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May 20, 2022

Refugees Warmly Welcomed to Freedom Seder at Beth El Temple

By Mary Klaus

Refugees would have less red tape and more red carpets if folks at the recent 10th annual Freedom Seder at Beth El Temple had their way.

“Refugees are presents from God,” said Dr. Truong Phuong, International Service Center executive director, as he set the tone for the s…

May 20, 2022

Joyful Women Unite in Costume at Annual Megillah Reading

By Mary Klaus

Although the Biblical book of Esther carries a serious message, thirty-one costumed women recently looked anything but solemn as they celebrated Purim by reading in melodic Hebrew at the 11th annual Women’s Megillah reading.

Held at the Jewish Community Center and attended …

Mar 25, 2022

Purim Carnival Back Bigger Than Ever With Hamantaschen, Happiness

By Mary Klaus

On Sunday, March 14, Harrisburg’s Jewish community let their hair down, literally and figuratively, by donning silly costumes, playing games, constructing crafts and making merry in a way they haven’t for two years.

The Purim Carnival was back at the Jewish Community Cent…

Jan 10, 2022

Chanukah Brings Many Beams of Light to Central PA

By Adam Grobman

It wasn’t even Chanukah yet, and the new menorah, placed for the first time in Lancaster’s Penn Square, had already been damaged. Miriam Baumgartner, Board President of the Jewish Community Alliance of Lancaster, was feeling disheartened.

“When I saw the damage, I was…

Oct 7, 2021

“Growl”: Tips From the Pros for an Easy Yom Kippur Fast

By Mary Klaus

Many Jews say “Tzom Kal” or “Have an Easy Fast” to each other at the start of Yom Kippur.

Sometimes, that’s easier said than done.

Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism, is a day of atonement. Observed ten days after Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur this year…