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L’ Chaim!News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona Jewish
Community
July 2005
Issue No. 11
Federation: 940-6001
E-mail:
[email protected]
Schneider
serving
in Iraq
The Altoona JewishCommunity is representedin Iraq.
Adam Schneider, a2002 graduate ofHollidaysburg Area HighSchool,
hasbeen serv-ing the U.S.Army sinceDecember.He wasdeployed
inJanuary.
A d a mis the son ofBen and Cathy Schneiderof Duncansville.
The community hasbeen sending Adam carepackages. He has
relayedhis appreciation throughcorrespondence to his fam-ily and in
a recent E-mailto Agudath Achim RabbiAmmos Chorny.
“I am good, and I amstaying safe,” he wrote. “Imiss you
all.”
The entire Jewishcommunity’s thoughts andprayers with Adam and
hisfamily.
For anyone wishing towrite to Adam, his addressis:
SPC Benjamin A.Schneider 1225thCSB/818th Maint COQ-West Base
ComplexAPO, AE 09334.
Brothers Michael (left) and Sam Scheinberg share a light moment
with their
cousin, Ruth Ann Rosend. For L’Chaim’s “Smile for the Camera
feature,” please
see Pages 6-7.
Schneider
Kivitzes to host picnic Aug. 28The Federation will hold its
fourth annual late summer familybarbeque/pool party at the
homeof Vicki and Alan Kivitz onSunday, August 28.
The picnic, which will runfrom 3-7 p.m., has become a tra-dition
and a nice way to celebratethe end of summer.
“We always have a greatturnout and a lot of fun at thepool
party, and the Federationthanks the Kivitz family for invit-ing us
this year,” FederationExecutive Director Bill Wallensaid.
In previous years, this event
has been hosted by Phyllis andBruce Thaler, Kathy and
EdHenderson and Michael Tomorand Tom Trexler.
Each year the numberattending has increased with wellover 100
joining us last year.
“We’re small enough of acommunity that we can still holdthe
event at somebody’s homebut big enough that we trulyappreciate the
hospitality of theKivitz family and those whohave hosted previous
picnics,”Wallen said.
There will be swimming, apicnic dinner and fun for all ages.
The Federation will alsohold a brief installation of its
newofficers, including incomingpresident Michael Tomor.Mark your
calendars now!
Call 940-6001 to RSVP orE-mail to at [email protected]
Vicki and Alan Kivitz
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L’ Chaim!Page 2 News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona
Jewish Community
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Around the communityBy Bill Wallen
Comings and goingsWe are happy to welcome Alan and
Vicki Liss to Altoona. They are newmembers of Temple Beth
Israel. Alan wasborn and raised in Jersey City (you can’tmiss the
accent) where he was a Yeshivaboucher.
Vicki is from Bellwood. They arenewlyweds, having just
celebrated theirsecond wedding anniversary. Alan hasalways been
involved with sales and cur-rently works with Mike Rosen at
ValueCity Furniture. He has a special interest inworking with youth
and has volunteeredas a coach and with Boys Club. Vicki andAlan
look forward to meeting all of us.
Our community sends our best wish-es with Helen and Jack
Edelman, whowill be moving to Chico, Calif., wherethey will be
closer to their son, Sam, andhis family. Helen (Cazen) and Jack
areboth Altoona natives. Jack moved to Mt.Vernon, N.Y. as a boy and
returned homewhen he and Helen married.
They are both retired. Jack worked atSky Brothers and Imler’s
and Helen atthe DPW, County Board of Assistance.All of their
friends will miss them.Mazel Tov
The Blair County Chamber ofCommerce honored Don Devorris on
May 2 with the 2005Lifetime Achievement forBusiness Advocacy
Award.
At the dinner, alongwith his many achieve-ments, it was noted
that healways keeps his prioritiesin order. “His faith, hisfamily
and his community
have been the unwaveringtop three,” his son, Philip said.
Our Federation appreciates Don’slifetime of service to the
Jewish and gen-eral community and joins in congratulat-ing him.
The Jewish National Fund presentedthe Tree of Life award to
Senator BobJubelirer at a special dinner on May 19 inPhiladelphia.
The record-setting amountof money raised for this event will
gotoward the Robert and Renee JubelirerPlayground and Shelter in
the NegevDesert. It will serve more than 120 chil-
dren in the rapidly-growing community ofSansana in the northern
Negev.
Greg Morris was the 2005 recipientof the NAACP 2005 Community
ServiceAward in grateful appreciation for his con-tinuing support,
loyalty and dedication tothe community. The award was presentedat
the Freedom Fund dinner on April 30,2005. Good work, Greg!
Yasher Koach to Joel Hollander, whois the new Board Presidentat
Agudath AchimCongregation. MadelynGreenberg continues asSisterhood
President. AtTemple Beth Israel, MikeRosen enters his secondyear as
Board Presidentand Karen Allen andAnnette Shaw areSisterhood
Presidents.Thank you
Special thanks to Barry Newbornand The Book Store for donating
DVDsand VHS tapes for the Film Festival.Barry has also contributed
other films ofJewish interest. The Federation has agrowing
collection of videos. They areavailable to borrow. Contact the
office fora list of resources.Subscribe to Hayom
The third issue of this Jewish lifestyle
magazine has just been published. Thefirst two issues were
distributed by theFederation at no charge.
Beginning with this issue, the maga-zine will be mailed to
subscribers only.Some of the articles in this editioninclude: Jews
with tattoos, current Jewishmusic and Hilel and Chabad in
StateCollege. For subscriptions or advertising,contact King
Publishing at 1-800-507-1222.Way Off Broadway
Did you know that – “There’s Troublein River City?” It begins
with T andrhymes with P – and that means Port. NeilPort plays the
mayor of River City and iskeeping his eye on Professor Harold
Hillin the Cresson Lake Playhouse productionof the Music Man from
Aug. 4–20.
Don’t miss Mayor Neil, Marian theLibrarian, 76 trombones and the
magic ofthis wonderful show. For information andtickets, call
886-5290.Hot off the presses
Mazel Tov to Heidi Housman andDeva Solomon, who were married on
July17, at Agudath Achim Congregation. The
couple are both May grad-uates of West VirginiaUniversity and
will returnthere in the fall for gradu-ate work – Heidi in
Speechand Language and Deva inLaw School.
Heidi is the daughter ofJan and Jack Housman
and the granddaughter of Hilda and JoeLurie.
Mazel Tov to our former FederationDirector and a friend to all
in the commu-nity, Reva Schulman, on her engagementto Gary Feldman.
Reva will be movingto Harrisburg, where shewill become the
campaigndirector of theirFederation.
She currently is theExecutive Director ofTemple Emanuel of
SouthHills in Pittsburgh.Tentative plans are for awedding in the
spring of2006.
Devorris
Hollander
Housman
Schulman
Greg Morris was honored recently
by the NAACP.
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L’Chaim!is published twice annually by
The Greater Altoona Jewish
Federation.
Editor: Neil Rudel
Conscience: Bill Wallen
Photographers: Henry Weinberg, Rabbi
Ammos Chorny and Carolyn Wallen
Articles should be submitted to the
Federation at 940-6001, Fax 940-6002,
or e-mailed to [email protected]
Suggestions and feedback are welcome.
Printing by A+ Printing, Inc.
L’ Chaim! Page 3News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona
Jewish Community
PSU president Spanier
leading mission to IsraelA UJC Central PA mission to Israel
will be led by Dr. Graham Spanier, PennState University
president, June 11-19,2006.
Missions are travel experiencesunlike any other. They deliver
exciting
adventures, and culturaldiscoveries. They offer youexclusive,
insider access toresidents, community lead-ers, area experts and
politi-cal personalities.
Yet a UJC mission issomething much deeper.
What makes each Missiontruly unique is its sense of purpose,
guar-anteeing our travelers a heightened appre-ciation and
connection to their Jewishidentity.
Our goal is to create travel experi-ences imbued with meaning,
giving ourparticipants the chance to visit with mem-bers of their
extended Jewish family andto come face to face with the shared
her-itage, traditions and values that unite usall.
Mission participants are sure to comeaway with a newfound
understanding ofwhere we’ve been as well as a vision of
where we’re headed. This is a very special opportunity to
visit Israel with people from our area.Details to follow
soon.
Those visiting Israel never miss The
Wailing Wall.
Calendar
of events
August 14 Tisha B’Av
August 28 Annual Picnic
at the home of
Vicki & Alan
Kivitz
September 11 Bus trip to
Jewish Baltimore
September 18 Opening session
of Altoona Jewish
Community
Sunday school,
10 a.m. – noon,
Agudath Achim
Congregation
October 3 Erev Rosh
Hashanah
October 4-5 Rosh Hashanah
October 12 Kol Nidrei
October 13 Yom Kippur
Upcoming B’nai Mitzvah
September 17 Leah Schneider
9:30 a.m.
Agudath Achim
Congregation
Spanier
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L’ CHAIM PROFILE
L’ Chaim!Page 4 News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona
Jewish Community
Name: Len Zimmerman
Address: 895 Greenway Drive, Altoona
Family: Wife Bonnie, daughter Ilissa, who is an attorney
inAltoona and son Josh, who is a physician in Scotch Plains,N.J.,
Len and Bonnie are the grandparents of five, includ-ing Ginger and
Grant Glass of Altoona and Allison, Kellyand Jeremy Zimmerman of
Scotch Plains.
Education: AAHS (1950), Bucknell (1954), University ofPittsburgh
(1958) Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. (1959-62)
Occupation: Physician
Interests: Family, reading, travel and sports (both as
aspectator and participant).
Congregation: The Zimmermans are members at bothTemple Beth
Israel and Agudath Achim Congregation.
First memories of being Jewish include: Len was born inBrooklyn
and lived in a neighborhood where everyone wasJewish until he was
14 years old. “The next neighborhoodwas Italian, and it was about
20 blocks away. We were toldnot to venture there alone, to always
go with a group. Thesame people who told us that would complain
aboutItalians who came into our area. Seders were very long –they
seemed even longer to us as kids – but we sat quietlyat the end of
the table and compared matzoh balls made byone grandmother vs.
those made by the other.”
Our strongest Jewish influence at an early age was:
Mygrandparents.
We’ve been to Israel: Yes. We traveled to Israel about 10years
ago with Joe and Pat Silverman as part of a physi-cians group. It
was a great experience! We traveledthroughout the whole country and
visited Elot, Tel Aviv,Massada and of course, Jerusalem. “We felt a
great sense ofhistory walking in the same streets in Jerusalem
wherethousands of years ago David and Solomon had been.”
Activities/responsibilities in the Jewish Community: Iserved as
president and board member at Temple BethIsrael, and I also served
as president of the JewishMemorial Center.
In our Jewish community, I am most proud of: Theaccomplishments
of its members in the business and pro-fessional community and the
arts. Giving the relativelysmall numbers, the contribution has been
outstanding. Ishould also mention there has been strong leadership
inphilanthropy.
My vision (hope) for our Jewish community includes: Iwould like
to see a coming together of the entire Jewishcommunity to spread
its Yiddishkeit among all its mem-bers, both young and old. I would
also like a strong Templeand Synagogue so each may worship
according to his ownpersonal beliefs.
Zimmermans are proud of community
Len and Bonnie Zimmerman often travel the world,
but they love their life in Altoona.
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L’ Chaim! Page 5News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona
Jewish Community
PERSPECTIVE
Cuban experience enlighteningBy Norma Sevel
If Stanley Cohen of Pittsburgh hadn’treturned from a visit to
Cuba 10 years agowith a deep sense of Tikkun Olam, the B’naiB’rith
Cuban Jewish Relief Project mightnever have been born.
Through his efforts, from 1995 to thepresent, much has improved
in the life of theCuban Jewish community.
A notice in the Pittsburgh/Ohio B’naiB’rith newsletter about the
project, now inits 10th year, piqued my interest. After a fewcalls,
I decided that this trip held a real focusfor me. The purpose, as
it was for the other13 members from all over the country,
washumanitarian – a chance to visit the Jewishcommunity, deliver
aid and learn about lifein Cuba.
Each participant was required to bring14 pounds of supplies
ranging from over-the-counter medicines, medical supplies
tospiritual and personal support items such asJudaica, new clothes,
toothbrushes, tooth-paste, pens, pencils, paper, etc. Indeed,
thiswas a heavy load!
From 15,000 Jews before theRevolution, there are now only 1500,
mostof whom live in Havana, the others inAenfuegos and Santa Clara.
The B’naiB’rith missions contribute support with bothsupplies and
funds. The funds, which comefrom the U.S. through Canada,
supplementthe small government allowances theyreceive as well as
helping to repair the threesynagogues, maintain (as well as they
can),the two cemeteries and other communityneeds.
On our arrival in Cuba, after a frustrat-ing two-hour wait
getting through CubanCustoms, we were driven in our
beautiful,comfortable bus for the week to the BethShalom Synagogue
and the Patronato AKAthe Jewish Community Center. There wemet with
the president of the Jewish com-munity, Dr. Jose Miller, and the
vice presi-dent, Adela Devorin, who reported that mostof their
ancestors came from Turkey, Syria,Spain, Russia and Poland.
Today’s Jews in Cuba are or were pro-fessionals or government
employees whoearn a small salary to supplement the verysmall
government grant. Education is freefrom pre-school through graduate
schools.Health care is provided for all as are thebasic food
necessities for which governmentration books are a must.
The majority of our supplies weredelivered to the pharmacy and
the remain-der repacked for delivery to our people fur-ther down
the island. As a group, we attend-ed Friday night services which
were inter-esting, even though they were conducted inSpanish and
Hebrew.
A wonderful feeling of family andJewishness pervaded the
sanctuary, and wewere greeted with open arms. We met
thecongregation members both at the oneg andthe post-Saturday
morning services lunch,which is free each week. They were as
curi-ous about us as we were about them. Eventhe language barrier
didn’t deter our com-
municating because hugs, smiles and hand-shakes and pats on the
back said it all.As a community, Cuba supports senior andyouth
groups an active B’nai B’rithMaimonides Chapter as well as men
andwomen’s groups and even Hadassah.Through our new friends, we
learned theJewish community on the whole is poor, butthere is no
misery. Their active Jewish lifemakes them proud and enthusiastic
andtheir profound feeling for Judaism is obvi-ous. They display all
forms of Judaica intheir homes from menorahs to mezuzahs,Sabbath
candles and candlesticks, book andwine goblets.
In a non-religious state, the youngJewish people are being
educated for life,learning tradition, customs and prayers. It
isthought by some that the practice ofJudaism is accepted because
Castro himselfmight have Jewish blood — an interestingthought!
There are many conversions that cantake years to complete
because there is nopermanent Rabbi. Each synagogue does itsown
thing, so to speak, but there is an over-all committee to approve
suggestions, pro-posals and Sunday School curriculum.
I want to thank the members of ourJewish community who supplied
the itemsthat I carried with me and to relay to youwords of
gratitude from our Cuban friends.
Also, a word of thanks to Neil Rudel,Bill Wallen and the
Federation for their sup-port. It was deeply appreciated. I had a
verymemorable and enjoyable experience.
Anyone interested in participating in aB’nai B’rith Cuban Relief
Mission can callme at 942-7435 or Lynne Feinberg, ourgroup leader,
or Stanley Cohen, internation-al chairman, B’nai B’rith Cuban
JewishRelief Project at (412) 521-2390 or bbre-lief@earthlink
net.
Norma Sevel wasn’t too busy inCuba to mug for the camera.
Take a trip with B’nai B’rithB’nai B’rith’s Cuban Jewish
Relief Projects travels to the islandnation periodically during
each year.
Each mission allows participantsto personally deliver
humanitariansupplies to members of the CubanJewish community and
experience an
unsurpassed week in a powerful set-ting.
Additionally, the Project sendshumanitarian relief through the
year.Project Chair Stanley. Cohen, whoregularly visits Cuba, leads
each mis-sion.
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L’ Chaim!Page 6 News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona
Jewish Community
From left: Samantha Bilofsky, Sophira Morris and Sidney
Glass.
Smile for the camera: The Jewish community in focus
Ian Bilofsky maintains his
family’s proud tradition of
cross-dressing.
Carly Port (right) and Ginger Glass
are ready for a trip to Dom Pablo’s.
Ruth Vanderglas joins Rabbi Burt
Schubob.
From left: Phyllis Thaler, Sue Katz, Michelle
Schmidt at the Super bowl party.
Ava Kline befriends a
stuffed animal.
Paula Binus (left) and her
sister, Sue.
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L’ Chaim! Page 7News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona
Jewish Community
From left: Samantha Bilofsky, Sophira Morris and Sidney
Glass.
Smile for the camera: The Jewish community in focus
From left: Phil, Izzy and Roz Sky.
L’Chaim researchers are checking to see if Sarah Lipitz
is distantly related to Richard Nixon.
Arielle Port gets some encouragement from
teacher Brent Pielmeier during the Maccabean
Games.
Mandy Belle Sky was one of the many
princesses at the Purim Carnival.
From left: Phyllis Thaler, Sue Katz, Michelle
Schmidt at the Super bowl party. From left: Ben Scheinberg,
Scott Cohen,
David Katz.
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L’CHAIM MILESTONES
Weddings
Scott Marlowe and Sue Croft,
May 7, 2005
B’nai Mitzvah
Alex Primack, April 16, 2005
Asher Kline, May 28, 2005
Allison Cohen, June 4, 2005
Dana Holliday, June 11, 2005
high sChool graduation
altoona
Emily Benjamin
Jason Kivitz
Brian Thaler
hollidaysBurg
Erin Allen
David Kivitz
Matthew Kivitz
Daniel Chorny
Annie Schneider
Caitlyn Williamson
CaMden Military aCadeMy
Rick Evan Rosenthal
College graduation
Heidi Housman, daughter of Jan
and Jack Housman, graduated
from WVA with a degree in
Speech Pathology and Audiology.
Nicole Hollander, daughter of
Barbara and Joel Hollander,
received a degree from George
Washington University.
CondolenCes to
Lynn and Mike Rosen on the
death of Mike’s mother Gloria.
Dianne and Neil Rudel on the
death of Dianne’s grandmother,
Josephine DeLeo.
Ethel Fried, Bess Lang and the
Kline family on the death of their
sister and aunt, Ann Kline Gilbert.
Harry Hansel on the loss of his
son-in-law Simon Perlman.
L’ Chaim!Page 8 News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona
Jewish Community
TRIBUTE
We also remember...
Rosch led generously
So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now part
of us, as we remember them
Dr. Julius C. Rosch, 85 died May 9,2005 in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Even thoughJules and his wife, Annette, lived in Florida
for the past 12 years, he isremembered with love by hisfamily,
many friends and for-mer patients in Altoona andBellwood.
Jules was a native ofAltoona who went toPhiladelphia for
medicalschool and then returned
here to treat patients in his home area formany years. He was
the only physician inBellwood from 1947-53. He then
receivedtraining in internal medicine and cardiologyand served the
Altoona area until his retire-ment in 1991.
He brought Dr. Bernie Kron to Altoona
to practice with him.Jules was a true citizen of the commu-
nity and volunteered his time generously inthe Jewish and
general community. He lovedJudaism and served as a Gabbai as well
asBoard President at Agudath AchimCongregation.
Dr. Rosch was a member of the ChevraKaddisha, and led the
rebuilding of the syn-agogue chapel.
He was equally active in the communi-ty with Blair Civic Music
and the AltoonaLibrary as well as the Federation and JMCboards. He
became active in his synagoguein St. Petersburg and was a volunteer
forHabitat for Humanity.
Jules was a loving husband, father,grandfather, physician and
friend and will besadly missed by all.
Rosch
Ruth Freeman Karp, 88, died on May13, 2005. Ruth was an Altoona
native whotaught English to thousands of junior highstudents at
Roosevelt during her 34 years ofteaching. After retiring in 1981,
she was aloyal volunteer for the Altoona Hospital andthe American
Cancer Society. She was adevoted wife to “Swifty” for over 41
yearsuntil his death in 1983 and a loving motherto their son
Ardie.
Ruth is remembered with love byArdie, her sister Eleanor, family
membersand friends.
Jack “Smitty” Schmitt, 80, died onApril 4, 2005. Jack was one of
the threeSchmitt brothers who were born and grewup in Altoona.
(Bernie now lives inHuntingdon and Irv, of blessed memory,
isdeceased.)
Jack was an honored and decorated vet-eran of WWII and
participated in the D Dayinvasion. He returned to Altoona after
thewar and began his 47-year career withAutomotive Supply Co. He
married the loveof his life, Elva, in 1952. In their over 52years
of marriage, they had two children,Jackie and Jay and two
grandchildren.
Jack was an active and loyal member ofAgudath Achim Synagogue
and was activein playing and coaching sports in the com-munity.
Pat Adelson Park, 71, died on January
10, 2005. She was born in York, PA, butmade our area her home
for her whole adultlife. Pat was active and well known in theJewish
and general community for her workand volunteer activities. She
helped count-less young couples begin their lives togeth-er as a
bridal consultant for JC Penney’s. Patalso helped assure quality
daycare servicesfor children as one of the founders and earlyboard
members of Daycare Services ofBlair County. She was a loyal member
ofAgudath Achim Synagogue and looked for-ward to celebrating the
50th anniversary ofher conversion to Judaism this year.
Pat was married twice, first to AbeAdelson and later to Sam
Park; both aredeceased. She is sadly missed by childrenAmos and
Peggy and their families, as wellas her niece Anna Paikin, nephews
Sam andHarold Kaplan and by many friends.
Dr. Samuel Cohen, 87, died on June21, 2005. Along with his wife,
Beverly, andtheir children, Sam moved to Hollidaysburgfrom New York
City in 1961. He practicedOptometry there until his retirement
in1988. He was a fixture on Allegheny Street.The family were
members of AgudathAchim Congregation and Sam was active inCivic
organizations. Upon his retirement,Sam and Beverly moved to
Georgia. He isremembered and missed by his family andmany friends
in our community.
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L’ Chaim! Page 9News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona
Jewish Community
SUNDAY SCHOOL
By Mark ThalerAs part of my Jewish education
requirements in this community, Iattend Sunday School during the
reg-ular school year. When I wasyounger, I went to make crafts,
seemy friends and talk about the Jewishholidays. But as time went
on andthe years progressed, the idea ofschool on Sunday became
moretedious.
Having just completed my firstyear at Hollidaysburg Junior
HighSchool, it didn’t take me long to real-ize that getting up for
school eachmorning at 6:15a.m. was not fun.Completing the many
homeworkassignments was about as equallyentertaining. By Friday
afternoon Iwas looking forward to chilling out,sleeping in and
hanging out with myfriends. Just one catch…SundaySchool…Oy Vay!
Every Sunday, as much as Iprotested, I would find myself in
thecar at 9:45 on my way to SundaySchool. As much as I sound like
I’m slamming Sunday School, Iwouldn’t give it up for anything. Even
though we talk about thesame holidays each year and the same Ten
Commandments, itseems as though we delve into deeper meanings. I
can rememberlong class discussions about “loving your neighbor as
yourself.”
Early on in my education, Iwould have said it’s nothing morethan
the golden rule.
Now after many Sundaymorning talks, I understand thatthose five
words can mean a lotmore. I find myself thinking aboutdeeper
meanings and realize thatthis is what it must have been likefor our
sages as they read over eachand every passage of our holybooks.
Sunday School has other ben-efits. There is something nice
aboutspending two hours with justJewish kids talking about
Jewishissues. I am fortunate to have manyJewish friends in public
school.But, when we come together onSunday mornings, we connect on
amuch deeper level.
Yes, it is a struggle to wake upeach Sunday and head off
toSunday School, but it is well worththe while. Learning about
currentJewish events and those that hap-
pened thousands of years ago helps me feel connected with
mypeople. We are a people with a deep commitment to educating
ourchildren about Jewish history, torah and traditions.
After eight years of Sunday School, I am beginning to feel
thesame way.
A familiar face has left Temple BethIsrael.
Long-time secretary Barbara Woods,who served the Temple for 20
years, hasretired, this time for good.
“I’m going to miss all of the friendsthat I have made in the
Jewish community.Many of you have become members of myfamily,” she
said. “I’ve really enjoyed mymany years at the Temple getting to
knowso many people in the Jewish community.”
TBI leadership knows Barbara leavesa significant void.
“Barbara has meant so much toTemple Beth Israel,” Temple
presidentMike Rosen said. “She is without a doubtthe glue that held
the Temple together formany years. She is a friend to many and
aright arm to others. She has helped meevery step of the way. We
wish her a very
happy and healthy retirement.”Barbara also served as a mentor
to
Rabbi Burt Schuman.“When I arrived at Temple Beth Israel,
a raw rookie, I was desperate for someonewho would orient me,
set professional pri-orities and organize my time — as well asput
up with my hyperactivity, my moods,driving deficiencies, and my
tendency toget lost in Altoona,” he said. “I will missher very
much.”
Barbara is being replaced by MaryBoscaino, who has been on the
job sinceMay 20. Mary and her husband, Dennis,have two adult
children — Frank, who cur-rently resides at home, and Toni who
livesin Maryland.
Mary has worked different jobs overthe years, including at
Kranich’s Jewelers.She says she has had a varied career. She
isenjoying her work and “getting to knoweveryone in the lovely
Temple family.”
School on Sunday ... Oy Vay!
Woods retires from Temple
Mark Thaler believes it takes time to fully
appreciate Sunday School.
Barbara Woods (left) is leaving the
Temple after 20 years and being
replaced by Mary Boscaino.
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L’ Chaim!Page 10 News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona
Jewish Community
THE WAY WE WERE
JMC founders
include, from left:
Phil Klevan, Mike
Devorris, Izzy Sky,
Rabbi Michelson,
Community Chest
Rep: Ralph Smith,
Ed Henderson, Abe
Colbus, Joe Cohen
(1949 photo)
Memories like the corners of my mind, misty water colored
memories of the way we were.
Members of Agudath Achim performed “Thoroughly Modern Mollie”
well, let’s just say a few
years ago. The cast included, from left, front row – Susan Cohen
(flower power), Sigrid
Rosenbloom (seated in chair). Second row – Sharon Zwirn, Anita
Sherman. Third row – Lee
Goldberg, Karen Sky, Carol Kron, Phyllis Port, Marion Lebendig.
Back row – Evelyn Krivoy,
Freya Berger, Zelda Goldstein, Roz Handler, Mickey Port, Maxine
Weinberg, Blanche
Kaminsky, Annette Rosch, Helen Rosch.
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L’ Chaim! Page 11News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona
Jewish Community
CAMPAIGN 2005
Our Lions of JudahThe Lion of Judah (Aryeh Yehuda) has
long symbolized strength and magesty, inthe Jewish world.
It is first mentioned in the Bible(Genesis, 49:9) as the
Patriarch Jacobdefines the qualities, and prophecies thefates of
his 12 sons and their tribes.
In Jacob’s vision,his fourth-born Judah isa “lion’s whelp”
(guraryeh), poised to springat his enemies indefense of his
people.
Out of the tribe ofJudah, in time, emerged the House ofDavid.
Through the centuries, the Lion ofJudah has become a central sign,
standardand symbol of the entire Jewish people.
It is frequently depicted on such ritualobjects as rimonim
(Torah crowns orfinials), yadaim (Torah pointers) and paro-chot
(Torah mantles).
The lion as a Women’s Division sym-bol is completely
appropriate.
When Israeli Prime Minister Peres saidof Avital Sharansky that
“she fought like alioness” for her husband Natan’s release, itwas a
dramatic reminder that one woman,if she is sufficiently determined,
can makea significant difference in the life, well-being and
continuity of her family and herpeople.
The Lion of Judah is a very proud andbeautiful symbol of
strength in Jewish life,was instituted as a pin in 14kt gold by
theMiami Women’s Division Campaign in1972. It was created to serve
as a symbolof commitment for a woman whose per-sonal pledge to the
annual campaign is$5,000 or more.
It later became available nationwide.We salute Altoona Lion’s
Shirley Pechter,Mickey Port and Nancy Devorris.
To become a Lion of Judah, contact theFederation office.
Mickey Port Nancy Devorris Shirley Pechter
Campaign under way:
Please give generouslyOUR MISSION
The Federation shall:Foster continuity and growth while
seeking to preserve and strengthenJewish life.
Study, plan and provide for the pres-ent and future social,
education, cul-tural and welfare needs of the localJewish
community.
Support Israel as well as Americansand World Jewry.
Raise, allocate and disburse theresources needed to meet
theFederation’s goals.
OUR PROGRAMSLocal programs to strengthen andpreserve Jewish
lifeEnhancing the Jewish identity of chil-dren and teens thru:
•The community Sunday school •YES (Youth Experience
Scholarships) to Jewish camps, retreats and seminars.
•Passport to Israel - trips to Israel funded by parents,
Congregation and Federation
Outreach services to students at PennState AltoonaSocial,
cultural and educational pro-grams for adults and families
•Annual International Jewish Film Festival
•Family Super Bowl Party and Summer BBQ and Pool Party
•Speakers on current topics of interest
•Annual Holocaust Remembrance Program
•Trips to museums, concerts and exhibits
•Newsletters - Being Jewish and L’Chaim
Services to our Senior Citizens •Adult Social Club•Senior
Outreach - friendly visiting
and case management to Seniors in their home or in nursing
facilities
Interfaith activities to maintain astrong Jewish presence in the
commu-nity
•Celebrate Diversity - sending Junior High students to the
Holocaust Museum•Educational programs to schools
and community groups•Jewish Memorial Center Programs
You are the
Jewish federation:
giving to others, taking responsibility,
acting with loving-kindness.
2004
Distribution of Funds
International
State/National
Local
-
L’ Chaim!Page 12 News & “Chailights” of The Greater Altoona
Jewish Community
The Greater Altoona Jewish Federation1308 17th StreetAltoona PA
16601
Non-Profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Altoona PA
Permit No. 88
Sunday School students gathered for a group picture following
the Maccabean Games. For the second straight year
the Games marked the end of Sunday School, and each student
received a T-shirt and a trophy, courtesy of UNO’s
Chicago Grill.