FEBRUARY 16, 2023 | 25 SHEVAT 5783 CANDLELIGHTING 5:21 | HAVDALAH 6:21 Judge Harold Berger is honored by Jewish Learning Venture for SUPPORTING THE NEXT JEWISH GENERATION Page 27 Jewish Exponent PHILADELPHIA Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Craig Burke cburke@midatlanticmedia.com Associate Publisher Jeni Mann Tough jmann@midatlanticmedia.com EDITORIAL Editor | Andy Gotlieb 215-832-0797 agotlieb@jewishexponent.com Staff Writers Jillian Diamond, Sasha Rogelberg, Heather Ross, Jarrad Saff ren 7605 Old York Road, Melrose Park, PA 19027 Vol. 135, No. 46 Published Weekly Since 1887 ADVERTISING Account Executives Alan Gurwitz, Robin Harmon, Pam Kuperschmidt, Jodi Lipson, David Pintzow, Sara Priebe, Sharon Schmuckler, Samantha Tuttle, Sylvia Witaschek BUSINESS Accounting Manager Pattie-Ann Lamp 410-902-2311 plamp@midatlanticmedia.com accounting@midatlanticmedia.com Senior Accounts Receivable Specialist Grace Hagan ghagan@midatlanticmedia.com MARKETING Audience Development Coordinator Julia Olaguer 410-902-2308 jolaguer@midatlanticmedia.com Accounts Receivable Specialist Sarah Appelbaum sappelbaum@midatlanticmedia.com Main Offi ce: 215-832-0700 editor@jewishexponent.com 215-832-0797 circulation@jewishexponent.com 215-832-0700, ext. 1 sales@jewishexponent.com 215-832-0700, ext. 2 classifi ed@jewishexponent.com 215-832-0702 Legal Notices legals@jewishexponent.com CREATIVE Art Director | Steve Burke Graphic Designers | Ebony Brown, Lonna Koblick, Frank Wagner, Carl Weigel Digital Media Coordinator James Meskunas Connect with us: If you’re having problems receiving your Philadelphia Jewish Exponent in the mail, and live in an apartment or suite, please contact our circulation department at 215-832-0700, ext. 1, or circulation@jewishexponent.com. JEWISH EXPONENT, a Mid-Atlantic Media publication, is published weekly since 1887 with a special issue in September (ISSN 0021-6437) ©2022 Jewish Exponent (all rights reserved). Periodical postage paid in Philadelphia, PA, and additional offices. Postmaster: All address changes should be sent to Jewish Exponent Circulation Dept., 9200 Rumsey Road, Suite 215, Columbia, MD 21045. A one-year subscription is $50, 2 years, $100. Foreign rates on request. Jewish Exponent does not endorse kashrut claims. To verify the kashrut of goods or services advertised in Jewish Exponent, readers should consult rabbinic authorities. The Jewish Exponent reserves the right to revise, reject or edit any advertisement. A Taste of the Mediterranean Join us for a delicious, worldly event! Meet our team at each stage of your travels through our community to get a stamp on your culinary passport, while you enjoy a variety of Mediterranean delicacies. Turn your passport in at the end of ƒĚåƐåƽåĻƒƐƒŇƐÆåƐåĻƒåŹåÚƐĞĻƒŇƐ±ƐŹ±ÿåũ Thursday, February 23rd 3:30-6:30 pm RSVP: Amy Valentino, 610-200-6792, avalentino@residencebalacynwyd.com Personal Care & Memory Care Living 2 FEBRUARY 16, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT 251 Rock Hill Road, Bala Cynwyd | 610-200-6792 | residencebalacynwyd.com An LCB Senior Living Community: More Than 25 Years of Excellence inside this issue Local 5 Are area Jews returning to synagogues post-COVID? 6 Reconstructing Judaism grows Black, Jewish community-building opportunities 7 Jewish Phillie Dalton Guthrie tries to make big league club PRE-PLANNING DO SOMETHING THAT YOUR FUTURE SELF WILL THANK YOU FOR CONTACT OUR CARE TEAM TODAY Opinion 10 Editorials 11 Letters 11 Opinions Feature 16 Jewish Research institute embraces access to Eastern European Jewish history Special Section 18 Camps Community 21 Synagogue Spotlight 22 Obituaries 25 Calendar In every issue 4 Weekly Kibbitz 8 Federation 9 You Should Know 15 National Briefs 20 Food & Dining 24 D’var Torah 24 Social Announcements 26 Around Town 27 Last Word 28 Classifieds OUR CEMETERIES SERVE ALL FUNERAL HOMES AND OUR FUNERAL HOME SERVES ALL CEMETERIES laurelhillphl.com 5 A re area Jews returning to synagogues 6 R econstructing Judaism grows post-COVID? Black, Jewish community-building opportunities. Bala Cynwyd | Philadelphia 610.668.9900 16 J ewish Research institute embraces access to Eastern European Jewish history. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 3 Weekly Kibbitz Are the Goblins in ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ Antisemitic? “Hogwarts Legacy,” which has become the best-selling game on Steam, the world’s most popular vendor for computer games. While there have been Harry Potter games in the past, this is the fi rst major studio video game from Avalanche Software, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Games. It lands several years after the depiction of goblins in Harry Potter books and movies elicited criticism. Comedian Pete Davidson criticized author J.K. Rowling on “Saturday Night Live” in 2020 for creating a world in which “little giant-nosed Jew goblins” control the banks. And in a podcast episode in 2021, comedian Jon Stewart said: “You can ride dragons, and you’ve got a pet owl, and who should run the banks? Jews.” Those accusations have resurfaced. Jack Doyle, a writer for The Mary Sue, a publication that describes itself as “the geek girl’s guide to the universe,” wrote that the video game “revives the antisemitic trope.” He added that “the game seems to be of the opinion that the ‘moral’ choice is to crush the [goblin] rebellions, thereby returning goblins to subjugation.” Dobby at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: “The Making of Harry Potter” ‘A World Lots of People Love’ Following Stewart’s comments, the U.K.’s Campaign Against Antisemitism said in a statement that “the portrayal of the goblins in the Harry Potter series is of a piece with their portrayal in Western literature as a whole” and “is a testament more to centuries of Christendom’s antisemitism than it is to malice by contemporary artists. So it is with JK Rowling, who has proven herself over recent years to be a tireless defender of the Jewish community.” Travis Northup, who wrote a glowing review of the game for IGN — a popular video-game journalism website — said he didn’t think that the game’s premise echoed an antisemitic conspiracy theory. “The story does not depict a cabal of bank-controlling goblins trying to take over the world,” he wrote in a Twitter direct message. “It’s about one particular goblin rebelling against the Wizarding World’s insistence on keeping magic out of the hands of their kind.” Still, Northup said “I certainly won’t deny that the Wizarding World’s depic- tion of goblins in general has always been a bit questionable, even before this game.” ■ — Jacob Henry FOREST HILLS / SHALOM MEMORIAL PARK Do You Have a Plan for the Future? Why Pre-Plan Today ? • Make sure your family knows your fi nal wishes • R eveile ruoy devol seno orf m gnivah ot m eka hguot decisions and from any unexpected fi nancial burdens • Give real peace of mind for you and your family NEW MASADA V MAUSOLEUM Call us today to speak with a Family Service Professional and receive your FREE Personal Planning Guide. Forest Hills Cemetery/Shalom Memorial Park 25 Byberry Road Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 215-673-5800 NEW COLUMBARIUM & PRIVATE ESTATES 4 FEBRUARY 16, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT Samuel Domsky General Manager Brent Lanzi Family Service Manager Rob Young from United Kingdom via Wikimedia Commons When people enter the world of “Hogwarts Legacy,” the blockbuster video game that was offi cially released on Feb. 10, they will fi nd themselves immersed in the fi ctional universe of “Harry Potter” … and face-to-face with an alleged antisemitic caricature. The narrative of the game centers on a goblin rebellion in the 1890s, about a century before the fantasy books take place. Some who have had an early look at the game have echoed longstanding concerns that the creatures’ prominent hook noses and their role in the “Harry Potter” universe running the wizard bank, Gringotts, teeter on the edge of an antisemitic stereotype that Jews control the world’s money supply. Others have taken issue with “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling’s views on transgender people, which LGBTQ rights groups have called transphobic. The criticism does not appear to have signifi cantly impeded sales of local Are Area Jews Returning to Synagogues Post-COVID? Jarrad Saff ren | Staff Writer Photo by John Kellar Photography I n Judaism, a community needs 10 people praying to make a minyan. But if 10 people meet on Zoom or livestream, it does not count according to Jewish law, argues Rabbi Isaac Leizerowski of the Orthodox Congregation Beth Midrash HaRav B’Nai Jacob in Philadelphia. As the rabbi explained: “Zoom is not considered a physical presence. And you need a physical presence. That was considered an electronic picture and, therefore, was not considered an actual presence.” For that reason, Leizerowski’s congregation did not meet electronically during the pandemic. But it still had to follow city restrictions on crowd sizes. The rabbi estimated that groups were 50% smaller during COVID than they were before. But when the restrictions were lifted, Leizerowski said, “We’re open.” “The next day, they’re all back,” he said of his congregants. A similar scene is playing out across the Philadelphia area right now. Synagogues are reopening; members are coming back to buildings for services and activ- ities; and the Zooms and livestreams of the COVID era are now only a tool for those who cannot make it, like certain elderly or disabled members or people who live out of town. “It’s been a congregational benefi t,” said Bruce Toben of the Conservative Congregation Tifereth Israel in Bensalem, referring to virtual gatherings. “But we shouldn’t rely on that.” Almost any rabbi will tell you that a Jewish community should meet in person. But it’s not just a principle of Jewish law. It is also a practical action that congregants prefer because it makes them feel better. Joel Horwitz, a member of Congregation Beth Hamedrosh in Wynnewood, described a virtual gather- ing as “a very limited interaction.” Lately, he’s been sticking around after services on Shabbos morning to “kibbitz with people and catch up on the week.” And he has noticed that an in-person event gives people time to talk, make eye contact and see each other’s body language. Rachel Fox, a congregant at Beth Tikvah-B’nai Jeshurun in Glenside, is back in the shul now as often as she can be, even for board meetings. As Fox put it, “everything’s better in person.” You can hug people, focus on services and fi nd a deeper sense of belonging. “Community,” she said. But not all congregants in the region are ready to fi nd community in and around the building again. Many synagogues are not yet back to the same crowd and group sizes for services and activities that they saw pre-COVID. Some are not even close. Toben said Tifereth Israel’s crowd size during the High Holidays in the fall was 85% of what it was in 2019. At Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia, crowds and groups are about 10% smaller than they were before 2020, according to Rabbi Albert Gabbai. But at both places, momentum seems to be moving in the right direction. Tifereth Israel saw almost 50 people show up for a young family Shabbat service in January. And Mikveh Israel is getting 60-70 members every week for Shabbat. “They are coming. Some are still hesitant. Not too many,” Gabbai said. Congregation Kol Ami in Elkins Park is not so lucky. Before the pandemic, it attracted 40-60 people to special Shabbat occasions, according to Rabbi Leah Berkowitz. Post-COVID, maybe 30 are coming in person, with 20 partic- ipating online. Beth El Synagogue in Margate, New Jersey, is in a similar situa- tion. Only about 50% of congregants who attended services before 2020 are returning to the building in 2023, accord- ing to Rabbi Aaron Krauss. “Most of the people just got into the habit of doing it on Zoom, and they still keep the habit,” Krauss said. Berkowitz is hesitant to take away the Zoom option because it’s conve- nient for several groups, including homebound seniors, people with disabilities and young families with kids on tight schedules. It also makes services accessible for congre- gants who retire into the city, winter elsewhere or move away. At the Rachel Fox and her family at her same time, Berkowitz knows she daughter’s Bat Mitzvah in Beth probably needs to limit it. Tikvah-B’nai Jeshurun in Glenside Some synagogues, like Tifereth Israel, have made their livestreams “We established the Zoom partic- one-way, meaning congregants can only ipation as an emergency during the watch from home, not participate. They pandemic. I can’t justify it anymore since have to come back in to participate. Beth the building is open,” said Rabbi Jeff Hamedrosh only uses Zoom to make Schnitzer of Tifereth Israel. “I can’t fi nd gatherings like board meetings easier. an excuse within all of Jewish law to Gabbai said Zoom is good for congre- allow this to continue.” ■ gants who live outside the city in Cherry Hill to use for weeknight activities. jsaff ren@midatlanticmedia.com Are You Fast-Paced & “ON THE GO”? Don’t have time for print magazines? DON’T MISS OUT! Over 4,000 users are enjoying the ease, simplicity and pleasure of our digital magazine. It’s EASY to get your digital magazine every week. SIMPLY subscribe with your email address. Sign up today at: jewishexponent.com/econfirmation/ JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 5 local Reconstructing Judaism Grows Opportunities for Black and Jewish Community-building L ast October, a minyan of Jews of African descent traveled to Montgomery, Alabama, with the Wyncote-based Reconstructing Judaism. Specifically for Black Jews across the country, the Reconstructing Judaism pilgrimage is believed to be the fi rst trip of its kind. Though the trip was months ago, the impact among participants is palpable. “It was really powerful, not just to be able to engage with other Jews of African descent, but to be able to do so while being held in a Jewish frame- work,” said Amanda Beckenstein Mbuvi, Reconstructing Judaism’s vice president for academic aff airs, of the pilgrimage. 6 FEBRUARY 16, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT “That really made tangible for me the commitment of Reconstructionist Judaism to really receive people of color as Jews and as whole people.” The pilgrimage is part of Reconstructing Judaism’s intention to build commu- nity for Black Jews both within the organization and in the greater Jewish community. On Feb. 9, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History hosted “Deconstructing Racism to Reconstruct Judaism: The Story of a Pilgrimage Down South,” a panel outlin- ing the event’s signifi cance. The pilgrimage was a way to consider the experiences of Black Jews in the greater Jewish American context, partic- ularly looking at the relationship between healing, teshuvah and anti-Black racism. Calling the trip a pilgrimage draws on the Jewish tradition of pilgrimage for Pesach, Sukkot and Shavuot, according to Koach Baruch Frazier, a Reconstructionist Rabbinical College student and Tikkun Olam Commission representative who co-organized the trip. “In the Torah, it says that you must go, so that you can be seen and, some say, so that you can be seen by God and that you see God,” Frazier said. “... What does it mean to show up and see God in Black people?” During the pilgrimage, participants visited the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration, as well as met with civil rights activist Joanne Bland, who took part in the “Bloody Sunday” march. For participants, the pilgrimage was an opportunity to explore the depth of both grief in the American legacy of racism and celebration in Black resilience. Without white counterparts, participants felt they were able to bring their identi- ties to the experience without inhibition. “It was so nice to be in a place where you didn’t have to explain your Judaism, your Jewishness,” said Wilbur Bryant II, a Kol Tzedek member who attended the pilgrimage. “As Black people in this country, we have to go about our day not being angry, outwardly being angry, about what’s been done to us and what is still being done to us,” he said. On the pilgrimage, Bryant continued, “I didn’t have to smile if I didn’t want to, like we have to do in our everyday lives, because, you know, God forbid someone thinks we’re angry.” The purpose of the all-Black and Jewish pilgrimage was to provide an opportunity for participants to feel present and whole, without having to be privy to the potential guilt and judgment of white Jews on the trip grappling with their complicity in racism, according Amanda Beckenstein Mbuvi at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama to Rabbi Micah Weiss, Reconstructing Judaism’s assistant director for thriving communities and tikkun olam specialist. “We want people to have as much sholem, and wholeness, in space with many lines of diff erence,” he said. “But the more that we can access our whole selves in particular spaces, it empowers us to bring as much of our full, healthy, as-healed-as-possible selves to group spaces across lines of diff erence.” Reconstructing Judaism is planning another pilgrimage from March 16-19 open to Jews of any race. The March pilgrimage is another piece of Reconstructing Judaism’s eff orts to think critically about Jewish identities. “We’ve been doing a lot of work as a community, thinking about engaging with accessibility, engaging with class, and a lot of diff erent ways of really thinking about identities and experiences that are often marginalized,” Mbuvi said, “Not only to make our own community more inclusive, but also to really think about how we can really see and receive and respond to the full diversity of experiences that people are bringing to Jewish community.” Outside of pilgrimages, Black Jews are looking to connect in Philadelphia, experiencing delight in both fi nding similarities in ancestral narratives and diff erences in Jewish practices. Frazier attends a monthly “Black Folks Shabbat” and is looking to build relationships with Black Jewish communities in the Greater Philadelphia area, such as Congregation Temple Beth’El in North Philadelphia. “I make it my duty to be around all Black folks, all Black, Jewish folks to continue that joy and that exuberation and that experience of being with my kin,” they said. ■ srogelberg@midatlanticmedia.com Courtesy of Reconstructing Judiasm Sasha Rogelberg | Staff Writer local Jewish Phillie Dalton Guthrie Tries to Make Big League Club Jarrad Saff ren | Staff Writer Courtesy of Miles Kennedy/The Phillies B y the time the 2023 Major League Baseball season begins on March 30, the Philadelphia Phillies might be a step closer to making a minyan. Outfi elder Dalton Guthrie, 27, has a chance going into spring training to join Jewish backup catcher Garrett Stubbs on the team’s opening-day roster. If he does, he will enter a baseball season as a big leaguer for the fi rst time. Guthrie reached the majors last September after an injury to right fi elder Nick Castellanos. Playing for a team in a playoff race, Guthrie went 7-for-21 at the plate with a home run and six walks. He fi nished with a perfect fi elding percentage in 70 combined innings in the outfi eld (62), at third base (seven) and at second base (one). “I’m excited,” Guthrie said. “Whenever I’ve come into spring training, even in the minors, I’ve always been fi ghting for a spot.” Guthrie grew up in Sarasota, Florida, with a Jewish mother, Andrea Guthrie, and a Catholic father, Mark Guthrie, the MLB pitcher for 15 seasons (1989-2003) with several teams. During the holidays, Guthrie and his two brothers were among the kids who celebrated Chanukah and Christmas. That, according to the 27-year-old, was “the best of both worlds.” But for the rest of the year, religion was not a daily presence in the family’s life. Dalton Guthrie attended the Goldie Feldman Academy at Temple Beth Sholom in Sarasota for kindergarten and fi rst grade. Andrea Guthrie said she sent her son there because she had heard from friends that it was a good school. At Goldie Feldman, Dalton Guthrie went to temple and practiced reading Hebrew along with his secular schooling. But before second grade, he tested into Pine View Elementary Magnet School in Land O’ Lakes, and his formal Jewish education was over. Dalton Guthrie did not have a bar mitzvah. It was also diffi cult for the family to observe the High Holidays during the MLB season when his father was travel- ing. Andrea Guthrie’s mother would call her and remind her that it was Yom Kippur, and she would say, “OK, I’ll try to fast!” The Jewish mother made sure that her children got a Chanukah dinner each year with her parents. But beyond that, she believed in teaching her kids about her religion and then letting them make their own decisions. It was a philosophy that the Guthrie parents shared. Mark Guthrie took his son to midnight mass one year to show him what Catholicism was like. But he did not force his son to practice. “I’ve had friends whose parents push things on them, and then they go off to college and do the opposite,” Andrea Guthrie said. “I wanted to let them learn it and, if that’s the way they felt, they’ll continue that.” Today, though, Dalton Guthrie’s religion is baseball. The 2017 sixth-round pick of the Phillies spent years surviving and advancing through the franchise’s minor league system. Andrea Guthrie said her son has always loved to play all positions, and he has used that mindset to make himself useful in the minors, too, playing at every spot but catcher and fi rst base. But while Dalton Guthrie was always a useful fi elder, his hitting didn’t catch up until June 2021. Guthrie, then at Double-A Reading, was in a slump, so hitting coach Tyler Henson reviewed fi lm with him going back to his high school days. They discovered that the player’s hands had fallen too low to catch up to fastballs and react to breaking balls. Henson asked his pupil if he wanted to sit out to work on his new stance. But Guthrie said he wanted to play. He went out that night and ripped two hits. “You could see him start to free up mentally,” Henson said. Later that year, Guthrie got called up to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he fi nished with a .292 average. The next season at Triple-A, he hit .302 with a .363 on-base percentage, earning his call-up. “A lot of guys that get through the minors, what they do is adapt,” Guthrie said. “Find new ways to succeed.” Guthrie has gotten through the minors. But now the challenge is staying in the majors. He knows that all he can control is his approach. He said his father “was never the overbearing dad.” The only times Mark Guthrie got mad at his son growing up were when he didn’t try his hardest. “If I can give all my eff ort, I can live with that every day,” Guthrie said. ■ jsaff ren@midatlanticmedia.com Dalton Guthrie Seminar EDUCATIONAL Thursday, February 23, 2023 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. RSVP: 215-957-5182 or WarminsterArdenCourts@promedica.org Veterans Benefits 101 As a Veteran or surviving spouse of a Veteran, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help with long-term care expenses. This funding, also known as Aid and Attendance, can assist with funding a stay at a memory care community such as Arden Courts. During this seminar, Scott Ferguson will discuss: • • • How Veterans can plan for long-term care expenses Background information and qualifications for the Aid and Attendance program How to apply for this little-known financial benefit Scott Ferguson is a Gulf War Veteran and founder of Veterans Benefits Assistance Program. VBAP & Care Planning Strategies are independent and not affiliated with any government agency. 779 W. County Line Road Hatboro, PA 19040 215-957-5182 arden-courts.org © 2022 ProMedica Health System, Inc., or its affiliates 15133_Warminster_4.9x7.45.indd 1 1/30/23 11:17 AM JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 7 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. to Philadelphia and what organizations or Marc Prine, building a vibrant and programs are here in our backyard Jewish community within Philadelphia that might fl ourish with some investment. is paramount. I believe that the innovative piece of our As the chair of the Jewish Federation work is the ability to continue building the of Greater Philadelphia’s Committee for most dynamic community possible. Jewish Life and Learning, also known as CJLL, Prine works with professional February is Jewish Disability Awareness staff to recognize and award grants to and Inclusion Month. How is the Jewish institutions, organizations and initiatives Federation working to make Jewish focused on formal and informal Jewish spaces more welcoming and accessible? educational experiences. The Jewish Federation has done a lot of “Without Jewish life and learning, we work to ensure our community is welcom- are just a large Jewish population in a ing and accessible to every Jew who city — not a Jewish community,” said wants to be an active member of our Prine, who is also on the board of trust- Marc Prine speaks at NextGen’s Ben Gurion Society Wine and community. Jewish Learning Venture’s ees and serves as chair emeritus on the Whiskey Night. Whole Community Inclusion, supported by NextGen board. “There is so much heart the Jewish Federation, is providing unpar- and passion within our community, so many incredible programs that help shape our culture — we need to invest more alleled programming for families. Other Jewish Federation-supported organiza- tions and programs, such as jkidphilly, other aspects of JLV, synagogues and more, in this community.” For Prine, it was this very sentiment of Jewish community and the resources are provided with resources to help make their programming more welcoming and it off ered that helped mold his childhood and paved the way for the leader he engaging for members of our community. Lastly, while not directly related to the CJLL, the Jewish Federation Real Estate grants have provided organizations with is today. “I have vivid memories of going to Purim celebrations as a child, and I remem- funding to help make our community spaces more physically accessible. ber dancing with a Torah down Broad Street on Simchat Torah while I was in What does the Jewish Federation mean for you and your family since you college,” Prine reminisced. Now a father of two daughters, the founder and industrial/organizational started getting involved? The Jewish Federation has been a huge part of my life. I came to the Jewish psychologist at MIP Consulting wants to ensure that all children who want it have Federation and was originally solicited to participate in NextGen’s Leadership access to opportunities that help foster and develop their Jewish identities. “I want the Jewish children of our region to grow up in a vibrant community Development Program by Sarah Solomon, now the Jewish Federation’s chief where they learn our traditions, celebrate our holidays and see our culture for development offi cer. I was in graduate school at the time and was interested everything it has to off er,” shared Prine, who fi nds joy in seeing his daughters in meeting new people and getting involved in the community. Through that experience, I made some very good friends — who happened to introduce me light the Shabbat candles and attend Mini Minyan at Adath Israel. The Jewish Federation spoke with Prine to take a deeper dive into his to my wife Amanda. Through this organization, I have gotten to travel to multiple leadership journey and his passion for advocating for Jewish life in the Greater states and Israel, met so many good friends, and made an impact with my family. Philadelphia region: Why do you give to the Jewish Federation? I don’t give to the Jewish Federation: I invest in our Jewish community. I know What are you hoping to accomplish as chair of the Committee for Jewish Life that without our participation (no matter how big or how small) our community and Learning in the coming year? This year is all about preparing for the next grant cycle that is kicking off next fall. cannot achieve its full potential. I care deeply about Jewish continuity, and it’s This means selecting top-priority areas, and understanding what opportunities we our responsibility to invest in that community to grow. *** have moving forward. My favorite part of the year has been learning about some To learn more about the Jewish Federation’s impact on Jewish life and learn- of the innovative things happening in the Jewish world. As the chair of the CJLL, we look to answer what programs are happening in other cities that we can bring ing and more, visit jewishphilly.org/our-impact. 8 FEBRUARY 16, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT Courtesy of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia F Passing on Tradition: Marc Prine Works to Expand Jewish Life and Learning YOU SHOULD KNOW ... Jamey Roberti Sasha Rogelberg | Staff Writer Courtesy of Jamey Roberti J amey Roberti spent much of his adoles- cence on a skateboard, daydreaming that OutKast, Jay-Z and MF Doom provided the soundtrack to his choreography of ollies and kickturns. Influenced by the rap and hip-hop music popular in his Allentown hometown, Roberti, 35, fell in love with the genre and writing music. After years of daydreaming, Roberti has the opportunity to bring a fantasy to fruition. As a 2023 Tribe 12 fellow, the Point Breeze resident is hoping to finish writing and produce his debut hip-hop album, including songs detailing his Jewish upbringing in a predominantly Christian neighborhood. “The goal is A, to really just to show a rapper, who is also Jewish, existing and existing proud,” Roberti said. “But secondly, a couple of the songs are more specifically about some things that weigh on my heart, applying to Jewishness.” The musician raps under his stage name Numoon, an homage to the stage name conven- tions of the late ‘90s, when artists took a fresh take on an already existing name or idea. In some ways, Roberti is trying to accomplish something similar in his music. One of Roberti’s songs, “Peace in Crown Heights,” is about his reckoning of his love of hip-hop with Ye’s, formerly Kanye West’s, outspo- ken antisemitism in December. The title of the song is a reference to the 1991 riots that took place in the Brooklyn neighborhood between Black and Jewish residents. “Bridging the gap of understanding between Jews and non-Jewish Black folk was something weighing on my heart,” he said. Roberti has, at times, had a fraught relationship with his Jewish identity. Born to a Catholic father and Israeli Jewish mother, he grew up culturally Jewish with a strong connection to God but without a formal Jewish education. When visiting Jewish spaces like a Jewish day school, Roberti didn’t feel Jewish enough, but among his friends, many of whom were non-Jewish, Black or Latino, Roberti encountered ignorance about his Jewish heritage. “I was always the only Jew in the room,” he said. “And a lot of times, sometimes the only white person in the room, too.” Roberti recalls “bittersweet memories” growing up Jewish in Allentown. His father introduced him to Weird Al Yankovic, the closest Roberti had to a Jewish rap icon, and his mother took him to Israel during some summers, where Roberti was exposed to Israeli psychedelic rock, which he hopes to incorporate into his music. While Roberti didn’t try to escape his Jewish identity, he didn’t walk into a synagogue on his own volition until he was in his 30s. With a bachelor’s degree in musicology from Bucknell University and a master’s in higher education administration, Roberti’s journey to making music was also circuitous. He worked as a music journalist and writing tutor, among other jobs, before becoming a recruitment coordinator at Starbucks last May. But despite professional interests in other areas, life kept taking Roberti back to music. After Roberti broke his ankle three times while skateboarding, he began to write music in high school. Three years ago, Roberti created a YouTube channel, NumoonTalks, to upload his works in progress. As a member of Tribe 12’s newest fellowship class, Roberti has once again been allowed to not only focus on his music but to connect more deeply with his Jewish roots. Tribe 12 gave Roberti accountability to work on his project, even when he feels drained after a full day of work, as well as a coach to help provide musical resources. But beyond his creative endeavors, Roberti simply wants to connect with a group of like-minded Jewish people, some who share his love for hip-hop, and others who had complex Jewish upbringings like he did. “I do want to get my message out there in my venture, if I leave this with some Jewish friends, I’m like, ‘OK, that’s good enough for me,’” Roberti said. “It’s the first time in my life where I’ve been in a community of Jewish peers,” he added. “And I’m realizing the importance of that.” ■ srogelberg@midatlanticmedia.com JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 9 editorials P resident Joe Biden delivered his second State of the Union address last week. He spoke to a newly divided Congress and an electorate that polls indicate is generally unimpressed with his performance in offi ce. He used the attention-grabbing State of the Union spectacle to make clear his intention to pursue a second term, with the theme of his campaign to “fi nish the job.” Biden’s speech began with and repeated his bipartisan aspirations — a recurring theme in the president’s decades-long political career. He was complimentary of Republican congressional leadership as he argued that his fi rst two years in offi ce have generated bipartisan support on a range of important issues. And he invited his “Republican friends” to continue to work together with him “and fi nd consensus on important things in Congress,” including the lifting of the debt ceiling. Biden’s goading on the debt ceiling issue, including barbs about high defi cits under the Trump administration and accusations of Republican demands to cut entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare, drew audible protests and accusatory jeers from some in the audience, including repeated yelling of the accusation “You lie!” by newly empowered right-wing warrior Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.). Recently elected Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy appeared unnerved by the outbursts and sought to gently shush the off enders. But Biden seized the opportunity and responded to the hecklers by President Joe Biden gives the State of the Union Address on Feb. 7. pivoting off -script and seeking to orchestrate bipartisan support to preserve Social Security and Medicare, notwithstanding the debt ceiling debate. Biden’s urgings were met with a standing ovation from the entire chamber. The speech then morphed into campaign mode as Biden previewed the themes he will likely pursue in his expected 2024 re-election bid. Those include challenges to the policies, proclivities and personalities in the Trump administration and a focused pitch toward pivotal blue-collar voters. Biden’s lunch-pail pandering was textbook: He criticized Big Oil for reaping outrageous profi ts when gas prices were at a record high. He skewered Big Pharma for drug prices that gouge regular Americans. And he criticized Big Tech for collecting too much personal information, especially on children. He encouraged support for American manufacturing and American-made products, pledging to impose new requirements that all construction materials used on federal infrastructure projects would have to be made in America, as he promised to make “Buy American” the law of the land. To further address the concerns of everyday Americans, Biden promoted the previously obscure Junk Fee Prevention Act to crack down on airlines that charge fees for families that want to sit together; prohibit high ticket-processing fees for concerts and events; and prohibit media companies from charging customers to change service providers. And then, in typical stump-speech campaign mode, he asserted that “Americans are tired of being played for suckers. Pass the Junk Fees Prevention Act so companies stop ripping us off !” Foreign-policy issues were addressed largely in passing. And the pro-Israel community heaved a sigh of relief that no mention was made of the Jewish state and concerns over developing policies. Those issues will undoubtedly be addressed in Biden’s expanded pitch for re-election. Stay tuned. ■ A New Tool for Jewish Philanthropy T he Jewish philanthropic sector is valued in the billions of dollars. It is, literally, a very big business. It is comprised of organizations and individuals dedicated to the highest forms of tzedakah and good works that together have signifi cant impact and worldwide reach. At its core, there is a recurring dynamic that drives the players: Charitable organizations must fi nd donors interested in funding the organization’s eff orts, and funders want to fi nd nonprofi ts that match their philanthropic goals. Last week saw the launch of a tool that has the potential to make the nonprofi t sector more effi cient, more eff ective and even more consequential, through a partnership between the Jewish Funders Network and impala, a nonprofi t sector digital database. Founded in 1990, JFN has more than 2,500 members. Its ranks include private foundations and individual philanthropists in the United States, Israel and nine other countries. JFN works not just to promote giving, 10 FEBRUARY 16, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT but also enables and encourages the exchange of ideas in order to maximize the impact of philanthropic giving. JFN’s meetings and conferences give those in the Jewish nonprofi t world the opportunity to come together, share ideas and walk away energized. This year’s conference will be held next month in Phoenix. Impala is a digital database that assembles publicly available information on millions of foundations and nonprofi ts. It collects data by scraping details from each entity’s IRS 990 forms, annual reports and websites. With such a reservoir of information available to it, any philanthropic organization or donor faces a much less daunting chore of researching and connecting with potential partners interested in or devoted to the very idea or sector the searcher is looking for. According to a recent article in eJewish Philanthropy, impala will off er free subscriptions to members of the Jewish Funders Network and their grantees for two years. The free subscriptions almost guarantee a signifi cant mining of impala’s data. Should usage drop off when the free subscriptions lapse, it will be another lesson learned. But for now, the Jewish nonprofi t world is taking this opportunity seriously. The Jim Joseph Foundation, the Glazer Foundation, DARE Foundation and JFN’s board chair, Marcia Riklis, have pledged $525,000 to fund the project. Our community is constantly searching for new and innovative ways to tackle the challenges we face. The planned cooperation between JFN and impala could help develop connections to address many of those issues and could be of great value. Free access to the impala database for organizations and donors opens myriad partnering opportunities to help the people and causes that the nonprofi t community exists to serve. We applaud this win-win development, commend the philanthropists who have committed to fund it and look forward to reports of signifi cant successes from this exciting opportunity. ■ Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire SOTU Stump Speech opinions & letters Assad Hates Israel More Than He Loves His People Mitchell Bard W ho sent the most volunteers and were among the fi rst on the scene to assist in the rescue of the victims of the earth- quake in Turkey? Israel, of course. Yifat Erlich reported in Israel Hayom that an Israel Defense Forces rescue team and hundreds of volun- teers from other organizations were working fever- ishly to fi nd survivors amidst the rubble. “The conditions in their make-shift camps are not easy, and rescuers have no access to running water or electricity, and sleeping on the fl oor in the bitter cold,” Ehrlich related. “The team — consisting of 500 people — has been working non-stop since Tuesday, racing against time and in the conditions of the winter cold. No one stopped to eat or sleep, despite the fact that they had been at it for over 48 hours. By early Wednesday morning, they had already managed to rescue several people, including a 2-year-old child and a 23-year-old woman.” At least 19 people have been rescued by Israelis in what the IDF is calling Operation Olive Branches. Israel is doing this in a country that only recently restored diplomatic relations. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has spent the last several years attacking Israel and, even today, after reconciling with Jerusalem, allows Hamas offi cials in Istanbul to plan operations. Rejecting Israel’s request that they be expelled, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said in October, “We didn’t satisfy any request on Hamas, because we don’t perceive Hamas as a terror group.” Still, Israel sent rescuers. Meanwhile, across the border in Syria, thousands of victims of the quake were dying due to a lack of assistance. Israel off ered to send its fi nest to help there too but President Bashar Assad would rather see his people die than accept help from Israel. The situation is not funny but nevertheless reminds me of an apropos joke: The captain of a Syrian airliner sends out a distress message: “Mayday, mayday, mayday, Syrian 174, fl ame out engine one, we want to land at any airport in the Mid-East that’s not in Israel.” No answer. A short while later he announces, “Mayday, Syrian 174, fl ame out engines one and two, requesting permission to land at any airport in the Mid-East OTHER than in Israel.” Silence. A while later the captain announces, “Mayday, Syrian 174, we are desperate. We have lost two engines and are losing the third. We need to land at any airport in the Mid-East OTHER than in Israel.” Still no answer. Finally, the captain calls, “Help! This is Syrian Airlines 174, we have only one engine left and it is rapidly failing. Unless we can land, we are going to crash. We need permission to land at ANY airport, INCLUDING in Israel.” A voice is heard in the Syrian airline cockpit: “Shalom Syrian 174, Tel Aviv Approach. Radar contact over the Mediterranean, eight-fi ve west of Tel Aviv. We stand ready to assist.” “God bless you,” says the Syrian pilot. “What should we do?” “Repeat after me: Yitgadal, v’yitkadash …” Not even a devastating earthquake was enough for Assad to accept help from Israel. Still, Israel does what it can. Back in 2016, the IDF Northern Command established the headquarters of Operation Good Neighbor near the border with Israel. A fi eld hospital was set up to provide human- itarian assistance and medical aid to victims of the civil war. More than 10,000 Syrian civilians were treated, and fuel, food and clothing were provided to Israel’s “enemies.” Similarly, the IDF set up a fi eld hospital in Turkey to treat earthquake victims, including Syrian refugees. The Times of Israel reported that a 4-year-old Syrian refugee whose parents were killed in the quake was among those treated at the makeshift hospital. “I found myself taking out halva from our combat rations and giving it to him, and he loved it,” said Lt. Col. Aziz Ibrahim, a nurse and a commander in the IDF Medical Corps. Ibrahim told the paper the boy’s uncle said, “You Israelis treat us better than our people.” Meanwhile, have you heard from supporters of the Palestinians expressing any concern for Palestinians who might have been injured in the quake? They’re too busy demonizing Israel to organize help for the people they care oh so much about only if Israel can be blamed for their plight. They undoubtedly see Israel’s relief activities as “rescue washing;” that is, just another cynical eff ort to distract attention from the persecution of Palestinians. At a time when Israel is being assailed on multiple fronts for its politics, it is worth reminding the world that it is a country that values life above all else and is prepared to help even its most entrenched enemies, in the tradition of the Talmudic teaching that whoever saves a single life is considered to have saved the whole world. ■ Mitchell Bard is a foreign policy analyst and an authority on U.S.-Israel relations. letters Elie Wiesel Censorship Op-Ed Lacked Context Though I agree we need to talk about all forms of discrimination, the specifi c event Lindsay Karp chose — a Central Bucks School District temporarily removing a poster with an Elie Wiesel quote — was not fully described (”The Quiet, Potentially Deadly Discrimination We Need to Talk About,” Feb. 9). The actual events were that the principal ordered the Wiesel quotation removed. The librarian removed it. Parents protested. The school board heard the protests and ordered the quotation to be reinstalled. That was done the following day. The op-ed leaves the impression that the quote is no longer in the library. The Central Bucks School Board is very worrisome in that they wish to control what may or may not be taught in class and also what literature is available in the school libraries. ■ Gerald Gilbert Washington Crossing Correction In the Feb. 9 article “You Should Know Gevura Davis,” Aish Chaim was incorrectly identifi ed as a Modern Orthodox congregation. Aish Chaim describes itself as an unaffi liated independent outreach community. SEND US LETTERS Letters should be related to articles that have run in the print or online editions of the JE, and may be edited for space and clarity prior to publi- cation. Please include your fi rst and last name, as well your town/neigh- borhood of residence. Send letters to letters@jewishexponent.com. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 11 opinion US, Israeli Jews Need to Come Together, Not Criticize Each Other Jack Rosen T 12 FEBRUARY 16, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT It is also important to note that it is simply not true that American Jews want or desire a confrontation with Israel — quite the opposite. Jews should not demand it of Israelis, even as both sides have a perfect right to express their concerns. American Jews also need not sever their ties to Israel over politics because they have a much better option: If they do not like the state of Israeli politics, then they should work to change it to the extent they can and the extent to which it is appropriate. Israel is a democ- racy, and there is no shortage of options for principled activism that can be undertaken by American Jews in a sympathetic and supportive manner. Perhaps most importantly, the vocal minority on either side of this issue has no right to and must not be allowed to define the terms of the discourse. When they do, everyone suffers, as we have seen in our own politics in the United States. Our silent majority has been drowned out by extremist voices on the right and left, leading to deep and lasting divisions that have harmed American society and American democracy. There is also the simple but uncomfortable fact that undue criticism of the new Israeli government could cause enormous collateral damage that neither side desires. At a point when antisemitism is skyrocketing in America — led by political extremists and major cultural figures — stoking the fires of the world’s oldest hatred, the polarization of the American Jewish community over any issue could have dire consequences for American Jews in general. This should not silence legit- imate criticism, but it is a reality and must be taken into account by any responsible person. Given all of this, it should be clear that this is not the time for fostering divisions and resentment between American and Israeli Jews. What we require above all in the face of the rising tide of antisemitism is solidar- ity and mutual engagement in the struggle we face. Many American Jews may feel they have reason to fear what their Israeli brethren have voted for, but they should remember the words of Elie Wiesel, who once said: “When Jews are together, I am never afraid.” What both Israeli and American Jews need now is not to fly apart but come together. “All of Israel is responsible for one another,” says the Talmud. This is the best way to silence the extremist voices on both sides and ensure that we retain our sense of solidarity and mutual affection. ■ Jack Rosen is president of American Jewish Congress and chairman of the American Council for World Jewry. Oleksii Liskonih / iStock / Getty Images Plus here is currently a great deal of talk in the media about an impending confrontation between American Jews and Israel due to the composition of the new Israeli government. This right-wing coalition, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, includes elements of the far right, such as politi- cians Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir. American Jews are right to be concerned about Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, who advocate policies regarding Jewish identity and religion that are unacceptable to the vast majority of American Jews. And they are right to be concerned about changes to the Israeli judiciary. As a mostly liberal community, it is not unreasonable for American Jews to prefer an Israeli government that reflects their own deeply held values. But American Jews can have confidence that their concerns will be addressed. Netanyahu has said publicly that he will be the one to set policy and pledged before the Knesset that Israel will not become a state ruled by religious law. He has also stated that his government will represent the liberal right rather than the far right. Netanyahu’s record is clear: For well over a decade, he has proven himself to be an assertive leader who can keep his cabinet in line. There is no reason to think he will not do so again. In addition, the far right is, in fact, deceptively weak. They know quite well that without Netanyahu, they could not have achieved power, and it is very unlikely they will directly challenge him if he says no to the extreme policies they advocate. It is also important to note that it is simply not true that American Jews want or desire a confrontation with Israel — quite the opposite. Indeed, their very expressions of concern prove this. Except for a handful of fringe Jewish anti-Zionists on the left and religious extremists on the far right who rejoice at the rise of extreme political forces, American Jews are criticizing members of the incoming government because they want to continue and deepen their relationship with Israel. This is precisely why they are concerned and troubled about what may transpire. Moreover, while American Jews have the right to express their belief that the new government should not go too far, this cuts both ways. American Jews also have an obligation not to go too far. They should not demand that Israelis conform precisely to American Jews’ own political beliefs and ideology. Israelis do not demand this of American Jews, and American opinion From Moses to Memphis, the Work of Liberation Remains Unfinished Rabbi Isaiah Rothstein by-studio / AdobeStock R ereading Exodus this month in synagogue reminds me of when I first learned about Moses’ role in freeing the Children of Israel who had been enslaved to Pharaoh. I grew up in Monsey, New York. My mother was Black and my father was white; my family identified with the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. I discovered the Passover story through ultra-Orthodox coloring books that depicted the liberation of the ancient Israelites from bondage in Egypt. One illustration depicted Moses as an 18th-century Chasidic Jew clad in a shtreimel (fur hat) and long kapote (robe), with abundant sidelocks flowing down to his shoulders. I brought home my masterpiece, fully crayoned in purple, and showed it proudly to my mother. She gave me a puzzled look and said, “You know, Moses didn’t look like this. He had brown skin like mine.” It was an enlightening idea that hit me like a thunderbolt. Seeing Moses as a Black person changed my whole idea of Jewish history and religion in one fell swoop — it made me feel my Black and Jewish roots even more profoundly, and that I was a descendant of great Jewish and African men and women who founded our tradition. As time went on, though, and I went “all in” and studied to become a rabbi, I realized that Moses’ skin color mattered much less than his role as a liberator. Although many Jews do see in color, Judaism does not. The way to follow in his footsteps, I grasped, was to become an educator, a leader and a champion for freedom. I’ve devoted my career to empowering Jewish communities across the continent to become more welcoming and inclusive, to overcome racism and prejudice, and to create a more just, equitable and loving society. The Biblical narrative of the Exodus is a call to stand for freedom and against tyranny in every generation. It says, in effect, “You are able to speak, and to be carried away on the wings of words from millennia ago, bound to no Pharaoh’s story, but liber- ated by your own.” Neither my Black nor Jewish forebears could have imagined how far their descendants would come in terms of participation and even leadership in our society. As the Black visual artist Brandon Odums has reflected, “We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams.” But there is, alas, still so far to go, as last month’s brutal killing of Tyre Nichols at the hands of the Our commitment to creating a better world — making it to the Promised Land — must always be so much more than merely skin deep. police in Memphis reminds us. Both Black History Month and the Book of Exodus teach that we can only fulfill our destiny if we fight for the liberation of all peoples. Earlier this month, we celebrated Shabbat Shira, in which we read about the Children of Israel’s mirac- ulous escape from Egypt by crossing the Red Sea. I was reminded of what the late 20th-century Slonimer Rebbe, Sholom Noach Berezovsky, said about the ancient Hebrews wading into the water because they had faith not just in their hearts and minds, but in their bodies — in their very bones, he said. What does it mean to believe with your bones? The Prophet Jeremiah declared that the word of God was like “fire shut up in his bones” (20:9). Dr. Martin Luther King quoted Jeremiah in his last speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” saying, “Somehow the preacher must have a kind of fire shut up in his bones. And whenever injustice is around, he tell it.” King gave that speech on April 3, 1968 — in Memphis — on the night before he was assassinated. Early in the speech, King imagined “God’s children in their magnificent trek from the dark dungeons of Egypt through, or rather across, the Red Sea, through the wilderness on toward the Promised Land.” He concluded with these uncannily prescient words: “I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the Promised Land. So, I’m happy tonight, I’m not worried about anything, I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.” Our commitment to creating a better world — making it to the Promised Land — must always be so much more than merely skin deep. Only when we believe in our bones that change is possible, and that we can be agents of that change, will fear melt away and we will be able to defeat the Pharaohs who seek to deprive us of our dignity, whether in Memphis or anywhere in our land. We shall reach the Promised Land — someday. We shall recognize that we are all God’s children— someday. We shall overcome — someday. May that day be very soon and may we all unite in joy, peace and celebration to usher it in. ■ Rabbi Isaiah Rothstein is the rabbinic scholar and public affairs adviser for the Jewish Federations of North America. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 13 opinion YIVO Digitizes Chaim Grade’s Archive, a Yiddish Treasure With a Soap Opera Backstory Andrew Silow-Carroll Y ears ago, when I worked at the Forward, I had a cameo in a real-life Yiddish drama. A cub reporter named Max Gross sat just outside my office, where he answered the phones. A frequent caller was Inna Grade, the widow of the Yiddish writer Chaim Grade and a fierce guardian of his literary legacy. Mrs. Grade would badger poor Max in dozens of phone calls, especially when a Forward story referred kindly to the Nobel laureate Isaac Bashevis Singer. Grade’s widow described Singer as a “blasphemous buffoon” whose fame and reputation, she was convinced, came at the expense of her husband’s. As Gross explains in his 2008 memoir, “From Schlub to Stud,” Mrs. Grade “became a bit of a joke around the paper.” And yet in Yiddish literary circles, her protective- ness of one of the 20th century’s most important Yiddish writers was serious business: Because Inna Grade kept such a tight hold on her late husband’s papers — Chaim Grade (pronounced “Grah-deh”) died in 1982 — a gener- ation of scholars was thwarted in taking his true measure. Inna Grade died in 2010, leaving no signed will or survivors, and the contents of her cluttered Bronx apartment became the property of the borough’s public administrator. In 2013, Chaim Grade’s personal papers, 20,000-volume library, literary manuscripts and publication rights were awarded to the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research and the National Library of Israel. They are now stored in YIVO headquarters on Manhattan’s West 16th Street. YIVO and the NLI just announced the completion of the digitization of “The Papers of Chaim Grade and Inna Hecker Grade,” making the entire archive publicly accessible online. When the folks at YIVO invited me to come and look at the Grade collection, I knew I had to invite Gross, not just because of his connection to Inna Grade but because he has become a critically acclaimed novelist in his own right: His 2020 novel “The Lost Shtetl,” which imagines a Jewish village in Poland that has somehow escaped the Holocaust, is in many ways an homage to the Yiddish literary tradition. We met with the YIVO staff, who were tickled by the T-shirt Gross was wearing, which had a picture of Chaim Grade and the phrase “Grade is my homeboy.” (Gross said his wife bought it for him, although neither could imagine the market for such a shirt.) The Grade papers — manuscripts, photographs, correspondence, lectures, speeches and essays — are stored in folders in gray boxes, whose neatness belies 14 FEBRUARY 16, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT the years of effort that went into putting them in order. Jonathan Brent, executive director and CEO of YIVO, described for us the Grades’ apartment, which he visited shortly after Inna’s death. “It was like a combination of my grandmother’s apart- ment and a writer’s home,” he said. “Everything was books, books to the ceiling. You open a drawer in the kitchen where you think there’ll be knives and forks, there are books, there are manuscripts. You open the cabinet in the bathroom, there are more manuscripts and books and books. .... But the thing I remember most is that at the top of a shelf there was that much dust.” He held his fingers about two inches apart. Inna Grade was Chaim Grade’s second wife. The writer was born in Vilna (now in Lithuania) in 1910. He was able to flee east during the Nazi occupation, leaving behind his mother and his first wife under the assumption that the Germans would only target adult men. It was a tragic miscalculation, and their deaths would haunt Grade for the rest of his life. Inna Hecker was born in Ukraine in 1925 and met Grade in Moscow during the war. Married in 1945, they immigrated to the United States in 1948. Chaim Grade had already established a reputation as a poet, playwright and prose stylist before the war; English translations of his novels “The Agunah” and “The Yeshiva” and serial publication of his novels in the Yiddish press brought him recognition in America for what the Yiddish scholar Ruth Wisse calls a “Dostoyevskian talent to animate in fiction the destroyed Talmudic civilization of Europe.” Columbia University professor Jeremy Dauber, in a YIVO release, said that Grade was possessed “by the spirit of the yeshiva world he’d left behind; then possessed by the spirits and memories of those who’d been murdered by the Nazis.” Stefanie Halpern, director of the YIVO archives, showed us the physical evidence of that possession: Grade’s notebooks, in which he wrote down ideas and inspiration in a careful Yiddish script; manuscripts for at least two unpublished dramatic works, “The Dead Can’t Rise Up” and “Hurban” (“Destruction”); a photograph of Grade standing amidst the ruins of Vilna during his only visit after the war; pictures of the Bronx apartment taken when the couple was still alive, book-filled but still tidy. Halpern also showed us the Yiddish typewriter recovered from the apartment, with what is believed to be the last page he worked on still rolled in its platen. The archivists are also careful to give Inna Grade her due. After arriving in America, she studied literature and received a master’s degree from Columbia, and often translated her husband’s work. Thanks to her, hundreds of clippings of Grade’s work and articles about him have survived. Her correspondence reflects the lengths she went to protect her husband’s legacy during and after his lifetime, including a bizarre and lengthy letter to the Vatican complaining about Singer. “She was a brilliant and creative person, devoted in a way only a widow can be,” Brent said. “And perhaps devoted to a maddening extent.” If all that sounds like the stuff of Jewish fiction, it is: In 1969, Cynthia Ozick wrote a novella called “Envy; or, Yiddish in America,” about Yiddish writers very much like Grade consumed with envy for a writer very much like Singer. “They hated him for the amazing thing that had happened to him — his fame — but this they never referred to,” Ozick wrote. “Instead they discussed his style: his Yiddish was impure, his sentences lacked grace and sweep, his paragraph transitions were amateur, vile.” Halpern showed us a mailgram from Inna Grade to the Forward that makes it clear that she and her husband read and hated the story. In it, she describes Ozick as “no less grotesque than evil.” For all of the gothic Yiddish aspects of its retrieval, “this is probably the single most important literary acquisition in YIVO’s postwar history,” Brent said of the archive. He described publishing projects already underway with Schocken Books and other publishers that will draw on the material. Gross and I discussed what it felt like to see what had become “a bit of a joke” around the Forward office placed at the center of an epic exercise in literary preservation. He was struck by the way Inna Grade’s personality came through in the papers. “This was her,” he said. “Her obsession, her struggle, all these things. It was definitely remarkable to see that.” I recalled overhearing his conversations with Inna Grade, and how her behavior could seem funny and exasperating, but also admirable and more than a little sad — in that her devotion to her husband’s reputation may also have prevented scholars from doing the work that would have made him better known. “Exactly, but that’s one of the reasons why you get into Yiddish literature, because all of these things are true at the same time,” Gross said. “Those kinds of scores, rivalries, feuds within Yiddish literature is what is so great about it. It is great to see that somebody really cared and that literature was taken so seriously. And the pettiness was something you couldn’t quite divest from the rest of it.” ■ Andrew Silow-Carroll is editor-in-chief of the New York Jewish Week and senior editor of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. He previously served as JTA’s editor-in-chief and as editor-in-chief and CEO of the New Jersey Jewish News. nation / world Three Minor Quakes in 24 Hours Rattle Israel Two earthquakes shook Israel on Feb. 8, measuring 3.3 and 3.9 on the Richter scale, respectively, JNS.org reported. The fi rst was in central Israel, and the second was in Lebanon but felt across A view of the Old City of Jerusalem the Golan Heights. on Dec. 17, 2019 The temblors followed a 3.5 magni- tude quake overnight on Feb. 7 centered 9 miles southeast of Ariel, which was felt in Jerusalem and surrounding areas. There were no reports of injuries or damage, aside from limited cracks in the walls of residential apartments. The three quakes, occurring within 24 hours, come on the backdrop of the devas- tating earthquakes that have killed more than 35,000 people in Turkey and Syria. The Knesset Internal Aff airs and Environment Committee earlier in the week called for an emergency meeting to review the country’s earthquake prepared- ness in light of the devastation in Turkey and Syria. Concurrently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi to “update and reiterate the steps we need to take.” Barcelona Mayor Severs Ties With Twin City of Tel Aviv, Citing Israeli ‘Apartheid’ Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau announced that the city is no longer twinned with Tel Aviv, citing claims that Israel is guilty of “apartheid,” as well as “fl agrant and systematic violation of human rights.,” JTA.org reported. Barcelona and Tel Aviv entered the relationship in 1998 — when both cities jointly signed a “twin city” agreement with Gaza City. Colau’s decision comes less than a year after Barcelona launched two linked campaigns — “Shalom Barcelona” and “Barcelona Connects Israel” to appeal to Jewish and Israeli tourists interested in exploring their heritage. Last summer, the city opened up the world’s fi rst Michelin-starred kosher restaurant. “More than 100 organizations and over 4,000 citizens have demanded that we defend the human rights of Palestinians and for this reason, as mayor, I have written to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to inform him that I have suspended temporarily the institutional relationship between Barcelona and Tel Aviv,” said Colau, who has been Barcelona’s mayor since 2015, on Feb. 8. The Federation of the Jewish Communities of Spain condemned the decision, which it called “sophisticated antisemitism.” FREE ESTIMATES PERSONALIZED SERVICE SENIOR DOWNSIZING DECLUTTER / HOARDING CLEAN OUTS ALL ITEMS SOLD, DONATED, OR REPURPOSED RESPECTFUL OF HOMES WITH ACCUMULATIONS OF 30+ YEARS JOLIE OMINSKY OWNER SERVING PA, DE, NJ JOCSERNICA@YAHOO.COM 610-551-3105 Photo by Moshe Shai/Flash90 via JNS.org Bill to Criminalize Egalitarian Prayer, Immodest Dress at Western Wall Is Shelved A proposed Israeli law that would sharply curtail the rights of women and non- Orthodox Jews at the Western Wall sparked alarm on Feb. 9, leading Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pledge that regulations at the holy site would “remain exactly the same” as they are now, JTA.org reported. The bill was submitted by a lawmaker from Shas, the Sephardi haredi Orthodox party that is a member of Netanyahu’s governing coalition. It would have criminal- ized mixed-gender prayer at the site, as well as immodest dress and the playing of musical instruments. Women would be forbidden from reading from a Torah scroll or blowing a shofar at the site. Women would not be allowed to don prayer shawls or tefi llin, the leather boxes and straps traditionally worn by Jews during morning prayers and historically worn only by men. The bill’s provisions also would have applied to the Wall’s non-Orthodox section, adjacent to the main plaza. Off enders would have faced a fi ne of approx- imately $3,000 or six months in prison. ■ — Compiled by Andy Gotlieb JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 15 YIVO Institute of Jewish Research Embraces Access to Eastern European Jewish History Over Gatekeeping DOVID ZAKLIKOWSKI Chaim Grade’s typewriter, preserved in the condition it was found when the Yiddish author died in 1982, contains what are apparently the last lines he ever wrote. 16 FEBRUARY 16, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT issue, she was laid off . But one librarian who worked there for a decade- plus and was a part of those who was fi red said it was much more than a budget issue. “There was a schism on policy,” is all he would say, worrying about his current job at another archive in the city. For younger Jewish history enthusiasts, it was long in coming and a relief. “Every time you wanted a document,” said Yehudah DovBer Zirkind, who is an expert on Yiddish writer Chaim Grade, “[Mohrer] insisted that there be a vetting process.” Rick Prelinger, professor of fi lm and digital media at the University of California, Santa Cruz, called it in a 2007 paper copyright maximalism. “Many institutions sequester their holdings behind walls of copyright,” he wrote, “policy, or indiff erence, rendering them inaccessible to many.” It is the reluctance to embrace technology, wrote Prelinger, that the resistance to providing public access to archives is marginalizing them when they could otherwise be addressing new audiences and building new constituencies. ‘THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW’ Halpern said that YIVO is one of the best-kept secrets. “I wish it weren’t,” acknowledging that it was partially the archives fault by being slow to embrace openness. “We’ve been trying to be more accessible to an everyday person.” She said that this includes moving away from being gatekeepers, the ones who protect these materials at all costs. Rather, the mission today is to provide access in whatever way possible. “There is no point in having historical materials if no one has access to it.” Executive director and CEO of the archives Jonathan Brent takes Jewish history seriously. Seated in a simple offi ce fl anked by bookcases and a 1933 Yiddish poster of a show of a strongman proclaiming himself as the “Polish Golden Star,” Brent, who took the position in 2009, talks enthusiastically about the archives and its mission. Zirkind, who has also written a guide on Yiddish archives, visited YIVO just for that. He was researching writers Chaim Grade and Hillel Ceitlin. In some ways, they symbolize the religious world, going through some kind of crisis of faith, “while still being connected to where they came from.” He would come to the archives daily for weeks at a time. It was nitty- gritty work, looking through old fi nding aids (tools that help researchers), many of them not digitized, and searching for names. “If you were lucky, the name would appear, and then you will fi nd a box and folder number,” he recalls. You needed to have more luck that the archivist would be willing that day to let you photograph or make copies. Just like that 1920s’ map, with the testimony on the back, which was recently made available online, Zirkind said with the material being digitized, the gold mine of YIVO has now become much more accessible. The current veteran archivist at YIVO, Leo Greenbaum, was an anomaly among the archivists. He chose to adapt to the new generation New York Jewish Week T he bright hallways, expansive staircases and sleek sofas don’t reveal what is beyond the glass doors at the Center for Jewish History in New York City. It was a rare visit at a historical juncture where few ever walk in the quiet halls of the Yidisher Visnshaftlekher Institut, known today as the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, at 15 W. 16th St. After winding through a maze of backrooms, cubicles, walls covered with black donor plaques in Yiddish and an elevator ride up is a simple, brightly lit room lined with shelving holding archival boxes. Historians, professors, biographers and reporters could only dream of what was in all those boxes: stories, narratives, history. Said to include more than 4 million documents, with only a fraction in the weather- controlled room on an unusually warm December afternoon, it is one of the few places where such a rich archive of Jewish history can be found. To give an idea of what the collection includes, Stefanie Halpern, director of the archives, pulls out a large, frail, yellowed map of Jewish agricultural colonies in Belarus in the 1920s. The back of the map is crammed with Yiddish writing. She admitted that she cannot read it, but believes that it is someone’s personal history. “Some people’s writing is just terrible,” she said. “I guess if I spent days and days I could [fi gure it out], but I just don’t have the time.” But there is surely someone who could read it. An expert in Yiddish writing in an Israeli city. Or even a Chasidic Jew in the Borough Park neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. One of them may be Fruma Mohrer, who was an archivist at YIVO for more than four decades. In 2020, in what YIVO referred to as a budget and remained in his position when the cuts at YIVO were taking place. He said that every morning, he heads to work not knowing what that day will bring. “There is always something to do, something new.” He explains that the basic function of any archive is to collect and preserve, but “just sitting on materials is not very productive.” It needs to be accessible to the public, and YIVO has in recent years embraced that. “It used to be that we were only used by scholars,” Halpern said. “It is hard to walk into an archive.” YIVO has strived to make the archive a more welcoming place. It is the attitude, the changing of policies and the digitizing of the archives. To Greenbaum, the digitizing is another plus. “Many [documents] are very fragile; the more you handle them, the more they deteriorate,” he said. Digitization gives you back-up copies in case of a fi re or another calamity. But it also makes the material more accessible to researchers. ‘IT HAS BEEN A SLOW PROCESS’ Since becoming the director of the archives, Halpern has made giving the public more access her mission. “It has been a slow process,” she said, but she has an advantage on her side. “We have a whole slew of new archivists, a generation of individuals to whom this material is not so personal.” They have all embraced the open policy. Of course, there are risks involved; people could choose not to give credit to the archives for the manuscripts they use. Some also thought that without proper attribution by users, it could cause funders not to realize the extent of the need of the archive. However, said Greenbaum, having material online has caused more publicity of what YIVO has. It has brought discussions on social media, and more authors are using their material. “I don’t think it made things worse,” he said. ‘WE HAVE GROWN AND FLOURISHED’ Back in the small YIVO conference room, Brent an academic, author, historian and publisher, is adamant that Jewish history is not just about religion, but about culture. The food Jews ate, what they dressed, the songs they sang, the relations between men and women or the way they raised their children — all of this needs to be learned and studied. For many today, he said, that culture might be construed as the Holocaust, lox and bagels and “Fiddler on the Roof.” He said that has been a part of why an entire generation of Jews have lost interest in Jewish life. For those who do take interest in their family history, it many times focuses on the genealogy. “It completely ignores where they came from,” he lamented. “They get it in a bottle. They don’t have to do any work. It is a good-feel thing.” He stated that YIVO is devoted to how Jews got from religious communities in Spain and the Middle East to communities that participated in the secular world, but retained their Jewish identity. “The materiality of Jewish life,” he said, “and its social development.” To facilitate this, the archive recently reached two signifi cant milestones. Besides making available online the papers of writer Chaim Grade and his infamous wife, Inna Hecker (See Opinions: “YIVO Digitizes Writer Chaim Grade’s Archive, a Yiddish Treasure with a Soap-Opera Backstory”), YIVO has reached beyond the archive it physically controls. In cooperation with the Lithuanian government, it digitized 2.5 million documents and 12,200 books — representing 500 years of Jewish history in Eastern Europe — under the Edward Blank YIVO Vilna Online Collections project. The YIVO archive, he continues, can off er more substance on what Jewish life was in the communities their ancestors came from. Once this was much more diffi cult to access. With the archives’ change of direction, saids Brent, people could come to YIVO to discover more about their roots: “We are letting people in, and we are letting information out.” It is for that reason, he noted, that over the past few years, “we have grown and fl ourished.” ■ Dovid Zaklikowski is a freelance writer and the author of more than 20 biographies. ▲ Jonathan Brent, executive director of YIVO, discusses the archive in a December 2022 interview. Dovid Zaklikowski ▲ The reading room at the Center for Jewish History in New York City, where YIVO archives is headquartered ▼ Stefanie Halpern, director of archives at YIVO, exhibits a manuscript at the archives. Photos: Dovid Zaklikowski; Background: AF-studio/DigitalVisions Vectors; Photo Frame: alubalish/E+; Map: PeskyMonkey/iStock/Getty Images Plus JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 17 camps What to Remember When Packing for Camp Heather M. Ross | Staff Writer E very year, the highlights of camp season are different. A new friend made, a new hobby discovered or perhaps a new favorite food. But the hard part of dropping your kids off is always the same. The worry, the rush and, inevitably, the forgotten items. We spoke to local camp directors to find out what kids need most at sleepaway camp. Here’s what you can expect your child will need for those longer stays, including a checklist to make packing a little less worrying. Liz Heilbronner, director of Camp Horizons in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley; Grant Larsen, director of Camp Wabanna in Edgewater, Maryland.; and Lisa Handelman, director of Capital Camps in Waynesboro, share what kids forget the most when packing for camp. Bedding and gear Bug bites aren’t always the first thing to come to mind when packing for summer camp, but with many summer camps having activities near and on the water, or surrounded by nature, maybe it should be. Kids should be sure to pack bug spray and sunscreen to keep their skin safe and healthy so they can focus on having fun. When it comes to clothing, don’t bring any outfit that can’t be replaced. At camp, kids are active, kids get dirty and, sometimes, clothing items can get torn or misplaced. Kids should also bring at least two towels and two bathing suits. This is because if they swim multiple days in a row, their towel may not have had time to dry. Another good reason to bring a second towel is that kids may swim in natural bodies of water, includ- ing sandy or salty water, as well as in a pool. That said, children with longer hair might need a bathing cap as well. Of all things, said Heilbronner, “pillows are the No. 1 thing kids forget to bring.” Ditto for a backpack. Heilbronner notes that the item she relied on most back when she was a camper was a small folding seat that she could use to keep herself up off the grass and stay a lot more comfortable. With all the running around, climb- ing, jumping and other activities at camp, it’s also easy to get dehydrated. Kids should always bring a reusable water bottle to camp to stay comfort- able and safe. Above all, it’s important to remember that unique camps have unique activi- ties, and parents should always check with directors about specific gear their child may need. According to Larsen, kids signing up and going to Camp Wabanna have oftentimes forgotten or not known to bring fishing gear. Comfort items “Know that camp is an adventure, and it has ups and downs. It’s possible to be homesick and have a great time,” Handelman said. It’s very common for children, especially younger children, to experi- ence some homesickness. This doesn’t mean that they won’t have a great time, but there are things you can pack to ease them into this new experience. Pack a comfortable sweatshirt, a stuffed animal, a picture from home and some paper for them to write letters about their experiences. Even if they don’t mail them, it can be comfort- ing to write like they’re talking to their loved one. At camp, most of your child’s time will START HAVING YOUR BEST SUMMER, EVERY SUMMER! Reach out to Linz Haft at Linz@pinemere.com or call 215-487-2267, ext. 4 18 FEBRUARY 16, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT be fi lled with making friends, staying active, learning and experiencing new things. But at every camp, there’s also downtime to consider. For the moments between the madness, kids should pack a book to read, a journal to keep track of their experiences, some kind of camera to take pictures (even a disposable one) and other non-electronic pastimes. Looking for a place where children can gain more independence, tolerance, teamwork & friendship Scan Me! Come join our family at Golden Slipper Camp Remember to bring: Bedding (pillows included) Clothes to get dirty Extra bathing suit Extra towel Bathing cap Water bottle Sunscreen Bug spray Toothpaste Toothbrush Flashlight Book Journal Camera Backpack ■ hross@midatlanticmedia.com Overnight camp for children ages 7-15 ACA Accredited July 5 - August 11, 2023 Daily sports, arts, pool and lake activities Academic Enrichment Field Trips Hands-on Learning Team Building Located on 300 acres in the Pocono Mts. Embracing Jewish values 2 Summer Sessions (3.5 weeks each) And so much more! Interested? Secure your spot today! enrollment@pathwayschool.org 610.277.0660 | pathwayschool.org www.goldenslippercamp.org 610-660-0520 Register Online Today SUMMER IS ‘S’MORE’ FUN AT CAMP! Exciting News about the Summer Camp Scholarship and Grant Process Save on the cost of summer camp this year! One Happy Camper for first time overnight campers New this year: A sibling policy Deadline: Rolling Need Based Camp Scholarship/Financial Aid New this year: Simplified application process! Apply for Jewish Federation assistance directly through desired camp. Deadline: Varies by camp Funds are awarded on a rolling basis. Apply early to secure your financial support. Learn more: jewishphilly.org/camp JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 19 food & dining One-Dish Winter Dinners Keri White his time of year calls for hearty, warming comfort meals, which often involve slabs of meat braised in gravy, stew-style. This can be wonderful but also heavy. As more of us attempt to limit meat intake for health, environmental, ethical or other reasons, those recipes are more like special occasion meals. But we still need sustenance through winter, and these recipes can provide it. Both are simple and straightforward but also quite adaptable. The chicken braise could also integrate veggies. Carrots? Cabbage? Greens? Squash? Yes, yes, yes, yes. And if you are not feeling rice, swap it out for barley, couscous or noodles. Ditto the lasagna — not a fan of Swiss chard? Drop it and use spinach. Or zucchini. Or eggplant. Or a mélange of whatever veggies you have on hand. The point is these are hearty, tasty and, while not especially low cal/low fat, they are lighter than a slab of pot roast or a bowl of beef stew! Lasagna with Greens Serves 4 generously Using fresh lasagna sheets saves a step — no boiling of the noodles — which also saves on washing that extra pot and probably a colander. If you prefer to use traditional noodles or no-boil dry noodles, do so; just be sure to follow the directions on the respective pack- ages to ensure the right texture and cooking times. 1 package fresh lasagna sheets cut to fi t your pan (you may not need to use them all) ½ pound ricotta cheese 1 egg ½ teaspoon dried oregano Generous sprinkling of salt and pepper 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 2-3 cups good-quality marinara sauce 2 cups cooked Swiss chard (see recipe below) In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta, egg, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper. Coat the bottom of a square baking dish with marinara sauce and place a lasagna sheet in the pan. (If it doesn’t cover the bottom, cut additional pieces to reach the edges in a single layer.) Spoon the ricotta cheese mixture on the sheet, then sprin- kle some mozzarella and some Parmesan. Spoon on some more sauce. Place another lasagna sheet, 20 FEBRUARY 16, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT Photo by Keri White T Lasagna then add a layer of greens, and drizzle some more sauce. Repeat this sequence until you reach the top of the pan. Cover the top lasagna sheet with sauce and cheese. Cover, and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes, then poke it with a knife to ensure that the lasagna is soft all the way through. If not, cook it for another 10 minutes and check again. If so, remove the cover, and cook another 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown. Swiss Chard 2 2 ¼ ¼ 2 bunches Swiss chard, rinsed and chopped cloves garlic, crushed teaspoon salt teaspoon crushed red pepper fl akes teaspoons oil Heat the oil in a large skillet with the garlic, salt and pepper fl akes. Sauté until fragrant. Add the greens and cook, turning over frequently, until wilted and soft, about 8 minutes. Braised Chicken and Rice Serves 4 I made this for a convalescing relative — it is simple enough to appeal to timid palates, but it can be jazzed up with additional veggies or seasonings according to preference. 1 tablespoon oil 4 bone-in chicken breasts, seasoned well with salt and pepper 1 onion, chopped 1 rib celery, chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed ½ teaspoon each thyme and rosemary 6-8 cups broth or water 3 cups white rice Fresh parsley for garnish In a large skillet with a cover, heat the oil and sear the chicken on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Scrape up the brown bits, add oil if needed, and add the onions, celery, garlic and seasonings to the skillet. Sauté until softened. Return the chicken to the skillet, and add broth or water. Bring it to a boil, lower the heat, cover and simmer for about 60 minutes, or until the chicken is very tender and falling off the bone. When the chicken is done, remove it from the pan, and set it aside. There should be about 6 cups of liquid in the pan. If not, add more broth or water. Add the rice to the pan, stir, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat, cover and simmer until the rice is nearly done and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. While the rice cooks, remove the chicken from the bones. Return the chicken meat to the pan, mix and, when all the liquid is absorbed, garnish it with fresh parsley and serve. ■ Keri White is a Philadelphia-based freelance food writer. synagogue spotlight Beth Israel Congregation of Chester County Works to Keep Judaism Relevant Jarrad Saff ren | Staff Writer Courtesy of Robin Kerollis-Napiecek T he Beth Israel Congregation of Chester County dates its history to a group of Jews that formed a commu- nity in Coatesville in 1904. Those founders chartered the synagogue 12 years later and named it Beth Israel. And in the 107 years since, thousands of people have walked through the doors, according to the history section on the shul’s website. But whether this aging congregation will stand for another 107 years and welcome thousands of more people is an open question. So open that synagogue leaders acknowledge it on bethisraelpa.org. The vision section on the site is a little less confi dent than the history section. It opens with this paragraph: “Today Judaism is facing a host of challenges and one of the profound challenges is that the synagogue is becoming less relevant in people’s lives, especially in younger generations. The great- est challenge that all synagogues are facing is how to reinvent themselves to maintain their relevancy. Our Beth Israel community is up to this challenge and will continue its rich legacy of looking forward.” Beth Israel leaders are looking forward. They are just not sure yet what they see. All they know is how they want to approach the problem. “Meet people where they are,” synagogue Co-President Cindy Blair- Miller said. Blair-Miller’s fellow president, Andrew Weintraub, added that 15-20 years ago shul life was “religious-based.” Today though, the longtime member believes it is more “cultural-based.” So once a month, Beth Israel leaders and members plan a Shabbat dinner in addition to the usual Shabbat service. The evening is designed to “simulate if you were going to do Shabbat dinner at home,” Weintraub said, with prayers over Challah and other traditions. The shul plans similar gatherings around Passover and Chanukah. As Blair- Miller explains, “If you feed them, they will come.” And anywhere from 50-85 people show up for the Shabbat meals. But it is not just the synagogue’s role that is changing, according to Blair- Miller and Weintraub. How leaders run the building is evolving as well. Like many shuls in the Philadelphia area, Beth Israel is trying to make it easier for millennials to pay for member- ships. The Chester County synagogue off ers congregant status at no fee to alums of its religious school. It also now has lower rates for single people and married couples in their 20s and early 30s. “If you get people in the building and you build that Jewish connection, people will stay, and we fi nd that funds come with that,” said Weintraub. And these eff orts are getting more people into the building. Blair-Miller estimates that the community has added eight to 10 young families over the past fi ve years. The congregation consists of 119 households, which is up from 102 about a decade ago (though it has been as high as 175 within the past four decades). At the same time, those are not massive increases, and the lack of young families is evident to Dominik Zebrowski, a 45-year-old member with his wife and fi ve kids. The family moved to Chester County in 2017 and “felt very welcome” as soon as they walked into Beth Israel, he said. That feeling has not gone away, either. Zebrowski added that it’s not uncom- mon for 50, maybe even 70, members to plan an event themselves so they can “be together, talk and complain about Manischewitz wine.” “And there’s always singing; there’s always good food. And people Beth Israel members gather for Sukkot. Beth Israel Congregation of Chester County circulate throughout the room with eight-10 large tables set up,” he said. But Zebrowski wants to see more outreach toward young Jewish families in the area. He thinks his contemporar- ies would enjoy and fi nd meaning in “this warmth and great community” in the same way his family has over the last six years. “It was and still is incredibly welcom- ing,” Zebrowski said. Robin Kerollis-Napiecek has been a member for more than 40 years and speaks of a similar experience. She calls the synagogue her “family.” She said, “If anything were to happen, everyone comes to your aid.” And Kerollis-Napiecek appreciates that Beth Israel is so welcoming to inter- faith families that her Greek-Orthodox husband, who belongs to a separate church, sings in the synagogue’s choir. People will come to a place like this, according to the longtime congregant. They just need to know that it exists … and perhaps that it is willing to work with you on a payment plan. “It’s about reaching people and making them feel like they are part of a community,” Kerollis-Napiecek said. ■ jsaff ren@midatlanticmedia.com JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 21 obituaries BRANDOW THEODORE - November 18, 1925 - January 28, 2023 Theodore Brandow passed away suddenly in his Camp Hill PA home (formerly of Philadelphia PA) on Jan. 28 at the age of 97. He was the be- loved husband of Dr. Selma Brandow (nee Koss); loving father of Jonathan Brandow (Susan Brodkin), Riannon Walsh, and Shanna Brandow; ador- ing grandfather of Emily Rachael Brandow, Sarah Danielle Carvajal (Alex), and great-granddaughter Evalina. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (https://give. bcrf.org/fundraiser/4063195) In his book Closer to Saturday Ted described his childhood experiences at home and at the Girard College school for orphan boys. That and other childhood experiences compelled him to seek out and offer love to those around him, inside his family and beyond. He was proud but not boastful of his time as a machinist’s mate in the Navy during World War II. As soon as he returned from the service in 1945 he married Selma, whom he had known since fifth grade and dated since high school. Each home he lived in—from the row house in Southwest Philly to his long-term house in Erdenheim and his last apartment in Camp Hill—was flooded with his paintings, sculptures and representing fantasy animals, hu- morous, historical and cultural charac- ters. His art loved the female body but considered the male body a subject for comedy only. His drawings and sculptures cherished the Jewish peo- ple and Israel. His pride in Jewish life shone through his artwork, but also his community activity. He designed and literally built the first (and still the only) synagogue in Springfield Township for the cluster of Jews who had moved there in the mid-Fifties. After moving to Camp Hill, he designed and super- vised a complete renovation of Temple Beth Shalom, the synagogue he at- tended with his extended family. He traveled extensively in Israel and per- formed volunteer work there during the Yom Kippur and first Lebanon wars. In his last years he was saddened by what he perceived as a racist and an- ti-democratic turn in a second country he loved. He spent his professional ca- reer as an architect creating enjoyable living spaces for tens of thousands of families, from struggling lower mid- dle-class developments and garden apartments to estates that—even in the sixties—ran into the millions. He constantly renovated his own homes and freely offered his help in design- ing new spaces and giving old ones new life for friends and family. Design and art were his passions, but family was his love. He doted on his children and grandchildren and was thrilled to live long enough to experience his great-granddaughter Evalina. May the shekhinah grant him a more complete level of peace in the world to come. Joseph Levine & Sons www.levinefuneral.com GERSON MARY A. (nee Hinkel), age 81, passed away February 2, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Allan Gerson. Loving mother of Rhonda Donofrio (Michael), Geoffrey Gerson, Cynthia Gerson, Gregory Gerson, and Matthew Gerson (Erin). Adoring grandmother of Victoria, Andrea, Alexis, Avery, and Lainey. Dear sister of Thomas Hinkel (Margaret), and Joan Hinkel. Contributions in her memory may be made to The American Association of Hematology or Greenpeace. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com GOLDFARB DR. IRVING HARRY on February 3, 2023. Beloved husband of Marlene (nee Altus); Loving father of David Goldfarb (Alyssa) and Rebecca Goldfarb; Dear brother of Rosalie Lazarow (David); Adoring grandfa- ther of Noah and Michaela Goldfarb. Remembered fondly by devoted niec- es and nephews. Contributions in his memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Assoc., 399 Market St., Ste 250, Phila., PA 19106, www.alz.org GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com KRAVITZ JOYCE, a lifelong activist for social justice and an advocate for children, died of cancer on February 2, 2023, in New York City. She was 72. Her career included 30 years as a senior executive, communications strategist, and spokesperson for a major news network, a Fortune 500 company, the federal government, and a na- tional political party. Joyce was born and raised in Philadelphia, where she gained a passion for politics from her mother, Shirley Kravitz, who was a fixture in the state’s Democratic Party. In 1972, Joyce was hired as a press assistant at the Democratic National Committee headquarters just weeks after the Watergate break-in. She shifted to President Jimmy Carter’s White House press office in 1977, and later became Deputy Director for Congressional and Public Affairs at the Office of the United States Special Trade Representative. In 1980, Joyce entered the private sector as Manager of Media Relations for Philip Morris in New York. Later, she became Director of News Information for ABC News where she oversaw public relations for Nightline, World News Tonight, 20/20, and documentaries. With the elec- tion of President Bill Clinton, Joyce returned to government as Senior Advisor at Voice of America, and later as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Information Agency (USIA). Concurrently, she earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling at Trinity College to refo- cus her career on her lifelong passion to work with children. In 2001, she returned to Philadelphia to become the school counselor at Delaplaine McDaniel Primary School. She re- joiced in helping children reach their academic and social potential. Joyce’s sense of adventure, deep commitment to her friendships, and dry wit were gifts that transformed the lives of ev- eryone she touched. Joyce was god- mother and auntie to many and bubbe to her beloved Lev Eisenberg. She was predeceased by her mother, her father, Harry S. Kravitz, and brother, Marc. A graveside service of remem- brance is scheduled for 1 pm, Sunday, April 23, at Har Nebo Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA. Donations may be made to CareLink Community Support Services, a Pennsylvania-based or- ganization helping people with devel- opmental and mental health issues; Tikvah AJMI, a Pennsylvania agency supporting families affected by men- tal illness; or, the Pennsylvania Court Appointed Special Advocates where Joyce was certified to advocate in the courts for abused and neglected chil- dren. PLAZA JEWISH COMMUNITY CHAPEL, INC. https://www.plazajewishcommunity- chapel.org/ NEWMAN LITE ALAN B., on February 4th, 2023. Beloved husband of Cindy (nee Jones); loving father of Melanie (Prairie) Matthews, Stephen (Sharon) Lite; cherished brother of Glenn (Laura) Lite. Adoring pop-pop of six grandchildren. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association or to the American Diabetes Association. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com MARGULIES SIDNEY, age 95, of Wynnewood, PA passed on February 5, 2023. Sidney was the beloved husband of Adele (nee Levin); the loving father of Benson (Karen Mackenzie), Esther (Richard Destin), Andrew (Rena Ellenbogen); and the adoring grandfa- ther of Hannah, Caleb, Dvora, Josiah, Family owned and Operated since 1883 22 FEBRUARY 16, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT Lilia, Isabelle and Juliet. Sidney prac- ticed law in Philadelphia for more than 50 years. He served on the boards of the AJC, Auerbach CAJE, Moss Rehabilitation Hospital, and the Jewish Federation. In lieu of flowers contribu- tions in his memory may be made to Main Line Reform Temple (mlrt.org) or the Jewish Federation (jewishphilly. org) JOSEPH LEVINE & SONS www.levinefuneral.com GERARD “Jerry” , of Far Rockaway, New York, passed away on Friday, January 27th, 2023 at the age of 85. He is survived by his beloved wife, Paula Newman; children, Stephanie (Stan) Walder, and Roger (Kristin) Newman; grandchildren, Jaden and Gabrielle Yanovitz, Michael Newman, and step-son, Bruce (Lisa) Delarso, and step-grandchildren, Jared, Dylan, and Colby Delarso. He was prede- ceased by his sister, Roslyn, and parents, Paul and Ethel Newman. Jerry was sports loving, the funniest person in the room, and always an easy-go-lucky sweet guy. He was al- ways encouraging those around him. This made him a great manager of all things. A Celebration of Life will be held at The State Room, 7350 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136 on Sunday March 19, 2023 from 2:00 - 5:00 pm. Send notes, pictures or questions to syanovitz@gmail.com. May his mem- ory forever be a blessing. IN MEMORIAM Attention All Community Organizations If you would like to update your listing in the SILVER SPANGLER-WEISS To receive our weekly obituary eletter visit www.jewishexponent.com/enewsletter jewishexponent.com • 215-832-0700 DIED: 2/18/2011 SEATTLE, WA Dear Matt: On this the 12th anniversa- ry of your passing, we are still heart- sick over the loss. please contact Jewish Exponent Editor Andy Gotlieb at editor@jewishexponent.com $5 JEWISH LIFE Guide to 2022-2023 Is it possible that 12 years have gone by? Your children in Seattle are do- ing great with Jenn as a single mom. Jake is 17 and will be going to college this September. Zoe is 13 and High School is on the schedule for her. They both love sports. G-d bless them. 2022-2023 The Philadelphia Jewish Exponent extends condolences to the families of those who have passed. BORN: 6/15/1970 PHILADELPHIA, PA Life May Their Memory Be For a Blessing MATTHEW DAVID ADLER Baltimore Guide to Jewish JANE, age 71, passed away February 8, 2023. Beloved wife of Neil Weiss. Loving mother of Blair Scribner-Weiss (Samuel Scribner). Adoring grand- mother of Raya Beatrix. Dear sister of Dr. Paul Spangler. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Research/ Lustgarten Foundation www.lustgar- ten.org. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com Baltimore Jewish Times SCOTT LAWRENCE on February 3, 2023. Beloved son of Linda Zaslow and the late Bernard Silver; Loving brother of Rick Silver, Brett Silver, and Tara Silver (T.J. Henry). Also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Contributions in his memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com 2023-2024 GUIDE TO JEWISH LIFE jewishexponent.com We are certain that your colleagues at DLA Piper LLP are still missing you. Marc and Varusha in Havertown and their two little kids are doing fine. Olivia is 6 and Alex is 4. G-d bless them. We think of you every day and look for you in rainbows. Mom and Dad Our family is here for you when you need us most, for funeral and pre-planning needs. PHILADELPHIA CHAPEL Carl Goldstein Supervisor 6410 N. Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19126 SUBURBAN NORTH CHAPEL Bruce Goldstein Supervisor 310 2nd Street Pike Southampton, PA 18966 ROTH-GOLDSTEINS' MEMORIAL CHAPEL Stephen Collins NJ Mgr. Lic No. 3355 116 Pacific Ave Atlantic City, NJ 08401 215-927-5800 For Deaf or Hard of Hearing: 267-331-4243 GoldsteinsFuneral.com Caring. Committed. Compassionate. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 23 d’var torah Making Time Rabbi Jason Bonder I Parshat Mishpatim n last week’s Torah portion, Moses’ father-in-law Jethro was awestruck by Moses’ busy schedule. The Torah tells us, “But when Moses’ father-in-law saw how much he had to do for the people, he said, ‘What is this thing that you are doing to the people? Why do you act alone, while all the people stand about you from morning until evening?’” (Exodus 18:14) Jethro tells Moses to get help from others. Moses’ time is too precious to hear every case. This depiction of Moses overly pressed for time reminds me of a story told by David Litt, a speechwriter for President Barack Obama. In his Moth Mainstage story titled, “Have You Met Him Yet?” Litt tells of the time he handed Obama tangled earphones. “I reached into my pocket and pulled out what looks like a hairball made out of wires. I don’t know what’s happened. I guess somewhere in that waiting room, I have just worried this thing into a hopeless tangle. And now I don’t know what to do, so I just hand the entire thing to the president of the United States. Now, if you work in the White House, you will hear the phrase, ‘There is no commodity on earth more valuable than the president’s time,’ which I always thought was a cliché. Until … I watched Barack Obama … untangle headphones…for thirty seconds … while looking directly at me.” (Bowles, Burns, Hixson, Jenness, Tellers, How to Tell A Story, p. 56) Only the most important things reach the desks of top leaders. This is the lesson that Jethro teaches Moses. This is also why it is funny and cringeworthy to listen to Litt’s story. As we picture Obama untangling those headphones, we can so easily imagine better uses of the president’s time. Since last week’s portion was about protecting Moses’ time, I see this portion as a way of protecting God’s time, with one very powerful exception. Mishpatim begins with God giving Moses very detailed instructions. Many of these rules address scenar- ios regarding animals and property in which disputes between neigh- bors might arise. Especially coming on the heels of last week’s portion, I imagine that this is God carving out ways to save time as Moses did last week. Fewer cases before judges in the lower courts means less work for Moses. Less for Moses means it poten- tially frees up God’s calendar to do other things, like, for example, oversee all of existence. Nevertheless, just as we settle into thinking that God can’t be bothered with the everyday things, we fi nd the following verses. “You shall not ill-treat any widow or orphan. If you do mistreat them, I will heed their outcry as soon as they cry out to Me.” (Exodus 22:21-22) This is part of a larger trend in the Torah. God makes time for those that suff er. God tells Cain, “Your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground!” (Genesis 4:10) God tells Moses, “I have marked well the plight of My people in Egypt and have heeded their outcry because of their taskmasters; yes, I am mindful of their suff erings.” (Exodus 3:7) Again we are reminded this week that when the victim, the oppressed or the disenfranchised call out to God, God listens. Does God truly heed the cries of suff erers? That is a theological debate that likely none of our schedules can accommodate. Furthermore, I don’t believe that is why the Torah says this. Rather than a statement about the Almighty, I see in these verses a challenge to those of us who are not as busy as God, Moses and the president. If the Almighty hears the cries of those in need, how much more so should we, regular folks, make time for those who are suff ering? Moses made room in his schedule by appointing more judges. Litt, presum- ably, untangled the headphones before heading into the Oval Offi ce every time after that fi rst encounter. But for the rest of us, appointments and tech are not the answer to making time for those who suff er. We can fi nd our fi rst step, rather, in God’s response to suff ering. If God listens, we can too. Shma Yisrael. Listen, O Israel. ■ Rabbi Jason Bonder is the associ- ate rabbi at Congregation Beth Or in Maple Glen. The Board of Rabbis of Greater Philadelphia is proud to provide diverse perspectives on Torah commentary for the Jewish Exponent. The opinions expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not refl ect the view of the Board of Rabbis. social announcements ENGAGEMENT Courtesy of the Baker family Mittelman-Baker Jill and Doug Mittelman of Irvine, California, and Irene Levy Baker and David Baker of Center City announce the engagement of their children, Lauren Mittelman to Adam Baker. Lauren is a graduate of the University of Washington with a public health degree and a master of science in education degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She is an account executive for K-12 education at Zoom. Adam is a graduate of Indiana University with a degree in tourism, hospitality and event management; sports marketing and manage- ment. He is a sales manager at ZoomInfo. 24 FEBRUARY 16, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT THROUGHOUT THE WEEK, THROUGHOUT THE WORLD NOW on your favorite podcast platforms. SPOTIFY, GOOGLE, AMAZON, APPLE AND MORE! Jewish Community Radio with Estelle Deutsch Abraham MUSIC | FEATURES | INTERVIEWS FOR INFORMATION CALL 301-530-6530 calendar FEBRUARY 17–23 call 215-745-3127. 2101 Strahle St., Philadelphia. F R I DAY, F EBR UA RY 17 MUSICAL KABBALAT SHABBAT Join Beth Sholom Congregation’s Rabbi David Glanzberg-Krainin, Cantor Jacob Agar and the band at 6 p.m. for a musical Kabbalat Shabbat. The community is welcome to attend. Call 215-887-1342 for information. 8231 Old York Road, Elkins Park. W E D N E SDAY, FE B . 22 METAPHORS OF THE DIVINE This series from Congregation Kol Ami, starting at 10:30 a.m. for two Wednesdays, is for anyone who is interested in increasing their awareness of the sacred. Our tool for discerning the Divine will be a metaphor. Register at kolaminj.shulcloud.com/event/ divinepresence. For more information, contact AdultEd@kolaminj.org or call 856-489-0029. 1101 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM FRIDAY, F E B . 1 7 ‘SERIOUSLY’ EXHIBIT The Temple Judea Museum is exhibiting a unique trio of artists: Marlene Adler, Diane Pieri and Dan Soslowsky. What joins this disparate group together? Find out at this exhibit, running through March 15 and open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, contact Rita Poley at tjmuseum@kenesethisrael. org or 215-887-8700. 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park. PARSHA FOR LIFE Join Rabbi Alexander Coleman, a Jewish educator and psychotherapist at the Institute for Jewish Ethics, at 9 a.m. for a journey through the Torah portion of the week with eternal lessons on personal growth and spirituality. Go to ijethics.org/weekly-torah-portion. html to receive the Zoom link and password. SATU R DAY, F E B. 18 CEMETERY TOUR With more than a century of burial records, biographies, letters and press clippings of those buried at Laurel Hill West, home to two Jewish cemetery sections, there is a wealth of stories about love lost, betrayed or gotten with guise. Join the cemetery at 1 p.m. for a tour. Contact tours@laurelhillphl. com or 215-228-8200 for more information. 225 Belmont Avenue, Bala-Cynwyd. SUNDAY, FE B. 1 9 YIDDISH POET LECTURE The Haverford College Yiddish Cultural Festival presents a 3 p.m. talk by Eugene Orenstein on the Yiddish modernist poetry of Yude-Leyb Teller (1912-1972), in honor of the 50th anniversary of his death, at Stokes Hall Auditorium. Contact jtecosky@ haverford.edu or 610-896-1199 for more information. LANA R. PINKENSON, RTRP REGISTERED TAX RETURN PREPARER Serving The Tri-County Area For Over 35 Years • Income Tax Preparation • Income Tax Planning • Retirement Services • Estate Services • Long-Term Care And Life Insurance 2884 Old Lincoln Hwy., Trevose (215) 677-3334 MON DAY, FE B. 2 0 MAHJONG GAME Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu-El Sisterhood invites the community to join our weekly mahjong game at 7 p.m. Cost is $36 per year or free with MBIEE Sisterhood membership. For more information, call 215-635-1505 or email office@mbiee.org. 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park. T U E SDAY, FE B. 2 1 FREE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Join Kleinlife Rhawnwurst for an afternoon of live entertainment with JT Trinacria and a free lunch from 12:30-2 p.m. For more information, Introduction to Judaism at Congregation Kol Ami is an engaging, multi-session course for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life, from Nov. 2-March 8 at 7-8:30 p.m. No charge for congregants. $180 per device for non-congregants. For more information, contact Ruth Scott, director of community engagement: ruth@kolaminj.org. 1101 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. TH U RSDAY, FE B . 23 CANASTA GAME Ohev Shalom of Bucks County Sisterhood invites the community to a weekly canasta game from 1-3 p.m. Open play is $4. Call 215-968-6755 for more information. 944 Second Street Pike, Richboro. ■ Todd, Howard, and Zachary Katz, want to BUY your: diamonds, gold, watches, silver, coins, and estate jewelry. We have been buying in the Delaware Valley for over 44 years and we pay more because we know the value of your diamonds & jewelry. Meet us at our office (appointments preferred) or we will come to you: Katz Imports 723 Sansom Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 215-238-0197 Howard’s cell: 215-850-6405 | Diamondpaige2@hotmail.com JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 25 Courtesy of Lori Cohen Courtesy of the Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties around town 2 3 4 Courtesy of Stockton University Courtesy of Amy Schrager Photo by Lizzy Friedman-Zayon Courtesy of Hilary Levine 1 5 6 1 Staff members from the Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties and Atlantic City Police Chief James Sarkos attended a breakfast as part of National Human Trafficking Prevention month. 2 On Jan. 26, Gratz College and the Jewish Learning Venture hosted Jewish education CEOs and heads of school at Gratz. 3 Four Perelman Jewish Day School students reached the semifinals of the Rendell Citizenship Challenge, an annual contest that asks students to write an essay about an issue facing our democracy, with their essay on abolishing the Electoral College. 4 An American Jewish Committee Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey delegation of more than 20 regional leaders attended the United Nations Holocaust Memorial Ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York on Jan. 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day. 5 Beth Sholom Congregation and Americans for Ben-Gurion University co-sponsored a hybrid briefing on artificial intelligence featuring Professor Kobi Gal of Ben-Gurion University’s Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering. 6 Stockton University’s Alliance Heritage Center will use a $24,500 grant to create a public digital database of its collection documenting the history of Jewish farming in southern New Jersey. 26 FEBRUARY 16, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT last word JEWISH LEARNING VENTURE HONOREE Harold Berger SUPPORTS THE NEXT GENERATION OF JEWS Sasha Rogelberg | Staff Writer Courtesy of Jewish Learning Venture I n the early 1920s, Archibald, a town of 5,000 in Northeast Pennsylvania, was home to one Jewish family: the Bergers. As Harold Berger, now 97 and a Center City resident, grew up in the small town, the experi- ence transformed him, and he relished the unique upbringing. However, as decades passed, Berger became enveloped in the Jewish community in Philadelphia. He established himself as a judge of the Court of Common Pleas and co-founded the law firm Berger Montague, where he now serves as of counsel and executive share- holder emeritus. Through his philanthropic endeavors, Berger — known to many in the community as Judge Berger — wanted to ensure the continuation and growth of vibrant Jewish communities in a time of shrinking synagogue member- ship, including at Germantown Jewish Centre, where Berger has been a member for decades. “What could we do to stop loss of member- ship? That was the first thing,” Berger said. “And then the thought was, What can we do to develop programs which would attract Jewish families?” Berger, with the help of Philadelphia-based nonprofit Jewish Learning Venture and his late wife Renee Berger, created the Harold & Renee Berger Synagogue Network in 2008. The network allows JLV to help area synagogues develop programs and changes within their organizations to attract young families, ultimately building synagogue membership. Fifteen years after its founding, the Berger Network continues to help synagogues in the area develop programs, such as Camp Shabbat with jkidphilly at Temple Sholom in Broomall and an MLK Day of Service at Or Hadash. JLV will honor Berger for his continued support and involvement in the network at the nonprof- it’s 12th Annual Celebration on April 2. Berger even helped Germantown Jewish Centre create programs to engage young families; he said that the Berger Network and JLV helped to grow the congregation by 50 families. “This is what JLV has been doing, not only to stop the drop in membership, but to attempt to bring people closer to the synagogues in the area to make Judaism more meaningful and relevant to their families,” Berger said. From an early age, Judaism was pivotal in Berger’s life. Raised in an Orthodox household, the family kept kosher and shomer Shabbos. Berger’s father, a store owner, kept his business closed on Saturdays. Despite no other Jews in the town, the family’s neighbors knew to visit the store after the Sabbath. The Bergers spent Jewish holidays at Berger’s grandmother’s house in Olyphant, where the matriarch would cook elaborate meals weeks in advance over a coal stove. A few times a week, a rabbi from Olyphant would visit the family in Archibald and tutor the four Berger sons in Hebrew at 5 a.m. After their Hebrew lessons, the brothers attended public school. Several times a year, rabbis from Scranton, with a larger Jewish population, visited Archibald to collect funds for yeshivas in New York or Jerusalem. They would always stop by the Bergers’ home for a home-cooked kosher meal. Despite being one of Archibald’s few Jews, Berger saw his childhood as a chance to grow his worldview. “You get to understand how to react with all people,” he said. When he joined the military during World War II, being Jewish wasn’t as easy. “In the service, there was a feeling of antisem- itism in certain soldiers who had never met a Jew before,” Berger said. “They didn’t know whether the Jews had horns or not-horns, but there was not a feeling of, shall we say, friendship.” Berger was proud to serve alongside his three brothers in the war, who served as a lieutenant commander on an aircraft carrier, a doctor and in intelligence, respectively. Every brother came home after the war. Recruited three years into his engineering degree at University of Pennsylvania, Berger was a model soldier during basic training. However, 12 weeks into the 16-week program, Berger suddenly woke up ill. He was rushed to the infirmary before falling into a coma. When he woke up, he found out he had a case of spinal meningococcal meningitis. His doctor told him that while Berger was asleep, his unit was sent overseas to fight in the Battle of the Bulge, almost all of them dying in combat. Berger begged to remain in the services, despite an honorary medical discharge, and later worked with German aerospace engineer Wernher von Braun, an S.S. officer-turned-U.S. citizen and director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Berger completed his engineering degree, as well as a law degree, at Penn. Almost a centenarian, Berger’s commitment to causes for which he cares is still apparent: He lays tefillin every day and continues to support JLV, hoping that the organization will continue to support the next generation of Jewish Philadelphians. ■ srogelberg@midatlanticmedia.com JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 27 JEWISH EXPONENT CLASSIFIEDS To advertise, call 215-832-0749 HOMES FOR SALE MAIN LINE REAL ESTATE Bala Cynwyd - 191 Presidential Blvd. Boasting over 2700 sq. ft of living, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, family room 1 indoor garage space. 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Originally $2950 per plot, asking $3650 for both, including transfer fees. 610-547-1837 MONTEFIORE CEMETARY 600 Church Road, Jenkintown,PA 2 Crypts ( at eye level), Mausoleum Complex J For Sale $12,000. 609-577-6677 lauraw1221@gmail.com ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL PARK 2 plots available, Section B-6 Lot 401, Graves 3 and 4 $4500, For Immediate Sale Contact bonniemike@gmail.com SHALOM MEMORIAL PARK FOR SALE GREAT LOCATION IN GABRIEL SECTION TWO LOTS ALL SERVICES AND FEES INCLUDING TRANSFER FEE BRONZE PLACQUE WITH ENGRAVING GRANITE BASE OVER TIME FOR WEEKEND PERPETUAL CARE CALL 480-622-0596 OR EMAIL SIDBE@AOL.COM Single plot at SHALOM MEMORIAL PARK Section : Abraham Lot :139 Grave : 2 $4,000.00 Rochellesexton@gmail.com ELDER CARE Caring & Reliable Experienced & Trained BONDED & LICENSED Available 24/7 20 Years Experience Very Affordable 215-477-1050 HOUSEHOLD GOODS WANTED DOWNSIZING OR CLEANING OUT? 1 man’s trash/another man’s treasure Call Joel 215-947-2817 CASH IN YOUR CLOSET INC. 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Line Rd., 2nd Fl., Drexel Hill, PA 19026 Friends For Stanley Johnson has been incorporated under the provi- sions of the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988. National Fusion Brands, Inc. has been incorporated under the provi- sions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. John Pauciulo, Esquire 1055 Westlakes Drive Suite 300 Berwyn, PA 19312 Notice is hereby given that Articles of Incorporation were filed for W.J.K. & E., Incorporated with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The address of the association’s proposed registered office in this Commonwealth is 500 Walnut Street, Unit 200, Philadelphia PA 19106 in Philadelphia County. This corporation is incorporated under the provisions of the Business Corporation Law of 1988, as amended. Notice is hereby given that, pursu- ant to the provisions of Section 4129 of the Business Corporation Law of 1988, Leidos Consulting Engineers, Inc., a corporation incorporated un- der the laws of the State of California with principal office at 1750 Presidents St, Reston, VA 20190, and having a Commercial Registered officer pro- vider and county of venue as follows: C T Corporation System, 600 N. 2nd St, Ste 401, Harrisburg, PA 17101, which on September 28, 1995 was registered to transact business in the Commonwealth, intends to file a Statement of Withdrawal with the Department of State. Raines and Simpson Investments Company has been incorporated un- der the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. The I Am Still Running Foundation has been incorporated under the pro- visions of the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988. Stephen R. Cammarota, Esquire 115 Brochant Circle Blue Bell, PA 19422 Angel Tile, Inc has been incorpo- rated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. CS CONTRACTOR, CORP. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. BUSINESS CORP. - Notice is hereby given that Articles of Inc. were filed with the Dept. of State for Oculus IV, Inc., a corp. organized under the PA Business Corp. Law of 1988. COURT OF COMMON PLEAS - PHILA. COUNTY, PA – TRIAL DIV. – CIVIL – NO. 221002435 – Christina Stach & Patrick Stach, in their own right & as parents/ natural guardians of V.M.S., a minor, Plaintiffs vs. Peloton Interactive, Inc. & Beast Mode Team LLC, Defendants - To: Beast Mode Team LLC, Defendant, 1709 Conlyn St., Phila., PA 19141. Take notice that a Complaint in Civil Action has been filed against you in the above-named Court. Said complaint arises from an in- cident that took place on or about 3/3/21 where V.M.S., a minor, sustained perma- nent, debilitating, and traumatic bodily injuries due to improper installation from Defendant. NOTICE: YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the notice above, you must take action within twen- ty (20) days after this Complaint and Notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be en- tered against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH THE INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE. Phila. Bar Assn., Lawyer Referral & Info. Service, One Reading Ctr., Phila., PA 19107, 215.238.6333. Richard Godshall & Shayna Shorr, Attys. for Plaintiffs, Ostroff Law, PC, 518 E. Township Line Rd., #100, Blue Bell, PA 19422, 610.279.7000 BINDER & WEISS CERTIFICATE OF GRANT OF LETTERS ESTATE OF JOHN LASOFSKY Late of Philadelphia County Date of Death: December 13, 2022 File Number: W0267-2023 Whereas, on the 18th day of January, 2022, my office admitted to probate an instrument dated the 17th day of March, 2002, known as the Last Will of the decedent a true copy of which is annexed hereto: Now, therefore, I, Tracey L. Gordon, Register of Wills in and for the County of Philadelphia in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, hereby certify that I have this day granted Letters Testamentary to Agnes Lasofsky, who has duly qualified as Executrix of the estate of the above- named decedent and has agreed to administer the estate according to law, all of which fully appears to record in the Office of the Register of Wills of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my Office, at Philadelphia, on this 18th day of January, 2023. Justin Graham, Deputy Register of Wills ESTATE OF HARRIET ANN SHUMAN, DECEASED, Llate of 5866 Neshaminy Valley Drive, Bensalem, Bucks County Pennsylvania. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the Above named Harriet Ann Shuman deceased, having been granted to the undersigned, Eric Shuman, as Executor all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the said dece- dent to make payment without delay, to: Administrator: Eric Shuman, Executor 2541 North Dale Mabry Highway Unit 284 Tampa Florida 33607-2408 Attorney: Solomon V. Weinstein, Esquire 1032 Millcreek Dr. Feasterville, PA 19053 Send proof of publication to: Solomon V. Weinstein, Esquire 1032 Millcreek Dr. Feasterville, PA 19053 Advance Payment of $121.42 required ESTATE OF MARLENE SANDRA SCHMIDT, DECEASED Late of 45 Christopher Dr., Holland, PA1896, Bucks County Pennsylvania. 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NEW LISTING: Tower at Oak Hill Realtor® Emeritus. 5 Star winner, Philly Mag Google Harvey Sklaroff oakhillcondominiums.com HBSHOME@AOL.COM Office: 610-667-9999 Direct: 610-660-9999 Cell/Text: 610-613-7606 PA#RB041533-A NJ#8310118 2nd floor, 2 bedroom/1.5 bath; modern kitchen; custom lighting; custom generous closets; sunny balcony; washer/dryer hook-up. AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY Sgt. Kleinman USMC Force Recon. Jordan Kleinman Sales Associate Berkshire Hathaway Without the right help, buying or selling a home can be complicated and stressful. It is my goal to make your purchase or sale go as quickly and smoothly as possible, so you can relax and live in the moment. Call me today to take the stress out of your move. Also if you have friends, relatives or business associates looking to purchase or sell please pass my contract information along to them. Jordan Kleinman 9218 Ventnor Ave, Margate, NJ 08402 Cell: 609.335.3904 Bus: 609.822.4200 x 6995 jrdkleinman@aol.com www.jordankleinman.foxroach.com JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 29 of the Above named Marlene Sandra Schmidt deceased, having been grant- ed to the undersigned, Christopher Schmidt, as Administrator. all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are request- ed to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay, to: Administrator: Christopher Schmidt, Administrator 45 Christopher Dr., Holland, PA 18966 Attorney: Solomon V. Weinstein, Esquire 1032 Millcreek Dr. Feasterville, PA 19053 Send proof of publication to: Solomon V. Weinstein, Esquire 1032 Millcreek Dr. Feasterville, PA 19053 ESTATE NOTICE Notice is hereby given that Letters of Administration have been granted by the Register of Wills of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, upon the Estate of Joseph R. Ballantyne a/k/a Joseph Ballantyne a/k/a Joe Ballantyne, late of Buckingham Township, Bucks County, PA, deceased. All persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment, and those having claims against the es- tate shall present them without delay to Co-Administrator: John Ballantyne 114 Durham Ct. Harleysville PA 19438 Co-Administrator Melissa Ballantyne 3682 Hickory Hill Road Bethlehem, PA 18015 Daniel Wassmer, Esq. 171 S Main Street Doylestown PA 18901 (215) 348-8610 ESTATE OF ADELE EVERETT, DECEASED Late of Philadelphia, PA. Letters of Administration, dbn on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims against or in- debted to the estate should make claims known or forward payment to, Jason Everett, Administrator, dbn, c/o Ned Hark, Esq., Goldsmith Hark & Hornak, PC, 7716 Castor Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19152. P.O. Box 626 Media, PA 19063 ESTATE OF ALLA ALLOY, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County, PA LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to MIKHAIL B. ALLOY, ADMINISTRATOR, 382 Tomlinson Place, Philadelphia, PA 19116 ESTATE OF ANTHONY D. DEVLIN, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to ROSANNE M. DEVLIN and DENNIS J. DEVLIN, EXECUTORS, c/o Daniella A. Horn, Esq., 2202 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to their Attorney: DANIELLA A. HORN KLENK LAW, LLC 2202 Delancey Place Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF ALVIN SHAPIRO, DECEASED Late of Lower Merion Twp., PA. LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all per- sons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same, and all persons indebt- ed to the decedent to make payment without delay, to Teresa D. Shapiro, Executrix, c/o Gary A. Zlotnick, Esq., Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer & Toddy, PC, One Commerce Sq., 2005 Market St., 16th Fl., Philadelphia, PA 19103 or to their attorneys, Gary A. Zlotnick, Esq. Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer & Toddy, PC One Commerce Sq. 2005 Market St., 16th Fl. Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF ANNEMARIE SERPICO, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without de- lay to AMY MARIE CIANCI and DANIEL SERPICO, ADMINISTRATORS, c/o John Yanoshak, Esq., 17 E. Front St., P.O. Box 626, Media, PA 19063, Or to their Attorney: JOHN YANOSHAK KAO LAW ASSOCIATES 17 E. Front St. WANTED TO BUY ANTIQUE & FINE FURNITURE Paintings & Sculptures ESTATE OF BARBARA L. VERDI a/k/a BARBARA LEE VERDI, DECEASED. Late of Lower Moreland Township, Montgomery County, PA LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION CTA on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all per- sons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebt- ed to the decedent to make payment without delay to RICHARD M. SAND, ADMINISTRATOR CTA, c/o Howard M. Soloman, Esq., 1760 Market St., Ste. 404, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to his Attorney: HOWARD M. SOLOMAN 1760 Market St., Ste. 404 Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF BLANCHE GORDON, DECEASED Late of Philadelphia County, PA LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to BARRY GORDON, EXECUTOR, c/o Don F. Marshall, Esq., P.O. Box 70, Newtown, PA 18940, Or to his Attorney: DON F. MARSHALL STUCKERT AND YATES P.O. Box 70 Newtown, PA 18940 ESTATE OF BRYAN McKIE, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County, PA LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make pay- ment without delay to CAROL MCKIE, ADMINISTRATRIX, c/o Kristen L. Behrens, Esq., 1500 Market St., Ste. 3500E, Philadelphia, PA 19102, Or to her Attorney: KRISTEN L. BEHRENS DILWORTH PAXSON, LLP 1500 Market St., Ste. 3500E Philadelphia, PA 19102 Or to her Attorney: LISA M. NENTWIG DILWORTH PAXSON LLP 1500 Market St., Ste. 3500E Philadelphia, PA 19102 Or to her Attorney: Jay E. Kivitz Kivitz & Kivitz, P.C. 7901 Ogontz Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19150 ESTATE OF DONTE LAMONTE WALLACE, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to SIERRA WALLACE, ADMINISTRATRIX, c/o Joseph D. Rutala, Esq., 1500 JFK Blvd., Ste. 1203, Philadelphia, PA 19102, Or to her Attorney: JOSEPH D. RUTALA RUTALA LAW GROUP, PLLC 1500 JFK Blvd., Ste. 1203 Philadelphia, PA 19102 ESTATE OF EDMUND A. SCHWEITZER, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County, PA LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to ANITA TIMMINS, EXECUTRIX, c/o Michael H. VanBuskirk, Esq., 6510 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19128, Or to her Attorney: MICHAEL H. VanBUSKIRK 6510 Ridge Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19128 ESTATE OF CARMEN EMILIA SARDINAS, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without de- lay to NANCY RIVERA, EXECUTRIX, c/o Jodi L. Griffi s, Esq., 815 Fayette St., Ste. 200, Conshohocken, PA 19428, Or to her Attorney: JODI L. GRIFFIS 815 Fayette St., Ste. 200 Conshohocken, PA 19428 ESTATE OF DOROTHY PAUPST DECEASED. Late of Limerick LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment with- out delay to JENNIFER G. HAAS, EXECtTRIX c/o AMY W. SOSNOV, ESQ SOSNOV AND SOSNOV 540 SWEDE STREET NORRISTOWN, PA 19401 ESTATE OF DEBORAH KUEHL, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all per- sons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to MADELINE SPATA, ADMINISTRATRIX, c/o Lisa M. Nentwig, Esq., 1500 Market St., Ste. 3500E, Philadelphia, PA 19102, ESTATE OF EARL H. BLACK, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment with- out delay to BLANCHE ELIZABETH ARTIS, EXECUTRIX, c/o Jay E. Kivitz, Esq., 7901 Ogontz Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19150, ESTATE OF EDWARD P. PATANOVICH, JR., DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment with- out delay to CHARLES A. J. HALPIN, III, ADMINISTRATOR, The Land Title Bldg., 100 S. Broad St., Ste. 1830, Philadelphia, PA 19110, Or to his Attorney: CHARLES A. J. HALPIN, III The Land Title Bldg. 100 S. Broad St., Ste. 1830 Philadelphia, PA 19110 ESTATE OF ELAINE FRANCES ZLOTNICK aka ELAINE ZLOTNICK, DECEASED Late of Philadelphia, PA. LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above estate have been grant- ed to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same, and all per- sons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay, to Robert Glenn Zlotnick, Executor, c/o Gary A. PAS S OV E R 2023 n A P R I L 5-13 ADVERTISE your business in our largest issues of the year. EX DISTR TRA IB OUR B UTION, IGGE ISSUE ST S OF TH E YEA R! Show your support of the Jewish community by wishing them a Happy Passover! Happy Passover! PUBLICATION DATES Also Vintage Modern, Mission & Nakashima Etc. HIGHEST PRICES PAID 215-663-1813 30 FEBRUARY 16, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT March 9 | March 16 | March 23 | March 30 Contact your Jewish Exponent sales consultant to schedule your advertising or call 215-832-0700, ext. 2 or email advertising@jewishexponent.com Zlotnick, Esq., Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer & Toddy, PC, One Commerce Sq., 2005 Market St., 16th Fl., Philadelphia, PA 19103 or to their attorneys, Gary A. Zlotnick, Esq. Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer & Toddy, PC One Commerce Sq. 2005 Market St., 16th Fl. Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF FRANK AARON WADE a/k/a FRANK WADE, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to DANIEL COLEMAN, ADMINISTRATOR, c/o Benjamin L. Jerner, Esq., 5401 Wissahickon Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144, Or to his Attorney: BENJAMIN L. JERNER JERNER LAW GROUP, P.C. 5401 Wissahickon Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19144 ESTATE OF HARRIET W. GARDINER, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County, PA LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all per- sons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to LAURINA BLAY, ADMINISTRATRIX, c/o Daniella A. Horn, Esq., 2202 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to her Attorney: DANIELLA A. HORN KLENK LAW, LLC 2202 Delancey Place Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF IRENE R. KEARNEY, late of Philadelphia, LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the un- dersigned, who requests all persons as having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to: Irene H. Brice or to their attorney: Michael Wolinsky, Esquire 1015 Chestnut Street, Suite 414 Philadelphia, PA 19107 ESTATE OF JAMES E. McCLELLAND, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without de- lay to LYNN H. MILLER, EXECUTRIX, 604 S. Washington Square, Apt. 2616, Philadelphia, PA 19106-4130, Or to her Attorney: LAWRENCE F. MEEHAN 604 S. Washington Square, #2602 Philadelphia, PA 19106-4130 ESTATE OF JEAN MARY DiPIETRO, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment with- out delay to STEPHEN DiPIETRO, EXECUTOR, 2311 Timberbriar Ct., Magnolia, TX 77355, Or to his Attorney: MARK D. FREEMAN P.O. Box 457 Media, PA 19063 ESTATE OF JEAN ROBBINS, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County, PA LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all per- sons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to BRIAN JEFFREY ROBBINS and KYLE E. ROBBINS, ADMINISTRATORS, c/o Adam S. Bernick, Esq., 2047 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to their Attorney: ADAM S. BERNICK LAW OFFICE OF FAYE RIVA COHEN, PC 2047 Locust St. Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF MELODY THERESA DIAZ a/k/a MELODY LICOLLI, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to REINOL DIAZ, JR., ADMINISTRATOR, 4714 Edgemont St., Philadelphia, PA 19137, Or to his Attorney: JOSEPH J. CONSOLE CONSOLE MATISON, LLP 1 W. Third St., Ste. 204 Media, PA 19063 ESTATE OF JOSEPHINE WADDY, DECEASED Late of Philadelphia, PA. Letters of Administration on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims against or indebted to the estate should make claims known or forward payment to, Valjean W. Smith, Administratrix, c/o Hope Bosniak, Esq., Dessen, Moses & Rossitto, 600 Easton Rd., Willow Grove, PA 19090. ESTATE OF MORRIS J. DEAN a/k/a MORRIS JONATHAN DEAN, DECEASED Late of Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, PA LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without de- lay to DANIEL Z. DEAN, ILANA DEAN- SCHMIDT and RACHEL MATTHEWS, EXECUTORS, c/o Lawrence S. Chane, Esq., One Logan Square, 130 N. 18th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103-6998, Or to their Attorney: LAWRENCE S. CHANE BLANK ROME LLP One Logan Square 130 N. 18th St. ESTATE OF KATHERINE WATTS LEWIS, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County, PA LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment with- out delay to WALTER E. LEWIS, JR., EXECUTOR, c/o Adam S. Bernick, Esq., 2047 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to his Attorney: ADAM S. BERNICK LAW OFFICE OF FAYE RIVA COHEN, PC 2047 Locust St. Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF KATHLEEN ETRI BURNETT, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to MARIE L. HOLDER, ADMINISTRATRIX, c/o Angela D. Giampolo, Esq., 1221 Locust St., Ste. 202, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Or to her Attorney: ANGELA D. GIAMPOLO GIAMPOLO LAW GROUP, LLC 1221 Locust St., Ste. 202 Philadelphia, PA 19107 ESTATE OF LEON J. KELLERMAN a/k/a LEON JOSEPH KELLERMAN, DECEASED. Late of Pennsylvania LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned, who bequest all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay, to Fulton Bank, NA and Elizabeth Sampsonr, Co-Executors c/o their attor- ney Debra G. Speyer, Two Bala Plaza, Suite 300, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. ESTATE OF MARY M. WRIGHT, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to GLADYS BAKER, ADMINISTRATRIX, 6911 Ardleigh St., Philadelphia, PA 19119, Or to her Attorney: MARK J. DAVIS CONNOR ELDER LAW 644 Germantown Pike, Ste. 2-C Lafayette Hill, PA 19444 ESTATE OF MYRNA SHURE a/k/a MYRNA BETH SHURE, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to WARREN JAY KAUFFMAN, EXECUTOR, 1650 Market St., Ste. 1800, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to his Attorney: WARREN J. KAUFFMAN WHITE AND WILLIAMS LLP 1650 Market St., Ste. 1800 Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF PATRICIA ANN PAOLOCA, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County, PA LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment with- out delay to ALISHA P. PAOLOCA, ADMINISTRATRIX, c/o Howard M. Soloman, Esq., 1760 Market St., Ste. 404, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to her Attorney: HOWARD M. SOLOMAN 1760 Market St., Ste. 404 Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF PAUL NEUFELD, DECEASED Late of Philadelphia, PA. LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all per- sons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay, to Leonora Gold, Executrix, c/o Gary A. Zlotnick, Esq., Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer & Toddy, PC, One Commerce Sq., 2005 Market St., 16th Fl., Philadelphia, PA 19103 or to their attorneys, Gary A. Zlotnick, Esq. Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer & Toddy, PC One Commerce Sq. 2005 Market St., 16th Fl. Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF RANDALL G. VALE, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to RANDALL J. VALE, ADMINISTRATOR, c/o Angela D. Giampolo, Esq., 1221 Locust St., Ste. 202, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Or to his Attorney: ANGELA D. GIAMPOLO GIAMPOLO LAW GROUP, LLC 1221 Locust St., Ste. 202 Philadelphia, PA 19107 BUSINESS / LEGAL DIRECTORIES ESTATE OF REGINA A. GORMLEY, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County, PA LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment with- out delay to ROBERT J. GORMLEY, ADMINISTRATOR, c/o Fritz & Bianculli, LLC, Esquires, 1515 Market St., Ste. 1801, Philadelphia, PA 19102, Or to his Attorney: FRITZ & BIANCULLI, LLC 1515 Market St., Ste. 1801 Philadelphia, PA 19102 ESTATE OF RICARDO DORIAN BROOKS, DECEASED Late of Philadelphia, PA. Letters Testamentary on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims against or in- debted to the estate should make claims known or forward payment to, Paulette Brooks, Executrix, c/o Maureen M. Farrell, Esq., 1628 JFK Blvd., Suite 1901, Philadelphia, PA 19103. ESTATE OF RITA AGNES BLOOMER, DECEASED. Late of Pennsylvania LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned, who bequest all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same, and all per- sons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay, to William R Bloomer and Suzanne Bloomer, Co- Executors c/o their attorney Debra G. Speyer, Two Bala Plaza, Suite 300, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. ESTATE OF YOLANDA ANN ABREU a/k/a YOLI ABREU, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County, PA LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to CHRISTOPHER VELAZQUEZ, ADMINISTRATOR, c/o Howard M. Soloman, Esq., 1760 Market St., Ste. 404, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to his Attorney: HOWARD M. SOLOMAN 1760 Market St., Ste. 404 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Jewish Careers.com For Those Who Value Community The preferred career resource for the Jewish community. info.jewishcareers.com 410-902-2300 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 31 Wish Your Friends & Family A HAPPY PASSOVER in the Jewish Exponent Be a part of our March 30 th holiday edition. DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22 ND ESIG D D Best Wishes to all for a Happy Passover N B 75 N A 95 $ ESIG $ A SWEET & JOYOUS Passover YOUR NAME D C 45 N Warm Passover Greetings From ESIG $ YOUR NAME YOUR NAME – Personal Greetings Only – PLEASE RUN MY GREETING IN YOUR HOLIDAY ISSUE. 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