Tag Archives: Kesher Israel

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

January 21, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

At an open house, Harrisburg residents and activists voiced concerns to PennDOT about a Market Street rehab project.

We are in the thick of winter here in Harrisburg with temperatures that seem to just keep dropping. This weekend, stay warm and stay up to date on local news, which is listed and linked, below.

Arepa House recently opened in downtown Harrisburg, bringing authentic Venezuelan food to the area, our magazine story reported. The restaurant offers various types of arepa sandwiches to choose from, each featuring a varied combination of meat, cheeses, beans, plantains, avocados and/or veggies.

Blogger Bob shares last year’s highlights from the local art world in this first installment of a two-part blog. Take a look at the best exhibits of 2021, here.

Our Burg Review featured Narcisse Theatre’s new show “Kill Keller.” In the play, writer Paul Hood reopens wounds and bares his painful childhood.

Capital Blue Cross has some tips for how to handle stress and strengthen mental health. Find ways to lower stress levels, here.

Carolina Harvey of Susquehanna Township became the first Latina to host the long-running A&E television network series, “Hoarders” in 2021, our magazine story reported. On a day-to-day basis, Harvey helps clients tidy their homes through her business, Cure The Clutter.

The Central PA MLK Day of Service was held mainly on a virtual format due to the snow, our online story reported. The committee still had plenty of ways for the community to celebrate the holiday through live-streamed seminars and activities.

The Harrisburg Heat soccer team has returned to the pitch for a new season. In our magazine story, read about the team that’s been kicking it for years.

The Harrisburg School District announced that it would move to a virtual format this past week due to a rise in COVID cases, our online story reported. That was the second week in a row that the district has opted for virtual learning.

The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra cancelled its weekend concerts due to the current spike in COVID cases, our online story reported.

A high-volume COVID testing site is planned to open soon at the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, our online story reported. The Department of Health has not yet released details on when the site will open.

Kesher Israel has moved from its long-time location to a new building on the 3000-block of N. 3^rd Street, our reporting found. The location provides a more modernized and centralized place for the synagogue.

Midtown Cinema is hosting a meet and greet with “The Room” star Greg Sestero this weekend. In our magazine story, read about the movie that has become a cult classic because of how bad it is.

PennDOT presented its plans for the Market Street Bridge renovation at a community open house, our online story reported. Many business owners and activists showed up to ask questions and voice concerns.

The People’s Budget team surveyed Harrisburg residents to find out what they wanted prioritized in the city’s 2022 budget, our online story reported. Results showed that people favored investment in housing, roads and infrastructure, among other items.

Sara Bozich has lots of fun ideas for your weekend, despite the cold weather. Take a look, here.

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Next Chapter: Harrisburg synagogue moves from long-time location to new home

January 19, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Rabbi Elisha Friedman leads a service in Kesher Israel’s new building.

A Harrisburg synagogue made the move last week from its mid-century building to a new place of worship.

Kesher Israel renovated and officially opened its new synagogue in the former Riverside Methodist Church on the 3000-block of N. 3^rd Street.

The congregation purchased the building in January 2020 and sold its former home on the 2500-block of N. 3^rd Street—where it was located for over 70 years.

“The new building came out beautifully,” Rabbi Elisha Friedman said. “The old building was way too big for us. This building works really well.”

Since purchasing the property, Kesher Israel completed extensive renovations to modernize the space and constructed an addition onto the building with a new sanctuary.

There are offices, conference rooms, a room to display the synagogue’s historical artifacts, a prayer chapel and a main chapel, among other rooms.

The building is far more manageable for the congregation, which, during COVID, has seen about 30 to 40 regular attendees, Friedman said. However, it’s still plenty of space for the congregation to grow.

Kesher Israel’s new building

According to Friedman, the new building is in a much more convenient location for congregants. At the old building, members had to walk anywhere from one-half to two miles from home to a service on Shabbat, the Sabbath day, on which driving is restricted. This new location cuts down that walking time for many.

“It will make it easier for people to come,” he said.

While it wasn’t an easy transition for all members to leave their former building, people are excited now to be in their new space, Friedman said.

“Our hope is always to grow,” he said. “Moving into this building shows that we plan to be here for awhile.”

Kesher Israel is located at 3200 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.

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September News Digest

August 31, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

Virtual Start for Harrisburg Schools

The Harrisburg school district last month began its 2020-21 academic year with fully virtual instruction.

Before the year began, families had to choose one of two options, according to Acting Superintendent Chris Celmer. They could select a hybrid online/classroom model or a fully virtual model.

For both paths, students started the year with fully virtual learning.

The first path is called the “Pathway to Classroom Instruction.” In that model, students began with online instruction, including live lessons and individual work, with the expectation that they would return to the physical classroom later in the year.

The time spent learning at home will approximate the time spent in school in order to have a smooth transition and continuity of education, explained Chief Academic Officer Susan Sneath.

“A schedule for at-home learning will look pretty similar to a schedule that a child might have in school when they attend school every day,” Sneath said.

Under a second, hybrid phase, students will go to school two days a week and continue virtual learning the other three days. They will be split into two groups, half going in on Monday and Tuesday, the others attending on Thursday and Friday.

Students will transition to a hybrid model of online and classroom learning only when there is a sustained decrease in the spread of the virus in the community, reduced diagnoses and shorter virus testing turnaround times, among other factors.

“If there are opportunities for students to come back to brick-and-mortar, we are going to look to take advantage of those, if they are safe,” Celmer said.

Students can expect to return to school full-time only when positive case rates in the community are below the state benchmark of 5% for two weeks. In addition, treatments or a vaccine must be available, as well as rapid testing turnarounds, Celmer said.

The second option for families is to enroll in the district’s new cyber school—the Harrisburg Virtual Learning Academy (HVLA).

For either option, all students were eligible to receive a device, such as a Chromebook or laptop, for their work.

Food distribution will continue with the start of the school year and will likely increase from the current one day a week to two or three.

Proposed Police Board Draws Comments, Criticism

Harrisburg City Council held three town hall meetings last month on a proposed Citizens Law Enforcement Advisory Committee, receiving substantial input from residents who attended the virtual and in-person gatherings.

Dozens of residents participated in the meetings, and most who spoke did not approve of the legislation, Bill 8, which would create the proposed board.

In their comments, residents focused most on the proposed board’s lack of subpoena and independent investigative powers. Many residents believe that the advisory board should be a more powerful review board.

“I don’t believe this bill would be a step towards accountability,” resident Rachel Peacock said during one of the meetings. “It seems like a horse-and-pony show.”

Others echoed the complaint that the board, as proposed, lacks sufficient power, and some added that residents should have a say in who is appointed to the board. Currently, the bill states that City Council would appoint four members and the mayor would choose three.

The bill also states that Harrisburg’s police commissioner would sit on the board without voting power. Appointed board members would also be required to attend police academy training or participate in a police ride-along.

“I can imagine a chilling effect if the chief of police is sitting on the citizens’ advisory board,” resident Vishal Bajpai said.

Council member Ausha Green, the chair of the public safety committee, said that the meetings would influence the fate of the bill creating the board.

“It’s important for us to have everyone’s voices as a part of our decision,” Green said. “We will look to make changes through amendments.”

Farm Show Goes Virtual

Our area’s biggest annual event—the PA Farm Show—will go virtual this year, the state announced last month.

State Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding said that canceling in-person portions of the 10-day agricultural exposition was necessary due to uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There are times in the life of a farmer when the risks are too great or uncertain, requiring farmers to make the tough decision to leave a field fallow,” he said. “To protect our assets—both our people and our resources—from incalculable losses, we have made the tough decision to take a year to lie in fallow.”

He also announced the theme for the January 2021 event: “Cultivating Tomorrow.”

Redding didn’t immediately describe the planned virtual substitutes, but did say that they would be focused on “education and awareness” for both the agricultural industry and the public.

In 2021, the PA Farm Show will celebrate its 105th year.

City Rallies for Kesher Israel

Harrisburg community and faith leaders rallied around Kesher Israel Congregation last month, after a swastika was found scrawled on their synagogue.

A diverse crowd gathered outside the Uptown Harrisburg building to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.

“The response from this community has been really incredible,” said Rabbi Elisha Friedman. “Each person by being here today is making a statement that this is unacceptable to go on in this area. We are not going to allow this kind of behavior to happen again.”

The Mayor’s Interfaith Advisory Council led the vigil. Police Commissioner Thomas Carter, Rep. Patty Kim (D-Harrisburg) and local faith leaders were among those who spoke.

“What I see here is love,” Carter said. “It took some cowards under the shield of nighttime to paint a swastika. But it didn’t drive a fork in any of our hearts. It brought us together.”

Friedman said that Harrisburg police arrived minutes after he called them. He added that the state troopers and FBI were helpful, as well.

Pastor James Jackson of Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church was one of the many faith leaders who spoke at the event.

“We members of the Goodwin Memorial Baptist church, who are your closest neighbors of faith, want to say to whoever did this, this is not acceptable,” he said.

This act of anti-Semitism is just one of many related incidents in the state, said Russell Goodman, who is part of the Interfaith Advisory Council.

The negative impact the swastika has on the Jewish community mirrors that of the confederate flag on the Black community, said Tameka Hatcher of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

“Symbolism matters,” she said. “As a person who believes in the dignity and the sanctity of lives of all people, we the Black community stand with our brothers and sisters of faith in the Jewish community.”

In closing, Jackson prayed for peace and unity in the community.

“The thing that we leave here with will be a renewed determination to see that this city, this community and this nation turn into a place where all of our kids can grow up in an atmosphere of love and peace,” he said.

Free Internet for Students

The Harrisburg School District is bringing free internet access to students and their families through a new partnership with Tri County Community Action.

About 1,500 families will be given free access through next August, according to the district. For many families, this is necessary as all students will begin the school year virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This timely partnership is a tremendous step toward closing the digital divide […],” Acting Superintendent Chris Celmer said. “With the generous support of Tri County Community Action, this partnership helps to make significant progress toward equitable technological access.”

Funding for the $160,000 connectivity initiative will come through Tri County Community Action’s Community Services Block Grant, as well as federal CARES Act funding.

“One of the best ways to disrupt and permanently break the cycle of poverty is through education and investing in our youth,” Tri County Executive Director Jennifer Wintermyer said.

According to Celmer, 84% of district students in the city come from families that are considered low-income or economically disadvantaged. This program will help close the digital divide, he said.

In a spring survey, the district found that three out of 10 students had questionable internet access to support online schooling, Celmer said. He added that the gap has closed slightly since then, but it’s still an issue for many families.

“Our priority is those families who have absolutely no access,” Celmer said.

The program will provide in-home Comcast Internet Essentials Services, Verizon Hot Spot access and Xfinity Wi-Fi Hot Spots at designated business and outdoor locations. Families do not have to be Xfinity Internet subscribers to access this, and it will be provided at no cost, according to the district.

Home Sales Strong

The Harrisburg area exhibited strong gains in residential sales in July, reversing a pandemic-induced dip from earlier in the year.

In July, home sales totaled 880 units compared to 753 units for July 2019, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR). July saw the greatest number of sales compared to any month in 2020.

Prices also were up considerably for the three-county region, as the median sales price increased to $214,700 versus $190,000 a year ago, said GHAR.

In Dauphin County, 405 houses sold compared to 365 the previous July, while the median price rose to $180,000 from $174,997.

Cumberland County had sales of 418 units versus 355 the prior year, as the median price jumped to $233,250 from $211,000, GHAR said. Residential sales in Perry County increased to 51 units from 33 a year ago, while the median price shot up to $177,700 from $160,000 in July 2019.

In July, the average days on the market for houses fell to 38 days compared to 44 days the year before, according to GHAR.

So Noted

Black Lives Matter mural was unveiled last month on the side of the Harrisburg Improv Theatre on N. 3rd Street. Local artist Mike Fitzgerald led the team that painted the mural, which includes affirmations and signatures from many people who participated in and supported the project.

Dauphin County is relocating its Elections and Voter Registration office to a larger facility in Swatara Township, the commissioners announced last month. The move from the county’s Administration Building to the two-level building at 1251 S. 28th St. is expected early next year.

Dixon University Center may soon be on the market, as the PA State System of Higher Education last month voted to relocate to a smaller facility and dispose of the 6.5-acre, six-building campus near Italian Lake in Harrisburg. The PA legislature would need to endorse a sale of the property, which the state system has occupied since 1992.

Gamut Theatre announced last month that it would mount a fall season, though in altered form due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gamut plans to stage three live plays, one each in September, October and November. Seating will be limited, and extra health and safety protocols will be in place. For details, visit www.gamuttheatre.org.

Harrisburg Beer Week last month awarded $25,000 to its beneficiary, Harrisburg River Rescue and Emergency Services. Due to the pandemic, all events were virtual this year, but organizers still were able to raise substantial funds from sponsorships and donations.

Jason Isbell is returning to Harrisburg, as Harrisburg University last month announced its first outdoors show of 2021. The roots rocker and his band, the 400 Unit, are slated to play in Riverfront Park on May 29.

Kipona Festival will go on this year, though in an altered format. The three-day festival over Labor Day weekend will include a food truck festival and fireworks show on Saturday, Sept. 5, as well as two days of virtual events on Sept. 6 and 7. For more information, visit www.harrisburgpa.gov.

Maddie Young was named last month as the executive director of the Carlisle YMCA. Young brings more than 25 years of nonprofit experience in central Pennsylvania, including in management, fundraising, collaboration and planning, according to a news release from the board of directors.

Rep. Patty Kim last month announced three “Community Classroom” locations for Harrisburg school district students: the Journey Church on Allison Hill, Whitaker Center in downtown and Major H. Winfield Funeral Home in Steelton. These locations will be available for students to use for part of the school day to take online classes while their parents are at work.

Changing Hands

Allison Ct., 3: D. Patrick to R. Dominguez, $89,900

Antoine St., 522: Wells Fargo Bank NA to C. Freeman, $60,000

Boas St., 255: Three Bridges Holdings LLC to K. Dubina, $225,000

Boas St., 260: First United Methodist Church of Harrisburg to Church 1 Holdings LLC, $99,000

Boas St., 423: J. Vogelsong to R. Huy & Q. Heist, $114,900

Boas St., 1912: Dobson Family Limited Partnership to J. Erdman, $39,900

Briggs St., 215: CR Property Group LLC to M. Owens, $215,000

Calder St., 209: M. Pickard & C. DeAngelis to C. Doyle, $170,000

Calder St., 500: S. Hoffman to R. Metzger, $160,000

Chestnut St., 2044: M. Catania to J. Francisco, $105,000

Crescent St., 216: G. Neff & City Limits Realty to E. Seeger, $35,000

Dauphin St., 621, 623, 625, 626 & 627: DL Weaver Enterprises LLC to Kayr Management LLC, $185,100

Derry St., 2127: L. Quintanilla to N. Ramirez, $72,000

Green St., 1102: W. Hoover & Heinly Homes LLC to E. Kramer, $235,000

Green St., 1512: G. & R. Keller to P. Northop, $180,000

Green St., 1519: PA Deals LLC to A. Dunn, $95,000

Green St., 2005: K. Rapp to F. Boomer, $225,000

Green St., 3107: B. & S. Nussbaum to J. Lambert & J. Cantley, $190,000

Harris St., 437: V. Lacerra to L. Teck, $150,000

Herr St., 258: C. & L. Kelliher to Fratelli Property Investments LLC, $130,000

Herr St., 260: S. Bruder & M. Richards to D. Noll, $216,000

Kelker St., 317: BDS Property Group LLC to K. Whistler & S. Sauro, $135,000

Kensington St., 2341: I. Trigueros to N. Matthews, $57,500

Lexington St., 2716: CR Property Group LLC to A. LaRoche, $104,995

Logan St., 2235: CR Property Group LLC to C. Price, $109,995

Luce St., 2304: CR Property Group LLC to L. Dalupang, $119,000

Market St., 1618: A. Vargas, L. Puente & I. Leon to O. & E. Melendres, $35,000

Market St., 2209: J. & L. Shrum to D. & C. Maset, $199,900

Mulberry St., 1811: JOG Investments LLC to MR RE LLC, $70,000

Nagle St., 112: A. Miranda & K. & B. Downey to J. Weaver, $140,000

North St., 2002: S. Aly to C. Asare, $45,000

N. 2nd St., 512 & 514: G. & R. Petrina to 512-514 N. 2nd St., LLC, $90,000

N. 2nd St., 1935: G. & J. Geiges to D&F Realty Holdings LP, $88,500

N. 2nd St., 2534: A. Massaro to Mundi Investment Group LLC, $131,200

N. 3rd St., 234: M. & J. Singel to 234 N. 3rd St. LLC, $315,000

N. 3rd St., 1726: E. & M. Lambino to R. Moore, $132,000

N. 4th St., 2031: J. Frey to Q. Phillips, $41,000

N. 4th St., 2412: R. Alleman & An. Bergner to T. Carlson, $82,500

N. 4th St., 2637: S. Holton to M. Rosario, $38,000

N. 5th St., 1640: G. & L. Cermak to L. Sanford, $140,000

N. 5th St., 2216: Aga Properties Solution LLC to CR Property Group LLC, $36,000

N. 5th St., 2447: JOG Investments LLC to D. Boyle, $33,000

N. 6th St., 1727: A. Pierce to Stoute Housing Inc., $85,000

N. 17th St., 51: I. Mirambeaux to P. Aurelio, $30,000

N. 17th St., 122: OJK Enterprises LLC & C. Texidor to Biyaki Enterprises LLC, $36,000

N. 17th St., 1009: T. Coffee to Woods Property Management LLC, $35,000

N. 19th St., 703: D. Nguyen to S. Francis, $103,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 513: M. & E. Crossey to A. Miller, $114,900

N. Front St., 2841: W. Zutell to Wheaten Investments LLC, $525,000

N. Summit St., 132: R. Andrews to R. Munoz, $33,000

Parkside Dr., 2926: J. McKeithan to K. & R. Greenland, $264,500

Penn St., 1208: Wheatland Restore LLC to G. Dunigan, $180,000

Penn St., 1505: D. Crowther to Fratelli Property Investments LLC, $100,000

Penn St., 1809: J. Francesangeli & D. Rocklein to M. Jones & S. Kuserik, $167,000

Penn St., 2314: J. & S. Horton to R. Flemister, $93,000

Race St., 564: H. Jones to SJL Rentals, $109,900

Radnor St., 127: A. Mentzer & S. Jones to V. Thieu & C. Bone, $279,900

Regina St., 1700: M. & R. Dillard to NA Capital Group LLC, $50,000

Reel St., 2418: American Rental Home LLC & CR Property Group LLC to J. Johnson, $110,000

Rolleston St., 1140: V. Cunningham to M. Gonzalez, $50,000

Rumson Dr., 2975: Proline Properties LLC to R. & R. Jarnagin, $105,000

Showers St., 617: M. & K. Maurer to D. Nomie, $167,000

S. 20th St., 228: S. Elazouni to J. Verdugo, $64,000

S. 26th St., 633: Q. & L. Tran to M. Pontz, $114,900

S. Cameron St., 1000 & 1171: Olcam Corp. & P. Grove to Harrisburg PA III SGF LLC & H. Nisbet, $20,500,000

State St., 1400: R. & A. Sharp to J. Arkon, $90,000

State St., 1901: C. Paulus to J. & M. Ramires, $85,000

State St., 1906: Big Foot Properties LLC to J. Rodriguez, $43,000

Susquehanna St., 1911: A. Shadday to S. Umble, $103,000

Vineyard Rd., 214: L. Csovelak & A. Trone to P. Eklund & B. Corner, $224,900

Woodbine St., 332: M. Mtere to HBK Properties 1 LLC, $52,000

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

August 14, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

People gathered at Kesher Israel Congregation on Wednesday to support Harrisburg’s Jewish community.

The COVID-19 crisis has shown us just how connected we all are. This week’s stories mirror that, demonstrating how community members and leaders are pulling together to support one another. In case you missed any of our coverage, we have it all listed and linked below.

Bob’s Art Blog highlights how local artists spent their summer. Find out how and from where painters, sculptors and photographers are drawing their inspiration.

Café 1500 and food blogger Corinne Foster have teamed up for a fundraiser to support Feeding Pennsylvania. Their special menu item will be available from Aug. 19 to Sept. 6, with part of the proceeds going to the organization to help with relief during the COVID-19 crisis. Find out more in our online story.

“Chairapy” is a new YouTube series featuring a Mechanicsburg barber and the stories his clients share while in his chair. His main client base–emergency service personnel–tells stories of bravery and struggle, our online story reports.

A community vigil was held to show solidarity with Kesher Israel Congregation. Local faith leaders spoke out against the hatred shown towards the Jewish community when swastikas were found painted on the synagogue. Read our online story for more on the event.

COVID-19 cases increased in the state this week with an average of just over 800 new cases daily. Our weekly pandemic reporting has information on testing, total deaths and cases per county.

Free internet access will be given to about 1,500 families in the Harrisburg School District through the school’s partnership with Tri County Community Action. Acting Superintendent Chris Celmer described the initiative as an effort to help close the digital divide for district students, our story reports.

Gamut Theatre announced its fall season show schedule on Monday. The theater will feature three live productions, with pandemic-related precautions in place, our online story reports.

The Harrisburg School District finalized plans for a 100% virtual start to the school year. Our online story has the details of what parents can expect and the options they have to choose from.

The March on Washington is later this month, and local resident Karla DeJesus plans to host a bus trip to D.C. Our online story discusses the impact that George Floyd’s death had on a group of residents and why they want to march for racial justice.

Midtown Redevelopment LLC proposed a project for Midtown Harrisburg that includes building nearly 100 townhouses. Their project would fill long-empty lots just north of the Broad Street Market, our online story reports.

TheBurg Podcast for August is out! This month, organizers of the Black Lives Matter mural in Midtown explain their motivation for the project. Tim Eller of the Commonweath Charter Academy and Mary Smith of Visit Hershey & Harrisburg provide updates on their organization, as well. Listen to the podcast here.

The “Weekend Roundup” is full of events to keep you busy. Sara Bozich lists the best places for takeout, virtual entertainment and outdoor fun in her blog.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, subscribe here!

Would you like to support our journalism and get some great benefits to boot? If so, become a Friend of TheBurg!

Harrisburg community, leaders hold vigil to show unity, support for Kesher Israel

August 12, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

Community gathers for a vigil at Kesher Israel on N. 3rd Street.

On Monday, Rabbi Elisha Friedman stood outside of his synagogue, looking at a pair of swastikas that had been painted on the building—a symbol of hate.

Today, he stood in that same place seeing signs of love.

A diverse crowd gathered outside of Kesher Israel on Wednesday evening to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.

“The response from this community has been really incredible,” Friedman said. “Each person by being here today is making a statement that this is unacceptable to go on in this area. We are not going to allow this kind of behavior to happen again.”

The vigil was held by the Mayor’s Interfaith Advisory Council. Police Commissioner Thomas Carter, Rep. Patty Kim (D-Harrisburg) and local faith leaders were among those who spoke.

“What I see here is love,” Carter said. “It took some cowards under the shield of nighttime to paint a swastika. But it didn’t drive a fork in any of our hearts. It brought us together.”

Friedman said that Harrisburg police arrived minutes after he called them on Monday morning. He added that the state troopers and FBI were helpful, as well.

Rabbi Elisha Friedman of Kesher Israel Congregation speaks at the vigil.

Pastor James Jackson of Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church was one of the many faith leaders who spoke at the event.

“We members of the Goodwin Memorial Baptist church, who are your closest neighbors of faith, want to say to whoever did this, this is not acceptable,” he said.

This act of anti-Semitism is just one of many related incidents in the state, said Russell Goodman, who is part of the Interfaith Advisory Council.

The negative impact the swastika has on the Jewish community mirrors that of the confederate flag on the Black community, said Tameka Hatcher of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

In closing, Jackson prayed for peace and unity in the community.

“The thing that we leave here with will be a renewed determination to see that this city, this community and this nation, turns into a place where all of our kids can grow up in an atmosphere of love and peace,” Jackson said.

Kesher Israel Congregation is located at 2500 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website. To learn more about the Mayor’s Interfaith Advisory Council, visit their Facebook page.

Community rallies around Jewish congregation after swastikas found painted on synagogue

August 11, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

Kesher Israel Congregation in Uptown Harrisburg

Members of the Kesher Israel Congregation heading to morning services on Monday were met with a disturbing surprise.

Swastikas had been painted on the front of their synagogue, said Rabbi Elisha Friedman.

“My security antenna went up,” he said. “People were worried about safety.”

Friedman quickly called the police. Local officers, state troopers and the attorney general came to the synagogue, he said.

Finding no sign of a threat to safety, Kesher Israel could continue services, and by the afternoon they had power-washed off the symbols of hate.

According to Friedman, the only other time something similar happened to their congregation was about 30 years ago.

By Tuesday morning, over 30 local people and organizations expressed their support for Kesher Israel and denounced acts of hatred in the community.

“An attack on one Jewish institution is an attack on all Jewish institutions, and we are here for you as your neighbors and friends to fight anti-Semitism wherever it exists and to support you at this difficult time,” said Rabbi Peter Kessler and President Rob Teplitz of Temple Ohev Sholom on N. Front Street in their statement.

Other Jewish leaders in Harrisburg stepped up to reiterate the sense that what happens to one congregation affects them all.

Rabbi Arianna Capptauber of Beth El Temple explained how the swastika personally impacts her, being the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor.

“I feel personally the sting of the swastika, as it represents the deadly hatred that killed many members of my family,” she said. “Yet I will not cower in the face of this weaponized symbol, for I know that we are held by a resilient Jewish community and a caring community of allies here in Harrisburg.”

Friedman said many people have been calling and reaching out to him to ask how his congregation is doing and to express their solidarity.

“It’s encouraging,” he said. “There’s this huge outpouring. It was every part of our community and all types of different religions in Harrisburg.”

Local churches, mosques and temples reached out to support the Jewish faith community, as well.

“We at Pine Street Presbyterian Church condemn this criminal act of hatred directed towards our Jewish brothers and sisters,” said Pastor Russell C. Sullivan Jr., in a statement. “With the people of Kesher Israel Synagogue and the Jewish community, we stand in solidarity and support.”

The Harrisburg Mayor’s Interfaith Advisory Council will hold a vigil outside of Kesher Israel’s synagogue at 2500 N. 3rd St. on Wednesday at 5 p.m. Local government, law enforcement and faith leaders will speak in support of the Jewish community.

“The person was intending to make us feel unwelcome and like a small minority in the community, but it backfired and the opposite impression was given,” Friedman said.

Kesher Israel is located at 2500 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information on their congregation, visit their website.

March News Digest

March 31, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

Coronavirus Pandemic Forces Shutdowns

Harrisburg last month issued an emergency declaration and shut down city government buildings to the public until further notice.

With the declaration, all official city buildings closed to the public, including the MLK Jr. Government Center, the Public Works building and the Reservoir Park Mansion.

Despite the shutdown, the city continues to provide all essential functions and services, according to Mayor Eric Papenfuse.

“We are all in this together,” Papenfuse said. “I encourage the community to adhere to Gov. [Tom] Wolf’s directives and use precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.”

Most city workers continued to work, some remotely, Papenfuse said. The public should use the drop box at the rear of the building to pay bills, submit forms and drop off other items, he said.

For inquiries, residents are encouraged to fill out the city’s online support form at www.harrisburg.gov/support, email [email protected] or call the city’s 311 help desk, which will continue to operate.

Likewise, Dauphin County declared a disaster emergency and closed county government offices to the public until further notice. All events and activities at county facilities also were cancelled.

County residents who want to pay a tax bill or drop off a voter registration form or absentee/mail-in ballot can deposit items in a locked box near the entrance of the Dauphin County Administration Building on 2nd Street in Harrisburg. The Dauphin County Courthouse also will have a secure box near the entrance on Market Street where documents can be dropped off.

Last month, Wolf allowed most state workers to work remotely, and most private businesses were ordered to close their physical locations. He also closed public schools.

Wolf also ordered all “non-essential stores” to be closed throughout the commonwealth, though dine-in restaurants can continue to sell through delivery and takeout. Essential businesses to remain open include grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies. All Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores also closed until further notice.

“Our top priority is the health and safety of our residents, especially the elderly and most vulnerable,” Papenfuse said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this disaster emergency.”

Council Overturns Veto

Harrisburg City Council overrode a mayoral veto last month, though the two branches of government agreed to work towards a policy that could give the city more leverage over future development projects.

By a 5-2 vote, council rejected the action by Mayor Eric Papenfuse, who had vetoed a resolution that would vacate several “paper” streets on a parcel of land where the new federal courthouse now is rising.

Papenfuse said that he vetoed the resolution to make a point. He wants council members to create a policy that would require developers to conduct a “public benefit analysis” when requesting street vacations.

Such a policy, he said, would give the city leverage as developers continue to plan projects in Harrisburg. In exchange for the street vacation, the city could ask for certain benefits, such as offsetting city-borne costs, making streetscape improvements, utilizing local labor or including affordable housing.

“It could help us with affordable housing policy in the city,” he said.

In February, council approved a resolution that would vacate “various unnamed paper streets” on the 4.2-acre site at N. 6th and Reily streets, where the federal government is building a 243,000-square-foot courthouse. Papenfuse then vetoed that resolution.

Usually, paper streets are narrow “baker’s” or “grocer’s” alleys that offer rear access to row houses. On the courthouse site, neither the houses nor the alleys exist any longer, but the public rights of way remain on paper.

Papenfuse told council that, currently, the city holds little leverage over a developer outside of the normal planning and zoning process. Requiring an analysis for street vacations would give the city a tool to extract “public benefit” concessions for large projects, he said.

“It would be a power vested in City Council that is not granted through the land development process,” he said.

Before casting her override vote, council President Wanda Williams criticized Papenfuse’s housing strategy, saying that he has supported past development proposals in the city that didn’t include an affordable housing element. Despite the criticism, Williams said that she would be interested in discussing a street vacation policy.

“I think we should work on this quickly,” agreed council member Dave Madsen, one of two votes, along with council member Westburn Majors, to uphold the veto.

Papenfuse admitted that his veto was unlikely to impact the federal courthouse project, which is slated for completion in spring 2022. But he said that he wanted to make a point that council should pass a street vacation policy.

“These are public streets,” he said. “Potentially, there are things that could be received in exchange, which goes well beyond the courthouse.”

Also last month, City Council:

- - - Voted 6-1 to approve an agreement transferring the Strawberry Square Arcade to the Strawberry Square Condominium Association, with Williams voting no.
    - By a 5-2 vote, approved a resolution to hire Harrisburg-based Maverick Strategies to continue to provide consulting and lobbying for the city. The agreement for the $5,000 monthly retainer expires on Dec. 31.
    - Unanimously passed a resolution hiring Ecological Solutions to provide lake management services for Italian Lake at a cost of $9,125.
    - Unanimously passed a resolution backing state legislation that would allow Pennsylvania residents, regardless of immigration status, access to a valid driver’s license.

City Starts Facebook Live Events

Harrisburg last month held its first Facebook Live event, focused on the COVID-19 outbreak and what it means for city residents.

With city hall shut down to visitors, Mayor Eric Papenfuse used the platform, with a broadcast on WHBG-TV Channel 20, to address residents’ concerns and answer questions about everything from emergency services to the local economy.

“Although we are facing an international health crisis, Harrisburg is a resilient city, and we have survived crises before,” said Papenfuse, joined by police Commissioner Thomas Carter and Fire Chief Brian Enterline. “We’ve made it through the TMI disaster, we’ve made it through Agnes, and we train and prepare for disasters on a regular basis.”

During the event, Papenfuse took time to explain updates in the city regarding recent orders from Gov. Tom Wolf. He commended Wolf for taking preventative action to mandate the closure of non life-sustaining businesses.

The panel highlighted services available in the city, including the school district’s feeding program and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s efforts. Papenfuse said that, at the same locations as the student meal pick-ups, any resident in need of food can partake.

While Carter acknowledged many homeless shelters are filled to capacity, he assured many, such as Bethesda Mission, are still giving out food. He also mentioned that residents who are undocumented immigrants should not fear asking the city for help.

“We will be providing emergency services regardless of national origin or citizenship,” Papenfuse said. “You won’t be asked, you’ll be helped.”

While the city is working to help residents, officials acknowledged that response times to calls for the police may be slower with shifting priorities during this time.

“We do have new priorities and calls related to health concerns regarding the virus have to take priority over others,” Papenfuse said.

With businesses shutting down, he ensured residents that they will not be penalized for late trash service payments, rent payments or other city taxes.

“We are all in this together, and we can weather the storm,” he said.

“Community Conversations with Mayor Papenfuse” are slated to continue each Friday at noon as a forum for information and discussion during the pandemic.

Revised Design Approved

The city got its first look last month at a new design for a planned academic building for downtown Harrisburg.

At a special meeting of the city Planning Commission, Harrisburg University presented its plan for an 11-story building at the corner of Chestnut and S. 3rd streets.

“The revised design is very similar to what was approved,” said David Alessi, senior associate at Stantec, the project’s architectural and engineering company.

Last year, the commission approved plans for a 17-story building and a 10-story hotel. However, HU’s hotel partner, Harrisburg-based HHM, was unable to secure financing for that portion of the project, said HU President Eric Darr.

“We worked with multiple finance partners, but we couldn’t wait any longer,” Darr told commission members.

The problem, he said, was comparative. He said that a project analysis showed that the hotel would be profitable. Nonetheless, potential financiers felt that they could get an even better return by committing their money to projects in other cities, he said.

With the loss of the hotel, HU cut the project’s size by about one-third, proceeding solely with an educational building. The $100-million, 260,000-square-foot facility will house HU’s health sciences programs, simulation labs and other academic programs.

Planning Commission members seemed satisfied with the design, complimenting HU for adding brick to the façade and for aligning the design with HU’s current building on Market Street.

“I like how it blends in with HU’s tower,” said commissioner Zac Monnier.

The new design also eliminates a planned curb cut along Chestnut Street.

Following HU’s presentation, the commission unanimously approved the new development plan, which now must be approved by City Council.

HU has already cleared the site at S. 3rd and Chestnut streets, but hasn’t yet started to build the structure. Assuming the revised development plan passes council, HU expects the building to begin to take shape this summer and be completed in late 2021.

Apartment Project Proposed

A New York-based developer with strong ties to Harrisburg proposed last month to convert the former Salvation Army Harrisburg headquarters to a new apartment building.

Michael Lam lives in Queens, N.Y., but owns more than a dozen properties in Harrisburg, mostly small buildings with commercial space on the ground floor and apartments upstairs.

His latest proposal would be his largest project, a 25-unit apartment building at Green and Cumberland streets in Midtown.

“The units aren’t huge, but they’ll be very done very nicely,” he told TheBurg. “I’m going to bring a lot of New York style to it. They’ll be very trendy, very nice.”

Lam envisions a series of duplex-style one- and two-bedroom apartments, with parking included.

Several years ago, the Salvation Army Harrisburg put its long-time home on the market after it made a decision to relocate to the 500-block of S. 29th Street, near the city line. It made that move last year.

The organization has been asking $560,000 for the 18,500-square-foot building, which was constructed in 1954, plus another $330,000 for the 34-space accessory parking lot across the street. A second, smaller lot off of Penn Street has another eight parking spaces.

Before he can complete the purchase, Lam needs his project to be approved by the city. He made his first presentation last month to the city Planning Commission.

Harrisburg Mayor, ICA Clash

Harrisburg has filed a lawsuit against its state financial oversight board to force the board to fully include Harrisburg’s representative.

In February, the city filed a lawsuit in Commonwealth Court claiming that the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (ICA) has systematically excluded Bruce Weber from participating in executive sessions and other ICA business.

Weber, Harrisburg’s budget and finance director, is the city’s non-voting representative on the seven-member board.

Following the meeting, Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse said that Weber has been routinely excluded from executive sessions and other ICA matters.

“He has every right to participate in the deliberations of the ICA,” Papenfuse said, following the meeting. “They have refused that from the very beginning.”

The ICA and Harrisburg last year passed a draft five-year financial recovery plan for the city, designed to allow the city to exit Act 47, the state’s program for financially distressed cities. They’re now in the process of making updates to it.

“The ICA expresses disappointment over the current litigation initiated by the mayor,” said ICA Chair Audry Carter, in a statement. “The lawsuit is a needless distraction from the important work of removing Harrisburg from Act 47.”

February Home Sales Rise

Housing data continued to be strong in the Harrisburg area, with sales and prices both up in February.

For the three-county region, sales increased to 487 housing units, compared to 441 in February 2019 and 388 in February 2018, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR). The median sales price was $180,000 versus $168,000 in the year-ago period and $157,000 in February 2018, GHAR said.

In Dauphin County, 250 housing units sold in February, compared to 235 last year, while the median price rose to $164,900 versus $150,000 in February 2019, according to GHAR.

In Cumberland County, 214 homes sold compared to 191 a year ago, while the median sales price increased to $213,000 from $195,000 in February 2019. Perry County also showed a sales increase, to 23 units versus 15 last year, though the median price fell to $163,000 from $210,000 in February 2019, GHAR said.

Over the past year, both housing sales and prices have generally trended up in the Harrisburg area, according to GHAR.

So Noted

Capital Region Water last month suspended street sweeping and hydrant flushing until further notice due to the health crisis. Likewise, the city and parking operator SP+ suspended parking enforcement for street sweeping. CRW also asked customers to conduct business with them remotely—by phone, mail, email or online.

Harrisburg University has launched a new “User Experience Center,” which tests products for user friendliness. Student interns test clients’ video games, websites, education software and other products. HU plans soon to move the center into its own storefront space on the first block of S. 3rd Street in Harrisburg.

Kesher Israel has purchased the former Riverside United Methodist Church in Uptown Harrisburg. Following building renovations, the orthodox Jewish congregation plans to move there from its current synagogue on the 2500-block of N. 3rd Street.

Sandwiches by Shakedown has opened in the stone building of the Broad Street Market. Chris and Sarah Heilig, former owners of Shakedown BBQ in Grantville, offer a selection of signature sandwiches and salads from the stand that formerly housed Mel’s BBQ.

TheBurg captured five awards in the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Foundation’s annual Advertising Awards contest. TheBurg won two first-place awards, one for “best single ad” and another for “best real estate ad,” one second-place award and two honorable mentions. It was the first time that TheBurg participated in this statewide competition.

Zeroday Brewing Co. is in expansion mode, with plans to open a brewery/restaurant this summer on the 900-block of N. 3rd St. The Harrisburg-based brewer also is building out a bar and tap room inside Midtown Cinema as part of the cinema’s renovations and will convert its current taproom to production-only space. Longer term, Zeroday plans to partner with Chris and Sarah Heilig of Shakedown BBQ and Sandwiches by Shakedown to open a restaurant next year at Susquehanna Union Green in Susquehanna Township.

In Memoriam

Vera Cornish, publisher of The Urban Connection of the Capital Region, died in late February. Cornish had a long and distinguished career as an activist, speaker, teacher, consultant and author. Besides serving as a newspaper publisher, she was the founder of the Women of Heritage Breakfast, founder and producer of the Access & Opportunity Breakfast Series and founder and producer of the Access & Opportunity Career Fair. She ran her own company, Cornish & Associates, was the first director of institutional diversity for HACC, and served on many boards and committees. In the course of her career, she received numerous honors and awards and, in 2018, published a book entitled, “Dare to Dream.” Memorial contributions should be made to the Vera Cornish Dare To Dream Fund at The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, 200 N. 3rd St., 8th floor, Harrisburg PA 17101. This fund supports women’s empowerment, financial literacy and social entrepreneurship, with a focus on communities of color.

Changing Hands

Bellevue Rd., 1962: Secretary of Veterans Affairs to D&F Realty Holdings LP, $30,200

Bellevue Rd., 2042: D. Miller & M. Heagy to D. Young, $105,000

Berryhill St., 2144: M. Wilson Jr. to H. Alcantara, $38,200

Berryhill St., 2160: M. Pavelko to J. Ranck, $51,000

Berryhill St., 2254: T. Planasky to G. Singh & H. Kaur, $44,500

Berryhill St., 2314: A. & J. Budzinski to D. Smith, $65,000

Boas St., 433: R. Spencer to P. Brynildsen & S. Imbesi, $149,900

Boas St., 1925: Resistance Properties LLC to W. & J. Flannery, $40,000

Briggs St., 253: M. Patel to 253 Briggs St., LLC, $95,000

Chestnut St., 2208: J. Spangler to D. Wolfe, $222,000

Chestnut St., 2403: L. & M. Walton to C. Colon, $205,000

Crescent St., 249: PD Estate Properties LLC to A. & P. Woodman, $45,000

Crescent St., 350: D. & S. Zimmerman to Element Properties LLC, $48,000

Derry St., 2138: Santander Bank NA to Zeta Theta Lambda Foundation Inc., $40,500

Duke St., 2447: Genesis Opportunity Development Corp. to PA Deals LLC & Rich Steele Realty LLC, $30,000

Forster St., 1926: D. Jackson to CR Property Group LLC, 34,800

Fulton St., 1723: D. Snyder to S. DeLong, $123,000

Fulton St., 1730: C. Topper to Y. Downing, $145,000

Green St., 807: M Billo to T. Wetzel & H. Potteiger, $125,000

Green St., 1519: W. & E. Sauer to PA Deals LLC, $70,200

Green St., 2329: J. Yesser to A. Jobes, $32,000

Green St., 3224: C. Wise to G. Gebhardt & L. Mintz, $154,000

Hale Ave., 429: D. Hoang & M. Le to H. Le & N. Huynh, $42,000

Hillside Rd., 107: St. MacDonald & M. Warner to P. & K. Trufahnestock, $255,000

Industrial Rd., 4150: W. Houck Jr. to Addison Lee Group LLC, $1,600,000

Kelker St., 642: S. Clark & S. Lewis to K. & S. Pittman, $30,000

Kensington St., 2033: R. Dawon to CR Property Group LLC, $35,000

Kensington St., 2233: T. Holden to H. Alcantara, $38,001

Kensington St., 2345: PA Deals LLC to A. Molinelli, $72,000

Kensington St., 2413: P. & N. Nguyen to D. Wallace Sr., $69,900

Mercer St., 2459: US Bank NA Trustee to D. Dowling, $38,500

Muench St., 410: JB Buy Rite LLC to JTC Property Management, $50,000

North St., 1619: K. Sol to K. Mooney, $48,000

North St., 1818: Hari Group LLP to Revive Our City LLC, $45,000

N. Front St., 25: Pennsylvania Association of Conservation to 25 N. Front Street LLC, $437,000

N. 2nd St., 1213: J. Tang to WG PA Holdings LLC, $188,000

N. 2nd St., 1601: Centric Bank to Lynn & Ryan Investment Properties LLC, $88,000

N. 2nd St., 3107: P. Bernd to B. Leger, $135,000

N. 3rd St., 2209: A. & V. Rockmore to J. Cruz, $132,000

N. 3rd St., 2227: H. Bowman to C. & A. Smucker, $98,000

N. 3rd St., 2340: D. & S. Houck to MRI Properties LLC, $160,000

N. 3rd St., 3010: L. Smith to Equitable Builds LLC, $62,000

N. 5th St., 2424: J. & P. Williams to B. & A. Okubanjo, $60,000

N. 6th St., 2354: G. Elam to E. Wright, $95,000

Norwood St., 916: Crist Holdings LLC to Y. & E. Paige, $35,000

Park St., 1831: 9 Iron Ventures to H. Rodriquez, $46,000

Penn St., 1523: T. Smith & K. Leighton to P. & P. Gellerman, $161,400

Penn St., 1621: J. & M. Pricer to J. & D. Brubaker, $70,000

Penn St., 1805: T. & K. Hand to D. Bixler & S. Scholl, $131,000

Rumson Rd., 2995: R. Miller to J. Shuman, $100,000

S. 13th St., 421: D. Nguyen to L. Robinson, $85,000

S. 17th St., 1033: D&F Realty Holdings LP to Y. de Rodriguez, $45,000

S. 19th St., 214: L. & D. Burkhart to F. Molina & M. de la Rosa, $41,100

S. 28th St., 651: K. Meyers & G. Deimler to 17th Street Real Estate LLC, $195,384

S. 28th St., 701: K. Meyers & G. Deimler to 17th Street Real Estate LLC, $244,232

State St., 1314: D. McGlynn to 88314 LLC, $43,000

State St., 1837: JustGeoff Partners LLC to E. Patry, $35,000

Swatara St., 1610: C. Moffitt to Revive Our City LLC, $70,000

Swatara St., 2142: R. Chowdhury & A. Nasrin to Top Notch Homes LLC, $50,000

Walnut St., 1936: D. Moyer to M. Molinar, $50,000

Woodbine St., 226: Axxess Creations LLC to Trip Aces 226 LLC, $86,000

Harrisburg property sales for February 2020, greater than $30,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

February 28, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse held a news conference to announce details of next weekend’s Ice & Fire Festival.

Our coverage this past week had a little of everything—hard news, events, culture, features. In case you missed any of it, we have it all listed and linked below. Happy Leap Day, everyone!

Art Association of Harrisburg held a big opening show during last week’s 3^rd in the Burg, featuring the art of two talented locals, Charlie “Bootleg” Feathers and Reina “R76” Wooden, in addition to another exhibit called, “Hear Me?” Our arts blogger was on hand, and you can read what he had to say.

Civil Rights Movement was one of the most important historical eras in U.S. history. A photographer, Danny Lyon, captured many of the movement’s key events, his images now featured in an exhibit at Lebanon Valley College. Our magazine story gives you the picture.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania plans a new, three-story building on 7^th Street, the former home of D&H Distributing. The builder was in town to give the Uptown community a briefing on the project, and we were there to report what he said.

Gamut Theatre opens its newest production, “Enemy of the People” this weekend. Our preview story explains why the play was selected and what it means for our day and age.

Harrisburg and the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority had some tense moments during last week’s meeting, as the city filed a lawsuit against the state-appointed financial oversight board. Read what’s at issue in our online story.

Harrisburg’s Ice & Fire Festival is next weekend, so the city had a press briefing to let the public know all about it. The daylong event on March 7 will feature ice sculptures, an ice skating rink, fire dancers and much more. Click here for all the details.

Historic Harrisburg Association recently gave a presentation on its “Preservation Priorities” for 2020. In a blog post, our editor took this occasion to offer his kudos to individuals, groups and companies that recently have helped preserve the city’s historic heritage.

Kesher Israel is moving further Uptown, having purchased the former Riverside United Methodist Church. The synagogue plans a move later this year, located closer to where much of its congregation lives. Our online feature has the full story.

L&L Beauty Supply recently opened on Reily Street in Midtown Harrisburg. This business is truly a family affair, as our magazine feature explains.

Penbrook recently elected its first African-American mayor, John McDonald. Our magazine feature story tells of his life of devotion to family and community.

TheBurg came out with our March edition on Friday, with a focus on “Women in Business” around the Harrisburg area. As always, you’ll find a great mix of news, features, columns and events. Click here to read it online.

TheBurg won five awards in the annual PA NewsMedia Foundation’s advertising contest. Find out what our peers judged to be among the best ads in the business and see our first-place award winners.

Sara Bozich issued her weekly, lengthy list of goings on around Harrisburg, complete with music, arts, food and drink events. There’s still plenty of time left in the weekend to go do something fun.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not subscribe here!

Kosher in the Burg: The Harrisburg area’s options expand to fill a growing need.

May 31, 2017 | by Barbara Trainin Blank

Judith Schulder

Keeping kosher can be a challenge.

In addition to the foods that are forbidden outright—think ham and shellfish—other foods that could be kosher, like chicken, need to be prepared a certain way. Except for fresh fruits and vegetables, most require rabbinic certification.

Food isn’t kosher because it’s been blessed by a rabbi, which is a common belief. But, yes, dairy and meat foods must be consumed separately and have their own dishes, pots and utensils.

Judith and Dan Schulder know the complexities of observing kashruth—Jewish dietary laws. But it was only recently that the couple realized a truly trouble-free kosher kitchen, in the process getting the kitchen of their dreams.

They now have two dishwashers, two sinks and a double stove, and all appliances are on “Shabbat mode.” In recent decades, manufacturers of electrical appliances have inserted a fire-prevention safety feature that automatically shuts off the heat after a number of hours, which renders the appliances useless under certain religious laws. “Shabbat mode” allows an override of the feature.

Since Judith Schulder is an accomplished cook and the couple entertains often, they added a peninsula for a “better working environment,” she said.

The remodeling was “something we’ve wanted to do for a long time,” she said. “Having more space is more accommodating for kashruth.”

Excel Interior Concepts and Construction in Lemoyne did the remodel.

“This was not our first kosher kitchen, but it’s not something we do every day,” said Jim Mirando Jr, president of Excel. “Working with the Schulder family involved a deeper understanding of the kosher laws for food handling.”

This included keeping all meat and dairy separate, as well as understanding how these requirements affect the materials, the appliances and design layout of the kitchen.

“Together, we created a design that was beautiful and functional, while honoring their sacred commitment to maintain a kosher kitchen,” Mirando said.

The Market, the Park

For those who enjoy eating out, there are further challenges.

Harrisburg has no full-fledged kosher restaurant or even pizzeria. But the resourceful Jewish community has increasingly found ways to get around the limitations.

A few local grocery chains, like Giant and Weis, carry many kosher products. That number has grown as more and more food companies seek kosher certification.

“It makes more sense to be kosher if you’re a national brand,” said Rabbi Elisha Friedman of Congregation Kesher Israel, Harrisburg’s modern Orthodox synagogue.

“The bakery of the Linglestown Road Giant is entirely kosher dairy, except for the pareve (neither dairy nor meat) breads,” he added. “The Weis Market on Linglestown Road has a lot of kosher meat. I’ve found products from David Elliot (kosher poultry farm), I hadn’t seen elsewhere.”

You can even keep kosher during that annual family trip to Hersheypark. Aside from the Hershey’s candies you can sample or buy at Chocolate World, most of which are already kosher, the amusement park has a kosher stand right in front.

Founded in 1995 and run by Sally Gerstein, the stand was a response to “numerous requests” from groups inquiring about kosher catering, she said.

Under Star-K (kosher certification) supervision, the stand has three kitchens—meat, pareve vegetarian and dairy, as well as a catering area for private events. Among the available favorites are chicken on baguettes, pizza and, of course, falafel.

The stand is open during the regular park season, but Gerstein also initiated the annual Sukkot private-park event—complete with the traditional sukkah booths and food.

“On average, we attract 8,500 people from the tri-state area,” she said.

Young & Old

People throughout the greater Harrisburg area desiring kosher meals for special events and celebrations often turn to Norman Gras, an independent caterer who also supplies food services to the Jewish Community Center.

“Many times, clients request our services because they like what they had at a previous event we catered, or they specifically ask for kosher food because they or their guests want it,” said Gras. “We have also collaborated with many caterers and venues to bring our kosher food services to clients throughout central Pennsylvania.”

On the college front, Dickinson and Franklin and Marshall both now have kosher dining facilities.

The Dickinson Kove, station, within the larger dining hall, serves kosher and vegan lunches and dinners six days a week. Louise Powers and Ricki Gold of Harrisburg serve as mashgichot (kashruth supervisors), but certification is under the Star-K.

“The Kove opened in 2010 and is busier than ever,” said Gold. “The kids love us. We’re also sustainable—plates and utensils are combustible or recyclable—which is important to many people.”

The latest kid on the block is the Jewish Home Café, off the lobby of the Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg.

The café serves staff at the home but is also open to the public, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as snacks and drinks, Monday to Thursday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Rabbi Chaim Schertz, rabbi emeritus of Kesher Israel, is the kashruth authority for the café. Niema Schertz is the onsite kosher supervisor, called a mashgicha.

“The café is doing well,” Niema Schertz said. “People are happy to have a kosher option to eat out. A group of people from the community uses it almost daily.”

To learn more about eating kosher in the Harrisburg area, visit the Kesher Israel website, www.kesherisrael.org, then click on the “Welcome to Harrisburg” section, which includes a section listing kosher resources.

Author: Barbara Trainin Blank

New Kid in Town: Rabbi Friedman brings youth–and fresh ideas–to Kesher Israel.

November 30, 2016 | by Barbara Trainin Blank

Congregation Kesher Israel has experienced a rabbinic changing of the guard.

Rabbi Akiva Males, who shepherded the Uptown Harrisburg Modern Orthodox congregation for nine years, accepted a position this past summer at a synagogue in Memphis, Tenn. Enter Rabbi Elisha Friedman.

This is a first full-time pulpit for the 29-year-old Friedman, who received his rabbinic ordination at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary in June 2013.

Some might find a smaller community like Harrisburg daunting, but Friedman, a native of West Hartford, Conn., is like a fish in water. After his engineer father changed fields to the rabbinate, the family lived in various places in New York and Israel.

“So, I grew up in very small Jewish communities,” Friedman said.

And, coming here, it wasn’t the first time that he had spent time in Pennsylvania’s capital city.

“Years ago, my father came to Kesher Israel as a scholar-in-residence, and I was with him,” Friedman said.

Obvious Strengths

Founded in 1902, Kesher Israel is based on the “observance and study of Torah, prayer and acts of loving-kindness,” according to its website.

“The people are warm and down to earth and really care about heir shul (Yiddish for ‘synagogue’) and community and appreciate what the rabbi does,” Friedman said. “Unlike in some larger communities, I really feel I am making a difference in Jewish life and playing an important role in the [wider] Jewish community.”

He also acknowledges that he’s taken on a lot of responsibility.

“Considering my young age, it’s something I wasn’t sure I’d be trusted with for a few more years,” he said.

Friedman’s sentiments are reciprocated.

“I’ve been hearing repeatedly from many congregants how pleased they are with our choice, that we definitely made the right one,” said Dan Grabenstein, synagogue president. “People appreciate Rabbi Friedman’s friendly and upbeat personality, in addition to his interesting and meaningful divrei Torah (Torah teachings).”

And Friedman appreciates the small city where he’s landed. He points to “obvious strengths” in central Pennsylvania—beauty, affordable housing and “all the amenities a religiously observant person would need,” including kosher food, a Jewish day school and a ritual bath, not to mention proximity to New York, New Jersey and Baltimore—and other major Jewish centers.

“The community also has a lot of unity between the various synagogues and rabbis,” he said.

But Friedman derives enjoyment, too, from the quiet lifestyle.

“There is almost nothing I can imagine I would prefer doing than being an out-of-town rabbi,” Friedman said. “You can ask my wife. I say it all the time.”

His wife, Yamit Friedman, was a charter school teacher in New York and is now working on a master’s degree at Penn State Harrisburg in urban education. She is also a graduate assistant at Penn State.

Of course, there are challenges, as well. Kesher Israel’s “major one” is membership.

“Both building our membership more generally, and, specifically, attracting young families to the area,” Friedman said.

The Harrisburg Jewish community overall is aging, so attracting younger members to the synagogue is a high priority.

“Many of KI’s members have passed away or are getting older and less active,” he said. “We’d like younger families, which would also greatly help the Silver Academy”—the community day school founded by the late Rabbi David L. Silver in 1944.

Natural Fit

The attempt to attract new residents to Harrisburg predates Friedman’s tenure, as

Kesher Israel has been conducting a project called “KI Recruiting.” It seeks employers who might offer job opportunities for Jews relocating to Harrisburg and assists their integration into the community.

Friedman believes these efforts will tally well with Mayor Eric Papenfuse’s program to attract people to Harrisburg, since Orthodox Jews need the amenities the city offers.

Plus, there’s the rabbi’s age.

“Part of the reason KI chose me is my relative youth and the hope I can use it to connect with younger families,” he said.

Friedman’s career choice was influenced by his father, but not exclusively.

“I’ve always been very into my Judaism and kind of obsessed with religious and theological themes,” he said. “So, the field seemed a natural fit.”

He also loves rabbinic “multitasking.”

“The rabbinate requires public speaking, programming, quiet study and erudition, schmoozing, writing and, of course, some politics,” Friedman explained. “It feels like a field that exercises and challenges a lot of talents, which I think is somewhat rare in this age of specialization.”

Not to mention counseling, which Friedman embraces due to his affinity for psychoanalysis.

“I consider it one of the great truths that guides me,” he said.

On a lighter note, Friedman also likes pop music, which helps pass the time while he drives.

“Some of the songs can be moving in a kitschy way,” he said, laughing.

Kesher Israel Congregation is located at 2500 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.kesherisrael.org.

Author: Barbara Trainin Blank

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