C ommunity
COMMUNITYBRIEFS Musical About Rabbi Fred Neulander Planned
A PLAYWRIGHT FROM the Philadelphia area has
written a musical about Rabbi Fred Neulander, the
Cherry Hill, New Jersey, rabbi who was convicted in
2001 of having his wife, Carol, murdered seven years
earlier, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Neulander, who at the time was believed to be the
first United States rabbi tried for murder, is serving
30 years to life.

The Gefen Playhouse in Los Angeles is slated to
debut “A Wicked Soul in Cherry Hill” by Matt Schatz,
who grew up in Cherry Hill, where Neulander lived
and worked, from June 21 through July 24.

The playhouse website describes the show
thusly: “On a November night in 1994, a murder
was committed in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. In this
true-crime story told completely through song, a tight-
knit Jewish community gathers to recount, remember,
and reckon with the details of what happened in — and
to — their town. Written with humor and chutzpah,
this wholly original musical asks what it does to our
souls when our leaders fall from grace.”
Several songs were posted recently on social media,
then removed.

Schatz said the show isn’t a comedy, nor is it a
Broadway-style extravaganza.

Schatz said it was his job as an artist to ask
questions. “The rabbi was telling people how to be a person,
how to be a Jew, and he turned out to be evil,” Schatz
told the Inquirer. “How do we reckon with that?”
The congregants of M’kor Shalom in Cherry Hill,
which Neulander founded in 1974, aren’t happy with
the planned production.

“We know nothing about the content of the play,”
congregation President Drew Molotsky said in a
statement. “This is our history. It involves our friends
and our community, and it is very serious to us. To
make light of it or to exploit it for entertainment value
is not something we will ever condone.”
Rabbi Writes Megillah
Senior Rabbi Lance J. Sussman of Reform
Congregation Keneseth Israel wrote a new Megillah
entitled “The Purim Story.”
The Megillah was written for use at home or in
the synagogue and features new, original artwork by
Marlene D’Orazio Adler, the chair of the KI Temple
Judea Museum Artists Collaborative.

“The Purim Story” presents an easy-to-understand
version of the “Scroll of Esther” and includes illus-
trations that aid in the telling of the Purim story. It
includes a glossary of terms related to the story and
holiday of Purim.

“There is a need for a new presentation of the
Megillah precisely at this very moment because of the
rise of antisemitism,” Sussman said. “The holiday of
Purim has helped Jews navigate the emotional stress
Eddie Bruce
Courtesy of Eddie Bruce
of antisemitism for centuries. Purim is also fun. It’s
our most joyous holiday and in these challenging
Programs featuring Bennett have long been a part
times, it is very important to find ways to celebrate of Bruce’s repertoire, although the venue of a rock
Judaism and affirm our heritage.”
music hall is a bit unusual. Tickets start at $20. l
The book is available on Amazon as an e-book,
softcover and at the KI office.

Statewide Forum on Hate, Extremism Planned
for Feb. 22
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, along
with other Jewish Federations in Pennsylvania,
the Anti-Defamation League, Secure Community
Network and the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition, will
host a daylong forum to address hate and extremism
on Feb. 22.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. via
Zoom. Individual Zoom sessions will focus on topics
such as securing religious institutions, legislative
advocacy and action and talking to children about
acts of bias and violence. Each session will be hosted
as an individual Zoom meeting and require separate
registrations. For details, visit jewishphilly.org/get-involved/ or
contact Jason Holtzman at jholtzman@jewishphilly.org.

Fred Neulander
22 FEBRUARY 17, 2022
Jewish Exponent archives
Eddie Bruce to Channel Tony Bennett at
Ardmore Music Hall
Longtime bandleader and cabaret performer Eddie
Bruce will play the music of Tony Bennett at the
Ardmore Music Hall at 3 p.m. on Feb. 27.

He will be joined by pianist Dean Schneider’s trio
and jazz tenor saxophonist Larry McKenna.

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C ommunity / deaths
DEATH NOTICES
DEATH NOTICES
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DEATH NOTICES
A L B ER T
H A N D E L M A N
K A TZ
M E R I O N
Obituary of Molly Albert
The inevitability of time exhausted a life force
which enriched Philadelphia, delighted a
community, and enhanced the lives of count-
less people. Known as the unsinkable Molly
Albert to her friends. This daughter of immig-
rants, overcame childhood tragedy, poverty,
and struggle, with a smile on her face, and a
wink at the future. A woman of enormous en-
ergy, creativity, and joy. Among her many
accomplishments, and contributions: dress-
ing as Betsy Ross to guide tourists through
her city, organizing group jaunts to Broad-
way, and always being there for her friends in
times of need. Molly is remembered for her
brilliant blue eyes, boundless energy, and
boisterous laugh. But her sharp mind and
open heart, as she approached the end of her
9th decade were exceptional. She sensed our
precarious political situation in 2020 and en-
couraged and counselled her fellow senior
citizens to write in ballots, and mail them
promptly. Also her loving heart, opened for
people of every race, creed, and orientation.

Through it all she always was dressed eleg-
antly and with inimitable style. She died
quietly in her 98th year with her loving part-
ner, Dr. Harold Meyer at her side. In her final
days Molly reflected on the joy this romance,
which began when both were well past 90,
brought her in her final years. She is sur-
vived by her daughter Andrea Batchler (Paul),
and her son Marc Albert (Stephen), and
grandchildren Bryan Batchler (Brooke), Julie
Alberti (Chris), Stephanie Catalano (Jason);
Great Grandchildren Jackson, Janie, Chase
and Nate, Brody, Brooklyn and Nicholas. Her
husband of over 50 years Sidney prede-
ceased her. She died at home after a battle
with cancer.

JOSEPH LEVINE and SONS
www.levinefuneral.com B A RT A SH
Sandra “Sandee” Bartash On February 6,
2022. Beloved wife of Mitz Bartash. De-
voted mother of Adria Bartash and Meredith
Ortlieb. Loving Mom Mom of Rylee, Brynlee,
and Kaden. Funeral services were held on
Wednesday February 9, 2022 at Shalom Me-
morial Park, Huntingdon Valley, PA. Contri-
butions in her memory may be made to the
Eastern PA Chapter of The Leukemia and
Lymphoma Society: bit.ly/llsteambartash
GOLDSTEIN'S ROSENBERGS'
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
C H A C HK I N
Anita Chachkin, of Delray Beach, FL and
formerly of Philadelphia, PA, passed away on
January 31st, 2022, at the age of 98. She
was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Samuel
Chachkin. Loving mother of Marlene Chach-
kin (Gerry Kean) and Roberta Chachkin Dos-
sick (Gary). Anita is also survived by her ad-
oring grandchildren, Liza Dossick and Sam
(Lysett) Dossick and great-granddaughter,
Savannah, who was the light of her life. She
will also be greatly missed by Michael Kean
and her nephews, Gary and Bob Hemmel-
stein. Anita was a strong supporter of Israel
and an advocate for gun control. She was a
champion at making the most of every day.

She was an avid tennis player and golf enthu-
siast. In 1980 she became a Life Master in
bridge, later taught bridge and ran duplicates.

She, and a friend, started Because We Care in
1963 to support The Jewish Federation of
Greater Philadelphia. That organization still
exists today. She was the proud recipient of
a Lion of Judah. In lieu of flowers, the fam-
ily requests contributions to the Brady Cam-
paign or a charity of the donor’s choice.

To place a Memorial Ad
call 215.832.0749
JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Jack Handelman passed away on February 5,
2022. Husband of Ruby Handelman (nee
Snyder). Father of Risa (Bob) Lewis. Grand-
father of Jessica Lewis. Services and Shiva
will be private. Contributions in his memory
may be made to a charity of the donor’s
choice. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
Jordan A. On February 9, 2022, husband of
Cynthia (nee Maklin), father of Dr. Bruce
(Jade) Katz, and Dr. Melissa (Paolo) Pepe,
brother of Dr. Warren (Ellen) Katz, grandfath-
er of Claudia (fiancé Charles), Gabriel and
Olivia. Contributions in his memory may be
made to Make-A-Wish Foundation, Israeli
Guide Dog Center or Main Line Reform
Temple. JOSEPH LEVINE and SONS
www.levinefuneral.com K A H N
Marcia (nee Shelley) Passed away on Febru-
ary 9, 2022. Wife of Ernest Kahn. Mother of
Rachel Kahn Ross and Beth Kahn. Grand-
mother of Daniel and Brian Ross. Contribu-
tions in her memory may be made to Americ-
an Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org,
or to Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel Pre-
School Program, www.bzbi.org.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
K L I NG H OF F E R
Leonard "Lenny' Jerome Klinghoffer passed
away peacefully on February 6th in his Wyn-
newood home with his wife, Alice Olenberg
Klinghoffer by his side. Born on July 29th,
1924 in Philadelphia, Lenny was the last re-
maining child of the late Louis and Becky
Klinghoffer. Raised in Philadelphia, he atten-
ded Overbrook High School and at the age of
18, enlisted in the army to serve his country
in WWII. After his service, Lenny started his
60+ years successful and rewarding career in
the produce industry, eventually becoming
the president of his own company at the Phil-
adelphia Distribution Center. His legacy con-
tinues with his children Steve, Gary, Freddie
and Robyn, his 15 grandchildren and 3 great
grandchildren. Lenny is preceded in death by
his wife Sheri J. Klinghoffer (dcd 1982). In
lieu of flowers, a contribution in his memory
may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
L E V I N
K A R M A T Z
Anne B. (Kozart), 78, of Bala Cynwyd, PA,
passed away on February 8, 2022. Anne was
born in Philadelphia to Harry R. and Dorothy
Feldman Kozart on January 8, 1944. She
grew up in Penn Wynne, and attended Penn
Wynne Elementary, Ardmore Junior High
School, and Lower Merion High School. She
graduated with a BA from the University of
Pittsburgh, and received MA’s from Villan-
ova University and Penn. She was married to
Michael Karmatz in 1966 in Philadelphia, PA.

Anne was an English professor at the Uni-
versity of Arts for 35 years. She started her
career as a high school and college French
teacher, and then an Associate Dean at Penn
State Delaware County Campus. Anne was an
artist, a writer, an avid tennis and golf player,
a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, a
loyal friend, and an overall very funny person.

Anne loved the theater, museums, the or-
chestra, movies and crossword puzzles, and
was never without a book. Most importantly,
family meant everything to Anne. She was an
incredibly supportive mother and grandmoth-
er, never missing an opportunity to watch her
children and grandchildren in their various
athletic and artistic pursuits. She was proud
of her family’s accomplishments and was
endlessly effusive with her compliments, no
matter how small the achievement. Anne is
lovingly remembered by Michael Karmatz,
her spouse of 55 years, daughters Caryn
Karmatz Rudy (Lee Rudy) and Laura Karmatz
(Lee Detwiler), and grandchildren Julia, Eliza,
Madelin, Shay and Sam. She is predeceased
by her brother, David Kozart, and beloved
cousins Mike and Bill Harris. In lieu of
flowers, the family requests donations be
made in Anne’s name to the Bala Cynwyd
Library or any charity you feel passionately
about. Anne would no doubt approve.

GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
HONOR THE MEMORY
OF YOUR LOVED ONE...

CALL 215-832-0749
Marvin A. Levin, 83 of King of Prussia,
passed away on January 23rd, 2022. He was
a loving husband, father, grandfather, col-
league and friend who liked to be around
people and laugh. Just as he dealt with many
experiences in life, Marvin managed his ill-
ness with strength, resilience, stubbornness
and humor. Along with his many years of
service as a Certified Public Accountant and
partner in Fishbein and Company, Marvin
generously gave his time and energy to his
community, serving as President at Old York
Road Temple Beth Am, Treasurer at Heritage
Creek, and several other clubs he was in-
volved in. Although he never had the oppor-
tunity to go on the African safari he always
dreamed about when he retired, his love of ti-
gers and pandas (even if they don’t live in
Africa) was evident throughout his life and in
the various artwork and figurines that decor-
ated his room as well as several t-shirts.

Marvin loved photography, even if his family
didn’t share his passion or patience since he
took several minutes to frame and focus each
photo. Marvin was an unshakably honest
man always trying to do the right thing. His
lack of concern for society’s rules later in his
life provided endless laughter for his grand-
children, occasional embarrassment for his
sons, and consistent frustration for his wife.

His love of Benny Goodman was replaced by
his deeper love of Barbara Streisand, even
though he never met her. While his doctrine
of a Macintosh apple a day did not, in fact,
result in keeping the doctor away, his love of
pretzels and ice cream (mixed together, of
course) may have factored into that outcome.

His mispronunciation of words, including
Acme (“ackimy”) and water (“wooter”), was
truly confounding, but his friends and family
overlooked that because he was just such a
nice guy. In addition to his wife of 58 years,
Phyllis (Marcus), and his sons Jay and
Stephen, he is survived by his daughter-in-
law Jeanne and his grandchildren Samuel,
Kenneth, Madeline and Oliver. As one of Mar-
vin’s final acts of generosity, he donated his
body to Science Care so that medical re-
searchers and educators can learn new tech-
niques to improve and save lives. Donations
may be made to the Alzheimer's Association,
the American Heart Association or a charity
of your choice.

JEWISH EXPONENT
Cecile (nee Kopstein), February 8, 2022, of
Dedham, MA, formerly of Meadowbrook, PA.

Beloved wife of the late Samuel M. Merion;
loving mother of Joseph Lyon Merion, David
Dean Merion and Judith Ann Merion; cher-
ished grandmother of Dhamma Merion,
Theodore Matthew Murray (Fairlee Fabrett),
Genevra Frances Murray (Mose Jones-Yellin)
and the late T’ai Ananda Merion and great
grandmother of Gabriel, Antonella and Juli-
etta Murray and Nico Scotia and Isa Antonia
Jones-Yellin. In lieu of flowers, contributions
in Cecile’s memory may be made to New-
bridge on the Charles at www.hebrewseni-
orlife.org/giving or the Germantown Jewish
Centre at www.germantownjewishcentre.org.

JOSEPH LEVINE and SONS
www.levinefuneral.com S C HW A R TZ
Raymond, Feb. 2, 2022. Husband of Annette
(nee: Stillman), father of Helene Schwartz
and Gary Schwartz. Brother of Melvin
Schwartz. Also survived by 3 grandchildren.

Ray was an Army veteran and a member of
Steuben Lodge #113, Knights of Pythias.

Condolences and contributions at Berschler-
AndShenberg.com BERSCHLER AND SHENBERG
www.berschlerandshenberg.com ZASLOW
Marcella Zaslow, nee Cohen, 97 years young,
of Pompano Beach, FL, formerly of Phil-
adelphia - Mt. Airy, Pine Valley & Wyncote,
Pa., wife of the late Sidney Zaslow, passed
away on Friday, February 4, 2022. She was
the daughter of the late Kitty & Isaac Cohen.

Beloved mother of Sharyn Weintraub, grand-
mother of Sherry (Scott) Wengrow & Craig
(Bianca) Weintraub, & great grandmother of
Ethan, Siena & Sophia. Sister of the late Mar-
vin Cohen & Sheldon Cohen.

MEMORIALS A D L E R
MATTHEW DAVID ADLER
In Memoriam
Born: 6/15/1970 Philadelphia, PA
Died: 2/18/2011 Seattle, WA
Dear Matt: On this, the eleventh an-
niversary of your passing, we are still heart-
broken over the loss.

Is it possible that 11 years have gone by?
Your children in Seattle are doing great with
Jenn as a single mom. Jake is 16 and Zoe
is 12. G-d Bless them.

I imagine your friends at DLA Piper LLP are
still missing you.

Marc and Varusha in Havertown have 2 little
kids, Olivia, 5 and Alex, 3. G-d Bless them.

We have many fond memories of our good
times together and we still look for you in
rainbows. Mom & Dad
www.forefront.org/about/mattadler HONOR THE MEMORY
OF YOUR LOVED ONE...

CALL 215-832-0749
Honor the memory
of your loved one …
CALL 215-832-0749
TO PLACE YOUR YAHRTZEIT AD.

FEBRUARY 17, 2022
23