RABBI’S MESSAGE - JULY 2014

Congregation B’nai Harim

Children of the Mountains Congregation B’nai Harim, P.O. Box 757, Pocono Pines, PA 18350/ (570) 646-0100

http://www.bnaiharimpoconos.org

NEWSLETTER /JULY 2014 / VOLUME 20, ISSUE 06

PAGE ONE/B’NAI HARIM

Rabbi Nachman of Breslov didn’t live a long life but his sayings still pack a wallop 204 years after his death at age 38. Although he was subject to mood swings that we now associate with bi-polar disorder, he saw these highs and lows as part of the normal process of purification that humans experience to prepare their souls for the next phase of existence. This influential

grandson of the Baal Shem Tov was known to say “It is a mitzvah to be happy always.” That is a very tall order. Depression among the American Jewish population over age 65 is quite high. According to a study by Kennedy, Kelman, Thomas and Chen, Jews are twice as likely as Catholics to suffer

from depression. This is no laughing matter. Most depression is treatable. Difficult though it may be even to get up off the couch in order to seek help, there is often help very nearby.

This past winter and, truth be told, even this past spring, were exceptionally gloomy. Those of you

who escaped to Florida may not have experienced the grey skies and the pall of snow that weighed upon the driveways and spirits of those up north. The spring rains caused shoulders to slump and attitudes to molder. If this low pressure system and barometric bottoming left you feeling out of sorts, you are not alone! People who have never had the winter blues or been caught in the doldrums are feeling grumpy, unsociable, over-sensitive and just snarky. What we hope is that one morning we get good and fed-up with this kill-joy who inhabits and inhibits us and we find the gumption to get some help.

That doesn’t always happen. So, what can our tradition do to help us clamber back on our feet and

smile again? Telling us that it’s a mitzvah, a divine commandment, to be happy always definitely doesn’t help. That can just make us feel worse! We feel awful, make our families upset, alienate our friends and now we’re disappointing to God, too! Oy.

One of the hardest things about depression is that we don’t see a path out or even a light to a dead end! The Torah, which itself is compared to a light, teaches Na-aseh v’nishma: first we’ll do, then we’ll un-derstand. If you are feeling depressed, allow yourself to be dragged to the doctor by a friend or loved one. Don’t think; don’t keep waiting for it to pass; let yourself be schlepped, prodded or provoked. Depression, like hitting one’s head against the wall, feels so good when it stops.

Reb Nachman taught that the antidote for depression is simcha, joy. Quoting Isaiah he said, “Ki Besimcha Taitzayhu - "through simcha—joy—you will go out." There is an indestructible part of us that no sadness, no illness, no stress, no disaster can change. That is the part on which to focus. That is the part that will, with the help of God, friends and family, get us out of our funk.

Chazak! Chazak! v’nitchazeik! Be strong! Be strong! And let us strengthen one another!

Rabbi Peg

Kershenbaum

Onegs are such a delightful part of getting together and socializing after a Saturday Morning service. We always need sponsors for our Onegs. The cost is $65.00 and includes bagels, cream cheese, coffee, tea, orange juice and all needed paper goods. If you would like to sponsor an Oneg, call Roberta Pineiro who has graciously taken over this position at (570) 839-0107. Thank you to the following oneg sponsors: July 12 - Irene & Lewis Stolzenberg - To celebrate their 52nd Anniversary. July 26 - Rose Gelbard & Richard Kelmans - To celebrate their 35th Anniversary. Aug. 2 - The Luncheon Committee. Aug. 23 - Board of Trustees.

ONEG SHABBAT SPONSORS

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - JULY 2014

PAGE TWO/B’NAI HARIM

WHAT’S NU AROUND THE TEMPLE FOR JULY 2014

"GREAT BOARD MEMBERS WANTED”. In August of this year, B’nai Harim will be electing three new members to the Board of Trustees. I invite you to become a member of the B’nai Harim Board of Trustees. We are looking for board members who believe in our mission and are willing to be active in this role. Your commitment will be essential in our continuing efforts to provide a positive future for our Temple.

In the short amount of time that I have been your president, I have found the position very fulfilling. I feel that the board members share the same feelings. This rewarding experi-ence can be carried on by you! I know that we have many talented people in our congrega-tion who could have a positive impact on the congregation we serve.

I have asked one of our past presidents, Al Kagan, to chair the nominating committee. Al and his com-mittee will be looking for interested candidates. If you think you might be interested in a joining our team, please contact Al and he will take you through the process and answer your questions. In the coming months, you will be introduced, through our newsletter, to each of our board members. Through these articles you will come to appreciate each person and the responsibility they carry out on

the board. The future promises to be exciting for B’nai Harim. The Board of Trustees will play a central role in these important decisions. Wouldn’t you like to be a part of this process? Please consider becoming a nominee. Al Wismer, President

Many June Anniversaries: Congratulations to the following: HARRIET & PETER

GELBART -57th Wedding Anniversary….IRENE & LEW STOLZENBERG - 52nd

Wedding Anniversary….SARA & JOE BEDRICK-48th Wedding Anniversary ….

Rabbi Peg performed a special anniversary prayer at June services…..the following couples

were invited up to the Bima-CONNIE & STEVE BRAM.....ROSE GELBARD & RICHARD

KELMANS…..MARIAN & SHELDON TABAK…..LESLIE & JIM STINE.....SARA & JOE

BEDRICK…..ANITA & GENE SCHNEIDER…..NORMA & STEVE LEVINE…..PEGGY &

JIM HANNAN.....welcome back to SALLY ROSEN & DAN SCHIDLOW who recently

returned from a trip to Spain…Bon Voyage to BEV & GEORGE NOVICK leaving on a cruise

to France…congratulation to DANIEL SHAYKEVICH who will be attending Vanderbilt Uni-

versity in the fall…SARA SHAYKEVICH has returned from Birthright Israel ….ALEX

RIVERA and his sister MELISSA RIVERA will be leaving shortly for their Birth-

right Israel trip……congratulations to ALLAN SPIELMAN on his retirement…get

well wishes go out to LARRY CHIMERINE.

COME SHOP AT OUR TEMPLE JUDAICA SHOP

Come see all the lovely gifts at our Temple Judaica Shop. We have gifts for any

occasion: Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, holidays, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and gifts for the

home. We have new Mezuzah cases, Tallit Clips, Passover Seder Plates, hand

crocheted Kippot that can be special ordered, Challah covers, and much more. If

you don’t see what you want, contact Norma Levine at 570-595-2818 and she will

get it for you.

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BARBARA KAPITANSKY RELIGIOUS SCHOOL AT B’NAI HARIM

PAGE THREE/B’NAI HARIM

June 21 marked our last class of the year. The students finished their stimulating sessions with Morah Lynn by repeating the Trust Building Walk along the beautiful Eagles’ Path built by Daniel Shaykevich and his friends as part of his Eagle Scout requirements. Children guided a blindfolded friend with words of encouragement, making sure not to let anyone step off the path or bump into rocks. When they first tried this exercise in September, the children did not know one another very well. But, over the course of the year, their little kehillah (community) became stronger as they learned together.

Evan Monroe, Kaycie and Ralph Cutler, Amanda Bruckstein, our next bat mitzvah Maddie

Imber and our latest b’nai mitzvah Josh Birnbaum and Bryce Rivera finished out the year and re-ceived their certificates of participation during services. Little Scholars Jennelle Pineiro and Franklin

Cutler will receive their certificates by mail. We were most proud of our madrich (guide) Daniel Shaykevich who reprised his bar mitzvah por-tion and delivered an outstanding d’var Torah. He inspired everyone on Shabbat morning, but he worked his magic on the b’nai mitzvah students during the school year. Both Josh and Bryce will be joining us as madrichim next year.

If you know any students who might like to join our elite school and participate in its new format, please direct them to contact Rabbi Peg (rabbipeg@verizon.net) or leave a message on the Temple’s answering machine (570 646-0100). We will be starting our face-to-face meetings on Shabbat morning, Sept. 6 at 9. Our Skype sessions will begin during the week as soon as the students have their public school schedules. We wish everyone a safe, healthy and fun-filled summer. We are very grateful to Lynn Anne Cut-

ler, our outstanding teacher, and to Kym Gavitt, our talented teacher’s aide and Little Scholars instruc-

tor. Thanks also to the Religious School Committee: Kym Gavitt, Honi Gruenberg, Norma Krasne-

Levine, Danielle Birnbaum and Gene Schneider. L’hitra’ot! Till we see one another again!

REMINDERS!

BOOK CLUB NEWS

On June 21, the B’nai Harim Book Club met to discuss two books, “Exceeding Expecta-tions” by Lisa April Smith and “Jo Joe” by our own Sally Weiner Grotta. We were fortu-nate to have Sally, Daniel and Dr. Weiner join us in our book club discussion. Sally shared

how she developed the ideas for this book and how the characters came to be. It was a most interesting discussion. We truly thank Sally for taking time from her busy schedule to visit with us and share her insight into the how a story line is created. Some of us enjoyed “Exceeding Expectations” and others did not. Our next book club selection is “The Golem and the Jinni” by Helene Wecker. It was suggested that you may wish to research the myth of the Golem prior to reading the book. A chance meeting between mythical beings takes readers on a dazzling journey through cultures in the turn-of-the-century New York. Our next book club meeting will be on August 9 after the Oneg.

We need pix for a trip thru the 18 years of B'nai Harim. We do have some, but I want to ex-pand. These will be shown at the anniversary celebration Aug 3. Contact Lee Emerson leeron@ptd.net.

CHAI LINES

Be part of our CHAI COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL. For just $18 you can have your name and one line totaling together up to 18 words or for $36 a total of 36 words listed on our Chai pages. Deadline July 20. Simply e-mail your Chai Line to msstolzy@aol.com and mail your check with the

word Chai on it to the Temple office attn:Lew.

PAGE FOUR/B’NAI HARIM

Who would have guessed that amongst our members we would have a couple who were high school sweethearts who reunited forty years later (one half of this couple is our tallest

Temple member) and who are now the proud “parents” of a Hebrew speaking dog? Honi Gruenberg and Robert (Skip) Spady are the folks we are talking about. A resident of Effort, Pa for the past 20 years, Honi is a past president, current Director of Communications of our Temple and is a member for 8 years. She sits on the Education and Membership Committees. Honi casually ran into Carol Sitroon who invited her to a

Shabbat pot luck. Honi immediately endeared herself with her warm dimpled smile and her delicious brisket. It is said that at that very first meeting Al Kagan looked at her and said “That girl will be our

president someday.” He was right. Honi was hooked after meeting our warm and friendly members. This twice a year Jew became a regular weekly Service participant. In addition to her busy volunteer schedule at B’nai Harim, Honi is an active member and past president of the West End Rotary Club, and directs the Rotary Foundation. Honi is also a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and Service Above Self Awardee. A sixteen year breast cancer survivor, Honi facilitates the Breast Cancer Support Group of the American Cancer Society and serves as Monroe County Captain of the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. Besides all this, Honi is a Technical Services Sales Rep at Oracle Corporation. Honi’s presidency occurred during an auspicious time: It was the Temple’s 13 th Anniversary; Honi

became a Bat Mitzvah during her presidency; and most importantly it was the year she and Skip fortui-tously met at Menlo Park Mall in N.J., Skip’s home state. For those who have not heard Skip play pro-fessionally at a local venue or at one of our Temple functions, you are missing out on a musical experi-ence extraordinaire. A talented composer and performer, Skip brings his own artistic style to his perfor-mances. His music is diverse, cutting across several genres. He plays with a number of groups and also does private and corporate gigs solo or with his group. Those of you who were at the B’nai Harim Purim Spiel saw that Skip is a skilled accompanist who was able to enhance the skills of the vocal performers.

Skip never says no when asked to help at the Temple whether it is putting up the Sukkah, hanging the shades for Film nights , entertaining at a golf outing reception or accompanying the congregation at a Seder - to name but a few. Honi and Skip are both generous of spirit. They are people who would be there for anyone who needs them. They are the sort of people who make our Temple thrive. If you are new and come to ser-vices see if you can beat Honi to the punch and greet her before she flashes her bright smile and warmly greets you.

MEET OUR MEMBERS HONI GRUENBERG AND ROBERT (SKIP) SPADY

18TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AUGUST 3

REMINDER

Preparations for our Gala Anniversary festivities are progressing very well. Now we need you to send in your money to reserve your place for the Luncheon at the Lake Naomi Club on August 3. There will be a special service by the Rabbi on Saturday Aug 2. This is a very special event for B'nai Harim. We are very excited to be honoring the Congregation for a major accomplishment.

Any questions please call Ellen or Al Kagan...570 688 9299 or Email at alkel1@ptd.net

JOIN A CHAVURA

Interested in being part of a Temple B’nai Harim Chavura? A Chavura is an educational study group facilitated by the participants with guide lines for membership developed by the group members. Although the Chavura is affiliated with the Temple it may function as an independent entity. Our current

Chavura meets the second Sunday of each month from 4-6 PM and is welcoming new participants. The next meeting is Sunday July 13. Please call Irene or Lew at 570-943-1131 or 732-735-0983 or e-mail msstolzy@aol.com if you have questions or want to join us.

From: Shirley Orgel In memory of her Father, Abraham Wilder

From: Stan Kapitansky

In memory of his Mother, Gertrude Kapitansky. From: Sunny Goldfinger

In memory of her Parents, Jack and Pauline Stearn. From: Marian Tabak In memory of her Sister, Susan Blum. From: Sam Neulinger

In memory of his Mother-in-Law, Bessie Heller. From: Madelyn Kane

1. In memory of my beloved Marvin Katz.

2. In memory of my beloved Father, Moses Auslander.

From: Dorothy & Aron Jablonka

In memory of Dorothy’s Mother, Esther Leah Fisch. From: Jim & Peggie Hannan

In memory of Jim’s Cousin, Florita Cowan. From: David & Michelle Kane

In memory of David’s Step-Father, Harry Kane. From: Al & Shelly Wismer

In memory of Shelly’s Mother, Mildred Horn. From: Norma & Joe Fisch In memory of Norma’s Father, Samuel Irwin Potter. From: Ellen Gwirtzman

In memory of her Father, David Kerdeman. From: Al & Ellen Kagan

In memory of Al’s Mother, Edna Kagan.

BEAUTIFICATION FUND

YAHRZEIT

REMEMBRANCE

PAGE FIVE/B’NAI HARIM

DONATIONS

YAHRZEIT FUND GENERAL FUND

JULY

3 Martha Frank Edna Kagan

6 Ted Lawrence Tabak 9 Albert Rosenfeld (11 TAMMUZ) 10 Pearl Novick (12 TAMMUZ) 12 Moses Auslander 14 Mary Schur 15 Abraham Levine (17 TAMMUZ) 24 Mortimer May Julia Rosenblum 26 Blanche Branner 27 Augusta Potter (29 TAMMUZ) Paul A. Vanden Heuvel (29 TAMMUZ) 28 Walter Wolf Krol Jacob Schneider 30 Reuben Landau

From: Leslie & Jim Stine

1. Sympathy to Al Wismer on the loss of his Sister.

2. Sympathy to Lisa Fox on the loss of her Father.

From: Gene & Anita Schneider

1. To Al & Shelly Wismer - Our thoughts are with you on the loss of your Sister.

2. To Marian Tabak - We wish you your wishes on your birthday.

From: Maddi Kane

In memory of Al Wismer’s Sister Barbara’s passing. My sincere con-dolences to the Wismer Family and that of his loving Sister’s family upon her death. Better days ahead. From: Sunny & Barney Goldfinger

1. To Al Wismer - Condolences on the loss of his beloved Sister, Barbara.

2. To Steve Stearn - Condolences on the loss of his beloved Moth-er, Martha and a dear aunt of Sunny Goldfinger.

PRESIDENT’S

DISCRETIONARY FUND

From: Marcia & Julius Joslin

In honor of Marion Tabak’s birthday.

From: Karen & Geroge Makris To: Al Wismer and Family - May the Lord bless you with abiding peace. From: Al & Shelly Wismer 1. To: Marsha Berman - With

deepest condolences on the passing of your Husband, Ru-bin Berman.

2. To: Marian Tabak - Happy special birthday to a special lady.

3. Bryce Rivera - Mazel Tov to you on your Bar Mitzvah.

RABBI’S

DISCRETIONARY FUND

From: Al Wismer Thank you Rabbi.

JANET WILE FUND

From: Arlyn & Dave Bialick 1. To Mrs. Shirley Kabat & Family -

our condolences on the passing of your beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather, Joel Kabat.

2. To Mrs. Melanie Rodgers & Family - Our condolences on the passing of your beloved Father and Grandfather, George Weiss.

3. To Mr. Lawrence Goldbert & Family - Our condolences on the passing of your beloved Wife and Mother, Lisa.

Wishing everyone

a very happy,

healthy, and safe

Fourth of July.

6

REMEMBER YOUR LOVED ONES BY ADDING

THEIR NAMES TO OUR MEMORIAL BOARD— The cost for each plaque (one name per plaque) is $236. A

minimum of $50 must accompany each request. The balance

can be paid over one year for 1 or 2 plaques and/or two years

for more than 2 plaques. For further information, please con-

tact Stan Kapitansky, (718) 428-2140 or e-mail me at

memorial@bnaiharim.com. Copies of the order form will be

available at the temple, or you may download a copy directly

from the web site.

Stan Kapitansky, Yahrzeit Committee Chairperson

YAHRZEIT NOTIFICATION

MEMORIAL BOARD

MISHEBEIRACH LIST

MEMORIAL

BOARD

When putting a person onto the Mishebeirach List, it should be with person’s permission. Would the person like to be listed with their Eng-lish or Hebrew name? Please include a contact name and telephone number so that Rabbi Peg

may follow up with the person or with the member who placed the name on the list. Our policy now states that the list will be limited to members and their immediate family (parents, grandparents, siblings and their spouses, children and their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses). Con-gregants are strongly encouraged to mention any person aloud at the appropriate time during the service, so we can pray for their improved health. REMEMBER TO HAVE THE PERSON’S NAME REMOVED, IF THE PERSON NO LONGER NEEDS TO BE ON THE LIST.

Our Yahrzeit list is open not only to those who have plaques, but to the entire congregation. This will allow you to remember your loved ones on their anniversary date. The forms available at the Temple can be completed and returned directly to me. With this

information, a reminder will be sent to you at the appropriate time, and the name of your loved one will be added to our kaddish list for that date. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly at bspoco@verizon.net, 718-428-2140 or 570-646-4668.

Sincerely, Stan Kapitansky Yahrzeit Committee Chairperson

TREE OF LIFE

NEW ADDRESS?

STOP! ABSOLUTELY NO NUTS

One of our members has a severe NUT aller-gy. As a result, the temple is now NUT-free. This means that no NUTS of any kind can be brought into the temple. Please do not use oils that contain nuts of any kind in your baking or cooking. We ask that you be as vigilant as

possible to ensure the well-being of this youngster. Please speak with Barbara Kapitansky if you have any questions

regarding this situation.

JEWISH FAMILYSERVICES

WEEKLY ONLINE ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you have recently moved, please send your new information to Jerry’s e-mail at jerry.goodstein@gmail.com. He will update the Membership list and generate a new list.

REFORM JUDAISM MAGAZINE

In addition to the monthly newsletter, we publish a weekly online newsletter for all members with e-mail addresses and Internet access. If you do not want to receive email announcements or cannot access the Internet, please call Alan Wismer at 570-646-8263.

PAGE SIX/ B’NAI HARIM

Jewish Family Service is in need of Kosher food and toiletries marked with a recognize symbol. Please remember to bring a donation

of at least one item when you visit the synagogue. All items must be kosher, unopened and within the expiration date on the packaging. If each one of us brings one can or box of food each time we come to the Temple, it will make a real difference to the needy in our community. You can also write a check to “Jewish Family Service of Lackawanna” and it will be delivered. It is also tax deductible. Thank you and keep up the great work. We hope you will continue to be generous throughout the year.

Thank you, Jerry

If you are a paid member of Congregation B'nai Harim and you are not receiving the Reform Judaism Maga-zine you can go to the www.URJ.org website or to www.reformjudaismmag.org and fill in the information under contact us. You can also call 212-650-4240. They will make sure you are on the list to receive the magazine.

Our tree is flourishing. A leaf on the Tree of Life is a unique way to commemorate a spe-cial date or to thank someone in a truly origi-nal and lasting manner. Each leaf costs just triple Chai ($54.00) and will be engraved to

your specifications. Just phone Julia Shaykevich (570) 620-0104 to place your order.

PATRONIZE B’NAI HARIM’S ADVERTISERS

Below is a partial list of contractors utilized by B’nai Harim. For topnotch work and competitive pricing, please support these suppliers:

YOUR PRINT PROJECTS ARE OUR PRIORITY

Let The UPS Store print your next project. No job too large or small - Newsletters, flyers, manuals

-A variety of finish options-

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Store 5501@theupsstore.com

Professional Cleaning &

Concierge Service

PAGE SEVEN/B’NAI HARIM

The Area’s Only Jewish Assisted Senior Living

So Much Comfort So Close to Home

465 Venard Rd. Clarks Summit, PA 18411

Phone: 50-585-4400 Fax: 570-585-4500

Website: www.elangardens.org

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING - Fisher’s - 570-807-9684 ALARM SYSTEM - AIC - 570-839-2225 CLEANING - Jane Erhardt - 570-856-1500 ELECTRICIAN - Vincent Piacente Electrical Contractor

– 570-595-2199

Frank Guastella Electric Company – 570-839-2859

MASTER PLUMBER - Vincent Pietracatella -

570-619-7986/570-807-6792

PRINTER - Bartonville Printing – Kole – 570-629-3222

The UPS Store – 570-839-8010

WATER - Pocono Water Center - Mark -

570-842-8660/570-839-8012

Congregation B’nai Harim

PO Box 757 Pocono Pines, PA, 18350

http://www.bnaiharimpoconos.org

PHONE:

Message Center (570) 646-0100

E-Mail:

rwbs@hotmail.com

DIRECTIONS Driving East on Route 940, turn right at the Pocono Pines traffic light at Route 423, continue on Pocono Crest road

(formerly Sullivan Road) about 1&1/2 miles. Synagogue on left (before reach-

ing 940). Driving West on Route 940, turn left at intersection of Pocono Crest Road

(formerly Sullivan Road), and the Syna-

gogue will be on the right.(approx.

1/10th of a mile). QUESTIONS ANYONE ?

INFORMATION PLUS Any questions or items that any Congregational Member would like to ask or have clarified can be answered through this column. If you need a quick answer just pick up the phone or e-mail Alan Wismer, or any Board Member and we will get an answer to your question as soon as possible. The next Board Meeting is: Sunday, July 20th at 9:30AM. Board Meetings are open to all members. To be put on the agenda, contact Alan Wismer at 570-646-8263 no later than four days prior, so the agenda can be finalized.

ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER

This is your newsletter, and we need your input. When

you have any news to share, please let us know so we

can publish it.

Deadlines are the 20th of the month. News can be sent

(using WORD) to Paula Guenst at rwbs@hotmail.com.

The newsletter is published each month. Newsletter

subscriptions are available for $18 per year to non-

members of Congregation B’nai Harim. Please contact

George Novick or Alan Wismer.

In addition to the monthly newsletter, we publish a

weekly online newsletter to all members with e-mail

addresses and Internet access. If you have not been

receiving this weekly newsletter, please contact Jerry

Goodstein at jerry.goodstein@gmail.com to be included

in this list.

CONGREGATION B’NAI HARIM

PO Box 757 Pocono Pines, PA 18350

RECURRING SCHEDULES Services Sat. 10:15 AM Shabbat Dinner Fri. 6:30 PM Religious School Sat. 9:00AM

PAGE EIGHT/B’NAI HARIM

Rabbi: Peg Kershenbaum

Pres.: Alan Wismer

VP: Irene Stolzenberg Sec.: Eugene Schneider

Treas.: Richard Kelmans Member of the URJ - Union For Reform Judaism

The members of B’nai Harim

are a very caring, close group

but sometimes a member needs

a little extra help. If you

know of someone who needs a

phone call or a visit, please

either encourage them to call

the Rabbi directly or email her yourself to let her know one of

her congregants needs help.

NEED SOME CHICKEN

SOUP?

NEED A CALL FROM

RABBI?

KNOW SOMEONE WHO

DOES?