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
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