JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE

610.821.8722 | www.jfslv.org

JFS reopens grocery-store-style pantry

Jewish Family Service operated a “choice model” pantry since 2013. On March 19, 2020, it was forced to halt all food distribution due to the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order. This restriction affected 120 households who relied on the Community Food Pantry to feed their families.

Six weeks later JFS was able to resume food distribution, using a contactless pickup system. Clients were given prepacked boxes, with little opportunity to select the type or amount of food that would work best for their households.

“It was a less-than-ideal situation, but we wanted to get the food to those who needed it,” said Rebecca Axelrod-Cooper, impact coordinator for JFS. “We had no idea if we were giving too much food, or too little. And we didn’t know if they liked what we were giving them.”

On December 12, 2022, after nearly three years, the choice pantry reopened to clients. With extensive planning, a team of staff have established new systems for safe operation, set up the grocery-storestyle pantry and trained volunteers. Masks are worn by anyone who is in the food pantry, so the food pantry can safely remain open. Clients are ushered through the pantry by volunteers who assist them in choosing foods to fill their shopping carts. Reinstituting the choice pantry will reduce food waste and help maximize spending when placing orders with the Second Harvest Food Bank.

“The best part of this new system is reestablishing the dignity of choice,” says Doug Trachtman, food pantry liaison. “The volunteers love working one on one with clients, who now get to choose the foods their families will enjoy eating.”

There is always a chance to learn something new. Since reopening our doors, we’ve learned that clients like canned corn better than any other canned vegetable!

To volunteer in the Community Food Pantry, contact Jennifer Oxfeld, joxfeld@jfslv.org.

We thank Howard Nathanson, Audrey Nolte, Rabbi Seth, Nancy Amols and Rabbi Singer for bringing Hanukkah programs to long term care residences across the Lehigh Valley.

Hanukkah programs

Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley Celebrates

Jewish Disability Awareness Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM)

P J L I B R A R Y L E A R N S A B O U T I N C L U S I O N S H O R T F I L M & D I S C U S S I O N

F e b r u a r y 1 6 t h

F e b r u a r y 1 2 t h V i r t u a l 7 : 3 0 8 : 3 0 P M

V i r t u a l 2 : 0 0 3 : 0 0 p m

SAVE THE DATE

Any Questions? Contact Amanda Thomas at amthomas@jfslv.org

We thank the following individuals who have graciously supported JFS by sending tribute cards:

IN HONOR

VIKKI AND DAVID DUNN In honor of the birth of granddaughter, Mabel Debbie Zoller, JFS Staff & Board JFS STAFF In appreciation of their kindness Judy and Andy Murman RICK NOLTE Wishing you a speedy recovery Judy and Andy Murman HELEN AND LENO SCARCIA In appreciation of their kindness Judy and Andy Murman LINDA AND JIM WIMMER In appreciation of their kindness Judy and Andy Murman JERI AND LEN ZIMMERMAN In honor of the marriage of your son, Zach and bride, Ashley Debbie Zoller, JFS Staff & Board

IN LOVING MEMORY

MIRIAM ALEXANDER (Mother of Audrey Nolte) Judy and Andy Murman Norman Sarachek Abby and Mark Trachtman SYBIL KAMBER Rabbi Allen and Toby Juda FLORENCE KASPIN Casey Goldblat & Irving Kaplan GERALD MELAMUT (Husband of Ethel Melamut, Father of Debbie Minkoff) Theodore LaRose ALAN MORRISON (Husband of Judy Morrison, Grandfather of Abby Feinberg) Debbie Zoller, JFS Staff & Board MICHAEL NATHAN (Father of Phyllis Kaufman) Bill Bergstein Alyssa & Mark Emswiler Beth and Howard Kushnick Cary and Michael Mortiz Judy and Andy Murman Kathy Zimmerman & Peter Fisher Robin and Alex Rosenau Jill Steigerwald Abby and Mark Trachtman RENEE SCHWARTZ (Mother of Pam Silverberg) Judy and Andy Murman STUART SCHWARTZ (Husband of Janice Schwartz) Judy and Andy Murman MARISA VAIDA (Mother of David Vaida) Rabbi Allen and Toby Juda Judy and Andy Murman Helene & Leno Scarcia Abby and Mark Trachtman

A tribute card from JFS is a wonderful way to share your thoughtfulness with family and friends. For a donation of $18 or more (the amount is up to you), we will send a lovely card to the recipient of your choice, letting them know of your contribution. Your contribution may be made to JFS’s General Fund or may be directed to a special program such as the Community Food Pantry, Education and Programs or Older Adult Services. Call 610-8218722 or visit www.jfslv.org/tributes to order cards.

Shining a light against antisemitism throughout the Lehigh Valley

Easton

Community events

Jewish Day School, PJ Library host party on Chanukah day 4

By Rabbi Yaacov Halperin Chabad of the Lehigh Valley

As we stand in the midst of these midwinter days, it’s easy to feel down and discouraged by the cold, dark weather. But in the biblical story of Jacob’s blessings for his grandsons, Menashe and Ephraim, we see a lesson about the importance of finding the positive in difficult situations. When Joseph brought his children to receive a blessing from his father, Jacob, before Jacob passed away, he naturally stationed his older son Menashe on his right side and Ephraim, the younger son, on his left. But Jacob crossed his hands and placed his right hand on Ephraim’s head and his left hand on Menashe’s head, blessing them both. Joseph was not pleased with this, as he knew firsthand the destructive power of jealousy among siblings, and he approached his father, saying, “Please recognize that Menashe is the older one; please place your right hand on him.” His father responded, “Menashe will indeed become great, but his younger brother Ephraim will reach even greater heights.” We know that when a righteous person, like our forefather Jacob, intentionally does something, there are no mistakes in their actions. And if the Torah relates this story to us, it is likely that it holds a message for our own personal lives. Jacob and Joseph each had different views on how to approach life. Joseph gave his children names that reflected his experiences. Menashe represents the pain and suffering he faced during his time away from his family, being sold into slavery and imprisoned. Ephraim, on the other hand, represents a message of thanksgiving to God for Joseph’s success despite these challenges. Jacob, however, felt that the name Ephraim, which means “fruitful” or “prosperous,” was superior because it represents the ability to turn darkness into light and challenges into opportunities. He was trying to teach his son Joseph, and perhaps all of us, that when we find ourselves in difficult situations or negative experiences, we should not dwell on the pain and suffering, but rather see everything as an opportunity for personal growth and success. By embracing this mindset, we can turn even the darkest moments into moments of joy and light. The story of Jacob and his sons is a powerful reminder of the importance of finding the positive in difficult situations and seeing challenges as opportunities for personal development. It reminds us that it is up to us to make the most of the blessings we receive and to use them to create a meaningful and fulfilling life. By adopting this mindset, we can turn even the darkest circumstances into moments of light and joy, just as Ephraim’s name suggests. Let us strive to follow the path of positivity and growth, using the blessings that come our way to create a life full of purpose and fulfillment.

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Parents and kids and other community members gathered at the Jewish Day School on Wednesday evening, December 21, for a JDS and PJ Library Chanukah party. Guests enjoyed a variety of food offerings that included donuts and a latke bar with fixings. Rabbi Moshe Re’em of Temple Beth El and Rabbi Seth Phillips led the lighting of the menorah for the evening, the fourth night of Chanukah. Kids were able to get their faces painted for the celebration. They also got to take whacks at a giant dreidel pinata and have their photos taken against a backdrop fit for the festive occasion. A rock band, complete with drum set and electric guitar and bass, entertained the gathering. Kids got to take home goody bags when they left.

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