Community Review10 30 15

October 30, 2015 | 17 Cheshvan, 5776 | Vol. 89; No. 22Published by The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg | Greater Harrisburg’s Jewish Newspaper

www.jewishharrisburg.orgcommunity review

KRISTALLNACHT 2015Sunday evening, November 8 , 5:00-6:30 pm

Jewish Community CenterSpeaker Rhonda Fink-Whitman will review her book, 94 Maidens,

and will discuss the importance of Holocaust Education.

WHEN THE UNIMAGINABLE IS THE ONLY THING LEFT TO DO..

They are innocent schoolgirls ranging in age from 14 to 22. Under normal circumstances they should be learning, laughing, and playing. Unfortunately, the year is 1942 and the place is Nazi-occupied Poland. Nothing is normal. On the night of August 11, dressed only in cotton nightgowns, they await their fate at the hands of their Nazi captors. They are no match for the Nazi beast—or are they?

Meanwhile, a young Jewish family is caught in a perilous game of cat and mouse with the Nazis in Berlin. How long can they possibly remain among the living? It’s getting harder to run, more dangerous to hide. The Nazis are hot on their trail, and time is running out for both the hunters and the hunted.

Inspired by true events, 94 Maidens is an unforgettable story of heroism, resistance, martyrdom, and survival.

With her aging mother still suffering scars left by the Holocaust some 70 years later, Rhonda Fink-Whitman decides it’s time to go to Germany, where she pitches her way inside

the largest Nazi archive the world has never seen in an attempt to discover the truth about what happened to her mother during WWII. Will the secrets she unveils help heal her mother’s wounded soul? Or will the answers to her questions change everything she ever thought she knew about her family, her mother, and herself?

Special thanks go to Mrs. Linda Schwab for providing the funding for this program. Mrs. Schwab, a child survivor of the Holocaust, has been a strong proponent and long-time supporter of Holocaust Education in our community. She, along with Mrs. Lois Lehrman Grass, established the Gesher L’Machar Endowment Fund to support the March of the Living. Mrs. Schwab, along with her beloved husband, Morrie, z”l, also created the Schwab Holocaust Essay Contest to encourage middle and high school students to research the history of the Holocaust and to write about life lessons they have learned from their Holocaust studies.

2 | community review | greater harrisburg’s jewish newspaper

A copy of the official registration and financial information of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling, toll free within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

A Message from Margie Adelmann, CEO

Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg

For more than two years, I have driven up Front Street to

get to work and down Front Street to head home. I thought

that I noticed the homes and businesses along the way, but

until I took a walk down Front Street, I realized that my

daily “drive by” was just that! During my walk (which I now

wondered why it took me more than 2 years to take a walk

in the early evening before a meeting) I was able to take a

better look and see the stained- glass windows in many of

the homes that now house businesses, some beautiful old oak

trees and realized that the Dixon Center had underground

parking! I noticed well-kept flower beds, signs that I had not

noticed, and so much more.

As I walked, I thought about how many people wiz past the

JCC daily and have no idea what takes place in the Center.

Even people who may come here often likely don’t know the

full scope of what we offer to our community. And then as

my walk ended, so did side walk! Just outside the entrance

to the JCC parking lot. I thought about this as perhaps the

beginning of a story, “Where the Side Walk Ends”, and since

that title has already been penned by Shel Silverstein 40 years

ago and I am more of a glass-half-full person, I came up with

this title “Where our Community begins!”

Help me tell our story to the community and encourage

those whom you know that “drive by” often to stop and visit

us, and for those who come here regularly to take a closer

look. I am certain that you will like what you see and gain a

whole new perspective!

L’Shalom,

CommunityReview

Vol. 89 No. 22October 30, 2015

(ISSN 1047-9996)(USPS 126-860)

Published bi-weeklyby the Jewish Federation of

Greater Harrisburg,3301 N. Front Street,

Harrisburg, Pa., 17110. Subscription rate: $50 per year.

Periodicals postage paid atHarrisburg, Pa., and

additional entry office.

Editorial Board MembersMargie Adelmann

Esther BoldesRabbi Carl Choper

Aaron DymRita Gordon

Jeanette Krebs

STAFFEditor

Patti [email protected]

Sales DirectorMarty Lamonoff

717 232-6279717-877-5973

[email protected]

Design and LayoutBenchmark Group Media

Graphic DesignerShawn Skvarna

Postmaster:Send address changes to Community Review, 3301 N. Front Street,

Harrisburg, Pa., 17110.

Mission Statement of The Community Review:

Inform readers about local, national and international events of interest to Jews.

Promote Jewish values, Jewish identity and a

sense of Jewish community in central Pennsylvania.

The opinions expressed in the Community Review do not necessarily reflect the position of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg. The Federation does not endorse any candidate or political party for any elected office.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29Seniors Lunch Program, 11:30 a.m.

Program: “Bears Without Borders” ProjectAARP Safe Driving Refresher Class, 12:30-4:30 p.m., JCC

TUESDAY, NOvEMBER 3Seniors Lunch Program, 10:30 a.m., Bridge Bruce’s Way

Program: Business Meeting/Birthday Party

THURSDAY, NOvEMBER 5Seniors Lunch Program, 11:30 a.m.

Program: Pat Dodd, DCAAA Nutritionist program

SATURDAY, NOvEMBER 7Dancing With Our Community Stars, 6:45 p.m., JCC

SUNDAY, NOvEMBER 8Kristallnacht Program, 5 p.m., JCC

TUESDAY, NOvEMBER 10Seniors Lunch Program, 11:30 a.m.

Program: “The Jewish Perspective” with Bob Axelrod, 12:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, NOvEMBER 12Seniors Lunch Program, 11:30 a.m.

Musical Program: Truman Bullard and Herman Makosky of The Harrisburg Youth Symphony, and, 12:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, NOvEMBER 13 – SUNDAY, NOvEMBER 15BBYO Convention, JCC

SUNDAY, NOvEMBE 15Jewish Film Festival:Documentary, “Very Semi-Serious” 5:15 p.m.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

community calendar

www.jewishharrisburg.org | october 30, 2015 | 3

federation page


foundation page


BBYO TOURNIES CONvENTION IS COMING TO TOWN AND WE NEED YOU!!

I am excited to announce that Harrisburg BBYO will be hosting TOURNIES Convention, our Region’s biggest convention of the year, November 13th–15th! Programming is held at the JCC and the out-of- town teens are hosted by BBYO families and community members.

We are currently looking for families to host the teens, volunteers to help judge competitions of all kinds and help serve meals during the convention.

Parents, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, Teachers – ANYONE can help! Please contact Paula Rosen at [email protected] or 903-5631 for more information.

Community members can use PennDOT's

"FindMyRidePA" program that helps veterans,

seniors & others with their Transportation NeedsA new program makes it easier and more

affordable to get where you need to go on your own schedule.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is expanding its FindMyRidePA service to new areas -- Dauphin, Cumberland, Lebanon, York, Adams, Franklin and Cambria counties -- so that eligible residents can more easily learn about convenient and low-cost shared ride transportation.

You can use FindMyRidePA.com to learn about your fixed and shared ride transportation options, including some that pick you up at home and drop you off at your destination. The program is especially helpful for seniors, veterans and people living with disabilities.

If you are already a Shared Ride user:

• GotoFindMyRidePA.comonyourcomputer,tabletor smartphone – or visit Kiosk locations near you.• ThensigninusingyourSharedRideID,countyofresidence and date of birth.• Enterthedate,time,locationandpurposeofyourtrip.• Choosetheoptionyouwant–andyourtripisbooked!

If you are not a Shared Ride user and want more information about the program call 1-844-PA4-RIDE.

FindMyRidePA is sponsored by a partnership between PennDOT and rabbittransit with support from the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. State Department of Veterans Affairs and the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Discounted Shared Ride services are sponsored by the commonwealth and are paid for by the Pennsylvania Lottery and other funding sources.


JCC Adult ProgramsClasses available at the Jewish Community Center: SilverSneakers® CLASSIC – Have Fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises

designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement, and activity for daily living skills. Hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles, and a ball are offered for resistance, and a chair is used for seated and/or standing support. Tuesday/Thursday mornings 9:15 -10:15 a.m. AND Wednesday morning at 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Drop-in Fee $7.00 per class. Free to JCC members and SilverSneakers® participants.

SilverSneakers® CARDIO – Get up & go with an aerobic class for you – safe, heart healthy and gentle on the joints. The workout includes easy to follow low-impact movement and upper body strength, abdominal conditioning, stretching and relaxation exercises designed to energize your active lifestyle. Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:45-11:45 a.m. Drop-in Fee $7 per class. Free to JCC members and SilverSneakers® participants.

SilverSneakers® YOGA – Yoga will move your whole body through a complete series of seated and standing yoga poses. Chair support is offered to safely perform a variety of postures designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of movement. Restorative breathing exercises and final relaxation will promote stress reduction and mental clarity. Mondays and Wednesdays 11:45-12:30 p.m. Drop-in Fee $7 per class. Free to JCC members and SilverSneakers® participants.

Gentle Yoga – Easy Poses for those new to Yoga. Must be able to get down on to floor. Mondays at 9:45 -10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 5:00-5:45 p.m. Drop-in Fee $7 per class. Free to JCC members and SilverSneakers® participants.

SilverSplash® – Activate your aqua urge for variety! SilverSplash® offers lots of fun and shallow water moves to improve agility, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. No swimming ability is required and a special SilverSneakers® kickboard is used to develop strength, balance and coordination. Mondays/Wednesday 9:30 -10:30 a.m. Drop-in Fee $7 per class. Free to JCC members and SilverSneakers® participants.

The Jewish Community Center is offering the following senior events: Every Tuesday at 9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. SilverSneakers Classic

10:30AM – Bridge, on the day we have our Business Meeting(usually the 1st Tuesday of the month)

10:30am Bridge the last Tuesday of the monthEvery Thursday at 9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. – SilverSneakers Classic

Senior Lunch will be served Tuesdays and Thursdays at Noon.

Reservations are preferred two days in advance if possible, but no later than 4:00PM the day before.

Call Cheryl 236-9555 EXT. 3115

After Lunch Programs are:

October 27, 2015 - Dr. Donald Koones - “Snippets of History”. This month’s topic will be “The Downfall of those Fabulous Greeks”

October 29, 2015 - Bears Without Borders Project. Also AARP Safe Driving Refresher Class will be held from 12:30-4:30pm. Call Cheryl for details, 236-9555 EXT 3115

November 3, 2015 – 10:30am – Bridge Bruce’s Way. After Lunch, business Meeting/Birthday Party

November 5, 2015 – Pat Dodd, DCAAA Nutritionist will speak to the group.

November 10, 2015 – “The Jewish Perspective” moderator Bob Axelrod, Educational Director at Beth El Temple.

November 12, 2015 – Truman Bullard and Herman Makosky. "A Program with a Very Young Superstar: Herman Makosky, Principal Trumpet of the Harrisburg Youth Symphony. Herman and Truman -- you can't beat youth and age on the same page of music!"

November 17, 2015 - Current Events discussion led by Herman Minkoff

November 19, 2015 - Dr. Donald Koones, HACC professor will lecture on: “Snippets of History”. This month’s topic will be “Great Men of the Renaissance”.

November 24, 2015 – 10:30am – Bridge Bruce’s Way. 12:00 Noon – Thanksgiving Membership Luncheon. Sign-ups for the 2016 Day Trips will be available (you must have paid your 2016 dues to sign-up). Entertainment by Jeff Fields. Cost:$10 members/$20 Non-Members

November 26, 2015 – Thanksgiving Day – No Senior Lunch or Activities

Great food and fun was had by all at the Brunch on Friday, October 9th celebrating our SilverSneakers, Silver and Fit, and JCC Senior Members. For information on how to become a member of any of these groups, please contact: Linda Skulsky at (717) 236-9555, ext. 3050 or [email protected]

JCC Senior Members Enjoy a Delicious Brunch

The Silver Academy Welcomes Prospective

StudentsThe Silver Academy will be opening its doors to prospective

students for a one-day sneak preview. On November 30th, the Monday after Thanksgiving, the school will be hosting a visiting day for anyone who is interested in enrolling at The Silver Academy. This event is open to children in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. Students should arrive by 8:00 AM and will stay until dismissal at 3:40 PM. Transportation must be provided by the prospective student’s family. Kosher hot lunch will be provided but students should plan to bring their own kosher snacks.

Throughout the day, students will be able to experience what a day in the life of a Silver Academy student is like. They will be immersed in the classroom and will see our dual curriculum in action. They will have an opportunity to interact with the whole Silver Academy family - from teachers to students to administrators.

If your student would like to attend, please contact Jackie Rubin at [email protected]. In order to attend, you must pre-register and fill out all of the required forms. Looking forward to this great day!


JCC Adult ProgramsClasses available at the Jewish Community Center: SilverSneakers® CLASSIC – Have Fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises

designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement, and activity for daily living skills. Hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles, and a ball are offered for resistance, and a chair is used for seated and/or standing support. Tuesday/Thursday mornings 9:15 -10:15 a.m. AND Wednesday morning at 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Drop-in Fee $7.00 per class. Free to JCC members and SilverSneakers® participants.

SilverSneakers® CARDIO – Get up & go with an aerobic class for you – safe, heart healthy and gentle on the joints. The workout includes easy to follow low-impact movement and upper body strength, abdominal conditioning, stretching and relaxation exercises designed to energize your active lifestyle. Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:45-11:45 a.m. Drop-in Fee $7 per class. Free to JCC members and SilverSneakers® participants.

SilverSneakers® YOGA – Yoga will move your whole body through a complete series of seated and standing yoga poses. Chair support is offered to safely perform a variety of postures designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of movement. Restorative breathing exercises and final relaxation will promote stress reduction and mental clarity. Mondays and Wednesdays 11:45-12:30 p.m. Drop-in Fee $7 per class. Free to JCC members and SilverSneakers® participants.

Gentle Yoga – Easy Poses for those new to Yoga. Must be able to get down on to floor. Mondays at 9:45 -10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 5:00-5:45 p.m. Drop-in Fee $7 per class. Free to JCC members and SilverSneakers® participants.

SilverSplash® – Activate your aqua urge for variety! SilverSplash® offers lots of fun and shallow water moves to improve agility, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. No swimming ability is required and a special SilverSneakers® kickboard is used to develop strength, balance and coordination. Mondays/Wednesday 9:30 -10:30 a.m. Drop-in Fee $7 per class. Free to JCC members and SilverSneakers® participants.

The Jewish Community Center is offering the following senior events: Every Tuesday at 9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. SilverSneakers Classic

10:30AM – Bridge, on the day we have our Business Meeting(usually the 1st Tuesday of the month)

10:30am Bridge the last Tuesday of the monthEvery Thursday at 9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. – SilverSneakers Classic

Senior Lunch will be served Tuesdays and Thursdays at Noon.

Reservations are preferred two days in advance if possible, but no later than 4:00PM the day before.

Call Cheryl 236-9555 EXT. 3115

After Lunch Programs are:

October 27, 2015 - Dr. Donald Koones - “Snippets of History”. This month’s topic will be “The Downfall of those Fabulous Greeks”

October 29, 2015 - Bears Without Borders Project. Also AARP Safe Driving Refresher Class will be held from 12:30-4:30pm. Call Cheryl for details, 236-9555 EXT 3115

November 3, 2015 – 10:30am – Bridge Bruce’s Way. After Lunch, business Meeting/Birthday Party

November 5, 2015 – Pat Dodd, DCAAA Nutritionist will speak to the group.

November 10, 2015 – “The Jewish Perspective” moderator Bob Axelrod, Educational Director at Beth El Temple.

November 12, 2015 – Truman Bullard and Herman Makosky. "A Program with a Very Young Superstar: Herman Makosky, Principal Trumpet of the Harrisburg Youth Symphony. Herman and Truman -- you can't beat youth and age on the same page of music!"

November 17, 2015 - Current Events discussion led by Herman Minkoff

November 19, 2015 - Dr. Donald Koones, HACC professor will lecture on: “Snippets of History”. This month’s topic will be “Great Men of the Renaissance”.

November 24, 2015 – 10:30am – Bridge Bruce’s Way. 12:00 Noon – Thanksgiving Membership Luncheon. Sign-ups for the 2016 Day Trips will be available (you must have paid your 2016 dues to sign-up). Entertainment by Jeff Fields. Cost:$10 members/$20 Non-Members

November 26, 2015 – Thanksgiving Day – No Senior Lunch or Activities

ORDER YOUR 2016MAH JONGG CARDS TODAY

Cards Will Be Purchased on January 28, 2016The Harrisburg JCC Senior Adult Club is once again selling the National Mah Jongg

League’s card for 2016.The price of the 2016 card is $8.00 for a standard card and $9.00 for a large-print

card.Please make your checks payable to the Harrisburg JCC Senior Adult Club and mail

them to:

Cheryl YablonHarrisburg JCC

3301 N. Front St.Harrisburg, PA 17110

By January 26, 2016. I will be paying for ONLY the number of cards ordered! The Mah Jongg League will mail your card to you in the spring. Thank you. Cheryl

Mantelmacher Receives Award from Navy

Naval Supply Systems Command (NAvSUP) Weapon Systems Support Commander Rear Adm. Paul Verrastro presents a plaque to Ms. Hilda Mantelmacher in appreciation for her remarks during the Holocaust Remembrance Program aboard Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg. Ms. Mantelmacher, a Holocaust survivor, spoke about her time in Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps. Photo by Jim Morrow, NAVSUP WSS Photographer.


By Mary KlausThe first Jewish Holocaust refugees to arrive in Harrisburg

in March 1949 - two brothers, their wives and one baby - brought little luggage but many hopes for a happier life. A delegation from the Harrisburg Jewish community warmly welcomed the Czechoslovakian refugees. They took them to the Jewish Transient Home on Boas Street, where they fed their bodies with food and their spirits with optimism. Sixty-five years later, Harrisburg Jews continue to warmly welcome refugees to their midst. From Holocaust refugees from throughout Europe to refuseniks from the former Soviet Union, the Harrisburg Jewish community has greeted immigrants with open arms.

The Soviet Jews“The Harrisburg Jewish community has a welcoming

nature,” said Dr. Diane Sand, who, with her husband, Mike, in 1974 founded the local community’s Soviet Jewry Action Committee through the then United Jewish Community. “People from the different synagogues have opened their arms, adopted families, taught them language and culture and helped them get settled as they became new Americans,” she said.

The Sands traveled to the former Soviet Union in 1974 to visit with refuseniks, Jews who had applied for exit visas but had been denied. Dr. Sand said that she wasn’t surprised that many Jews wanted to leave the former Soviet Union because of its long tradition of anti-Semitism. “The new Americans from the former Soviet Union did not one day just decide to pick up and leave,” she said. “It was a difficult decision to leave one's home and make a journey across the world and start a new life in America or other countries that accepted them. Often it was difficult to obtain an exit visa from the former Soviet Union. Many lost their jobs and ended up in limbo for years.”

Dr. Sand said that representatives of Jewish communities around the world visited with the refuseniks and gave them moral and material support such as medicine, clothing to wear or sell and religious books to which they had no access under the anti-religious Soviet regime. “Due to my fluency in Russian, we were able to visit refuseniks who knew no English,” she said, noting that she spent her career teaching Russian first at Dickinson College and later at Franklin and Marshall College. “We promised to continue to help them in their quest for release from the Soviet Union once we returned to Harrisburg.” They kept that promise, forming the Soviet Jewry Action Council. They spoke throughout the community about the plight of Soviet Jews. They also brought in speakers, including some who finally were living in Israel or the United States after many years of being refused exit visas.

Dr. Sand translated for Avital Sharansky, the wife of Nathan Sharansky, during her visit to Harrisburg. Nathan Sharansky, one of the best-known refuseniks, was imprisoned because of his protests against the Soviet Union.

The Soviet Jewry Action Council matched Harrisburg bar and bat mitzvah students as pen pals with students of the same age in the Soviet Union who could not celebrate their own religious milestones. Youth groups such as United Synagogue Youth and the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization also became involved in the Soviet Jewry movement.

Meanwhile, more Soviet Jews with exit visas arrived in the United States. The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society helped them settle. In 1975, the first new family from the former

Soviet Union arrived in Harrisburg. “We staged rallies in support of Soviet Jewry at the Jewish Community Center and in front of the Capitol,” Dr. Sand said. “Some of us even traveled to Washington, DC in 1987 to march in front of the Soviet Embassy. I remember a huge protest rally with an estimated 250,000 people on the mall in Washington. Busloads of people of all ages came from Harrisburg to join others from around the country”.

Dr. Sand was a volunteer interpreter. From 1979-80, she also worked for Jewish Family Service, which helped integrate the newcomers into the Harrisburg Jewish and general community. She frequently greeted immigrants as they arrived at Harrisburg International Airport, serving as their first connection to their new life in America. “As more families arrived after 1975, a system of "buddy families" was set up,” she said. “People from Harrisburg synagogues welcomed the newcomers as members. Volunteers taught English to the new immigrants. The children were welcomed into the Yeshiva Academy and surrounding area schools. Apartments were set up with donated furniture and household items since the newcomers came only with limited personal items.”

The Harrisburg Jewish medical community volunteered their services to the newcomers, too. Once the immigrants learned enough English, jobs were found for them.

Lois Lehrman Grass, a volunteer with Jewish Family Service, helped the Soviet Jews settle in Harrisburg in the mid-1970s. She chaired the Russian Resettlement Committee and worked on raising donations from the Jewish community to help with resettlement efforts. She recalled going to the airport to meet the first of many families who came, parents and their 13-year-old son. “We took them to an apartment and arranged for transportation, English as a Second Language classes and more,” she said. “They were the first of many families.” More than 100 Soviet Jews

eventually resettled in the Harrisburg area through Jewish Family Service’s efforts, with many still living in the area.

This spring, Dr. Ted Merwin, associate professor of Religion & Judaic Studies at Dickinson College, brought students from his "American Jewish Literature" course to Harrisburg to interview some of those early Russian Jewish immigrants.

The Post-War Displaced PersonsThe Harrisburg Jewish Community’s history of

welcoming Jews from other countries began long before the former Soviet Union Jews arrived. Holocaust survivors were welcomed to Harrisburg beginning in 1949 when Benjamin and Rosalia “Lillian” Rosenschein, their son, and Benjamin’s brother and sister-in-law, Martin and Yolanda, were the first Holocaust families to be resettled in Harrisburg by the United Jewish Community. The Rosenscheins – after 10 years of life in enemy-occupied countries plus time in concentration camps followed by Displaced Person camps - arrived at the Harrisburg train station with hopes for homes, jobs and peace. Yolanda Rosenschein remembers it like it was yesterday. She was 23 and the youngest of nine children when the Nazis forced her family from their home in Czechoslovakia into concentration camps. She was sent to Auschwitz and later to the Bergen Belsen concentration camp

By the time that camp was liberated by the British in April 1945, Rosenschein had lost all but two of her siblings. She then went to the Nuremburg Displaced Persons camp, where she found Martin Rosenschein, a friend from the pre-war days. They fell in love and got married in 1946, spending three years in the camp. “We applied to immigrate to several countries, including the United States,” Rosenschein said. After their U.S. application was approved, they came to

HARRISBURG JEWISH COMMUNITY HELPS REFUGEESBECOME “NEW AMERICANS”


eventually resettled in the Harrisburg area through Jewish Family Service’s efforts, with many still living in the area.

This spring, Dr. Ted Merwin, associate professor of Religion & Judaic Studies at Dickinson College, brought students from his "American Jewish Literature" course to Harrisburg to interview some of those early Russian Jewish immigrants.

The Post-War Displaced PersonsThe Harrisburg Jewish Community’s history of

welcoming Jews from other countries began long before the former Soviet Union Jews arrived. Holocaust survivors were welcomed to Harrisburg beginning in 1949 when Benjamin and Rosalia “Lillian” Rosenschein, their son, and Benjamin’s brother and sister-in-law, Martin and Yolanda, were the first Holocaust families to be resettled in Harrisburg by the United Jewish Community. The Rosenscheins – after 10 years of life in enemy-occupied countries plus time in concentration camps followed by Displaced Person camps - arrived at the Harrisburg train station with hopes for homes, jobs and peace. Yolanda Rosenschein remembers it like it was yesterday. She was 23 and the youngest of nine children when the Nazis forced her family from their home in Czechoslovakia into concentration camps. She was sent to Auschwitz and later to the Bergen Belsen concentration camp

By the time that camp was liberated by the British in April 1945, Rosenschein had lost all but two of her siblings. She then went to the Nuremburg Displaced Persons camp, where she found Martin Rosenschein, a friend from the pre-war days. They fell in love and got married in 1946, spending three years in the camp. “We applied to immigrate to several countries, including the United States,” Rosenschein said. After their U.S. application was approved, they came to

HARRISBURG JEWISH COMMUNITY HELPS REFUGEESBECOME “NEW AMERICANS”

America for resettlement by the United Service for New Americans, a major beneficiary of the United Jewish Appeal.

Although many refugees traveled by boat, the five Rosenscheins flew to the United States, having a memorable stop in Iceland along the way. “I was pregnant and not feeling well,” Rosenschein said. “But I remember enjoying our stop in Iceland. Then we went to New York.” After spending several days in New York and filling out required paperwork, they were put on a train to Harrisburg. “The United Jewish Community in Harrisburg had asked to sponsor some Jewish immigrants,” she said. “We didn’t know where Harrisburg was, and we didn’t speak much English. We took the train to Harrisburg on a beautiful day in March 1949.”

When they got off the train, they were greeted warmly by Joshua Marcus, UJC executive director; Aaron Feinerman, UJC Refugee Resettlement Committee chairman; Blanche Figowitt, Al Hursh, Rose Barton and several others. The Rosenscheins then went to the Jewish Transient Home at 637 Boas Street. “Blanche drove us around the city,” Rosenschein said. “We spoke a combination of English and Yiddish. We stayed in uptown Harrisburg for a while and had Passover in Harrisburg.”

Yolanda and Martin Rosenschein moved into an apartment on Harris Street in May 1949. Several weeks later, they walked to Polyclinic Hospital, where Dr. I. O. Silver delivered their son, Stanley. “Harrisburg was very friendly to us,” Rosenschein recalled. “The Jewish community welcomed us and gave us a chance. Several of the Jewish ladies held a surprise baby shower for me. We were so thankful.” Martin Rosenschein found a job in a children’s clothing factory and his wife took in some sewing, shortening dresses for ladies.

Six months after arriving in Harrisburg, Martin Rosenschein opened a dry cleaning store, renting a room on Hamilton Street for $15 a month for the aptly named “Rose Family Cleaners.” Eventually, he bought dry cleaning equipment and moved the business to Second and Kelker streets. Other family members joined the dry cleaning business, which in 1956 expanded to Lemoyne where it was known as “Quality Cleaners”, and operates to this day on Market Street.

Meanwhile, Martin and Yolanda’s family was growing, with a second son in 1953 and a third in 1957. The Rosenscheins eventually also welcomed, with their extended families, a sister and a brother from whom they had separated after the war. The number of refugees resettling in Harrisburg was growing too, with immigrants from the entirety of Eastern Europe.

The Rosenscheins joined Kesher Israel, where she still belongs. They became active in the Jewish Community Center. This family, and many others who arrived in the aftermath of the Holocaust, have made significant and valuable contributions to the greater Jewish community.

Rosenschein, whose husband died in 1991, said that Harrisburg was a great place for them to start their lives over. When asked for advice for today’s refugees to Harrisburg, this mother, grandmother and great-grandmother smiled. “Remember that you are the newcomer,” she said. “So learn the language and the customs. Get involved with the community.”


BREAKFAST ‘N LEARN AT BETH EL

TEMPLESunday, November 15

Breakfast at 9:40 following Minyan

Program & Discussion at 10:00

“An Impartial Jewish Look at the War

of Yankee Aggression”With

Rabbi Eric B. WisniaThis year’s Breakfast

‘n Learn series at Beth El Temple gets underway on Sunday morning, November 15 with guest speaker Rabbi Eric Wisnia whose unique historical perspective on the Civil War is sure to engage and challenge us. Join us for morning minyan in the Chapel at 9:00 a.m. followed by breakfast and program in Sisterhood Hall at 10:00. Breakfast ‘n Learn provides tasty food along with provocative food for thought!

From Hebrew Union College—Jewish Institute of Religion, Rabbi Wisnia received his rabbinic ordination in 1974 and a Doctor of Divinity in 1999. Serving Congregation Beth Chaim in Princeton, New Jersey since 1977, Rabbi Wisnia has been active in his community in areas as diverse as medical ethics, hospital chaplaincy, interfaith work, and Boy Scouts. A passionate personal interest which he has pursued over the years has been the American Civil War with a focus on the Jewish role in it. His interest was sparked in high school history classes in the 60’s during a period which coincided with the Civil War’s centennial commemoration. How fitting that Rabbi Wisnia will share his perspectives with us in this, the 150th year of the Civil War’s conclusion.

Please join us and bring a friend! This program is open to all in the community.


synagogue lifesynagogue lifeBeth el temple232-0556 | www.betheltemplehbg.orgMinyan 7 a.m. daily and

5:30 p.m. Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. Friday

night Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00 p.m. Shabbat

morning service 9:15 a.m.

Saturday night mincha/maariv/havdalah at same

time as Friday

evening candle-lighting time.


Chisuk emuna Congregation 232-4851 | www.chisukemuna.org [email protected]

Congregation Beth israel

Lebanon | 273-2669Visit the Congregation Beth Israel Web Site at

www.congregation-beth-israel.org

All are welcome to our egalitarian services:

Sundays at 9 a.m., Thursdays at 7:30 a.m. Our

Shabbat services, led by Rabbi Paula Reimers, are

at 7:30 p.m. on Friday evenings and on Shabbat

morning at 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush.


Congregation Beth tikvah

Carlisle | 245-2811 | www.bethtikvah.orgFriday Night Shabbat Services 7:15 p.m.

Location: Asbell Center, 262 West High Street,

Carlisle


historiC B’nai JaCoB

Middletown | 319-3014 www.bnai-jacob.orgHistoric B’nai Jacob Synagogue, Water and

Nissley Streets in Middletown, will conduct

Shabbat Service honoring Veterans on Friday,

November 6th at 7:30 p.m. We are a Community

Shul, all are welcome. Tel (717) 319-3014 Visit our

website for more information.


kesher israel Congregation

238-0763 | www.kesherisrael.orgParticipate in our daily Minyanim. Mornings:

Sundays and Federal holidays at 8 a.m., Monday

through Friday at 6:45 a.m. Rosh Chodesh and

fast days at 6:30 a.m. Evening services begin at

20 minutes before sunset. Please join us for our

9 a.m. Shabbat morning services - followed by

Kiddush

Please contact our Office Manager, Cecelia Baker,

at (717) 238-0763 for information about our

congregation.


temple Beth shalom697-2662 | tbshalom.orgTemple Beth Shalom’s Friday evening Shabbat

Services are at 7:15 p.m, followed by an oneg in

the social hall. Services are led by Rabbi Daniel

Grossman and Lay Leaders of Beth Shalom.

Please call the office at 697-2662 or check the

website calendar for details, as well as updates on

when Saturday Shabbat services will be held.

Rabbi Daniel Grossman will lead the Shabbat

services on Friday, November 6 and 20. Saturday

morning Shabbat services, also led by Rabbi

Grossman, will take place on and November 7 and

21 at 9:00 a.m.

On Saturday, October 31 beginning at 4:00

p.m., there will be a Fall Festival at the home

of Pam and Jim Eisenhour in Lewisberry. Enjoy

an outdoor Havdalah service, bonfire, roasting

marshmallows, and more! RSVP by October 20

to [email protected] or call 443-5490. Family

price of admission is a dairy or pareve dish to

share. This fun event is open to everyone!

TBS will be a polling place on Election Day,

Tuesday, November 3.

The Sisterhood Book Group will meet on

Wednesday, November 18 at the home of Andi

Russell to discuss the book, Me Before You by

JoJo Moyes. All women are welcome! Contact

Andi at [email protected] if you plan to

attend.

For details on upcoming Temple Beth Shalom

services and events, check the website: http://

tbshalom.org.

temple ohev sholom233-6459 | www.ohevsholom.orgShabbat Service Friday, October 30, 2015, 7:30 PM,

Sanctuary

B’nai Mitzvah, Saturday October 31, 2015, 10:30

AM, Sanctuary

Shabbat Service Friday, November 6, 2015, 6:00

PM, Lehrman Chapel

Shabbat Service Friday, November 13, 2015, 6:00

PM, Lehrman Chapel


synagogue lifesynagogue life

October 30 ...................................... 5:46 p.m.

November 6 .................................... 4:38 p.m.

November 13 .................................. 4:31 p.m.

Candlelighting

GRACE BRENNERAfter a long and full life, Grace Brenner passed away peacefully on October 1, 2015, in San Diego, CA, where

she had lived for the last 15 years with her devoted husband, Bernie. Grace was born in New York on March 12, 1923, and grew up in Harrisburg, where she met Bernie, they married and raised their three daughters. She was a life member of Beth El Temple, and volunteered in the Jewish community where she chaired the Women’s Division campaign of United Jewish Federation. Grace was also a proud graduate of Hood College in Frederick, MD, class of 1945, where she studied biology and botany. Grace was an avid cook, enjoyed her weekly Mah Jongg game with friends, and played an occasional round of golf at the Blue Ridge Country Club. She and Bernie loved traveling throughout the world. On these trips, she collected beautiful jewelry, art, and crafts that decorated their home and were mementos of good times together. Grace is survived by Bernard, her husband of 69 years; daughters Deborah Brenner of San Diego, CA, Barbara Booken (Bruce) of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Gail Brenner (Cameron McColl), of Santa Barbara, CA. She adored her 4 grandchildren - Andrea ( John), Adam (Shelley), Rachel and Ethan, and was blessed with 2 great-grandchildren - Jasper and Sophie. Grace is also survived by her loving sisters, Charlotte Freedman of Harrisburg, PA, and Bernice Reuben of Philadelphia, PA. Donations to honor her memory are gratefully accepted to the Rose Reuben Fund that honors the memory of Grace’s mother. Please send to: Rose Reuben Fund of the Beth El Endowment, 2637 N Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

ZELMA BUCH FREEDMANZelma Buch Freedman, 89, of Harrisburg Pennsylvania passed away peacefully September 26, 2015. Zelma

was the daughter of Harry and Helen Buch and the twin sister of Louise Buch. They lived at Second and State Streets, one block from the Pennsylvania State Capitol building. Harry was by profession a pharmacist, but his great passion was travel. He wanted to see the world and he wanted his wife and daughters to see it with him. In 1940, when Zelma and Louise were barely in their teens they had already travelled to Paris by ocean liner, arriving just weeks before the German invasion. Many of their trips were written about in the Patriot-News. In the 1940s, Zelma and Louise moved to New York City. While Louise attended New York University, Zelma, never the scholar, enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, whose graduates had included Kirk Douglas and Grace Kelly. Zelma, too, intended to become an actress. Unfortunately she was not destined for stardom. At the end of her first year, the Academy’s director advised her to return home, find a nice man and get married. Of course, Zelma had other ideas. She had become best friends with a fellow student, Colleen Dewhurst, who went on to become one of the greatest stars of the Broadway stage. Together with Colleen, and Louise, of course, Zelma went to see every great play in town. Her collection of Playbills was among Zelma’s most prized possessions. Eventually Zelma did return to Harrisburg. Not as a star, but certainly as a young woman who had fallen in love with the theater and New York City. It was in Harrisburg that Zelma met her future husband, Harris Freedman. He was handsome, athletic and a very good student. Their marriage lasted 62 years until his death in 2010. Zelma was also a mother. She loved driving her sons, Eric and Dennis and every one of their friends to basketball practice, Little League baseball games and Hebrew school. She was also a great athlete. Her tennis game was legendary at the Blue Ridge Country Club and not only for her forehand but for her salty tongue. All of the young kids would run over to the tennis court to see Zelma play for the chance to hear her let fly with an occasional naughty word. Needless to say, their parents were not always amused. But that was Zelma. Zelma was always open to meeting new people and making new friends. In the last few years of her life, when Zelma needed someone to help her with her daily chores, she was lucky to meet another new friend, Vilma Holroyd. The two enjoyed a tender bond and sense of humor and play that sustained Zelma through tougher times. When Zelma was admitted to Johns Hopkins hospital last spring, Vilma left home and moved to Baltimore for three months, never leaving Zelma’s side. In the final moments of her life, her sons, Eric and Dennis, together with Vilma, were there to comfort her. Zelma Freedman is survived by her sons, Eric and Dennis Freedman and her beloved dog, Mooch. Memorial donations may be made in Zelma’s name to: THE CENTER (the LGBT Community Center), 208 West 13th Street, New York, NY 10011.

STANLEY KLEIMANStanley Kleiman, 77, passed away Saturday, October 17, 2015 in Hilton Head, SC where he lived with his

loving wife of 18 years, Judi (Maron) for the last 11 years. He was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, the son of the late Rebecca (Liss) and David Kleiman. Stanley graduated from Drexel University (1961) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in accounting and finance. He was the owner and Chief Executive Officer of BSC Litho and Morehouse Publishing Company for more than 37 years in Harrisburg, PA where he lived and raised his family with his wife, Elaine (Cohen) who predeceased him. Stan was an active member at Beth El Temple, Harrisburg, and beloved volunteer at Congregation Beth Yam in Hilton Head. He enjoyed photography and most of all loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Stanley is survived by five children, Jill Weaver, David Kleiman, Adam Wiener and his wife Erin, Ross Wiener and his wife Leslie who all live in Harrisburg, and Dava Yanoff and her husband Eric of Bala Cynwyd, PA; one sister, Elaine Rosenberg and her husband Leonard of Bowie, MD; and thirteen grandchildren, Rachael Speck and her husband Alex, Jennifer Keepes and her husband Josh, Brooks Weaver, Ali Weaver, Liza Weaver, Sammy Wiener, Owen Wiener, Sarah Wiener, Morgan Wiener, Aiden Yanoff, Leah Wiener, Ezra Yanoff and Avi Yanoff. Stanley’s funeral service was held on Tuesday, October 20th at the Beth El Cemetery Chapel in Harrisburg PA, officiated by Rabbi Ron Muroff. Burial immediately followed the service. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, www.jdrf.org.


Thursday, December 24 – Drive-in Movie DayCome to the JCC and enjoy a Movie on the big screen. Enjoy movie treats such as popcorn bar and drinks. Please pack a suit and towel, and lunch. The program will close at 4:00

Monday, December 28 - Amazing Race/ Ugly Cake Decorating

We will divide in to teams and compete in different challenges throughout the building. We will then have a contest to see who can decorate the ugliest cake. Please pack a suit, towel and lunch.

Tuesday, December 29 -Trip to Get Air and Friendly’s

We will go to Sky Zone and bounce around. Afterwards head to Friendly’s for a delicious ice cream treat. Please pack a lunch, suit and towel.

Wednesday, December 30- Glow in the Dark Mad Science dayWhen the sun goes down, science lights up the night. Discover why some things glow-in-the-dark and how fireflies, fungi and creatures of the deep use cold light to luminesce. See the eerie green glow of a frozen shadow and try writing with light. Make “atomic slime that will glow in the dark. Please pack a lunch suit and towel.

Wednesday, December 31 – Happy Un-Birthday Pajama Party Pre New Year’s Eve Party

No need to get out of your pajamas for this day. We will have a birthday party for everyone including a piñata, relays and many other treats. We will count down to noon and celebrate an early New Year’s Eve and enjoy a brunch. Please pack a suit and towel, lunch will be provided. The program will close at 4:00.

Winter Break at the J Kick off the wintertime blues by attending the JCC holiday mini camp.

For: Kindergarten and older7:30 am – 6:00 pm

Regular Rate: $70/a day; JCC Member Discount: $45/a day; Full time after care: $40/a day Rate for December 29: $80/regular rate; JCC Member Discount: $55; Full time after care: $50

Deadline is December 12.

To register, please contact the front office at 236-9555, ext. 0. If you have any questions, contact Terry at 236-9555 ext. 3121 or [email protected].

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