that make up a Jewish community. Measuring short-term impact, while useful, only tells a small part of the story. Consider an allocation to local Jewish day schools. Nationally, on average, grants to day schools account for 16% of total allocations. Communities make this investment utilizing research that day school gradu- ates are more likely to have a strong Jewish identity and connection to community, and that these schools are essential to a Jewish community’s health and growth. However, in the United States, only 7% of Jewish children attend a day school. Applying a pure business model, this does not make sense. Communities are investing a significant percentage of scarce resources to a small percentage of the population for results that may not come for 20 to 30 years. But research has shown that day school education has significant returns in which an entire community will benefit. Similarly, there is growing investment in innovative teen leadership programs that are reaching unaffiliated teens. The See Frank, Page 16 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM O pinion College Students Are Falling Through Our Largest Food Safety Net: SNAP BY MIRIAM LIPSCHUTZ THERE’S SOMETHING the incoming secretary of agricul- ture and I have in common: a love for dairy cows. Tom Vilsack is chief executive for the U.S. Dairy Export Council, and was the former USDA secretary under President Obama. But when I was studying animal science at the University of Vermont during his term, many of my peers were silently struggling to afford enough to eat. One in five UVM students experience food insecurity. According to the Hope Center for College, Community and Justice, one in three students at four-year institutions is food insecure. During the pandemic, hunger has only gotten worse. While the USDA’s sprawling wheelhouse includes addressing concerns of small farmers, food supply and animal rights, one in four Americans rely on the agency’s food programs to feed themselves and their families. Many food-insecure college students are locked out of our nation’s largest food safety net, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — commonly known as SNAP — thanks to outdated student eligibility restrictions. For instance, students enrolled more than half-time must work at least 20 hours a week to be eligible for SNAP. But with the loss of on-campus work-study jobs and the closure JEWISHEXPONENT.COM of restaurants and other service sector businesses, many college students are being hit doubly hard — losing income as well as their SNAP benefits, with their route to eligibility cut off. A GAO report from last year showed almost 2 million college students who are poten- tially eligible have not reported receiving SNAP, many of whom are dissuaded from even applying because of the cryptic language that explains which students can get benefits. This year, more than 6 million new people have enrolled in SNAP. One in four students have had to take out loans to cover the cost of food, and one-third know someone who dropped out because they couldn’t afford to eat, according to a recent study by Swipe Out Hunger and Chegg. Black, Latino and indigenous students have been dispro- portionately impacted by the economic fallout of COVID-19, burdened with higher rates of basic needs insecurity compared to their white peers as well as a higher drop-out rate. Our country has continually failed to invest in higher education for low-income students, who are disproportionately students of color, despite the fact that at least 60% of new jobs require some education beyond high school. Students are dropping out of school when faced with the decision of whether to buy food or the supplies they need to succeed in school. We must consider: In the future, who will have access to higher-paying jobs, and who will be saddled with debt and no degree? Campus food insecurity has always existed, but only recently has been given the attention it deserves because of student-centered organiza- tions like Challah for Hunger that are uplifting student voices and advocating for long-term solutions. While immediate relief is needed, we also need to #FUELHigherEd and create policy solutions that acknowl- edge food as fundamental for learning and make nutritious meals universal. Policies must be equitable, centering student populations most impacted by basic needs insecurity, and these should not be temporary band aids, but truly transformative state and federal policies. In returning to his former cabinet post, Vilsack will have a huge impact on college student’s ability to fill their own cabinets at home through how he runs the agencies and proposed rule changes to SNAP. During his tenure under Obama, the department was able to reduce food insecurity by the order of 8 million people. Addressing our nation’s growing levels of food insecu- rity, especially the lack of access to SNAP access for college students, must be a priority during the Biden administra- tion. No student should have to choose between food and their education. Miriam Lipschutz is the director of advocacy at Challah for Hunger and a second-year master’s of public policy student at Temple University. She can be reached at miriam@challahforhunger.org. STATEMENT FROM THE PUBLISHER We are a diverse community. The views expressed in the signed opinion columns and let- ters to the editor published in the Jewish Exponent are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the officers and boards of the Jewish Publishing Group, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia or the Jewish Exponent. Send letters to letters@jewishexponent.com or fax to 215-569-3389. Letters should be a maximum of 200 words and may be edited for clarity and brevity. Unsigned letters will not be published. JEWISH EXPONENT KVETCH ’N’ KVELL Why No Photo of Gadot? I USUALLY READ most op-eds in your weekly, but this current one written by Benjamin Kerstein (“How Gal Gadot is Changing the Image of Jewish Women,” Dec. 24) is puzzling. Why am I scratching my head? The article is about Gal Gadot and displays a photo of Kerstein. Why would we want to see a photo of him and not Gadot? Thanks, just wondering. Libbie Soffer | Wallingford Ed. note: Thanks for writing, Libbie. In our opinion section, as in most newspapers, we run headshots of the op-ed writers (if they’re available) rather than photos of the subject matter. The practice probably derives from holding authors accountable for their words, but it also puts a face to the bylines for the readers. Praise for Dentists If you have ever suffered with a toothache or issues related to lack of routine care, then you know that dentists are essential workers (“Dentists Talk About How Life Has Changed During Pandemic,” Dec. 10). Kudos to Dr. Barnett and his colleagues for working through the risk of the pandemic! The Holocaust survivor dental project should be a lesson to medical professional everywhere. Very touching! Meryl Leviten | via jewishexponent.com Not Just Jews Who Disagree Thanks for the great article “Mikveh Israel Archives a Mirror of Today” (Dec. 10). I’m one of the transcribers for this project and believe me, there is plenty of conflict among the Christians too (even the Quakers)! Carolyn Klepser | via jewishexponent.com What Now? My parents and grandparents were born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia. They were loyal subscribers to the print version of the Jewish Exponent for decades. (My great-grandparents hailed from the Pale of Settlement, Zhtytomyr and Berditchev.) Adam Milstein’s “Never Again the Canary in the Coal Mine” (June 18) is highly topical, especially the entreaty and call-to-arms: “We, as a community, must adopt several principles to win this critical battle. First, embrace and support the state of Israel without any preconditions.” I am jubilant at the progress made during the Trump admin- istration, facilitating full diplomatic ties between Eretz Yisrael and Bahrain, Sudan and even the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan a few weeks ago. I never imagined that Jared Kushner could be the architect for peace leading to the Abraham Accords. I want Israel to thrive and become a strong independent nation, respected and welcomed by its neighbors. I am worried though, because President Trump’s administration will not be able to nurture and preserve these recent accomplishments. What can we do to ensure the well-being of the state of Israel during the next four years? I’m anxious, and afraid. Lisa Kesselman Wells | via jewishexponent.com DECEMBER 31, 2020 11 L ifestyles /C ulture F O OD KERI WHITE | JE FOOD COLUMNIST WINTER IS UPON US and, normally, that means holiday parties, indoor gatherings and lots of time with extended family and friends. But not this year. The vaccine is on the horizon, and there is hope that there is light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, but guidance tells us to stay the course for now. That means keeping to your “pod,” practicing social distancing and wearing masks. But we are social animals, and simply locking down is too isolating for many. During the warm weather, we shared various strategies for safe gathering — backyard setups that adhered to distancing protocols, menus that avoided any type of sharing, BYO picnics and happy hours. As Old Man Winter descends, however, those backyard get-to- gethers are less appealing and more difficult to orchestrate. But they are not impossible. The key is to keep it simple, choose a warm-ish day and meet on the early side before it is pitch dark. If you have a fire pit or outdoor fireplace, great — light it up and gather ‘round. But if you don’t, a few candles add to the atmosphere. Consider putting cozy blankets out on your chairs and serving hot beverages to a small number of guests. These “parties” are not attempting to replicate their summer counterparts, when we stayed outdoors with friends and neighbors for hours on our designated benches, taking Name: House of Kosher Supermarket Width: 3.625 in Depth: 5.5 in Color: Black Comment: JE-FF Program Ad Number: 00092597 SHOP THE HOUSE FROM YOUR HOME. MASALA CHAI Serves 4 Shop your groceries, meat, fish, and fresh takeout online and we'll deliver your order to your door. HOUSEOFKOSHER.COM STORE HOURS Shop online at Houseofkosher.com or download our FREE HOUSE OF KOSHER APP Strictly Kosher 215.677.8100 9806 BUSTLETON AVE. PHILADELPHIA, PA 19115 12 DECEMBER 31, 2020 turns approaching the bar or the buffet. The winter gather- ings are shorter and, because guests may want to keep their gloves on, you are only serving mugs of something warm. I attended one such gathering last weekend — my sister’s 50th birthday. It was nothing like the celebration I envisioned for her, which involved a trip. But we are resilient and recognize that these days there are far worse things than a pandemic milestone birthday. So I drove to her house on Sunday afternoon to deliver her gift, along with a dinner and cake for her family to enjoy that night. It was just her immediate family, myself and my parents, all bundled up and carefully distanced on her patio. We sat around the fire pit, coats on, wrapped in blankets, and toasted to Sis with hot tea. I stayed for about an hour and, as the sun began to wane, I drove home. The moral of the story is that you can still socialize but, like everything this year, it’s not exactly the way it was — and hopefully will be again soon. Meanwhile, skip the dinner and snacks and offer your outdoor guests a blanket and a mug of something warm. This is an authentic version of the seemingly ubiquitous drink — which, in my experience, is perpetually over-sugared at most cafes. The recipe was taught to me by an Indian friend. If you wish to spike it, making an adult version, bourbon, whiskey or dark rum will pair well with these flavors. A word on the spices: If you don’t have them all, fear not, you can make a perfectly respectable masala chai if you omit a couple of the seasonings listed below. 4 plain black tea bags 2½ cups water 2½ cups milk (any type) JEWISH EXPONENT MurzikNata / iStock / Getty Images Plus Hot Beverages for Winter Socials ¼ teaspoon cinnamon 1 sprinkle ground cloves (or 2 whole cloves) 1 sprinkle nutmeg 1 sprinkle black pepper or 2 whole peppercorns 1 sprinkle cardamom 1 sprinkle ground ginger 1 sprinkle allspice 2 whole star anises or a pinch of ground 4 teaspoons sugar 2-3 shots liquor, if desired Place all the ingredients (except liquor, if using) in a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil. Remove it from the heat, cover and allow it to steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and any whole spices you may have used. Add liquor, if desired. Pour the chai into mugs and serve immediately. SWISS HOT CHOCOLATE Serves 4 On a trip to Europe just before the pandemic, I learned that there is a vast difference between the types of hot chocolate served in different European countries. Switzerland, a country that prides itself on the quality of its dairy products, makes very milky hot chocolate. Both Spanish and Italian hot chocolates are prized for their thickness, and many recipes call for cornstarch. France, on the other hand, is known for rich, velvety dark, molten hot chocolate. Normally, I would lean toward the French version — served in small demitasse cups as a decadent dessert. But for the purposes of these backyard winter gatherings, where a big steaming mug is needed to keep us warm, the Swiss have the edge. If you wish to make this an adult beverage, you can add rum, bourbon or any flavored liqueur such as Kahlua, Frangelico, sambuca, peppermint schnapps, Grand Marnier, etc. 4 cups milk (any type) ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ¼ cup sugar ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips 2-3 shots liquor, if desired Place the milk, cocoa powder and sugar into a medium-sized saucepan. Heat over medium, whisking frequently. When warm, add the chocolate chips and continue whisking until the chips are melted and the mixture is steaming hot. If desired, add liquor and serve. l JEWISHEXPONENT.COM L ifestyles /C ulture Jews of Philly Fashion: Tina Dixon Spence Easy one — masks. approach to the comfortable loungewear of this year. I like What person’s style do you when people dress up! admire? Renee Hill, our local Dream Shabbat dinner guest? designer who was on “Project Maya Angelou. Runway,” has incredible style. What’s something you can’t Her Harx 4 line is a great mix of comfort, design and pieces believe you used to wear? Scrunchie socks — they that work in any occasion. chopped off our legs in the ’80s. Best take-out in Mt. Airy? Evo Brick Oven Pizza and What celebrity baby is the The Frosted Fox Cake Shop for most stylish? There has been no child I’ve dessert. seen to embrace the beauty and joy of fashion more than my What talent would you most own son Baron. But otherwise, like to have? I wish I could heal people Luna Stephens, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend’s daughter, is who are suffering. It’s all of our duty to do so. l always on point. FASHION JESSE BERNSTEIN | JE STAFF It’s the newest edition of Jews of Philly Fashion, introducing you to the Chosen few who dress our city. They might mix wool and linen, but they’ve got some strong opinions on mixing stripes with florals. In this space, we’ll talk to designers, sellers, buyers, influencers, models and more. This week, we spoke to Tina Dixon Spence. IN A YEAR THAT forced brick-and-mortar retailers the world over to pivot with haste to e-commerce, Tina Dixon Spence, 48, took the opposite approach. After six years of running an online-only boutique for babies and toddlers, Dixon Spence, a congregant at Tiferet Bet Israel, decided that 2020 was the year that she would bring her line of swaddles, bibs and everyday clothing to a bright corner in Mt. Airy. Her store, Buddha Babe, opened on Small Business Saturday in November. A sign of the times: Parents perusing peacock print blankies at Dixon Spence’s store will also find patterned face masks for children and onesies that read, “born into this mess. COVID19BABY.” Her products are still available online. Dixon Spence’s journey to the corner of Emlen Street and West Mount Pleasant Avenue was a winding one. The Chestnut Hill native grew up with another path planned for her, one that is perhaps the precise opposite of a baby boutique — she was expected to take over the family funeral home. She entertained dreams of pediatric surgery as an alterna- tive, but when it came time to make a decision, the thought of medical school was too much to handle. Dixon Spence went to mortuary school instead JEWISHEXPONENT.COM What item of clothing should jbernstein@jewishexponent.com; more people be wearing? 215-832-0740 Tina Dixon Spence and returned home, focusing on the administrative side of the family business. Still, she yearned to break away. The skills she picked up as administrator served her well in that respect, as she made a long career outside of the funeral home in several jobs as an administrative and execu- tive assistant. Dixon Spence especially cherishes the time she spent working with Maddy Malis, the long-time president and CEO of Federation Early Learning Services. With the birth of her second son, Baron, Dixon Spence was thrown back into the world of infant-rearing, long after she’d had her first son, Jeremy. And in such a world, one is faced with vexing questions. Like, Photo by Heather McBride Photography how do you keep an exception- ally drooly baby both dry and stylish? Maternity leave can give one a lot of time to explore such questions, and Dixon Spence picked up sewing during that period. Four months after Baron was born, the online edition of Buddha Babe was launched, too. Baron — the Buddha Babe himself — has grown right alongside the store, and remains integral to Dixon Spence’s fit specifica- tions. Dixon Spence kept her day job until June, and now, she’s ready for Buddha Babe to settle right into its new home. FOLLOW THE JEWISH EXPONENT AND NEVER MISS A STORY. #JEWISHINPHILLY facebook.com/jewishexponent twitter.com/jewishexponent What clothing trend would you like to see make a comeback? I’d love to see a more formal JEWISH EXPONENT DECEMBER 31, 2020 13 L ifestyles /C ulture ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ Soars, Then Stumbles FI L M SOPHIE PANZER | JE STAFF FANS OF ISRAELI ACTOR Gal Gadot had something big to look forward to this Christmas when Warner Bros. Entertainment released “Wonder Woman 1984,” the long-awaited sequel to director Patty Jenkins’ wildly successful “Wonder Woman,” for streaming on HBO Max. The film picks up some 70 years after the end of “Wonder Woman,” with our undercover Amazon protagonist working a day job as archaeologist Diana Prince and thwarting crimi- nals anonymously in her spare time. Despite her success, she is still mourning the death of her pilot boyfriend, Steve Trevor, after he sacrificed himself to protect humanity from a deadly weapon during their escapades in World War I. While working at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., Diana meets new colleague Barbara Minerva, a social outsider played to awkward perfection by Kristen Wiig. When the museum is asked to identify a mysterious artifact, Barbara and Diana are drawn into a greedy business- man’s plot to grant everyone in the world their deepest desires. The first half of the film is full of everything that made the first movie delightful and groundbreaking. The opening scenes on the Amazonian island of Themyscira, where Lilly Aspell’s young Diana is participating in an epic test of strength and skill, are perfect in every way. Jenkins’ use of slow-motion once again avoids the cliché that plagues action movies because it highlights the strength and agility of the Amazons without overly sexualizing them, which is rare for women’s bodies on screen. Gadot’s battle scenes throughout the film are also beautifully choreographed. Jenkins is to be commended for her attention to detail and her commitment to conti- nuity between the two Wonder Woman films. She takes the fish-out-of-water comedy that served as the source of the first movie’s charm and reapplies it to Steve’s miraculous — and kind of creepy — arrival in the ’80s. Diana’s confusion at restrictive Victorian women’s fashion in the London depart- ment store provided plenty of laughs, and Chris Pine imbues Steve with pure, hilarious joy at things like escalators, fanny packs and the latest in aviation technology. Fans of the first film may notice the visual parallels Jenkins creates; in the original, Diana’s shiny armor is a literal bright spot in the muted grays and browns of Europe’s smog-smothered cities, besieged towns, muddy trenches and pallid soldiers. The striking color contrast represents her perseverance and hope, even when all seems lost. In 1984, which Jenkins interprets as an age of glori- fied greed, Diana’s timeless, minimalist outfits in white and navy are meant to be a tasteful alternative to the neon pink leg warmers and aqua workout suits that the masses have embraced. This time, her visual presence advocates for moder- ation in the face of excess. The plot starts to get shaky as the film develops its two villains: Wiig’s Barbara, who later becomes the blood- thirsty Cheetah, and Pedro Pascal’s Max Lord, the con man desperate for success as his pyramid scheme collapses. Their insecurities drive them to embrace the power of an ancient, powerful stone that grants wishes while exacting a terrible price. Wiig channels her comedic chops to make the motivations of insecure Barbara ring true to anyone who has ever been jealous of a more beautiful, popular friend who appears to have it all. Pascal’s Max is also compelling, as his motivations stem from a deep emotional vulnerability that has to do with his young son, Lucian Perez’s Alistair. The two villains together, however, are just chaotic, and Gal Gadot as Diana Prince in “Wonder Woman 1984” Courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment their competing backstories and character arcs are the main reason the film runs a whopping two hours and 32 minutes. Despite the length, many key plot points feel glossed-over. Audiences get a hint of this problem when Diana enters her flat for the first time. Jenkins seems to have anticipated a burning question raised by the time gap between World War I and 1984: What was this superhero doing to stop the atrocities of World War II and the Holocaust? She answers with a long zoom-in of an old photograph of Diana alongside men in striped prison uniforms, suggesting she played some role in liber- ating concentration camps, but we never get more information than that. This vagueness continues when Steve magically returns. The mechanism of his reani- mation is given a short but far from satisfactory explanation, and the audience is expected to run with it despite the multiple troubling questions it raises. The origin of the wishing stone is equally vague, and the consequences of wishes gone amok happen so quickly it’s hard to process the world’s descent into chaos. The movie is ultimately worth a watch for the breath- taking visuals and action sequences alone, but fans of the first film will feel some storytelling magic is missing. l “Auld Lang Syne in Yiddish,” Jewish People’s Philharmonic Chorus It goes without saying that “Auld Lang Syne” is the holiday’s defining tune. It also goes without saying that this year is markedly different from those past. What better way to honor tradition and acknowledge the unusualness of it all than “Di Tsaytn Fun a Mol”? “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?,” Rod Stewart feat. Ella Fitzgerald and Chris Botti Having already knocked off the iconic holiday song, time to cue up “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” Written by Frank Loesser, an Academy Award- winning landsman responsible for the music and lyrics to “Guys and Dolls” and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” the song is especially spanzer@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0729 A Playlist for New Year’s Eve M USIC ADAM REINHERZ | JE FEATURE AT THIS POINT, you’ve navigated 2020 and discovered new ways to observe the Jewish holidays through 10 months of the pandemic. Whether you reconfig- ured your den to resemble a sanctuary for Kol Nidrei, spent hours scraping hardened 14 DECEMBER 31, 2020 honey from your screen after a “sweet” multigenerational digital Rosh Hashanah, or jerry-rigged a tablet holder from two books, a T-shirt, three twist ties and an old copy of the Jewish Exponent so family members could enjoy an optimal viewing angle of you kindling your menorah on Zoom, you marked 2020 through hard work. Now that the secular New Year is upon us, it’s time to celebrate. You’re probably counting down to midnight from the same spot you spent much of 2020: at home. That’s great. Whether you’re ringing in 2021 from your living room, dining room or kitchen — forget about a virtual ball drop, no need for simulation — you’re going to party. All you need is a cell phone, tablet or musical streaming device. JEWISH EXPONENT JEWISHEXPONENT.COM L ifestyles /C ulture a Grammy Award-winning artist who catapulted to fame after placing second in the 1983 Eurovision Song Contest. Haza may have recorded more popular numbers, but “Tfila,” which translates to “prayer,” is a must-play New Year’s ballad. Both because of its synth-pop beat and memorable lyrics, you’re going to want to put this one on loop. Ten is a good Jewish number, but 13 also works. Here are three more honorable mentions: A historic Jewish New Year’s postcard From The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life, University of California, Berkeley (magnes.berkeley.edu) good when covered by Rod Stewart. Why Rod Stewart? Why not? Pre-pandemic, the septua- genarian rocked 20,000 fans in Tel Aviv. Post-pandemic, here’s hoping he does it again. on the Chronicle’s playlist and faster tempos to come, “New Year’s Day” hits a fitting chord. In a COVID-19 world, certain lyrics ring true: “Tomorrow morning when we wake/ This town will be a different place/ “Happy New Year,” ABBA And the past will wash away like If you have a karaoke coffee stains.” machine, now’s the time to use it. Apart from a sweeping chorus “New Year’s Day,” Bon Jovi you’ll be singing the next three Jon Bon Jovi isn’t Jewish. His weeks, this song probably has keyboardist, and fellow Rock the best video accompaniment to and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, boot. Search “ABBA Happy New David Bryan is a member of Year 1980.” Until the camera the tribe. Bon Jovi’s “New Year’s pans out around the two-minute Day” is fantastic both because mark, you too may believe that it invites what will certainly be Agnetha, Björn, Benny and awful dancing from many and Anni-Frid are celebrating the also because the New Year’s fourth night of Chanukah. Day” 2016 video weirdly looks like social distancing restric- “My Dear Acquaintance,” or tions were in place. It’s probably “New Year,” Regina Spektor safe to assume that all that livin’ For those who like to on a prayer granted the band Spektify, either one of these some type of foresight. ditties from proud Jewish mom Regina Spektor works. “Raise Your Glass,” Pink Born in Moscow and educated Like a bizarrely large braided in American Jewish day challah, you’ll probably find this schools, Spektor is a Grammy- chart-topping single at most nominated singer-songwriter b’nai mitzvah parties. That’s for and HIAS supporter. good reason. Released in 2010 by Doylestown native Alecia “New Year’s Day,” Pentatonix Beth Moore, aka Pink, “Raise Before founding member Avi Your Glass” celebrates under- Kaplan left the a cappella group dogs while championing those in 2017, Pentatonix recorded this who don’t always fit in (see: catchy number. As a transitional most memories of adolescence). piece between slower numbers JEWISHEXPONENT.COM “One More Time,” Daft Punk Lest one think this song recalls the monotony of quaran- tining, “One More Time” is about continuing to dance and celebrate without end. Hence, if you have a strobe light, plug it in. For those who don’t, your cell phone will do. While gyrating to blinking flashes, keep in mind some relevant Daft Punk history: Daniel Vangarde, the Jewish father of Thomas Bangalter (one half of French duo Daft Punk), has worked to ensure WWII-era French Jewish musicians receive compensation they were denied under Vichy rule. “Opposites Attract,” Paula Abdul Remember what was life like before the pandemic? Now try remembering what life was like decades before the pandemic. Let us help you: It was a time when a suspender-clad cartoon cat bopped step for step with Syrian Jewish descendant Paula Abdul. “This Is What it Feels Like,” Armin Van Buuren feat. Trevor Guthrie This song is a roller coaster in the best way. It starts off really slowly, pulls you in with sorrowful lyrics — “Nobody here knocking at my door/ The sound of silence I can’t take anymore/ Nobody ringing my telephone now/ Oh how I miss such a beautiful sound” — then jolts your body with an electronic beat that will keep you moving until the snow melts. l “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough),” Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer If you thought 2020 was going to be great but ended up being totally duped, this song is for you (as long as you’re willing to imagine that Babs and the Queen of Disco were referencing a bad year and not Adam Reinherz is a staff writer with a bad boyfriend). Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle. Name: Elana Collection Width: 3.625 in Depth: 5.5 in Color: Black plus one Comment: JE - Frequent Flyer Ad Number: 00091796 “Sabotage,” Beastie Boys Naysayers may argue this song has nothing to do with New Year’s. Au contraire. This epic tune has everything to do with 2020 and the path to 2021. Looking back on the past year, there’s a lot to lower your spirits. Don’t fall prey to the “mirage” — you have to stay optimistic. It’s like what three hideously mustachioed Jewish police officers told us almost 25 years ago: “’Cause what you see, you might not get/ And we can bet, so don’t you get souped yet.” “Tfila,” Ofra Haza Forty years before Gal Gadot, Israel had a different Wonder Woman: Ofra Haza, JEWISH EXPONENT DECEMBER 31, 2020 15 T orah P ortion Philanthropy’s Role in Torah Study BY RABBI ROBERT LAYMAN PARSHAT VAYECHI FOR THREE MONTHS, we have read from the Book of Genesis, beginning with the account of creation, proceeding through the stories of the patri- archs and matriarchs, the saga of Joseph and concluding with the death of Jacob. Genesis consists of 50 chapters, making it the longest of the five books of the Torah. Chapter 49 may be considered the centerpiece of this week’s portion, Vayechi. It is often referred to in Hebrew as Birkat Ya’akov (Jacob’s blessing) and, more accurately, in English, as the Testament of Jacob. As soon as we begin reading chapter 49, it becomes eminently clear why Birkat Ya’akov is a misnomer. Much of what the patri- arch declares to his sons on his deathbed consists of admoni- tion or outright condemnation. He is very unhappy with the behavior of his firstborn Reuben and the violence perpe- trated by Simeon and Levi. On the other hand, Jacob reserves his warmest praise for his fourth son Judah, who has demonstrated his leadership Frank Continued from Page 10 hope is that participation will increase connections to the community, Jewish learning and Israel. These programs are expensive, and the impact will be unknown for many years. If we apply a business model of short- term ROI to these programs, investors may become disinter- ested and funding may not be adequate to keep them running long enough to reap the benefits. Adopting best practices for fiscal management will undoubtedly improve the 16 DECEMBER 31, 2020 capabilities and whose descen- dants will be leaders of the Jewish people. Not surprisingly, Jacob is very effusive in his praise of Joseph, his favorite son, and invokes God’s beneficence upon him. The sons, who do not loom large in the narrative of the patriarchs, receive, for the most part, commendations that the reader may consider “pareve.” Let me cite two examples to which the ancient rabbis assigned a special significance. The two youngest sons of Leah, Issachar and Zvulun (Zebulun) are listed in reverse order of their birth in Jacob’s testament. Jacob says, “Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore; he shall be a haven for ships, and his flank shall rest on Sidon.” The reference is to a port city in Phoenicia, present-day Lebanon. In rabbinic tradition the tribe of Zvulun is seen as consisting of prosperous merchant seamen. More on that a bit later. Jacob now turns his atten- tion to Issachar whom he likens to “a strong-boned ass, crouching among the sheep- folds.” According to current cultural standards that may not sound complimentary, but it was meant as a compliment. The rabbis viewed the phrase “crouching among the sheep- folds” as an allusion to the sedentary character of the tribe of Issachar. But they were not implying idleness. On the contrary, the members of that tribe were actively engaged in the study of Torah. “What!” you may protest, “the Torah had not yet been given to the people in the era of the patri- archs. It doesn’t appear until the account of Revelation in chapter 19 of Exodus, the book that we shall begin reading next week.” In rabbinic tradition, the Torah pre-existed the creation of the universe and academies for the study of Torah were established even before the time of the patriarchs. Indeed, they suggest that the description of Jacob in his youth as a simple man dwelling in tents implies that he studied in well-estab- lished yeshivot. It would follow, therefore, that at least one of his sons would emulate his father, and that son was Issachar. The Midrash relates that because Issachar was sedentary and did not actively pursue an occupation, the tribe was sustained by his prosperous brother Zvulun. Rashi summarizes the relation- ship in these words: Zvulun engaged in prakmatia (business) functionality and efficiency of Jewish nonprofits. These are productive bridges to make between the Jewish commu- nity and the for-profit sector. More concerning, and poten- tially harmful to the Jewish communal world, is the growing expectation of short-term results and immediate returns on investment. If philanthro- pists are unwilling to invest in areas where impact may not be known for an extended period of time, we may not be able to afford important components of a rich, vibrant and knowl- edgeable Jewish community. A popular Hebrew song states, “The whole entire world is a very narrow bridge and the main thing to do is have no fear at all.” As a Jewish profes- sional, I challenge this notion. Our organizations need to continue crossing bridges and learning from others; but a healthy dose of skepticism and fear is OK, too. It may just become the foundation needed to support getting to a better, more impactful, place. Abbey Frank is senior director of program operations and planning for Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. This piece was first published by eJewish Philanthropy. JEWISH EXPONENT CAN DL E L IGHTIN G Jan. 1 Jan. 8 and provided food for Issachar, who was engaged in the study of Torah. While we may regard some of Jacob’s testament as perfunc- tory and not deserving more than a perfunctory reading, we may have to think again when we examine how the rabbis viewed Jacob’s predictions. We will realize that there is a lesson for future generations in the relationship between the tribes of Issachar and Zvulun. Throughout the ages, a certain portion of the Jewish population has devoted much of its time to the study of Torah in its broadest sense of Jewish learning and, while they were still obligated to earn a living, their earnings were insufficient to support them and their families. It was up to the more successful and affluent members of the community to support these students and their institutions. The need continues to this day with our attempts to perpetuate Jewish learning through our day schools. The cost is substantial and beyond the reach of many families, so we depend on the descendants of Zvulun among us to assume the responsibility of providing sustenance for those who, like Issachar, devote 4:29 p.m. 4:35 p.m. themselves to the study of Torah and the perpetuation of Jewish life. It is an obligation which the Jewish community has yet fully to assume. May this week’s parshah provide the stimulus for greater involvement in philanthropy, especially in these difficult times. Shabbat shalom. Parshat Vayechi is usually read around New Year’s Day in the secular calendar. Let us pray that the year 2021 will bring recompense for the unprecedented difficulties that we have endured in 2020. Rabbi Robert Layman, a past president of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Philadelphia, retired from the active rabbinate in 2001. He is an instructor in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Temple University. The Board of Rabbis 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 reflect the view of the Board of Rabbis. changing addresses? DON’T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE OF THE Call 215.832.0700 or email subscriptions@ jewishexponent.com with your new address. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM COMMUNITY NEWS The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia mobilizes financial and volunteer resources to address the communities’ most critical priorities locally, in Israel and around the world. NextGen Spotlight: Meet Adam Klazmer NEXTGEN IS EXCITED to announce that Adam Klazmer will be our incoming board chair. Klazmer is a true leader with a fierce passion and devotion for Jewish commu- nity and Israel. Growing up, Klazmer attended Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy (formerly known as Akiba Hebrew Academy) and then became a lone soldier in the Israel Defense Forces. Currently an associate of Klazmer Financial Group, Klazmer continues his leadership through philanthropy with a genuine understanding of the impact that we, as young professionals, can make on the generations to come. In his eight-plus years of involve- ment, Klazmer has served in a number of leadership roles in NextGen and at the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. Most recently NextGen’s Ben Gurion Society Chair, Klazmer is a member of the Finance Committee and Committee for Israel & Global Strategy Adam Klazmer (CIGS). He is a founding member of NextGen’s new Levin Society and a member of the Jewish Federation’s Legacy Society. Succeeding NextGen Board Chair Matt Shipon, Klazmer will officially assume the role at the start of September 2021. NextGen chatted with Klazmer to learn more about him, his new position and his relationship to the Jewish Federation: What are three fun facts about you? 1. My wife and I have an adorable (though socially awkward) rescue dog named Rudder. 2. I love to grill and am always in search of new, interesting ways to make awesome barbecue. 3. I’m third generation in my family’s financial services firm. In non-COVID times, I enjoy working closely with (and in close proximity to) my dad, uncle, brother and cousin. I’m very much looking forward to being able to go back to our office full time. How does it feel being the incoming board chair, and what do you hope to accomplish during your term? Being asked to serve as the board chair of NextGen is an honor and somewhat daunting. It means that a number of people within the Jewish Federation — both volunteers and staff — have placed their faith in me to steer the overall direction of NextGen. During my term as board chair, my first priority is for NextGen to rebuild. When we are able to again hold in-person events, I want us to be ready. Whether these events are social, educational or mitzvah-oriented, all will be focused on building community. While NextGen as a whole has endured these past few months, these events will allow us to engage our membership and boost the size of our board, which will then allow us to focus on our long-term priorities. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Both the executive committee and the at-large board are made up of dedicated donors. These young professionals care deeply about NextGen, Jewish Federation and the Jewish community as a whole. Without their support and hard work, the role of board chair would be infinitely more challenging. I am very excited to serve in this role and continue the incredible work of the board chairs who held the position before me. How did you first get involved with NextGen and the Jewish Federation? I first got involved through NextGen’s Leadership Development Program (LDP) in 2012-2013. Throughout your leadership journey in the Jewish Federation, what has been one of your most memorable experiences? Why? Frankly, just being part of the NextGen board/executive committee. Courtesy of Adam Klazmer Over my time in NextGen, it has been incredibly inspiring to see the passion of young leadership involved in Jewish Federation. In NextGen, members have developed friendships and relationships. We have had inspiring conversations and we have had more light-hearted events. All of it, however, began with the passion that the young leaders have for the Jewish Federation and the Jewish community overall. What is an organization, program or cause that the Jewish Federation supports that personally resonates with you? Why? I am an alum of both Akiba Hebrew Academy (now known as Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy) and Ramah in the Poconos. The support that Jewish Federation gives to these organizations is near and dear to my heart. Also, I served as a lone soldier in the Nahal Infantry Brigade. In my role on the Committee for Israel and Global Strategy, I have been an advocate for supporting all soldiers of the IDF, including lone soldiers. One of my priorities through my involvement has been, and continues to be, to encourage the Jewish Federation to support the IDF further. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to get involved in NextGen? Just get involved. Do LDP, go on Israel 360, join the associate board. Don’t think too much about what is going to be the “right fit” — you will find your place in NetGen. You don’t know who you’re going to meet or what experiences you’re going to have. I’ve met some of my closest friends in Philadelphia through my involvement in NextGen. But the key is to get involved. NextGen is the young professional affinity group of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. To learn more about NextGen, please email Max Moline at mmoline@jewishphilly.org. JEWISH EXPONENT DECEMBER 31, 2020 17 Philadelphia. He played well into his 90s un- til an accident left him partially paralyzed. He was a co-founder of the Frog Hollow Rac- quet Club and Worcester Tennis Club. He was the recipient of numerous championship awards in singles and doubles. Marvin was an avid photographer and an enthusiastic traveler. He DEATH enjoyed NOTICES stand-up comedy shows, classic films, art shows, and Frank Sinatra. He loved being outdoors and work- ing on home and garden projects. He was a Founding Member of Congregation Or-Ami. His most treasured times were shared with Lorie, his devoted charming wife of 63 years. He was most proud of her tremendous ac- complishments as a well known artist still active in award winning exhibitions. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations that will support access to tennis programs for youth in need throughout the USTA Middle States Section. Please mail a check to USTA Foundation, 70 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains, NY 10604 (Memo: "Marvin H. Balis- tocky") or donate online at www.ustafounda- tion.com/donate. Donations may also be made to Congregation Or-Ami in Lafayette Hill, PA. JOSEPH LEVINE and SONS www.levinefuneral.com C ommunity / deaths DEATH NOTICES BALISTOCKY Dr. Marvin H. Balistocky, 97 of Philadelphia, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2020, in Philadelphia. Born in 1923 to Tillie (Wright) and Meyer Balistocky, Marvin is sur- vived by his beloved wife Lorie, a daughter Anne, a son Paul, and two grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister, Lillian, and a brother, Louis. Marvin enjoyed a distin- guished career of forty years as a dedicated general ophthalmologist. Marvin graduated from West Philadelphia High School in 1941 and went on to study at the University of Pennsylvania. He answered a call to serve his country in the Army from 1943-1945, gradu- ated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1946, and went on to University of Pennsylvania Graduate school and Hahne- mann Medical School where he received his MD degree in 1953. His medical training was interrupted when he contracted pulmonary tuberculosis and spent eight months in the hospital. He then resumed training in 1952 to graduate the following year. After completing an internship at Philadelphia General Hospit- al where he served as Chief of Ophthalmo- logy, Marvin served as a Lieutenant in the US Navy as Chief of Portsmouth Naval Hospital in New Hampshire. He served in the United States Navy Reserves until 1963. He was a Lieutenant in the US Coast Guard and served in the US Coast Guard Reserve. He started a practice of general ophthalmology in Norris- town and later expanded to King of Prussia. He was chief of Ophthalmology at Sacred heart Hospital in Norristown and was appoin- ted to the medical staff at Wills Eye Hospital, Montgomery Hospital and Mercy Suburban Hospital. Marvin was a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology. He taught and lectured in numerous medical education programs, including teaching sur- gical techniques to interns and residents at hospital programs including Thomas Jeffer- son Medical School, Wills Eye Hospital Res- idency Program, and Mercy Suburban Hos- pital. He was also a Professor at New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. Marvin gen- erously donated his services, caring for the indigent at the State Prisons and providing medical care for patients at hospital clinics and nursing homes. Dr. Balistocky provided medical and surgical care for a Catholic Mis- sion in Mexico. Patients traveled to Baja, Mexico from several hundred miles away to receive his sight saving services. Dr. Balis- tocky oversaw the care of those afflicted with mental illness in Eagleville, Norristown and Haverford State Hospitals. He frequently per- formed eye screenings for the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Montgomery County and for the Mont- gomery Association for the Blind. At a time before insurance plans were widely used, he had a policy of accepting all patients without regard for the ability to pay for care or sur- gery. He was commended frequently by hos- pitals for his willingness to handle emer- gency room calls. Marvin was an accom- plished athlete and tennis player, first learn- ing the game as a boy on the streets of West Philadelphia. He played well into his 90s un- til an accident left him partially paralyzed. He was a co-founder of the Frog Hollow Rac- quet Club and Worcester Tennis Club. He was the recipient of numerous championship awards in singles and doubles. Marvin was an avid photographer and an enthusiastic traveler. He enjoyed stand-up comedy shows, classic films, art shows, and Frank Sinatra. He loved being outdoors and work- ing on home and garden projects. He was a 18 DECEMBER 2020 Or-Ami. Founding Member of 31, Congregation His most treasured times were shared with Lorie, his devoted charming wife of 63 years. He was most proud of her tremendous ac- BRAVERMAN Celia Braverman (nee Feldman) Dec. 19, 2020. Beloved wife of the late George Weis- berg and the late William Braverman. Loving mother of Dr. Martin Weisberg (Diane) and Dr. Marilyn Deutsch (the late Henri). Devoted grandmother to her grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Funeral services private. Con- tributions in her memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com GIMPEL Gladys Gimpel (nee Loev), Dec. 20, 2020. Wife of Marvin Gimpel. Mother of Harriet (Haim Green) Gimpel and Lois (Mahmood) Gimpel Shaukat. Sister of Arthur (the late Iris) Loev, Norman (Nancy) Loev, Esq., and the late Beverly (the late Jerry) Jackson. Grandmother of Adam and Zohra Shaukat. Services and interment private. Contribu- tions in her memory may be made to Ha- dassah, 1518 Walnut St., Suite 402, Phil- adelphia, PA 19102-3419: www.hadassah.org. GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com GLABERSON Arnold Glaberson, December 15, 2020, of Huntingdon Valley, PA. Beloved husband of Doris (nee Shamberg) Glaberson; loving fath- er of Amy Glaberson, Mark (Lisa) Oser, Dr. Craig Oser, Keith (Debbie) Oser and the late Sandra Glaberson; cherished grandfather of Halie Jewel Oser, Zachary Edward Oser and Justin Evan Oser; brother of the late Estelle Bornstein. He founded Rome and Glaberson, where he worked with his partner, Joel Rome, for 58 years. Mausoleum Services were private due to Covid. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Sandra Robyn Glaberson Foundation at 161 Filly Drive, North Wales, PA 19454. JOSEPH LEVINE and SONS www.levinefuneral.com HONOR THE MEMORY OF YOUR LOVED ONE... CALL 215-832-0749 DEATH NOTICES DEATH NOTICES DEATH NOTICES GROSSBERG Van Grossberg, lovingly known as Volfie, passed away on December 19, 2020, just shy of his 100th birthday. Beloved husband of the late Bernice (nee Krel); Loving father of Carl Grossberg, Edward (Helena) Grossberg and Francine (David) Orkin; Devoted Zayda of Shelly (Jordan), Jonah, Samantha Allison, Alex and Anita. Born in Dubno, Poland he was the youngest of 7 children. He lost his parents and three siblings during the Holo- caust, spent 10 years in forced labor camp but somehow managed to stay positive, lov- ing and kind to all the people he met, espe- cially his grandchildren. He was an active member in the Association of Jewish Holo- caust Survivors where he spent time socializ- ing with his many friends. Services and inter- ment were private. Contributions in his memory may be made to US Holocaust Me- morial Museum, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW, Washington DC 20024, www.donate.ushmm.org or Yad Vashem, PO Box 3477, Jerusalem 9103401, Israel, web- master@yadvashem.org GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com JECK Sheila Ann Jeck (nee Caplan) on December 23, 2020. Beloved wife of Dr. Saul Jeck; Lov- ing mother of Daniel (Dara) Jeck and the late Dr. Charles Jeck; Devoted grandmother of Evan, Nicole (Josiah), Ethan and Dylan. Ser- vices and interment are Private. Contribu- tions in her memory may be made to Autism Speaks–Penn State 5K, http://act.aut- ismspeaks.org/site/TR/TeamUp/TeamUp?tea m id=113158&pg=team&fr id=5570 or Na- tional Multiple Sclerosis Society, http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/P AE/Donate GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com KATZ Celia Starr Katz, 88. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and de- voted teacher passed away on December 17, 2020 in Indianapolis. Celia was born in Washington DC on October 7, 1932 to Mi- chael and Bessie Starr. Celia attended the University of Maryland. She and her late hus- band, Richard raised their family in Phil- adelphia, where Celia worked as a teaching assistant for elementary and middle school students. Celia loved children and was pas- sionate about their learning. Celia was a member of Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia, and at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation. She was a member of Com- passionate Friends and a volunteer with the Lawrence School District in Indiana through her work with OASIS. Celia is survived by her sons, Mitchell (Karen) and Larry (Coleen) Katz and her daughter-in-law, Andrea Katz; 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard and son, Bradley. Private graveside services will be held in Philadelphia. Memori- al contributions may be made to the Bradley S Katz fund at Riley Children’s Foundation, 30 S. Meridian St Indianapolis Indiana 46204. www.RileyKids.Org. facebook.com/jewishexponent A Community Remembers Monthly archives of Jewish Exponent Death Notices are available online. www.JewishExponent.com JEWISH EXPONENT KEVITCH Janice Kevitch, Age 85, passed away at her home in Plymouth Meeting, PA on December 18, 2020. She was the loving wife of the late Benjamin Kevitch for almost 68 years. She will be missed by her children Robert (Carla) Kevitch, Andrew (Lisa) Kevitch, Michael (Stacy) Kevitch, Todd (Sandra) Kevitch, and the late Stephen Kevitch and by her adoring grandchildren Samantha (Quincy) Moore, Danielle, Austin, Lindsey, Tristan, Sydney, Drew, Dylan, Lola, Izzy, and Jeremy Kevitch. Janice was born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised her family in Elkins Park spending many fun- loving and happy summers down the shore in Margate. Janice was the proud matriarch of the Kevitch family and kept many close friends for decades. She will be greatly missed by those whose lives she touched. Services and interment private. Contribu- tions in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of the donor's choice. JOSEPH LEVINE and SONS www.levinefuneral.com ROBBINS Saul Robbins, on December 22, 2020. Be- loved husband of the late Sandra (nee Ver- bet); Loving father of Fred (Robin) Robbins, Sherri Robbins-Utain and Dayna Robbins; Devoted grandfather of Stephen, Matthew, Gillian (Andrew) and Seth. Services and inter- ment are Private. Contributions in his memory may be made to American Heart As- soc., 1617 JFK Blvd., Ste 700, Phila., PA 19103, www.heart.org. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com ROBINSON Sidney J. Robinson, 96 of Huntingdon Valley PA, passed away peacefully on Dec. 21 2020. He was born Nov. 11, 1924 in South Phil- adelphia, the son of Phillip and Lotte (Her- stein) Robinson. Sid graduated from South Philadelphia High School and when his coun- try called, enlisted in the US Army Air Corp becoming a Radio Operator on a B17 Bomber. After proudly serving his country, Sid returned home and started his 70+ year career in the drapery and slipcover fabric in- dustry at Croydon Fabrics on 4th St. where he met his true love, Annette Sumsky. He later went to work for Leedes Fabrics until its closing. In his 80's he started a new career in retail sales at Walmart and worked there for 10 years. Sid and Annette were married in 1952 and enjoyed 60 beautiful years togeth- er. They formerly lived in Levittown, and then moved to Northeast Philadelphia. Sid was a salesman and with that outgoing personality and kind spirit he made lasting friends wherever he went. Annette loved to travel, and she and Sid explored the world. Sid was a 70 year member of Richard Vaux Brother- hood Lodge #126 F&AM Phila. PA, as well as a longtime member of a VFW Post. Sid and Annette were longtime members of Congreg- ations of Shaare Shamayim and had left their indelible mark in the Jewish Community. Sid was predeceased by his wife (Annette). Fath- er of Michael Robinson (Dr. Marjorie Block Robinson) and Sharon Robinson-Taylor. Grandfather of Emily Robinson; Brother of the late Meyer Robinson; Brother-in law of Gilbert and Rita Sumsky and Herbert Sum- sky. Also survived by his two devoted cous- ins Dorothy Loman and Joyce Herstein. Graveside services were private. Contribu- tions in his memory can be made to Con- gregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Ver- ree Rd, Philadelphia PA 19115. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERGS’ RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com ROSE A COMMUNITY REMEMBERS MONTHLY ARCHIVES OF JEWISH EXPONENT DEATH NOTICES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE. www.jewishexponent.com Louise Bers Rose, 104 years of age, Decem- ber 20, 2020 of Meadowbrook, Pa. Devoted wife of the late Leon Morris Rose. Cherished mother of Bonnie (Peter Scheid) Rose George and Michael (Sara) Rose. Sister of the late Julian S. Bers and the late Solomon N. Bers. Also survived by five loving grand- children and seven great-grandchildren. Ser- vices and interment were private. contribu- tions in her memory may be made to a Wo- men Golfers Give Back. JOSEPH LEVINE and SONS www.levinefuneral.com SCHIMMEL Vicki Schimmel (nee Wasserman), on December 22, 2020, of Lafayette Hill, PA. Beloved wife of the late Edward Schimmel. Loving mother of Sherry (Mark) Hedson, Marcie (Michael) Bratman and Susan (Adam Weiss) Abramowitz. Grandmother of Rachel (Ben) Cohen and Jessica Tiffany. A private graveside service was held at Shalom Me- morial Park. Contributions in Vicki’s memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. JOSEPH LEVINE and SONS www.levinefuneral.com JEWISHEXPONENT.COM C OMMUNITY / deaths DEATH NOTICES DEATH NOTICES BUSINESS DIRECTORY SHAPIRO Stanley H. Shapiro, M.D., December 19, 2020 of Phila., PA. Devoted husband of Esther "Bunny" Glick (nee Perkin) and the late Evelyn Shapiro. Beloved father of Joan Alexander, Anne and (Karl) Wenner, Irene and (Terry) Fisher, Ellen and (Rick) Freeman, Henry Sha- piro and (Christy Hobart). Cherished Step father of Ellen Glick, Stefanie Glick, Gordon and (Samantha) Glick and Robert Glick. Also survived by 12 grandchildren and 2 great- grandchildren. Dr. Shapiro was a prominent Philadelphia Psychoanalyst. He was a train- ing and supervisory psychoanalyst at the Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia and clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Hahne- mann Medical School. A virtual memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a date and time TBD. Contributions in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice or Live Well Foundation. JOSEPH LEVINE and SONS www.levinefuneral.com SIMONS Deborah C. Simons (nee Eisenhofer) beloved wife of Cantor Jerome L. Simons, of blessed memory, mother, sister, grandmother, moth- er-in-law, and aunt, passed away on Wednes- day, December 16, 2020 at her home in Phil- adelphia. She worked as a teacher in public and private schools in the Philadelphia area. She was later hired by the Jewish Com- munity High School of Gratz College (JCHS) in Elkins Park, PA, where she taught Bible, Jewish History, and education courses for many years. Her students highly regarded her easy-going yet content-focused style of teaching. She was later promoted to become the Director of Student Services and, eventu- ally, the Acting Director of JCHS. She was very active in educational and youth pro- gramming at Congregation Shaare Shamay- im for many years, often in tandem with her husband, Cantor Simons. Deborah Simons is survived by her daughter, Esther Simons- Koppel (Barry); her daughter, Lois Made (Carlos); her son, Dov Simons, her sister, Zelda Oslon; and her granddaughter, Melissa Made. A graveside service was held on December 16. In lieu of flowers, donations in the merit of her memory can be made to Congregation B’nai Israel - Ohev Zedek, 8201 Castor Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19152. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com A Community Remembers Monthly archives of Jewish Exponent Death Notices are available online. www.JewishExponent.com facebook.com/jewishexponent NEED A NEW BANK? WEINSTEIN Arnold (Arnie) Weinstein born April 15, 1928 in Wynnefield, PA died of a life well lived and of heart failure with his loving family by his side on November 25, 2020. Arnie led a life that was full and truly awesome. He was loved dearly by his beautiful wife of 72 years, June Weinstein (nee Gross), their three chil- dren, Eileen Donohue, Hal Weinstein and John Weinstein as well as their spouses, nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Arnie was an entrepreneur and the consum- mate salesperson having owned his own plumbing sales agency for many years as well as being on the board of directors of many organizations within the plumbing in- dustry including being a founding member of the Philadelphia Manufacturers Representat- ive Association. His sales acumen was un- canny, and he flourished in a time when per- sonal relationships were as important as what we now call metrics. Arnie was an ex- cellent athlete having been named “All Pub- lic” while playing football at Overbrook High School and being on the varsity track and boxing teams. Arnie’s love of sports contin- ued throughout his life as he took up playing tennis winning many championships while living down the “shore” at his beloved home in Loveladies, N.J. He was also an expert ski- er and introduced many of his friends to the sport as well as all of his children. While his love of athletics was truly inspirational, he also had a passion for the theatre where he acted in many roles over the years at Allen’s Lane Art Theatre and Abington Theatre as well as being in a few TV productions. Whether playing Big Julie in Guys and Dolls, Chief Sitting Bull in Annie Get Your gun or Earthquake McGoon in Lil’ Abner he did so with aplomb. With his best friend Irv Bloom they owned the Philadelphia Playhouse and hosted many notable plays and actors. Arnie’s love of sports and theatre was only surpassed by his love of his family, espe- cially his lifetime love, June. He was ex- tremely proud of his family and their accom- plishments and let everyone around his circle of friends know this. Arnie had an amazing memory and used this to muster up his prodigious catalogue of thousands of jokes that he could recite at will. Yes, he had a great sense of humor that continued throughout his life. Arnie outlived many of his best friends and frequently had dreams of them calling him to the slopes to go skiing. Irv, Norm and Bob now have their bestest skiing buddy to join them as they “schuss” down the biggest slopes with a dusting of new powder. We will always love you and miss you Arnie, dad, daddy, poppy, Poppy Arnie! Contributions in his memory may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research F o u n d a t i o n W e i n s t e i n F a m i l y T e am (http://www2.jdrf.org/goto/Weinstein). JOSEPH LEVINE and SONS www.levinefuneral.com A Community Remembers HONOR THE MEMORY OF YOUR LOVED ONE... CALL 215-832-0749 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Monthly archives of Jewish Exponent Death Notices are available online. www.JewishExponent.com CALL SEGAL FINANCIAL TO GUIDE YOU. • COMMERCIAL LOANS • INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE • CONSTRUCTION • WORKING CAPITAL evan@segalfinancial.com www.segalfinancial.com See CALL/TEXT recent success EVAN stories on AT our Facebook page 215-704-2080 BOOKEEPING SERVICES Quickbooks Experience 610-715-3637 6HUYLQJ3$ )/ 0LFKDHO)ULHGPDQ nmls  $)LQDQFLDO3ODQQLQJ7RRO $6DIHW\1HW)RU 6HQLRUV2OGHU$GXOWV   LQIR#UHYHUVLQJPWJFRP ZZZUHYHUVLQJPWJFRP Power Washing Window Washing Chandelier Cleaning Hardwood Wax Gutter Cleaning BRUCKER’S SEGAL FINANCIAL is a commercial loan advisory fi rm. 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CALL LOIS KAMINSKY 215•947•0304 www.hcocares.com Sign up at the bottom left hand side of our homepage. jewishexponent.com www.jewishexponent.com JEWISH EXPONENT LEGAL DIRECTORY ELDER LAW AND ESTATE PLANNING Wills Trusts Powers of Attorney Living Wills Probate Estates Protect assets from nursing home LARRY SCOTT AUERBACH, ESQ. CERTIFIED ELDER LAW ATTORNEY CPA-PFS, J.D., LL.M.,MBA 1000 Easton Road Abington, PA 19001 For consultation call 215-517-5566 or 1-877-987-8788 Toll Free Website: www.Lsauerbach.com DECEMBER 31, 2020 19 CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE YARD SERVICES RENTALS EDUCATION ACTIVITIES BUSINESS/ FINANCIAL EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED OUT OF AREA VACATION SALES/RENTALS INFORMATION SERVICES PROFESSIONAL/ PERSONAL AUTOMOTIVE HOUSEHOLD SERVICES MERCHANDISE MARKETING REPAIRS/ CONSTRUCTION STATEWIDE ADS TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD: LINE CLASSIFIED: 215-832-0749 classified@jewishexponent.com DISPLAY ADVERTISING: 215-832-0753 DEADLINES: LINE CLASSIFIED: 12 p.m. Mondays DISPLAY ADVERTISING: 12 p.m. Fridays MAIN LINE HOMES FOR SALE PENN VALLEY “OAK HILL" TERRACES-Top floor. Immacu- late, designer, rarely available 1 BD, 1.5 BA, open kitchen, cus- tom window treatments, lots of closets, main BD suite w/dress- ing room area, W/D, wood floors, lrg. sunny balcony, just steps to elevator. REDUCED $194,900 ESTATES-Renovated 2 BD, 2 BA Townhouse. New granite, galley kitchen, living room fireplace, wood floors, custom lighting, covered balcony, parking by your door. The DeSouzas are Back on Bustleton! Happy Fall!! Prices are Up Interest rates are Down Now is the Time to List with Us!! Call Andi or Rick DeSouza for an appointment & we will deliver: Results, Not Promises! RE/MAX Eastern, Inc. Eric DeSouza Associate Broker Andrea DeSouza Sales Associate Eric Cell 215-431-8300/8304 Bus 215-953-8800 rickdesouza70@gmail.com KKKKKK TOWER-NEW LISTING Renov- ated, top floor, 3 BD, 2.5 BA, modern kitchen, wood floors, washer/dryer, screened balcony, custom lighting, & closets. TERRACES-NEW LISTING Sun- drenched 2 BD, 2 BA, modern, granite, open galley kitchen w/ granite counters, tiled back splash, custom lighting, ceiling fans. TOWER-5th floor, renovated 2 BD, 2 BA, open kitchen, lots of closets, washer/dryer, wood floors, sunny balcony, pool, gym, doorman, reduced cable package($76). Heat/AC in- cluded. $209,900 TERRACES-2nd floor. Designer, roomy 1 BD, 1 BA. Corian kit- chen counters, wood floors, lots of closets, washer/dryer, large balcony over looking woods. $149,900 KKKKKK TOWER-4th floor All new, de- signer studio apartment. New kitchen, bathroom, lighting. Wood floors. Sunny balcony. $1300 TOWER-3rd floor, Roomy 2 BD 2 BA, Sunny front balcony, modern kitchen, custom closets, washer/dryer, custom lighting, mirrored closets, ww carpets, coat closet, large bal- cony, Available immediately. $1900 Includes Heat/AC CALL NICOLE MCNALLY 215.832.0749 20 DECEMBER 31, 2020 CHANDELIER RESTORATION CRYSTAL CHANDELIER SERVICE Rewiring, refin, cleaning. Looks brand new when we're thru. Howard Serotta 215-423-2234; 368-4056 Call 215-920-2528 SITUATION WANTED Caring & Reliable Experienced & Trained BONDED & LICENSED Available 24/7 20 Years Experience Very Affordable 215-477-1050 ESTATES-Renovated 2 BD, 2 BA, walk up town home. Large granite kitchen with pantry closet. living room with gas fireplace, custom lighting, new carpet and paint, ceiling fans, large sunny balcony. $259,900 TERRACES-Top floor, 2 BD, 2 BA, new granite kitchen, new re- frigerator, new washer/dryer, new heating and a/c, new elec- tric, custom lighting, custom closets. Sunny balcony. Near el- evator and parking. $219,900 Place an ad in the REAL ESTATE Section SENIORS TO SENIORS TERRACES- 2 BD, 2 BA, open granite kitchen, wood floors, washer/dryer, lots of closets, custom lighting & window treat- ments. Available immediately! $2150 TOWER-NEW LISTING Expans- ive, renovated 3 BD, 3.5 BA "home", Extra space with one floor living. All new expanded, open granite kit., with breakfast bar. New bathrooms, W/D, lots of closets, corner balcony. In- cludes heat, A/C, gym, pool, parking. ************************* SNOWBIRD SPECIAL Gleneagles Country Club, Delray Beach. Expanded, renovated 1st flr. on golf course, 2 BD, 2 BA, 1,500 sq. ft. Was $159,000 now $119,000! SENIORS TO SENIORS BOX REPLIES will be forwarded once a week on Friday. To answer a Senior to Senior ad, address your reply to: JE Box ( ) Classifi ed Dept. 2100 Arch Street 4th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103 DEADLINE - TO PLACE YOUR SENIOR TO SENIOR AD Friday by 10 am for the following Thursday’s issue Call 215-832-0749 LEGAL SERVICES Place an ad in the Real Estate Section CALL: NICOLE MCNALLY 215.832.0749 ATTORNEYS! ADVERTISE YOUR LEGAL NOTICES AND LEGAL SERVICES WE GUARANTEE THE BEST RATES! WE CIRCULATE THROUGHOUT THE TRI-STATE AREA (PA, NJ, DE) CALL THE CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT FOR DETAILS 215-832-0749 or 215-832-0750 classifi ed@jewishexponent.com FAX: 215-832-0785 PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD 610-667-9999 Realtor® Emeritus. 5 Star winner, Philly Mag Google Harvey Sklaroff oakhillcondominiums.com To place an ad in the Real Estate Section call 215.832.0749 JEWISH EXPONENT CALL: NICOLE MCNALLY 215.832.0749 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM SEASHORE SALE LOVE where you LIVE VOTED ATLANTIC COUNTY BOARD OF REALTORS 2020 REALTOR OF THE YEAR! *TOP 10 in the country out of all Berkshire Hathaway agents *GCI 2019 www.HartmanHomeTeam.com NEW LISTING! LONGPORT $1,950,000 BAY & INLET VIEWS JUST STEPS TO THE BEACH! FABULOUS OPPORTUNITY IN THE EXCLU- SIVE POINT OF LONGPORT! NEW LISTING! MARGATE NEW PRICE! VENTNOR $799,000 RENOVATED TURN KEY BAYFRONT! 4 BR, 2.5 BATH, TWO BOAT SLIPS & TWO LARGE WATERFRONT DECKS! $1,699,000 FIRST BLOCK NORTH ON THE PARKWAY! 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COMPLETELY RENOVATED WITH GORGEOUS OCEAN VIEWS! NEW LISTING! $459,000 9600 ATLANTIC! GORGEOUS 1 BR, 1.5 BA UNIT FACES SOUTH WITH OCEAN VIEWS & BEING SOLD TURN KEY! VENTNOR $299,000 GREAT DUPLEX! TWO 2 BR, 1 BA UNITS! VACANT & COMPLETELY RENOVATED 2ND FLOOR UNIT WITH BAY VIEWS! 2020 Continued from Page 7 The Abraham Accords Before 2020, Israel only had formal diplomatic relations with two neighboring Arab countries, Egypt and Jordan. As 2020 ends, Israel now has relations with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, and pending ties with Sudan and Morocco (it also formal- ized ties with Bhutan, the tiny Buddhist-majority nation). While the deals include tradeoffs that have made some on both sides of Congress’ aisle uncomfortable — including advanced military weapons to the UAE and taking Sudan off the U.S. list of terrorism sponsors — the moves have been widely lauded for enlarging the Arab world’s acceptance of Israel. Lots of Nobel Prizes Jews are known for their proclivity for winning Nobel Prizes. So much so, in fact, that the concept features in all kinds of strange theories about Jewish intelligence. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Academic Paul Milgrom shared the economics prize for his discoveries in the field of auction theory. Poet Louise Gluck won in literature “for her unmistakable poetic voice that with austere beauty makes individual existence universal.” And Harvey Alter, a researcher for the National Institutes of Health, shared the Nobel in medicine for helping identify the hepatitis C virus. (Not to forget two retired Jewish mathemati- cians won the Abel Prize, seen as the Nobel equivalent for a field that does not award one.) A child’s “Avinu Malkeinu” goes viral One break from the heavi- ness of a pandemic High Holidays came in the form of a beaming 6-year-old in Australia, Bibi Shapiro, who went viral with his version of “Avinu Malkeinu.” Bibi appeared over Zoom during Yom Kippur services at Central Synagogue in New York City, collaborated with a favorite singer from his native South Africa and spurred an international conversa- tion among Jewish children’s musicians, showing the global reach of good news. A historic march against anti-Semitism It’s hard to remember a time before the pandemic raged through the country this year, but as the calendar turned to 2020, the New York City area was reeling from a spate of violent anti-Semitic attacks, including a Jersey City kosher store shooting and a stabbing in Monsey, New York. Orthodox Jews in Brooklyn were the victims of a sharp uptick in random assaults. In response, New York City officials and local Jewish groups helped organize one of the largest marches against anti-Semitism the country has ever seen, which symbolically started in Lower Manhattan and JEWISH EXPONENT crossed the Brooklyn Bridge. An Israeli phenom makes the NBA It’s rare for an Israeli athlete to make it to one of the top-tier American sports leagues. It’s unprecedented for an Israeli athlete to be touted as one of said league’s top prospects. Deni Avdija achieved both of those feats when he was picked ninth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards. The lanky 6-foot-9 forward with heaps of potential (he’s just 19), born to a Jewish Israeli mother and Muslim Serbian former Israeli basketball player father, has not been afraid to show off his Jewish pride — he even lit a Chanukah menorah in a video on the Wizards’ Instagram page. The Wizards have embraced Avdija’s identity by creating a Hebrew Twitter account. The team’s Jewish announcer called him “the mensch off the bench on Chanukah!” in his first preseason game. A mayoral Rosh Hashanah baby In 2019, Minneapolis’ Jewish mayor, Jacob Frey, was a rising star — and sex symbol. He made significant change in the city’s historically fraught zoning rules, endearing him to many fans on the left, and became a Twitter target for President Trump. But in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death at the hands of police officers in his city, Frey was thrust into the center of the country’s raging debate on police reform. His refusal to defund the city’s police department made him a poster child enemy for many progressives. Just before Rosh Hashanah this year, though, he had a joyous reprieve — the birth of his first child, a girl he and his wife, Sarah Clarke, named Frida. l DECEMBER 31, 2020 21 C OMMUNITY / calendar Kabbalat Shabbat Services Join the Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu- El Kehillah for an exciting, interactive and musical Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv service with Cantor Stephen Freedman. 3:30 p.m. at facebook. com/groups/mbiee.org. For more information, call 215-635-1505. SUNDAY, JAN. 3 The Mystery of Shilo The Mishkan (Tabernacle) stood in Shilo for 369 years, yet little is known about Shilo or where the Mishkan was relocated after its destruction. We visit Shilo to try to get some answers. Conducted by Rabbi Joel Cohn, the executive director of ISRAED, at 9:15 a.m. on Zoom. Contact Congregation Beth Hamedrosh at bethhamedrosh@ verizon.net for more information. TUESDAY, JAN. 5 WellnessMatters During the entire month of January, access the Wellness Experience Library, including exercise classes from yoga to HIIT workouts, calming meditations, expert tips and DIY self-care. Plus, ring in the New Year with wellness experts during the live WellnessMatters Kickoff Event at 10 a.m. via Zoom. For more information, contact JAFCO FamilyMatters Events Manager Melanie Foldes at melanie@familymattersnetwork.org or 267-637-0210. Topics may include Zoom, Google Hangouts, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, etc. Come with specifi c questions or to learn a new communication platform. Questions? Contact Rivka Goldman at 267-256-2250 or rgoldman@jfcsphilly.org. Group meets at 10 a.m. Donations of $10 appreciated. Prayer Series Join Cantor Stephen Freedman of Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu-El Kehillah for his continuing virtual prayer series, “These Are A Few Of My Favorite Prayers,” at facebook.com/groups/mbiee.org at 1 p.m. For more information, call 215-635-1505. The Spirituality of Work Participate in Torah learning from the Parshah Shemot (Exodus) with Rabbanit Dasi Fruchter from the South Philadelphia Shtiebel and Rhonda Cohen, administrator of community relations at JEVS Career Strategies. Using the text of the Parshah as a lens, the two will explore issues that can arise from unsuitable jobs or lack of work, and what resources JEVS has to provide support in these situations. Join us at 7 p.m. on Zoom for a one-hour free webinar. Call 215-832-0878 for more information. ● WEDNESDAY, JAN. 6 IT Support A Jewish Family and Children’s Service group for people to come and ask questions and learn about various ways to connect. THURSDAY, JAN. 7 TUESDAY, JAN. 5 Cooking Classes Join Judaism Your Way’s virtual cooking classes at 6:30 p.m. to make our favorite Jewish comfort foods during a fun, hands-on lesson sure to produce tasty results. You’ll receive the easy- to-follow recipe and easy-to-fi nd ingredient list ahead of time. Find more information and register at judaismyourway.org/cooking- classes/. Cost $36. COMMUNITYBRIEFS Phillies Name Sam Fuld General Manager THE PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES promoted Sam Fuld on Dec. 22 from director of integrative baseball performance to general manager, espn.com reported. Fuld, 39, who is Jewish, replaces Matt Klentak as general manager. He will be working under Dave Dombrowski, the Phillies’ newly hired president of baseball operations. In a 2019 Jewish Exponent story, Fuld, who was an outfi elder for parts of eight seasons in Major League Baseball, said he was looking forward to remaining in the game aft er his playing career was over. “I really do enjoy the unique challenges of working in the front offi ce and all the intellectual stimulation that provides,” he said. Fuld is a New Hampshire native and Stanford University graduate. He was a fi nalist for the Boston Red Sox managerial position earlier this year. He joined the Phillies in November 2017. Sam Fuld in 2015 Photo by Keith Allison licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 COVID-19 Relief Kits Donated B’nai B’rith Community Coordinator Samuel Domsky of Huntingdon Valley presented Rabbi Sandy Berliner, chaplain and service coordinator for Federation Housing locations in the Philadelphia area, with 150 COVID-19 relief kits provided by B’nai B’rith. Residents and staff of the Arthur and Estelle Sidewater House in Philadelphia and Florence E. Green House in Trevose received kits containing a cloth facemask and travel-sized hand sanitizer, both imprinted with the B’nai B’rith logo. Th ese kits will help ensure residents and staff stay safe during the pandemic. Th e donation is one of many made as part of B’nai B’rith’s project to provide 3,000 COVID-19 relief kits around the U.S. Individual B’nai B’rith community coordinators will donate kits on behalf of B’nai B’rith to local agencies dedicated to serving the community. Th e B’nai B’rith COVID-19 relief campaign has supported projects around the world since it began in March. Th e B’nai B’rith Disaster Relief Fund has responded to manmade and natural disasters worldwide since 1865. ● — Compiled by Andy Gotlieb www.jewishexponent.com Chai. News for people who know we don’t mean spiced tea. Every Thursday in the JEWISH EXPONENT and all the time online @jewishexponent.com. For home delivery, call 215.832.0710. 22 DECEMBER 31, 2020 JEWISH EXPONENT JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Antonio_Diaz/ iStock / Getty Images Plus FRIDAY, JAN. 1 C ommunity NE WSMAKERS The Colonial Subaru dealership in Feasterville sent volun- teers to KleinLife in Northeast Philadelphia to help deliver meals for RSVP Philadelphia. The event was part of the 2020 Subaru Share the Love Event, in which Subaru of America will contribute $250 for every new car sold or leased to Meals on Wheels America. From left: Drew Wilson, Sue Aistrop, Harrison Rothbaum, Rachel Schenk and John Eskat Photo by Stephanie Hampson Congregation Melrose B’nai Israel-Emanuel has been hosting its Higher and Higher learning program on weekday afternoons, streaming lectures and musical performances via Facebook. Rabbi Erez Sherman, son of MBIEE’s Rabbi Charles Sherman, put on a Facebook Live concert and children’s puppet show. Cantor Stephen Freedman sang Chanukah songs on recent Higher and Higher livestreams. 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JEWISHEXPONENT.COM JEWISH EXPONENT DECEMBER 31, 2020 23 Magazine AND Featured Content www.jewishexponent.com 2021 GUIDE TO JEWISH GREATER PHILADELPHIA THE GUIDE TO JEWISH GREATER PHILADELPHIA R OVE GOOD LIFE THE 2020-2021 / 5781 $3.50 THE CELEBRATING TODAY’S ACTIVE ADULTS Mazel Tov! Winter Holiday Magazine Jewish Celebrations I N G R E AT E R P H I L A D E L P H I A Inside: Gift ideas, Chanukah food, Mazel Tov section and more! Summer This A SUPPLEMENT TO THE JUNE 25, 2020 <<<C A SUPPLEMENT TO THE 2020-2021 / 5781 SYNAGOGUES • HOLIDAY CALENDAR CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES • RESOURCES & SERVICES MARCH 26, 2020 A SUPPLEMENT TO THE DECEMBER 17, 2020 The great times are just ahead... A SUPPLEMENT TO THE NOVEMBER 26, 2020 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM THIS SUMMER JUNE 25, 2020 1 JEWISH EXPONENT MAGAZINES are high-gloss, full-color, special interest supplements mailed with select issues of the Exponent focusing on a variety of subjects unique to Jewish life in the Delaware Valley. Their convenient size, modern design and sharp editorial make them favorites with our readers, and a smart choice for your advertising plan. Publications by date MAGAZINES Mazel Tov! Celebrates the joy of bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings and other Jewish lifecycle events (published twice a year) The Good Life Delivers the latest news and trends for those over 55 (published twice a year) This Summer Ushers in the season with the best of fun-in-the-sun for everyone The Guide to Jewish Philadelphia Annual resource for everything Jewish in the Delaware Valley. Winter Holiday Magazine Features holiday feasting, gifting, traveling, giving and more. AD SPACE DEADLINE Camps Dec 31 Jan 7 Healthy, Wealthy and Wise Jan 22 Jan 28 Camps Jan 29 Feb 4 The Look Feb 19 Feb 25 Passover Palate March 5 March 11 Spring Mazel Tov! March 5 March 25 April 9 April 15 Home & Garden FEATURED CONTENT Mothers Day April 23 April 29 In-paper Featured Content sections explore various topics of special interest to our readers. The Good Life April 16 May 6 Confi rmations May 4 May 13 Camps Featuring day, sleep-away & specialty camps Healthy, Wealthy and Wise In-paper section examining healthy fi nances and healthy families! This Summer May 28 June 17 Rosh Hashanah Food Aug 13 Aug 19 The Look Just when everyone is ready to shake off winter, we present the latest, freshest in personal and home fashions. Rosh Hashanah Food Aug 20 Aug 26 Rosh Hashanah Greetings Sept 1 Sept 9 Passover Palate Our annual and much anticipated collection of Passover traditions, recipes and entertaining ideas The Guide to Jewish Philadel- phia Aug 12 Sept 14 Cancer Awareness Published in October, this section takes a look at the latest techniques in treating and coping with cancer. Cancer Awareness Oct 1 Oct 7 Fall Mazel Tov! 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