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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 JUNE 2020/ VOLUME 26 ISSUE 6
RABBI’S MESSAGE - JUNE 2020
“Zoom is bustin’ out all over,” to paraphrase the old Broadway song. We’ve now met
for services since early March, studied together, held a board meeting and a book club ses-
sion or two. Soon there will be a Ladies’ Lunch and a session on how to make challeh. On
June 14 the LOX Academy will make its debut. It’s beginning to seem almost normal.
How amazing is the human ability to adapt and flourish!
We also have an innate ability to find “what’s wrong with this picture.” While we’ve been put-
ting on our masks to protect ourselves and our neighbors, some terrible inequities have been un-
masked. Perhaps we see the more clearly how our work force has been mistreated. Whether the issue
is better pay or better health care, perhaps we’re beginning to think that those whom we now call
“essential workers” deserve to be valued and respected more. It is alarming that it will take a serious
shortage of meat as barbecue season begins to open our eyes to the dangerous conditions imposed on
people we didn’t even think about before. Until this virus, we could pretend that the system was
working. Now, as we sanitize our hands, we can no longer sanitize the facts.
As the restrictions are lifted, what will we do to prevent ourselves from slipping back into social
unconsciousness? We took pride in doing our civic part with masks and gloves and keeping our dis-
tance. What will give us that sense of pride afterwards?
Keep your eye on the Reform Movement’s Religious Action Center. They bring to light issues
and things you can do about them. Read the facts and weigh the moral consequences of action vs.
inaction. Use the resources now available through Zoom and social media to prepare yourself for
letter writing campaigns or working for candidates who represent your values or getting out the ab-
sentee-ballot vote. We’ll all be better for it.
Chazak! Chazak! V’Nitchazeik! Be strong! Be strong! And let us strengthen one another!
KIDDUSH HOSTS
Kiddushes are such a delightful part of socializing after a Saturday Morning
service. We always welcome hosts for our Kiddushes. The cost of sponsoring is
$65.00 and includes bagels, cream cheese, coffee, tea, orange juice, milk and all
needed paper goods. Sponsors are welcome to supplement the Kiddush.
To host a Kiddush, call Roberta Pineiro (570) 839-0107.
From the Kiddush Fund
MEMBERSHIP MEETING JULY 2020
Elections for the Executive Board of B’nai Harim will take place at the Congrega-
tional Membership Meeting in July 2020. There are three board positions to be filled.
Anyone interested in joining the board should submit their name . Each board member
serves a minimum of three years. Board meetings are once a month on Sundays.
PAGE ONE/B’NAI HARIM
PRESIDENT’S
2 MESSAGE JUNE 2020 by Meredith Stempel
Please Tell Me Doctor by Meredith Stempel
Doctor, please tell me doctor, how’s my pressure, sugar, heart, cholesterol? And the weight gain, is it
thyroid? I’m hardly eating much of anything at all. A cookie here, a soda there, a double burger,
with some chips really does hit the spot. I round it off with a chocolate fudge sundae with whipped
cream, barely even a shot. Buttered popcorn with a movie can’t kill me. It’s so rare that I needn’t give
it up. A little beer with my meals shouldn’t hurt me. It comes to somewhat less than a cup.
Taking vitamins A through E builds stamina and immunity. Fish oils, chocolate, and green tea
keep up my vitality. Gingko for the memory. Gastric bypass for obesity. Do you think I’ll live to see
another day?
I’m weak and dizzy, but not very often, now that my intake of fluids has increased. But the night-
time voiding has me quite worried. Are my kidneys, bladder, prostate diseased? The hot flashes,
night sweats, and palpitations cause the panic and are bad for the heart. I need my depression and
nerve pills so badly; my coping skills are falling apart.
Cycling, jogging, meditation for tone and bones, and salvation. Weight-lifting, endurance train-
ing keep the heart muscle from waning. Do you think I might survive another day?
The lumbago every morning, I can’t straighten. The arthritis has attacked me neck to feet. At
night I’m snoring, gasping, and choking. The sleep apnea aggravates my heartbeat.
A pain pill in the morning with my coffee keeps me going and off to a good start. When all is said
and over, I hope my brain and body aren’t falling apart.
TIKKUN OLAM by Steven Levine
A few months ago I shared some information from the report: “The New Antisemites”
As we continue to self-quarantine during this Covid-19 Pandemic the traditional anti-
Semitic conspiracies that Jews cause the plagues of the world has never gone away; rather
they were dormant for a while but now they are back full blown. These days hate groups
use social media outlets to promote Jew hatred by accusing Jews of deliberately creating the Covid-
19 pandemic. Yehuda Bauer, a professor emeritus at Hebrew University warns that anti-Semitism
also provides danger to non-Jews as well. He suggests that social media like Facebook, Twitter, and
Instagram,“…should be used to create a stable of websites to call out anti-Semites as enemies of
mankind. Thus, we need intelligent planning for an aggressive anti-anti-Semitism response on the
internet, based on defining anti-Semites as a threat to the very survival of non-Jewish societies.”
Today, just as the Covid-19 virus does not discriminate who it attacks, anti-Semitism affects Jews
and non-Jews alike. We must work together to fight the plague of anti-Semitism.
TEMPLE JUDAICA b y Norma Krasne-Levine
I cite the Broadway musical Carousel and I am singing June is Busting Out All
Over as I write this article for our Temple Newsletter. The sun is shining, buds are
blooming, and the bees are buzzing while we are still stuck at home in self quarantine
due to the Covid-19 virus. Our Temple building is still closed so I cannot entice you with
the lovely items in our Judaica case. However, there is still a way that you can support
B’nai Harim and provide a special gift for Dad, a High School or College Graduate, a
New Baby or someone celebrating a Milestone Birthday or Anniversary. I suggest that you make a
donation to our wonderful B’nai Harim in the honoree’s name. You have so many areas to pick from.
You can choose from the General Fund, The Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, the Music Fund, the Tem-
ple Beautification Fund, or order a leaf for our “Temple’s Tree of Life” or even host a Kiddush to
celebrate. I am sure you can find one that will be “just right for that special person”. In the mean-
while, my wish is for all to stay healthy and stay safe while you Enjoy the Sunshine in Your Heart!
PAGE TWO/B’NAI HARIM
BOOK CLUB NEWS - JUNE 2020 by Barbara Kapitansky
On Friday, May 1, the B'nai Harim Book Club met, thanks to Honi, who con-
ducted a very good discussion of "The Girl From Berlin" by Ronald H Balson us-
ing the Zoom program. The program gave all of us the opportunity to share our
thoughts and feelings regarding this very deep story line.
With many good next book suggestions, we decided to read "The Color of Love" by
Marra B. Gad. This is the story of a bi-racial Jewish girl whose biological mother was white
and her biological father was black. At three days old, she was adopted by a white Jewish fam-
ily who resided in Chicago. She and her parents quickly learned that the world wasn't ready for
a family like theirs.
Come join us on Saturday, June 13, 2020, for a most interesting discussion. The book
club is open to all members of the congregation.
DID YOU KNOW? by George Novick
We have female Reform and Conservative Rabbis and now, Orthodox Rabbis. Yes it is
true. According to Religion Writer Julie Zauzmer of the Washington Post, there are a few
female Orthodox Rabbis. They call themselves Rosh Kehilah (head of community), Maharat,
Rabbanit, Rabba or Rabbi. They can be found in the Modern Orthodox and Open Orthodox
movements. However, the Liberal and Open Orthodox Union, the umbrella organization that
represents most of the Orthodox Synagogues, does not and will not sanction female Rabbis.
They base their prohibition on their interpretation of the Talmud which forbids a woman from
being a kosher butcher and believe the prohibition extends to all positions of religious
authority. They also have modesty concerns of women preaching to men.
The Orthodox female Rabbi, although she may not count herself for the minyan or lead
most prayers, still takes on the duties of a teacher and pastoral caregiver and answers questions
of Jewish law posed by all members of her congregation.
This is a striking break for the Orthodox but it is a start. In the US the number of Orthodox
make up about 10% of the Jewish congregations. The Reform and Conservative movements,
who have embraced the idea of female Rabbis, far outnumber those who don’t. Maybe there
will be an acceptance of female rabbis by the Orthodox in the future. Never say never.
Original article Washington Post 7/18/2018
CALLING ALL WHO LIKE TO SING OUR CHOIR NEEDS YOU!
You don't have to know the words or the music. All you have to know is that your
voice is important. We rehearse once a month and sing during the next service. Even
if you don't want to sing in a group during services, come sing together at practice!
NO ONE SAID HAPPY BIRTHDAY OR ANNIVERSARY TO YOU?
If you want good wishes and have not seen your name up in lights, please provide
Honi Gruenberg with your birthday(s) and anniversary(s). Please send to:
gruenberg.honi@gmail.com or call (570) 620-9315.
PAGE THREE/B’NAI HARIM
NETTING IT OUT by Honi Gruenberg
Gerald Isaac Stiller passed away on May 11 at 92 years of age. Kveller had a great tribute
to him. https://tinyurl.com/yc8bg458 This talented comedian’s most notable role is that of
father. He will always be remembered as George Costanza’s father, Frank, on Seinfeld —
however he was most proud of his role as Amy and Ben’s Jewish Dad.
Jerry grew up in Brooklyn and later the Lower East Side. His parents were Polish immigrants and
his Dad had jobs as a taxi driver and later a bus driver. His father introduced him to vaudeville
This article discusses Stiller’s parents’ contentious marriage, which, while great for providing Jerry
with comedic material in the future life, often left him in stress. Judaism was an escape and his extend-
ed family provided opportunities such as the experience he recalled of his uncle taking him to Hanuk-
kah celebrations at a local synagogue, to escape his parent’s arguments and the feeling of happiness and
beauty he found there.
His rise to fame started as an act of love. Stiller and his unlikely girlfriend — and later wife of 60-
plus years — Anne Meara, a tall, redheaded Irish woman, created a comedy act based upon their oppo-
sites-attract relationship.
Stiller and Meara, as the duo was known, became a household name in the 1960s. Their act which
highlighted their different backgrounds and intermarriage not only validated their relationship but
showed us with much humor how a loving relationship grows.
Anne Meara, who passed away in 2015, kept her last name, but did convert to Judaism before their
children Amy and Ben were born so “they would know where they came from.” The family wasn’t
very religious, but they celebrated Jewish holidays and Ben was a bar mitzvah.
Stiller and Meara retired their act by 1970. But Stiller experienced a resurgence of fame later in life
when he was cast as Frank Costanza on Seinfeld. Jerry created a loud, argumentative dad which was
truly iconic. Frank Cosanza’s “serenity now!” was inspired by Jerry’s own Jewish father.
Following Seinfeld, Stiller landed a role as another popular TV dad: Leah Remini’s character’s Italian
father on The King of Queens.
Leah Remini wrote in a moving Instagram post: “I was lucky enough to work with Jerry Stiller,
playing his daughter for 9 years on The King Of Queens, but even luckier to know him, the man, the
husband, the father, the grandfather. I am only comforted knowing that Anne & Jerry, the great comedy
duo of Stiller & Meara are back together. I will be forever grateful for the memories, the fatherly talks
off-screen and for the many years of laughter, the kindness he had shown to me and my family…You
will be so very missed Jerry.”
Stiller always considered his role of a lifetime being a father. He always is the one laughing the
loudest when one of his children is performing.
While Stiller did not want his kids to go into entertainment because he feared the rejection, he be-
came his children’s biggest fans.
“Amy’s very funny,” Stiller told the New York Times. “She’s very much like Anne in a lot of ways,
but better. Amy’s a natural. Nobody taught her to perform or gave her a cue. She went out and did it on
her own.”
Amy concurred in the same article: “My dad taught both me and Ben to be fearless. He said, ‘Find a
stage, find an audience, and do it.’”
The kind of adoration Stiller felt for his kids is palpable in every photograph of him with his chil-
dren. He seems thrilled — in awe, even — every time he looks at them.
“I asked myself, what’s my greatest enjoyment in this business,” Stiller said in an interview about
his son’s 1997 movie, The Heartbreak Kid, in which he co-starred. “It’s what my kids have done on
screen.”
I think of all the fathers. The men who inspire us, the uncles who stand in their place. The greatest
joy of parenting, to see your children succeed, be happy and become great parents and inspire the next
generation. To all you dads, moms, grandparents, aunts. uncles, cousins, and friends, thank you for all
you do to “father” all of us.
PAGE FOUR/B’NAI HARIM
DONATIONS
YAHRZEIT FUND GENERAL FUND BEAUTIFICATION FUND
From: Jen Feldheim-Gray From: .Barbara & Rich Feman From: Arlyn & Dave Bialick
In memory of her Father, Gerald Z. With much love to Norma Fisch and To Norma Fisch and Family - We
Feldheim. her family - Joe is and will be greatly extend our deepest condolences on
missed, but his warmth, kidness and the passing of your beloved hus-
From: Sam Neulinger gentle spirit will be remembered for- band, Joseph. May his memory be
In memory of: ever. His strong proud voice will blessed and may you and your en-
1. His Wife, Ellie Neulinger. always resonate during services in tire family be comforted with all who
2. His Aunt, Yvonne Lerner. our hearts. mourn in Zion and Jerusalem.
From: Gary Morris From: Alan & Ellen Kagan
In memory of his Mother, Sophie RABBI’S DISCRETIOARY In memory of Joe Fisch.
Biegeleisen Morris. FUND
From: Arlyn & Dave Bialick
From: Alan & Marjorie Seger From: Al & Dotty Schips 1. To Len Dinnerstein - Mazel tov
In memory of Alan’s Mother, Irene For food for the homeless. on your son, Andrew’s engage-
Seger. ment.
2. To Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin
From: Stan Kapitansky Hershkowitz and Family -
In memory of his Mother, Gertrude 3. Mazel tov on your daughter,
Kapitansky. Birthdays/Anniversaries/Yahrzeit Rebecca’s upcoming High
Remembrances - On page 6 School graduation.
From: Alan & Ellen Kagan
In memory of Ellen’s Mother, Beth
Steinhause.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU from Norma Fisch
From: Norma Fisch To my B’nai Harim Family: Your tributes, your notes and your spe-
In memory of : cial words in honor of Joe have helped me and my family through
1. Joe’s Aunt, Minnie Konigsberg. this very trying time of our great loss Thanks to all of you.
2. Norma’s Sister-in-Law, Enid
Potter.
3. Norma’s Father, Samuel Potter. SAVE THE DATES
4. Joe’s Mother, Esther Leah
Fisch.
Thurs. - June 4 - Discussion Group
From: Sunny Goldfinger Thurs. - June 11 - Game Night
In memory of her parents, Jack and Sat. - June 13 - Service 10:15 AM followed by Book Club
Pauline Stearn. Sun. - June 14 - 11:00 AM Lox Academy on Zoom - see flyer enclosed.
Thurs. - June 18 - Ladies Lunch - contact Dottie Schips
From: Alan Wismer Sat. - June 20 - Woman’s Torah Study on Zoom - 12:00 Noon
In memory of his Sister, Barbara Sun. - June 21 - Temple Board Meeting 9:30 AM - Also Father’s Day.
Deschler. Fri. - June 26 - Kabbalat Shabbat on Zoom - 6:30 PM.
From: Madelyn Kane
Sat. - June 27 - Shabbat Service 10:15 AM on Zoom
In memory of her Mother, Anne F. No events will be held at the Temple!
Auslander.
MISHEBEIRACH LIST
From: Honi Gruenberg & Skip
Spady When putting a person onto the Mishebeirach List, it should be
In memory of Honi’s Grandfather, with person’s permission. Would the person like to be listed with
Emmett Gruenberg. their English 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 spous-
es, grandchildren and their spouses). Congregants 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 PER-
SON’S NAME REMOVED, IF THE PERSON NO LONGER NEEDS TO BE
ON THE LIST. Please contact the Rabbi with the names of individuals you
would like to be included in the new list. Remember to have the person's
name removed if the person no longer needs to be on the list.
PAGE FIVE/B’NAI HARIM
CELEBRATIONS YAHRZEIT REMEMBRANCE
JUNE
7 Susan Blum
Thelma Isaacson 15 SIVAN
10 Meir Jablonka 18 SIVAN
Gail Green June 3 David Kerdeman
Rose Gelbard June 4
Leslie Stine June 13 11 Lillian Dockswell
Bornstein-
Bonnie Fertel June 14 12 Helen Jablonka 20 SIVAN
Roberta Pineiro June 18 13 Bessie Heller
Larry Chimerine June 22
15 Esther Leah Fisch 23 SIVAN
Enid Sue Potter 23 SIVAN
16 Emmett Gruenberg
ANNIVERSARIES
17 Jay Brown
Gertrude Kapitansky 25 SIVAN
18 Florita Cowan
Harry Kane
Marvin Katz
Jill & Michael Posner June 6
Erica Eva Jean Schips
Sara & Joe Bedrick June 19
Maddy & Mel Mogel June 28
19 Fayeann Gibbons
Barbara &
Richard Feman June 30 21 Mildred Horn 29 SIVAN
IF YOU TAKE PHOTOS 23 Morris Zudick 1 TAMUZ
If you take photos at any Temple function, 25 Blossom Heide
PLEASE send them to my e-mail
lhstine@gmail.com and identify the 26 Jacob Singman 4 TAMUZ
occasion and the faces. These photos make our
publicity more interesting to the community.
Thanks, Leslie Stine
MEMORIAL
BOARD
REMEMBER YOUR LOVED ONES BY ADDING THEIR TREE OF LIFE
NAMES TO OUR MEMORIAL BOARD—
The cost for each plaque (one name per plaque) is $236. Dear friends! Every leaf on our
A minimum of $50 must accompany each request. The beautiful Tree of Life is filled with
balance can be paid over one year for 1 or 2 plaques your good news and events. It’s time
and/or two years for more than 2 plaques. For further to order a new batch! I am ready to
information, please contact Stan Kapitansky, (718) 428- take your orders. Each leaf costs just triple Chai
2140 or e-mail me at bspoco@verizon.net. Copies of the ($54.00) and will be engraved to your specifica-
order form will be available at the temple, or you may tions. Please call Julia Shaykevich at (570)
download a copy directly from the web site.
620-0104 or contact her by e-mail at
Stan Kapitansky, juliette72@yahoo.com to place your order.
Yahrzeit Committee Chairperson
PAGE SIX/ B’NAI HARIMPATRONIZE B’NAI HARIM’S ADVERTISERS
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-
413 ROUTE 940, MT. POCONO, PA 18344
(570) 839-8010 (570) 839-8020
Store 5501@theupsstore.com
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
JEWISH FAMILYSERVICES
Jewish Family Service is in need of Kosher food
and toiletries marked with a recognized 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 commu-
nity. You can also write a check to “Jewish Family Service
of Northeast Pennsylvania” 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.
Jerry Goodstein
YAHRZEIT NOTIFICATION
Our Yahrzeit list is open not only to those
who have plaques, but to the entire congre-
gation. 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 DISCLAIMER
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- The opinions expressed in this publication are those
4668. of the respective author(s). They do not purport to
Sincerely, reflect the opinions or views of Congregation B’nai
Stan Kapitansky Harim or its members.
Yahrzeit Committee Chairperson
PAGE SEVEN/B’NAI HARIMCongregation NEED SOME CHICKEN ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER
SOUP
B’nai Harim NEED A CALL FROM This is your newsletter, and we want your input. When
PO Box 757 RABBI? you have any news to share, please let us know so we
5349 Pocono Crest Road KNOW SOMEONE WHO can publish it.
Pocono Pines, PA, 18350 DOES?
http://www.bnaiharimpoconos.org Deadline is the 20th of the month. News can be sent
PHONE: (using WORD) to Paula Guenst at rwbs@hotmail.com.
Message Center The newsletter is published each month. Newsletter
(570) 646-0100 The members of B’nai Harim
are a very caring, close group subscriptions are available for $18 per year to non-
E-Mail: but sometimes a member needs members of Congregation B’nai Harim. Please contact
rwbs@hotmail.com a little extra help. If you Barbara Feman.
DIRECTIONS know of someone who needs a In addition to the monthly newsletter, we distribute
Driving East on Route 940, turn right phone call or a visit, please weekly online announcements to all members with
at the Pocono Pines traffic light at Route either encourage them to call
423, continue on Pocono Crest road e-mail addresses and Internet access. If you do not
(formerly Sullivan Road) about 1&1/2 the Rabbi directly or email her
miles. Synagogue on left (before reach- yourself to let her know one of want to receive e-mail announcements or cannot
ing 940). her congregants needs help. access the internet, please contact Richard Feman at
Driving West on Route 940, turn left at
intersection of Pocono Crest Road 570-355-5124 or 516-481-6114.
(formerly Sullivan Road), and the Syna-
gogue will be on the right.(approx.
1/10th of a mile). NEW ADDRESS?
If you have recently moved, please send your new information to Honi
Rabbi: Peg Kershenbaum
Pres.: Meredith Stempel
Gruenberg at Gruenberg.honi@gmail.com. She will update the Membership
VP: Stacy Mitgang list and generate a new list.
Sec.: Carol Yates
Treas.: Steve Bram
Editor: Honi Gruenberg DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES FOR THE JULY NEWSLETTER IS JUNE 20TH.
Member of the URJ - Union For
Reform Judaism
RECURRING SCHEDULES Next Board Meeting date: Sunday, June 21st at 9:30 AM. To be put
on the agenda, contact Meredith Stempel at (570) 242-6244 no later than
Services Sat. 10:15 AM
Shabbat Dinner Fri. 6:30 PM five days prior to the meeting.
Monthly Shabbat Fri. Evening
Service 7:30 PM
Religious School Sat. 9:00AM
CONGREGATION
B’NAI HARIM
PO Box 757
5349 Pocono Crest Road
Pocono Pines, PA 18350
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
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