FEBRUARY 9, 2023 | 18 SHEVAT 5783 MELROSE B'NAI ISRAEL EMANU-EL CANDLELIGHTING 5:13 | HAVDALAH 6:13 Rabbi Saul Grife COMES OUT OF RETIREMENT Page 27 Jewish Exponent PHILADELPHIA Vol. 135, No. 45 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 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 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: 7605 Old York Road, Melrose Park, PA 19027 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. 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Forest Hills Cemetery/Shalom Memorial Park 25 Byberry Road Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 215-673-5800 NEW COLUMBARIUM & PRIVATE ESTATES 2 FEBRUARY 9, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT Samuel Domsky General Manager Brent Lanzi Family Service Manager inside this issue Local 5 Jewish Philadelphia celebrates the Eagles’ Super Bowl run 6 Jewish parents, leaders respond to Central Bucks Holocaust censorship 8 Jewish Pulitzer Prize nominee details book on 1960 Kennedy vs. Nixon election YOU PLAN FOR EVERYTHING EXCEPT THAT ONE CERTAINTY Opinion 11 Editorials 12 Opinions Feature Story 16 American football kicks off another season in Israel Community Start the new year off right by helping your family and checking these off your 2023 goals: 21 Synagogue Spotlight 22 Obituaries 25 Calendar In every issue 4 Weekly Kibbitz 9 Federation 10 You Should Know 18 National Briefs 19 Food & Dining 24 D’var Torah 21 Arts & Culture 25 Social Announcements 26 Around Town 27 Last Word 28 Classifieds CONTACT OUR CARE TEAM TODAY OUR CEMETERIES SERVE ALL FUNERAL HOMES AND OUR FUNERAL HOME SERVES ALL CEMETERIES laurelhillphl.com Bala Cynwyd | Philadelphia 610.668.9900 On the Cover 27 Melrose B’Nai Israel Enanu-El Rabbi Saul Grife comes out of retirement 5 J ewish Philadelphia celebrates the Eagles’ Super Bowl run 6 J ewish parents, leaders respond to Central Bucks Holocaust censorship 16 A merican football kicks off another season in Israel JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 3 Weekly Kibbitz Americans subscribed to Amazon Prime Video his recordings to LIFE Magazine, which can now listen to never-before-heard record- published excerpts from the tapes. ings of Adolf Eichmann confessing to his crimes, The Israeli Supreme Court did not approve in his own voice. of the transcripts as evidence, requiring the “The Devil’s Confession: The Lost Eichmann prosecution to rely instead on other forms of Tapes” is a three-part documentary series that documentation to convict Eichmann, and the combines interviews from Holocaust survivors, content of the rest of the tapes remained a key witnesses at the Eichmann trial, historians mystery for decades. and experts on the Holocaust with re-enact- Secured in the German Federal Archives, ments of the historical events. they were untouched until 2020, when Yariv The series, which first aired on Israel’s Kan Mozer and Kobi Sitt, the fi lmmakers behind In a scene from “The Devil’s Confession,” someone sets up the News public broadcaster last year, tells the “The Devil’s Confession,” were granted recorder to listen to a tape. story of Adolf Eichmann’s role in orchestrat- access in order to begin production for the ing the Final Solution during the Holocaust. fi lm. Eichmann, whom Israel executed in 1962, spent the Final Solution, and often carried out his duties “This is proof against Holocaust deniers and a much of his trial maintaining that he was a mere with enthusiasm. way to see the true face of Eichmann,” Mozer told bureaucrat following orders. In just the fi rst episode, Eichmann can be heard The New York Times in July. “With all modesty, But the 28 hours of taped confessions, which saying, “I didn’t even care about the Jews that I through the series, the young generations will get were recorded in 1957 in interviews with Nazi deported to Auschwitz. I didn’t care if they were alive to know the trial and the ideology behind the Final journalist and propagandist Willem Sassen while or already dead.” Solution.” ■ the two were living in Buenos Aires after the war, After Eichmann’s capture in Argentina by the — Jackie Hajdenberg/JTA clearly indicate that Eichmann, in fact, coordinated Mossad in 1960, Sassen sold the transcripts of 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. Decidedly Different. It’s EASY to get your digital magazine every week. Decidedly Engaging. You’ve worked hard for these carefree days and now it’s time to enjoy them. A day at our continuing care retirement community might include a session in the floral design studio, a book discussion group, and outdoor yoga. Plus, Philadelphia’s cultural resources are close at hand. Contact us today to find out more. (610) 359-4400 | www.dunwoody.org 3500 West Chester Pike • Newtown Square, PA 19073-4168 A Continuing Care Retirement Community Five-Star Rated Healthcare Independent Living • Rehabilitation • Personal Care • Skilled Nursing • Memory Support • Home Care 4 FEBRUARY 9, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT SIMPLY subscribe with your email address. Pet Friendly Sign up today at: jewishexponent.com/econfirmation/ Screenshot via YouTube Israeli Docuseries With Never-Before-Heard Confessions From Adolf Eichmann Now Available on Amazon Prime local Jewish Philadelphia Celebrates Eagles’ Super Bowl Run Jarrad Saff ren | Staff Writer Photo by Lizzy Friedman-Zayon Courtesy of the Beere family O n Jan. 31, Pennsylvania’s Jewish governor, Josh Shapiro, took to Twitter to congratulate the Philadelphia Eagles on becoming NFC champions. In a short video, Shapiro, from the gover- nor’s residence in Harrisburg, said, “Birds nation … this is huge and I’ve got a little something for you to celebrate the win and get ready for the Super Bowl.” The governor pulled out a device from under his desk and pushed on it. Then the video cut to the west side of the Pennsylvania State Capitol building underneath the dome as it illuminated in green. An E-A-G-L-E-S chant played in the background. Shapiro, who grew up in Montgomery County and raised his family there, gets it. The Eagles are going to Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 12. If they beat the Kansas City Chiefs, they will win their second championship in six seasons. And that journey to the big game, even before the matchup kicks off , is something for Philadelphia and Jewish Philadelphia to celebrate. “Go Birds!” said the governor in the email from his offi ce about the pro-Ea- gles gesture. It’s a common greeting and farewell in the Philadelphia area these days. And Jewish locals are taking part as much as anyone else. Brian Beere, 62, a Center City resident and Congregation Rodeph Shalom member, is going to Glendale with his two sons, Evan, 27, and Geoff , 24, for the game. The Beeres have season tickets to the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. They go to six home contests a year. But they did not attend Super Bowl LII in 2018 in Minneapolis, the Eagles’ fi rst Super Bowl victory. After the Birds beat the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship Game that year, Brian Beere rushed to make plans and fi nd tickets. But he could not get everything together in time. So this The Beere boys attend a Phillies World Series game in the fall. Now, in the winter, they are going to the Super Bowl to see the Eagles play the Kansas City Chiefs. Perelman Jewish Day School students and Head of School Mitch Daar enjoy Phillies spirit day back in the fall. They are doing one for the Eagles, too, before Super Bowl LVII. season, as quarterback Jalen Hurts and company were going undefeated in September, Beere booked a hotel in the Glendale area. Then in October, with the team still unbeaten, he secured his airfare, too. The Beeres don’t even have tickets to the game yet. But they are going to pay up to $8,000 a ticket. It’s a bucket list item for the boys who have been watching sports together since the sons were young. Brian Beere is a third-generation Philadelphian. And even though Evan Beere and Geoff Beere live in New York City and Miami, respectively, they are still Eagles fans. “It means everything to go with family members you care about,” Evan Beere said. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.” The Beeres are friends with the Hassmans, another area Jewish family going to the big game. But unlike the Beeres, David Hassman, 58, and his son Corey Hassman, 27, traveled to Minneapolis in 2018, too. When New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s last pass to the end zone hit the ground incomplete, securing the Eagles’ 41-33 victory, the father and son hugged. On their way out of U.S. Bank Stadium, they FaceTimed their father and grandfather Joe Hassman, who got the family the season tickets to the Birds that they still use today. Corey Hassman said there were “tears of joy” on his grandfather’s face. While David Hassman, a city resident and Congregation Beth El in Voorhees, New Jersey, member, called that game “the greatest sporting event I’ve ever attended,” he wants to see it again in 2023. His wife Jodi Hassman and daughter Abby Hassman are coming this time, too, so it’s worth spending the $2,000 additional dollars per ticket that this trip will cost. “It’s something that brings us together,” said Corey Hassman, an Old City resident. Of course, you do not have to go to the game to enjoy the experience. Local synagogues and day schools are hosting spirit days for students to wear Eagles jerseys and shirts. Leslie Kornsgold, the associate principal at the Abrams Hebrew Academy in Yardley, said those days, which the school also had during the Phillies’ World Series run in the fall, connect younger and older students around their fandoms. The Perelman Jewish Day School in Montgomery County is teaching students how to sing “Fly Eagles Fly!” in Hebrew, according to Head of School Mitch Daar. For an institution that starts Hebrew immersion classes in preschool, it’s a way to combine education with local spirit. “It’s part of the community atmosphere we strive for here at school,” Daar said. Community. That’s the key word here, according to local rabbis. But not just community in this moment. Community l’dor v’dor. “It’s the importance of sharing like stories and sharing a love of something,” said Rabbi Glenn Ettman of Congregation Or Ami in Lafayette Hill. ■ jsaff ren@midatlanticmedia.com JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 5 local Jewish Parents, Leaders Respond to Holocaust Censorship in Central Bucks School Sasha Rogelberg | Staff Writer A recent instance of Holocaust censor- ship at a Central Bucks high school has sparked concern and anger in the Greater Philadelphia Jewish community. On Jan. 25, the principal of Central Bucks High School South ordered a school library to take down a poster displaying a quote from Holocaust survi- vor and Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel. MEMORY Join our social support group designed specifically for family members caring for loved ones living with memory loss. What is a Memory Café? Originally started in England, this informal setting provides the caregiver a forum for discussion, reducing the isolation often felt by people with dementia, their caregivers and families. Discussions can range from practical tips for coping with dementia, avoiding caregiver burnout or information Monday February 13, 2023 and Tuesday February 28, 2023 Beginning at 10 a.m. Questions? 215-957-5182 or WarminsterArdenCourts@ promedica.org Event location: Bucks Bagels 1179 York Road Warminster, PA 18974 about community resources. Many attendees develop friendships that result in support even outside the memory café setting. Presented by: arden-courts.org © 2023 ProMedica Health System, Inc., or its affiliates 6 15143_Warminster_4.9x7.45_1.indd 1 FEBRUARY 9, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT 1/30/23 5:02 PM The quote, part of Wiesel’s 1986 Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, read, “I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suff er- ing and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” Though the Central Bucks School District allowed librarian Matt Pecic to put the poster back up the next day and issued an apology, parents in the district, including Jewish ones, expressed distress. “I couldn’t believe that they actually took the poster down and felt that they were justifi ed in doing so,” said Jerel Wohl, a Jewish parent with three children who graduated from Central Bucks High School South. The initial decision to remove the poster was in tandem with the Central Buck School Board’s passage of policy 321 in January, fi rst introduced in September, which bans teachers from promoting “advocacy activities” display- ing symbols of “any partisan, political, or social policy issue.” According to parents, the school board created the policy specifi cally to target LGBT pride symbols, such as the rainbow fl ag. The policy has attracted attention beyond parents and students in the district: The ACLU issued a complaint against the policy, saying it would create a “hostile” environment for LGBT students; the Department of Education has launched an investigation of the school district and its compliance with Title IX, which prevents discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation. Jewish parents and leaders see the censorship of the Wiesel quote as an immediate consequence of policy 321. “Very clearly, it’s manifesting in some dark ways immediately,” said Jewish parent Lela Casey, who has three children, two of whom attend school in Central Bucks. “This type of censorship is what we feared would be the consequence of that overbroad and harmful policy,” added Andrew Goretsky, regional direc- tor of ADL Philadelphia. Though proponents of policy 321 argue that schools and teachers maintaining neutrality would prevent students from being taught political biases, Goretsky expressed concern that the policy would have a “chilling eff ect on student learning and growth.” He said that LGBT students and students from other marginalized groups would feel alienated in the class- room, an environment that would hinder learning. “Students deserve schools where they can be who they are and where their identities are celebrated, their backgrounds are celebrated,” he said. Parents opposed to the policy have identifi ed LGBT students as the policy’s main target, but argue that protesting the policy is still a Jewish issue. “We can be a little remiss in forgetting how connected these things are,” Casey said. “When they’re coming after Black communities, when they’re coming after LGBT communities, we’re next. It’s all connected.” Instances of censorship in the classroom have set off alarm bells for Holocaust educators, who have observed an increase in banned books and censored curricula. Last January, the McMinn County, Tennessee, school board voted unanimously to ban Art Spiegelman’s “Maus” from its curriculum for the graphic novel’s use of nudity and profanity. That same month, a Republican Indiana state senator argued in an education bill that teachers should be “impartial” in their lessons about the Holocaust and Nazi Germany, JTA.org reported. The senator later apologized. Students and parents at Lenape Middle School in the Central Bucks School District protest against policy 321. “The Holocaust is not about elevating one religion or another. It’s a histori- cal incident,” said Katie Lowe, program and collections director at the Elkins Park-based Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center. Though only in her role for less than a year, Lowe has noticed similar rhetoric as policy 321 being used to argue against thorough Holocaust education. “More schools than I expected had a lot of hoops that they had to jump through in order to approve Holocaust programming,” she said. "And it was really clear, based on the conversations we were having by the representatives from those schools, that the concern was coming from parents who were worried about the schools taking non-neutral stances, or appearing to promote one religion over another.” Like concerned parents, Lowe believes that the argument for eliminating politics or “advocacy activities” in the classroom is not helpful in combating hate. “What’s especially concerning is the implication that teaching the Holocaust is a political act. Because it’s not political to teach historical facts,” she said. “And it’s not political to encourage and foster empathy in our students.” Lowe recommended that individu- als interested in combating Holocaust censorship take time to educate themselves. HAMEC Education Director Leah Dukes suggested visiting museums and libraries to learn more, or arranging for a Holocaust survivor to visit a school through HAMEC. In the meantime, Jewish parents and students in Central Bucks, according to Casey, will continue to protest and attend school board meetings, as well as vote in the November elections to oust right-wing school board members. “Our primary focus has to be to change the school board so that we don’t keep having policies like 321, and we don’t keep having a culture that’s so harmful to our kids,” Casey said. ■ srogelberg@midatlanticmedia.com 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 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 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 7 local Sasha Rogelberg | Staff Writer I rwin Gellman isn’t afraid to talk about any bad reviews for his books. The Jewish author and historian has received his fair share of scrutiny for his most recent book “Campaign of the Century: Kennedy, Nixon, and the Election of 1960,” but Gellman believes it’s just par for the course. The book, released on Jan. 22, 2022, details the 1960 presidential election between Democrat John F. Kennedy and Republican Richard Nixon. Counter to the election’s well-accepted narra- tive, Gellman argued, the relation- ship between the two candidates was actually cordial, and had the election not been altered by scandal, Nixon would have won. “Because I’m changing the narrative of how we look at the ‘great’ John Kennedy and the ‘evil’ Richard Nixon, there are people that look upon me as the lowest form of life,” Gellman said. “You don’t change a narrative that you want to be a narrative and not pay the price.” If an angry reader leaves a one-star review on Amazon, the 80-year-old author doesn’t mind. Yale University, which published Gellman’s book, nominated the author for a Pulitzer Prize and a National Book Award. On March 4, Gellman, a West Chester resident, will discuss his newest book at a signing at Tredyff rin Public Library in Wayne. All proceeds from the evening will be donated to Beth Chaim Reform Congregation, where Gellman is a member. Gellman, with 27 years of experience researching Nixon, has worked to set the record straight. According to the author, Theodore White’s “Making of the President 1960,” a seminal book in political journalism, got the story wrong, pitting the two presidential 8 FEBRUARY 9, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT Irwin Gellman candidates against each other and overstating Kennedy’s primary victory in West Virginia, in which he won a sweeping victory among a population that was about 95% Protestant. Instead, Gellman said, Kennedy paid an exorbitant amount of money campaigning in the state that essentially amounted to corruption. And while Gellman agrees that the outcome of the general election was close, he believes that it would have swung in Nixon’s favor had there not been scandal, including alleged vote fraud in Texas, Kennedy’s vice presiden- tial nominee Lyndon Johnson’s home state, and Illinois. Throughout his career — including bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Maryland and a doctor- ate from Indiana University-Bloomington — Gellman has observed that once a mistake in recording history is made, there’s little eff ort to correct the course. “Once they get it wrong, they won’t bother to check sources,” Gellman said of some historians. In an age of information that is so democratized that much of what is being disseminated is false, Gellman argues that the key to fi nding the truth is thoroughly searching for it. “What I learned in graduate school was a mass of diff erent views,” he said. “But when it comes down to it, and push comes to shove, it’s how you do the research.” When Gellman was researching for “Campaign of the Century,” he said that when he wrote about Kennedy, he was a Democrat, and when he wrote about Nixon, he was a Republican. He removes himself from his opinions and instead embodies what the sources he’s reading about are telling him. Though Gellman removes his personal politics and identities from his research, his Jewish identity still shines through in his scholarship at times. “Probably the speech I give that gets the most passionate response from audiences is [about] the American response to the Holocaust,” Gellman said. “And I don’t try to make it emotional, and I don’t try to make it passionate. It just comes out that way.” Rabbi Michelle Pearlman of Beth Chaim argues that, even when Gellman does not write or speak about Jewish topics, his work refl ects Jewish values. “One of God’s names is emet. ... One of God’s names is truth,” she said. “So, I think there’s a big spiritual value, a prominent spiritual value in Judaism about discernment of the truth.” Gellman grew up in the suburbs of Baltimore, one of the few Jews in a mostly Polish Catholic neighbor- hood. Though his family was ambitious and accomplished, Gellman grew up not thinking of himself as excep- tional. Despite how he viewed himself, Gellman received his doctorate at 25. “I wasn’t so smart to get my degree in that time, I thought. I was just tired of being poor,” he said. After spending decades research- ing 20th-century presidents such as Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the U.S. response to the Holocaust — his 1995 book on the topic earned Gellman his fi rst Pulitzer Prize nomination — Gellman became a Nixon scholar at the behest of his wife Joanne Borin. At the time, the couple lived in California. “She said, ‘Why don’t you go to the Nixon library that’s half an hour away?’” Gellman recounted. “I wasn’t interested in Richard Nixon! I couldn’t care less.” After befriending the librarian there and spending time in the stacks, Gellman became a Nixon scholar. The author is working on “only” three books, including a book on Nixon in the 1960s. His work includes listening to 4,000 hours of tape and looking through 500 various manuscripts, searching for the truth. “That’s what I’m doing: I’m upstairs, reading a massive amount of material trying to fi nd out if it’s good or bad or indiff erent, and then going from there,” he said. ■ srogelberg@midatlanticmedia.com Courtesy of MasterMedia Speakers Bureau Jewish Pulitzer Prize Nominee Details Book on 1960 Kennedy vs. Nixon Election Safeguarding the Community Antisemitism continues to rise locally and worldwide. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is committed to enhancing Jewish life while taking steps to safeguard and secure local communities and institutions. Just over a year ago, hostages were held in their synagogue in Colleyville, TX. They accredited their escape to active shooter and security training received in partial from the Secure Community Network (SCN), the official safety and security organization for the Jewish community in North America. 2,717 antisemitic incidents in the United States in 2021, a 34% increase from the year 2020* Working to Combat Antisemitism In Fiscal Year 2022, the Jewish Federation supported 765+ events or activities locally and in Israel to educate participants about antisemitism. In addition, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) continues to teach the dangers of hatred and discrimination that led to the Holocaust, advocating for a more just and safe world while building a support system of interfaith leaders. 1 in 3 Jewish students on a college campus experienced antisemitism in 2021* JCRC has been a great partner to us at Temple Hillel whenever there have been reports about antisemitic or anti-Israel incidents on campus. - Rabbi Daniel Levitt, Executive Director, Temple Hillel Expanding the Safety Net This past year, the Jewish Federation launched an expanded initiative in partnership with the SCN. Leveraging SCN’s national resources and tools, the Jewish Federation continues to develop and administer a comprehensive program that provides risk mitigation, security consultations, assessments and training to Jewish institutions throughout the region. Making an Impact in Security • In the first 60 days of partnering with SCN, 45 community security needs were addressed, including consultations, law enforcement briefings or event-related security staffing. In addition, more than 210 community members received safety training. • Through the Jewish Federation’s LiveSecure Campaign and government advocacy work, the region’s local synagogues, schools and agencies may be eligible for $150,000 through federal security grants and $150,000 through state security grants. • Institutions and organizations locally and in Israel received $276,000+ for security enhancements through Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) grants. See it, Say it, Report it There is a new way to report threats, incidents, or suspicious activity related to Jewish organizations, facilities, or community members. The Incident Reporting Form, created by SCN, allows the Jewish Federation to fully track the number and kinds of threats to the Jewish community in Greater Philadelphia. Learn more or report an incident at jewishphilly.org/security *Sourced from the Anti-Defamation League JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 9 YOU SHOULD KNOW ... Gevura Davis Sasha Rogelberg | Staff Writer R Courtesy of Gevura Davis ebbetzin Gevura Davis jokes that she and her family are available 24/6, every hour, every day of the week, except for Shabbat. But even that’s not completely true. On Saturday mornings, Davis and her husband Rabbi Binyomin Davis, the spiritual leader of Aish Chaim, a Modern Orthodox commu- nity, host more than 25 people around the kitchen table of their Bala Cynwyd home, where the lively group studies together. Facilitating Jewish study and supporting community members in everyday and life cycle events are part of the job of a rebbetzin, which Davis believes is often misunderstood. “A lot of people don’t understand necessarily what a rebbetzin is or why it’s a title,” she said. “It’s not a job; it’s a lifestyle.” As both the rebbetzin at Aish Chaim and an educator at The Chevra, a 10 FEBRUARY 9, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT group of 20- and 30-something Jewish professionals looking for Jewish educa- tion and connection, Davis is the glue for her communities. Her responsibili- ties range from teaching and speaking nationwide about mikveh and family purity to attending a school play for a young community member to getting coffee with someone in need of advice or support. Davis balances her responsibilities with parenting five children and running marathons with her husband. (They’ve run five marathons in four years.) “You’re helping people through their marriages; you’re helping people with the most intimate things in their lives,” she said. “It’s unlike any other job really. It never ends.” Though Davis’ educational founda- tions come from Modern Orthodox values and traditions, many of her students and over half of the congre- gants at Aish Chaim do not identify as such. The goal of Davis’ classes is not to convince young Jews to practice their religion and culture a certain way, but to get them to care about being Jewish. This generation of Generation Z and millennial Jews is eager to ask questions. Davis wants to break free of the rote learning styles that can get stale. “The essence of Judaism is choice and free will,” she said. “… We want people to be empowered with knowledge. We want people to make educated choices about how they want their family to look, who they want to marry, how they want to raise their kids. We want it to come from a place of empowered and inspired knowledge — not just because their grandparents told them they had to.” The answer to the core question of Davis’ work as a Jewish educator — why should one care about being Jewish — didn’t come easily to her. As a child growing up in Marietta, Georgia, Davis was raised proudly Jewish, but her parents, unaffiliated with a synagogue or denomination, were not traditionally observant. Davis was one of 10 Jews in her high school population of 450. Instead of attending Shabbat services, she enjoyed going to church with her friends. At Emory University, filled with existential questions, Davis enrolled in a class on Holocaust education taught by Deborah Lipstadt, now the United States Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Anti-Semitism. Davis’ father insisted that she take the course, having a hunch that Lipstadt would one day become famous. The class changed Davis’ life. “It opened my eyes, and I started thinking a lot about existential questions,” she said. “And I felt like I was living a dual life: At night, I was a typical wild and crazy sorority girl, but then, during the day, I would read things like Primo Levi’s autobiography and watch concentration camp footage.” The class made her think about life’s purpose: to bring “as much light into the world to combat all the darkness.” Davis packed her bags and spent a year studying abroad at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. She gradu- ated college at age 20, and from there, her life snowballed. After graduating in May, Davis made aliyah in June, met her husband in October, got engaged in December, and married the next March. The couple had their first child the following February. After five years in Israel, the couple felt pulled back to the U.S. “At the time, Jewish education needed a real revitalization,” Davis said. The young family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, for eight years before settling in Philadelphia, joining Etz Chaim, which later merged with Aish Philadelphia to become Aish Chaim. Just as their Jewish community has changed over the years, the Davises are adapting with it, offering music and opportunities to interpret and find new meaning in ancient Jewish texts. And just as Davis found a revitalized Jewish identity, she hopes the same for her students. “Every generation needs a new spirit, a new energy,” she said. ■ srogelberg@midatlanticmedia.com editorials Trial by Billboard T here was a skirmish last week in the Bay Area between the forces of Zionism and anti-Zionism. It took the form of messaging and, interestingly, the chosen platform was not social media but billboards. The warring parties are JewBelong and Jews4FreePalestine. JewBelong is a nonprofi t organization that began as a sassy and inviting voice promoting Jewish life and Jewish festivals to all Jews, including children of mixed marriages, secular Jews and converts. Its edgy yet inviting holiday themes grabbed attention and developed a following. More recently, its focus shifted to advocacy for Israel and calling out antisemitism. It uses signature hot-pink signs and provocative phrasing to attract readers and promote its message. Jews4FreePalestine is an ad hoc group of self-described “anti-Zionist” Jews (who won’t identify themselves) who oppose what they call Israel’s “apartheid and occupation.” Following the recent controversy at the University of California-Berkeley Law School over pro-Zionists being banned by some groups on campus, JewBelong posted the following message on billboards in the area: “You don’t need to go to law school to know that anti-Zionism is antisemitism.” In response, Jews4FreePalestine papered over three of JewBelong’s billboards so they read, “You don’t need to go to law school to know that anti-Zionism is anti-racism.” Jews4FreePalestine’s vandalism is unacceptable. The vandals should be punished. But the Bay Area billboard war has made us think about billboard debate. There is limited space for a message on a billboard. Competing eff orts to turn a catchy phrase and attract reader attention forces proponents to fi nd ways to advance arguments in concise yet impactful ways that sometimes ignore nuance and maybe even common decency. In this case, the two sides are fi ghting over the meaning of “Zionism” and “antisemitism” — two commonly understood concepts that are powerful and heavily meaningful. Zionism has been the banner under which Diaspora Jews have made aliyah, fulfi lling the movement’s highest goal: the ingathering of the exiles. For Zionists, Israel is the righting of a historical wrong; a proud declaration of Jewish sovereignty; and a shining example of democracy in an otherwise repressive neighborhood. For them, Israel’s existence is a hard-fought and enduring fact. Those hostile to the state of Israel are less accepting of its right to exist and see the Israel- Palestinian confl ict as a simple matter of obtaining justice for the underdog. Lately, “antisemitism” has been introduced into the debate. Antisemites are haters. They are racists. They act against Jews not because of anything Jews do, but simply for the fact that they are Jewish. Still, how does one defi ne an antisemite on a billboard? At a time of rising antisemitic incidents and a growing sensitivity to the deeply corrosive threat that antisemitism poses for our society, we need to be careful how that particularly sensitive phrase and accusation are used. Not everyone who disagrees with Israel is an antisemite. Nor is every criticism of activity in one of our Jewish communities antisemitic. There are far too many hateful antisemites who plague our society, and they need to be stopped. We encourage vigilance. We support actively exposing the haters. But we urge care in being too quick to label all Jewish-related disagreement or criticism as antisemitic. The bottom line, however, is that all of this is far too complicated to be battled on a billboard. ■ Blinken Visits Israel State Department photo by Ron Przysucha/ Public Domain T here were a lot of moving parts that added complexity and diplomatic tension to Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent trip to Israel and his meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. There was also a lot of nuanced messaging. And behind the smiles, warm handshakes and public pronouncements of support, unity and shared values, he delivered some sobering messages. In his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blinken made clear just how concerned the Biden administration is with the new government’s plan to overhaul the country’s judicial system. Although he couched his public comments in traditional diplomatic and respectful terms, Blinken urged Netanyahu to seek a wider consensus before moving forward with his coalition’s controversial plan. He leaned heavily on the shared, core democratic values that have been the foundation of the U.S.-Israel relationship for the past 75 years, including the rule of law and, by implication, an independent judiciary. The comments were signifi cant because it is rare that America weighs in on domestic legislation of its allies. While Netanyahu appeared to take the comments in stride, many in his coalition did not, with some coalition members and at least one minister critical of what they saw as eff orts by Blinken to interfere in Israel’s internal matters. From left: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Blinken’s diplomatic skills were further tested in his meeting with the aging and increasingly marginalized Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, whose Palestinian Authority and security forces have been weakened over the past several years, including losing control in Jenin and its refugee camp, and a noticeable ebbing of control in Nablus as well. Both West Bank cities have seen increasing Israeli military raids with Israeli offi cials saying they are necessary since P.A. security forces aren’t doing their job. Blinken urged Abbas to accept and implement a U.S. security plan aimed at re-establishing P.A. control over the two Arab cities as part of an eff ort to de-escalate the mounting cycle of violence and the threat of a third intifada. The U.S. security plan involves the training of Palestinian forces to counter the mounting infl uence of Islamic Jihad, Hamas and armed militias who have largely replaced P.A. security forces in Jenin and Nablus. But Abbas is said to have balked at the plan since it doesn’t include limitations on incursions by the Israel Defense Forces and doesn’t provide a mechanism to build support for the faltering P.A. and its security teams. In remarks at the end of his visit, Blinken was relatively upbeat. He avoided confrontation with Netanyahu and his coalition over his democracy comments by saying that it is ultimately up to the Israeli people to work things out. And with respect to the Palestinians and related security and mounting violence concerns, he didn’t claim success but pointed to “some concrete ideas from both sides that, if pursued, would really help diff use the current situation.” Blinken said that he has asked two of his senior State Department offi cers to stay in the region to help facilitate progress in defusing tensions and enhancing security cooperation between Israel and the P.A. All in all, it proved an impressive diplomatic dance by Blinken. But, one wonders, to what tangible eff ect? ■ JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 11 opinion The Quiet, Potentially Deadly Discrimination We Need to Talk About Lindsay Karp T 12 FEBRUARY 9, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT It doesn’t begin with a holocaust. It begins with hateful words. And it begins with the forced removal of countering words. acts of discrimination. But we often don’t hear of the warning signs — the quiet, potentially deadly, discrim- ination like the forced removal of Wiesel’s words from a school wall. But it doesn’t begin with a holocaust. It begins with hateful words. And it begins with the forced removal of countering words — those that express opposition of hatred. It proceeds by inducing fear to follow the path we know to be right. It continues toward the unimag- inable mistreatment of humanity, and it simmers without the capability to ever resolve fully — families are forever scarred, minority groups are left in the dust and trauma is transmitted from one generation to the next. The right to speak up against bullying — to display words that promote acceptance for all — is the right to say never again. We cannot prevent another Holocaust by ignoring the warning signs such as this one. As a Jew, as a woman who acknowledges the family I never knew — those who perished in the darkness of the Holocaust and their descendants, my cousins — who never had a chance to exist, I will do exactly what Wiesel urged. I will follow the words that no longer remain on the walls of a library in my community: “Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” The forced removal of a Holocaust survivor’s words from a library wall may seem benign, just as a banner over the busy 405 freeway in Los Angeles and a tweet on social media do. But antisemitic incidents, just like this one, reached an all-time high as of 2021. If we don’t speak of these quiet, potentially deadly, acts of discrimination, we will find ourselves wishing we had. Because this is not where hatred stops. This is simply where it begins. ■ Lindsay Karp of Ambler is a freelance writer with a background in speech-language pathology. She writes about parenting, life with multiple sclerosis and other issues. Lin / AdobeStock his is where it begins — a peaceful reminder to resist oppression ceased by authority. Words aligning with the notion to stomp out bullying, exactly what we teach in schools, is now unaccept- able in the Central Bucks School District, as it is said to violate a new advocacy policy. The principal ordered the librarian to remove a quote from the library’s wall, noting that there would be consequences for not following through. Holocaust survivor, professor, writer and political activist Elie Wiesel said the words removed: “I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” Wiesel’s words are a direct reaction to the horrors he endured in Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps. These words reminded students to stand up for those being bullied — in a district that has outwardly threatened the basic human rights of minorities, includ- ing those in the LGBTQ community, in recent months. The implementation of this new policy was meant to ensure balance in the classrooms — to maintain the notion that students learn best when they learn how to think, not what to think. But indirectly, this policy has told students what to think; it sends the message that the oppression of minorities is not only unworthy of discussion but a reminder of its existence is blatantly not allowed. The confusing terms have teachers worried over what is or isn’t tolerated under the new policy, but any policy preventing anti-bullying language is harmful and places the vulnerable at risk. Consistency of school-wide values helps to sustain a culture appreciated by everyone. When a school counselor relays anti-bullying curriculum within the classroom and the reminder to resist oppression is against an advocacy policy in the library down the hall, we are sending students mixed messages: We are damaging the learning environment and eroding students’ sense of safety and respect. By forbidding Wiesel’s words, the school district is giving students the right to ignore bullying as they witness it in the school bathroom. More so, they are giving students the go-ahead to be the oppressor themselves. We hear about the colossal, the violent, the brutal opinion Jewish Institutions Have a Tool for Fighting Climate Change: Their Bank Accounts Rabbi Jennie Rosenn bs_k1d / AdobeStock T he last eight years have been the hottest in recorded history, causing untold damage across the world — and that destruction is not something that we can reverse with the flick of a switch. We can’t instantly turn back the floods in California nor solve its decade- long drought. We can’t immediately end the wildfires in Colorado, hurricanes in Florida or flash floods in the Northeast and California. But the American Jewish community has an import- ant role to play in addressing the underlying cause of these devastating events and avoiding an ever-in- creasing cascade of destruction and harm. Many of us are members of Jewish organizations or congregations that, often unknowingly, support fossil fuel companies. Even as we work to cut our carbon footprints, our investments are financing Exxon’s and Chevron’s expansion in fossil fuels. A recent report by the organization I lead, Dayenu, found that a sample of major Jewish organizations had over $3 billion invested in fossil fuel companies. According to Fossil Free Funds and the EPA, that’s $3 billion invested in coal, oil and gas companies that extract and burn carbon responsible for the equiva- lent of running 561,276 cars on the road for a year. By reallocating that money from the extraction and burning of fossil fuels to investing in clean energy, we can turn our communal assets from a net cost to the earth to a net gain for our future. The way forward is clear. The world’s leading scientists tell us that to avoid the worst impacts of the climate crisis, we must halve global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and end all climate pollution no later than 2050. Fossil fuels — coal, oil and gas — are the leading contributors to climate change, responsible for 75% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind and hydropower are already cheaper, more reliable and more lucrative for investors — while creating millions of jobs. The vast majority of American Jews support bold climate action. A 2014 study found that 8 out of 10 American Jews were concerned or alarmed about the climate crisis. Since then, climate has become a top concern for American Jews, consistently ranking as a priority issue for American Jewish voters, especially young people. Initiatives like the Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition are helping institutions cut their emissions, and there is growing interest in socially responsible and impact investing. These steps show a commitment to taking action — but much more is needed to reach the scale necessary to confront climate change. Over the past few years, Brandeis, a university “animated by Jewish values, rooted in Jewish history and experi- ence,” decided to turn concern into action. Joining Harvard, Yale and other universities, Brandeis divested some $997 million from fossil fuel companies in 2018. But University President Ronald Liebowitz said a recent decision to further reduce exposure to fossil fuels and expand investments in clean energy helps move the university to further align with its Jewish values and become “a Brandeis that strives to reflect one of its highest values: using one’s talents to repair the world — in word and deed.” It’s not just institutions of higher education. Thousands of other organizations have already moved their money from fossil fuels to clean energy investments. Sovereign states like Norway, major retirement plans like New York City’s pension funds, and numerous faith organizations have all moved their resources in ways designed to make them agents of a sustainable future. Now Jewish organizations, institutions and commu- nities can join them. As part of the report “With All Our Might: Bechol M’odecha: How the Jewish Community Can Invest in a Just, Livable Future,” Dayenu lays out a six-step Roadmap for Change to help the Jewish community better align its invest- ments with its values. Beginning with Jewish learn- ing, or reishit chochma (grounding), the steps guide institutional leaders through cheshbon (research investments), limmud (education), sicha (engage- ment), kavanah (making a plan) and kadima (moving your money). Larger institutions will focus on their asset manag- ers, while congregations and smaller organizations will focus on their banks. By advocating publicly and privately with both banks and asset managers — the two primary financiers of fossil fuel extraction — to reinvest their money, Jewish organizations can educate their communities about sustainability and finance. Vocally aligning their finances with their values, the Jewish community can help speed a movement away from fossil fuels and toward clean energy at the pace that we, and future generations, need to survive. And, make no mistake, it’s a race against time. The International Energy Agency — the world’s most respected energy analysis group — says that to reach zero emissions by 2050, we need to invest $4 in clean energy for every $1 in fossil fuels every year for the next few decades. However, since the Paris Agreement was signed, asset managers and banks have put trillions of dollars into the fossil fuel industry. To win this race, we need to use the lever of private finance. Faced with pressure from whole sections of the public — including the Jewish community — companies like BlackRock, Citigroup, JPMorganChase and Vanguard could be persuaded to hasten the transition to clean energy. The American Jewish community is well-posi- tioned to take meaningful climate action. Like other faith traditions, we are well-organized, and our institutions have an estimated $100 billion of invest- ment assets. Following Dayenu’s six-point roadmap, we can withhold the Jewish community’s financial support for dirty energy and instead invest in renew- ables. By raising our voices alongside the many investors who are calling for change, we can acceler- ate the transition to a clean energy future. As floods, fires, and heat waves come with alarmingly greater frequency and severity, we know we have no time to waste. ■ Rabbi Jennie Rosenn is the founder and CEO of Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 13 opinion Antisemitism Is on the Rise, Even Though Governments Have Pledged to Fight it Leon Saltiel he Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which became the first inter- governmental organization to recognize the development of “contemporary antisemitism” in 1990, opened its annual conference on antisemitism on Feb. 6 in Skopje, North Macedonia. The OSCE and its 57 member states are to be praised both for their perspicacity and commitment to combating the scourge of Jew hatred. However, they are not alone. An increasing number of governments take this fight seriously. Many have appointed national coordinators, developed strat- egies, revamped educational efforts, promoted Holocaust memory and taken action to curb hate speech online. Several international organizations, including the United Nations, have also recognized this critical challenge. At the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, where I serve as the World Jewish Congress representative, we have seen cross-regional coali- tions of more than 50 countries demanding — for two consecutive years — international action against antisemitism. Despite these honest efforts, the OSCE delegates gathered today must still grapple with antisemitism and other forms of hate surging around the globe. Why does this contradiction between government programs and reality exist? Why does it seem so difficult to turn intention into action? In connection with the OSCE meeting, two relevant reports just released by the World Jewish Congress may help provide an answer. The first draws on the Universal Periodic Review, a rigorous self-evaluation mechanism used by the U.N. Human Rights Council. The tool allows for the review of the state of human rights in every U.N. member country and empow- ers other nations to make recommendations where needed. We studied the 90,938 recommendations made during the UPR process between April 2008 and July 2021, looking for those that directly referred to the fight against antisemitism and safeguarding the memory of the Holocaust. To our surprise, there were only 70 such recommendations — less than 0.08% of the total. U.N. member states, despite other attempts to address antisemitism, have unfortunately failed to use the UPR process to raise concerns about Jew hatred 14 FEBRUARY 9, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT and have not prioritized those concerns in the vast majority of cases. The report showed, for example, that Iran, which promotes antisemitic propaganda around the world, received only two recommenda- tions on this topic — from the Netherlands and Israel. Likewise, no country has made even one recom- mendation regarding restrictions on “ritual slaugh- ter,” an important religious ritual in both Judaism and Islam. These are missed opportunities that demon- strate the sad fact that governments have tools at their disposal for the fight against antisemitism, but are not using them. The second report is a compilation of international commitments to the global fight against antisemi- tism adopted by the U.N., the Council of Europe, the OSCE, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) and the European Union. We grouped these recommendations into 12 categories that included condemning all manifesta- tions of antisemitism, appointing an envoy, adopting a national strategy, promoting interfaith dialogue, collecting data and regulating online hatred. These are public commitments. Parliaments, civil society, Jewish communities, academics and the media ought to hold governments accountable for acting on them or failing to do so. Commitments are not the same as implementation. The report consolidated a variety of tools that govern- ments have at their disposal, such as endorsing and using the IHRA’s Working Definition of Antisemitism, which supports efforts to raise awareness, monitor warning signs and educate. Countries should also regulate internet companies to establish effective systems to monitor and stop antisemitic hate speech and Holocaust denial or distortion online. The standalone national action plans against antisemitism already adopted by Austria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Romania are a solid start. Consistent and effective implementation remains key, as does expanding the group of countries that will mobilize all branches of government against the scourge of Jew hatred. As Αlbert Einstein said in 1930, “The position of our scattered Jewish community is a moral barom- eter for the political world. For what surer index of political morality and respect for justice can there be than the attitude of the nations toward a defenseless minority, whose peculiarity lies in their preservation of an ancient cultural tradition?” The fight against antisemitism is a fight for the future of open and democratic societies, a struggle against one of the most persistent, corrosive and intrusive forms of hatred. Governments must show through their actions that they fully understand its significance. For our efforts to be successful, we must be decisive. Failure is not an option. ■ Leon Saltiel is the representative of the World Jewish Congress to the United Nations in Geneva and UNESCO in Paris, as well as the WJC’s coordinator for countering antisemitism. Andrii Koval / iStock / Getty Images Plus T opinion Netflix’s ‘You People’ Wasn’t Funny at All to My Black and Mexican Jewish Family Photo by Jennelle Fon Cinthya Silverstein A s a couple that is two parts Jew, one part Black, and all parts lovers of comedy, my husband and I sat with hopes (maybe not high ones) to watch Netflix’s “You People.” It’s not often that we see our cultures represented together in buzzy movies, especially not ones set in Los Angeles, the city we love so much, and with the comedy king Eddie Murphy in the cast, and we were excited about the possibility of seeing ourselves reflected in the story of blended Black and Jewish families. Unfortunately, at the expense of comedy greats including Murphy, Jonah Hill, Deon Cole, Elliot Gould and Julia Louis Dreyfus (with cameos by so many others!), the movie ended up being a painful reminder of how our family — made up of Mexican and Black Jews with Ashkenazi roots — so often must explain and justify our existence in Jewish and Black spaces. The movie starts with Jonah Hill’s character very comfortably recording his podcast about “the culture” (ostensibly, hip-hop culture?) with his Black, queer best friend, seeming to set the stage for the progressive coolness that will later allow him to date someone who is not “square” and potentially Black. Hill’s character loves rap music, sneaker culture and Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, and he knows not to say the full title of that song from Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Watch The Throne” album. Yet we find him in scenarios that time and again have him playing into uncomfortable tropes — like saying “our boy” when referring to Malcolm X — as he quickly and nervously falls into defining Black culture at its most reductionist form. It’s no surprise then, that the film goes on to portray Blackness as a monolithic, one-dimensional stereotype. It doesn’t get any better when we see Hill’s character in a Jewish space: High Holiday services at the Skirball Cultural Center, here serving as a synagogue. There and throughout the movie, Jews are portrayed as white and uncool — sometimes aggressively so, almost as if the writers didn’t trust the audience to know this family is Jewish if not for the mom complaining about tattoos and trying to set up her son with a highly educated daughter of a friend. My husband and I have been to the Skirball Center on many occasions, one of them being a wedding Netflix for two supremely cool Jews of color. But you would never know from the movie that such an event could ever take place, or even that Jews of color exist in Los Angeles — even though, ironically, the actor playing Jonah Hill’s eventual love interest is Black and identifies as half-Jewish. Instead, in creating the world for “You People,” the writers continue a dated tradition of movies that overly simplify the worlds they depict based on racial binaries. This flattened view of the world is especially lamentable because the rom-com genre has at its fingertips the easiest blueprint: All families are ridic- ulous and oftentimes the blending of two families even more so. Within my family alone, several differ- ent cultures consistently push against each other in humorous ways. There’s “nerd culture,” “comic book culture,” “skate culture” and “food culture.” Even in my culturally blended family, where my Mexican immigrant parents regularly share meals with my Black mother-in-law, the resulting humor has never been about racial differences. In a story where the message is that we can all get along, we don’t need the punchline to be about race. “You People” could have told a story in which Jonah Hill’s character actually subverts the standard narrative, maybe one in which his character realizes how easy it is to fetishize Blackness and through experiences with his father-in-law comes to find the richness and fullness of Black culture that can even be expanded by his Jewish background when blend- ing his family with his fiancée’s. Or a movie in which a member of the Nation of Islam tries to openly accept a Jewish son-in-law and, rather than using Louis Farrakhan as an awkwardly divisive plot point, we see instead a Muslim Eddie Murphy trying to find ways to connect with modern-day hip-hop culture. Either option would allow the audience to see the layers in these characters that are so often erased from narratives about Jewishness or Blackness. Instead, the writers opted for the easiest avenue: comedy based on persistent racial “othering.” But the differences shown are no longer based on any actual truth. They are based on beliefs we have been told to keep repeating to keep the agenda of white supremacy intact. The writers are depict- ing worn-out “differences” that don’t represent an authentic Jewish or authentic Black experience. Presenting any cultural experience as the “authentic” one is just another way of saying stereotypes are true — and that’s not funny at all. Several years ago, my family participated in Ava Duvernay’s life-swap show in which we traded homes and experiences with a family of white Mormons. Our goal at the time was to show examples of coexis- tence and to demonstrate how contemporary identi- ties are multilayered. But we also hoped that the experience would help us find greater acceptance as Jews of color, which still feels generally elusive. “You People” underscored for us why. At one point during the life swap, my husband said to me, “Listen, when you’re Black and Jewish, and everything hurts, laughter is the best medicine.” But laughter doesn’t come easily when the jokes only make sense if you don’t exist. Sure, there were a few chuckles in my house during “You People.” The comedian Mike Epps was funny as he always is, and I laughed when Jonah Hill showed up to his date in a tie-dye sweatsuit, in a very L.A. move. But for nearly two hours, all I could think about was how “You People” feels like a movie for folks who are clinging to stereotypes because it helps them feel comfortable with their own cultural identities, which once were dominant but now must share real estate with others that are equally authen- tic. By confining the definition of culture to a singu- lar idea of “race” this movie prevents an important conversation from moving forward. And that means my family, and so many other Jewish families, are once again left behind. ■ Cinthya Silverstein is a mother and photographer in Southern California. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 15 feature American Football Kicks Off Another Season in Israel Jacob Gurvis | JTA T he year was 1999, and Jonathan Hauser was working as a concierge at the famous King David Hotel in Jerusalem. At the time, Hauser was playing for the Jerusalem Lions fl ag football team, a part of the American Football in Israel organization. The league was 10 years old at the time but lacked adequate playing fi elds. One day, he spotted a face he knew from TV in the hotel lobby: New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Hauser told Kraft about American Football in Israel — which Kraft, despite being a regular Israel visitor, did not know existed — and connected him with Steve Leibowitz, a veteran journalist who moved to Israel in 1974 and had been leading the development of the sport in Israel. Just a year later, Kraft inaugurated the small Kraft Family Stadium in Jerusalem with a fi eld only 80 yards long (instead of the regulation 100-yard length in the NFL). The AFI, which started with touch football and later expanded to fl ag football and adult tackle football, had found a fi eld. 16 FEBRUARY 9, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT The AFI kicked off its season on Jan. 18 in Bet Shemesh with a matchup between the Bet Shemesh Rebels and the Jerusalem Lions, in front of a sold-out crowd of 400. Around 2,000 players, coaches and referees are now involved in the league throughout the country. The adult tackle league features eight teams from diff erent cities who compete in an eight- game regular season, followed by playoff s that culminate in the Israel Bowl championship game in the spring. Other programs for men, women and children of all ages are off ered in cities across Israel. “The dream of building football in the country is due to the partnership and friendship and help of Robert Kraft, without any question, and his family,” said Leibowitz, a New York City native and longtime Giants fan. Leibowitz had the dream since the 1980s, when he and a group of journalists put together a sports club to watch American football by pirating the signal from the Armed Forces Network. That inspired them to start the league. In 2017, Kraft donated $6 million to open the Kraft Family Sports Campus in Jerusalem, which Leibowitz said is home to the only regulation- size American football fi eld in the Middle East, plus facilities for soccer, basketball and more. “My late, darling wife Myra always used to tell me that until I start building football in Israel, I would not win anything with [the] Patriots,” Kraft said at the 2017 dedication. “That happened in late 1999, and we won our fi rst Super Bowl in 2001. Now we have fi ve championships, and I can’t ignore the connection between our continuing to support development in Israel and our great accomplishments.” ‘Should’ve called a timeout’ Players from AFI have gone on to play college ball in the United States, most notably Yonatan Marmour, who in 2021 became the fi rst Israeli to play Division I football. Bet Shemesh coach Charlie Cohen, a yeshivah teacher and salesman who moved to Israel from Massachusetts in 2000, added that some athletes play in Israel during a gap year before trying to make the jump to Division II. In the early years of football in Israel, Leibowitz noted that the players were mostly American immigrants or children of immigrants. But now, he says there is mostly “Hebrew in the huddle”: Nearly every team outside of Jerusalem is entirely Hebrew-speaking. Football player graphic: Yevheniia Matrosova/iStock/Getty Images Plus; Football fi eld background: efk s/iStock/Getty Images Plus ‘HEBREW in the Huddle’ A Tel Aviv Pion eer player hurd les Israeli fototball images: Doron Dotan; Robert Kraft: Courtesy American Football in Israel g steam in Israel. Am erican football is gainin Some cities do have Arab players, as well as immigrants from Ethiopia and Russia. Leibowitz remarks that he is especially proud of one notable AFI alum: American-born Ron Dermer, Israel’s new minister of strategic aff airs and a former Israeli ambassador to the United States. Leibowitz called Dermer, who played fl ag football, a “celebrity” in Israel’s football community. Leibowitz, who serves as president of AFI, acknowledged that the sport will never surpass the popularity of soccer or basketball in Israel. But the strides the league has made are undeniable, and the AFI hopes to build three more football stadiums, with plans in motion for regulation-size fi elds in Haifa, outside Tel Aviv and in Beersheva. In another sign of development on the world stage, Israel also hosted the 2019 European Flag Football Championship and the 2021 Flag Football World Championship. In July, said Leibowitz, the AFI has been invited to bring a national team of top players to play in Fez, Morocco. He said it’s the fi rst time an Israeli team will play a Moroccan team in Morocco, likely in any sport. And with the 2028 Olympics in the not-too- distant future, Leibowitz noted that the AFI is working on a squad that could very well qualify for the soon-to-be-announced fl ag-football competition. an opponent in an American fo otball in Israel ga me. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft at the Kraft Family Sports Campus in Jerusalem He added that the league honors the late Myra Kraft, who was also very involved in the sport’s development, by stitching her initials onto the Israeli players’ jerseys when they play abroad. For Cohen, football is at the center of his Jewish practice — and helped inspire him to become a rabbi. “Without sports, there is no Jewish identity for me,” he said. ‘I fell in love with the sport’ Cohen, 53, said he was kicked out of Hebrew school as a child and had all but walked away from his Judaism when he was coaching Pop Warner football in Sharon, Massachusetts. His winless team squared off against a powerhouse squad from nearby North Attleboro and won, 13-12. “That was a really watershed moment for me,” said Cohen. “I took that to heart, as a person, and as a Jew.” He explained: “Here it is, you’re a football coach, and you’re demanding that your team has character. Your team shows up for each other. If you have a loss, come fi ght for your guys, don’t quit. … I said to myself, if I were to demand my little peewee football team turns it around, well, I’m going to turn it around, too.” He re-engaged with Judaism and ultimately immigrated to Israel, where he became a rabbi. Cohen began as Bet Shemesh’s off ensive line coach, then became head coach last season, leading the Rebels to the semifi nals, where they lost by four points. And no, he’s not over the loss: “We had the ball with two minutes to go. Should’ve called a timeout and calmed them down. You live and you learn.” One of Cohen’s players is 22-year-old yeshivah student Aviad Ohayon, who said he tried football for the fi rst time in high school in Kfar Saba, at the behest of a friend. He didn’t know what football was at the time. “The information that I had about football was like a bunch of guys with helmets fi ghting with a strange ball in the shape of an egg,” said Ohayon, not inaccurately. “He really wanted me to come, so I was like, OK, why not? I came to one practice, and you can say I fell in love with the sport.” Playing running back, linebacker and kicker, Ohayon noted that he has played basketball, soccer and karate in the past, but football was special. “I really loved sports, but something with football, the training and all the practices, was very diff erent to me,” he said. “The spirit, the brotherhood — everything was way more unique than I saw in the other sports.” Leibowitz, now 71 years old, calls himself the “grandfather” of the sport in Israel. “The craziness was sticking with it all these years, for over 30 years, and making it into a life ambition to establish the sport in Israel, because I think it’s a good sport. I think it has a place in this country,” he stated. “I think we’ve proven that. And together with that we’ve created a community. So at this point, I can’t even leave if I wanted to.” ■ JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 17 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 SERVING PA, DE, NJ JOCSERNICA@YAHOO.COM 610-551-3105 S A V E T H E D A T E ! Hebrew College to Admit, Ordain Rabbinical Students Whose Partners Aren’t Jewish Hebrew College will begin admitting and ordaining rabbinical students in inter- faith relationships, according to new admissions standards revealed on Jan. 31, JTA.org reported. The decision makes the pluralistic seminary outside of Boston the second major rabbinical school in the United States to do away with rules barring students from dating or marrying non-Jews. The Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote fi rst did so in 2015. Hebrew College’s decision comes as rabbinical schools compete over a shrink- ing pool of applicants and after decades of rising rates of intermarriage. Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld, Hebrew College’s president, said the decision came amid a broad revision of the seminary’s “guiding principles for admission and ordination.” JOIN US FOR A DAY OF FAMILY FUN! SUNDAY FEB 19 2023 NOON TO 3 PM France Updates Plan to Counter Antisemitism N EW LOCATION Willow Grove Mall 2500 W. MORELAND RD. WILLOW GROVE, PA 19090 WIN A 1 00 CA $ M SCHOLARS P HIP! For advertising opportunities contact us at advertising@metrokids.com or call 215-291-5560 • 302-224-3020 18 FEBRUARY 9, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT Ohio Investigating a Neo-Nazi Home-schooling Network Teaching Children to Love Hitler Ohio’s Department of Education is investigating a home-schooling network that claims public schools are run by “Zionist scum,” teaches kids to say “Sieg Heil” in class and instructs fellow parents not to give their kids “Jewish media content,” JTA.org reported. These are the more than 2,500 members of the “Dissident Homeschool Network,” a channel on the social network messaging app Telegram. The “dissi- dents” are a group of neo-Nazi parents who share home-schooling lesson plans extolling the virtues of Hitler and white nationalism — while relying on a popular social media account run by a Jewish woman to provide ammunition for their hatred. The founders of the group were recently unmasked by a hate group monitor as a couple in rural Upper Sandusky, Ohio. “There is absolutely no place for hate-fi lled, divisive and hurtful instruction in Ohio’s schools, including our state’s home-schooling community,” Stephanie Siddens, the interim superintendent of public instruction at Ohio’s education department, told Vice News. OWNER REGISTER: metrokids.com/campfair A lesson plan shared by the creator of the neo-Nazi group Dissident Homeschool Network, in which children learn cursive by copying a Hitler quote on Nov. 22, 2022 The French government updated its plan for fi ghting antisemitism and racism, which will require teachers to receive training on the topic and all French school- children to visit the site of an antisemitic or racist incident, JTA.org reported. Those visits could include Holocaust sites, and roving exhibitions about antisemitism and racism will also be set up in schools, France’s Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne announced on Jan. 29. The plan was adopted in 2015 but is required to be updated every three years. In addition to the educational additions. ■ — Compiled by Andy Gotlieb Screenshot via Telegram via JTA.org nation / world food & dining F TAY-SACHS REE & CANAVAN SCREENING CALL (215)887-0877 FOR DETAILS e-mail:ntsad@aol.com visit: www.tay-sachs.org eflstudioart / AdobeStock Screening for other Jewish Genetic Diseases also available. This message is sponsored by a friend of Nat’l Tay-Sachs & Allied Diseases Association of Delaware Valley Jump on the Butter Board Craze Linda Morel I f you’re looking for a fun food to add to your entertaining repertoire, I suggest butter boards. All you have to do is bring butter to room temperature, smooth it on a flat surface and sprinkle either sweet or savory treats on top. A quick chill in the refrigerator to solidify the butter slightly makes it easier to handle. Next, present this satiny spread to your family or friends. Butter boards are eaten as hors d’oeuvres, but I prefer them at brunches with bagels, challah or toast, with dinner rolls and baguettes, or as a sweet afternoon indulgence while drinking coffee or tea. Letting your imagination run wild is the key to creating superior butter boards. Dessert butter boards can be topped with chocolate, sugar, nuts, orange zest and fruit. Savory butter boards are often dotted with fresh herbs, olives, paprika and scallions. But feel free to invent favorite toppings of your own. I suggest selecting a board that is not made of a porous material, such as wood. Wood planks may have bacteria trapped in their cracks which can mix with the butter. Marble, slate or ceramic serving pieces look attractive and are easier to clean after the butter is consumed. Butter boards are easy to throw together. You probably have the ingre- dients on hand. Surprising and colorful, they offer a presentation that’s a wow. Savory Herbed Butter Board | Dairy Serves 4-6 ¼ pound sweet (unsalted) butter 1 teaspoon basil, chopped 1 teaspoon dill, chopped 6 scallions, sliced thin 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped Kosher salt to taste Accompaniments: fine white bread, pumpernickel, plain crackers or a sliced baguette Bring the butter to room temperature. Spread it on a nonporous, preferably oblong plank. Sprinkle the remaining ingredients evenly on top. Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving. Serve the butter board with the bread accompaniments above. Everything Bagel Butter Board | Dairy Serves 4-6 ¼ pound sweet (unsalted) butter 1 teaspoon poppy seeds 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds 1 teaspoon minced dried onion 1 teaspoon minced dried onion A sprinkling of paprika Accompaniments: plain or whole wheat bagels, rye bread or sourdough bread Bring the butter to room temperature. Spread it on a nonporous, preferably oblong plank. Sprinkle the remaining ingredients evenly on top. Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving. Serve the butter board with the bread accompaniments above. Chocolate Butter Board | Dairy Serves 4-6 ¼ pound sweet (unsalted) butter 1½ teaspoons sugar ¼ cup semisweet mini chocolate chips ¼ cup walnuts, chopped ¼ cup raspberries or diced strawberries Accompaniments: fine white bread, challah or brioche Bring the butter to room temperature. Spread it on a nonporous, preferably oblong plank. Sprinkle the remaining ingredients on top. Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving. Serve the butter board with the bread accompaniments above. ■ Linda Morel is a freelance food writer. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 19 arts & culture For This Comedian, Standup Counters the Really Dark Sides of Life D rew Landry, 29, recalls when his friend Tucker, 8, was crushed to death by an elevator. “It was very hard to deal with,” he said. “I think the elevator wasn’t up to code. It was really hard on me.” Landry said he ended up in a mental hospital and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder as well as depression. He lived in Baltimore until the age of 5, when he moved to Chicago. In the Windy City, he went to a synagogue, found comfort there and was drawn to Judaism. He identifi es as Jewish, noting that his favorite Jewish musical artist is Matisyahu. He returned to his home city at the age of 15. “I’d grown up idolizing Chris Farley and Jim Carrey,” he said. “They were really great, but I realized from seeing standup that I’d be better on my own.” Now living in Los Angeles, he has a monthly show at the Hollywood Improv. He’s also performed at the prestigious Just for Laughs festival in Canada, and toured with Iliza Shlesinger, Carlos Mencia and Dana Gould. And he was recently named one of the top 50 humor writers on the online publishing platform Medium. “The big diff erence is that in Baltimore, you’re one of a few dozen comedians, and in LA, you’re one of thousands,” he said. He thought back to age 13, when he said he was too young and dumb to know that he wasn’t good. Still, he honed his craft, and it took a few years to get better. He noted that all comedians bomb, and it’s just a matter of being patient; you have to see what works and what doesn’t. He recently dropped a mini-comedy special on YouTube called “All My Friends Are Dead.” A tribute Drew Landry to his two best friends who died, it’s about the griev- ing process. Landry noted that this was a particularly dark personal set, so he didn’t bother trying to get it on Netfl ix and instead released it on his own via YouTube. He reported that it has already been well-received by other publications, including Paste, a monthly music and entertainment digital magazine headquar- tered in Atlanta. In the special, he described his mom Googling famous people who were also diagnosed as bipolar. “She was like, Drew, you’re gonna be fi ne,” he recounted, adding that she named Nirvana front man Kurt Cobain, comedian Robin Williams and chef/ author/TV travel host Anthony Bourdain. Of course, they’re all dead by suicide. 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 20 FEBRUARY 9, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT Landry said he wasn’t surprised by the rise in antisem- itism by musician and rapper Kanye West, now known as “Ye.” “I went to two concerts and was a big fan, and then to see that what he actually believed — that was crazy!” he said of the rapper and musician’s comments about his vow to “go death con 3 ON JEWISH PEOPLE.” Nonetheless, asked about whether or not the public has become too sensitive when it comes to comedy, he said that social media causes everyone’s reaction to be heightened. “I think free speech should go both ways,” he said “A comedian should be able to say what he or she wants on stage. And then, if you don’t like it, you should be able to say whatever you want about it. It all balances out, in my opinion.” But the challenge remains: “How do you talk about a dark topic that is serious, yet still show the humor of it?” Landry said staying positive is extremely important. He said his mom has been very supportive, and it’s crucial to be around people who believe in you. While his material can touch on hardcore issues (in a video from 11 years ago at Baltimore Comedy Club, he joked that he once snorted Frosted Flakes), it is clear that he has good timing, cadence and knows how to hit punchlines. “Rejection happens in life, and in comedy, it happens a lot,” acknowledged Landry. “The important thing is to keep going. Comedy is therapeutic for me, and if people watch my videos and related it to whatever they may be going through, and it puts a smile on their face and they know that they’re not alone … well, that makes me happy.” ■ Alan Zeitlin is a freelance writer. 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 Courtesy of Drew Landry ‘The important thing is to keep going’ Alan Zeitlin synagogue spotlight Tiferet Bet Israel Grows With Pay-What-You-Can Financing Model Jarrad Saff ren | Staff Writer Photo by Jarrad Saff ren Courtesy of Tiferet Bet Israel I n 2020, Tiferet Bet Israel in Blue Bell introduced a pay-what-you-can model for synagogue dues, increased its congregation by 3.5% to 361 families and reversed “several years of decline,” as a Jewish Exponent article from that year described it. But then COVID-19 broke out, and TBI was not immune. A membership base of 361 plummeted to about 264. Today though, as the synagogue reopens, its leaders and members have not given up on the model. They still call it Heshbon Lev, which is Hebrew for an invention of the heart. And congre- gants are still contributing. Executive Director Matan Silberstein said there is a 100% participation rate. Perhaps the most encouraging sign, though, is that Heshbon Lev appears to be attracting new members again. TBI’s congregation has recovered from its pandemic low to include about 300 households. And since most of the new families are young, so is more than half of the congregation now, according to Silberstein. “Congregants are always waiting for the next fundraising ask,” said TBI President Jeff Llewellyn, a member since 2008. “And each year, they’re pleas- antly surprised when we’re less focused on money and more focused on engagement.” Silberstein and Llewellyn explained that events at the Blue Bell shul are now about what people want to do. A gathering before 2020, for example, might have been built around how many people could pay $36 to get in. But an occasion today is just about getting a headcount so synagogue leaders know how much chicken to buy for dinner. In December, 230 people showed up for a concert by Yonina, the Jewish musical duo. That same month, TikTok’s @challahprince, who has more than 142,000 followers from his challah-making videos, did a challah-braiding event at TBI and attracted 180 members and locals. And on Jan. 27, 200 congregants showed up for a third-grade conse- cration during Friday night services. There are also young family programs, special Shabbat dinners and lunches after Shabbat morning services on Saturdays. Rachel Blum, 37, a congregant with her husband and young daughter, attended the challah-braiding event and said people talked about it afterward “for weeks.” They kept saying how good it felt to just be able to show up and braid challah. TBI members enjoy an activity together. The sanctuary inside Tiferet Bet Israel in Blue Bell “There’s no barrier to engagement,” Blum said. “You just get to be part of the community without worrying about, ‘Can we aff ord that this month?’” Blum’s husband is a Realtor, so their family fi nances often depend on the housing market. Pre-Heshbon Lev, they might have had to make a diffi cult decision about their synagogue member- ship during a downturn. But now they do not have to worry about it. “This helps you not make that decision. That decision of letting go of your community,” Blum said. “There’s always that option of increasing your pledge or decreasing your pledge.” Pamela Kuperstein, 35, a member with her husband David and their two young kids, is an accountant who discovered the pay-what-you-can model while serving as synagogue treasurer in the late-2010s. TBI’s old dues system was “doomed to failure,” she said, and other synagogues were already trying the pay-what-you-can approach. Kuperstein believes the approach is working. When they joined TBI in 2016, they got a packet outlining diff erent categories of dues-paying members. As a childless couple in their 20s, they could not check any of the boxes. So Pam reached out to synagogue leaders, who created a category for the Kupersteins. Today, though, there are no categories. But there are still issues. TBI is attracting fewer people to regularly scheduled events than it was pre-COVID, according to David Kuperstein. And the education toward fundraising still needs to improve. Members think they pay once, and that’s the end of the conversation. But for a shul with its own building, fi nancing needs to be an ongoing discussion. TBI is getting by on preschool tuition payments, payments from a Hindu school that rents space, grants from public and private sources and larger donations from certain congregants. Combined with the “wide range of givers” in the membership base, as Silberstein describes them, it adds up to enough. At the same time, “It still needs some reinforcement,” David Kuperstein said. The issues, though, do not outweigh a simple fact. Congregants used to have to pay $250 to sit close to the bimah during High Holiday services. Big crowds in the back and open seats near the front became an annual scene. But this past year, there was no option to pay $250 to reserve a good seat. People came in, sat together up front and fi lled the sanctuary. “It felt really diff erent and really great,” Pam Kuperstein said. “Everybody was together, closer,” David Kuperstein concluded. ■ jsaff ren@midatlanticmedia.com JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 21 obituaries BERNSTEIN ARNOLD - February 3, 2023 Beloved husband of Judith “Judy” Bernstein (nee Kalickman). Loving father of Andrea Kind (Richard Schatzberg) and father-in-law of Michael Kind. Brother of Helene Debra Heller. Devoted PopPop of Jacob Asher Kind and Grant Asher Kind. Contributions Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, or Congregation Beth Or Rabbi Gregory Marx Discretionary Fund, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen, PA 19002. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com Society or the Alzheimer’s Association. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com BROOKS CONSTANCE “Connie” (nee Miller) age 98, passed away January 28, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Eugene Brooks. Loving mother of Evan Brooks (Suzanne), and Keith Brooks (Brenda). Adoring grandmother of Jason Brooks (Brooke), Jessica Bailey (David), Michael Brooks, Jeremy Brooks, and Gabrielle Brooks. Dear sister of the late Harry Miller. Contributions in her memory may be made to Old York Rd. Temple-Beth Am www.oyrtbetham.org GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com BROTHMAN BLOCK ALVIN 91 passed away peacefully at home on January 30. He is survived by his wife, Judith and his three chil- dren from a former marriage, Gary, Debra and Randi, six Grandchildren and two Great Grandchildren. He was a life long Resident of Philadelphia, graduating from Central High School in 1949. Serving In the Army. Went on as a natural Salesman, starting in the Insurance Business in 1959, then on to founding Mid America Group in the 1970’s. His Son Gary came into his business in 1984 with their Partnership being built on the strong foundation Alvin had previously laid. He was a passionate Sailor, was a Student of History, and had the love for his Family. Charitable donations can be made to the Philadelphia Jewish Federation. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com BORDEN EDITH (NEE Tonik) - Of Fort Lauderdale, FL, formerly of Philadelphia. On January 28, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Hyman Borden. Devoted mother of Alan Borden (Karen), Joel Borden (Maria), and the late Stuart Borden. Cherished mother-in-law of Wendy Borden Goldstein. Loving grandmother of Jennifer Borden, Jeffrey Borden (Carla), Steven Borden (Kristina), Greg Borden (Andi), Joshua Borden, and Gabriella Borden. Loving great grand- mother of Santino, Siena, Kaden, and Leo. Longtime companion of the late Leon Gelman. Dear sister of the late Albert Tonik (Louise) and the late Ethel Gelman. Contributions in her memory may be made to the American Cancer 22 and Thursday night dinners with his brother Nate and friends who were like family to him. Yearly family vacations to Kiawah Island were the highlight of his life. Henry often remarked that the quality of his life exceeded all of his ex- pectations, but in reality, it was Henry himself who exceeded all of his fam- ily’s expectations. In Henry’s honor, please consider an Act of Kindness to better the world and better each other. May his memory be a blessing. JOSEPH LEVINE & SONS www.levinefuneral.com SELMA (nee Jacobson) - On January 28, 2023. Wife of the late Dr. Peter Brothman. Mother of Lisa Misher, Andrea Brothman (Michael Frezel), and Natalie Marciano (Abraham). Grandmother of Lilly, Samuel, Gabriel, Tess, Winnie, Jacob, Jonah, and Maxime. Sister of Esther Silon, Simon Jacobson (Raisie), and Naomi Jacobson. Contributions in her mem- ory may be made to United Hatzalah of Israel (israelrescue.org) or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (lls. org). JOSEPH LEVINE & SONS www.levinefuneral.com GELBER NORMA, 86, passed away in Elizabethtown, PA, on January 25, 2023. She was born on June 12, 1936, in Philadelphia, PA, to Faye Gross. Norma was living in retirement at the Masonic Village after a career as a legal assistant and mother. She loved needlepoint and quilting, cooking and reading, and enjoyed spending time with her loving family and their dogs. Norma is survived by her sons Stephen, Rich and Larry, her grand- children Josh, Ally and Natalie, and her great-granddaughter Abby. She is preceded in death by her parents, Faye and Max Gross. COOPER FANNIE F. (nee Forman) Passed away on January 31, 2023. Wife of the late Joseph Cooper. Mother of Janice Zuckerman (Gilbert), Jeffrey Cooper (Nancy Klaus), Joan Cooper (David Plaut) and the late Jay Cooper (Joyce). Grandmother of 11 and great grandmother of 13. A graduate of South Philadelphia High School for Girls and member of Cong. Adath Jeshurun (formery OCJCC), Fannie worked in partnership for many years with her husband for Del-Val Metered Appliance Company. Contributions in her memory may be made to Philabundance, www.philabundance. org, or Free Library of Philadelphia, www.freelibrary.org. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com GURSCHKOW SYDNEY M. on February 1, 2023. Beloved husband of the late Hope (nee Brussell); Loving father of Richard Gersh (Meryl) and Todd Gersh (Daniella); Devoted grandfa- ther of Dannah, Aaron, and Gianna. Contributions in his memory may be made to Jewish War Veterans, www. jwv.org GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com The Philadelphia Jewish Exponent extends condolences to the families of those who have passed. To receive our weekly obituary eletter visit www.jewishexponent.com/enewsletter jewishexponent.com FEBRUARY 9, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT 215-832-0700 HOLTZMAN DR. HENRY of Pipersville, PA, passed away on December 31, 2022. Born in Germany in 1949 to Sally and Herman Holtzman after World War II, he immi- grated to America at the age of two with his family. Beloved husband to Elise (Jurikson) Holtzman for over 50 years. Cherished father to Felicia (Jason) Otto and Chad (Melissa) Holtzman, Esq. Adored grandfather to Austin Paul Otto and Arielle Paige Otto. Loving brother to Nathan (Kathy) Holtzman and Betty (Mark) Jurikson. He was also a treasured Brother- in-Law, Uncle, Cousin, and Friend. His beautiful legacy will live on in the hearts of his loving wife, precious chil- dren, their spouses, and his grandchil- dren who filled his heart with magic. Dr. Holtzman, the first in his family to attend college, graduated from Albright College and Hahnemann University Medical School. He completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Abington Hospital and his Pulmonary Fellowship at Albert Einstein Medical Center. He became an attending physician at Doylestown Hospital where he established the Pulmonary Department and was the founding partner of his medical practice: Bucks County Medical Associates. For over 25 years he brilliantly led his depart- ment, wrote and published articles in prestigious medical journals, and traveled throughout the United States to speak at medical conferences. In addition, Dr. Holtzman provided criti- cal care at Fox Subacute Center and Warminster General Hospital. His wisdom and dedication were beyond measure, and he saved and enriched the lives of countless patients. Many patients and their family members continue to attest to how grateful they were for Dr. Holtzman’s medical vision, diagnostic expertise, and gentle man- ner during his distinguished career. Dr. Holtzman was a devoted physician who cared deeply and unconditionally for his family, his patients, and human- ity. Above all, Henry’s most gratifying moments revolved around his loving family. His favorite titles were Hon, Best Dad, and Pop-Pop (with silver in his hair and gold in his heart). He cherished every experience together and constantly reminded each fami- ly member how immensely proud he was of them and how much he loved them. He was a passionate reader, world traveler, trusted financial advi- sor, Philadelphia Eagles fan, and gen- erous philanthropist. He loved golfing KLAITS JOEL MICHAEL, who spent almost all of his life serving the legal community in South Florida passed away January 28, 2023. He was 80. He suffered a stroke which he courageously battled to recover in the face of a difficult prog- nosis. Born in Philadelphia on March 4, 1942, as a child, Joel loved base- ball, football, and all things sports. He vividly remembered the day when a much younger kid named “Reggie Jackson” asked to play ball with him and his friends in Philly. They had no idea who this boy would grow up to be- come. He also possessed an indelible sense of humor. In the 1950’s Joel’s family built a motel called the White Sands on the shore in Margate, New Jersey, just outside of Atlantic City. It became the family business and as a result, he spent many summers as a lifeguard. One of their famous guests, Joe Frazier, befriended him and his family as he trained there for high-pro- file fights. They spent much time together and later in Miami Beach, while Joel attended law school at The University of Miami. A graduate of Temple University, and later receiving a law degree from UM in 1968, his law career began in several South Florida firms until starting his own practice in Hollywood, Florida. Later moving his family and practice to Coral Springs in 1977. He went on to work as an in- vestigator for the Florida Bar, and lat- er sat on the traffic court bench as a Magistrate. In his retirement he wrote a book about a private investigator who loved the water and beach life. He was an avid motorcyclist, touring the coun- try from coast to coast. So much so, he earned the Iron Butt award for riding 1,000 miles in a 24-hour period, which was an amazing accomplishment. He enjoyed his Sunday group rides locally in South Florida with friends including Don Turner, Rick Case, and Gerry Slakoff. Given his incredible sense of humor, most of their memories were spent laughing at such sayings, “Red or White,” “Watch that left turn,” “the chicken walked through the sea,” Jimmy Buffett songs, coaching little league baseball at Mullins Park in Coral Springs, traveling with the Miami Hurricanes Football team of which he was an alumnus. Along with his love of Jimmy Buffett, he equally loved being on the water owning several boats. One named “Semi-Normal.” He also loved cars, especially corvettes, one he named “Toots.” He had a front vanity plate on one car that stated, “Just visiting this planet.” He is sur- vived by three daughters and a son- in-law, Andrea & Kenny Tsakanikas (of Fort Lauderdale), Elyse Klaits (of Los Angeles) and Mindy Kaufer (of New Jersey). Joel will be honored in a celebration of life with details to be announced at a later date. METELITS (Bruce) Risler and the late Karen (Mark) Halsman. Dear sister of the late Thelma Nusbaum. Cherished grand- mother of Spencer Halsman (Erin Mock), Stephanie Risler and Jamie Halsman (Keoni Oliver). Contributions in her memory may be made to breast- cancer.org. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com PRUSHAN SHELDON - On January 29, 2023. Beloved husband of the late Gisele (nee Yedid). Loving father of Helene Rosen (Ron), Alan Prushan (Carol), and Mimi Prushan. Dear grand- father of Daniel, Josh, and Esther Rosen, and Joel and Simon Prushan. Contributions in his memory may be made to Philadelphia Rotary, PO Box 177, Abington, PA 19001 or Camp Harlam Scholarship Fund, 575 Smith Road, Kunkletown, PA 18058. www. campharlam.org GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com RHODE WOLBRAMSKY WEISS JOAN P. (Raubfogel), 90, wife of the late Sydney H. Weiss of Audubon, PA SPCA, www.montgomerycountyspca. org GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com ZWERLING JERRY of Boca Raton, FL, former- ly of Philadelphia, passed away on February 1, 2023. Beloved hus- band of the late Hannah Zwerling (nee Schlachterman). Devoted fa- ther of Debbie White (Wayne) and Barry Zwerling (Brooke). Loving grandfather of Matthew, Allie, and Noah. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association-www.heart.org GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com DEBORAH (nee Keyserman) on January 30, 2023. Loving mother of Erica Wolbramsky (Joshua Lennon); Dear sister of Neal Keyserman (Linda Newman); Devoted grandmother of Walter. Contributions in her memo- ry may be made to Montgomery Co. Attention All Community Organizations If you would like to update your listing in the 2023-2024 GUIDE TO JEWISH LIFE $5 JEWISH LIFE Guide to 2022-2023 Baltimore Guide to Jewish Life please contact Jewish Exponent Editor Andy Gotlieb at agotlieb@jewishexponent.com 2022-2023 In loving memory of my dear husband, Love of my life, Jim! Dr. James Rhode was a caring son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Jim left this world Saturday, December 3, 2022, at the age of 70 after a coura- geous battle with cancer. Burial was at Montefi ore Cemetery, Jenkintown. Jim completed his Bachelor’s degree at Temple University and received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at Temple University Dental School. His dental career spanned more than forty years in which he touched generations of lives. His dedication to his patient was enormous and won’t be forgotten. Jim’s pride was in his love for family, music, and dentistry. His humor and positive energy were contagious to ev- eryone he met. His smile will always shine through. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com formerly of Phoneixville, PA passed away on Monday, January 30, 2023. Born on May 23, 1932 in Philadelphia, PA she was the daughter of the late Max and Effi e (Rovner) Raubfogel. She graduated from Overbrook High School and studied at Temple University. Joan was a Receptionist at VanGuard Group in Great Valley. She was a passionate supporter of Planned Parenthood. She is survived by 4 sons: Jonathan (Rochelle) Weiss; Eric Weiss; Evan (Leslie) Weiss; Bruce Weiss. 4 Grandchildren, Haley, Sydney, David, and Drew. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Raubfogel. DEVLIN-ROSMOS-KEPP-GATCHA FUNERAL HOME www.gatchafuneral.com Baltimore Jewish Times MELVIN, 89 passed away on 28 Janu- ary 2023 peacefully, with his family by his side. He lived an outsized life while remaining enormously grounded. His early activism in the organised left and civil rights movement included lead- ership in the Fair Play for Cuba Com- mittee of Philadelphia, and journalism with the left wing newspaper The Inde- pendent Citizen. He was a member of the Communist Party USA from 1963 to 1991. An elementary school teach- er who ended that phase of his career in the Frederick Douglass School, his early work in the Philadelphia teachers union securing rights for “permanent part time teachers” including full time pay and benefi ts changed the eco- nomic fortunes of many. He organised protests against the Vietnam War as well as busloads of protestors and ac- tivists for The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. A char- ismatic, intellectual and deeply spiritu- al man, he returned to his Jewish roots through P’nai Or in Philadelphia and Jewish Renewal. Teaching scores of bar and bat mitzvah learners, as well as aspiring converts, Melvin became a revered teacher of Torah and Jewish values. He led several circles of To- rah and Jewish text study groups, and eventually received smicha as a Mag- gid, a traditional teller of folk stories in the Jewish mystical and ethical tradi- tions. He held storytelling sessions far and wide, and his last session was captured on a CD entitled The Whis- pering Maggid. His storytelling was all the more remarkable given that he had survived throat cancer, had only one vocal chord, and spoke in a whisper that was at once penetrating and captivating. A warm, open teach- er, whose appreciation for the wonder of everyday existence could turn any moment into a deep lesson, his spiritu- al guidance and example transformed the lives of congregants and students, and even some of his own teachers. In his youth and middle age, he was an avid athlete, excelling in table tennis and cycling in his middle years as past President of the Pennsylvania Cycling Club. He played classical guitar at a very high level when younger, and had a keen appreciation for music. He spoke Spanish perfectly from a young age, and loved sports, being an ardent supporter of the Eagles and Phillies. He is survived by his third wife, Maria, and his son Michael, grandchildren Caleb and Leah, as well as stepchil- dren Letetia, Sabre, Chandler and Cassandra; and step grandchildren Niara, Kyle, Simone, Cloe, Chandler Jr., Victoria and Terrell, and step great grandchildren along with Jeremiah, Timothy, Shalayh, Samir, Mahlani, Tyreek and Carter. In lieu of fl owers, please make donations to P'nai Or Philadelphia https://pnaior-phila.org/ or The Shalom Center https://thesha- lomcenter.org/ . GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com jewishexponent.com TUCKER PAULA (nee Feuer) on January 27, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Seymour. Devoted mother of Sheri jewishexponent.com JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 23 d’var torah State of the Keystone Rabbi David Levin Parshat Yitro Who is wise? One who learns from al ~ Pirkei Avot 4:1 A mong many lessons, this week’s Parshah Yitro teaches that we need to learn from one another, no matter who we are or who we may be. Even the most power- ful and infl uential among us still have more learning to do and share. So, Yitro shares that we need to fi nd ways to reach out to others, and 24 FEBRUARY 9, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT we also need to fi nd ways to listen, in other words, to build bridges of under- standing toward and with each other. We cannot do it alone. Our tradition teaches us that through connections, we learn from others. Teaching is often modeled as chevrutah; we discuss and debate a topic or issue with a partner. We engage in machloket, a constructive dialogue, sometimes profound and often passionate. Our exchange is done “for the sake of Heaven” so that we may learn from each other through a conver- sation about a text or an idea. We expect each of us to have a diff erent perspec- tive or “fresh eyes.” It is an opportunity to gain wisdom. This wisdom doesn’t require a particular title, position, or age, only that we can share it. We respect our teachers and parents by not taking their space, not speaking for them or arguing (BT Kiddushin 31b:14). But if we get caught up in our ego, sense of privilege, preconcep- tions or prejudices, we create barriers to giving or receiving this knowledge; the opportunity to gain wisdom is squandered. Yitro disrupts the old paradigm. Yitro does not wait for Moses to reappear in Midian. As the high priest and the father-in-law to Moses, Yitro could have been justifi ed in waiting for Moses to come to him. Instead, Yitro goes out to meet Moses and brings Moses’ family to reunite them. Furthermore, Yitro listens to Moses recount the story of the Exodus as though it is new news, although our text makes it clear that Yitro has already heard all about it. Once again, Moses needs Yitro’s help, although Moses’ station might have also presented a barrier to such admitted vulnerability. We know Moses as deeply humble, a reluctant prophet and spokesman, and one who often turned to God for guidance in the Midbar. However, now Moses is in a unique position, making it hard to hear the voice of even a trusted friend, for Moses was placed in the role of “God to Pharoah” (Ex. 7:1) and the leader of the people out of Egypt. But Moses has perspective and appreciates his situation. And Yitro likely understands Moses’ position with its complexities. Yitro shares the wisdom of his experi- ence. From him, Moses learns the idea of a decentralized authority of justice, thus freeing Moses from day-to-day aff airs that currently overwhelm him and permitting Moses the necessary time for the other important work he is called to do. Parshah Yitro shows us the task of teaching from both sides. First, Yitro asks us to approach others so they can be receptive to us without our ego or sense of privilege interfering. And for those in Moses’ position, can we admit when we need help, also without our ego or sense of privilege interfering? We must approach each other with reverence and respect, setting aside our egos to reach out. Ancient architecture has taught us that arches cannot exist without a keystone. This center stone holds the entire structure together with extraor- dinary strength and resilience; without the keystone, the arch collapses. So, can we understand that metaphorically we are part of an arch needing the other side to be complete — but also realizing that the only way to connect is through a keystone? The keystone is the thing that brings us together and strengthens us. The keystone can be seeking knowledge, knowing our limitations or understand- ing that we are better in relationships with others. Parshah Yitro teaches that we need to build bridges with one another, appreciating both our limita- tions and our gifts. ■ Rabbi David Levin is the founder and manages Jewish Relationships Initiative, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to helping seekers of meaning through Jewish wisdom, focusing on relationships and end-of-life challenges. He also serves on the executive committee of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Philadelphia as vice president of programming. The Board of Rabbis is proud to provide diverse perspectives on Torah commentary for the Jewish Exponent. The opinions expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not refl ect the view of the Board of Rabbis. calendar FEBRUARY 10–16 MON DAY, FE B. 13 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. 14 SISTERHOOD MEETING T U RS DAY, F E B RUA RY 16 JEWISH SPEED DATING Join Infusion Lounge Philly for a night of speed dating with Jewish singles in their 20s and 30s. Check in is at 6:45 p.m., and matches will be emailed to guests within 24 hours. Email besinglenomore@gmail.com or message us at facebook.com/besinglenomore if you have any questions. 16 S. Second St., second floor, Philadelphia. FRIDAY, F E B . 1 0 SATURDAY, FE B. 11 The Temple Judea Museum will exhibit 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. Celebrate Tu B’Shevat with a seder at Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu-El at 9:15 p.m., following Shabbat services led by Rabbi Grife. RSVP to the synagogue office at 215-635-1553. 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park. ‘SERIOUSLY’ EXHIBIT JRA FOOD PACKING Volunteers will assist with Jewish Relief Agency’s pre-distribution preparation from 10 a.m.-noon. During this time, volunteers will tape boxes, pack toiletries and assemble family-friendly food bags. For more information about JRA’s volunteer schedule, visit jewishrelief.org/calendar. 10980 Dutton Road, Philadelphia. TU B’SHEVAT SEDER SUNDAY, FE B. 1 2 JRA FOOD DISTRIBUTION Join Jewish Relief Agency from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. for junior and all ages food packing, as well as food delivery to allow recipients to receive assistance directly to their door, alleviating some of the challenges they may face, such as transportation, language barriers or access. Additional delivery opportunities are available on Monday through Wednesday. For more information about JRA’s volunteer schedule, visit jewishrelief.org/calendar. 10980 Dutton Road, Philadelphia. The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will host our February meeting at 7:30 p.m. A representative of Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy will speak about the use of strength bands in therapy. For further information, call the synagogue office at 215-677-1600. 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia. WE D N E SDAY, FE B . 1 5 SISTERHOOD STUDY PROGRAM The Congregations of Shaare Shamayim’s Rabbi Sandi Berliner will teach a class on “Words of Wisdom from Jewish Ethics” as part of the Sisterhood Study Program at 10 a.m. For further information, call the synagogue office at 215-677-1600. 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia. VIRTUAL AMSTERDAM TRIP Join Golden Slipper Gems at 11 a.m. as Nachson Rodrigues Periera, the community leader of the Bendigamos community in Amsterdam, talks about the connection between the Dutch and Philadlephia Jewish communities. For more information, contact msimonhazani@goldenslipper.org or 610-359-8632. TH U RSDAY, FE B . 1 6 CANASTA GAME Ohev Shalom of Bucks County Sisterhood invites the community to a friendly weekly canasta game from 1-3 p.m. Open play is $4. Call 215-968-6755 for more information. 944 Second Street Pike, Richboro. ■ social announcements BIRTH DALLAS ROSE DEZURE Jennifer Lauren Dezure of Dresher announces the birth of her daughter, Dallas Rose Dezure, on Dec. 20, 2022. Sharing in her joy are grandparents Susan and Stanley Dezure of Bensalem, aunt Kara and uncle Matt Griffin, cousin Daniel and family and friends. Dallas Rose is named in loving memory of her maternal great-grandmother Dorothy Solomon and paternal great-grandmother Rebecca Dezure. Courtesy of Jennifer Lauren Dezure JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 25 2 3 4 5 6 Photo by Lizzy Friedman-Zayon Courtesy of the Abrams Hebrew Academy Photo by Rachel Zivic 1 Courtesy of the Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties Courtesy of Julie Miller Courtesy of Rhonda Cohen around town 1 Congregation Or Shalom members visited the Modigliani exhibition at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. 2 Tikvah members contributed their time on MLK Day by packing meals at KleinLife in Northeast Philadelphia. 3 Kellman Brown Academy students in Voorhees, New Jersey, participated in a hack-a- thon. 4 The Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties hosted a soup’er bowl collection to score hundreds of canned soups that will help combat hunger in the community. 5 Abrams Hebrew Academy preschoolers showed their appreciation for the Yardley Borough Police Department by giving officers cards and gifts. 6 Perelman Jewish Day School students enjoyed the annual World Music Concert at the school that celebrates diverse cultures, ethnicities and countries. 26 FEBRUARY 9, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT last word Rabbi Saul Grife COMES OUT OF RETIREMENT TO RETURN TO RABBINATE Jarrad Saffren | Staff Writer Courtesy of the Grife family R abbi Saul Grife, 65, retired from Beth Tikvah-B’nai Jeshurun in Glenside in December 2021. Then he returned to the rabbinate at Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu-El in Elkins Park in January 2023. But in between, there was a liminal space. In 2022, Grife took a year off after spending 23 of them at BT-BJ. His first move was to visit Israel for six weeks in the spring, where he spent time with his daughter Alana, who made aliyah, and his granddaughter Lucy, named for his late wife Linda. Grife also lived on a kibbutz with a friend, watched people celebrate Purim in the streets of Jerusalem and sat for a seder with his daughter’s family. Throughout his weeks there, the rabbi marveled. For 2,000 years, he thought, Israel did not exist. And less than a century ago, the Nazis wiped out more than a third of the world’s Jewish population in the Holocaust. But today, Jews have a land and the will to defend it. Not long after he returned, Grife realized that there was only one path for him — returning to the rabbinate. “I say that to people every Chanukah: ‘Be a modern Maccabee.’ It’s not just an ancient story,” the rabbi said. Leaders from Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu-El reached out to Grife later that year. The congregation of between 250 and 275 older Jews was going to start gathering in the sanctuary again and needed a spiritual leader. The Wyndmoor resident guided his first Shabbat service and lunch and learn on Jan. 21. About 25 of the rabbi’s friends and former congregants came out, ate and wished him well. Grife thinks some will stay at the Elkins Park synagogue to “check it out.” He also may reach out to people in the neighborhood to see if they are looking for programs for their kids. If there is interest, he can start with one class and build from there. The Conservative synagogue does not have a school because it does not have any young families in its congregation. “We’ll just see how that goes,” Grife said. Grife is not Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu-El’s full-time rabbi. He is serving for six months while shul leaders search for a spiritual leader. Grife said he may want the position. He will figure that out as he goes. But right now, he’s just taking it day by day. During his six months, he wants to offer an experience that can attract “very traditional” Jews but also Jews “who are looking for something more modern and liberal.” Grife is a Grateful Dead-head on a “45-year journey with their music,” he said. And he relates Judaism to the Dead and its devoted fan base in the sense that they are both communities on journeys. According to the rabbi, “It’s all about the journey, man, one day at a time.” “And hopefully we’ll continue on the journey along life’s path,” he added. “We only live once. I’m grateful to be here every day. I’m just hoping to be a part of the answer and not the problem,” he concluded. As a young man, Grife’s two passions, Judaism and music, presented him with a crossroads. He was either going to pursue the rabbinate or play guitar, hopefully one day “like Eric Clapton.” But even if God had promised him that he would get there one day, he would have chosen the rabbinate, he said. Back when he was making this decision, Grife realized that if he only helped one Jew as a rabbi, his journey would have been worth it. Today, after the rabbi officiates funerals, family members of the deceased often approach him. They say, “Thank you so much for celebrating my mom’s life. We couldn’t have done it without you.” “That made it worth it,” he said. In addition to returning to the pulpit, the rabbi is returning to the Talmud. Grife and a group of former BT-BJ congregants are learning a page a day and gathering once a week to discuss. The cycle of reading all 2,711 pages began in January 2020 and will end in the middle of 2027. Grife had studied Talmud before, but he had never learned it in its entirety. And both the text and the process of talking about it are blowing his mind. “It is amazing how we’re one world but everybody takes something differ- ent away from it. There is no one issue where all the ancient rabbis agree,” the rabbi explained. “Our Greek chorus (in the group) became, ‘What’s the answer to this question? Yes and no.’ I love that, man. You can disagree but it doesn’t mean that you’re wrong or I’m wrong.” ■ jsaffren@midatlanticmedia.com JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 27 JEWISH EXPONENT CLASSIFIEDS To advertise, call 215-832-0749 CEMETERY LOTS FOR SALE HAR JEHUDA CEMETERY 2 Plots, Graves 16 & 17, Sec. Garden of Memories, next to walkway and bench. 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Now featuring our FREE show- er package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financ- ing available. Call Safe Step 1-833-437-1428 Miscellaneous: Stroke and Cardiovascular disease are leading causes of death, according to the Ameri- can Heart Association. Screen- ings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer - 5 screenings for just $149. Call 1-855-672-8674 LEGALS MISCELLANEOUS Miscellaneous: Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920 Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Com- prehensive Services: Consul- tation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-877- 670-0236 or visit dorranceinfo. com/pasn FEBRUARY 9, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT Goggin & Duckworth PC has been incorporated under the provisions of Chapter 29 of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation law of 1988 as a Professional Corporation. Goggin & Duckworth PC 1408 Walnut Street Suite 1108 Philadelphia, PA 19102 Keytera Corporation has been in- corporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. Lee Kim, Esquire 5831 Forward Avenue #1284 Pittsburgh, PA 15217 Murrell Dobbins Alumni Association Inc. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988. Richard Cataldi, Esquire 819 N. Woodstock Street Philadelphia, PA 19130 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 Notice is hereby given Carbon Reform Inc., a foreign corporation formed un- der the laws of the State of Delaware and with its principal office located at 1003 S. 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, has registered to do business in Pennsylvania with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, at Harrisburg, PA, on 1/20/23, under the provisions of Chapter 4 of the Association Transactions Act. The registered office in Pennsylvania shall be deemed for venue and official publication purposes to be located in Philadelphia County. ESTATE OF HARRIET ANN SHUMAN, DECEASED, late 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 dece- dent are requested to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the said decedent 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 Notice is hereby given that Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on 2/2/23 with respect to a proposed non- profit corporation, Liberty Bell Pops, which has been incorporated under the Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988. Pursuant to the requirements of section 4129 of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, notice is here- by given that GPS Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Inc., a New Jersey corporation, transacting business in Pennsylvania with its registered office in the Commonwealth at c/o M. Burr Keim Co., 2021 Arch St., Philadelpha, PA 19103 and the principal office ad- dress in New Jersey is at 133 Haddon Ave., West Berlin, NJ 08091 will file a Statement of Withdrawal terminating its registration as a foreign association. Triple E&J Transportation Inc has been incorporated under the provi- sions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. ALCONES L&D CONSTRUCTION, INC. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. CHANGE OF NAME NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CIVIL DIVISION OF PHILADELPHIA COUNTY Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, December Term, 2022, No. 2636. Notice is hereby given that on December 30, 2022 the petition of Dheeraj Turner, was filed, praying for a decree to change her name to Angel Tiwari. The Court has fixed February 17, 2023 at 10:00 am in Room 691, City Hall, Philadelphia, PA for the hearing. All per- sons interested may appear and show cause if any they have, why the prayer of the said petition should not be granted. Larry H. Lefkowitz, Es. 4802 Neshaminy Blvd., Suite 5 Bensalem, PA 19020 Solicitor 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 ESTATE OF MARLENE SANDRA SCHMIDT, DECEASED, late of 45 Christopher Dr., Holland, PA1896, Bucks County Pennsylvania. Letters Testamentary on the estate 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 un- dersigned. All persons having claims against or indebted to the estate should make claims known or forward pay- ment to, Jason Everett, Administrator, dbn, c/o Ned Hark, Esq., Goldsmith Hark & Hornak, PC, 7716 Castor Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19152. 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 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 ANNA MAY K. BECKLER, 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 DAWN MARIE MAY, EXECUTRIX, 12 Springmeadow Rd., Feasterville, PA 19053, Or to her Attorney: MARK J. DAVIS CONNOR ELDER LAW, LLC 644 Germantown Pike, Ste. 2-C Lafayette Hill, PA 19444 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 SEASHORE SALE LOVE where here you L LIVE HHT Office 609-487-7234 #1 IN NEW JERSEY FOR LARGE TEAM SALES VOLUME *RealTrends 2021 9211 Ventnor Avenue, Margate 8017 Ventnor Avenue, Margate 9313 Ventnor Ave, Margate www.HartmanHomeTeam.com NEW LISTING! MARGATE $439,000 FULLY RENOVATED 2ND FLOOR CONDO! 2 BED, 1 BATH UNIT FEATURES AMAZING BACK DECK! NEW LISTING! 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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 The DeSouzas are Back on Bustleton! LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREAT 2023! Now is the time to list your home with US! Call Andi or Rick DeSouza for an appointment & we will deliver: Results, Not Promises! RE/MAX ONE REALTY Eric DeSouza, Associate Broker Andrea DeSouza, Sales Associate Eric Cell 215-431-8300/8304 • Bus 215-953-8800 rickdesouza70@gmail.com 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 HOME SERVICES GOLDEN HARMONY HOME CARE Independence while at the same time improving their quality of life by helping them remain in the comfort of their own homes. Non-medical Home Care • Dememtia/Aizheimer’s Care • 24-hour care/ hourly/Live-in Medication Reminders • Meal preparation/ light housekeeping Transportation/ Doctor’s visit/ Mobility Assistance • Companionship • Shopping and errands License/insured/bonded Call 267-969-8312 for more information www.golden-harmony.com HOME SERVICES 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, Or to her Attorney: LISA M. NENTWIG DILWORTH PAXSON LLP 1500 Market St., Ste. 3500E Philadelphia, PA 19102 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 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, Or to her Attorney: Jay E. Kivitz Kivitz & Kivitz, P.C. 7901 Ogontz Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19150 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 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. 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 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- Jewish Careers.com FOR THOSE WHO VALUE COMMUNITY The preferred career resource for the Jewish community info.jewishcareers.com | 410-902-2300 30 FEBRUARY 9, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT 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 FERSON PARTLOW, 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 Marie R. Williams, Executrix, 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 JOAN M. DANIEL, 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, Eve Marie Daniel-Queenan, Hasan Jabbar Daniel and Bruce D. Daniel, Co-Administrators, c/o Jennifer L. Damelio, Esq., Friedman, Schuman, PC, 275 Commerce Dr., Suite 210, Ft. Washington, PA 19034. 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 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 JOSHUA JAMES GAWEL, 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 CONSTANCE MULHOLLAND, 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 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 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 KIMBERLY TRACY YACOVONE a/k/a KIMBERLY T. YACOVONE, 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 Kareama Posey, Executrix, c/o Jay E. Kivitz, Esq., 7901 Ogontz Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19150 Or to her Attorney: JAY E. KIVITZ KIVITZ & KIVITZ, P.C. 7901 Ogontz Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19150 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 pay- ment without delay, to Fulton Bank, NA and Elizabeth Sampsonr, Co-Executors c/o their attorney Debra G. Speyer, Two Bala Plaza, Suite 300, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. ESTATE OF MARGARITA HERNANDEZ, 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 Victor Mercado, Executor, c/o Daniella A. Horn, Esq., 2202 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to his Attorney: DANIELLA A. HORN KLENK LAW, LLC 2202 Delancey Place Philadelphia, PA 19103 2202 Delancey Place Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF MARGIE KLEGER DECEASED LETTERS on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or de- mands against the Estate of the dece- dent to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedents to make payment without delay, to the Administrator Betsy Barsky, 5 Hanover Ct Langhorne Pa 19047. ESTATE OF MICHAEL ANGELO aka MICHAEL ANGELO, SR., DECEASED Late of Middletown Twp., PA. LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION 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 persons indebted to the decedent to make pay- ment without delay, to Michael Joseph Angelo, Jr., Administrator, 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 MATTHEW VINCENT GROM, 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 CHRISTOPHER P. BEARDSLEY, EXECUTOR, 1595 Fels Rd., Quakertown, PA 18951, Or to his Attorney: JAY E. KIVITZ KIVITZ & KIVITZ, P.C. 7901 Ogontz Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19150 ESTATE OF MEHMET BURAK GOK a/k/a BURAK MEHMET GOK, 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 Hayriye B. Gok, Administratrix, c/o Daniella A. Horn, Esq., 2202 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to her Attorney: DANIELLA A. HORN KLENK LAW, LLC WANTED TO BUY 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 delay 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 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 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 persons indebted to the decedent to make pay- ment 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 RAYMOND P. GORE, 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, Dorothy Gore Vincent, Administrator, C.T.A, 5219 Hazel St., Philadelphia, PA 19143 or to their attorney Andrew I. Roseman, Esquire, 1528 Walnut St., Suite 1412, Philadelphia, PA 19102. 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 ROBERT FRANK EVERETT, 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, Sandra Everett, Administratrix, c/o Ned Hark, Esq., Goldsmith Hark & Hornak, PC, 7716 Castor Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19152. ESTATE OF SAMUEL J. COCO, SR. aka SAMUEL J. COCO 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 persons indebted to the decedent to make pay- ment without delay, to Samuel J. Coco, Jr., Executor, 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 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 BUSINESS / LEGAL DIRECTORIES WANTED TO BUY ANTIQUE & FINE FURNITURE Paintings & Sculptures JEWISH EXPONENT CLASSIFIEDS Also Vintage Modern, Mission & Nakashima Etc. HIGHEST PRICES PAID 215-663-1813 To advertise, call 215-832-0749 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. I WOULD LIKE AD (circle one here) A, B, C Name _______________________________________________Phone Number __________________________________ Street Address ________________________________________City ________________________ ZIP _______________ The name(s) on the message should read:__________________________________________________________________ I am enclosing a check for $ _________________________________________ (All greetings must be paid for in advance.) OR email your information and credit card number to: classified@jewishexponent.com. 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