Jewish Community Alliance of Northeastern PA 60 South River Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 THE WYOMING VALLEY DIGEST CELEBRATING JEWISH LIFE IN THE WYOMING VALLEY VISIT US ON THE WEB @ WWW.JEWISHWILKES-BARRE.ORG. BECOME OUR FAN ON FACEBOOK: JCA of NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA Volume II, Number 1 WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA SPRING/SUMMER 2016 David and Emma Kluger are lifelong residents of the Wyoming Valley, having grown up in Kingston and Forty Fort. During the winter, they spend time at Old Palm in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. They both love to golf and play with their two dogs Lola and Tessa. They both have big families and enjoy spending time with them. David is a Managing Director of Wealth Management and Corporate Client Group Director at Morgan Stanley and has worked for two major Wall Street firms. Emma is Vice President at Lewith and Freeman Real Estate. Emma and David recently pledged $100,000 to the Friedman Center for Jewish Life and the front doors will be named in memory of Dr. Sheldon Howard Kluger. David recently discussed his and Emma’s support for the Friedman Center. What is your history and connection with the Jewish community of Wilkes-Barre and the JCC? I was very involved in the JCC basketball program as a teenager and I played later in life in the 5:30 club, which my father also played in before he passed. Continued On Pg 3 The new Friedman Center for Jewish Life allows us to create a home that will serve our community for generations to come. It will enable us to streamline agencies, lower costs, and bring the community together in a state-of-the-art, cost-effective building that will foster collaboration and serve as our locus for cultural, educational, athletic, and social events. In addition, we anticipate that we will have room for at least one outside tenant to help defray operating expenses. The Friedman Center will house the Jewish Community Alliance, which is itself a merger of what was the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Federation, and will provide a new location for some of the facilities of Temple Israel and Congregation Ohav Zedek, suites for Early Childhood Education and Autism programs and meeting space for community events. The building will also include kosher kitchens, a lounge with a coffee house feel, a physical therapy operation run by an outside operator, and a full array of fitness facilities, including a gym with two basketball courts, a pool and a therapy pool, a sauna and steam room, and a fitness center. Local architect David Sheydwasser, together with our Building Committee and its Design Sub-committee, has been overseeing the design process, and early renderings have been shared throughout the community. Site work and preparation for construction have begun. We hope to commence building in the coming months. The estimated cost for the new Center is approximately $11 million. About $6 million will come from the donation of the property, government grants and the sale of the current JCC and JFS buildings, leaving approximately five million dollars to be raised by the Campaign. Currently, our funding for this project is more than eight million dollars, of which $1.2 million is a government LSA grant which will be used to build the gym and pool. Outreach to the local community continues and we hope that everyone will contribute to the best of their ability. OUR FRIEDMAN CENTER FOR JEWISH LIFE ADVANCES! David And Emma Kluger Dedicate Front Doors At Friedman Center For Jewish Life
Transcript
Jewish Community Allianceof Northeastern PA
60 South River StreetWilkes-Barre, PA 18702
THE WYOMING VALLEY
DIGESTCELEBRATING JEWISH L IFE IN THE WYOMING VALLEY
VIS IT US ON THE WEB @ WWW.JEWISHWILKES -BARRE .ORG. BECOME OUR FAN ON FACEBOOK: JCA o f NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Volume II, Number 1 WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA SPRING/SUMMER 2016
David and Emma Kluger are lifelong residents of the Wyoming Valley, having grown up in Kingston and Forty Fort. During the winter, they spend time at Old Palm in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. They both love to golf and play with their two dogs Lola and Tessa. They both have big families and enjoy spending time with them.
David is a Managing Director of Wealth Management and Corporate Client Group Director at Morgan Stanley and has worked for two major Wall Street firms. Emma is Vice President at Lewith and Freeman Real Estate.
Emma and David recently pledged $100,000 to the Friedman Center for Jewish Life and the front doors will be named in memory of Dr. Sheldon Howard Kluger.
David recently discussed his and Emma’s support for the Friedman Center.
What is your history and connection with the Jewish community of Wilkes-Barre and the JCC?
I was very involved in the JCC basketball program as a teenager and I played later in life in the 5:30 club, which my father also played in before he passed.
Continued On Pg 3
The new Friedman Center for Jewish Life allows us to create a home that will serve our community for generations to come. It will enable us to streamline agencies, lower costs, and bring the community together in a state-of-the-art, cost-effective building that will foster collaboration and serve as our locus for cultural, educational, athletic, and social events. In addition, we anticipate that we will have room for at least one outside tenant to help defray operating expenses.
The Friedman Center will house the Jewish Community Alliance, which is itself a merger of what was the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Federation, and will provide a new location for some of the facilities of Temple Israel and Congregation Ohav Zedek, suites for Early Childhood Education and Autism programs and meeting space for community events.
The building will also include kosher kitchens, a lounge with a coffee house feel, a physical therapy operation run by an outside operator, and a full array of fitness facilities, including a
gym with two basketball courts, a pool and a therapy pool, a sauna and steam room, and a fitness center.
Local architect David Sheydwasser, together with our Building Committee and its Design Sub-committee, has been overseeing the design process, and early renderings have been shared throughout the community.
Site work and preparation for construction have begun. We hope to commence building in the coming months.
The estimated cost for the new Center is approximately $11 million. About $6 million will come from the donation of the property, government grants and the sale of the current JCC and JFS buildings, leaving approximately five million dollars to be raised by the Campaign. Currently, our funding for this project is more than eight million dollars, of which $1.2 million is a government LSA grant which will be used to build the gym and pool. Outreach to the local community continues and we hope that everyone will contribute to the best of their ability.
OUR FRIEDMAN CENTER FOR JEWISH LIFE ADVANCES!
David And Emma Kluger Dedicate Front Doors At
Friedman Center For Jewish Life
As I was jogging past our Friedman Center for Jewish Life complex, I watched the bulldozers demolish and remove the final debris. This is stage one of our renewal process. I couldn’t help reflect on our J.C.A. We have accomplished so much over this past year. Last year, we didn’t even own the building!
They say, “it takes a village…” We laid out a vision four years ago. This road map, superbly executed by Danny Goldberg, our assistant director, Larry Keiser, our passionate executive team members, volunteers
and engaged board members, have brought new levels of service to our community. Even though we are a nonprofit the JCA is still a business.
First, think back to the foundation that Paul Lantz and the Board made, with the help of Stuart Forman, to merge three organizations, the Jewish Federation, the Jewish Family Service, and the J.C.C.
Second, we instituted the “three C” principles: a. The Culture, b. Follow the Cycle of Success, and c. Our Community as One.
Our first “C.” - Our Culture: Everything now happens
at the JCC. On more days than I remember our parking lot “runneth over.” Look at any given Sunday this last winter. BBYO events alongside a packed gym featuring Northampton St. League basketball in the afternoon - with a banquet
in the evening. Rather than having just one JCC event at a time, multiple, layered events serve a cross section of our community – each with their own needs. The more events concurrently, the better! JCC has surely grown again to be “the place to be.”
Our second “C.” – Follow our J.C.A. Cycle of Success
This cycle is the JCA road map – and we apply this on a daily basis. Our JCA hums along “like clockwork. “Begin at 12 Noon and see how each cog reinforces our JCA goals.
12 Noon: Fiscal Intelligence. Starts with our controller, Bill James and the Accounting Department., holding true to our budget, balancing income with costs.
1: Continuous Fund-Raising. Rick Evans and the team identify and execute multiple development projects, grants, tennis endowments, Super bowl raffles - always
driving new revenue to better service our members. New this year, in July, is a Designer Purse event chaired by Jill Kranson.
2: Annual Campaign. Denise Garofalo and our Annual Campaign chairman, Robert Smith, steer our Annual Campaign gifts – already up over $10,000 from the previous year. Our goal this year is $450,000. With Bob’s passion I’m certain we’ll arrive at this number.
3: Help those who need it the most. Our members are always top of mind, whether Sarah’s Pantry, the congregate meal program headed by our outstanding chef, Steve Arnovitz, or our new program, Senior Resource Care Committee, headed by Missy Saidman in partnership with the Jewish Home of NEPA, and great volunteers like Connie Roth who add immeasurably to this enterprise.
4: Excellent programming. Look at this Digest. From infants to seniors, Barbara Sugarman and the staff, with great lay leadership by Paula Chaiken, provide great programs, like the Senior Men’s program, Lunch and Learn, Purim events, Passover Seders, Paint and Wine, and so much more. None of this can be pulled off without the labor and care of Carlos Torres and the maintenance team.
5: Fitness. For the second straight year, our basketball programs have sold out. (Note that many of these children also enjoy our summer day camp and our year-round Early Childhood Education program.) Balance classes, yoga and new tennis lessons are just some of our new fitness offerings.
Our Jewish Community’s Cycle of SuccessMitch Kornfeld, J.C.A. President
J.C.A.GOALS
2016
FUNDRAISING,DEVELOPMENT
GROW REVENUE
ANNUALCAMPAIGN
JEWIShFAMILy
SERVICES
ExCELLENTPROGRAMMING
FITNESSSUMMER
CAMP
EARLy ChILDhOODEDUCATION
yOUTh PROGRAMS
C.4.J.L.PREPARATION
MEMBERShIP/GROWTh
COMMUNICATE & MARkET
FISCALINTELLIGENCE
MOTIVATED&
ACCOUNTABLESTAFF
J.C.A. CyCLE OF SUCCESS Continued On Pg 3
MITCH KORNFELD
6: Our JCC Camp. The summer day camp is launching another robust season thanks to Rob Friedman’s leadership and our Camp Committee, Rick and Sara’s always progressive programming, and strong marketing by Chris Miller. We anticipate more than 500 campers. Our Camp was so successful last year we added a 10th week!
7: Early Childhood Education. Our E.C.E. program is sure to become a significant revenue source just like many other JCC Early Childhood programs nationally. Our goal is to serve 17 children for 2017. With the help of David Lantz, we are identifying ways to become this area’s premier program as we move to the new campus. Note: every day on the 3rd floor of our JCC, at least 90 children are thriving in the Cheder Menachem school.
8: Teen and Youth/BBYO events. Sara Pisarz, Jason Cohen and Hal Levine have done an unbelievable job with our teens throughout the year – capping off with over 200 Northeast teens on a weekend Shabbataton convention. (Over 40 teens were from our community! And not one hotel was needed: Our community opened its arms and housed all the teens - another example of “community as one.”)
9: Friedman Center for Jewish Life. With the passionate leadership of David Schwager, Chuck Cohen, and Barbara Bell, our Friedman Center has begun its first construction phase. Paula Chaiken and Larry Taren continue superbly advancing our capital campaign. Can you imagine all the good our new Friedman Center will do for the entire Northeast PA? We welcome the support of generous community members who share Paula and Larry’s passion for our new Friedman Center. Because of a few great individuals, we’ve transformed a vision into bricks and mortar. Don’t forget: Our own lives were personally enriched in the 1950’s and 1960’s by Jewish community visionaries. We now need you to step up to the plate to contribute, however large or small your donation, to the Friedman Center for Jewish Life.
10: Membership/Growth. David Kayton and Rich Kramer have created many successful events and new strategies to recruit and welcome new Jewish families to our region. David has also superbly managed our JCA website and introduced a new relocate page to the Tristate region. (Our message? What better benefit to any Jewish family than thriving in a community within walking distance to a new eleven million dollar state-of-the-art Jewish campus.)
11: Market and Communicate. With the help of Chris Miller, the JCA has robustly advanced its ability to communicate with our members and the Northeast PA community, and grow revenue, with our quarterly Digest, Program Guide, Facebook marketing, JCA and JCC Camp website marketing, billboards, marketing banners, newspaper advertising, and strategic marketing of our JCC Camp, Early Childhood, and our other JCA “pillars.” All these marketing efforts are making a huge difference.
Each of these 12 critical initiatives not just supports our JCA – but serves the entire NEPA community. These are the national J.C.C.A and J.F.N.A benchmarks we strive for, and are reaching.
Our third “C.” – Our Community as One. For over a Century, our Jewish community has served the entire Northeast with services across any divide – socio-economic, religious, ethnic, and racial. We’re a multi-dimensional community where everyone counts, Chabad, Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Non- Jew. 2016 embraced Sushi Night with the Chabad community, basketball with Good Shepherd elementary school children, and Holocaust commemorations with Temple Israel, B’nai Brith, and Ohav Zedek. And our JCC Camp features hundreds of new faces from every community in Northeast PA and beyond.
Our “three C’s” are principles for our JCA to prosper by. We still have a long way to go but we’re “moving” forward in the right direction. Thank you to our executive team, our superb staff and volunteers, and our community members.
Cont’d from Pg 1
KLUGER DONATION
My brothers and sisters and I also have fond memories of spending time at the JCC and the JCC Camp.
What inspired you to contribute so generously to the new Friedman Center for Jewish life?
Emma and I are big believers that the new Center will improve the lives of the entire community, especially the Jewish community. We wanted to dedicate this contribution in memory of my father, Dr. Sheldon Howard Kluger who was a pediatrician in Wilkes-Barre for his entire career. He loved the JCC. We feel the new Friedman Center will benefit all, but especially the kids, and as a pediatrician it was all about the kids.
What hopes do you have for the Jewish community of Wilkes-Barre and its new Center?
Our hopes are that the Center will add a fresh face to the community and provide lots of activities and fun for all. We also believe that the Center will provide a draw to our area for new families.
Cont’d from Pg 2
Cycle Of Success
THE FRIEDMAN CENTER FOR JEWISH LIFE TRANSFORMATION BEGINS!
SCHEDULE yOUR COMpANy pICNIC OR FAMILy REUNION AT THE MAJESTIC JCC
CAMpgROUNDS. CALL RICK EVANS. 570-824-4646
The Board of Directors and staff of the JCA wish to thank Danny Goldberg for his service to our community as executive director of the JCA. Danny has been indispensable in overseeing the daily operations of the JCA as
well as the Friedman Center for Jewish Life project. The JCA staff, Board of Directors, Committees, members and volunteers congratulate Danny and his wife Debbie as they retire in July. We wish them well as they relocate
to New Jersey to be closer to their family.
We are pleased to welcome back Stuart Forman who will serve as executive director beginning in July. Stuart served as a consultant to our community in the past and is excited for the opportunity to return to our community and continue his work. The JCA staff and Board of Directors look forward to working with Stuart again.
Transitions at the JCA
Just Judaica gift Shop
DANNY GOLDBERG STUART FORMAN
GIfTs, DEcORATIONs, mENORAhs, cANDLEs AND mORE!Come and discover the wonderful world of Judaica. At Just
Judaica at the JCC, we have a beautiful selection of all things Jewish for you to choose from, including Kiddush cups, apple and honey dishes, Menorahs, hostess gifts and many more - we are your Judaica store.
Special area of the gift shop is now 40% off. See our new collection of gifts
from “Inspired Generations”....Fun gifts to take for the holidays or for yourself.
The Jewish Community Alliance of Northeastern Pennsylvania has received a grant from the Jewish Home of Northeastern PA Foundation for Jewish Elderly to provide a part-time Senior Resource Care Coordinator based at the JCC to be instrumental in providing support services and guidance to the seniors in the Jewish and general community so they may remain active, independent and remain in their homes.
The Senior Resource Coordinator will provide education to “consumers”, seniors and their families about resources available to improve their specific needs. The coordinator will assist consumers in navigating community resources such as transportation, home health service and meals on wheels.
The program is being chaired by Melissa Saidman. For more information, please call the JCC at 570-824-4646 and speak with Rick Evans, JCA Development & Camp Director.
Photo: Members of the JCA Senior Resource Committee are:
Seated Row 1 l-r Renea Hammerman, Anne Rappaport, Celia Connor, Anita Coplan and Bedonna Mitchneck; Row 2: Rick Evans, JCA Camp & Development Director; Mitch Kornfeld, JCA President; Barbara Sugarman, JCA Adult & Cultural Director; Danny Goldberg, JCA Executive Director; Connie Roth, Melissa Saidman, Chairperson; Marshall Kornblatt, Jewish Home of Northeastern, PA President; Atty. Larry Keiser, JCA Assistant Executive Director and John Thalenfeld. Committee members not pictured are: David Bravman, Sally Connor, Charlotte Cutler, Ellen Greenberg, Carol Greenwald, Brittany Elko, Jewish Home Director of Social Services and Rabbi Samuel Sandhaus, Executive Director of Jewish Home and Elan Gardens.
The Senior Resource Care Coordinator (SRCC) (part time) will be instrumental in providing support services and guidance to the elderly so they may remain active, independent and in their home. The SRCC will provide education to “consumers” (seniors and their families) about resources available to improve their specific needs. The SRCC will assist consumers in navigating and connecting to community resources such as transportation, home health services, and meals on wheels, counseling, guardianship and Geriatric Care Managers.
The SRCC will also develop and maintain ongoing relationships with the seniors in order to identify needs as they arise. The SRCC will work closely with the Adult & Cultural Director at the JCA. Also the SRCC will need to establish a working relationship with the rabbis and the synagogue administrators to identify seniors in need. The SRCC will need to develop working relationships with the Wilkes-Barre social service agencies (i.e. AAA, FSA, RSVP Senior Peer Group) and the caseworkers at Geisinger, Commonwealth Health and John Heinz.
The SRCC will work at the JCA and be available at designated times during the JCA senior congregate meal programs. Also the SRCC will visit homebound seniors in need of services. The SRCC will provide education to consumers about Elan Gardens and the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania.
The SRCC will assist in obtaining professional services to address the needs of the senior population and their families. To perform this job successfully the applicant needs to have:
resources• Abilitytomotivateandengageseniorsinneed• Abilitytoopenlyaddressandacknowledgeobservedissuesandconcerns• Strongorganizationalandinterpersonalskills• Attentiontodetailandtheabilitytobeflexibleinperformingavarietyoftasks• Abilitytoassistandattendtheneedsofotherswithkindnessandrespect• Abilitytomaintaindocumentation• Proficiencyinbasiccomputerskill• AfouryearcollegedegreeSalary will be commensurate with experience.Please mail resume to:Barbara Sugarmanc/o JCA60 South River StreetWilkes-Barre, PA 18702Attn: SRCCOr email to [email protected]
The Capin Crooners and Croonettes have been asked to perform at the Annual Dinner of the JCC Men’s Club on Thursday, June 30, 2016. The featured music will be from the Broadway musical, Annie, plus songs made famous by the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, John Denver and more.
This will be the 12th performance of our group and the second following the loss of our co-founder,
Dr. Robert Capin. Dr. Sheldon Spear, Eleanor Grant,
Harvey Rappaport and the entire cast hope you will attend and enjoy our performance. We look
forward to entertaining you!
Capin Crooners & Croonettes Will perform at Men’s Club
Annual Dinner
Chicken Thursdays are a Hit!
Join us every Thursday for “Chicken Thursday” at the JCC. Lunch is a differ-ently prepared scrumptious chicken dish each week. JCA President Mitch Kornfeld will be available to answer your ques-tions.
Remember Congregate Meals are $2.00 if you are 60 and over and reg-istered in the program, otherwise meals are $6.00.
Be sure to make your reservations at least 24 hours in advance for this infor-mative and delicious lunch.
Don’t Forget the JCA Deli!
All Kosher Deli items supervised by the VAAD of Luzerne County.
Call Bruce for the menu and dates, 570-287-9981, or email: [email protected].
Orders placed by Sunday to pick up following Wednesday. Home deliveries available!
LEARN YIDDISH WITH ELI!
LOmir redden YiddiSh - Return to the roots and language of our ancestors at an informal Yiddish class filled with a little laughter, singing, and kibbitzing. Individuals may also join a Yiddish Tish prior to Congregate Meals. The program is led by Eli Fleisher. Next class will be June 9. Contact Barbara at the JCA at 570-824-4646 to sign up for the next fun-filled class.
Sarah’s pantry and Kosher Meals
on WheelsKosher food is available for those
with financial difficulties through Sarah’s Pantry. Call 570-824-4646 for hours and more information.
We’re Looking for you!
The Jewish Community Alliance is sending out news regularly via e-mail. If you are not getting these e-mails, it can be only because we do not have your e-mail address. Please send an immediate email to [email protected] or [email protected]. If you DO NOT have an e-mail ad-dress, please call Denise or Gail at 570-824-4646 and they will put you on a postal mailing list so that you do not miss community Jewish functions.
BBYO “IT” (IN TRAINING) CONVENTION: HELD AT OUR JCC, MARCH 11-13. TERRIFIC JEWISH TEENS FROM AROUND THE REGION CAME TOGETHER FOR TRAINING, FELLOWSHIP AND FUN!
Fellowship! Fascinating speakers! The Men’s Club is made up of a group of men approximately 65 years of age and older.
It’s an informal group that meets Tuesdays at 11:15 am or 11:30 am depending on the agenda. We have extremely interesting speakers every other week.
On days with speakers, the Men’s Club is open to all (members or not).
Men between the ages of 55 and older (we’re trying to get a little younger) who belong to the JCC will find friends, camaraderie and a good time at the Men’s Club.
Dues are inexpensive ($10 a year). After the meeting stay for a delicious lunch catered by Steve for $2.00 (another bargain).
After lunch and conversation stay to attend the Dr. Robert Capin Current Events class or play cards.
Why stay home when you can enjoy the company of friends, speakers, conversation and food every Tuesday with the Men’s Club at the JCC. Give us a try, and you’ll like it.
Transportation can be arranged by calling Barbara Sugarman at 570-824-4646.
Watch for more information on the closing Men’s Club dinner on Thursday, June 30. Special entertainment from the Crooners and Croonettes…new never before seen show!
your Men’s Club
“Best Hot Dogs around...
My favorite place to get fries...
Better than any fast food fries...”
ABE’S HOT DOGS
Since 1924.Full Breakfast & Lunch menu.
210 Barney St, Wilkes Barre570-825-9213
780 Wyoming Ave, Kingston570-288-9131
The Dr. Robert Capin Current Events Class
Continues!Join us every Tuesday at 12:45 pm for lively discussions on the day’s most timely
events. Various guest speakers will lead the discussion group. Diverse points of view encouraged and respected. It’s educational, fun, and enlightening. Stay informed, have your say and hear others who may have a different perspective.
HELp LINE1-888-829-1341 or dial 211 or text your zip code to 898211.
A free service to reach local resources. Powered by United Way. Where help is available any day, any time:
www.helpline-nepa.info24/7 Confidential Crisis Service for:
Help Line maintains an active database listing of more than 300 local agencies and 16,000 additional regional, state and national resources.
by HELEN MINTZ BELITSKYReprinted from Friday, August 25,
2000, J-Weekly.com
Three decades ago at a Jewish Community Center in Pennsylvania, Ruth Hefter practiced an ancient craft in a modern setting.
She learned to weave tallitot.As the years went by, the familiar blue
stripes of the tallitot woven in that room made way for new colors -- threads of cranberry, green, gold and silver.
But the class remained.Now, young boys in the community of
Wilkes-Barre have a hand in creating their own bar mitzvah tallitot. The work draws them closer to the mitzvah, its history and its ritual meaning.
The Wilkes-Barre tallitot project reflects two important trends in the last few decades.
Jews are seeking stronger ties to ritual. And art is helping to forge that connection.
“Religious experience is more commonly absorbed through the senses than through the intellect,” writes Abram Kanof in his book “Jewish Ceremonial and Religious Observance.”
The revival of handcrafted ritual art, and its intrinsic quality and originality, have become a visual cue for Jews seeking a spirituality, said Rabbi Yitzhak Breitowitz of Maryland.
Jews already immersed in mitzvot derive satisfaction from the fulfillment of the Talmudic imperative of hiddur mitzvah -- the enhancing of observance by adding a note of beauty and attention to the ritual object itself.
Since it is the tzitzit which transform the tallit from a piece of fabric into a ritual object, the ritual of tying the tzitzit offers abundant educational opportunities.
Bea Wyler is a rabbinical student at the Jewish Theological Seminary. The yarn for the tzitzit she attaches to the tallitot she makes are imported from Switzerland, and are specially dedicated to this mitzvah before it is spun, as Jewish law prescribes.
“When I tie the tzitzit with a student, each of us works on the same corner. It is an intense moment between us,” Wyler said. “These moments are the culmination of months of collaboration, and profound questions of faith are often raised by the bar mitzvah boy as we engage in this mitzvah.”
The tallit, like other ritual objects, is reflecting changes in religious practice in the Jewish community.
Its tzitzit are a reminder of all of the
mitzvot in the Torah, and thus the donning of the tallit has come to symbolize a willingness to assume responsibility for fulfilling these mitzvot.
As girls and women, particularly in the Conservative and Reform movements, have come to participate more and more fully in Jewish ritual, they are choosing to wear tallitot.
In Jewish tradition, women are exempt from time-bound mitzvot. Since the tallit is worn only during the day, women are exempt from tzitzit, but are also not explicitly forbidden to wear them.
Though girls and women frequently wear the traditional tallit, some artists are creating new shapes and designs to conform to feminine tastes and builds -- for example, a garment that slips over the head, or a fabric that is more feminine.
The awakening spirituality among women seems to find a focal point in artistic expression. Rissa Sklar had always wanted to wear a tallit. After her mother died, she took fragments of a colorful skirt and a scarf that belonged to her mother and appliqued the fragments onto a wool challis tallit.
“The tallit became my grieving and my healing,” the artist said. “I discovered in myself a creative spirit I never knew existed. I am not an observant Jew, but tallit-making has kindled my spirituality and been my link to Judaism. God closes a door and opens a window.”
The mitzvah of tallit has been commanded “for the generations.”
In whatever generation the tallit is produced, whatever its shape or color, the care devoted to it fulfills the rabbinic command to invest our ritual with the intrinsic holiness of beauty.
There is no better gift for your special Jewish loved one than a hand-woven tallis. Call Steve Nachlis at 570-824-4646 to make arrangements.
Creating a Tallit Involves More than Weaving Cloth
Enjoy your JCC
Book ClubBooks are available at Barnes &
Noble King’s Wilkes-Barre Store on South Main Street. Be sure to men-tion the JCC to receive your discount. Contact Barbara Sugarman for the next book selection and date for Book Club!
Are you a regular at
Amazon.com? When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon
donates 0.5% of the purchase price to Jewish Community Alliance of Northeastern PA. Bookmark the link: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/24-0796936 and support us every time you shop. Thank you!
JOIN THE CENTER’S RENOWNED TALLIS WEAVING PROGRAM!
yom Hashoah Commemoration
Wine and paint Classes
Save The Date: JCA golf TournamentThe JCA Golf Tournament will be
held on Monday, September 12 at the Fox Hill Country Club. There is a 1 o’clock shotgun start. Captain and crew rules will apply. Cost is $125 per golfer and includes golf, golf cart, dinner and prizes. Proceeds from this event go to programming at the JCC Summer Camp. For more information, please contact Bill Buzza at 570-824-4646, ext. 232.
ESSENTIAL OILS CLASS
JCA passover Faces at the Seder
ROsENbERG ENDOwmENT AccEpTING pROpOsALs
fOR fUNDINGThe Jewish Community Alliance
will be accepting applications for funding through the Samuel L. & Claire Rosenberg Endowment. The Rosenberg Committee, which oversees distribution of funds from the endowment, will meet in late May to review proposals and award funding.
The Samuel L. and Claire Rosenberg Endowment was
created in April of 1997 through the former Wyoming Valley Jewish Committee (now the JCA) and was the founding gift of the Wyoming Valley Jewish community endowment. Income generated by the endowment is distributed annually to the Jewish Community Center and its Day Camp, Jewish Family Service, Temple Israel and its Religious School, Temple B’nai B’rith and its Religious School and Congregation Ohav Zedek. Any annual income exceeding the amount for the above designated distribution is available through
the application process for special projects which will be reviewed by the committee. The endowment specifies projects should “benefit the children and youth of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Jewish community primarily for the establishment of new and innovative projects and programs as well as for the furtherance and enhancement of existing projects and programs established or to be established.”
To request proposal guidelines and forms, contact Denise at the JCA at 570-824-4646.
Smiles and Fun at the March 20th purim Carnival
Sponsored by the JCC, Temple Israel, Temple B’nai B’rith, Ohav Zedek, Bais Menachem YDP and Bais Tzvi Yosef.
Everyone enjoyed the Purim Carnival – filled with games, hamantaschen, face painting, bounce house and more!
The JCC is your Fitness Solution
The single underlying foundation to good health and longevity is staying active! Nothing is more important than your health…and nothing helps insure your good health and vitality than the full-service exercise and fitness programs available here at the JCC.
Your JCC offers everything you need to feel young! • Fullsizegymnasium;• Fourlane,20yardindoorheatedpool;• Fullyequippedexerciseroomincludingafulllineof
strength training equipment; • Completemen’sandwomen’shealthclub,shower,and
More than 120 children ages 5-12 participated in the JCC basketball leagues and our girl’s league was a huge success. Many men enjoyed our Senior Men’s Basketball league as well. Watch for registration information in future publications. Many thanks to the sponsors of this year’s league and our League Commissioner, Bruce Weinstock, for all his help.
This Fall! Sign up for Northampton St. Basketball League!
Aquatics at the JPOOL HOURS: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday
6:00am - 8:00am Lap Lap Lap Lap Lap Lap7:00am - Noon Rec/Lap
Huge Benefit!Toning, stretching, and aerobic exercise to music with Lolly Mertiis!
Classes are Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10:15 am – 11:00 am. Cost is $5.00 and free for members. For more information, please con-tact Bill Buzza at 824-4646, ext. 232.
personal Swim Lessons AvailableThe JCC Aquatic Department is offering private and semi-private swim lessons for ages six months through adult. Lessons
vary in time and day in accordance to members’ schedules. Cost of private lessons is $15 per half hour session. Semi-private lessons cost $10.00 per half hour session. For more information, please contact Bill Buzza at 824-4646, ext. 232.
Do you want to gain muscle? Or simply add some defi-nition? Or do you just want to get in shape? Are you recov-ering from an injury and need to exercise? Do you want to improve your athletic performance?
The JCC’s internationally certified personal trainer can help with all that and more. This person is a coach, role model, educator and cheerleader who will customize a pro-gram to fit your needs and schedule. Some people may want to use a trainer several times a week. Others may just want an occasional check-in with a trainer to get feedback. It’s all up to you! Call Bill Buzza for package prices at: 824-4646, ext. 232.
The JCC has kicked off a new program under the auspices of famed swim instructor, our own Rick Evans. This dynamic course hones water skills for infants and toddlers. Rick and his swim staff will help parents and children conquer fears and acquire a strong sense of comfort and safety in the water. The class will include instruction and drills to help parents reinforce their child’s progress.
Call Rick directly to secure your spot. 570.824.4646 or 570.947.6766.
Please note: Lessons for all ages can be arranged.
Remake yourself with JCC
personal Training
The Rick Evans Swim School For Infants And Toddlers
AUTiSTiC CAmP: Monday, July 11-Friday, August 5
Counselor in Training Dates: Monday, June 20-Friday, July 29 (8th & 9th graders)
Tuesday, June 28 - Nagila to Dorney ParkThursday, July 7 - Nagila to
Camel BeachThursday, July 12 - Nagila 2nd grade to
Lehigh County ZooTuesday, July 19 & Wednesday, July 20 - Nagila 4th graders to overnight at Camp
Pinemere in the PoconosThursday, July 26 - Nagila Tours Rail Riders
Baseball Club House and StadiumMitzvah Trips - 5th, 6th, 7th graders
Wednesday, June 22-Thursday, June 23 -
Mitzvah Overnight to Great Wolf LodgeWednesday, July 13 & Thursday,
July 14 - Mitzvah to Hershey Park and overnight at
Harrisburg JCCWednesday, July 27, Thursday, July 28 &
Friday, July 29 - Mitzvah Overnight At YMHA Camp In
Milford, PAWednesday, August 10 - Mitzvah to
Kalahari Water Park
CiT TriPSThursday, July 7 - CIT’S to Camel BeachWednesday, July 27, Thursday, July 28 &
Friday, July 29 - CIT’S overnight at YMHA Camp in
Milford, PA
2016 JCC Camp to Open with Large EnrollmentNOw 10 wEEKs: TUESDAY, JUNE 14TH-FRIDAY, AUGUST 19TH.
AGES 2 THROUGH 9TH GRADERS.
Register your child at: www.JccDayCamp.comTours of Camp: Sundays, May 15th & May 22nd from 1:00-3:00 pmStaff Orientation: Monday, June 6th, Tuesday, June 7th, Wednesday, June 8thAll orientation sessions will be held at the camp site with dinner being provided each day.Open House: Thursday, June 9th for all campers and their families - 6:00 pm rain or shine
Family Day at Campsite Set for Sunday, August 7thRob Friedman, Camp Chairman, recently announced that an Adult
Softball Game will be held at the JCC Campsite on Sunday, August 7 beginning at 10:00 am. Pools will be open for families participating in the softball program. The softball and family swim program is free to all Center and community members.
The Garden Village Youth Triathlon Splash and Dash will be held on Sunday, July 10 at 10:00 am at the JCC’s campsite located near Harvey’s Lake.
The annual event is for girls and boys ages 6 and under; 7 and 8 years old; 9 and 10 years old and 11 to 14 years old. The swimming competition is anywhere from 50 yards to 100 yards while the run is anywhere from a quarter of a mile to a half mile. Medals will be presented to all finishers and age group winners.Event sponsors include: Pride Mobility Products Inc, Independent Graphics Inc, Wet Paint Printing and Design, CDS Creative Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations; CVI, Cumulus, Igourmet,
Robert C. Williams Insurance Agency, and Strive Multisport.
All family and friends are invited to enjoy a day of swimming and family-oriented activities at the camp site. For more information or race day applications call the JCC at 570-824-4646 and speak with Rick Evans, JCC Camp Director.
Splash & Dash Setat JCC Campsite - July 10th
By: Excerpted from remarks given by Robert Smith, 2016 Annual Campaign Chairman at JCA Annual Meeting, February 28, 2016
In the year 2000 when Harold Rosenn asked me to chair the Federation (UJA) annual campaign for the second time, I said yes. This year when I was asked by the JCA Board of Directors to chair the campaign for the third time, I once again agreed.
To understand why I took this responsibility again I need to relate a personal story that occurred 50 years ago.
In the 1960’s I was a Peace Corps volunteer in the Ivory Coast in French West Africa. On my one-month vacation I traveled to Morocco and hitchhiked through the country. I was fortunate to make friends and stay with Moroccan hosts throughout my sojourn.
One Friday evening I spent the night in southern Morocco near Fez on the Algerian border with my Moroccan host family. On Saturday morning, as we said good-bye, I asked my host if he knew of a synagogue near-by. At first he shrugged his shoulders, but then remembered one and gave me directions. As I walked down the old alleys of the town I came upon the shul, a small building of maybe 600 square feet, with a beaten earth floor, some benches, no rabbi, no Torah. I sat there among the dozen men and davened.
After the service, everyone surrounded me, inquiring as to what I was doing there and where I come from. A lovely Moroccan family from the shul invited me to their house for Shabbat meal where we feasted on lamb and couscous – a Safardic custom.
In addition to two daughters, the parents had a son, a young high school student, Michel. When I asked him what his plans were for the future, Michel told me he wanted to be a doctor and study in France. But his family was poor and he was from such a small village he didn’t think it was possible. After spending a wonderful Shabbat with this family, I left later that afternoon to further enjoy my vacation.
Now fast forward a year and a half later. After I finished my Peace Corps service in Africa I traveled to Paris. One day while I was walking down the street near the Sorbonne, a French University, astonishingly, amazingly, I saw Michel, the same young man from the small Moroccan village on the Algerian border. But what was more amazing was that after hugs and pleasantries about his family, he told me he was studying to be a doctor and was enrolled at the Sorbonne in Paris. I asked him how was it possible that a poor family in a tiny town in Morocco could send their son to study in Paris? Michel responded “c’est à cause de la communauté Juive mondiale que je suis ici!” It’s thanks to the world community of Jews that I am here. I answered “Nous some Mishpucha!” Our one Jewish Family, everyone’s generosity made it happen.
Each time I accepted the responsibility to run the annual campaign I did so because we are all mishpucha. No matter what our differences, or what the future will bring, we are a large extended family. It is with gratitude and generosity we care for each other. This is why I once again accepted the responsibility to chair the annual campaign and why we
all contribute to the JCA.Since the recent tragedy with the
deaths in Paris, our national JFNA (Jewish Federations of North America) has assisted 7,000 Jews from France to immigrate to Israel. Our local efforts may not be as dramatic as sending a poor student to the Sorbonne, or helping French Jews immigrate but our local financial support also provides significant help here to our own people.
Support of the annual campaign allows the JCA to:
• Serveover300koshermealsamonth to seniors and the home-bound
• Offer diverse programmingincluding weekly speakers, a Jewish book club, Yiddish programs and many community-wide programs throughout the year
• Assist over 100 of the 400children who attend the JCC camp and 40 teens in the BBYO program with scholarships and programming grants
New programs in development include after school programs, exercise programs for seniors, and cooperative programs with Wilkes and Misericordia for Jewish students. Please review the chart below listing some of the on-going programs and those in development.
So when you are asked to contribute to the campaign, remember you are supporting not only our community’s family here but our community around the world as well. We are important, so for the sake of our community programs and for the sake of our mishpucha around the world I ask that you live generously and give generously to the 2016 Annual Campaign.
Call to Action by Robert Smith2016 JCA Annual Campaign Chairman
JCA programmingwho Program Active Number status Daily/weekly/
monthlyprogram category
All institute of Learning with Speakers
(10 week session)
20 Active Weekly - per session/class
Education
All Current events Class 12 Active Weekly Education
All Lecture & music Programs-
Osterhout/Wilkes
New Initiative TBD Education
Children Swim Lessons 25 Active as scheduled Education
cont’d page 13
Children early Childhood Preschool
8 Active Daily Education
Children & Teens Autistic educational Studies
25 Active Weekly Education
Senior Wilkes-Satellite @Camp for
Senior education
New Initiative TBD Education
Young Adults Tutoring Progam with Wilkes ed Students
New Initiative TBD Education
Young Adults Wilkes-Satellite Classrooms in heated
Gym at Camp Site
New Initiative TBD Education
All Lomir redden Yiddish (6 week session)
20 Active Weekly - per ses-sion/class
Jewish Education
All PJ Library-mailing Jewish Books & Tapes
to Children/Teens
40 Active Ongoing Jewish Education
All Lunch & Learn -Speakers
10 Active Weekly Jewish Education
All Programs with Klezmer Band
75+ Active as scheduled Recreation/Social
All Kosher Sushi night 150 Active Annually Recreation/Social
All mixers & Coffee house 150 Active 1-2 per year Recreation/Social
All Crooners & Croonettes 15 Active 1-2 per year Recreation/Social
All Book Club 20 Active Every 6 weeks Recreation/Social
Children & Teens Jewish Summer Camp (10 week session)
422 Active Annually Recreation/Social
Children & Teens Camp Gym/ Progams in Winter
New Initiative as scheduled Recreation/Social
Senior men’s Club meetings & Speakers
20 Active Weekly Recreation/Social
Senior Adult Parties 50 Active 1-2 per year Recreation/Social
Young Adults “more Programing-Art, Cooking, Painting”
New Initiative TBD Recreation/Social
Young Adults After School Progams 10 New Initiative TBD Recreation/Social
Young Adults Sunday Basketball League
50 New Initiative Weekly Recreation/Social
Young Adults Biking/Skiing Trips New Initiative TBD Recreation/Social
Young Adults Tennis Lessons New Initiative TBD Recreation/Social
Young Adults martial Arts Classes New Initiative TBD Recreation/Social
All Sarah’s Pantry-Kosher meals Available for
Pick Up
125 Active Weekly Social Service
All exercise Program for Seniors with Bureau of
Aging
New Initiative TBD Social Service
Senior home Visits-Shut ins 25 Active Ongoing Social Service
Senior Kosher meals delivered to disabled
25 Active Weekly Social Service
who Program Active Number status Daily/weekly/monthly
program category
RoBeRt Smith, 2016 ANNuAl CAmPAigN ChAiRmAN, CoNtiNued
cont’d page 14
Senior Congregate meals 200 (per month) Active Daily Social Service
Senior AArP Learning to drive Classes
16 Active as scheduled Social Service
Senior Senior resource Care Coordinator (SrCC)
New Initiative TBD Social Service
All Sukkah & Chanukah Lighting
75+ Active Annually Yiddishkeit
All Community Chanukah dinner
75+ Active Annually Yiddishkeit
All Community Passover dinner
75+ Active Annually Yiddishkeit
All Community Purim Seder
75+ Active Annually Yiddishkeit
All Gift Shop 75+ Active Ongoing Yiddishkeit
All Tallis Weaving 3 Active Ongoing Yiddishkeit
All rifkin resource Center 10 Active Ongoing Yiddishkeit
All Yom hashoah & Yom ha’arzmaut Programs
100 Active Annually Yiddishkeit
All Friday night Live Services on riverbank
Active Periodically Yiddishkeit
All more Joint Programs with Synagogues
New Initiative TBD Yiddishkeit
All Jewish Food Festival-Coop with Scranton
Active as scheduled Yiddishkeit
All israeli Scout Concerts 500+ Active Annually Yiddishkeit
Young Adults BBYO (grades 8-12) 41 Active Ongoing Yiddishkeit
Young Adults Coordinate Toy drive For Charity
200 Active Annually Yiddishkeit
Young Adults Joint Programs & Classes with Wilkes
Students
New Initiative TBD Yiddishkeit
Young Adults Wilkes-Programming for Jewish Students
New Initiative TBD Yiddishkeit
Young Adults misericordia-Programming for Jewish Students
New Initiative TBD Yiddishkeit
RoBeRt Smith, 2016 ANNuAl CAmPAigN ChAiRmAN, CoNtiNued
The Jewish Community Alliance of Northeastern Pennsylvania (formerly the Jewish Federation) Roll of Honor is a tribute to all of our loyal and generous supporters who have chosen to contrib-ute to the 2015 Annual Campaign.
Gifts to the annual campaign help ensure the continuity of Jewish tradi-tions and values through agencies that nurture and educate our children; pre-serve the health, independence and dignity of our senior citizens; enrich the lives of the disabled and those less for-tunate; protect the rights of the people
of Israel and all Jews at risk around the world; and prove the adage “We all are responsible for one another.”
We salute your commitment to the Wyoming Valley Jewish community and we thank you for enhancing the quality of Jewish life here, in Israel and around the world. It is because of your financial gift that we are able to build a stronger Jewish community for future genera-tions.
This list includes all commitments to the 2015 annual campaign prior to March 15, 2016. In addition to those
listed, there were contributors who re-quested their names not be published. We have honored all requests to the best of our ability and regret any errors that were inadvertently made. Please contact the JCA at 570-824-4646 to re-port any errors. Corrections will appear in the next edition of the Digest.
Mrs. Shirley AbelsonCharlene AbenCantor Ahron AbrahamDr. & Mrs. Richard AbramowitzMr. Stuart Abrams
JCA HONOR ROLL
cont’d page 15
All Seasons Pool & SpaMrs. Ruth AquaDr. & Mrs. Paul BachmanCarol Baltimore WeissDr. & Mrs. David BarrasMr. Max BartikowskyDrs. Mark & Barbara BellDr. Burton BenovitzMrs. Fay Berg*Dr. Irving BergerMr. & Mrs. Fred BerleyDr. & Mrs. Frank BermanFred & Shirley BernardMr. Bruce BirnbaumDr. & Mrs. Martin BlidnerMr. Sheldon BlockMrs. Irene BlumAtty. & Mrs. Jonathan BlumDr. & Mrs. Richard BlumThelma BoschMrs. Louise BraderMr. & Mrs. Julius BrandMr. & Mrs. Howard BregmanDr. & Mrs. Fred BrownMr. & Mrs. Nathan BrownBrucelli Advertising Co., Inc.Joseph D. Burke, Esq.Mr. & Mrs. Martin CabellyCampbell Business Machines*Robert CapinPaula Chaiken & Joe KrausChampion BuildersMr. & Mrs. Jerry CharitonMr. & Mrs. Carl CheckMr. Chuck CherkesMs. Roza CherninaMr. & Mrs. Spencer ChesmanMr. Elmo ClementeMs. Barbara Cohen*Ms. Eleanor CohenJason CohenMr. Joel CohenMr. & Mrs. Marvin Cohen*Harold & Roberta CohenMrs. Sally CohenCohen Family GiftMr. & Mrs. Robert CohnFrancis J. Collini, MD FACSMr. & Mrs. Ed ConnorSally ConnorCooks PharmacyMr. & Mrs. Julius CoplanMrs. Surita CoplanMrs. Carol CulverMrs. Charlotte CutlerDavidowitz FoundationFrances DavisMr. & Mrs. Bill DixonMr. & Mrs. Edwin DobrowolskiMr. & Mrs. Alexander DrakMs. Jennifer DresslerDunmore Roofing & Supply Co., Inc.Mrs. Leslie DymondDr. & Mrs. Lee EllmanDr. & Mrs. Robert EngelSandra FeldmanDr. Herbert FellermanMr. & Mrs. Joe FenoMrs. Bernice Fierman
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel FiermanMrs. Saundra FineDouglas & Madelyn FinkMr. & Mrs. Jeffrey FinkelMr. & Mrs. Mark FinkelsteinFino’s Rexall PharmacyMrs. Phylis FischerFortinsky Family GiftAtty. Carl N. FrankDr. & Mrs. Gary FrankMs. Ashley FrederickDr. & Mrs. Louis FreedmanDr. Jeffrey FremontMr. & Mrs. Daniel FriedmanMrs. Rosalyn FriedmanRob & Sid FriedmanMr. & Mrs. John GallagherMrs. Janet GelbJudge Lesa Gelb & Atty. Barry DyllerMrs. Elaine GermanMrs. Natalie GersteinMr. Emil GimpilevichMrs. Sofya GitelsonMr. Naum GitmanAtty. Richard Goldberg & Rosemary ChromeySandra GoldmanMrs. Linda GoldnerMrs. Teresa GoldnerMr. Jay Goldstein*Harriet GrayMr. & Mrs. Allan GreenbergMr. & Mrs. Kevin GreenbergMr. & Mrs. Sam GreenbergMr. & Mrs. Steven GreenwaldDr. & Mrs. Loren GrossmanMr. Dmitri GurevichMr. & Mrs. Roman GurevichMrs. Taisa GurevichMr. & Mrs. Leo GutsteinDr. & Mrs. Samuel HammermanMrs. Rose HanoviceMr. & Mrs. David HarrisMrs. Gertrude HarrisLenore HarrisDr. & Mrs. Ronald HarrisMrs. Patrice HellerMr. & Mrs. Motti HerschkopMrs. Beverly HertzHighmark HealthMr. & Mrs. David HoffmanDebbie & Alan HollanderMrs. Ruth HollanderRoger G. Howell Dale Mark and Christine M. HughesMs. Marjorie IbsenDr. Norman Isaacson & Eunice RubelMr. & Mrs. Jesse IzenbergMr. Alan JackierDr. & Mrs. Irvin JacobsMr. & Mrs. Marshall JacobsonMrs. Nancy JuddMrs. Sarina KabakovaMrs. Mildred KahnDr. & Mrs. Robert KammenMr. & Mrs. Ronald KammerMr. & Mrs. Daniel KanterMr. Aaron KauferIrving & *Helene Kaufer
Mr. Neil KauferMr. & Mrs. David KaytonMs. Norma KeatingLynn & Larry KeiserMiss Charlotte KlavonskiJudith & Harvey Klein Fund of the Jewish Communal FundMrs. Syvia KleinDr. & Mrs. Ken KlemowMr. & Mrs. Allan KlugerMrs. Joanne KlugerMr. & Mrs. Joseph KlugerMr. & Mrs. Joseph KornblattMarshall & *Lillian KornblattMr. Gary KornfeldMr. & Mrs. Mitchell KornfeldMr. & Mrs. Rick KornfeldMr. & Mrs. Ross KornfeldAlison KovalchikMr. Richard KramerMr. & Mrs. Chad KransonMr. & Mrs. Douglas KransonMr. & Mrs. Ryan KransonMr. Saul KransonMrs. Wendy KransonMr. & Mrs. Martin KravchickKronick Kalada Berdy & Co.Landmark Community BankMs. Sylvia LaneMr. Larry LantzLantz Family GiftMr. & Mrs. Lazar LazinskiyMr. & Mrs. Boris LazinskyShelly LebensonMr. Irvin LebowitzMr. Bruce LefkowitzSandie Lefkowitz Mr. & Mrs. Patrick LehmanRabbi Roger LernerMrs. Ruth LeveyMr. Harold LevineCindy LevinsonMrs. Elina LevinsonRabbi & Mrs. Pinny LevitinMr. & Mrs. Frederick LevyIris & Richard LevyMs. Meral LibensonMr. & Mrs. Steve LibensonMr. & Mrs. Iosif LibmanMr. & Mrs. Stan LibmanEttore J. LippiDr. & Mrs. Lewis LissesDr. & Mrs. Phillip LivaMr. & Mrs. Dmitry LivitMrs. Lola LivshitsMr. & Mrs. Gerald LoeffladMr. Joseph LouxIna & Sheldon LubinMrs. Bernice MagerMr. & Mrs. Frank MagerMr. Maxwell MarcusMr. Richard MaslowMr. & Mrs. David MayersMcCarthy Tire Service Co.Medico Industries Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Alan MellnerMr. & Mrs. Arkadiy MenakerMr. & Mrs. Viktor MenakerMs. Nancy Messinger
Dr. & Mrs. Arthur MeyerMr. & Mrs. Martin MeyerMrs. Naomi MeyerDr. & Mrs. Richard MichelsteinIda K. MillerRosalie MillerMr. & Mrs. Leo MinkoffMrs. Rivian MinkoffMinuteman Press of KingstonMr. & Mrs. Robert MitchellMr. & Mrs. Joseph MitchneckMs. Lisa MorganMrs.Ethel MoskowMr. & Mrs. Irving MoskowMrs. Beverly NachlisSteven & Rhondi NachlisDr. & Mrs. V. Benjamin NakkacheDr. & Mrs. Gary NataupskyMrs. Louise NelsonMr. & Mrs. Sheldon NelsonMrs. Terry NelsonMr. & Mrs. Howard NewmanNicholas Wyoming Valley Truck SalesNick of Time PrintingMr. & Mrs. Bradley NobleMr. Eric NoginMs. Jody NoginOfficestaff, Inc.Mr. Stan PearlmanMs. Lois M. PensakDrs. Marc & Shelley PensakRabbi & Mrs. Zvi PerlmanMr. & Mrs. Boris PevznerMrs. Dorie PezznerMrs. Sandra PlatskyDr. Michael PolgarDr. David Potash*Mel PotashPower Engineering Corp.Mr. Irwin PripsteinMs. Rivkah ProtheroChris & Tom PughMr. & Mrs. Vladimir PuzikovMr. & Mrs. William RabinowitzMrs. Barbara RappaportMr. & Mrs. Harvey RappaportMr. Julius Rein*Arnold & Sandy Rifkin*Ann RifkinMr. & Mrs. Alexander RivlinMrs. Rena RobertsMrs. Florence RobzenMr. & Mrs. Jerry RobzenMr. & Mrs. Mark RobzenMr. & Mrs. Sidney RobzenMr. & Mrs. Chris RomanowskiMr. & Mrs. Harold RosennMr. Scott RosennMax & Tillie Rosenn FoundationAtty. & Mrs. Bruce RosenthalMr. & Mrs. Richard RosenthalMr. & Mrs. Stephen RosenthalMr. & Mrs. Jack RosenzweigMrs. Miriam RossDr. & Mrs. John RothschildMr. & Mrs. Harry RothsteinMr. Howard RottmanDr. & Mrs. William RubinRoslyn & Sandor Rudin
hoNoR Roll, CoNtiNued
cont’d page 16
Businesses: Benefit from E.I.T.C.!
The Jewish Community Alliance of NEPA has been a long-time approved Scholarship Organization and Pre-K Scholarship organization in the EITC Program through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The funds we receive through the EITC Program assist children from pre-school age through high school attending the JCC Pre-school , Cheder Menachem and Bais Menachem programs. We very gratefully acknowledge donations through this program from the following businesses:
Benco DentalDr. Matthew BergerBridges General ContractorsCommunity BankFirst National Bank of PAFirst National Community Bank (FNCB)Luzerne BankM&T BankMedico IndustriesDr. Gary NataupskyNBT BankPenn FootwearUniversal Health ServicesWeis MarketsWoodlands
Businesses: enjoy E.I.T.C. tax benefits while supporting JCA programs. Please contact: Danny Goldberg, JCA Executive Director, at 570-824-4646 for more information.
DANNY GOLDBERG ACCEPTS CHECK FROM ALISON ZURAWSKI FROM COMMUNITY BANK FOR K-12 SCHOLARSHIPS IN JCA’S EITC PROGRAM.
Mr. & Mrs. Gregoriy RybakovskiyMr. & Mrs. Igor RybakovskyMrs. Felice SalsburgMrs. Helen SampieroMr. & Mrs. Jack SavitzMr. & Mrs. Jesse SavitzMr. & Mrs. Richard ScapandaJean F. SchiowitzDr. & Mrs. Mark SchiowitzMrs. Rena SchoenfeldMrs. Jean SchoenholtzMiss Marlene SchonfeldMr. Morton SchonfeldMr. & Mrs. Scott SeehermanMr. & Mrs. Charles ShafferMs. Debbie ShagalowMr. & Mrs. Leonid ShekhtmanMr. & Mrs. Gregory ShlugerMr. Arkadiy ShlyapochnikMr. & Mrs. David Silverstein*William SimonMrs. Mimi SirkinMr. & Mrs. Jeff SirotaSisterhood Temple B’nai B’rithNeal Slone & Julie KerkerMr. & Mrs. David SmithMr. & Mrs. Marvin SmithMr. & Mrs. Robert SmithDr. & Mrs. Mitchell SmolowMr. Stanley SmulyanMr. & Mrs. Paul SolomonMs. Tamar Solomon McCoySordoni Family FoundationDr. & Mrs. Sheldon SpearDr. & Mrs. Howard SpectorMrs. Shirley Spitz*Ruth StenDr. Sanford SternliebMr. & Mrs. Jonathan StitzerMs. Sue StrassmanMrs. Shirley SullumMr. Larry TarenMr. Stephen TarenMr. & Mrs. David TevetMr. John ThalenfeldDrs. Stephen & Rhoda TillmanDr. Linda Trompetter & Dr. Jennie CongletonJane & Debbie TroyMrs. Geraldine TroyMr. & Mrs. Murray UfbergMr. & Mrs. David VolodarskyMrs. Oma WeidnerDr. Herb & Suzy WeinmanBruce & Nancy WeinstockMr. & Mrs. Leonard WeinstockMrs. Barbara WeisbergerGladys C. WeisbergerEdward & SusanaWeissDr. & Mrs. Michael WeissMr. Jeffrey WeissmanAtty. & Mrs. Sandor YelenMs. Susan YelenMr. & Mrs. Richard ZacharMrs. Riva ZilbermanMr. & Mrs. Joel Zitofsky
*of blessed memory
hoNoR Roll, CoNtiNued
yom Ha’atzmaut
THANK YOU BBYO FOR TAKING PART IN THE HOLOCAUST PROGRAM.
THE BEAUMONT INNRoute 309
Dallas
570.675.7100
Fine Dining • Outdoor Patio • Lounge • RoomsAvailable for Private Parties
UpCOMINg EVENTS AND pROgRAMSWEEKLY AT YOUR JCC: PROGRAMS OFFERED EVERY 6 WEEKS:
Congregate Meal Mondays-Fridays at 12:00 p.m. Book Club
Men’s Club on Tuesdays at 10:45 a.m. Yiddish Classes
Current Events on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m.
Balance Class on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:15 a.m. BY APPOINTMENT:
Water Aerobics on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays at 10:15 a.m. Wise & Well
Yoga on Mondays at 5:00 p.m. Massages
Bridge on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays at 1:00 p.m.
Cycling on Sundays at 7:00 a.m.
Call the JCA Front Desk at 570-824-4646 for more information.
JUne 2016Pre-School Graduation - 6/3Temple Israel annual dinner - 6/5TI Father’s Day Shabbat - 6/8Camp Staff Orientation - 6/8-6/9Healthy Steps Training - 6/10Farmer’s Market Vouchers - 6/141st Day of Camp - 6/14Shavuot - 6/13Blood Drive - 6/15Israeli Scouts - 6/21 (JCC & Camp)OZ Sisterhood dinner - 6/26Men’s Club Dinner w/Crooners - 6/30
JULY 2016Splash & Dash @ Camp - 7/10Purse Bingo (in Old Forge) - 7/17Friends of Camp luncheon - 7/22
AUGUST 2016Softball Game & Camp Pools - 8/7Blood Drive - 8/10Bais Menachem Anniversary Dinner - 8/18
mmiprep.orggrades 6 through 12
Call 570-636-1108 today to put your child on the path to success.
Small campus setting
Big lifelong rewardswith
At MMI Preparatory School, we provide a strong foundation for life-long accomplishments beginning in our sixth grade. We’re molding the leaders of tomorrow... children who may some day discover the next cure, design a modern wonder or write best selling novels. Come, discover what more and more families already know... MMI is one of the best educational values that provides lifelong rewards!
JCA MissionStatement:To provide programsand services whichfoster the well-beingof our local communityand Jews at home, inIsrael and around theworld through continuouslearning, charitableworks, socialand educational andrecreational services.
Officers of the JCAMitch Kornfeld, PresidentBarbara Bell, MD, Vice PresidentPaula Chaiken, SecretaryDavid Lantz, Treasurer
Member Agency of:•UnitedWayof Wyoming Valley•JewishFederationsof North America (JFNA)•JewishCommunity Center Association (JCCA)
Phone number:570-824-4646Fax number:570-824-5966
Editor: Gail Wachtel, J.C.A. of NEPADenise GarofaloExecutive Assistant, J.C.A. of NEPAChris Miller, ChrisComm Marketing
Membership We are updating our membership
records. If you have changes of address, phone, membership level please call the JCA at 570-824-4646.
did YOU KnOW that in the past year thousands of people have attended the programs at the JCC? Lunch and Learn ... Purim … Passover Seder … Annual Meeting … Fitness … JCC Institute of Learning … Book Club … Bowling Tournament … Basketball Leagues & Banquet … BBYO IT Convention … Yiddish Class … Men’s Club … Current Events … Congregate Meals … Bridge … and more! Come join the fun at the JCC.www.jewishwilkes-barre.org
Like us on Facebook – JCA of Northeastern PennsylvaniaPARKING & FRONT GATE SECURITY: The gate entrance to the JCC building
is in operation. You must bring your entry card to gain entrance to the JCC parking lot. This is an important security measure.
If you do not have a card or have lost it, a new card can be purchased at the front desk for $25.00.
Please refrain from buzzing the front desk for entry unless you are a guest.We appreciate your help.
JCC ANNUAL MEETING
DISCUSSING THE CENTER FOR JEWISH LIFE PLANS
Jcc cAmp INDOOR Gym AvAILAbLE fOR RENTAL
Schools, churches, community groups: Enjoy NE PA’s year-round indoor heated full gymnasium! Ideal for your sports, recreation, and social events. Convenient location. Call Rick at: 570-947-6766.
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570-821-2010
51
The Region’s Premier Pre-School Child Care Program
