DIGITAL CHARITY EASY FAST Ross Lefkowitz’s Pushka updates tzedekah for those who no longer carry cash. SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 / 3 TISHRI 5782 PAGE 26 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM — WHAT IT MEANS TO BE JEWISH IN PHILADELPHIA — $1.00 OF NOTE LOCAL New Barrack Head Discusses School’s Future Rabbi Marshall Lesack returns to his alma mater. Page 4 LOCAL What’s Your Fasting Strategy? How to keep Yom Kippur hunger pains at bay. Page 6 OBITUARY State Rep. Babette Josephs Dies at 81 Josephs served for 28 years in the state house. Page 8 Volume 134 Number 22 Published Weekly Since 1887 Rabbis Refl ect on Changing Sermons After 9/11 JARRAD SAFFREN | JE STAFF ON THE MORNING of Sept. 11, 2001, Rabbi Eliott Perlstein was working at home on his Rosh Hashanah sermon. Aft er a while, the Ohev Shalom of Bucks County leader decided to take a break, so he walked into the kitchen and fl ipped on the television. “Th e fi rst tower had already fallen,” Perlstein said of the terrorist attack that rocked New York City, the United States and the world that day. Th e Conservative rabbi immediately scrapped his sermon. Later that week, he started working on a new one about 9/11 and all the fear, confusion and anger it sparked. Sept. 11, 2001 was a Tuesday; Rosh Hashanah began less than a week later, on Monday evening. Many synagogue leaders kept their original sermons for the second day of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. But on A housing unit at State Correctional Institution-Phoenix Courtesy of Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Teshuvah on the Inside: Jewish Alternatives to the Prison System SASHA ROGELBERG | JE STAFF FRANK JORDAN HAS wanted to visit his sick friend for a while now. Jordan has been incarcerated for 36 years on homicide charges and is living at State Correctional Institution-Phoenix in Montgomery County. Jordan hasn’t been able to see his friend, who’s being treated at a hospital on the outside, and he isn’t sure when he’ll see him next. Jordan is hoping the prison’s part-time rabbi will give him an update, but things seem grim: “We don’t think See Sermons, Page 18 See Teshuvah, Page 18 ANNIVERSARY Ann S iv A er L s E ary 555 S. HENDERSON RD KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 610.757.4000 THIS WEEK I N T H IS I SSU E 4 HEADLINES Local Israel National Global 20 OPINION Columns Kvetch ’n’ Kvell 22 JEWISH FEDERATION 23 LIFESTYLE & CULTURE Food Arts 33 TORAH COMMENTARY 34 COMMUNITY Deaths Calendar 36 CLASSIFIEDS CANDLE LIGHTING Sept. 10 6:59 p.m. Sept. 17 6:48 p.m. Israel Bonds’ Harold Marcus retires after 40 years. Remembering a fateful day. 12 10 Break the fast with Italian Jewish food. 23 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Miriam’s Advice Well Philacatessen Our resident advice giver is seeking questions from our readers. Are you perplexed about Jewish traditions? Unsure of pandemic-era protocol? Confused about child care and its related issues? Concerned about changes in your life? From dating to parenting, Miriam welcomes all questions. Email yours to news@jewishexponent.com and put “Advice Well Question” in the subject line. jewishexponent.com/category/community/miriams-advice-well/ Dill isn’t normally an ingredient found in chimichurri sauce, but food columnist Keri White had some of the fresh herb on hand and decided to experiment. Turns out it works really well, makes a nice alternative that just screams summer and can be used with many foods. Read her online blog, Philacatessen, for the recipes. And check Philacatessen regularly for content not normally found in the printed edition, such as other recipes, restaurant reviews and food news from around the Delaware Valley. jewishexponent.com/2021/09/06/dill-chimichurri-sauce/ SUBMIT A QUESTION L’Shanah Tovah U’Metukah DILL CHIMICHURRI SAUCE Wishing you and those you love a sweet and happy New Year! Leasing Gallery Open: 251 Rock Hill Road, Bala Cynwyd 610-595-4647 | residencebalacynwyd.com An LCB Senior Living Community: Over 25 Years of Excellence 2 SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 JEWISH EXPONENT JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 2100 Arch Street, 4th Floor, Philadelphia, Pa. 19103 2018 on the 20th anniversary of the tragic 9/11 attacks, we remember those that lost their lives, and those who gave their lives. MAIN PHONE NUMBER: 215-832-0700 JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER PHILADELPHIA David Adelman and Gail Norry, Co-Chairs Michael Balaban, President and CEO Steven Rosenberg, Chief Operating Officer JEWISH PUBLISHING GROUP Andrew L. Cherry, Chair Jay Minkoff, Immediate Past Chair SALES & MARKETING BUSINESS DISPLAY sales@jewishexponent.com Stacye Zeisler Publishers Representative szeisler@jewishphilly.org Sharon Schmuckler Director of Sales 215-832-0753 sschmuckler@jewishexponent.com Susan Baron 215-832-0757 sbaron@jewishexponent.com Taylor Orlin 215-832-0732 torlin@jewishexponent.com Shari Seitz 215-832-0702 sseitz@jewishexponent.com CLASSIFIED/ DEATH NOTICES classified@jewishexponent.com Nicole McNally, 215-832-0749 Mike Costello Finance Director 215-832-0727 mcostello@jewishexponent.com SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@jewishexponent.com 215-832-0710 EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT 215-832-0797 News & Tips news@jewishexponent.com Letters letters@jewishexponent.com Calendar Events listings@jewishexponent.com Gabe Kahn, Editor-in-Chief 215-832-0747 gkahn@jewishexponent.com Andy Gotlieb, Managing Editor 215-832-0797 agotlieb@jewishexponent.com Jarrad Saffren, Staff Writer 215-832-0740 jsaffren@jewishexponent.com Sasha Rogelberg, Staff Writer 215-832-0741 srogelberg@jewishexponent.com Eleanor Linafelt, Contributing Writer 215-832-0729 elinafelt@jewishexponent.com PRODUCTION production@jewishexponent.com Jeni Mann Tough, Director Steve Burke, Art Director Frank Wagner, Graphic Designer L’Sh anah Tovah Wish ing you a swe et New Ye ar. www.jewishexponent.com JEWISHEXPONENT.COM JEWISH EXPONENT SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 3 H EADLINES New Barrack Leader Discusses School’s Future L OCA L JARRAD SAFFREN | JE STAFF FOR RABBI MARSHALL Lesack, who took over as head of school at the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy in Bryn Mawr on July 1, it’s a dream job. He graduated from the insti- tution in 1997, when it was still the Akiva Hebrew Academy and located in Merion Station. And, unlike many, the rabbi loved high school. At Akiva, he excelled in sports, got personal attention from teachers and learned to “live Jewishly,” as he put it. So when he saw the alumni email announcing the job opening last summer, he applied almost right away. Several months and interviews Rabbi Marshall Lesack Photo by Jordan Cassway later, he returned home aft er more than a decade working in Jewish educational positions down South. Lesack’s most recent stop was a six-year tenure as high school principal at the Donna Klein Jewish Academy in Florida. Barrack is a grades six-through-12 school. institution. What questions are you asking yourself as you go about that process? Educationally, who are we? And who might we be moving forward? Are our programs not only excellent from a content perspective, but are we meeting the needs of students today? We have a huge responsi- bility to envision what a Jewish world could look like and to build it within our halls. I want to build a place of academic excellence, social and emotional development, and Jewish and spiritual develop- Rabbi Marshall Lesack took over as Barrack’s head of school on July 1. ment. But I also want to create Photo by Marcia Harwitz an environment in which Lesack explained how he young people are happy. “I recognize the importance and power of Jewish educa- plans to do that. How are you going to do all tion,” he said of his pitch to Barrack offi cials. “Given my You told the Exponent that? background, I’m the person to aft er your hiring that you needed a year to evaluate the move this school forward.” See Barrack, Page 33 Even our grounds are grounds for appreciation. The Mansion at Rosemont is a boutique senior living community in the heart of the Main Line, where residents cherish all the small things that add up to a fervent embrace of life after 62. Please call or see us online to schedule a visit or request a customized video tour. SEPTEMBER EVENTS Don’t miss these upcoming events at The Mansion: Thursday, Sept. 23rd, 2 pm Right-Sizing Success Thursday, Sept. 30th, 2 pm Secrets to Selling Your Home in 2021 Space is limited. RSVP by calling 610-632-6817 or visiting RosemontRSVP.com I N D E P E N D E N T 4 SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 Wishing you a joyous New Year. L I V I N G / P E R S O N A L JEWISH EXPONENT C A R E JEWISHEXPONENT.COM JEWISHEXPONENT.COM JEWISH EXPONENT SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 5 H eadlines Fasting on Yom Kippur? Follow this Playbook L OCA L JARRAD SAFFREN | JE STAFF Play No. 1: Drink a lot of water the day before. Rabbi Joel Seltzer is not a pulpit rabbi. The Cherry Hill, New Jersey, resident runs Camp Ramah in the Poconos. So he experiences Yom Kippur with the rest of us down here in the masses. But like a true rabbi, he thinks hard about his approach to Kol Nidre. The gorge meal theory, to keep yourself full M LE OO LAB DR AI BE V 2 TS A I UN N M OW OD L EL EA S SIN OP G EN ! FASTING ON Yom Kippur is an ordeal. After all, God designed it that way. As Jews, we’re supposed to repent for our sins from the previous year. Unless you have a medical condition that requires you to eat or drink, you probably do this every year, too. So, after all these years, you likely have your own strategy for atoning/getting through the day. The Jewish Exponent talked to several rabbis and regular Jews in the area about how they approach their fasts. Their methods can now form the basis for this very unofficial Yom Kippur playbook. Kol Nidre is on Sept. 15. UPPE R DU BLI N ! Rabbi Lance Sussman said staying busy and socializing on Yom Kippur helps you handle the fast.  Courtesy of Congregation Keneseth Israel UPSCALE LIVING STEPS ABOVE IT ALL! Designed with luxury in mind, The Residences at the Promenade off er lavish apartments situated above a beautiful town center. • Park Trails • Pool with Sundeck • Dog Parks & Washrooms • Media & Game Rooms Amenities too many to mention! • Bocce Court • Fitness Center Clean Juice • Sprouts Farmers Market • Lululemon Fine Wine and Good Spirits! • Home Goods Coming Soon! Banfi eld • La Scala’s Fire • Trinity Physical Therapy Smashburger • Carbon Health • Starbucks • Serenity Nail Bar Welsh & Dreshertown Roads • Dresher, PA 833-238-1100 ResidencesUD.com A Bruce E. Toll Community 6 SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 JEWISH EXPONENT through the next day, is a myth, Seltzer said. The better strategy is to drink enough water. As Seltzer explains, a lot of times you just want a sip of water on Yom Kippur. But you can’t have one. Chugging the day before helps you experience fewer of those moments. It also helps you avoid one of the worst parts of the fast day: the afternoon headache. “Overly saturate to avoid dehydration,” Seltzer said. Rabbi Yochonon Goldman of B’nai Abraham Chabad in Philadelphia, said drinking water the day before helps him power through the profound challenge that rabbis face every year. Their fast day is also their busiest work day. Without eating or drinking, synagogue leaders must run services from Kol Nidre all the way through break the fast. If he drinks enough water, though, Goldman is good to go. The services even become a nice distraction. “I’m not at home, near the kitchen, smelling the food for break the fast,” he said. Play No. 2: Go to services. As Goldman alluded to, there is no better distraction on The Highest Holiday than attending services. Several rabbis chuckled at the question of “How do you deal with fasting on your busiest work day?” For them, it’s easy to lose oneself in prayer and forget about food and drink. Rabbi Lance Sussman, who leads Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park, compared it to working a busy retail job. “If your cash register is busy and you’re moving around, you don’t notice the clock,” he said. Congregants can’t possibly stay as busy as rabbis do on Yom Kippur. But they can go to synagogue or, in the COVID era, attend virtually, and lose themselves in prayer all the same. It’s the most important thing JEWISHEXPONENT.COM H EADLINES E V E RY D AY I S ABOUT TO GET THE R O YA L T R E AT M E N T. Rabbi Yochonon Goldman said working and praying all day helps him get through Yom Kippur. Photo by Jay Gorodetzer Photography When we feel the frailty of hunger, it reminds us how reliant on God we are for everything. That’s a really uplifting concept.” The 501 is the destination for upscale senior living with a rental approach, located in the heart of one of the most desirable areas. Our goal is to make living your best life part of your daily routine. Coming early 2022. S C H E D U L E YO U R V I S I T T O D AY. Call: 866-322-4747 Visit: Welcome Center, 106 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, PA 19002 Email: 501.marketing@sagelife.com Learn more: The501.com GEVURA DAVIS to do on Yom Kippur aft er fasting. It’s also something, anything to actually go and do. Jackee Yerusalem-Swartz, a resident of the suburbs, went to services at her Northeast Philadelphia synagogue for 20 years. She would attend a morning session, then a midday study group and then an aft ernoon session, too. By the time she left , she could go straight to break the fast with her family. Aft er staying home last year during the pandemic, Yerusalem- Swartz joined Congregation Kol Ami, a reform shul in Elkins Park, for 2021/5782. She is planning on returning to her old synagogue routine. “A lot of times my hunger has to do with boredom,” Yerusalem-Swartz said. “During breaks, interact with your congregants and friends,” he said. “Th at sense of community lift s you up and carries you through.” DISCOVER THE 501. Be our guest for a Discovery Luncheon at our Welcome Center, Tuesday, September 28 at noon. Bring your questions and enjoy a lunch from Weavers Way. RSVP 866-322-4747. Or give us a call and make an appointment for a personal introduction to The 501. Play No. 4: Remember why you’re doing this. Gevura Davis of Bala Cynwyd is a former Reform Jew who became Orthodox as an adult. She said learning to focus on the deeper morality helped her grow to love Th e Highest Holiday. Davis said we should complain less and contemplate more. “We live in a generation that only wants to feel comfort,” she added. “But pain is one of our greatest teachers.” Ultimately, according to Davis, Yom Kippur is about disengaging from the material world and connecting with our souls. “When we feel the frailty of hunger, it reminds us how reliant on God we are for everything,” she said. “Th at’s a really uplift ing concept.” ● Play No. 3: Talk to other people. Th e best way to stay busy, according to Yerusalem- Swartz, is not just to pray hard. It’s to talk to people, too. Th at’s another reason she stays at synagogue all day. Sussman said the same jsaff ren@jewishexponent.com; thing. 215-832-0740 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM JEWISH EXPONENT SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 7 H eadlines State Legislator Babette Josephs Dies at 81 OB ITUARY SASHA ROGELBERG | JE STAFF BABETTE JOSEPHS, a stalwart progressive and a representative of the 182nd Pennsylvania House District from 1985-2012, died Aug. 27 of cancer in Eugene, Oregon. She was 81. Josephs was a longtime fighter for reproductive rights, LGBT rights, racial equality and environmental sustain- ability, serving 14 consecutive terms, making her the longest- serving woman in the state House of Representatives. She was one of only a handful of Democratic Socialists of America members to be elected to state government. “I describe her as an indefat- igable advocate for progressive values and issues in the legislature,” said former Rep. Dan Frankel of Pennsylvania’s 23rd District. Josephs and Frankel became colleagues and friends in 1990. Frankel was the chair of the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition, and Josephs was nominated for and won PJC’s Legislator of the Year Award that year. They both represented districts with sizable Jewish populations and progressive constituencies, and Frankel, who was elected in 1999, looked to her for advice. They would swim laps at the East Shore YMCA in Harrisburg, joined sometimes by Speaker of the House Mike Turzai, which Frankel said was “an unusual exhibi- tion of bipartisanship, at least recreationally.” This was emblematic of who Josephs was: charming and with a good sense of humor, Frankel said. She also was fierce and determined. “There was an intensity to her,” Frankel said. “She really didn’t take any flak from people.” As a representative, Josephs was a bastion for liberal causes. She was an early supporter of the Fairness Act, which provided civil rights protec- tions against employment and housing discriminations on the basis of age, race, religion, ethnicity and gender. Joseph’s committee heard the bill and kicked it out of committee in 2007, the only time at that point that the bill ever got out of committee, according to Frankel. A fighter for civil liberties, Josephs cast the only vote against legislation requiring all school- children in the state to recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily. Seashore Gardens Foundation FIFTH ANNUAL TOURNAMENT October 4TH 11 11:30 1: 3 0 am a m Presented by: David Lieberman Allstate This golf tournament provides much needed funds for programs at Seashore Gardens Living Center. These programs ensure that we can continue to Enrich Elder Lives. Foursome $800 Early Bird $700 (if payment received by September 13th) 4 golfers with boxed lunches, deluxe goody bags, and dinner. Single Golfer $200 Includes a boxed lunch, deluxe goody bag, dinner and golf. BBQ Buffet Dinner Only $75 8 SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 Blue Heron Pines Golf Club 550 Country Club Drive Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215 Scan to sign up! Schedule 11:30am Registration and Lunch 12:30pm Putting Contest 1:00pm Tee Time 4:00 Novice Golf Academy 5:30 Awards Dinner and Silent Auction JEWISH EXPONENT Babette Josephs was “indefagitable,” according to Dan Frankel Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons “Babette’s fire was stoked over decades of doing the right thing. She was among the early champions of people living with HIV,” said Ronda Goldfein, executive director of the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania, in an ACLU PA tribute to Josephs. “She introduced an HIV confi- dentiality bill that prevented health care and social service providers from disclosing that patients and clients were living with HIV.” She was scrutinized in 2013 after accusing fellow Jewish Labor Committee member Gregg Kravitz of falsely claiming an LGBT identity to win over gay voters in the Pennsylvania House primary, the Jewish Exponent reported. Kravitz responded by denying her claim, saying sexual orientation was not relevant to his election. After retiring, Josephs continued to pursue her progressive passions. She served on the board of the Jewish Social Policy Action Network and founded and served as executive director of the state chapter of the National Abortion Rights Action League. Josephs also co-created the Clara Bell Duvall Reproductive Freedom Project, which merged with the ACLU PA. Josephs was born in Manhattan and raised in Queens, where she received her bachelor’s degree from Queens College in 1962. She earned her law degree from Rutgers- Camden School of Law in 1976. She married her husband, Herbert Newberg, in Queens in 1962, and they were married for 30 years before his 1992 death. Prior to serving in public office, Josephs was a teacher and lawyer and founded and directed environmen- talist, education and abortion advocacy groups. Josephs moved to Eugene in 2019 to be closer to her daughter Eliza Master. Aside from her daughter, she is survived by her son Lee Newberg, six grand- children and brother Williams Josephs. l srogelberg@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0741 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM H eadlines Teen Wins Award for Bat Mitzvah Project L OCA L JARRAD SAFFREN | JE STAFF FOR MANY JEWISH kids, the bar/bat mitzvah project is an obligation. But for Jemmi Seeherman, it was a revelation. Throughout 2020, she raised almost $1,300 and collected more than 600 care items for the PA Breast Cancer Coalition. After the Wyndmoor resident had her bat mitzvah in November, the coalition sent her parents an email. It said that Jemmi had won the nonprofit’s annual Shining Light Award for grassroots leadership. “I learned that I actually have the power to make stuff happen,” she said. Jemmi’s project actually started two years earlier when her mom, Elisa Seeherman, was diagnosed with breast cancer. The daughter was 11 at the time and scared, she said. “It couldn’t have been easy,” Elisa Seeherman said. But after facing her fear, the daughter started helping her mother recover. She began cleaning more around the house and hanging out with her mom just to talk. “She was a shining light,” said Michael Seeherman, Jemmi’s father and Elisa’s husband. Elisa Seeherman made a full recovery in 2019. Near the end of the year, she sat down with Jemmi to discuss possible bat mitzvah projects. And the daughter had an idea. She remembered her mom reaching out to the coalition and receiving a care package. It was filled with useful goodies like comfortable satin pillow- cases, cooling towels for her neck and adult coloring books. “It provided her with stuff that people might not know they need,” Jemmi said. The daughter wanted to give other breast cancer patients the same care package. She pitched the project to Rabbi Saul Grife at Beth Tikvah B’nai Jeshurun in Erdenheim, the family’s synagogue. He approved. “He wants each project to be meaningful for the kids,” Michael Seeherman said. Jemmi recorded a video asking for donations and posted it on social media. It also went out through her parents’ Facebook accounts, the synagogue newsletter and the coalition’s website. Each post included two links: one for making donations, on the coalition site, and another for shipping items to the Seeherman house, through Amazon. Donations and packages came from friends and community members alike, Michael Seeherman said. As COVID-19 pushed Jemmi’s bat mitzvah back from March to November, the dollars and items kept coming. “I was amazed at how many people were actually donating,” she said. Now 14, Jemmi is starting into her freshman year at Springfield Township High School. And at her temple’s Hebrew school, she is going to mentor students with special needs. Jemmi is in the Reta Emerson Fellowship Program, which trains high school students to work with children with special needs. After Jemmi Seeherman on the day she dropped off care package items to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition office in Lebanon. Photo by Elisa Seeherman being recommended by Roni Handler, Beth Tikvah’s director of education, Jemmi wrote an essay to apply and was accepted. “She’s going to continue to find outlets to make a differ- ence,” Elisa Seeherman said. l jsaffren@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0740 Wine Down Wednesday MAKE & TAKE CHARCUTERIE BOARD Wednesday, September 15 / 4 PM Get a Taste of All We Offer, and Take Home Your Delicious Creation Join us for a fun and interactive Wine Down Wednesday. Martha Bowman, Director of Elements, will show how to create a beautiful charcuterie board. While you’re here, tour the community, take a peek at our models and learn about our current savings! RSVP TODAY! 484-392-5011 ANTHOLOGY OF KING OF PRUSSIA 350 Guthrie Road / King of Prussia, PA AnthologyKingofPrussia.com INDEPENDENT LIVING / PERSONAL CARE / MEMORY CARE JEWISHEXPONENT.COM JEWISH EXPONENT SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 9 H eadlines Israel Bonds Head Retires After 40 Years L OCA L TOBY TABACHNICK | JE FEATURE REMEMBER THAT STORY about how a young Lana Turner, sipping a Coke in a malt shop, was discovered by a Hollywood reporter, leading to an iconic career in film? Harold Marcus has a similar story. In 1981, when Marcus was a 30-year-old father of two, he lost his job after a reorgani- zation at the private finance firm where he worked. One day, as he was eating break- fast alone in Pittsburgh, in walked Bill Cohen, then Israel Bonds’ executive director in Pennsylvania. Cohen came over to say hello, having recently met Marcus at a birthday party for Cohen’s grandson. He asked Marcus what he did for a living, and Marcus said he was looking for work. The rest, as they say, is history. “I came to Bonds by accident,” said Marcus, who will be retiring after 40 years working for Israel Bonds in Pennsylvania. “It was a total change of career path.” After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, Marcus began his working life as a copy editor and proof- reader for American Institutes for Research. The company eventually closed its Pittsburgh office and relocated its opera- tion to California, but Marcus did not want to move his family west, so he took the aforemen- tioned job in finance. In 1981, when he met Cohen, Marcus had never even heard of Israel Bonds. But after Cohen explained to him the mission of the organization — helping to build the Jewish state’s economy through investments — Marcus was certain it was something he could do, and do well. He was right. In the 40 years Marcus worked for Israel Bonds — the first 30 in Pittsburgh as a sales representative, the next 10 in Philadelphia as executive director of the Pennsylvania region — he was responsible for securing significant invest- ments in Israel, including more than $300 million that stemmed from a chutzpadik letter he wrote to Warren Buffett in 2015. When one of Israel Bonds’ longtime investors — an insur- ance company acquired by Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway — declined to reinvest as one of its sizable bonds was maturing, Marcus wrote to Buffett and asked for an opportunity to present his case. “A week later, there was a message on my phone,” Marcus said then. “The message said, ‘This is Warren Buffett. I got your letter.’ It took me 10 minutes to get my jaw off the floor.” That letter led to a series of events for Israel Bonds supported by Buffett, begin- ning with a dinner in Omaha in 2016 at which $60 million of bonds were sold — with Buffet buying $5 million worth on his own. Buffet enjoyed the event so much that he agreed to participate in three more. “To say that was the highlight of my career, it was — in one regard,” Marcus said, but was quick to add appre- ciation for the “amazing lay leaders and investors” he worked with over the years. “When I say ‘investor,’ it doesn’t matter whether they’re investing $36 or $2 million — we have some of the most incredible clients with the highest Zionist ideals,” Marcus said. As a brokerage, Israel Bonds is nonpolitical, and has clients that span the gamut, “from the extreme right and the extreme left when it comes to Israel,” he said. “However, they all believe in one thing: You can’t not support the state of Israel, no matter which end of the spectrum you’re on.” Marcus grew up in the Pittsburgh area and met his late wife, Maxine Cohen, when they were 15. They married at 20 and were members of Temple Sinai, where Marcus taught religious school for 45 years. Maxine Marcus died a few weeks shy of their 37th anniversary. In 2011, Marcus was promoted from sales rep to regional director of Israel Bonds’ Pennsylvania Region. He married Maureen Wander Miller the same year, and they moved to Philadelphia, where the regional office is located. Marcus, 71, is a Pittsburgher at heart, but has decided to stay in Philadelphia in his retirement. His last day at Israel Bonds AKILADELPHIA CREATIVE CONTRACTING, LLC CUSTOM BUILDING GENERAL CONTRACTING LICENSED & INSURED 215.589.5405// AKILADELPHIA.COM RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN & BATH SPECIALISTS A PORTION OF TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE WILL BENEFIT JEWISH CHARITY OF CLIENT’S CHOICE SENIOR DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE 10 SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 JEWISH EXPONENT Harold and Maureen Marcus Courtesy of Harold Marcus will be Nov. 3. His successor will be Ari Sirner, whom Marcus hired in 2018 as an Israel Bonds sales rep in Philadelphia. Sirner left last summer to work for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, but got in touch with Israel Bonds and expressed interest in the job when he heard Marcus’ position would be available. “He knows the organi- zation. He knows how we operate,” Marcus said of Sirner. “As a successor, he will come in and assess the campaign and keep what he wants to keep and change when he wants to change. But I’ve no doubt he will do an excellent job.” Looking back, Marcus marvels at the longevity of his career with Israel Bonds. “If you would have told me, June 1, 1981, when I started that over 40 years from that day, I’d be retiring from this organiza- tion, I would have said, ‘You’re crazy.’ Looking back, you wonder where have 40 years gone. But I can honestly say there’s never been a day since June 1 of ‘81, that I’ve opened my eyes in the morning and said, ‘Do I really have to go to work today?’ Yeah, I’m very fortunate.” l Toby Tabachnick is the editor of the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM H eadlines NEWSBRIEFS Canadian Jewish News Restarts, Eyes Younger Audience with Digital Approach THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS, which shut down operations in April 2020, relaunched on Sept. 1 as a digital-first enterprise aimed at a younger audience, JTA reported. The largest Jewish news organization in Canada will prioritize digital content, including email newsletters and podcasts, and scale back its print edition from weekly to four times a year. CJN, which resumed producing a small amount of content over the past year, now employs seven full-time staffers. That’s down from 40 in 2013 and less than half of the 16 on the masthead when it closed last year. The COVID shutdown was “a bit of a gift” in disguise, said Marc Weisblott, CJN’s new managing editor. “That liberated the next iteration from the customary publishing style,” he said. “It allowed us to reinvent what the CJN would be.” up from 7,313 in 2019 and the most since 2008, the FBI said. The FBI relies on hate crime reports from more than 15,000 police precincts nationwide, but a 2020 Department of Justice report found that 87% of precincts reported zero hate crimes in 2017. The Anti-Defamation League’s annual audit pegged the number of antisemitic incidents in 2020 at 2,024. “Data drives policy and without having a complete picture of the problem, we cannot even begin to resolve the issues driving this surge in hate and violence,” ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said, calling the lack of reporting by police precincts as “simply not credible.” American Jewish Athlete Wins Paralympics Table Tennis Gold in Tokyo Jewish-American Ian Seidenfeld upset the world No. 1 at the Tokyo Paralympics to win a gold medal in table tennis on Aug. 28. Seidenfeld, 20, followed the footsteps of his FBI: Anti-Jewish Hate Crimes Drop in 2020 — father Mitchell, a four-time Paralympic table tennis or Did They? medalist, who won gold in Barcelona in 1992. His The FBI said that anti-Jewish hate crimes dropped father now coaches the Team USA Paralympics table 29% from 953 in 2019 to 676 last year, but some people tennis squad. are questioning the data, JTA reported. Seidenfeld beat defending champion Peter In all, hate crimes nationwide climbed to 7,759, JEWISHEXPONENT.COM JEWISH EXPONENT Rosenmeier of Denmark, 3-0, to win. He had lost to Rosenmeier in preliminary-round play. Both Seidenfelds have Pseudoachondroplasia dwarfism, an inherited bone growth disorder. They competed in Class 6, “for players who can stand but have severe impairments in their arms and legs.” Amsterdam Museum Says it Will Return Wassily Kandinsky Painting to Jewish Family Amsterdam said its city-owned museum should return a Wassily Kandinsky painting acquired from a Jewish family that was under duress during the Holocaust, JTA said. “Painting with Houses” — believed to be worth at least $22 million — will be transferred from the city-owned Stedelijk Museum to the family of Irma Klein, the museum said in a statement. The family has fought in the courts for about a decade to retrieve the painting, which prompted international pressure and protests in support. Klein and her husband sold “Painting with Houses” in the 1940s for the modern-day equivalent of about $1,600 because they needed money to survive the Holocaust. The painting is considered stolen by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany. l — Compiled by Andy Gotlieb SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 11 H EADLINES 9/11 – Where Were You? plaque that still hangs in our offi ces. Here’s a look at our ANDY GOTLIEB | JE MANAGING EDITOR memories of that fateful day 20 For those of certain gener- years ago. ations, the Nov. 23, 1963, assassination of President John Gabe Kahn, editor-in-chief In the early hours of Sept. F. Kennedy remained indelibly 11, 2001, I was still basking in on their minds — years later, the glow of a magical Sept. 10. those alive then knew exactly Twelve hours before the fi rst where they were and what they plane hit, I was screaming myself were doing when they fi rst hoarse with several friends at heard the news. Madison Square Garden for a Th e events of Sept. 11, 2001, Michael Jackson concert that collectively known as 9/11, was nothing short of spectac- mark a similar touchstone for ular. Not only did MJ perform diff erent generations, although a slew of his biggest hits, but a there is some overlap for wide array of stars took the stage today’s older generations that throughout the evening. experienced both. Luther Vandross was there. Th e Jewish Exponent staff did yeoman’s work that day, So was Gloria Gaynor, who sang redoing the cover on a deadline her timeless anthem, “I Will day to refl ect the day’s events Survive.” Usher had his own and cobbling together several rendition of Jackson’s “Wanna stories. Th at work was honored Be Startin’ Somethin.’” (At the the following year by the time, I had no idea who Usher Keystone Press Awards — a was.) Chris Tucker, fresh off his L OCA L mega-hit “Rush Hour 2,” did a couple minutes of stand up. When Elizabeth Taylor fi nally introduced Michael, the reclu- sive singer was accompanied by Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash on “Beat It” and “Black and White.” Later Jackson brought up his brothers, and they sang, “I Want You Back,” their cheesy dance moves the same as when they performed on Th e Ed Sullivan Show in 1969. At the crack of dawn the next morning, I was in my black GEO Prizm reliving each moment of the concert with two friends as we drove back to Boston, all of us groggy but still on a high from our shared seminal experience. About 45 minutes from home, my mom called with the news, and what should have been one of my greatest memories was suddenly an ironic prelude to the worst day of my life. The cover of the Sept. 13, 2001 Jewish Exponent Andy Gotlieb I got off the subway at Fift h and Market streets, heading for my job as fi nance reporter for the Philadelphia Business Journal. I heard some chatter on the street that a plane had hit one of the Twin Towers, but assumed that it was a small plane and, thus, while sad, wasn’t that big of a deal. When I got to the newsroom, the TV was on and footage from the fi rst tower was airing – only to be interrupted by news that the second tower was hit. We watched in stunned amazement for a few minutes, then huddled as we fi gured out how we would cover this. Not long aft er that, we were told to Photo by Andy Gotlieb go home. Given our proximity to assorted historic sites, “offi cials” — I can’t remember if it was the Philadelphia Police Department, city govern- ment or a national agency — thought Old City might be a target because of the historic and symbolic attrac- tions and wanted to clear the area. SEPTA was about to shut down, so we all hightailed it home, where I watched things unfold for the rest of the day. We were back in the offi ce the next day, frantically working any angle that seemed locally relevant for Friday’s issue. And 9/11 stories dominated every- one’s coverage for weeks and months to follow. See 9-11, Page 17 12 SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 JEWISH EXPONENT JEWISHEXPONENT.COM H eadlines ISRAELBRIEFS Israeli Swimmer Wins Two Golds, Bronze at Paralympics; Team Wins Multiple Medals ISRAELI SWIMMER MARK MALYAR won two gold medals and broke both his world records at the Paralympics in Tokyo, JTA reported. Malyar won the 400-meter freestyle race in the S7 category and won gold in the men’s 200-meter individual medley in the SM7 category. He also captured a bronze in the men’s 100-meter backstroke in the S7 category. “I’m happy that I succeeded in getting the result I want. I’m very tired,” he said. “I didn’t feel that I was even going that fast, but it worked, and my body is just about done.” As of Sept. 2, Israel had captured nine medals. Malyar’s teammate Ami Omer Dadaon won two golds and a silver, while another swimmer, Iyad Shalabi, won two golds. And Moran Samuel earned a silver medal in rowing for women’s single sculls. A three-justice panel refused to hear the case. That means a lower court’s ruling — that the discrimina- tion against Jews enacted in Morocco during World War II by Nazi-aligned Vichy France doesn’t qualify as Nazi persecution under Israeli law — stands. In that lower-court ruling, the judges agreed that Moroccan Jews experienced a systemic curtailing of freedoms, but that Moroccan authorities acted on their own accord. If the lawsuit succeeded, it would have meant estimated payments of $123 million to Moroccan immigrants. Survey: Half of Israelis Don’t Want to Attend Holiday Meals with the Unvaccinated Fifty percent of Jewish Israelis said that they could forgo High Holidays meals if they knew unvaccinated people were there, The Jerusalem Post reported, citing an Israel Democracy Institute survey. About 43% said their decision wouldn’t be impacted by the presence of unvaccinated people. Israeli Supreme Court: Moroccan Jews Those under 44 were less likely to skip the meal Ineligible for Holocaust Compensation Israel’s Supreme Court on Aug. 23 rejected a lawsuit than their older counterparts. In Israel, 94% of those seeking to recognize Jews who suffered under Vichy race above 50 have received at least one vaccine shot, laws in Morocco as Holocaust victims entitled to state compared to 77% of those under 50. Of unvaccinated respondents, 22.4% said they compensation, JTA reported, citing a Haaretz report. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM JEWISH EXPONENT weren’t against getting vaccinated but hadn’t gotten around to it. Twenty-nine percent said they were worried about the vaccine damaging their health, and 21% said they don’t believe the vaccines help prevent infection. Israel’s First Medicine and Science Museum Opens in Hadera Technoda, Israel’s first medicine and science museum, opened to the public on Aug. 31, The Jerusalem Post reported. Located in Hadera, it contains 120 exhibits spread over 1,200 square meters and is one of the world’s biggest museums. The museum has the theme of “Diving into the Human Body” and has exhibits about anatomy, physiology, diagnosis and pathology, treatment, and advanced technologies. Technoda is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles. “We’ve seen it all around the world: Countries that prioritize public discourse about medicine signifi- cantly impact the health of their citizens, while countries that don’t suffer many failures in this area,” Technoda CEO Dr. Gadi Mador said. l — Compiled by Andy Gotlieb SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 13 H eadlines Rescue Dogs — and a Rabbi — Help Prisoner in California Find Redemption NATIONAL ALIX WALL | JTA.ORG VACAVILLE, CALIFORNIA — Soon after Jon Grobman was released from prison, where he had once thought he would die, he headed back inside volun- tarily — this time with canine sidekicks. Grobman was returning as the newest hire of a nonprofit group, Paws for Life K9 Rescue, that had been instrumental in his own long and difficult road to redemption. He won’t easily forget the words of the judge who sentenced him to life without parole. “If I felt that you had any promise to ever amount to anything in your life, I wouldn’t give you this sentence,” Grobman recalled the judge saying. The takeaway, Grobman said, was that “he determined I had no value to anyone or anything in this world.” Sixteen years later, his voice still shakes from the memory. Raised in a nonobservant Jewish family in the affluent Bay Area town of Hillsborough, California, Grobman had been in trouble for years. He’d begun experimenting with drugs at a young age, continuing as he struggled with emotional issues. When his parents sent him to a child psychologist as a teen, the doctor molested him (along with many other young boys, including several Jewish victims, over the span of decades). Stealing to fund his drug habit into adulthood, Grobman continued to get in trouble with the law. In 2005 he ran afoul of California’s “three strikes” law, which suggests a 25-years-to-life sentence for anyone convicted of three felonies. But in prison, Grobman found a new lease on life. With the help of a local Chabad rabbi, he rediscovered his Judaism; 14 SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 Jon Grobman works with a rescue pup from Paws 4 Life K9 Rescue at California Medical Facility in Vacaville. and, with the help of some four-legged friends, he found an opportunity to practice teshuvah, or repentance. “Of all the classes I took in prison, nothing impacted me more than one on victim sensi- tivity awareness,” he said. “It connected me to what people go through when they’re victim- ized. I started connecting the trauma that I went through to the trauma of those around me, and the trauma I caused others. I began thinking about what I can do with my life to make a difference in the lives of those around me, and began mento- ring younger guys. “I knew I was never getting out, but I could help them for when they did.” In 2018, the extraordinary happened: After 13 years in prison, Grobman became the state’s first-ever beneficiary of a “Recall of Commitment” from the California Department of Corrections. Citing his excep- tional behavior in prison and evidence that he would be a positive asset on the outside, the state recommended that he go free. Today, at 54, he is. Since getting a second chance, Grobman feels he has been proving that judge wrong every single day — something that he says kicked into high gear when he became involved with Paws for Life. The Los Angeles-based nonprofit gives incarcerated men the chance to train rescued shelter dogs with behavioral problems who other- wise would be euthanized. The group began in 2014 as an idea from prison leadership, which partnered with a local shelter. For the pilot program, the shelter’s operator, Alex Tonner, brought dogs into the maximum-security California State Prison, Los Angeles County, in Lancaster, California, at the behest of the prison’s warden. That pilot program worked with men who were a part of the prison’s so-called “Honor Yard,” reserved for lifers who have demonstrated a commitment to rehabilitation. Grobman was among them. The story of that group, including Grobman, was recently featured in the short documentary “Shelter Me: Soul Awakened,” hosted by musician John Legend and broadcast on public television. Grobman was JEWISH EXPONENT Jon Grobman hugs his mother, Diane Grobman, at a Paws 4 Life graduation ceremony. also in the 2015 HBO documen- tary “Toe Tag Parole: To Live and Die on Yard A.” In prison, Grobman hid the fact that he was Jewish at first, but over time he befriended the only other Jewish man at Lancaster. Rabbi Joseph Lazar, the Jewish chaplain at the prison in Lancaster and director of the nearby Chabad of the High Desert, came once a week to wrap tefillin with him and teach him about Jewish history for most of his time there. “In prison, he found his better side that was buried deep beneath all those layers that led him to be incarcerated in the first place,” Lazar said about Grobman. “Over time, he made his life about helping others. He really learned how to have compassion and empathy for others inside, and could really be a poster child for teshuvah.” Grobman said learning with Lazar was inspirational. “We’re a resilient people, and learning about our history, I saw the connection to my own story,” he said. His job in the prison captain’s office, running many of the prison’s rehabilitation programs, gave him a certain amount of power and protection, which allowed him to feel safe being “out” as a Jew, even among skinheads; he even became close friends with one of them, he said. When he was approached to help start Paws for Life at the prison, he agreed. At first, it was hard to find 15 men willing to sign up, partially because they couldn’t believe dogs would be allowed into prison. Grobman ended up taking part, too; he was a natural at dog training, and eventually became the program’s leader. “Every person I was able to have an impact on erased more of what the judge said,” he said. “I realized how good it feels to help change someone’s life, and to play a role in guiding people in the right direction.” JEWISHEXPONENT.COM H EADLINES Jon Grobman (center) poses with a group of incarcerated men at California State Prison, Los Angeles County, in Lancaster. His own prison term behind him, Grobman now works as director of programs for Paws for Life K9 Rescue, which has incarcerated men train shelter dogs. Photos courtesy of Rita Earl Blackwell via JTA.org It was clear from the outset that it wasn’t only the dogs who were benefi ting. Outside of the human-ca- nine bond, “there is trust,” said Tonner, who today runs the program. “Th ese animals come in with no judgment. Th e dog was caged, in a shelter, and wasn’t given opportunities, and the guys relate to them in that way. Th e dogs also make them vulnerable; they open up their emotions.” Prison is “not an enriching environment,” Tonner said, “but they’re able to take this dog and enrich it in the ways they would like to be enriched and they take pride in that.” The graduating dogs — hundreds have been trained by now — are then adopted into “forever” homes, with their trainers receiving regular updates about them. As men advance, some have learned how to train service dogs, particularly those that can be companions for veterans with PTSD. As soon as it became known that Grobman was getting out, he was off ered full-time employment by Paws for Life; he calls it his dream job. As the group’s director of programs, he is in charge of bringing the therapeutic benefi ts he had once experi- enced to other men. So far, he has helped start the program in two prisons in Northern California: Mule Creek State Prison and the California Medical Facility. Grobman still sees Lazar on his frequent visits to Lancaster. “He’s obviously intelligent with excellent people skills,” Lazar said. “I’m quite impressed with how much he continues to give back. At every opportunity, he really goes out of his way to help others.” During Grobman’s recent visit to the CMF in Vacaville, a group of men in prison blues showed off their charges: Tank, Panda, Hearts, Roger and Farrah Fawcett. Th ree trainers share a single dog, and they are always paired with trainers of diff erent races so as to encourage interracial harmony. “Working with the dogs can make me forget I’m in prison,” said Andrey Bernik, who identi- fi ed himself as a Ukrainian Jew on his mother’s side. “We are warehoused here, and for the most part, don’t have any way to give back to society,” said Chris Mann, who’s been incarcerated for nearly 30 years. “Most see us only as the last crime we committed, and not who we’ve turned into. Knowing that the dogs we trained will go to good homes allows us a chance to ASK US ABOUT OUR COMPLIMENTARY PACKING, PLANNING AND MOVING SERVICES. RydalWaters.org Model Cottage Now Open! NOW 75% SOLD! CALL NOW TO LEARN ABOUT OUR CHARTER MEMBER PERKS PACKAGE. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM give back.” Paws for Life says that, to date, 39 of its participants have had their sentences commuted. Many of them are now working with dogs on the outside. Not one has returned to prison. “All this good that came from freeing Jon, helps free us,” said Eddie Davis, another incarcerated man at CMF. “In an odd sort of way, Jon found his passion and his purpose in prison. He could now probably be a corporate type, but he wouldn’t be anywhere as happy as he is now.” How many of these men will be given a second chance to follow in Grobman’s footsteps is ultimately up to the governor and the parole board. But the numbers continue to grow, and his regular visits remind them that it’s possible. “Th is is my community,” Grobman said. “I don’t want people to forget about them.” ● Wishing You a Joyous New Year! Newly Renovated Apartments RydalPark.org To schedule a tour of our beautiful cottages and apartment homes, please call (215)999-3619 or visit us online. JEWISH EXPONENT SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 15 From Our Family to your family L’shana Tovah! “May you be inscribed in the book of life” As the generations of your family gather to observe and celebrate the High Holy Days; it is an important time to reflect on the events of this past year and consider what the future may bring. What questions should you be asking? • Why leave important decisions to others when you are able to choose together? • Why leave the financial burden to the next generation? • Why not encourage the next generation to stay together? • When will you make an appointment to visit Roosevelt or Shalom for a personal planning guide and a park tour? We at Roosevelt and Shalom Memorial Park are honored to care for your family from generation to generation. SAVE UP TO 1 8%* ON CE M ETE RY PR E -AR R ANG E M E NTS Zero Interest for 60 months available now. *Limited time discounts valid only for select cemetery property from September 2, 2021 - September 30, 2021. Discounts apply to new pre-need purchases only. Terms and conditions apply. See an associate for details. Honoring your past while protecting your future TODAY! Samuel Domsky General Manager 16 SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 Leah Feldman General Manager JEWISH EXPONENT JEWISHEXPONENT.COM H eadlines 9-11 Continued from Page 12 Mike Costello, finance director The day started off like any other. I made my way into Center City from Northeast Philadelphia and arrived at my office around 7 a.m. At the time, I was working as a credit union loan officer. While the internet existed, it was still relatively new. Cellphones weren’t nearly as common as they are now. As such, I used to listen to a radio tuned in to the Howard Stern Show. I remember listening to the show and hearing about the attack. At first, like many others, I presumed it was a small commuter plane that took a wrong turn. Then, I heard that the second plane hit and was frozen. We did not have a television in the office, and news reports were beginning to cover the event in detail. People were hearing the news from relatives and news battery died, then resuming the call from the phone that hung on my kitchen wall. She likened the event to Pearl Harbor and the invasion of Normandy. The one thing that I distinctly remember that night was a feeling of sadness for those who lost their lives and for their families. I remember feeling fortunate that I had not suffered those losses and that my family was safe. The long chat with Nana helped to wake me up the next morning with a feeling of pride about being American and a sense of deter- mination that no obstacle is insurmountable. That determi- nation still resides with me. Jarrad Saffren, staff writer I was in fourth grade, and I remember a few kids leaving class in the morning. My teacher was this big, burly guy, and his personality was as big as his body, and he made some joke like, “What’s goin’ on?!” He didn’t know yet. None Our Community Has Trusted Rosen Family Businesses for Decades My father, Don Rosen, taught me that the key to a successful business is integrity, meaningful relationships and excellent customer service. I honor his legacy every day through my work at Griswold Home Care. The long chat with Nana helped to wake me up ... with a feeling of pride about being American and a sense of determination that no obstacle is insurmountable.” MIKE COSTELLO alerts online. I recall the instant messaging software that broad- cast events to employees. It wasn’t much longer before we were told that the building was closing, and we needed to make our way home. It seemed like Center City was undergoing a simultaneous mass evacuation. The train stations and subway platforms were crowded, and it took me several hours to make my way home. Once I arrived home, I remember doing little else but watching the news coverage for the next two days, both horri- fied by the images and loss of life and proud to see people helping each other. I remember chatting at length with my grandmother from the wireless house phone until the JEWISHEXPONENT.COM of us did. But after lunch, the office kept buzzing into the classroom and asking for kids to be sent down for dismissal. By the end of the day, I think there were four students left in class. Finally, our teacher sat down in front of us, started fighting back tears and said that “someone attacked the United States.” Some students asked questions but he didn’t want to say too much. We were kids. My younger brother and I walked home after school, and our mom was watching the news. We saw a woman being interviewed in New York City. Her face was bloody. l agotlieb@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0797 JEWISH EXPONENT SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 17 H eadlines Sermons Teshuvah the first full day of the Jewish new year, as they welcomed congre- gants for the first High Holiday service after the tragedy, rabbis stepped up to their bimahs and embraced their roles. As Reform Rabbi Elliot Strom explained it, American Jews had watched news, political speeches and geopolitical analysis all week at that point. When Strom, now retired, welcomed his members at Shir Ami in Bucks County that morning, he knew they were turning to religion for something else, something deeper. “You needed to give it a spiri- tual focus,” he said. “You needed that ability that religion has to step back and see the larger picture.” In 2001, Rabbi Aaron Gaber led Conservative Con- gregation Beth Judah, now Shirat Hayam, a Conservative and Reform shul in Ventnor, New Jersey. He titled his first High Holiday sermon, “A Eulogy to the World Trade Center.” Gaber started by expressing the raw anger that everybody felt, anger at all the senseless deaths and what ifs. But then he reminded everyone that they were in this together, and with those outside the Jewish faith, like Christians he’s going to make it very well.” Jordan’s friend has dementia; he’s the oldest of the men in SCI-Phoenix’s Jewish congre- gation, a group of 12-or-so Jewish men who — under non-pandemic circumstances — come together to pray and schmooze weekly. Medical inconveniences and confusions aren’t uncommon in prisons, says Bob Lankin, a lawyer-turned-financial adviser and volunteer with SCI-Phoenix’s congregation. Another man in the congregation was sent from SCI-Phoenix to a hospital in Altoona for a surgery. According to Lankin, visitors and family were not permitted to visit — a prison policy to curtail potential escapes. The prison didn’t inform the patient’s family of the surgery time. “That’s wrong,” Lankin said. As a lawyer, but moreover as a Jewish person, Lankin said he objects to aspects of the carceral system. The poor treatment of those incarcerated persists in many areas of prison culture, Lankin said. State prisons banned “solitary confinement” and replaced it with “restric- tive housing” or “disciplinary custody,” which Lankin said is virtually the same thing. (Jordan still uneasily refers to it as “the hole.”) The Department of Justice reports that up to 20% of those incarcerated in state and federal prisons are kept in restrictive housing at some point in their sentence. Though Lankin has never witnessed it firsthand, he’s had men on the inside tell him about times guards have harassed or punched them. But what Lankin takes greatest issue with is the sentencing lengths of those incarcerated in the U.S., which surpasses those in all of Western Europe. More than 50,000 incarcerated Continued from Page 1 18 SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 Continued from Page 1 Rabbi Elliot Strom, formerly of Shir Ami in Bucks County. Courtesy of Elliot Strom and Muslims. Finally, he concluded by telling his congre- gants that they would find the strength to go on. Gaber said the speech was not difficult to rewrite. Like the rest of the country, he was focusing on and thinking about the tragedy all week. And his message did not have to be complicated. “Those kinds of sermons write themselves,” he said. Rabbi Lance Sussman of Reform Congregation Keneseth Rabbi Yitzchok Leizerowski  Courtesy of Duskis Photo Israel in Elkins Park lets his speeches write themselves in the moment, saying he prefers to speak extemporaneously. On 9/11, he was only a month into his tenure at KI after moving from a synagogue in Binghamton, New York. But he knew exactly what to say. Jews had been through trage- dies like this before, and had a deep well of wisdom to draw from. It was a moment of uncer- tainty, and at such moments, our people lean into sources of strength, Sussman said. “Faith is a source of strength. Family is a source of strength. Friendship is a source of strength,” the rabbi said that day. But not all temple leaders were so comforting. Rabbi Yitzchok Leizerowski leads the Orthodox Congregation Bais Medrash Harav B’nai Jacob in Philadelphia. On the morning of 9/11, as he watched the towers fall on TV, he had an unsettling reali- zation about American power. And then, on Rosh Hashanah morning, he shared it with his congregants. “God sent a great message to us in America,” Leizerowski said. “Things are not the way you think they are.” Leizerowski went on to say JEWISH EXPONENT that God does not punish us for no reason. “There’s room for improve- ment,” he said. Looking back, the Orthodox rabbi believes he hit the mark. Other rabbis, though, aren’t so sure about their messages. Strom said that, unless people reach out after, it’s hard for rabbis to ever really know if their words resonate. But after 9/11, they at least knew one thing: People were listening. On the day of the attacks, Ohev Shalom in Richboro saw more than 100 people show up for its Tuesday evening service. Usually, according to Perlstein, only 12-15 members attended evening services. Two nights later, Ohev hosted an impromptu service for congre- gants to come together after the tragedy. More than 600 people walked through the doors. On the first anniversary of 9/11, Sussman organized a memorial gathering at KI. More than 3,000 people came, filling both the sanctuary and the hallways. “The entire community came together,” Sussman said. l jsaffren@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0740 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM H eadlines Laurie Jubelirer is a criminal justice and civil rights lawyer. Courtesy of Laurie Jubelirer Bob Lankin is a lawyer-turned- financial adviser who volunteers with the SCI-Phoenix Jewish congregation. Courtesy of Bob Lankin Rilka Spieler disagrees. She is a member of Matir Asurim, a new Philadelphia-based network of chaplains, activists and those “directly impacted by incarceration,” working to provide resources to those incarcerated. Spieler doesn’t believe that prisons serve to reform a population at all. Following the words of political activist and abolitionist Angela Davis, Spieler believes that “prisons disappear people.” “If you put somebody in a prison, especially far away from their family, or away from their community, that’s You don’t need to have a sentence that long to discourage people from committing crimes. After a while, it’s just plain punishment, and excessive punishment is against the Jewish religion.” BOB LANKIN people in the U.S. are serving life sentences without parole; Jordan is one of them. Lankin is among a group of lawyers and activists that believes these long sentences become retribution. “You don’t need to have a sentence that long to discourage people from committing crimes,” Lankin said. “After a while, it’s just plain punishment, and exces- sive punishment is against the Jewish religion.” Criminal defense and civil rights lawyer Laurie Jubelirer, who is Jewish, agrees; she believes that those incarcerated deserve second chances. “We’re all human beings,” Jubelirer said. “Why should we be defined by our worst behavior?” Like other rabbis who work with those incarcerated, Rabbi Moishe Mayir Vogel posits that these long sentences are inconsistent with the Jewish New Year’s promise of new beginnings. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM “As human beings, we make mistakes,” Vogel said. “We know that we continue to grow.” Vogel is the executive director at the Northeast Regional Headquarters of the Aleph Institute, an organiza- tion that provides resources for incarcerated Jews and Jews readjusting to life on the outside. He points out the double standard of punishing some individuals, while all individuals err. “Those in the prison system — they suffer tremendously; some of their wrongdoings are exposed,” he said. “We, as human beings, we all have skeletons in our closet.” Lankin and Vogel both affirm the necessity of prisons. However Vogel agrees with Lankin that incarceration can move into the slippery slope of retribution: Those incarcer- ated should be treated “as a child who is punished by their parents,” but never punished out of anger. it,” Spieler said. Mirroring the thoughts of Rabbis David Bauer and Elyse Wechterman — both chaplains at SCI-Phoenix — Spieler thinks that removing an individual from their community denies them the opportunity to apologize to those they’ve hurt. “The way to have people atone is to actually be in community and be in relation- ship with the people they’re working to make amends with,” Spieler said. “If you remove people from their community, then they aren’t given that opportunity.” Jubelirer and Lankin advocate for restorative justice, the coming together of the victim and perpetrator to share their experiences and come away with a deeper mutual understanding, as a systemic change to isolating those who’ve committed a crime in prisons. Though Jordan did not speak about the JEWISH EXPONENT circumstances that led to his arrest and conviction, he was certain about being given the opportunity to meet with those he hurt: “I would still apologize to those people, if given the choice, for hurting them, their loved ones and their family.” Restorative justice is just the beginning of imagining a world where prisons could be obsolete, Spieler said. Whatever changes are made to the system, Spieler believes there needs to be a dialogue between the perpetrator and those they’ve harmed — a major tenet of teshuvah. For those on the inside, however, who have been denied these opportunities, complete teshuvah can still be done and has been done, Wechterman said. “The way that we seek forgiveness is by recognizing that what we’ve done is wrong; owning our responsibility for it; learning how we can do better,” Wechterman said. “And then, when given the opportunity and confronted with the same choices, not doing the same thing — making better choices.” Last week, Jordan was playing cards with another man in the day room area of his unit. Jordan said the man said something to disre- spect him, and Jordan started to raise his voice a little. But he didn’t cause a scene and chose not to pick a fight. The two of them laughed it off and continued playing cards a few minutes later. “I can be a mean person if I choose,” Jordan said, but said he makes the choice not to be. “It’s not worth it in here,” Jordan said. “It’s not worth it out there, either.” l srogelberg@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0741 Exclusive Women’s Apparel Boutique Made in USA Custom designs, color options and free alterations available Evening Gowns Suits/Separates Cocktail Dresses 61 Buck Road Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 www.elanaboutique.com (215)953-8820 Make an appointment today! Consult with the designer to explore your style options. SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 19 O pinion Has Israel Let You Down? Its Minister of Diaspora Affairs Wants You to Talk About It Over The High Holidays BY NACHMAN SHAI TO THE RABBIS and religious leaders putting the finishing touches to your High Holiday sermons, I’d like to make a suggestion: Use this Jewish New Year to talk about Israel from the pulpit. And not just Israel. Talk about the bonds between us, as a Jewish people, about our shared past and imagined future. Talk about the challenges, but also the opportunities. Share with your congregants that we in Israel are slowly but surely taking responsibility for our side of the relationship in a way that you have never seen, that we realize we have disappointed you and are doing teshuvah, repentance, with a sincere desire to make things right in the future. Share with them that this new government is committed to bringing back a Kotel Compromise — that is, formalizing an egalitarian prayer section at the Western Wall. It is committed to learning and understanding how our actions impact your communities. Tell them that we believe in you and that we are ready for both your critique and your ideas. Most importantly, share with your communities that Israel desires to be your partner, to not let our politics or diverse identities serve as barriers to our fundamental belief that we are a people with a common fate and destiny. I know this message might not be easy to convey. I’ve lived long enough to see how Israel has turned from a point of pride to tension. And it’s understandable. Generations built their Judaism around the ideal of Israel and the promise of peace as the focal point of Jewish identity and Zionist hope. So when Israel disappoints, organized Jewish frameworks can also disap- point, intensifying political divides within communities, especially among the rising generation. So why would a rabbi waste his or her precious annual moment with a quiet audience on a subject that increasingly causes more controversy than connection? I believe the answer is simple. Despite the very signif- icant challenges that stand between us, the truth is that we need each other, and I am convinced ultimately want to be in relationship with each other. The last year highlighted just how intertwined we are as a people, when Israel’s summer military operation in Gaza led not only to a frightening rise in antisemitism, but significant stress and frustration within communities. It is becoming increasingly imperative for us to work together to ensure ongoing safety, security and communal cohesion. We also still have the ability to bring out the best in each other. Israel needs your clarity and backbone to empower us to make the bold decisions that will ensure our continuity as both a Jewish and democratic state. We need your justice-minded values to assure Israelis that moving toward two states for two peoples is the only solution, both for our security and our soul. We have room to be inspired by your models of pluralism and diver- sity, and of organized Jewish communal life within our own religious practice. On the other end, Israel continues to be the proud manifestation of the Jewish people’s 2,000-year-old-dream. Israel — the state, the land and its people — with all of its complexities, deserves to remain a central component of Jewish identity-building and experiences around the world. Finally, you and I have a mutual mission to elevate not only our own people, but the entire world through the development of shared projects on climate change, as well as biomedical and technological innovation. But before we can make progress toward true peace, revitalized pluralism in Israel and the next great global initia- tive, we must begin with a basic conversation about peoplehood — who we are, what are our common values and language. You have the opportunity to lead your communities with these questions. As Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan wrote, “The individual Jew who regards this world as the scene of salvation depends upon the Jewish people to help [them] achieve it. For that reason, [they] must be able to feel that in investing the best part of [themselves] in the Jewish people, [they are] investing in something that has a worthwhile future, and thereby achieving an earthly immortality.” From the pulpit, let us wrestle with these ideas and imagine this worthwhile future together. l Nachman Shai is Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs. The Real Danger of That Atheist Harvard Chaplain BY MOSHE PHILLIPS THE NEWS MEDIA had a field day recently with the man-bites-dog story of the self-proclaimed atheist who was recently named chief 20 SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 chaplain at Harvard University. After nearly 400 years of having chief chaplains who believe in God, Harvard has gone in a surprising new direc- tion. Not only that, but the new head chaplain, Greg Epstein, is Jewish and a graduate of the rabbinical ordination program at something called the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism. Undoubtedly, some parents of Jewish students at Harvard will be troubled at the prospect of their sons or daughters coming under the influence of a passionate advocate of atheism. Active rejection of the most basic concept in Judaism — belief in God — is pretty fringe stuff in the eyes of most American Jews. The problem is not that Greg Epstein is an atheist; that’s his business. The problem is that he presents himself as a rabbi, even though his core belief system is rejected by every Jewish religious denom- ination of note — Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist. The power of the “rabbi” title is that it confers Jewish legitimacy and respectability on whatever the rabbi, even a self-proclaimed one, says. JEWISH EXPONENT Jewish students at Harvard who don’t know better will hear that “the rabbi” said something, and assume that what he said represents Judaism, not just a tiny fringe element on the Jewish spectrum. Whether Greg Epstein will influence Jewish students’ religious beliefs remains to be seen. It could be argued that these students are more likely to be influenced by their professors, whom they often perceive as experts and authority figures. But where Epstein’s influ- ence may well be felt even more strongly, I fear, is on Jewish students’ perceptions of Israel, the Holocaust and antisemitism. Because he is Jewish, and because of the power of his new position, Epstein will have significant new platforms from which to share his views on Jewish issues — at campus events, in the news media and well beyond. And Epstein’s views on Jewish issues are disturbingly extreme. A Tweet from Epstein on April 28 employed the ugly term “Jewish supremacists” to demean Jewish nationalists who were marching in Jerusalem. That slur was coined by neo-Nazis and JEWISHEXPONENT.COM O pinion then more recently adopted by the radical left. One indication of Epstein’s shallow understanding of the Holocaust was his 2019 tweet calling American detention facilities for illegal migrants “concentration camps.” If you think I am exagger- ating and that Epstein could not possibly have meant literally that those facilities are similar to concentration camps, note that he wrote they “can LITERALLY [caps his], in a historically accurate way, be called concentration camps.” No, they cannot, which is why the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and other scholarly Holocaust institu- tions strongly denounced those comparisons. As for Israel — when Hamas won the 2006 Pa lest i nia n leg islat ive elections, Epstein was part of a group of left-wing rabbis who rushed to urge President George W. Bush to refrain from rejecting the terrorist victors: “We urge you to maintain a cautious approach” toward Hamas, in order to advance the goal of a Palestinian state, they wrote. I guess since Epstein is a member of the J Street Rabbinic and Cantorial Cabinet, that’s pretty much what we should expect. J Street, the contro- versial Jewish pressure group that was created to lobby for a Palestinian state, consistently supports Palestinian demands against Israel. The leaders of J Street always seem to blame Israel for what goes wrong, no matter how extreme or violent the Palestinians act. Is this the kind of person whom Jewish parents want influencing their college-age children? It doesn’t seem like a very attractive return on their $51,925 in annual tuition payments. l Moshe Phillips is a commentator on Jewish affairs whose writings appear regularly in the American and Israeli press. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Rabbis are Struggling to Protect Jews’ Physical and Spiritual Health. They Deserve Support, Not Shame BY RABBI SHIRA KOCH EPSTEIN OVER THE PAST year, I have led efforts to teach, guide and coach rabbis and other clergy of every Jewish denomination. We have worked with over 500 individual members of the clergy, serving hundreds of thousands of people since the COVID-19 pandemic began. So let me say this to my dear clergy colleagues: As we celebrate another High Holiday season under the shadow of the pandemic, I know that there is nothing you need more than support in making (or when prevented from making) impossible decisions about vaccinations, masks, social distancing and the integrity of worship. Which is why I am baffled as to why some would add to your burden with irrespon- sible, pain-inducing criticism that could only worsen the challenge, trauma and moral injury that you are experi- encing at this moment, and which I spend all of my profes- sional time trying to lessen. I agree that mitigating all risk at the expense of our Jewish way of life is untenable, and there are certainly appropriate ways to debate safety measures during a public health crisis. Yet second-guessing rabbis like you, as you work overtime to protect the physical safety while meeting the spiritual and communal needs of your communities in ever-changing ways, is not one of them. Those of us actually paying attention have seen your tremen- dous creativity and labor to ensure that our people have meaningful spiritual and communal ways to learn, to observe and to be connected to Torah and each other, even as COVID has precluded or restricted large in-person gatherings. I see you toiling to create innovative outdoor or remote opportunities for our unvaccinated children to engage in Jewish learning and living, and to feel a sense of belonging. I see you teaching congregants to lead backyard minyans; managing complicated technology to lead interactive remote services and study groups; introducing walking meditations and Torah treks and prayerful hikes; and countless other new ways of helping our people to engage with each other and practice our traditions while reducing health risks. I hear your trauma at having buried the many older members of your shul who have died miserably alone this year. I know that when you gather again, the seats of so many “regulars” will be tragically empty. I understand your fear that the immunocompromised and younger, unvaccinated members may be endangered by the high risk that in-person gatherings can pose this year. I know that this informs your decisions as the delta variant wreaks havoc, especially, but not only, when unvaccinated people gather. I listen to you agonize as you balance the calls for individual choice and/or trust from some in your commu- nity with your desire to have proof of vaccine and/or testing and mask mandates to protect the vulnerable, especially in locations where this is culturally unacceptable (and often the same places where JEWISH EXPONENT hospitals are now failing under the burden of illness). You tell me about working with your professional colleagues, lay leaders and local experts as you carefully enact decision trees informed by Jewish values, COVID-era rabbinic opinions and public health experts. Many of your communities model remark- able shared leadership, as clergy, boards and medical advisors together make decisions carefully. Others of you suffer, having to carry out, and even be blamed, for decisions that you fear are dangerous. With every change, we see you creating backups to backups, even as it means having to do twice the work, ignoring your exhaustion and pastoring to flocks who require your help as they, too, deal with their justified angst. And I know that you are experiencing moral injury and burnout from this reality, and that you also fear for your own and your family’s health while also feeling a loss of spiritual connection as a result of your inability to pray in groups, to sing with full voice or to facil- itate the mitzvah observances, simcha celebrations, prayer obligations and mourning rituals that give your own life meaning. Life under COVID is full of difficult calls, weighing physical well-being against mental health; our children’s education against the threat of an insidious virus; the risks of gathering or singing in our beloved sanctuaries versus the atrophying of our communities and our souls. No one wants to needlessly undermine centuries of tradi- tion and our religious choices and obligations. But you, our clergy, know that preserving life is the paramount value of the Torah, and that our tradition is rife with examples of moderating our observances to protect our well-being. You have contrib- uted to and read the myriad rabbinic opinions offering halachic and ethical ways to adapt beloved customs for this emergency situation. You do not need to be cut off at the knees while you run this ultra-marathon, all the while carrying the heavy weight of existential Jewish decisions. Your detractors may be loud, but I hear the quiet cheers of the many who want only to offer you water as you continue the race. My dear colleagues, please know: You are enough. You are doing enough. You can and you must make decisions that are the best and safest you can make, to preserve the lives and the health of your beloved members (and yourselves). Ignore the naysayers, especially those simply looking for click- bait who care not for your health or well-being. I pray that those who see how hard you are working will raise their voices and bolster you with love. With all of the hugs, love and hope for your spiritual renewal. l Rabbi Shira Koch Epstein is executive director of the Center for Rabbinic Innovation, a project of the Office of Innovation. STATEMENT FROM THE PUBLISHER We are a diverse community. The views expressed in the signed opinion columns and let- ters to the editor published in the Jewish Exponent are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the officers and boards of the Jewish Publishing Group, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia or the Jewish Exponent. Send letters to letters@jewishexponent.com or fax to 215-569-3389. Letters should be a maximum of 200 words and may be edited for clarity and brevity. Unsigned letters will not be published. SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 21 22 SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 JEWISH EXPONENT JEWISHEXPONENT.COM L ifestyle /C ulture Break the Fast with Italian Jewish Food F OO D the family enjoy Italian Jewish food alongside bagels and I’m in a mixed marriage. lox with a schmear of cream While my family emigrated cheese. from the Ashkenazi heartland of Germany and Lithuania, my JELLIED STRIPED BASS husband David’s family came PAREVE from Trieste, Italy. Like other Serves 6-8 Italian Jews, their cooking style was influenced by local cuisine. 2 two-pound striped bass This is particularly true when 1 small onion, coarsely they break the Yom Kippur diced fast. 1 carrot, coarsely diced Both families break the fast 1-2 lemons, sliced with a dairy meal. But that is ¼ teaspoon whole where the similarities end. In peppercorns spite of differences in expecta- Kosher salt to taste tions, I juggle everyone’s needs. No-stick vegetable spray Traditionally, my family 3-4 stalks of celery, cut into has dashed to the dining several lengths table as soon as they returned 1 packet vegetable gelatin from services to consume a Several sprigs of Italian huge bagels-and-lox spread as parsley quickly as possible. However, the Italian style Equipment: a fish poacher, of breaking the fast happens large steamer or a wok; and a at a more leisurely pace. In the flat-bottomed, rimmed serving living room, they start with dish approximately 11 inches slices of challah and honey in diameter. cake, served with either a cup Order the fish: Ask the of tea flavored with lemon or fishmonger to remove the honey, sweet vermouth or a head, tail and bones, but leave glass of wine. At our house, the skin on the striped bass. we follow a modified version He should cut each fish into of this, beginning with wine, two fillets (four fillets in all). He should discard the gills but crackers and cheese. We serve jellied striped bass. send you home with the spine, This appetizer is comparable to heads and tails. In the bottom of a fish gefilte fish, although it is made from fresh fish, as opposed to poacher, wok or large steamer, the popular option of buying place the onion, carrot, one slice of lemon, peppercorns, fish patties floating in a jar. Like Italian cuisine in salt, fish heads, tails and bones. general, Jewish cooking is Cover these ingredients with laden with vegetables. Spinach water. Spray the poacher rack is frequently incorporated into with nonstick spray and put salads and hot dishes. Pumpkin it in place. If the fish heads and other golden squashes are are too bulky, making the rack traditional on Rosh Hashanah wobbly, cut them in half. Place the celery on the rack. and break-fast menus. Pureed Place the fish fillets over them. squash is whipped with onions Cover the poacher with its lid as a side dish. Fortunately, these Italian recipes can be and bring the water to a boil. Boil for 15-20 minutes. The made ahead. Not forsaking my roots, fish is cooked through when its however, smoked fish remains meat flakes when pierced with on our menu. Both sides of a knife point. LINDA MOREL | JE FOOD COLUMNIST JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Spinach and goat cheese salad  gbh007 / iStock / Getty Images Plus With two spatulas, carefully SPINACH AND GOAT CHEESE ¼ cup olive oil move the fillets to a flat platter SALAD | DAIRY ¼ cup red wine vinegar with a rim. Using a sharp Serves 6 ¼ teaspoon garlic powder knife, cut each fillet into 1½- to Kosher salt to taste 1 pint cherry tomatoes 2-inch squares. From a lemon Rinse the cherry tomatoes slice, squeeze a drop or two 10-ounce package of triple of lemon juice over each fish under cold water and pat them washed baby spinach square. Lightly season with dry on paper towels. Cut each 1 (4-ounce) package of salt. Reserve. tomato in half. Place them in goat cheese crumbles Add the vegetable gelatin to (The Cheese Guy brand is the ingredients in the poacher. See Food, Page 24 certified kosher) If most of the broth has boiled away, add more water. Boil the The 2021 Caroline Zelaznik Gruss and broth and ingredients uncov- Joseph S. Gruss Lecture in Talmudic Civil Law ered for 10 minutes. Cool the broth to warm. Place a sieve over a large mixing bowl. Pour the broth Law and Personal Autonomy in Rabbinic Law through the sieve. Then gently pour the broth over the fish MONDAY, fillets, making sure that this SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 broth gets between all of Œ them. They will be partially 5:30 PM The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School submerged in broth. Discard 3501 Sansom Street Dr. Ayelet the fish parts and vegetables in Individually packaged meals will be available Hoffmann Libson after the lecture for in-person guests. Dietary laws the sieve. 2021-2022 will be observed. In-person registration is required Gruss Professor of Talmudic Law for entrance into the building. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 12 to This program has been approved for 1.0 Substantive CLE credits for Pennsylvania lawyers. CLE credit may be available in other jurisdictions as well. Attendees seeking CLE credit should make a payment via the online registration link in 24 hours. The broth should the amount of $40.00 ($20.00 public interest/non-profit attorneys). In order to receive the appropriate amount of credit, passwords provided throughout the program must be noted in your evaluation form. become jellied, similar to that Penn Law Alumni receive CLE credits free through The W.P. Carey Foundation’s generous commitment to Lifelong Learning. in gefilte fish. When ready to serve, place slices of lemon and To RSVP, please e-mail Neoshie Giles at: gilesne@law.upenn.edu sprigs of parsley over the fish. Is the Value of Human Life Paramount?: JEWISH EXPONENT SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 23 Food Continued from Page 23 a large salad bowl. Add the spinach and goat cheese. This can be made to this point a day in advance, if covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated. Drizzle on the olive oil and vinegar. Sprinkle on the garlic powder and salt. Using salad servers, gently toss the ingredi- ents until well combined. Serve immediately. PUREED BUTTERNUT SQUASH | PAREVE Serves 4-6 Equipment: food processor Nonstick vegetable spray 1 large onion 3 tablespoons olive oil Kosher salt to taste 1-pound package of butternut squash that is peeled and diced Coat a six-cup ovenproof casserole with nonstick spray. Reserve. Peel the onion and cut it into thin slices. In a large skillet, heat the oil on a medium flame until warm. Place the onion slices in the skillet and sprinkle them with salt. As the onion slices sauté, use tongs to turn them over. They’ll break apart into rings. Turn the onions often so they don’t burn. Lower the flame if the onions are browning too quickly. When caramelized, remove the skillet from the flame and reserve. If the squash is coarsely diced, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Place the squash in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the squash by 3 inches. Cover the pot and move it to a high flame. Once the water comes to a boil, continue boiling for 35-40 minutes, or until the squash feels soft when pierced by a utensil fork. Add more water, if needed. Drain it in a colander. Fit a food processor with a metal blade. With a spatula, scrape the onions and oil into the food processor. Add the squash and ⅛ teaspoon of salt. Process until well combined and the squash is pureed. The squash may have a hint of texture. Add more salt, if needed. Move the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Serve the squash immediately or cool, cover it with aluminum foil and refrigerate. Remove the squash from the refrigerator an hour before serving. Heat it covered at 350 degrees F until the casserole bubbles, about 10-15 minutes. l aedkais / iStock / Getty Images Plus L ifestyle /C ulture YOM KIPPUR May you have a meaningful fast. And a meaningful meal with ones you love when you break fast. 24 SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 JEWISH EXPONENT JEWISHEXPONENT.COM L ifestyle /C ulture Books: Losing Count, Dealing with Home Envy B OOKS Progressives’ Blind Spot SASHA ROGELBERG | JE STAFF “Jews Don’t Count” David Baddiel Harper Collins DAVID BADDIEL’S NEW book “Jews Don’t Count” wasn’t reviewed by The Guardian, Great Britain’s premier — and progressive — daily newspaper. The Times, The Independent and The Telegraph reviewed it (and reviewed it well, according to Baddiel), but The Guardian didn’t touch it. The British author and comedian believes the reason for this is simply that, to those left-of-center, Jews don’t count. Progressives, particularly white progressives, are quick to identify and confront other forms of discrimination — anti-Black racism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism — but ignore one form of discrimina- tion that continues to pervade politics, society and Twitter: antisemitism. For The Guardian to ignore a book shedding light on the tendency of progressives to overlook antisemitism — well, it just illustrates Baddiel’s point. Though “Jews Don’t Count” made its British debut in February, Baddiel freshened it up for its United States release on Sept. 7, incorporating more U.S.-friendly examples and addressing the May flare-up of violence in Gaza. Baddiel builds his argument on the idea that antisemitism is racism. Though there’s no place on the British (or U.S.) census categories of race or ethnicity to select “Jewish,” Judaism is more than just a religious identity, he argues. As an atheist, Baddiel is reluc- tant to call himself part of the Jewish religion, though he JEWISHEXPONENT.COM strongly thinks of himself as a Jew ethnically. Yet for white supremacists, who marched down the streets of Charlottesville, Virginia, in August 2017 chanting “Jews will not replace us,” it’s clear that Jews are not accepted as white, despite many identi- fying as such, argues Baddiel. “Racists will always think that Jews are subhuman vermin; that’s what racism is,” Baddiel said. “Whether or not there’s a notion of Jews as a race.” This argument is a hairy one, as it excludes Jews of color who experience racism in addition to antisemitism, and who encounter racism from within the Jewish community. Baddiel knows this and opts to avoid the topic almost completely, save for a footnote explaining his reasoning for excluding this demographic. “I have had a criticism of this, and I’m perfectly happy to acknowledge that criticism,’’ Baddiel said. “But at the end of the day, the book is a thesis and a polemic.” “Jews Don’t Count” is part of a Times Literary Supplement series of essay books. Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher series, wrote the first in the series, and TLS asked Baddiel to write another. The book doesn’t include inter- disciplinary research or the opinions of experts; at the most, he shares several tweets, some to which he’s angrily replied. Baddiel’s Twitter bio is even a bit tongue-in-cheek. “Jew,” it reads. Baddiel had never tried to hide his Jewishness. “I don’t have shame, much, as an emotion because I’m a comedian,” Baddiel said. “And one of the first things I wanted to do was use my Jewishness in my comedy.” There aren’t many Jewish comedians in Britain who do this, Baddiel believes. He lists a few in the book, which he’s almost certain will be unknown to his American audience, but Baddiel’s point stands. Though Baddiel has never been ashamed of his Jewish identity, he has been threat- ened for it, something that sets him apart from other Jews in Britain who are much quieter about their Jewish identities. Baddiel recalled a dinner party at a rabbi’s house that he attended about a decade or so ago. He and the guests began talking about antisemi- tism. Some said they had never encountered it. Baddiel was irked. “You know why? Because you’ve never come out publicly as Jewish. I’m the only person around this table, apart from the chief rabbi, who comes out and talks about being Jewish,” Baddiel said. After releasing “Jews Don’t Count,” Baddiel hopes the tides are slowly turning. The other week, Baddiel received a message from an 18-year-old college student who’s progressive and polit- ically involved. For the past two years, the young man was afraid of bringing antisemi- tism into discussions around discrimination, fearing he wouldn’t be taken seriously. “Jews Don’t Count” changed that for him: “He then read the book and said, ‘Now I won’t do that. You’ve given me a way of talking about it.’” Despite so many Jews reading and reacting positively to the book, it wasn’t intended for them. Baddiel hopes that non-Jewish white progressives will read “Jews Don’t Count.” For those left-of-center, who stand in solidarity with other oppressed groups, Baddiel hopes they can make room for just one more. srogelberg@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0741 JEWISH EXPONENT Courtesy Harper Collins Valuing Relationships, Imagination ELEANOR LINAFELT | JE CONTRIBUTING WRITER “Real Estate” Deborah Levy Bloomsbury Publishing IN THE FIRST SENTENCE of her autobiography “Real Estate,” out now from Bloomsbury, Deborah Levy buys a banana tree. What she really wants to buy is a house (hence the title of the book) but is unable to given her modest income as a writer, even a successful one who has published many other works of fiction, an autobiography and plays. The banana tree, growing in a pot in the bathroom of Levy’s “crumbling” London apartment, becomes a consis- tent figure throughout the book that otherwise wanders both geographically, as the writer travels to Mumbai, Paris, Berlin and Greece, and thematically, as she explores motherhood, love and feminism. When “Real Estate” opens, Levy, who was born in South Africa to a Jewish father and English mother, is approaching her 60th birthday, her youngest daughter is about to leave for university, and she is reckoning Bloomsbury Publishing with the idea of living alone in the apartment that she started renting after the end of her long marriage. She dreams of “a grand old house” with “fountains and wells, remarkable circular stair- ways, mosaic floors, traces of the rituals of all who had lived there before me.” But, as Levy writes, “I could not place it geograph- ically, nor did I know how to achieve such a spectacular house with my precarious income.” So she buys a banana tree, which her daughters lovingly refer to as Levy’s “third child,” as well as many other luxurious items that she hopes to one day fill her dream house with. “Real Estate” is interested in the material world, but Levy manages to come across as unmaterialistic. Rather, the descriptions of her Afghan horse sculptures, silk sheets and sage green shoes are simply reminders of the worth of surrounding ourselves with beautiful things when we are able to. And finally, Levy is able to do so. Upon receiving a sexist comment from a male writer about the “lateness” of her professional success, Levy reflects on how long it took for her to be recognized for her writing because of all that she was up against as a young woman, and mother, in a patri- archal literary world. Spending See Books, Page 35 SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 25 L ifestyle /C ulture Digital Platform ‘Pushka’ Modernizes Tzedakah LOCAL SASHA ROGELBERG | JE STAFF ROSS LEFKOWITZ doesn’t carry cash with him anymore, and he doesn’t think other millennials do, either. The Bucks County native no longer walks past a tzedakah box at shul and stuffs in a dollar bill or slides in a few loose coins, but he still believes that fulfilling the mitzvah of tzedakah is just as important now as it was before credit cards, Apple Pay and Venmo rendered cash nearly useless to him. As a solution to this modern-day problem, Lefkowitz, 28, created a modern-day solution: Pushka, “a digital tzedakah box,” which launches next month. Users sign-up on the Pushka website with their credit card or bank information and select from a host of Jewish organizations to which they are interested in donating. Pushka, powered by the fundraising platform Sparechange, automatically rounds up money spent on purchases and donates it to the user’s desired nonprofit organization. Lefkowitz, who has a background in mechanical engineering, an MBA and a minor in computer science, was inspired to create Pushka while studying the Jewish commenta- tive text of Pirkei Avot. In one commentary, Sephardic philos- opher Rambam introduces the argument of giving a smaller amount of tzedakah daily versus giving a larger sum once. “His encouragement was to give every single day,” Lefkowitz said. “Frequency You are invited to R Remembrance Re e emem mbran meme embr mbr anc an c ce e Day M mor Me m meme or ial i iorior al Service Se rvi Serv rv i ceicei Memorial InInI In Mem Memo Memory o ryrryr y of o f All A llllll l Loved L o ve vedd Ones On Sunday, September 12th at 12 Noon Rabbi Isaac Leizerowski Family, Friends and Public Welcome Celebrating each life like no other. ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL PARK spacer Trevose 215-673-7500 26 SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 is more important than size because you’re cultivating this sense of generosity.” To ensure his idea of Pushka was spiritually aligned with modern Jewish values, Lef kowitz consulted with Mamash! Chabad Rabbi Doniel Grodnitzky, who frequently rubs elbows with both young Jewish professionals and Jewish nonprofit leaders. Grodnitzky assured Lefkowitz that even if an individual is not going through the physical motions of giving tzedakah, they’re still doing just as much of a mitzvah by giving virtually and passively. “Mitzvahs do not need intention,” Grodnitzky said. “You can do a mitzvah by accident.” After several meetings with Lefkowitz over the past 12 months, outside and socially distanced, Grodnitzky was on board with Pushka. Mamash! Chabad became the first organization to sign-up to receive donations. Before Pushka goes live, Lefkowitz has been hard at work assembling a “launch cohort” of 30-40 local Jewish organizations to where users can donate. He’s reached out to synagogues and Hillels that might be interested. Beyond giving Jews a way to fulfill a mitzvah daily and effortlessly, Pushka will provide an opportunity for nonprofits to build connec- tions with donors in a way they haven’t previously, Lefkowitz said. “Nonprofits are going through a change in the way that they do development and fundraising,” he said. “The traditional approach of fundraising from a handful of strategic donors is not very sustainable. Organizations are looking for ways to tap into the community and engage with the masses.” Building relationships with donors takes time and lots of JEWISH EXPONENT Ross Lefkowitz created Pushka to modernize the mitzvah of tzedakah. Courtesy of Ross Lefkowitz The traditional approach of fundraising from a handful of strategic donors is not very sustainable.” ROSS LEFKOWITZ good rapport. “It’s always a challenge for nonprofits to make that first ask, to get people involved in a donation, to create a donor relationship,” Grodnitzky said. Through Pushka, the connection between donor and organization happens seamlessly and automatically. Moreover, organizations on Pushka can share donors. Users can select to donate different percentages of money to multiple organizations. One of the local Hillel directors Lefkowitz recruited was excited about not having to worry about the compet- itiveness of finding donors. The director told his friends from other organizations about Pushka, hoping they’d join too. “He didn’t feel like he was competing for dollars,” Lefkowitz said. Though the platform won’t officially launch until after the High Holidays, it’s already garnered a handful of users. Last month, Mamash! Chabad hosted a Pushka Popsicle Party happy hour for young Jews to learn more about the service. According to Grodnitzky, more than 30 people signed up for Pushka there. Pushka is only available in the Philadelphia area for now, but Lefkowitz hopes it will grow to a national audience. Grodnitzky believes in the power of Pushka, too. He said it has the ability to make an impact on the world and fulfills a crucial compo- nent of Jewish righteousness: “making mitzvot as accessible as possible.” To sign-up for Pushka, go to pushka.fund/. l srogelberg@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0741 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Peace. Love. Health. Happiness. Each new year, we’re e reminded of what matters atters most. L’Shana Tovah. . EINSTEIN.EDU JEWISHEXPONENT.COM JEWISH EXPONENT SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 27 L’Shana Tova 100 Years of Chesed and Tikun Olam Supporting Social Services in Israel, THE EASTERN AREA Wishes our Community a Healthy and Safe Shanah Tovah! Happy New Year 5782! JOIN US AT OUR UPCOMING EVENTS! Sunday, October 17 at 2:00pm ET Author Event on the Book, Beauty Queen of Jerusalem. RSVP to naamat@naamat.org Sunday, October 24 at 1:00pm ET Rimonim Chapter Oct. Membership Month featuring Shira Lankin Sheps author of “Layers” who will speak on Jewish women’s issues. RSVP to rimonimphilly@gmail.com NA’AMAT USA helps women, teens, and children in Israel by supporting pre-schools, high schools for teens at risk, domestic violence shelters, and advocacy against harassment and discrimination. If you like what we do, become a member and donate to our cause. www.naamat.org EASTERN AREA 212.563.4962 | eastern.area@naamat.org 28 SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 JEWISH EXPONENT JEWISHEXPONENT.COM May this be a year of peace for all. Best wishes for a happy, healthy New Year. May the New Year keep us united, give us hope and bring us peace. Gladys Hirsh Greetings and best wishes for a Happy New Year. New Store Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thurs-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-6, Sun 11-6 JUSTA FARM SHOPPING CENTER Rhoda Rothberg JEWISHEXPONENT.COM . 1966 County Line Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 215-969-9626 • HOT-FOOT-BOUTIQUE.SHOPTIQUES.COM JEWISH EXPONENT SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 29 L’Shana Tova NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN GREATER PHILADELPHIA SECTION wishes you a Happy and Healthy New Year. * NCJW, founded in 1893, is the nation’s premiere public policy Jewish women’s organization. * NCJW confronts today's most urgent social and economic challenges facing women, children and families. Powered by the Jewish imperative to ensure dignity for all, we impact policy, advocate for justice, and support the community. Your voice has never been more essential and our voices together make a meaningful difference in the world. For further information: (215) 302-3586 ncjwphiladelphia.org www.NCJW.org Happy and Healthy New Year! Happy and Healthy New Year! Radnor — Philadelphia — Marlton Radnor — Philadelphia — Marlton www.estiagroup.com Happy and Healthy New Year! Happy and Healthy New Year! Radnor — Philadelphia — Marlton Radnor — Philadelphia — Marlton www.estiagroup.com www.estiagroup.com May you be inscribed in the Book of Life for a happy and healthy year. Happy and Healthy New Year! Happy and Healthy New Year! Radnor — Philadelphia — Marlton Radnor — Philadelphia — Marlton www.estiagroup.com A SWEET AND JOYOUS Happy and Healthy TO New ALL Year! NEW YEAR Radnor — Philadelphia — Marlton FROM JEREMY, RHONDA & HEATHER SOLTROFF www.estiagroup.com 30 www.estiagroup.com SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 Happy and Healthy New Year! www.estiagroup.com Happy and Healthy New Year! Radnor — Philadelphia — Marlton www.estiagroup.com Phyllis & Gary Finkelstein JEWISH EXPONENT Happy and Healthy New Year! Greetings and best wishes for a Happy New Year. Hinda & Harvey Goldberg JEWISHEXPONENT.COM L’Shana Tova Tikatevu Carol Evans In loving memory of John & Milkshake the Cat GLASSMAN of Boca Raton, Florida Wishing you and yours the healthiest and happiest of holidays and a beautiful, bright New Year. MAY THE NEW YEAR BE EVER JOYOUS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY Dr. Ed & Esther Beck May you be inscribed in the Book of Life for a happy and healthy year. Dave Gold JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Brenda and Larry Glassman; Alyson and Brad Yellin, Children: Brandon and Mason; Kimberly and Kerry Hoffman, Children: Mikayla, Hailey and Brianna; Ashley and Justin Wayne, Children: Myles and Leilana L’Shana Tova Tikatevu Joel & Madelyn Mickelberg Greetings and best wishes for a Happy New Year. Paul Neuwirth & Delaney JEWISH EXPONENT Greetings and best wishes for a Happy New Year. Harriet, Byron & Teddy Klein Greetings and best wishes for a Happy New Year. Mina Smith-Segal Greetings and best wishes for a Happy New Year. Dave & Susan Goodman Greetings and best wishes for a Happy New Year. Harriet & Bert Soltoff & Family SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 31 L’Shana Tova Tikatevu Team Greenblatt SHANA TOVA from our family to yours. L’Shana Tova Tikatevu The Garner Firm, Ltd. May you be inscribed in the Book of Life for a happy and healthy year. Rabbi Lance & Liz Sussman and Family BHHS Fox & Roach Margate, Ventnor, Longport & A.C. 609-355-1504 Immy & Phil Ferrara, Sr. May you be inscribed in the Book of Life for a happy and healthy year. MAY THE NEW YEAR BE EVER JOYOUS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY Mincha-Maariv Minyan of the Beth Zion-Beth Israel Synagogue Gail, Gary, Andrew, Jeffrey, Tammy & Isabella Krimstock SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 Maxine Greenberg, Realtor We wish everyone in the Jewish community a very Happy & Healthy New Year. Zack, Jarett, Bob, Alec, Ava, Danny, Jenn & Steven The Rovner Family 32 Best Wishes for good Health, Happiness & Prosperity in the New Year. JEWISH EXPONENT Greetings and best wishes for a Happy New Year. Dianne & Harvey Cutler, Elissa, Steve, Zach & Reid Ehrenstein and Ilana, Darah & Shoshanah Zion JEWISHEXPONENT.COM T orah P ortion Staying Focused on the Destination RABBI YISROEL ROSENFELD Parshat Vayeilech REB MENDEL FUTERFAS was a famous Chasidic person- ality who put his life on the line to teach Judaism during the time when communism had a firm grip on the Soviet Union. As a result, he was exiled to a Siberian gulag. While there, he became friendly with many others who were exiled, among them a non-Jewish circus master. Reb Mendel was fascinated by this profession and, in particular, the skill of walking a tightrope. “Tell me,” Reb Mendel asked the circus master. “How is it that you can walk across a Barrack Continued from Page 4 It starts with a focus on our teachers and classrooms. Engaging strategies to figure out how we connect. It’s about connection before content. I want to focus on how we create small spaces for students to connect with teachers and make learning come alive. This is a relationship business. Kids need to feel that they have relationships with people who are teaching them. They allow for better teaching to occur. What’s the ultimate goal of this student development process? We are graduating young people who are confident in who they are. They are connected and committed to the Jewish community and the larger community. They are being accepted to an unbelievable array of institutions and the ones that make the most sense to them. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM CAN DL E L IGHTIN G Sept. 10 Sept. 17 6:59 p.m. 6:48 p.m. string, at an enormous height, and not lose your balance? You must have tremendous skill with your feet?” “It’s my eyes,” replied the circus master. “When I step onto the rope I remain laser-fo- cused on the pole at the other end of it. When I keep complete concentration on my destina- tion, my feet and my hands fall in line and they are guided by my eyes.” “What then is the most difficult part of the rope walk?” asked Reb Mendel. “It’s the turn,” replied the performer. “When you have to take your eyes off the goal for that split second.” “So how do you not fall?” pushed Reb Mendel. “Ah,” said the performer. “I am sure not to get confused, and stay focused on my desti- nation; during the transition, I can easily refocus as soon as I complete my turn.” The name of this week’s parshat is Vayeilech, which means “and he went.” It describes the last day of Moshe’s life. Yet the Torah tells us that even on the most difficult day, Moshe kept an ambitious approach, not leaving any opportunity behind. How could Moshe, on the last day of his life, still “keep on going?” The answer is simple: When you keep your eye on the goal and stay laser-focused on what needs to be done, the distractions and the stresses of life do not get in your way. We just celebrated Rosh Hashanah, and we are shortly going to be observing Yom Kippur. For many of us, the past year-and-a-half has been tumultuous and unnerving. So many unknowns and breaks from routine — so much so that for the second year in a row, the High Holidays have been upended by the unpre- dictable virus. We can easily get distracted by the current predicament. Until the virus broke out, you may have had your eyes on a goal. Your life may have had a specific path, and you were heading on with a very clear destination in mind. Then you had to make a turn. The destination was not in sight and you began to get confused. Where were you going? Where were you coming from? The challenge becomes — like it did for the tightrope walker — to stay focused and realize that these distractions are temporary. If you concen- trate on what your goals are, very soon the distractions will pass, and your destina- tion will be once again in plain view. l According to your estimates, Barrack had 60-65 kids per grade when you were in high school. Now it has about 50 students per grade. Do you want to increase that number? Yes. It’s about building bridges and relationships with our community partners: K-five schools, K-eight and other community leaders to make Barrack known and accessible to families who are not yet in the school. We have students from more than 65 towns. We really are a diverse, regional school. We have kids traveling anywhere from 10 minutes away to an hour-and-a-half away. We have kids from public schools, private schools, Jewish day schools. their name. They’ll be in a warm and inclusive commu- nity that is rich in Jewish values, identity-building and connection to Israel. We know who our students are and we’re here to support them as they grow and journey in life. between students in classes. All our employees are vaccinated. We have been encouraging vaccination from the get-go. We’re in a pandemic. It’s constantly changing. We’ll do what we need to do to keep kids safe and school running. How cool is it to be back? I’m thrilled. But I’m trying to prepare myself for winter again. I moved for the job. Not the winter. l You’ve discussed personal attention for students as a key part of Barrack’s culture. And according to your numbers, the school has an 8-1 student- teacher ratio. How do you grow the student body without sacrificing personal attention? It’s a culture. Whatever the size might be, it’s important to have educa- tors on the team who believe in that approach, and who believe What’s your pitch to a family in building systems that allow that may be considering them to know every student. Jewish day school? Your child is going to get an What are you doing to deal with COVID-19 as the new outstanding education. They are going to be in year begins? Mandatory mask-wearing an environment where every educator they work with knows in the building. Distance JEWISH EXPONENT Rabbi Yisroel Rosenfeld is the rabbi at the Lubavitch Center of Pittsburgh and the executive director of Chabad of Western Pennsylvania. This column was provided by of the Vaad Harabanim of Greater Pittsburgh. jsaffren@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0740 SHARE your engagement, wedding birth, Bar/Bat Mitzvah announcement and any other simcha on both jewishexponent.com and the weekly Jewish Exponent newspaper for ... FREE . J E W I S H E X P O N E N T . C O M / S U B M I T - M A Z E L - T O V SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 33 C ommunity / mazel tovs COMMUNITYBRIEFS NMAJH Announces Intention to Emerge from Bankruptcy This Month THE NATIONAL MUSEUM of American Jewish History announced that it will emerge from its Chapter 11 reorganization on or around Sept. 15, citing a $10 million commitment by former trustee Mitchell Morgan and his family. NMAJH said the commitment allows it to elimi- nate its debt and provides a pathway to stability. NMAJH initially filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on March 1, 2020; the reorganization plan was confirmed on Sept. 1 by Chief Judge Magdeline D. Coleman of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. for our bright future.” Under the terms of the commitment, the Morgan family will buy the museum building on favorable terms to the museum, providing the money needed for NMAJH to eliminate its debt. The facilities will be leased back at a nominal rate. The museum will have the option to buy back the facilities in full at a later time. NMAJH will continue operating virtually while strategizing for reopening. Since its galleries closed to the public, NMAJH said it has focused on strategic planning, including being promoted for inclusion into the Smithsonian Institution. NMAJH said in its release that 37 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and 23 senators have championed legislation encouraging the Smithsonian to explore a plan for acquiring NMAJH. Exponent Honored in Journalism Contest The Jewish Exponent won a second-place award in the Best Overall Newspaper-Non-Daily category in the 2021 Spotlight Contest conducted by the Keystone State Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. The Exponent submitted its Sept. 3, 2020 edition for judging, which was conducted by the SPJ Washington, D.C., chapter. The Philadelphia Gay News placed first in the category. The SPJ Keystone Pro Chapter covers most of Pennsylvania. It “promotes open government, freedom of speech and the practice of accurate, ethical, entertaining and informative journalism.” National Museum of American Jewish History Photo by user Beyond My Ken “We’re living in a time that requires us to reflect on our values, and a time when our country needs institutions like the National Museum of American Jewish History that represent freedom and inclusivity,” Morgan said. “We wish this to be a contribution that will encourage more people to play a role in the museum’s future by providing different perspectives on how immigrants and religious minorities have positively impacted our great nation for centuries.” “Mitch is a mensch and a hero in the Jewish community,” NMAJH CEO Misha Galperin said. “We are champing at the bit to carry the NMAJH story into its next decade. We stand today energized Photo by Andy Gotlieb Former Exponent reporter Sophie Panzer won a first-place award for “History’s Lessons: Jewish Couple Wed in Graveyard to Stop 1918 Flu Pandemic,” which was published on Oct. 8, 2020. It was selected in the feature story, non-daily category. Former Jewish Federation CEO Naomi Adler Chosen to Head Hadassah Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America named former Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia President and CEO Naomi Adler as its new CEO. Adler will lead the country’s largest Jewish women’s organization, with nearly 300,000 members, donors and supporters and a professional staff of 200. Adler assumed her role on Sept. 1, 2021, succeeding Janice Weinman, who retired June 30. “A proven nonprofit leader with deep expertise in Jewish communal work and an impressive track record of community engagement, fundraising and advocacy, she is the ideal person to build on Hadassah’s past achievements, increase its global impact and take Hadassah into the next phase of its growth, Hadassah President Rhoda Smolow said. A former prosecutor and a community advocate, Adler’s resume includes 13 years leading two United Way Organizations in New York, as well as six years at Jewish Federation. A native of Rochester, New York, Adler graduated from Mount Holyoke College and SUNY Buffalo School of Law before returning to her hometown to work first in private practice and then as an assistant district attorney for Monroe County. Tackling Torah Sponsors Yom Kippur, Axe Throwing Event Tackling Torah is sponsoring “Missing the Mark: Yom Kippur + Axe Throwing” from 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 12 at Urban Axes Philadelphia, 2019 E. Boston St. “The High Holidays ask us to engage in a practice of seeing how we may have ‘missed the mark’ this past year,” the organization wrote. “Where are the places where our intentions and our actions did not align? We will combine Jewish thought/values with very real action of using the metaphor of ‘missing the mark’ by throwing our sins away with an axe towards a bullseye.” Admission is $40 per person. For details, contact Rabbi Elyssa Cherney at tacklingtorah@gmail.com or visit tacklingtorah.com. l Compiled by Andy Gotlieb www.jewishexponent.com 34 SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 JEWISH EXPONENT JEWISHEXPONENT.COM C ommunity / deaths DEATH NOTICES A G A R D Emanuel Agard, age 93, passed away August 27, 2021. Beloved husband of the late Ruth Agard. Loving father of Beverly Agard (Joseph Revlock), Cynthia Agard (Ernest Quintin), Richard Agard (Gwen Agard), and Nancy Agard (William Anderson) Adoring grandfather of Gabrielle, Mikhail (Mariel), Jeremy, David, and Samuel, and great-grand- father of Jakob and Lukas. He is also sur- vived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Emanuel was predeceased by his siblings Grace, Sylvia, Margie, and Herb. Contribu- tions in his memory may be made to the American Red Cross www.redcross.org. Ser- vices were private. GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com DEATH NOTICES K R A V I T Z Joyce Kravitz, age 90, August 13, 2021 of Sarasota, FL. Formerly of Laverock, PA and Silver Springs, MD. Beloved wife of Joseph Kravitz. Pre-deceased by husband Joseph Feinstein. Sadly missed and adored by chil- dren David (MaryAnn), Allyn (Lonnie), Mi- chael (Sherry), Susan (Michael) and Richard (Edie) as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In lieu of donations please get vaccinated and wear a mask. M I LL E R William S. Miller, age 81, sadly passed away on August 27, 2021. Beloved husband of Marilyn Miller (nee Sherman). Loving father of Jodie Levinson and Steven Miller (Kristin). Adoring grandfather of Ryan and Rachel Lev- inson, and Maizy and Xander Miller. Dear brother of Sheldon Miller (Nikki), Alan Miller (Marie), and the late Nina Miller z”l. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service and celebration of life, which will be held after Shloshim on Thursday, September 30, 7pm at the Rydal Waters Clubhouse, Noble Circle, Jenkintown, PA. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Spastic Paraple- gia Foundation, Inc. www.sp-foundation.org GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com DEATH NOTICES S W OT E S Jane Swotes, age 83 of Boynton Beach Flor- ida, passed away peacefully on August 27th with her family by her side in Westport, CT. Raised in New York City and Philadelphia by her mother Sophie, Jane graduated from Friends Central High School and Connecticut College before becoming a high school Eng- lish teacher in Philadelphia. She met Alan Swotes in 1959, and they were married for 53 years before his death in 2013. Jane was an avid tennis player, international traveler and animal lover. After Jane and Alan moved to the suburbs, she focused on raising her children and supporting various charities in- cluding Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Israel Tennis Center and organizations de- voted to the protection and fostering of anim- als. Jane is survived by her sons Michael and William, daughter-in-law Lisa Burge Swotes, and three grandchildren, Jamie, Jonah and Madeline. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jane’s memory to the American Brain Foundation at Americanbrainfounda- tion.org ABRAHAM L. GREEN & SON FUNERAL HOME P A L M ER F R A N K Ruthie Frank (née Leibowitz) passed away peacefully in her home on August 29th, 2021, surrounded by her family. Ruthie was born in York, PA - the only child of Mose and Mary Leibowitz. She was the apple of their eye. And it was easy to see why. Ruthie had intel- ligence, style, beauty, grace, and warmth. She attended the University of Pennsylvania and was the President of Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority her senior year in 1960. She met her soon-to-be husband, Paul, at a friend’s wed- ding, and it was love at first sight. Paul, who also studied at the University of Pennsylvania, was on his way to becoming a successful Ophthalmologist, and the two married during Ruthie’s senior year at Penn. Ruthie and Paul shared a long and wonderful life together - 60 years, and enjoyed many pursuits, including reading, theatre, travel, tennis, golf and partnering together to be- come Silver Life Master bridge players. Ruth- ie had a love of education and was a college advisor for many years. She was also an avid reader and member of a book club for over 20 years. The lesson we can all take away from Ruthie is having the drive to challenge herself and take on new pursuits. Ruthie was the beloved mother of Steven Frank, Susan Boland, Ellen Cohen (Peter), and Nancy Breslin (Charles) and the adored grandmoth- er of eight grandchildren: Emma and Claudia Boland; Eve, Jane, and Asher Cohen; and Alan, Kate, and Lila Breslin. Ruthie was hap- piest when her family surrounded her during celebrations such as Thanksgiving and Fath- er’s and Mother’s Day. With four children and eight grandchildren, Ruthie always found in- dividual time for everyone whether Broadway shows or special trips. “Grandma Ruthie is my biggest fan” is what her grandchildren would say as she showed genuine interest in the day-to-day of each of her grandchildren’s lives. Ruthie had a circle of close friends who she supported with calls, letters, and visits, who supported her, and who she held dear to her heart. Funeral services were private. Con- tributions in her name may be sent to Re- form Congregation Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, or Abing- ton Health Foundation, 1200 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001 or online at give.abing- tonhealth.org/donate. GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Alec Palmer, August 30, 2021, husband of Bronia (nee Walden), father of William (Gale) Palmer, Robert Palmer and Rachel Palmer; grandfather of Shira. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org) GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com S C H W A R T Z Dr. Leon I. Schwartz, on August 31, 2021. Beloved husband of Shirley (nee Green); ad- oring father of Roni (Randy) Sushko, Lonn Schwartz and Leonard (Sandi) Freiheit III. Brother of Howard (Marilyn) Schwartz and Anita (Fred) Cohen. Loving grandfather of Joshua (Kelly), John (Brittany), Jennifer, Heather (Jeff), Sarah and Madeline; great- grandfather of Crew, Greyson, Stella and Jackson. Contributions in his memory may be made to Hadassah Ein Kerem https://www.hadassah.org/donate. GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S RAPHAEL-SACKS INC. S H E R M A N Martin Sherman, August 9, 2021. Husband of Gusta (nee Harris) and the late Florence. Father of Robert (Kelly) Sherman. Grandfath- er of Bridget and Robby. Brother in law of Earl Harris. He was a veteran WWII (Branch of the Navy), a member of JWV Post #98 and Williamson-Corinthian Lodge #368 F&AM. Services were private. Contributions in his memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com TO PLACE A MEMORIAL AD CALL 215.832.0749 W A L L A C H Bernice Barbara Wallach, née Neubauer, an area bon-vivant and noted singer, passed away on May 15th, 2021 in Wyndmoor, PA. Mrs. Wallach was 99. A graduate of Hunter College in Brooklyn, NY, Mrs. Wallach en- joyed a 50-year career in fashion in the wo- men’s apparel industry. She was Director of Fashion and Sales in the Neubauer Family Department Store. Her husband, Arnold Wal- lach, to whom she was married for 55 years before his passing in 2001, was a prominent appellate lawyer in New York City. Foremost was Mrs. Wallach’s love and closeness with her sister, Nona “Cookie” Rawdin, who Ber- nice guided and cared for when their mother passed away at a young age. She also en- joyed her time and relationship with her nieces and nephews, to whom she was like a second mother. Mrs. Wallach was an active supporter and member of many Jewish or- ganizations. In addition to her beloved and adoring sister Cookie, Mrs. Wallach is sur- vived by her nephews and nieces Scott Rawdin (Alice), Janis Rawdin-Walcoff (George, deceased), Grant Rawdin (Laura) and Suann Shuster (Robert), 8 grand nieces and grand nephews Yasha, Alex, Jacob, Jesse (deceased), Sydney, Jordan, Aaron and Rachel and 2 great-grandnieces, Penelope and Gemma. Graveside services took place on May 18, 2021. Books Continued from Page 25 her hard-earned money on things that she wants — even if she can’t buy a house — is a way Levy asserts her independence. While she values her material objects, it is ultimately clear that relationships are the most important things of all to Levy. After she accidentally throws away the lovely presents she purchased for her friend’s birthday — a fountain pen, candied chestnuts and cicada- shaped soap — what matters most is that she still showed up to the party. At a dinner, she is entranced by a friend’s emerald earrings, but even more so by their long, far-ranging conver- sation. She buys new plates and cutlery for her temporary apartment in Paris for the purpose of being able to share a meal with new friends. In the final paragraph of “Real Estate,” Levy writes, “I suppose what I most value are real human relations and imagination.” The house that Levy dreams of is only a figment of her imagination. As a writer, she can’t buy sprawling real estate. But what she can do as a writer is imagine it, as she does in the “The 18th,” a short story about buying a mansion in Paris included toward the end of “Real Estate.” “The 18th” illuminates just how much Levy has offered in her autobiography. The fictionalized story is filled with details from the writer’s real life that we become privy to throughout the book. “Real Estate” provides a rare look at not only how a writer lives — the objects she buys, the people she sees, the things she talks about — but also how that life makes its way into skillful, thoughtful work. l elinafelt@midatlanticmedia.com; 410-902-2300 www.jewishexponent.com Honor the memory of your loved one … CALL 215-832-0749 TO PLACE YOUR YAHRTZEIT AD. classified@jewishexponent.com JEWISH EXPONENT SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 35 CLASSIFIEDS PENN VALLEY “OAK HILL" REAL ESTATE YARD SERVICES RENTALS EDUCATION ACTIVITIES Call directly for updates on sales and rentals. OAK HILL TERRACES OAK HILL TOWER OAK HILL ESTATES BUSINESS/ FINANCIAL EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED KKKKKK S O U T H T E R R A C E -Top floor. Im- OUT OF AREA VACATION SALES/RENTALS INFORMATION SERVICES PROFESSIONAL/ PERSONAL AUTOMOTIVE HOUSEHOLD SERVICES MERCHANDISE MARKETING REPAIRS/ CONSTRUCTION STATEWIDE ADS TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD: LINE CLASSIFIED: 215-832-0749 classified@jewishexponent.com DISPLAY ADVERTISING: 215-832-0753 DEADLINES: LINE CLASSIFIED: 12 p.m. Mondays DISPLAY ADVERTISING: 12 p.m. Fridays HOMES FOR SALE Place an ad in the Real Estate Section CALL: NICOLE MCNALLY 215.832.0749 36 MAIN LINE SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 The DeSouzas are Back on Bustleton! Catch the Summer Sizzle! Prices are at All Time Highs! Thinking of Selling? Now Really is the Time! Call Andi or Rick DeSouza for an appointment & we will deliver: Results, Not Promises! RE/MAX Eastern, Inc. Eric DeSouza Associate Broker Andrea DeSouza Sales Associate maculate, designer, rarely avail- able 1 BD, 1.5 BA, open kitchen, custom window treatments, lots of closets, main BD suite w/dressing room area, W/D, wood floors, lrg. sunny balcony, just steps to elevator. TO W E R - 3 L I S T I N G S J U S T R E D U C E D T O W E R - 6th floor, spacious corner, 1 BD, 1.5 BA, open eat- in kitchen with breakfast bar, modern wood floors, bedroom suite, lots of closets, new dish- washer, new refrigerator, full size washer/dryer, sunny bal- cony, available immediately! 24 hour doorman, basement stor- age, pool, laundry room, lots of parking, cable package only $91 per month A v a i l a b l e i m m e d i - a t e l y j u s t r e d u c e d $ 1 6 9 , 9 0 0 TO W E R - A v a i l a b l e i m m e d i a t e l y . 7th floor, 1 BD, 1 BA plus den, large living room. Granite coun- ters, newer kitchen appliances. Huge balcony overlooking pool. Heat/AC, 24 hour doorman, basement storage, pool, laun- dry room, lots of parking, cable package only $91 per month! J u s t r e d u c e d $ 1 3 9 , 9 0 0 T O W E R - - 9th fl 1 BD, 1.5 BA, new washer/dryer, large kit- chen, new wood floors, lots closets, custom lighting. mirrored wall, large balcony with tree view over looking the pool.. $ 1 5 9 , 0 0 0 S O U T H T E R R A C E J U S T R E N O V A T E D 2 BD, 2 BA, open granite kitchen, new appli- ances, wood floors, lots of closets, custom lighting, wash- er/dryer, sunny balcony. Condo fee includes gas heat/cooking gas, pool, parking. New renova- tion, just completed in hallways and lobby. N O R T H T E R R A C E - 1st floor, 2 BD, 2 BA, open kitchen, full size vented washer/dryer, new heat/AC, neutral ww carpets, new air conditioning, custom closets, handicapped access- ible, ground level, convenient to lobby, parking near entrance, sunny patio. Great opportunity! Convenient to lobby. Available immediately! $ 2 1 9 , 9 0 0 KKKKKK TO W E R - A v a i l a b l e i m m e d i a t e l y . 7th floor, 1 BD, 1 BA plus den, large living room. Granite coun- ters, newer kitchen appliances. Huge balcony overlooking pool. Heat/AC, 24 hour doorman, basement storage, pool, laun- dry room, lots of parking, cable package only $91 per month! $ 1 5 0 0 + e l e c t r i c T O W E R - 1 BD, 1 BA, modern kitchen, wood floors, lots of closets, custom lighting, sunny balcony, gym, pool, 24 hr. door- man, includes utilities and cable, storage. $ 1 4 0 0 Eric Cell 21 5 - 4 3 1 - 8 3 0 0 / 8 3 0 4 B u s 2 1 5 - 9 5 3 - 8 8 0 0 The Premier Team INSTRUCTION E D U C A T I O N P L U S Private tutoring, all subjects, elemen.-college, SAT/ACT prep. 7 days/week. Expd. & motivated instructors. ( 2 1 5 ) 5 7 6 - 1 0 9 6 w w w . e d u c a t i o n p l u s i n c . c o m HOUSEHOLD GOODS WANTED D O WN S IZ I N G O R C L E A N I N G O U T ? 1 man's trash/another man's treasure CASH IN YOUR CLOSET INC. Licensed and Bonded 610-667-9999 Realtor® Emeritus. Google Harvey Sklaroff facebook.com/jewishexponent Follow us on @jewishexponent TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD CALL 215.832.0749 oakhillcondominiums.com To place an ad in the Real Estate Section, call 215.832.0749 AngelD@LNF.com 609.457.0777 E S T A T E S A L E S JeromeD@LNF.com 609.432.5588 CEMETERY LOTS FOR SALE “Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year” Indoor Mausoleum Roosevelt Memorial Park 2 side by side crypts, excel- lent, bright location. Level B Phase III. Make an offer...Call 215-287-8134 ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL PARK Granite Monument Section D Spaces 1, 2, 3 & 4 $7700.00 obo. All extras included, must be sold together. Call 610-998-5197 ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL PARK 2 plots for sale, sec. B5, lot 203, graves 1 & 2, right across from the mausoleum. $5500 each but price negoti- able. 267-251-1922 Please leave a message and I will re- turn your call asap. 2401 Atlantic Avenue, Longport, NJ 08401 609.822.3339 PRICE REDUCTION ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL PARK $7700 obo 4 PLOTS in Granite Sec. Q Spaces 1,2 3 & 4. Units must be sold together. 215-499-4851 SITUATION WANTED C a r i n g & R e l i a b l e Ex p e r i e n c e d & T r a i n e d B O N D E D & L I C E N S E D A v a i l a b l e 2 4 / 7 2 0 Y e a r s E x p e r i e n c e V e r y A f f o r d a b l e 2 1 5 - 4 7 7 - 1 0 5 0 C A R EG I V E R / CO M P A N I ON Full time/Part time, live in or out, own car, references. 215-475-9331 COMPANION/AIDE seeks pos. to care for sick/elderly live out, 30 yrs exp., great references; own car 215-681-5905 or 215-242-5691 r i c k d e s o u z a 7 0 @ g m a i l . c o m 5 Star winner, Philly Mag Angel & Jerome DiPentino Premiersells.net C a l l J o e l 2 1 5 - 9 4 7 - 2 8 1 7 In the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County Orphans' Court Division, Estate of Frances Saylor deceased, O.C. No. 800 DE of 2021: Notice is hereby given that on Au- gust 8, 2021, a Petition for Determ- ination of Title to Decedent's Real Estate Pursuant to 20 Pa. C.S.A.sec. 3546 was filed to ad- judge title to the interest of Frances Saylor, deceased, in the real estate located at 2034 N. 25th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121, is in Peti- tioner, Judith Gripper. If no objec- tions are filed within twenty (20) days of this notice, then the relief may be granted. LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF PHILA. COUNTY, PA - ORPHANS’ COURT - NO. 20200119DE - ES- TATE OF HELEN GLORIA PLATTEN- BERGER - To: SEAN PLATTENBER- GER - NOTICE - Pursuant to a Pre- liminary Decree dated 1/6/21, the Orphans’ Court Div. of the Court of Common Pleas of Phila. County, has issued a Citation directing to you to show cause, if an there may be, why you should not be re- moved as Administrator of the Es- tate of Helen Gloria Plattenberger. If you wish to defend, you must enter a written appearance person- ally or by attorney and file your de- fenses or objections in writing with the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court Div. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you without notice for the relief requested by the Peti- tioners. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS NOTICE TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT HWERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. Phila. Bar Associ- ation LRIS, 1101 Market-Frankford Line, Phila., PA 19107, 215.238.6333. Rebecca Sallen, Esq., 325 Merion Rd., Merion Sta- tion PA 19066, 215.992.9662. PRESUMED DECEDENT - ANN McCANTS, Presumed Decedent, last known address of 1422 S. 21st St., Phila., PA 19146. To her heirs, and all persons interested in her estate or having any know- ledge of her whereabouts: Notice is hereby given that Patricia Mc- Cants a/k/a Patricia McCants Rid- dick has petitioned the Orphans’ Court Div. of the Court of Com- mon Pleas of Phila. County, PA to enter a Decree (i) finding that Ann McCants died on/about 8/10/1996; and (ii) authorizing the Register of Wills of Phila. County to issue Letters of Admin. with respect to the Estate of Ann McCants. A hearing will be held on 9/28/21 at 3:00 pm, via Zoom using the following info.: https://zoom.us/j/95985617253? pwd=dTdBa0ZuNXNDTHl4bk50U mFuZGxFZz09 Meeting ID: 959 8561 7253/Passcode: 4335755479. All persons who have any knowledge of Ann Mc- Cants are asked to attend the vir- tual Court hearing or to contact the undersigned: Patricia Riddick, c/o Richard L. Vanderslice, Atty. for Petitioner, 1445 Snyder Ave., Phila., PA 19145, 215.667.8070 Notice is hereby given that Articles of Incorporation for a Domestic Nonprofit Corporation for Warmin- ster Plaza Condominium Associ- ation, Inc. were filed with the Com- monwealth of Pennsylvania. The address of the corporation's re- gistered office is 491 Old York Road, Suite 200, Jenkintown, PA 1946 in Montgomery County. This Corporation is incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988, as amended. In the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County Orphans' Court Division, Estate of Joseph O. Lee, deceased, O.C. No. 800 DE of 2021: Notice is hereby given that on Au- gust 8, 2021, a Petition for Determ- ination of Title to Decedent's Real Estate Pursuant to 20 Pa. C.S.A.sec. 3546 was filed to ad- judge title to the interest of Joseph O. Lee, deceased, in the real estate located at 2034 N. 25th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121, is in Peti- tioner, Judith Gripper. If no objec- tions are filed within twenty (20) days of this notice, then the relief may be granted. This now-irrevocable Trust is in ex- istence and all persons having claims or demands against the de- cedent or the Trust are requested to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent are requested to make payment without delay to: Trustees: Ms. Judy Groner & Mr. Jonathan Groner c/o Miles B. Rittmaster, Esquire 1495 Alan Wood Rd., Ste. 4 Conshohocken, PA 19428 Or to their Attorney: Miles B. Rittmaster, Esquire 1495 Alan Wood Rd., Ste.4 Conshohocken, PA 19428 JEWISH EXPONENT T H E J O A N S . G R O N E R T R U S T A G R E E M E N T D A T E D J A N U A R Y 8 , 2 0 0 0 J o a n S . G r o n e r , D e c e a s e d L a t e o f C i t y & C o u n t y o f P h i l - a d e l p h i a , P A ESTATE NOTICES ESTATE OF ALBERT DOMINIC ROSSI, JR. a/k/a ALBERT D. ROSSI, JR., ALBERT ROSSI, DE- CEASED. Late of Philadelphia 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 ALBERT ROSSI, EXECUTOR, c/o Christopher S. Mahoney, Esq., P.O. Box 70, Newtown, PA 18940, Or to his Attorney: CHRISTOPHER S. MAHONEY STUCKERT AND YATES P.O. Box 70 Newtown, PA 18940 facebook.com/jewishexponent Follow us on @jewishexponent SELL IT IN THE JEWISH EXPONENT 215-832-0749 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM SEASHORE SALE LOVE where you LIVE VOTED ATLANTIC COUNTY BOARD OF REALTORS 2020 REALTOR OF THE YEAR! *TOP 10 in the country out of all Berkshire Hathaway agents *GCI 2019 NEW LISTING! LOWER CHELSEA $3,700,000 HUGE LUXURIOUS OCEAN- FRONT ESTATE! 6 BEDS, 5+ BATHS, STUNNING OCEAN VIEWS & POOL! NEW PRICE! VENTNOR $649,000 SOUTHSIDE NEW CONSTR- UCTION TOWNHOMES! 3 BEDROOM, 2.5 BATH WITH OPEN CONCEPT! www.HartmanHomeTeam.com NEW LISTING! MARGATE $2,799,000 GORGEOUS BEACHBLOCK NEW CONSTRUCTION! LARGE 5 BR, 4.5 BA, IN-GROUND POOL & ELEVATOR. OCEAN VIEWS! NEW LISTING! MARGATE $639,000 RENOVATED 5 BED, 3 FULL BATH HOME IN WONDERFUL NEIGHBORHOOD! 1ST FLOOR MASTER & BONUS SUN ROOM! WANTED TO BUY HHT Office 609-487-7234 NEW LISTING! VENTNOR NEW PRICE! $1,399,000 LUXURY BEACHBLOCK TOWNHOMES BEING BUILT! 4 BR, 4.5 BA, ROOF TOP DECK, & ELEVATOR! NEW PRICE! VENTNOR VENTNOR $1,249,000 SOUTHSIDE NEW CON- STRUCTION TOWNHOMES! TWO 3 BR, 2.5 BA UNITS JUST STEPS TO THE BEACH! $399,000 MARGATE $319,000 FIRST FLOOR 2 BEDROOM, 1 BATH PET-FRIENDLY UNIT IN FABULOUS LOCATION WITH NO CONDO FEES! NEW PRICE! NEW LISTING! MARGATE $849,000 MARGATE CORNER PROPERTY JUST 2 BLOCKS TO THE BEACH! 3 BEDS, 2.5 BATHS, GREAT FRONT PORCH & LARGE DECK! NEW PRICE! ADORABLE RAISED RENO- VATED RANCH! 2 BR (CAN BE CONVERTED BACK TO 3), 1.5 BA ON DESIRABLE STREET! 9211 Ventnor Avenue, Margate 8017 Ventnor Avenue, Margate NEW LISTING! VENTNOR NEW LISTING! $299,000 RENOVATED 2ND FLOOR UNIT WITH 2 BEDS, 2 FULL BATHS! BAY VIEWS FROM DECK, FRESH- LY PAINTED, AND NEW BATH! LEGAL SERVICES $679,000 ONE OF MARGATE’S MOST DESIRABLE NEIGH- BORHOODS! 4 BR, 2.5 BA PLUS OFFICE OR DEN! MARGATE $230,000 MOVE-IN READY 1 BR, 1 BATH PET FRIENDLY UNIT LOCATED IN THE PARKWAY SECTION! MEET YOUR MATCH ATTORNEYS! ADVERTISE YOUR LEGAL NOTICES AND LEGAL SERVICES MEET YOUR MATCH! WE GUARANTEE THE BEST RATES! You may include your email/phone number in the ad. If you choose not to, you will be given a JE Box Number and any letter responses will be forwarded to you as received. Place your ad to find companionship, friendship and love. To reply to a JE Box Number: Address your reply to: WE CIRCULATE THROUGHOUT THE TRI-STATE AREA (PA, NJ, DE) JE Box ( ) *Attn: Classified Department* 2100 Arch St. 4th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103 CALL 215-832-0749 CALL THE CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT FOR DETAILS 215-832-0749 or 215-832-0750 classifi ed@jewishexponent.com FAX: 215-832-0785 Check out https://wwdbam.com/podcasts/jewish-singles/ for new conversation on today's Jewish singles world To Place a Classified Ad CALL: NICOLE MCNALLY 215.832.0749 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM JEWISH EXPONENT SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 37 ESTATE NOTICES ESTATE NOTICES ESTATE NOTICES ESTATE NOTICES STATEWIDE ADS ESTATE OF ALEXANDER CADET, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been gran- ted to the undersigned, who re- quest all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the de- cedent to make payment without delay to RICHARD Q. HARK, AD- MINISTRATOR, c/o Martin I. Klein- man, Esq., 1835 Market St., Ste. 2626, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to his Attorney: MARTIN I. KLEINMAN MARTIN I. KLEINMAN, P.C. 1835 Market St., Ste. 2626 Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF ERIC ARTHUR SCHWARTZ, DECEASED Late of Philadelphia LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been gran- ted to the undersigned, who re- quest all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the de- cedent to make payment without delay to MARK SCHWARTZ, AD- MINISTRATOR, 1044 Claire Aven- ue, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006. ESTATE OF LIDIA LEMUS a/k/a LIDIA LEMUS SEGURA, DE- CEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been gran- ted to the undersigned, who re- quest all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the de- cedent to make payment without delay to JOSEPH HONER, JR., AD- MINISTRATOR - DBNCTA, 631 Wa- terside Way, Siesta Key, Sarasota, FL 34242, Or to his Attorney: JOSEPH C. HONER, JR. 631 Waterside Way Siesta Key, Sarasota, FL 34242 ESTATE OF ROBERT GERBER PARKE a/k/a ROBERT G. PARKE, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia 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 ELIZABETH P. BROWN, EXEC- UTRIX, 619 Maple St., Westfield, NJ 07090-2420, Or to her Attorney: MARGERY J. SCHNEIDER P.O. Box 260 Wynnewood, PA 19096 M i s c e l l a n e o u s : DISH Network. $59.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1- 855-335-6094 Mi s c e l l a n e o u s : GENERAC Standby Generators provide backup power during util- ity power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfort- able. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and condi- tions. 1-888-605-4028 Mi s c e l l a n e o u s : Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dor- rance Publishing-Trusted by Au- thors Since 1920 Book manuscript submissions cur- rently being reviewed. Compre- hensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distri- bution. Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-877-670-0236 or visit http://dorranceinfo.com/pasn Mi s c e l l a n e o u s : Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estim- ate today. 15% off Entire Pur- chase. 10% Senior & Military Dis- counts. Call 1-855-569-3087 M i s c e l l a n e o u s : DIRECTV for $69.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Watch your favorite live sports, news & entertainment anywhere. One year of HBO Max FREE. Dir- ectv is #1 in Customer Satisfac- tion (JD Power & Assoc.) Call for more details! (some restrictions apply) Call 1-855-806-2315 Estate of Christine M. Pichezzi God- frey, Deceased Late of Philadelphia, 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 Ashley Oblek and Paul Oblek, Administrators-CTA, c/o Gary A. Zlotnick, Esq., Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer & Toddy, PC, One Commerce Sq., 2005 Market St., 16th Fl., Phil- adelphia, PA 19103 or to their at- torneys, Gary A. Zlotnick, Esq. Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer & Toddy, PC One Commerce Sq. 2005 Market St., 16th Fl. Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF DANIEL WARREN PHILLIPS AKA DANIEL W PHIL- LIPS Late of BUCKS County LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION on the above estate have been gran- ted to the undersigned, who re- quests that all persons having claims or demands against the es- tate of the decedent to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay, to: LINDA PHILLIPS, EXECUTRIX c/o Joy Dickstein, Esquire 668 Woodbourne Road Suite 101 Langhorne, PA 19047 or to her attorney, JOY DICKSTEIN, ESQUIRE 668 Woodbourne Road Suite 101 Langhorne, PA 19047 ESTATE OF DAVID B. RIDDICK, DE- CEASED. Late of Philadelphia 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 KAREN RIDDICK, EXECUTRIX, c/o Amy H. Besser, Esq., 2202 Delan- cey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to her Attorney: AMY H. BESSER THE LAW OFFICES OF PETER L., KLENK & ASSOCIATES 2202 Delancey Place Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF DOLORES ROZANSKI, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been gran- ted to the undersigned, who re- quest all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the de- cedent to make payment without delay to JOSEPH ROZANSKI, AD- MINISTRATOR, c/o Martin J. Pezzner, Esq., 100 W. 6 th St., Ste. 204, Media, PA 19063, Or to his Attorney: MARTIN J. PEZZNER GIBSON & PERKINS, P.C. 100 W. 6 th St., Ste. 204 Media, PA 19063 SELL IT IN THE JEWISH EXPONENT 215-832-0749 38 SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 ESTATE OF FRANCES HAYES, DE- CEASED. Late of Philadelphia 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 CYNTHIA K. HAYES, EXECUTRIX, 484 Browning Ln., Cherry Hill, NJ 08003, Or to her Attorney: LINDA M. HEE SCHUBERT GALLAGHER TYLER MULCAHEY 121 S. Broad St., 20 th Fl. Philadelphia, PA 19107 ESTATE OF HOWARD B. ASHER, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia 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 MYRNA ASHER, EXECUTRIX, c/o James M. Orman, Esq., 1600 Mar- ket St., Ste. 3305, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to her Attorney: JAMES M. ORMAN 1600 Market St., Ste. 3305 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Estate of Hung Dang; Dang, Hung Deceased Late of Philadelphia, 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: Tiffany Pham, c/o Ned Hark, Esq., Goldsmith Hark & Hornak, PC, 7716 Castor Ave., Phil- adelphia, PA 19152, Administratrix. Goldsmith Hark & Hornak, PC 7716 Castor Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19152 ESTATE OF JENNIE L. BOOKER, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia 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 PAMELA BOOKER, 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 JOHN S. KUTSCHERA, SR. a/k/a JOHN STEPHEN KUTSCHERA, JOHN S. KUTCHERA, JOHN KUTCHERA, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia 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 LISA A. LAX, EXECUTRIX, c/o Harry Metka, Esq., 4802 Nesham- iny Blvd., Ste. 9, Bensalem, PA 19020, Or to her Attorney: HARRY METKA 4802 Neshaminy Blvd., Ste. 9 Bensalem, PA 19020 www.JewishExponent.com ESTATE OF LYNN ELIZABETH CAL- HOUN, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia 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 DOUGLAS ARNOLD, EXECUTOR, c/o Peter L. Klenk, Esq., 2202 Del- ancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to his Attorney: PETER L. KLENK THE LAW OFFICES OF PETER L. KLENK & ASSOCIATES 2202 Delancey Place Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF MARIS L. BREDT- SCHWARTZ, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia 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 MARIS G. BREDT and MARK J. GOODMAN, EXECUTORS, c/o Amy H. Besser, Esq., 2202 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103 Or to their Attorney: AMY H. BESSER THE LAW OFFICES OF PETER L. KLENK & ASSOCIATES 2202 Delancey Place Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF MARVIN A. STRAUS- ER, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been gran- ted to the undersigned, who re- quest all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the de- cedent to make payment without delay to HONORE A. STRAUSER, ADMINISTRATRIX, c/o Peter L. Klenk, Esq., 2202 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to her Attorney: PETER L. KLENK THE LAW OFFICES OF PETER L. KLENK & ASSOCIATES 2202 Delancey Place Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF NELLIE P. INGRAM AL- STON, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia 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 THOMAS CURTIS INGRAM and TERRY ANDERSON, EXECUTORS, 9 Red Fox Trail, Sicklerville, NJ 08081 Estate of Ronald Hutchinson a/k/a Ron Hutchinson; Hutchinson, Ron- ald a/k/a Hutchinson, Ron, Deceased Late of Philadelphia, 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: Ted Peters, c/o Ned Hark, Esq., Goldsmith Hark & Hornak, PC, 7716 Castor Ave., Phil- adelphia, PA 19152, Executor. Goldsmith Hark & Hornak, PC 7716 Castor Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19152 ESTATE OF ROSE ERLICH, DE- CEASED. Late of Philadelphia 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 ELI ERLICH, EXECUTOR, c/o Mi- chael J. Saile, Esq., Saile & Saile LLP, 403 Executive Dr., Langhorne, PA 19047, Or to his Attorney: MICHAEL J. SAILE SAILE & SAILE LLP 403 Executive Dr. Langhorne, PA 19047 Place an ad in the REAL ESTATE Section CALL: NICOLE MCNALLY 215.832.0749 ESTATE OF RUTH YORKER, DE- CEASED. Late of Philadelphia 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 FRANK B. MARENBACH, EXECUT- OR, 3636 Essex Ln., Philadelphia, PA 19114 ESTATE OF SALLY R. ADAMS WILSON, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been gran- ted to the undersigned, who re- quest all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the de- cedent to make payment without delay to CHRISTINE MCCOON, AD- MINISTRATRIX, 7957 Burholme Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111, Or to her Attorney: MARK J. DAVIS CONNOR ELDER LAW 644 Germantown Pike, 2-C Lafayette Hill, PA 19444 ESTATE OF PAUL M. GALARZA, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia 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 TIMOTHY REYES, EXECUTOR, 7316 Hasbrook Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111 ESTATE OF SHANEZA AZEEZ, DE- CEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been gran- ted to the undersigned, who re- quest all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the de- cedent to make payment without delay to BIBI AZEEZ, ADMINIS- TRATRIX, 247 W. Sulis St., Phil- adelphia, PA 19120, Or to her Attorney: MARYBETH O. LAURIA LAURIA LAW, LLC 3031 Walton Rd., Ste. A320 Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 www.JewishExponent.com www.JewishExponent.com JEWISH EXPONENT To Place a Classified Ad CALL NICOLE MCNALLY 215.832.0749 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM C ommunity NE WSMAKERS On Aug. 29, more than 150 residents from Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey joined Jewish National Fund-USA and Philadelphia food truck Moshava for an evening of food and family-friendly activities, including games and an Israeli singalong with an accordion player, at the Food Truck at the Shore: A Taste of Israeli Street Food. The event occurred at Shirat Hayam Synagogue in Ventnor, New Jersey. From left: Brett Felgoise, Jeff Schwartz and Marc Felgoise From left: Jeff Schwartz, Doug Stanger, Betsy Fischer, Gail Stanger and Judy Galler The Jewish Family Service Card Party, held on Aug. 26 at Harbor Pines Golf Club, raised more than $11,000 for Village by the Shore. More than 55 attendees gathered for an after- noon of games including canasta and mahjong, as well as a buffet lunch, while honoring the memory of community philanthropist Bonnie Gurwicz. Card Party participants Courtesy of Jewish Family Services Courtesy of Jewish National Fund-USA COMMUNITYCALENDAR FRIDAY, SEPT. 10 Parsha for Life Join Rabbi Alexander Coleman, Jewish educator and psychotherapist at the Institute for Jewish Ethics, at 9 a.m. for a weekly journey through the Torah portion of the week with eternal lessons on personal growth and spirituality. Go to ijethics.org/weekly-torah-portion.html to receive the Zoom link and password. Geography of Summer What is the history of the summer vacation? How does it apply to the Jewish community? Why and where and how do we travel? What is a Jewish “staycation”? Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel’s Temple Judea Museum 2021 fall exhibition “The Geography of Summer” is now open. Visit the gallery in person at 8339 Old York Road in Elkins Park or follow the exhibition on the Temple Judea Museum Facebook page and on YouTube. Food Distribution Join Jewish Relief Agency Philadelphia from 10 a.m. to noon to help pack boxes of food and critical household items for our recipients. Volunteer opportunities are also available on Sept. 12-14 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. If you are interested in bringing your corporate group to JRA, coordinate with Jenny Rubin, our volunteer program manager, at volunteering@jewishrelief.org. 10980 Dutton Road. SUNDAY, SEPT. 12 Dance Performance Artist House/Asya Zlatina + Dancers presents L’Shana Tova! A Sweet Assembly, a work-in-progress showcase celebrating the Jewish year in modern dance. RSVP for seating at artist- house.org/fringe2021. 3 p.m. Pay what you wish. Trent Plaza, 14425 Bustleton Ave. Teshuvah Discussion Join Kellman Brown Academy as we consider how we can return to a state of wellness in a post-pandemic digital world, as well as the Jewish approach to health, health care and wellness as taught in the Talmud. Presenters will include KBA alumni David B. Agus and Michael S.D. Agus, as well as Eliana Seltzer, teacher and Judaic studies coordinator at KBA. Register at kellmanbrownacademy.org/furman. Cost is $18. MONDAY, SEPT. 13 Mahjong Game Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu-El Sisterhood invites the community to join our weekly friendly 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. TUESDAY, SEPT. 14 LGBTQ Art Group Join Jewish Family & Children’s Service at 4-5 p.m. to explore your gender, sexuality and questioning nature through art-making. The facilitators will provide a safe space to express feelings about your identity, build self-esteem and find an increased sense of support. For more information and to RSVP, contact Galia Godel at ggodel@jfcsphilly.org or call 267-273-6006. Zoom link provided upon registration. Inside ‘Dirty Dancing’ Center for Jewish History presents Inside “Dirty Dancing”: A Conversation with Eleanor Bergstein. Screenplay writer Bergstein will share stories from her life and behind-the- scenes anecdotes from the creation of the film and stage musical. 6 p.m. on Zoom. For more information, call 212-294-8301 or visit cjh.org. Mental Health Talk Join Jewish Family & Children’s Service at 7 p.m. for an intimate conversation over Zoom with multi-award-winning songwriter, “Dear Evan Hansen” co-creator and Philadelphia-area native Benj Pasek. The event will address the sensitive subjects of suicide and self-harm through the lens of both Pasek’s work and JFCS’ services. Register at jfcsphilly.org/benjpasek. Sisterhood Meeting Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim Synagogue will host a virtual general meeting at 7:30 p.m. Our program will focus on members presenting family heirlooms or valued treasures with their special history. Attendance is free, but we’ll need your email address so we can send you the meeting link. Contact the synagogue office at 215-677-1600 for details. Conversations on Zionism Join Jewish National Fund-USA at 7:30 p.m. over Zoom for “Yes, You Can Be a Progressive Zionist!” This is part of a series of human interactions, short films, interviews, panel discussions and more — all meant to facilitate a dialogue about modern Zionism and its positive impact on many aspects of our lives. Email jwertheim@jnf.org for more information. l PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT Published weekly since 1887 with a special issue in September (ISSN 0021-6437) ©2021 Jewish Exponent (all rights reserved) Any funds realized from the operation of the Jewish Exponent exceeding expenses are required to be made available to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, a nonprofit corporation with offices at 2100 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19103. 215-832-0700. Periodical postage paid in Philadelphia, PA, and additional offices. Postmaster: All address changes should be sent to Jewish Exponent Circulation Dept., 2100 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19103. A one-year subscription is $50, 2 years, $100. Foreign rates on request. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM JEWISH EXPONENT SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 39 What’s best when there are no right answers? The end of life is about talking. Sharing a laugh. Reminiscing. Yet few people talk about how to make the end of life better. Abramson Senior Care Hospice lets you take control. It provides support for both patients and their families, giving you time to make your last memories more lasting. If you want to make the most of every second, make time to contact us today. 215.371.3400 | abramsonseniorcare.org 40 SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 JEWISH EXPONENT JEWISHEXPONENT.COM