HAKOL - January 2025 by Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley

gies that could change the world, and more. Health and Wellness p21-24

JEWISH DAY SCHOOL p12

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE p13

Unite for Impact!

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

The biggest Sunday of the year is right around the corner: Super Sunday. That day, January 26 (two weeks before that other famous winter Sunday), the Jewish community of the Lehigh Valley will Unite for Impact at the JCC for a morning and afternoon of educational and fundraising programs and activities.

The event, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, begins at 9:30 a.m. at the JCC with a Maimonides Society Brunch and Learn. Dr. Frank Tamarkin, chief of urology for St. Luke’s University Health Network, will speak to the society’s healthcare professionals and other interested community members.

Meanwhile, volunteers will begin making phone calls to community members and continue throughout the day. They’ll be thanking donors for pledges to the Federation’s Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs or the Israel Emergency Fund, or requesting that community members make new pledges toward this year’s fundraising goals and the effort to support Jewish needs and programs here, in Israel, and around the world.

At 11 a.m. Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy will come together for a program guided by the Jewish values: acts of loving kindness, friendship, and honor and respect. Volunteers will assemble Dignity Grows bags

filled with hygiene products, make friendship bracelets, and handwrite messages to recipients.

Noon brings an Israelistyle lunch prepared by Around the Table Catering, which operated the food truck that used to be parked in the JCC’s Tilghman Street parking lot.

Tim Brooks, regional security advisor, will talk to an audience at 1 p.m. about how to be prepared when crises arise. He’ll cover how to recognize suspicious behaviors and threats, and how to be proactive regarding synagogue and school security.

PJ Library, in partnership with Jewish Family Service, is offering an event at 3 p.m. teaching kids what it’s like to live with visual impairment.

Free preschool vision screening will be available, and, of course, there will be a PJ Library story. Bringing the events of this day of unity to a close will be the unveiling of the Wings of Hope mural in the JCC lobby. Formed out of colorful plastic, wood, and metal toys collected from our community, the wings mural will be dedicated to the Kutz family of Kibbutz Aza killed on October 7.

To register to make phone calls or to attend any of the individual events of the day, visit jewishlehighvalley.org/ supersunday.

3 doctors cement legacies through new Maimonides fund

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

“The idea is for members to continue their commitment to the ideals of the Maimonides Society for the duration,” says Dr. Lawrence Levitt, a founder of the society and the founder of the Lehigh Valley Health Network neurology department. By “the duration,” he means in perpetuity.

Levitt was describing the new Maimonides Society perpetuity fund, which he and Drs. Gene Ginsberg and Robert Kricun, also among the founders of the society, just signed onto as the initial

participants. The annual proceeds from each member’s investment will be donated to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs. Those donated funds count as dues to the society of healthcare professionals for the year, which effectively keeps participants on the society’s membership rolls in perpetu ity, forever linked to the soci ety and remembered for their philanthropy and contributions to the general health and wellness of the community.

part of setting up the new fund with the three doctors.

Aaron Gorodzinsky, director of development for the Federation, was proud to be

“With this endowment gift,” he said, “our founding mem bers are ensuring that their work in creating the vision of the Maimonides Society is able to continue and that it inspires other medical professionals in the area to join the division and continue honoring the principles on which the division was founded— providing quality health care and information to our Lehigh Valley Jewish community and beyond.”

Ginsberg, a retired adult medicine and geriatrics physician, decided that the perpetuity fund was the perfect donation vehicle for him. “I

and meant the most to me.”

Kricun, retired chair of the Department of Radiology of the Lehigh Valley Health Network, said that supporting the Jewish community and Israel has been an important part of his estate planning. “Contributing to the Jewish Federation and maintaining membership in the Maimonides Society in perpetuity is a perfect way to achieve these long-term goals,” he said.

The perpetuity fund is getting up and running as the

society looks forward to its 40th anniversary in 2026 as the first Maimonides Society in North America. Members of the society named for the medieval Jewish philosopher, theologian, and physician continue, as they always have, to come together do volunteer work in the community, raise funds for Jewish Federation campaigns, and meet regularly for educational and social programs.

These days, dozens of Maimonides Societies operate as affiliate groups of Jewish Federations across the United States. The Lehigh Valley society has over 100 members.

Dr. Lawrence Levitt

PJ Library and Jewish Family Service invited the American Sign Language Club from Parkland High School for an ASL demonstration during the 2024 Super Sunday.

Israel Emergency Campaign

To Our Many Donors, THANK YOU!

Thank you to Israel and Valeska Zighelboim for chairing this campaign, and to everyone who has contributed to make as big an impact as we have.

Thanks to YOU, we reached our goal of $1 MILLION!

Welcoming 2025

As we step into 2025, we are greeted by the promise of new beginnings and fresh starts. It’s a time for reflection, a moment to look inward, and a chance to recommit to improving both our personal lives and our community.

In an insightful article, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l he shared life-changing principles rooted in the idea that Judaism offers guidance on how we spend our time. Rabbi Sacks shared these ideas with the hope that they would help us reflect on both the past year and the year ahead. As I read his words, reflecting on the challenges of 2024 and anticipating the opportunities of 2025, his wisdom resonated with me. I am excited to share some of his principles that I believe can make a meaningful difference for each of us

Give thanks Prayers of gratitude help us recognize the blessings around us—life itself, freedom, family, friends, and opportunities that previous generations could never have imagined. This simple act of giving thanks can be transformative, allowing us to see our lives through a lens of

appreciation. Yes, we all face challenges and hardships, but when we focus on gratitude, we find that our problems feel smaller and our resilience grows. Studies show that an attitude of gratitude can improve both mental and physical health, bringing happiness even during difficult times.

Forgive

Holding onto resentment, anger, and grudges drains our emotional energy. The Torah teaches us to “not hate your brother or sister in your heart,” to refrain from vengeance, and to forgive. Those who forgive live lighter, unburdened by negative emotions that serve no one. Forgiveness frees us from the past and opens up space for peace and personal growth.

Avoid lashon hara (evil speech) Lashon hara, or speaking ill of others, even when it is true, is considered one of the most harmful interpersonal sins in Judaism. Speaking negatively about others poisons relationships, undermines communities, and causes great harm. Instead, focus on the good in others—and when you

can’t find anything good to say, remain silent. Respect is earned through kindness, not through gossip.

Volunteer

One of the greatest ways to uplift your spirit is to bring joy to others. Volunteering, visiting the sick, inviting someone lonely to a meal, or offering your skills to those in need are powerful ways to create connection and positivity. As Viktor Frankl, the renowned Jewish psychotherapist, said, “The door to happiness opens outward.” Giving of yourself not only helps others but also lifts your own soul.

Create moments of joy

Joy doesn’t always require grand gestures; sometimes it’s found in the simplest things— a walk on a beautiful day, a heartfelt compliment, or an unexpected gift. Judaism values joy as a deep, soulful emotion that transcends external circumstances. While happiness can be fleeting, joy is a lasting feeling that can be experienced even in challenging times. Open your heart to life’s radiance and let your soul be surprised by joy.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Wings of Hope

TOY SORTING January 13 - 16, 2025 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | JCC

To register, please scan the QR code or call 610.821.5500

Love

Judaism is built on the foundation of love—love for God, love for others, and love for the stranger. Love transforms life from ordinary to extraordinary, bringing light and meaning to every moment. Whether in marriage, friendship, or work, true happiness is rooted in love. To truly live, we must learn to love deeply and freely.

By embracing even a few of these principles, you may begin to notice a change in your life. You’ll feel less stressed, less rushed, and more fulfilled. You’ll have time for the things that matter

most—the things you often overlook. This shift will bring greater satisfaction, joy, and a deeper sense of blessing. As a community, we are truly blessed, and there is so much for which to be thankful—while at the same time we must remain vigilant as we continue to pray for the release of our hostages. Wishing you and your families a peaceful 2025, filled with good health, abundant joy, and the warmth of love.

HAKOL is published 11 times per year for the Jewish communities of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and vicinity by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS

Submissions to HAKOL must be of interest to the entire Jewish community. HAKOL reserves all editorial rights including, but not limited to, the decision to print any submitted materials, the editing of submissions to conform to style and length requirements, and the placement of any printed material. Quotes may be edited for grammar and clarity. Articles should be submitted by e-mail or presented as typed copy; “Community Calendar” listings must be submitted by e-mail to hakol@jflv.org or online at www.jewishlehighvalley.org. Please include your name and a daytime telephone number where you can be contacted in the event questions arise. We cannot guarantee publication or placement of submissions.

MAIL, FAX, OR E-MAIL TO: JFLV ATTN: HAKOL 702 N. 22nd St. Allentown, PA 18104

Phone: (610) 821-5500

Fax: (610) 821-8946

E-mail: hakol@jflv.org

Member American Jewish Press Association

HAKOL STAFF

CARL ZEBROWSKI Editor

CHARLENE RIEGGER Director of Marketing

WILLIAM THOMPSON Digital Marketing and Graphic Design Associate

DIANE McKEE Account Representative hakolads@jflv.org

JFLV EXECUTIVE STAFF

JERI ZIMMERMAN Executive Director

AARON GORODZINSKY Director of Development

DENISE AHNER Director of Finance & Administration

LEE KESTECHER SOLOMON Director of Community Engagement

CONNOR HAYES Director of Community Programming

ROBBY WAX JFLV President

WENDY EDWARDS Office Manager

GINGER HORSFORD Donor Services Associate

All advertising is subject to review and approval by The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley (JFLV). JFLV reserves the right to decline, withdraw and/or edit any ad. The appearance of any advertising in HAKOL does not represent an endorsement or kashrut certification. Paid political advertisements that appear in HAKOL do not represent an endorsement of any candidate by the JFLV.

JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY

STATEMENT

MISSION

In order to unite, sustain, and enhance the Lehigh Valley Jewish community, and support Jewish communities in Israel and around the world, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is dedicated to the following core values:

• Supporting Jews in need wherever they may be.

Supporting Israel as a Jewish homeland.

IN MEMORY

ELI BRILL

(Husband of Eileen Brill, brother of Sam Brill)

Susan Engelson Friefeld and Rabbi Seth Philips

BARNETT (BARNEY) DALEY

(Father of Lauren Stern)

Mindy and Eric Holender

SARITA SHILIBOLSKY KOGAN

(Mother of Silvia and Jaime Litt-

TO ORDER TREES, call the JFLV at 610-821-5500 or visit jewishlehighvalley.org The Lehigh Valley-Yoav Partnership Park in Blessed Memory of Mark L. Goldstein

We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship by requesting that trees be planted in the Mark L. Goldstein Friendship Park, a Yoav-Lehigh Valley Partnership Forest.

man)

Tessy, Jennie and Aaron Gorodzinsky

JODIE MILKMAN

(Mother of Sydney Milkman)

Sydney Holender

ELI PAPIR

(Brother of Leon Papir, uncle of Emily Ford) The Shedroff Family

• Supporting and encouraging Jewish education in the Lehigh Valley as a means of strengthening Jewish life for individuals and families.

• Supporting programs and services of organizations whose values and mission meet local Jewish needs.

To accomplish this mission the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is committed to the following operating guidelines:

• Raising and distributing funds to support the core values.

• Developing Jewish leaders. Building endowments to support implementation of core values.

• Committing to ongoing Jewish community strategic planning. Fostering cooperation among organizations and community building.

• Evaluating all decisions with respect to fiscal responsibility.

• Identifying unmet needs and investing in community initiatives to help get them started.

• Coordinating and convening a community response as an issue or need arises.

• Setting priorities for allocation and distribution of funds.

Acting as a central address for communication about events, programs and services of the Jewish community as a whole.

Approved by the JFLV Board of Directors on November 15, 2000

Making the world a safer place Federation‘s

new website is a how-to guide on strengthening bonds with friendly neighbors

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

You’ve heard a lot about antisemitism in recent years, more so in recent months. You may have attended presentations where speakers described what to do if you witness it or are targeted by it. You may have heard how to talk to people about views of theirs that may be antisemitic or anti-Israel.

Now the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley has put together and gone live with an online toolkit to guide individuals to fight antisemitism by strengthening bonds between the Jewish community and its non-Jewish friends. The Power of One web pages provide a collection of tips and recommendations that you can consult as needed in a personal effort to encourage support for the Jewish people and the State of Israel and to make the world a better and safer place for everyone. You’ll also find tools to help you identify and combat antisemitism at schools and elsewhere, to maintain your mental health

through these difficult times, to write effective letters to the editor at local media, and more.

Here’s the basic idea: You reach out to non-Jewish friends and neighbors whom you know are friendly to the Jewish community and maybe invite them to Shabbat or holiday dinner. The gathering will expose them to Jewish traditions in a welcoming, comfortable environment that promotes further conversations and mutual understanding and support.

In other words, like most efforts to get something done in a community, this one starts with taking the initiative to enter a dialogue with others who may share certain interests and goals.

What can you and they do together to raise awareness and make progress toward outcomes everyone hopes for?

As for antisemitism itself, the Power of One website is a handy directory of well-organized resources that educate users on what antisemitism and anti-Zionism are, how to talk to people about them, what to do to change changeable minds, and how to report acts of hate when they happen.

For more information about antisemitism, making connections, and otherwise exploring the Power of One at this time when it’s as important as ever, visit jewishlehighvalley.org/ power-of-one-home.

Maimonides

Continued from page 1

All those years ago, the founding Maimonides doctors sat together in the basement of the Allentown home of Dr. Michael z”l and Eileen Ufberg discussing the society and what it should do when it was in its infancy. (“Eileen had famous cookies that she made for those events,” Levitt notes.) Soon they and others were meeting regularly in the homes of various early members. Then and ever since, the society has united the community’s doctors (and eventually other healthcare professionals along with them) in the cause of Jewish people here and everywhere and in support of the State of Israel.

Back in the 1980s, when the crumbling Soviet Union finally caved to international pressure and allowed Jews to leave, many of them immigrated to the United States. The society helped out new arrivals to the Valley, most of whom didn’t know a lot about their new home and often weren’t especially fluent in English. “Maimonides doctors took care of them,” Levitt says.

In recent years, the society has donated two ambucylces to United Hatzalah of Israel, a volunteer agency that responds to emergen-

2025 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN FOR JEWISH NEEDS

fund

cies all over Israel. These motorcycle-ambulances are able to navigate gridlocked city streets faster than standard ambulances and reach destinations quicker.

The latest Maimonides Society ambucycle was donated in memory of Dr. Ufberg, who was a close personal friend of Levitt’s. “The ambucycle has been saving lives daily,” Levitt says, “doing triple duty since October 7.” Levitt thinks back to when Ufberg was still around. “We used to take walks around the block and try to solve all the problems of the world,” he says. You may guess that they didn’t quite accomplish that. But thanks to them and to Drs. Ginsberg and Kricun and a long line of others over the 39 years, the Maimonides Society continues to do its part in making the world a better place.

For more information on the Maimonides Society perpetuity fund and on how you can participate with a minimum donation of $22,000, contact Aaron Gorodzinsky, director of development for the Jewish Federation, at aaron@jflv.org or 610-821-5500.

ADVOCATES for security and combats antisemitism

ALLOCATES funds to support our local agencies, Hillels, synagogues, camps, and to support Israel and overseas communities

ARRANGES programming to meet the needs of our community

the continuation of our Jewish community

your voices and values to the wider community

Scan the QR code or visit jewishlehighvalley.org/campaign to donate, pledge your support, or volunteer.

GOT A BIG DAY PLANNED

• Engage at the Maimonides Brunch and Learn

• Volunteer with Women’s Philanthropy for a Mitzvah Project

• Join a PJ Library Event in Partnership with Jewish Family Service, Including a Free Kids Vision Screening Participate in a Security Training session

• Come Meet and Thank Our Elected Officials

• Help Us Unveil a Moving October 7th Memorial

• Enjoy an Israeli-Style Lunch

Gifting isn’t ‘Taboo’ for Women’s Philanthropy

By Charlene Riegger Director of Marketing

Can you make someone guess the word “Israel” without saying Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or homeland? Chelsea Busch did!

She and Ilene Ringold were the actors for their respective teams in the Taboo game on December 17 at the Jewish Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy Chanukah party at

Jay’s Local in Allentown. The evening began with Laurie Wax, Women’s Philanthropy president, presenting Busch with her Pomegranate pin after Federation president Jeri Zimmerman gave a lovely speech about hoping to pass her Lion of Judah pin to Busch, her daughter. (The pins represent different levels of giving to the Federation). Busch is also a member of the Federa-

tion’s Maimonides Society of healthcare professionals.

The Chanukah party cochairs, Amy Oselkin, Tracy Sussman, and Kimberly Valuntas, had asked the women to make a Chanukah donation of toys to FamilyMatters, a support network of Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options (JAFCO) that operates in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Robin

Raskin of FamilyMatters gave a moving presentation highlighting the efforts of the organization by showing the impact on a family whose son has autism and is nonverbal. She expressed gratitude to the Federation women for making Chanukah brighter for the children in their care. FamilyMatters had to add items to the event’s Amazon wish list for toy donations after the

women purchased everything on the original list!

After the presentation, the women played the game Taboo with a Jewish theme. Much to the delight of everyone, all the words were guessed and the game ended in a tie. The evening ended with the women schmoozing while enjoying sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and other desserts.

Sons of Israel has a new rabbi— it’s no mere coincidence Havda lalala

By Rabbi Michael Belgrade Congregation Sons of Israel

I am honored to be serving as rabbi of Congregation Sons of Israel. As the only Orthodox shul in the Lehigh Valley offering daily services in the morning and evening, 365 days a year, Sons of Israel has a significant responsibility not just to its members but to the entire Jewish community. In turn, the community has a significant responsibility to Sons of Israel!

My path to the rabbinate in general and Sons of Israel specifically has not been straightforward, to say the least. I initially rejected an offer to enroll in rabbinical school during my last year of college at Yeshiva University, choosing a career of diplomacy and law. Yet, after 10 years in public service in the Middle East, South Pacific, Washington, and New York, first as a diplomat and then as an attorney, I wanted something more. I wanted a deep and personal connection to my faith, one that I could share with others, living a life of meaning while navigating an ever-complex world.

After finally attaining my goal of ordination, I sought opportunities as a pulpit rabbi. This is where Allentown enters the story. One of my children, Judah, who was a senior in high school at the time, was considering Muhlenberg College. I visited the campus with Judah on Chol HaMoed Sukkot in 2022. While there, I discovered that Sons of Israel was looking for a rabbi. Two years since, after a number of scholar-inresidence Shabbatot, and two sets of High Holidays later, I am now its rabbi. I could not be happier!

Now, some would suggest that this was merely a coincidence; I happened to be in the right place at that right time. Of course, people are entitled to their opinions. Judaism,

however, does not believe in coincidences. Our faith believes that most if not every encounter in our lives contains an opportunity for growth, to learn in a new experience, and to acquire wisdom.

My trip to Allentown in 2022 was intended for my son’s benefit, not mine. Nonetheless, in a twist of providence, I gained as well.

As I draft this article during the end of Chanukah, I am reminded about this concept of “no coincidences.” Although the story of Chanukah occurs during the Second Temple period, the Torah first mentions the idea of Chanukah/ dedication regarding the Chanukat HaMishkan, the dedication of the Tabernacle in the desert, in the book of Bamidbar (Numbers). The very next subject begins with the commandment tasking Aharon and the Cohanim with the lighting of the menorah candles in the Mishkan (Tabernacle).

Again, you can say that this was a coincidence of placement in the Torah, or that Aharon being commanded to light the candles merely happened chronologically after the dedication of the Mishkan. Nevertheless, we know in Judaism that the Torah places happenings together for particular reasons and that the Torah is not always bound to follow chronological order. It seems then that the Torah hinted to us the story of Chanukah over a thousand years before its occurrence. The only time in the five books of Moses that the concept of dedication, Chanukah, is articulated is directly before the Cohanim’s role in lighting candles. That seems telling.

The story of Chanukah and the role of the Cohanim lighting candles can take on a deeper purpose. A single dedication provides fanfare of having everybody show up. However, Aharon’s charge, shared with the Cohanim, provided something much simpler yet in many ways

far more important. Their job was to keep the lights on, day in and day out. That may not include the same excitement as a onetime experience, but it is what sustains the Jewish people. It is the daily routine, the challenges of real life, paying the bills, and dealing with the mundane that Judaism must address. We cannot attend the party and leave the cleanup for someone else the day after.

That should be our resolution as we enter 2025. Let us use this year as an opportunity not only to arrive for the stand-alone occasions, but also to get involved on a more regular basis. Praying is one opportunity, as Sons of Israel needs the regular support from our community to maintain our daily minyan. Get more involved with learning about Judaism. There is an endless sea of knowledge to gain from Judaism, whether it is Tanach, Talmud, philosophy, ethics, or Jewish law. And, finally, acts of kindness as a community. Whether locally, in Israel, or elsewhere, let us renew our efforts and get more involved this year!

January 25, 2025

• Sing along • PJ Library story time

• “Almost like dinner” snack

• Wear comfy clothes or PJs Bring a pillow or blanket

Registration required. Scan the QR code or visit jewishlehighvalley.org/pj or call 610.821.5500

Pass On Values Instead of Taxes

With careful planning, a legacy gift from retirement assets can perpetuate values and traditions meaningful to you and reduce the estate tax burden for loved ones.*

Director of Development, at aaron@jflv.org; 610.821.5500.

*Seek advice from a financial advisor, attorney, or tax professional to discuss your personal situation.

Hosted

Scoblionko

BE AWARE TRAINING

How to recognize suspicious or potentially dangerous behavior and threats, and what to do. Designed for every member of the community, no background in security is required. The course will cover the basics of situational awareness.

Training Dates (choose one):

Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, at 1:00 PM

Monday, June 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM

Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM

COUNTERING ACTIVE THREAT TRAINING

A comprehensive training program to counter an active threat event developed for faithbased institutions and houses of worship.

Training Dates (choose one):

Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM

Monday, July 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM

Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM

STOP THE BLEED TRAINING

This training provides community members with the skills to save lives by applying emergency first aid to control bleeding.

Training Dates (choose one):

Monday, March 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM

SYLVIA AND SAM BUB

In celebration of your granddaughter Jenna’s engagement

Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald

CAROL BUB FROMER AND GARY

In celebration of your daughter

Jenna’s engagement

Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald

DEVORAH AND YAACOV HALPERIN

In celebration of your daughter Chanale’s engagement to Sadya

Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie Schechner

LYNDA AND STUART KRAWITZ

In celebration of the birth of your granddaughter, Celia Helen

Margo and Eric Lightman

FAY AND MICHAEL KUN

In celebration of the birth of your grandson, Grayson Jacob Laurie and Robby Wax

LILLIAN KOBROVSKY

(Mother of Larry Kobrovsky and Carol Derucki) Randi and Donald Senderowitz

LOIS LIPSON

(Wife of Don Lipson)

Beth and Wes Kozinn

RUTH MEISLIN

(Mother of John Meislin and Ann

Beth and Wes Kozinn

Judith Miller

(Brother of Leon Papir, uncle of

Marge and Doug Blake

Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie

Schechner

Karen Kuhn

Roberta and Jeff Epstein

Randi and Donald Senderowitz

Vicki Wax

ISRAEL EMERGENCY CAMPAIGN

IN MEMORY

FAY MITTLEMAN

In observance of the Yahrzeit of my cousin

Sandi Teplitz

HELEN AND SOL KRAWITZ

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND

IN HONOR

HARRIET APFELBAUM

In celebration of your new home

Lynda and Richard Somach

CAROL BUB FROMER AND GARY FROMER

In celebration of your daughter

Jenna’s engagement

Lynda and Richard Somach

LYNDA AND STUART KRAWITZ

In celebration of the birth of your granddaughter, Celia Helen Krawitz

Joan Lesavoy

Lynda and Richard Somach

Susan Engelson Friefeld and Rabbi Seth Philips

MARLA AND JAY MELMAN

In celebration of the birth of your grandson

Lynda and Richard Somach

JILL AND MARK STUTZ

In celebration of your Special Anniversary

Lynda and Richard Somach

IN MEMORY

RUTH MEISLIN

(Mother of John Meislin and Ann Meislin)

Lynda and Richard Somach

STEVEN SCHIFF

Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, at 7:00 PM

Suzanne Lapiduss and Family

Randi and Donald Senderowitz

(Son of Vera Schiff, brother of Richard Schiff)

Lynda and Richard Somach

GUARDIAN TRAINING

Vicki Wax

GUARDIAN TRAINING

JEAN WEINER

Guardians take responsibility for the safety and security of themselves, families, and community. Learn skillsets that help you identify, protect, and respond to all hazards, enabling you to become an Active Bystander in your community.

(Mother of Nancy Meyer-Lustman and Laurie Yarock, step-mother of Valerie Salembier)

Training Dates (choose one):

Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, at 9:00 AM

DE-ESCALATION TRAINING

We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship through recent gifts to the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation. The minimum contribution for an Endowment Card is $10. Call 610-821-5500 or visit jewishlehighvalley. org to place your card requests. Thank you for your support.

De-escalation Training equips people with the knowledge, skills, and techniques to defuse or reduce tension, hostility, or conflict in a situation.

Training Dates (choose one):

Monday, May 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM

All training sessions are located at the Jewish Community Center. Registration is required. To register, scan the QR code or visit jewishlehighvalley.org/security-training-schedule or call 610.821.5500.

All training sessions are located at the Jewish Community Center. Registration is required.

To register, scan the QR code or visit jewishlehighvalley.org/security-training-schedule or call 610.821.5500. of the Lehigh Valley of

Older Adult Task Force ends; essential programs continue

The Lehigh Valley Older Adult Task Force has wrapped up its work after two years. Many needs that older adults expressed as essential in surveys and listening groups will be filled through programs begun by the task force as well as through initiatives yet to come.

The joint task force of the Jewish Family Service and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley took care of some basic home maintenance tasks and leaf raking for adults age 65 and over, while also offering them socialization opportunities and other support. The goal was to enable them to age in their homes rather than need to move elsewhere.

Chaired by Rabbi Allen Juda, the task force conducted surveys in 2024 that asked older community members what sorts of services and programs might help them. Meanwhile, Jewish agencies across the United States were asked about their best practices in the areas of home maintenance, home health care, housekeeping, food, and socialization.

Completed surveys showed that respondents didn’t think extra services

in general were needed at this time. Two areas they noted as important, however, were home maintenance and socialization. The task force decided that JFS would continue to expand its efforts in the area of socialization.

As for home maintenance, the task force realized it needed to find out what people really meant by the term. Gail Eisenberg organized three listening-group sessions with older adults who agreed to

participate. Eisenberg recruited three professional group leaders, trained them for this specific purpose, and convened the sessions.

The sessions led to the conclusion that older adults wanted help in a few specific areas: technology (computers, smart phones, televisions), leaf raking, changing lightbulbs, snow shoveling, and security reviews. The postOctober 7 rise in antisemitism might have raised awareness

of that last one.

Looking to the future, the task force concluded that consideration should be given to hiring a part-time conciergetype worker for the community. This detail-oriented person who can communicate well and is patient with older adults would develop resources to help older adults in the areas in which they said they needed it. This person may receive help from volunteers or professionals as

required.

Rabbi Juda, Jewish Family Service, and the Jewish Federation thank everyone who contributed to running the task force and its programs and services, as well as the older adults who helped them figure out what older adults needed and how the needs can be met now and in the near future.

WONDERING ABOUT YOUR PLACE?

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley offers many affinity groups.

Area college students volunteered to rake leaves for older adults in November 2023.

By Kaitlyn Stefanowicz Marketing Project Coordinator

Our annual Friends of the JCC campaign is well underway, and we have our sights set on our goal line under the inspiring theme, “Game Changers.”

This year’s campaign, filled with excitement and possibilities, invites our community to be part of the team in supporting the Lehigh Valley Jewish Community Center’s vital initiatives. Whether it’s on the field, in the gym, or through our robust arts and culture, health and wellness, or children’s initiatives, generous contributions from our members and participants have significantly strengthened these

programs, ensuring their inclusivity and vibrancy and allowing us to create a space that fosters a vibrant and connected community.

Time is of the essence, as the campaign concludes on January 15th. We encourage you to be a Game Changer for our community through your donations. To contribute to the Friends of the JCC campaign, visit lvjcc.org/Friends or call 610-435-3571.

With your help, we can change the game for our community. From rookie contributions to major league gifts, every donation counts. Together, we can keep the JCC’s scoreboard lighting up all year round!

ECE Celebrates Rosh Hashanah With Some Sweet Guests

Competition Ramps Up For New JHoops Season

JCC Executive Director Visits Israel for Solidarity Mission

Camp JCC Becomes Only Lehigh Valley Camp to Earn American Camp Association® Accreditation

By Heather Lavin Program Director

By Jackie Weiss Early Childhood & Jewish Education Coordinator

By Tracy Sussman Director of Membership and Marketing

Our ECE students had a sweet second week of school! For Rosh Hashanah this year, a couple of our ECE classes gathered in the gym for a special honeybee presentation (minus the bees).

The Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley is proud to announce that its summer day camp, Camp JCC, has become the only camp in the Lehigh Valley to hold an accreditation

This past month, Eric Lightman, the executive director of the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley, participated in a solidarity mission to Israel. The group, organized by the JCC Association of North America, comprised 40 executive staff and lay leaders representing Jewish communities across the United States and Canada.

The trip was intended to bear witness to the atrocities and aftermath of the Oct. 7 attacks and the ensuing war, to show the North American community’s collective support for Israel, and to bring the experience of the current reality of life in Israel back to local communities. Over the course of four very busy days, the group toured sites and met with leaders from around the country.

The 2023-2024 season begins in mid-November with practices and games starting in December. We are recruiting for teams in grades 1-2, grades 3-4, and grades 5-6. We are always looking for coaches and volunteers to help us make the program a success. Practices take place during the week, with games on Sundays both at home and away. Whether they are new to the sport or are looking to play with friends, JHoops is the perfect opportunity for your child to get in the game. Our teams will once again be competing in the Rising Stars Basketball League, in both boys and girls leagues. All teams must have a required minimum number of players to run. Our time in the league for the 2022-2023 season was a huge success, giving our teams opportunities to play (and win) in a league that fits our players’ skills. Stay tuned for our home game schedule!

Dr. Robbie Roeshman, a master beekeeper for 35 years, along with his wife, Adrienne London, are beekeepers in the Lehigh Valley. The presentation was a fun and interactive experience with props, beekeeping supplies, a honeybee song, and a waggle dance! The students enjoyed pretending to be bees and buzzing around the gym. The students learned that honeybees get all their food from flowers and the food consists of nectar and pollen. Afterwards, the students had the opportunity to look at a container of nectar and a container of pollen. The students now know that nectar is a liquid and pollen looks like dust.

Additionally, the students had the opportunity to smell a honeycomb and learn how honey is made!

gardens, witnessing the devastation that befell a peaceful neighborhood in which 25% of its residents were murdered or taken as hostages.

The group also toured the site of the Nova Music Festival where 346 people lost their lives while celebrating peace and love, in the worst single attack against Jews since the Holocaust.

from the American Camp Association (ACA). Through a year-long evaluation process including an on-site visit last summer, the camp was judged on almost 300 standards from staff qualifications, to programmatic content, to emergency management. This prestigious endorsement indicates what many in our community already know: that Camp JCC is the best, safest,

and most qualified place to ensure your child has a positive meaningful summer experience.

American Camp Association collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youthserving agencies to assure that current practices at the camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in

camp operation. ACA helps accredited camps provide healthy, developmentally appropriate activities and learning experiences, discovery through experiential education, caring, competent role models, service to the community and the environment, and opportunities for leadership and personal growth.

With the opening of winter programs we will also bring back our popular JHoops Jr. classes. Both Pre-K and Kindergarten-aged athletes will have the opportunity to be introduced to basketball and learn basic skills. These practices are once a week and include inhouse recreational scrimmages. To register or for more information about JHoops visit lvjcc.org/JHoops.

The honeybees collect nectar from flowering plants and bring the nectar back to the hive. Once the honeybees are back in the hive, the nectar is stored inside the empty combs made of beeswax. The honeybees then flap their wings very quickly to remove the excess moisture. Afterwards, the honeybees make a wax to create a seal over the honeycomb for protection. Finally, beekeepers harvest the honey by collecting the honeycomb frames and scraping off the wax cap that seals the honey. The frames are then placed in an extractor to spin honey out of the comb. After the honey is extracted, it is strained to remove any remaining wax or other particles. After straining the honey, it is time to bottle, label, and bring it to you! How does honey connect to the High Holidays? Because eating apples and honey is a tradition on Rosh Hashanah, of course! We

The group also met with colleagues from the Israel Association of Community Centers who are currently working to maintain community services for Israel’s 300,000 citizens in border communities who have been evacuated for safety for the past 105 days. “I told these amazing leaders that we understand the difficulty and the importance of their work,” Eric said after returning from his trip. “They do the same work that our JCC staff do back in Allentown. But although we have had our challenges over the years, we’ve never had to deal with the type of personal and collective trauma they are now faced with.”

wish all of you a happy and healthy new year. If you’re looking for a sweet way to celebrate, local honey is available all year round at the Game Preserve Apiary, which is located at 4542 Game Preserve

Stagemakers Brings the Spooky This Fall

By Heather Lavin Program Director

The trip’s most emotional moments came during the group’s tour of some of the devastated communities near the Gaza border, including Kibbutz Nir Oz. With a military escort and wearing bulletproof vests while fighting across the border continued just a mile away, the group walked through the burned remains of houses and

Stagemakers Youth Theater welcomes both new and returning performers to our stage as we present The Addams Family Young @ Part. Performances are Thursday, November 9 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 12 at noon and 4 p.m. at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley.

On another day, the group met with President Isaac Herzog at Beit HaNasi (the President’s House) in Jerusalem, as well as former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and representatives from the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and

Combating Antisemitism. Israel’s leaders inquired about the current challenges in the North American community and how its leaders are addressing them, and shared their belief in the importance of Jewish unity worldwide and strengthening the connection between Israel and Diaspora Jewry. They also expressed how deeply meaningful it was for such a group to visit at such a difficult time.

JSeals Is Back, Making a Splash This November

“Israelis are dealing with a trauma, a fear, and an anger that they have not experienced in 50

By Jodi Lovenwirth Aquatics Director

In honor of the 134 Israeli hostages, a yellow ribbon and Israeli flag representing each hostage is displayed outside the JCC of the Lehigh Valley building, installed by Naomi Schachter, Tama

To join in on the fun and celebrate the work of this great cast and crew, you can cheer them on in person in November. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family whom her parents have never met. She confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before– keep a secret

KEYSTONE SOCIETY

Taffi Ney+(L)

Ali Raza Visram+*

FRIENDS OF THE J DONORS

Lois Albright+

Tamarkin and Miriam Zager. They have also created an installation in the lobby.

from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.

The butterfly is a symbol of transformation, freedom, and rebirth. These butterflies have

Director Madison William, with choreographer Marcell Mackenzie and musical director Mackenzie Lynch, have taken these young performers on a journey throughout rehearsals.

Leslie & Victor Bunick+

Marilyn Claire+

Lisa & Andrew Ellis+(L)

Iris & Jonathan Epstein+(L)

Elizabeth & Jeff Greenberg+

Pamela & Vernon Guischard+

long been viewed as heralds of good fortune. Each of the 134 butterflies has the name and age of a hostage yearning to be freed, to be home! We pray for them to be returned to us. You will notice two

years,” Eric reflected. “At the same time, they are a model of strength and resilience. They are united in the need to bring home the 134 remaining hostages as soon as possible, and eliminate the existential terrorist threat they are facing, and are willing to fight and volunteer until this task is complete. From what I learned and experienced on this trip, I believe strongly that this is the fight of all Jewish people, and anyone who embraces peace and freedom.”

Road, Schnecksville, PA 18078. Contact Dr. Robbie Roeshman and Adrienne London at 610-360-4191 or 13beekeeper@gmail.com for more information.

Jason Alter Sylvia & Sam Bub+

Julianne & Samuel Heiney+

Amy & Douglas Jaffe+

Madison’s philosophy is “process over product.” In Stagemakers productions, performers spend far more time learning and building a show than they do performing it in front of an audience. While the stage performance is the ultimate goal, it is the rehearsal process that gives performers experience and opportunity for growth. This creative team, including stage

Marty Katz+

Michael Krim

Suzanne Lapiduss+

Lesavoy, Butz & Seitz LLC+

Colleen & Paul McGee+

Rabbi Seth Phillips+

Every year during late fall, the aquatics center at the JCC comes alive with smiling faces, cheering children, and blooming friendships. It’s swim season, featuring the JSeals Swim Team! This year is going to be packed with team building parties, swim meets, and lots of ruach (spirit). For anyone who doesn’t know what the JSeals is about, we are more than just a swim team, we are a family. This is a place for swimmers to build their skills while they grow their friendships. This close-knit group of friends all share their love of swimming while cheering on their teammates and watching them progress throughout the season. The 2023-2024 JSeals season begins on November 27. Each member has the opportunity to practice up to three times a week to build their swimming skills. Practices will consist of clear, concise, proven workouts,

Jill Pincus+

instructed by qualified coaches. Our participants will also get to compete against other JCC swim teams in the Mid-Atlantic region, including Baltimore, Harrisburg, Cherry Hill, and Delaware. These exciting competitions consist of home and away meets, leading up to the championship meet in Delaware, where the swimmers get to show off their swimming abilities and hard work.

manager Tessa DeJesus and costume designer Kayla Stokes, has led a cast of over 40 middle and elementary school students through physical rehearsals that have challenged them to improve their skills as performers and cast members.

Ellen Osher & Robert Pritchard+

butterflies in the upper right corner. Those are the butterflies of two hostages Fernando Marman and Louis Har that were rescued and are now home with their families. #bringthemhomenow

Robert Rockmaker+(L)

Brenna & Michael Schlossberg+

Pam Lott & Ron Ticho+

Beverly & Ronald Wasserman+ + Previous

For tickets and more information visit lvjcc.org/stagemakers.

To have some fun throughout the season, we will have various parties including a holiday party, pizza party, and the coveted DipN-Disco, which is scheduled for January 13, 2024. Mark your calendars, you won’t want to miss it! One of my proudest moments as Aquatics Director is not only watching the swimmers earn their trophies and medals, but watching these children become a family Registration is now open for the JSeals 2023-2024 season. For more information, call the JCC at 610435-3571 or visit lvjcc.org/JSeals.

List as of 2/15/24

JDS is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley

we’d be here only a few weeks at most. As the pandemic continued, we made decision after decision to establish roots and

JDS is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley

Why JDS?

By Joanna Powers Head of School

It took a while but it seems as though the winter season has finally arrived. While December still offered mild days that felt like an extended fall, we are now fully ensconced in winter coats, hats, and gloves. Drop-off and dismissal at the JDS are definitely chillier, and outdoor play depends on the “real feel” temperature. The new year brought a new wardrobe, even to the kids who insist on shorts despite the chill.

By Megan Hyman

to be in January when the weather isn’t cooperating in January (assuming we don’t have a snow day). It will also be a walk back in time. We will head back to what these youngsters like to call “the late 1900s,” as both ’80s day and ’90s day are celebrated. These days connect to the 80th and 90th days of the school year to boost spirits that spring will be here before we know it.

Why JDS?

The decision parents make about where to send their children for school is often one of the most stressful and difficult. Will the school strike the right balance between quality of educa tion and overall child development? How will our child fit in? Luckily for our fam ily, in a period of great uncertainty, the decision to choose the Jewish Day School of Lehigh Valley was the easiest “yes!” we’ve ever said.

an early childhood education program, the welcoming, intimate, and warm environment at JDS was an obvious place for us to turn. The administration and staff worked tirelessly to adhere to ever changing guidelines from the CDC and still make the magic of school very real for its students. Joseph FLOURISHED in this environment, and now that he’s in his third year as a student (kindergarten!) he loves the dynamic and joyful learn ing experience he’s had there. I’ll never forget when he came home to recite the full Pledge of Allegiance and knew all the words to the Hatikvah at three years old!

When it came time for Joseph, our now five-year-old son, to get back into an early childhood education program, the welcoming, intimate, and warm environment at JDS was an obvious place for us to turn. The administration and staff worked tirelessly to adhere to ever

Why JDS?

Winter weather brings thoughts of ‘yesteryear’

he decision parents make about where to send their children for school is often one of the most stressful and difficult. Will the school strike the right balance between quality of educa tion and overall child development? How will our child fit in? Luckily for our fam ily, in a period of great uncertainty, the decision to choose the Jewish Day School of Lehigh Valley was the easiest “yes!”

demic as built-in playmates and friends. The JDS has enabled that relationship to strengthen – they check in on each other on the playground and love to see each other in the hallways. It’s a joy to see the older children care for the younger ones. Evelyn is always so proud when one of the “big kids” helps her with her backpack at the end of the day, and Joseph -

By Megan Hyman

we’d be here only the pandemic sion after decision build a life here

demic as built-in playmates

The JDS has enabled strengthen – they check on the playground and other in the hallways. older children care for Evelyn is always so proud the “big kids” helps pack at the end of the talks about his “reading stantly!

Once you come in out of the cold into the warm coziness of the JDS, the dreary weather fades away. Bright classrooms teem with engaging activities and focused instruction. Indoor playtime revolves around collaborative games and social and emotional learning and development. Smiles exchanged between friends and teachers make sure the warmth lasts.

We arrived in Allentown in late March 2020 with a 2-year-old son, Joseph and 4-month-old daughter, Evelyn. Having flown in from Dallas, Texas to be closer to family (Adam’s parents, Dr. David and Mrs. Susan Hyman who have lived in Allentown for nearly 50 years), we assumed

Editor’s note: On Saturday, February 4, JDS parent Anastasiia Zavodnyk, was invited to be a guest speaker at Refugee Shabbat at Temple Beth El. Here are her remarks.

So, who is the refugee? It’s me. I can’t speak for everyone, only for myself and my family. But let my story be something that can show the general picture. The beginning of 2022 It was a happy time for me.

The JDS is a great place

As a certified member of Generation X, I look forward to seeing how the students and their mostly Millennial parents interpret both eras’ looks. I suppose the research required could be considered a history lesson, even if that’s a little hard for some of us to accept. Often the clothes the kids wear on those special days come from costume websites that offer a choice of neon legwarmers, metallic parachute pants, and fingerless lace gloves for the ’80s, while grunge fashion and choker necklaces are suggested for the ’90s. I think back to my childhood and teen years during that time, and while I might have had a hair-sprayed perm and a plaid shirt at one point, none of my friends had mohawks. It makes me wonder what future generations will wear for (20)20s day.

This year, his sister Evelyn was able to join the three-year-old program with the same teachers and several younger siblings of her brother’s class. She was very shy at first, but quickly overcame that and truly gets ready for school with enthusiasm. The school has supported her love of art, singing, and she’s made the sweetest friends. We LOVE getting updates and photos on the Class Dojo app throughout the day.

When it came now five-year-old an early childhood the welcoming, vironment at for us to turn.

One of the major tenets of the JDS is a devotion to the development of bright, confident students who are well prepared to meet the world. This couldn’t be more

ing to a close. For professional reasons, we -

sion of the school year. Our love for the community that Amy Golding, her staff, and volunteers have created will stay with us forever. The friendships we’ve made as a family through the school will remain and we know these memories made here

future, we can all have hope.

Our kids became extremely close dur ing the quarantine stage of the pan-

staff worked tirelessly changing guidelines still make the for its students. in this environment, his third year as he loves the dynamic ing experience forget when he full Pledge of Allegiance words to the Hatikvah

One of the major tenets a devotion to the development confident students who to meet the world. This representative of our Sadly, our chapter in ing to a close. For professional are moving back to Texas sion of the school year. community that Amy and volunteers have created us forever. The friendships a family through the and we know these memories will bring us joy for years For any parent grappling sion of where to send in the Lehigh Valley, an extremely supportive from the uncertainties our daily lives, and the ment to instill a love of ish values.

wrong. Because in village aren’t many

–

Our kids became extremely close during the quarantine stage of the pan-

Editor’s note: On Saturday, February 4, JDS parent Anastasiia Zavodnyk, was invited to be a guest speaker at Refugee Shabbat at Temple Beth El. Here are her remarks.

2020 with a 2-year-old son, Joseph and 4-month-old daughter, Evelyn. Having flown in from Dallas, Texas to be closer to family (Adam’s parents, Dr. David and Mrs. Susan Hyman who have lived in Allentown for nearly 50 years), we assumed

sion of where to send your child to school in the Lehigh Valley, we found the JDS an extremely supportive place, a refuge from the uncertainties that we all face in our daily lives, and the perfect environment to instill a love of learning and Jewish values.

time, I might hire substitute teachers so the faculty can play with the colorful scarves too! Our next two gatherings at the school will be on January 8 and February 12 at 9:30 a.m. This is another great way to get in out of the weather!

This year, his to join the three-year-old the same teachers siblings of her very shy at first, that and truly enthusiasm. her love of art, the sweetest friends. updates and photos app throughout

Who is the refugee? It’s me.

Who is the refugee? It’s me.

So, who is the refugee? It’s me. I can’t speak for everyone, only for myself and my family. But let my story be something that can show the general picture.

More importantly, our students will be examining the history of the Civil Rights Movement in preparation for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Unfortunately, the need for kindness and peace between people is as crucial as it was when Dr. King fought against persecution and violence. We try to learn from his example as we navigate the challenges we still face in 2025. As long as our children keep dreaming and working for a better

Our kids became ing the quarantine

guage that my kids have – only because very important because we have the with their roots, which I hadn’t in my help and support made us confident here, in the US!

The beginning of 2022 It was a happy time for me.

The JDS knows that making a difference starts with our youngest treasures. That’s one of the reasons we love welcoming the next generation of change-makers to our Little Learners events. Caregivers and their babies and toddlers have been joining us monthly to socialize, craft, snack, and play. Our staff has trouble staying away from this room filled with cuteness and joy. Next

Editor’s note: On Saturday, February 4, JDS parent Anastasiia Zavodnyk, was invited to be a guest

I had a beautiful house near Kyiv, capital of Ukraine. I had a garden full of fruit trees and berry bushes. I had great plans – I was opening my own cafe and bakery store, I was setting up a big greenhouse to plant many vegetables there. My children went to great preschool and afterschool smart classes. My daughter started to go to ballroom classes at the best dance school in the area. My husband had a very important role with great career opportunities in the biggest energy company in Ukraine. We used to invite our friends to our little par ties at home, used to see our parents when we wanted to. It was really a very great period of life; I was truly

And then, on 24th of February, all was ruined. The war started. And what did we know about war? Only history WW2 from books and movies…and some hor rible stories from our grandparents. We decided to stay, because it was our home. We thought that our village was now a target for the enemy and even if they would come. We heard stories from our grandparents who remembered a time when their homes were under oc cupation during WW2 so we kind of could guess how it could be in our case. But we were wrong, very very wrong. Because in village aren’t many people – it’s dif ficult to feel panic. We heard sounds of missile strikes, the house was shaking every time, but personally I really felt it on the second week, end of February. I needed to take my youngest daughter to doctor. So, we were going by car there. It wasn’t far but we needed to go through a checkpoint which was created as a part of country protection actions. There I saw real soldiers, guns, bul lets laying on the ground, tanks for the first time in my life. And it wasn’t museum exhibition, it was real life situation. But worst was that something just fly above my head and then I heard and felt shot near me. It was enemy drone. It scared me to death, I never ever felt like this before. Next weeks were very scary for me. The enemy soldiers were closer and closer to our village. At

evening we needed to shut all lights, because our ter ritorial defense was looking for hiding russian soldiers. I realized that I couldn’t stand any more. I couldn’t pre tend as nothing serious was happening and it was safe enough for kids. The worse for me was to let then feel fear, to feel war. It’s not what children should feel, not until they are enough old to understand everything and not be hurt by it. I want my children to be happy, to be confident and have strong and healthy mental health. So, I asked my husband to leave our home.

We left on 7th of March and on 8th of March rus sians* came to our house. They occupied all village, killed men, raped women, stole a lot of things, ruin our houses… it lasted 4 weeks. So, it was nothing like occu pation during WW2… it was worse, much worse. And

Now we are here. And we are very lucky, because we met people with very big open hearts full of love and kindness, people who helped us with so many things. People from Jewish Day School, Jewish Community of Lehigh Valley, Jewish Community Center. Not enough words to describe how grateful we are for it. And this great opportunity to know Jewish traditions and lan-

We wish you a winter season full of warmth, sunshiny smiles, and a chance to play in the snow. As we used to say in the ’80s, have a totally tubular January!

Who is the refugee?

guage that my kids have – only because of you. It is very important because we have the ability to reconnect with their roots, which I hadn’t in my childhood. Your help and support made us confident in our presence

So, what is the difference between me as a refugeesons why we came. I love Ukraine, it’s my home, home of my children and many past generations of my and

So, what is the difference between and other people who came here as sons why we came. I love Ukraine, it’s of my children and many past generations my husband’s family. We miss our home fore February 2022 we never thought ing abroad, we simply didn’t want to, satisfied with our lives and happy in the US because it was the best option the most difficult. It was hard, and because of usual immigrant’s difficulties ent language, different culture, finding local documents, impossible life without impossible life without a credit score, ficulty is not being allowed to go out for people, who decide to come here, big goal, who choose to live here and thing to make this “American dream” it is very hard for us, refugees, forced heart is still at our home with our parents, houses and gardens. And only our life here more like at home (through versations, care and support). Because day most important things are not material will never ever fill your heart and soul

ing abroad, we simply didn’t want to, because we were satisfied with our lives and happy in Ukraine. We chose the US because it was the best option of all, but also the most difficult. It was hard, and it is hard. Not onlyent language, different culture, finding job, getting all local documents, impossible life without a car, almostficulty is not being allowed to go out of the US. Maybe for people, who decide to come here, who has it likething to make this “American dream” came true, but it is very hard for us, refugees, forced migrants, who’s heart is still at our home with our friends, neighbors, parents, houses and gardens. And only your help madeversations, care and support). Because at the end of the day most important things are not material things, they -

So, I want to say a big, huge thank to all of you! I am grateful for the ability day, in a safe, beautiful and ambitious grateful to all of you, for listening to porting my family and Ukraine. I believe end soon, that I can finally see my home friends and neighbors. But I, as all Ukrainians, in that fatal February, in pre-war days, our land, in our home; happy, confident days, full of ambitious plans.

So, I want to say a big, huge thank you one more timeday, in a safe, beautiful and ambitious place, the US. I’mporting my family and Ukraine. I believe that war will end soon, that I can finally see my home and hug all my friends and neighbors. But I, as all Ukrainians, still stay in that fatal February, in pre-war days, when we were on our land, in our home; happy, confident in the coming

like this before. Next weeks were very scary for me. The enemy soldiers were closer and closer to our village. At

evening we needed to shut all lights, because ritorial defense was looking for hiding russian realized that I couldn’t stand any more. I couldn’t tend as nothing serious was happening and enough for kids. The worse for me was to fear, to feel war. It’s not what children should until they are enough old to understand everything not be hurt by it. I want my children to be confident and have strong and healthy mental So, I asked my husband to leave our home. We left on 7th of March and on 8th of sians* came to our house. They occupied killed men, raped women, stole a lot of things, houses… it lasted 4 weeks. So, it was nothing pation during WW2… it was worse, much

*I use little letter instead of capital on purpose. this people anymore and it’s even hard for because what they have done and are still they are humans at all to me. And because it highlight it as my relation to them.

*I use little letter instead of capital on purpose. I don’t respect this people anymore and it’s even hard for me to call them people, because what they have done and are still doing doesn’t look like they are humans at all to me. And because it is my story, I want to highlight it as my relation to them.

Now we are here. And we are very lucky, met people with very big open hearts full kindness, people who helped us with so many People from Jewish Day School, Jewish Community Lehigh Valley, Jewish Community Center. words to describe how grateful we are for great opportunity to know Jewish traditions

JDS is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley

people

it’s dif like this before. Next weeks were very scary for me. The enemy soldiers were closer and closer to our village. At

A New Year and a New Look for JFS

Jewish Family Service has recently completed a transformation of the waiting room and common areas thanks to a project inspired by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley’s Volunteer Challenge.

The Volunteer Challenge mobilizes local corporations and businesses to partner with nonprofit organizations to complete sustainable projects. In May of 2024, Alvin H. Butz, Inc. chose JFS as the project recipient for a waiting room makeover. The construction company donated supplies, carpenters, and volunteers to build a new storage closet and

paint the waiting room.

JFS was so excited by the new look that additional funds were allocated to expand the project to create a professional and welcoming space for staff, clients, guests, and volunteers. Long time supporter, Sara Jane Bub was engaged to design a comfortable and polished environment. She began by picking paint colors that coordinated with the blues and greens of the JFS logo. New lighting was added to the waiting room and hallways to brighten the 60-year-old building.

In similar color schemes, JFS purchased new seating and decorative

fixtures. With the calming accents, guests frequently comment on the cheerfulness of the space and appreciate the new look.

While grateful for the changes in the waiting room, the staff remarked on the updated lighting and coordinating paint colors in the hallways. “Our building actually feels bigger because of the fresh paint and new lighting. I can’t believe the difference!” says Laura Garber, clinical therapist.

Executive Director

Debbie Zoller shares, “I’m thrilled that the board of directors approved the funding for this capital

improvement. It’s incredible how small changes can have big impacts on how people feel in the building.”

What’s next? A digital screen in the waiting area will showcase donors and sponsors of the annual corporate sponsorship program, Life & Legacy, and other initiatives. It will also feature food pantry promotions, events, closure dates and emergency evacuation instructions.

JFS welcomes you to step inside the refreshed space, whether you are here for services, programs, dropping off donations, or just to say hello!

Volunteer Couple Spotlight: Mary Laronge and Ralph Del

JFS shines the light on Mary Laronge and Ralph Del Aguila, food pantry volunteers. Their love story began over three decades ago, where they met at a dance through a single’s group. Mary began volunteering 10 years ago after being recruited by her friend Becky Goldenberg, who helped transform the pantry into a choice model. Ralph started volunteering as he was inspired by

her involvement.

Currently, Mary volunteers on Thursdays and assists Community Food Pantry clients in selecting foods that best suit their households. Mary has developed a rapport with many of the clients and feels a sense of satisfaction in being able to help them. She frequently attends Spanish lessons for JFS staff and volunteers to better serve the 57% of

GET WELL SOON

SPENCER LEVINE

Jane and Arthur Kaplan

IN HONOR

LAWRENCE CENTER

(In honor of his birthday)

the clients who speak Spanish.

Ralph has a background in engineering and previously volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. Every Wednesday, he restocks the shelves and organizes the food pantry for Thursday’s clients. Always ready with a joke, he enjoys the camaraderie of the staff and other volunteers and feels good about giving

back in a useful way.

Food Pantry Coordinator Doug Trachtman reflected, “Mary brings a passion for helping others and a very long record of experience to back it up. Ralph is a joy to have in the pantry and always brings a smile to

Aguila

We thank those individuals who have graciously supported Jewish Family Service with tributes:

IN LOVING MEMORY

CAROL HOFFMAN

(Aunt of Stephanie Hoffman-Sacks and Jason Hoffman)

Roberta and Alan Penn

Barbara and Fred Sussman

PAM KAPLAN

(Daughter of Elaine Kaplan)

Beth and Wesley Kozinn

Barbara and Fred Sussman

LILLIAN KOBROVSKY

(Mother of Carol Kobrovsky

Derucki and Larry Kobrovsky)

Sheila Berg

LOIS LIPSON

(Wife of Donald Lipson, mother of Scott Lipson)

Clara Bergstein

Roberta and Alan Penn

RUTH SACHS MEISLIN

(Mother of John Meislin and Ann Rosen)

Roberta and Jeff Epstein

Elizabeth and Jeffrey Greenberg

Rabbi Allen and Toby Juda

Eric Leventhal

Lois Leventhal

Roberta and Alan Penn

Phyllis and Henry Perkin

Carol Springer

Arlene and Richard Stein

Barbie and Steve Zimmerman

ELI PAPIR

(Brother of Leon Papir, uncle of Emily Ford)

Jane and Arthur Kaplan

Ralph Del Aguila and Mary Laronge my face with his quickwitted humor.”

A profound day in London full of prayer, song, Jewish unity

By Cantor Ellen Sussman Temple Shirat Shalom

I just took a short trip to London with my husband, David. We planned this trip months ago. We were going to stay a few days to break up our trip to Israel.

As many of you know, my son Jeremy lives in the outskirts of Haifa with his wife, Meidan Keidar, the Lehigh Valley’s first shlicha. They now have three children: a 4-year-old little girl named Sol and identical twin boys 18 months old named Ron and Gal. We visit them twice a year and stay for at least a month. Well, the last time I saw them was last

Passover, since the war has made it dangerous to go to Israel. When there was a war “only” in the south, Haifa was “safe” and we were able to go. When the war began in earnest with Hezbollah and a Lebanese front in the north, Jeremy told us not to come. We were then thrilled when the cease fire was announced and hoped to go to London and then to Israel. To our dismay, El Al, which is the only airline flying to Israel, had no seats available, but lo and behold, Polish Airways had a flight. We were going to London and then to Israel. But suddenly Polish Airways canceled their flight. Since our trip to London was already booked and we had a hotel room, opera tickets, and theater tickets, our tour went on as planned.

We had an amazing time, with many stories to tell. For this article, I want to focus on one remarkable experience. When I was studying for my bachelor of music degree in vocal performance, the music history course included choral music of the Renaissance. The compositions of the English composers at that time were beautiful, ethereal, and quite moving. While in London, I had a chance to hear the music of William Byrd

and Thomas Tallis, two of the most important British Renaissance composers. The music was being performed as it was meant to be heard by a magnificent men and boys choir in the overwhelming edifice of Westminster Abbey.

It was a cold rainy day and we took the tube to Westminster, saw 10 Downing Street, Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. As we were walking to Westminster Abbey, we noticed a very heavy police presence. I asked one of the officers if anything special was happening. He said there was to be a pro-Israel, anti-Jew-hate rally. Well, five minutes later hundreds of people start approaching, carrying Israeli flags, banners saying, “Act against hate before it is too late,” chanting and singing. It was very moving, and I was glad to be there and sing along with those attending, all so proud of being Jewish and connected to our long history. After the rally, it was time to attend the evensong service and hear the beautiful music I have always loved and wanted to hear in Eng-

land, the country of its birth.

As I was sitting in my seat being transported by the beauty of the music, I connected the two events in my mind. Nietzsche said, “God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him.”

Modern pundits are always speaking of the demise of organized religion, the fact that “young people” don’t believe in religion or God. The rally was filled with people of all ages connected by their love of the Jewish people. They also sang songs and prayers that resonate with all of us. They understood the only way to combat antisemitism

is to come together, pray together, and be boldly Jewish. Just a few hours later, hundreds of people came together to bask in the light of the ancient music and the ancient words that speak of love and peace. They too understood that the only way to combat the darkness that can consume the modern person is to come to the teachings of God and to learn from them. We need to be with one another and pray with one another. At this season when the world is filled with darkness, let us find the light of our tradition and the joy of following the ways of Torah.

Tens of thousands participated in the March against Antisemitism in London on December 8, 2024. (Photo by Stuart Mitchell/Campaign against Antisemitism)

Making sure lone soldiers are not alone

By Amy Golding Special to Hakol

I always knew that my brother would make aliyah, that he would serve in the Israel Defense Forces in the prime of his life, a proud Zionist, even working to outrun his asthma to prepare for his army physical. As a lone soldier defending Israel, he stopped a grenade with his bare hand to save his troops, sacrificing his arm.

When we were growing up, Naomi Shemer’s songs played during car rides, reinforcing our deep connection to Israel. My parents’ fundraising for Israel’s causes further ingrained the importance of protecting our homeland. But on October 7, when our world forever changed, my connection to Israel and its lone soldiers transformed into an urgent calling.

Today, I serve as chief development officer at the Lone Soldier Center in Memory of

Michael Levin. In this role, I focus on building the American Friends of Lone Soldiers division to support over 7,000 lone soldiers annually—individuals who leave their homes, families, and comforts to serve in defense of Israel.

Michael Levin made aliyah from Philadelphia in 2002 and joined the IDF paratroopers. In 2006, while he was visiting family in the United States, war broke out on Israel’s northern border after Hezbollah ambushed an IDF patrol. Levin returned to Israel and rejoined his unit. On August 1, he fell in intense fighting, age 21. His memory and courage live on in the lone soldiers who continue down the path he set.

The Lone Soldier Center is Israel’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to supporting lone soldiers. Its mission extends beyond military service, ensuring that these brave men and women are cared for physically, emotionally, and financially by providing housing, therapeutic support, and comprehensive assistance.

The impact of the Lone Soldier Center is profound. Every year, it changes the lives of thousands of soldiers, bridging the gap between military service and reintegration into civilian life. The need continues to grow as more young people answer the call to defend Israel.

This year, I have been deeply moved by the bravery

and generosity I’ve witnessed in our community. One of the most inspiring moments came during a Friendsgiving fundraiser hosted by Marina Adamsky, an immigrant from Ukraine who sought refuge in America due to religious persecution. Marina’s vision extended beyond the meal; she encouraged guests to give back. Among the contributors were the Jensen sisters, ages 5, 7, and 8, who ran a lemonade stand and raised $60.

I’ve also seen the bravery of IDF soldiers echoed in our communities. Parents choose to send their children to Jewish Day Schools despite fear. Our teens buy Star of David necklaces to don proudly, many speak on behalf of Israel on social media, donations continue to come in for our Jewish Federation’s Israel Emergency Campaign, and early each Sunday morning, many walk for our hostages, led by the grassroots efforts of Tama Tamarkin, Naomi Schachter, and Miriam Zager.

Let’s stand united in support of those who protect Israel and the Jewish people. United we commit ourselves to the eternity of Israel and the Jewish People.

We’ll learn about Shabbat and celebrate with songs and PJ Library stories. Light dinner provided. Participants will receive everything they need to celebrate Shabbat at home. Register for one date or all! Registration required.

March 7, 2025

4:00-5:30 p.m.

April 4, 2025 4:00-5:30 p.m.

May 9, 2025

4:00-5:30 p.m.

Item of the Month

Dish Soap

JFS is collecting dish soap throughout the month of January for clients of the Community Food Pantry. Your donation can be dropped off at JFS during business hours, in the bins at the JCC and Temple Beth El, or ordered through the JFS Amazon Wish List

Thank you for your participation!

The Kabbalistic Tree: Visual Interface of Jewish Mysticism

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19, 2025

HST Building, Room 101 4:30 – 6:00 PM

J. H. (Yossi) Chajes (Ph D , Yale University 1999) is Sir Isaac Wolfson Professor of Jewish Thought in the Department of Jewish History at the University of Haifa A former recipient of Fulbright, Rothchild, Wexner, and Hartman Fellowships, Chajes has also been a visiting professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, a three-time fellow at the Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, and a fellow at the Israel Institute for Advanced Studies in Jerusalem and the Forschungskolleg Humanwissenschaften of Goethe University Frankfurt He sits on the Executive Board of the World Union of Jewish Studies, representing the fields of rabbinics and Jewish thought

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

LEARN MORE HERE:

Three cities, three gatherings, three giant menorahs

Rabbi Yaacov Halperin made his annual Chanukah rounds of the Lehigh Valley to light giant menorahs at central locations in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton before gatherings of Jewish community members, city officials, and other friends and supporters.

TBE scores another ChanuCan success—check the numbers

By Shari Spark Temple Beth El Ritual and Service Coordinator

Temple Beth El hosted ChanuCan December 8-15. Held every other year, ChanuCan raises money to buy canned and dried food. Children at TBE, supervised by volunteers, then use the purchased items to build structures

based on a Jewish theme— this year’s theme was “Tefillah Toons,” all about prayer. At the end of a week’s worth of building, presentations, and viewing of the finished structures, all the food is donated back into the local community.

Every food label describes, by the numbers, the nutri-

tional value of a serving. ChanuCan, too, has a “by the numbers” value. Here’s the breakdown of the 2024 event:

• Over 6,000 pounds of food purchased and donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank

• Nearly $3,000 in additional funds raised and donated to Jewish Family Service

• More individual donations

than ever

• 40-plus volunteers engaged in helping TBE students build canned-food structures

• 50 students learning about food insecurity in the Lehigh Valley area, as well as exploring the theme of tefillah (prayer)

• An audience of 80 being taught by TBE students and

joining together to view the amazing structures and presentations and to have Chanukah fun

• Infinite enthusiasm and unending thanks to all who participated ChanuCan’s message of helping those who need help every day demonstrates that this work never ends.

Kids play dreidel, light candles at Chanukah Tot Shabbat

By Billy Thompson Digital Marketing Associate

Families from the Easton, Bethlehem, and Allentown areas converged at Congregation Bnai Shalom in Easton on Friday, December 20, for a PJ Library Chanukah Tot Shabbat.

Winter weather had slowed travel on the Lehigh Valley roads, so the group started out small, playing dreidel with chocolate coins. But a steady stream of new families joined in as the event continued.

Rabbi Adrienne Rubin of Bnai Shalom, who had organized

the event with Abby Trachtman of the Jewish Federation and Cantor Jill Pakman of Bnai Shalom, read a Chanukah story. That set the stage for the kids to learn how to light the chanukiah (Chanukah menorah) themselves.

More kids joined the group as Cantor Pakman taught Shabbat songs. She encouraged them to get up and dance, and dance they did! The lighting of Shabbat candles followed soon after.

Last came latkes and cookies, a treat in celebration of the soon-to-arrive Chanukah.

DEADLINE: MARCH 21, 2025

Scholarships will be awarded to individuals for Jewish teen education experiences that will enrich the recipients, enhance the community, and increase the likelihood of future engagement with Jewish life.

Scholarships are provided by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley's annual campaign, on a non-needs basis. Teens may request scholarships for: Conventions Jewish youth group summer programs Jewish summer camps Certain trips to Israel Leadership development programs

LIMITED FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE. Scholarship forms are available at www.jewishlehighvalley.org/scholarships

DEADLINE: MARCH 24, 2023

Shuk shoppers snap up gifts made by Israeli vendors

By Connor Hayes Director of Community Programming

Although December 9 was a cold and wet day for most of the Lehigh Valley, inside Temple Beth El, the main sanctuary was filled with shoppers eager to see wares from vendors who had come a long way to be there. The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley was proud to assist Temple Beth El in bringing this event to fruition, to the benefit of the community and of course to our friends in Israel.

Shuk to the Core, an organization that assists in

bringing Israeli vendors on tour with their products to meet international customers, made its Allentown debut, after prior stops in New York and New Jersey.

Unique to the traveling tour, and in contrast to a traditional shuk (market), was the variety of wares. Kippot, leatherwork, and home goods made an appearance, but there were also rarer finds such as decorative tambourines and even books from a budding fiction author.

Keren Ouliel, from Beersheva, who penned a young adult thriller series, was happy to share what brought her to the shuk. “I’ve been

writing since I was 6 years old, and the idea for The Order series came to me in a dream,” she said. “This was the basis for the main character, Naya, who is a journalist who investigates natural disasters. I enjoy telling stories and sharing my thoughts with the world.”

Likewise, artisan Shira Haivri, from Samaria, felt compelled to share her art form with the world—gorgeous, handcrafted, painted instruments, most notably tambourines. “I have a studio where I sell my art,” she said, “but I also give workshops with the tambourines, because women come from all

over to learn the art. We do tambourine decorating, but I do the calligraphy paintings and build the instruments myself.”

Even before embarking on the shuk tour, Shira was quite well-traveled. “I studied art at the Royal Academy College in the Netherlands, and I fell in love with the shape of the Hebrew letters,” she said. “The tambourines especially are a symbol of redemption, with Miriam the Prophet and the women dancing with the instrument after leaving Egypt.”

Noa Attias, from Hashmonaim, also brought unique wares, in the form of intricate

paper art, and spoke to the level of support that Israelis receive from all the Americans that come to the tour stops. “We’ve been having some hard times these days, but we feel a lot of love,” he said. “It’s my third tour with the shuk, and the amount of love I’ve gotten and the support of Israel is just amazing.”

For Attias and many other Israelis, these kinds of events are catharsis and reassurance in a very difficult and dark time. “It gives so much strength,” he said. “Even if people don’t buy, they come and they say how much they support us and love us. It’s a big help to us all.”

Our 2025 NCC Theatre Season

AUDITIONS

Sylvia auditions Wednesday, January 22nd, 6:00pm - 8:00pm and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee auditions Wednesday, January 29th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm Auditions take place in the Lipkin Theater. Students and Community members are always welcome.

Am Haskalah shares in prayer, festivities

On the fourth night of Hanukkah in Bethlehem, Rabbi Steve Nathan and Student Rabbi Alex Malanych led the prayers with 20 plus friends

from Am Haskalah, followed by latkes, potluck and some wonderful time spent in community.

The Jewish Day School Annual Gala was an evening filled with laughter, love, and the warmth of our incredible community. As people gathered to celebrate 71 years of JDS, the night was made even more special by honoring Brian Goldman, middle school English teacher, for his contributions and dedication to his students and the

school.

Guests enjoyed a joyous atmosphere, complete with good food, conversation, and heartfelt moments. The gala was a testament to the

strength and spirit of the JDS family.

JDS expressed its gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the event. Their generosity and encour-

agement continue to make a profound impact on the school, its mission, and the future of its students.

Ben Grossman

Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley 702 North 22nd Street

Allentown, PA 18104

610-821-5500

aaron@jflv.org lvjfgiving.org

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

DONOR ADVISED FUND

Ben Grossman has fond memories of spending time at Congregation Sons of Israel and the JCC in Allentown when he was young. Both were and continue to be key institutions of the Lehigh Valley Jewish community that he has committed to sustaining and strengthening into the future through a planned legacy gift.

he ran the family company Grossman Brothers (which he closed in 2016), his ancestors were in the scrap metal business, originally working as street peddlers.

GIVING FOR THE FUTURE

in the program promise an after-lifetime commitment to setting up an endowment that will provide funding toward keeping the various organizations and efforts of the local Jewish community—including the Jewish Federation, JCC, Jewish Day School, Jewish Family Service, and the synagogues— here and vibrant for future generations.

“I heard about the Life and Legacy program and figured I’d give it a shot,” Grossman said. “A couple of my friends were active in it.”

Some of those friends were making phone calls to community members who might want to take part in ensuring that the Valley Jewish community thrives over the long term. Grossman was on the list. “It didn’t take much to convince me,” he said.

702 North 22nd Street

Allentown, PA 18104

of the Lehigh Valley of the Lehigh Valley

organizations and causes you

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

“The JCC was the place to be,” he said as we talked recently inside the JCC. “Everyone came here. Some kids in the neighborhood would come here to work out, even though they weren’t members.”

Grossman was born and raised in the Lehigh Valley, and his family has been here since the late 1800s or early 1900s. Like himself when

A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is like having your own foundation. The fund is invested in our endowment for growth and allows you to make charitable gifts from the income and principal. When you pass away, your children may make recommendations for distributions from the fund or you can leave the DAF to Federation to help us continue to benefit those who need it the most in our community!

In recent years, Grossman has been active as a volunteer for Jewish community organizations. Around 2010, he served on the board of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. Later on, he volunteered at Jewish Family Service. He worked there in the Mazel Meals program through the peak Covid years, picking up food donations from grocery stores and taking them to the JFS pantry, as well as delivering prepared meals to homes. He recently signed on to the Life and Legacy program offered through the Jewish Federation in partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Participants

A FLEXIBLE, LOW-COST ALTERNATIVE TO A PRIVATE FOUNDATION

A DAF offers you a flexible and easy-to-establish vehicle for charitable giving. Unlike private foundation gifts, DAF gifts generally qualify for a full fair market value charitable deduction and have lower startup costs. A DAF also permits you to make grants to charity without the unfavorable private foundation restrictions and excise taxes.

RECOMMENDING YOUR GIFTS TO OUR ORGANIZATION

Once your account is open, you are ready to begin giving. Simply contact us in writing with your annual recommendations of how your DAF funds should be distributed. While we may not be legally obligated to distribute your funds as you desire, we seek to honor your wishes to help further the organizations and causes you love.

EASY TO GET STARTED

IT'S

Opening a DAF account is easy. Simply contact us for an application form, and complete and sign the fund agreement. You may fund your account with a gift of cash, securities, real estate or other assets. Check with us if you have unique or special assets that may be donated in a tax-efficient way.

For more information, visit lvjfgiving.org or contact Aaron Gorodzinsky, Director of Development, at 610.821.5500 or email aaron@jflv.org.

He emphasized that all community members have to do their part. “All this didn’t just appear here,” he said. “You need to do what needs to be done to keep it going. These organizations meet the demands for services in the community. I want there to be something there for the next generations.

“Somebody else did it for you. Now it’s your turn to do it for somebody else.”

To find out how you can do your part through the Life and Legacy program to ensure that the Jewish community continues to thrive into the future, contact Aaron Gorodzinsky at 610-821-5500 or aaron@jflv.org.

Keep mind and body healthy with regular visits to the J

By Heather Lavin JCC Program Director

At the JCC, fitness is all about finding the right option for you, whether you’re just starting your journey or you’re looking to enhance your routine.

Healthy bodies

Monday through Thursday, energizing Silver Sneakers classes designed for older adults offer a reason to get up and get out on these cold days. Group exercise offers a variety of sessions that focus on strength and endurance as well as the popular gentle yoga class. Maybe you don’t know where to start—fitness and sports director Danielle Brown can get you off on the right foot with 30- or 60-minute personal training sessions. There’s something for every fitness level. Whether you prefer group classes or solo workouts, or a swim in the pool, the JCC provides a welcoming space for your body to thrive and stay active.

Healthy minds

The JCC strives to incorporate general wellness into its other programs, whether that’s

practicing gratitude in the JLounge afterschool program or learning the mind-body connection in the kids yoga classes.

Lessons learned in mindfulness

Friendship Circle recently dedicated a session to mindfulness, with the Lehigh Valley Health Network Center for Mindfulness leading an introductory program to close out the JCC’s 2024 programming. Lisa Wolk, a registered dietician and level 1 instructor for mindfulness-based stress reduction, spent about an hour leading the group on a mindfulness journey.

She began with a 10-minute meditation, having the group focus on staying in the moment and preventing the mind from wandering. She had the group members close their eyes and focus on one constant—feet on the floor, back on the chair, breathing... She described how taking 5-10 minutes to do a meditative practice after you wake up and before you go to bed can provide a calm start to your day or ease you into sleep.

The latter especially resonated with the group, and

many members voiced struggles with falling asleep and staying asleep. Participants asked for further tips, and Wolk stressed the importance of cutting out screens—TV, phone, and tablet—at least 30 minutes before going to bed. She then led the group in a walking meditation, with everyone slowly walking around the room, consciously focusing on each step and paying attention to the rais-

ing and lowering of their legs and feet. For an older group, taking the time to be mindful of steps and not rushing is an essential element of fall prevention.

Wolk concluded her presentation by emphasizing that, as beneficial as these focused, purposeful mindfulness practices are, it’s also helpful to practice mindfulness more informally. Ultimately, mindfulness is a tool you can use to stay in the moment, turn off autopilot, and reduce day-to-day stress. This can be done by simply

taking the time to think about your actions—brushing your teeth, petting the dog, enjoying your first bite of food . . . By thinking about the sensations you’re experiencing and how they make you feel in the moment, you’re well on your way along your own mindfulness journey.

FROM ISRAEL

Harnessing our own bodies for side effect-free weight loss

NoCamels Israeli Innovation News

Two naturally occurring molecules could be the key to sustained weight management, offering an organic alternative to the so-called diet drugs that have become extremely popular worldwide. Jerusalem-based Metabolize is using two small molecules known as metabolites, which are produced in the body in response to exercise, intermittent fasting and a ketogenic

(low-carbohydrate, high-fat) diet.

These two metabolites, Metabolize founder and CEO Morris Laster tells NoCamels, reduce both appetite and weight like GLP-1 medications, but are less aggressive and do not share their unfortunate side effects.

The GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) family of drugs is used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, and includes now-famous brands such as

Ozempic and Wegovy. But many people who take these drugs experience unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

According to Metabolize, the GLP-1 side effects are so bad that more than 80 percent of people taking the drugs stop the treatment within the first year and many regain whatever weight they had lost. Furthermore, Laster explains, because the two metabolites actually target different areas in the brain than GLP-1s, they do not have an adverse impact on the pleasure centers by triggering another unpleasant side effect – a phenomenon known as anhedonia or lack of enjoyment.

Obesity is a rapidly growing problem across the globe. The World Health Organization says that by 2022, some 890 million adults (one in eight people) on the planet were living with obesity—a number that had more than doubled since 1990. And for adolescents aged five to 19 years the situation is even more grave, with the number of young people living with obesity quadrupling to 160 million in the same period— bringing the total number of people of all ages living with obesity to over one billion. Metabolize believes its metabolites solution could be a game changer, particularly as it is taken orally and not injected, and is classed by the US Food and Drug Administration as a “new

dietary ingredient” rather than medication. This means that it can be used in foods and accessed over the counter without a prescription once it has successfully completed a checklist of animal toxicology studies.

“You can use it as an ingredient in protein bars, drinks and functional foods,” Laster says. “So you can basically have a healthy snack, and it’ll reduce your appetite along the way.”

Although the company was only established in June of this year, the story of Metabolize’s metabolites solution began two years ago, when Laster, a medical doctor and veteran biomedical entrepreneur, became aware of an article in the Nature journal about the N-lactoyl-phenylalanine (Lac-Phe) metabolite, which has a weight loss effect and actually increases in the body due to intense exercise.

Laster reached out to the scientist who discovered the metabolite, Prof. Jonathan Long of Stanford University, who told him that Lac-Phe had to be injected to supplement the body’s own production of the molecule, but he was actually working on another compound—X-Phe— that had the same impact as Lac-Phe but could be taken orally.

While Laster began the process to obtain the license for X-Phe from Stanford, Long informed him that he was working on a third metabolite—N-acetyltaurine

(NAT)—that had a similar effect and could also be ingested. And together, X-Phe and NAT could lead to weight loss of up to 20 percent without the side effects of GLP-1 medications and without influencing the pleasure center in the brain.

Laster obtained the licenses for both X-Phe and NAT and so Metabolize, which is also registered in the US State of Delaware, was born. The company is now working on achieving the FDA’s new dietary ingredient designation. Laster explains that because it is classed as a supplement rather than a medication, the designation cuts down the timeline for entry to market from a decade to 18 months, and the cost from around a billion dollars to three or four million.

“You’re talking about a big difference in terms of investment, but the outcome is pretty much the same,” he says.

Metabolize hopes to meet the FDA requirements and commercialize the supplement by 2026, either selling it over the counter through a B2C model, or license out it to food manufacturers to develop in foods, bars or protein drinks.

“Essentially, you have a healthy snack that is also involved in reducing weight,” says Laster.

FROM ISRAEL

Israeli medical technologies that could change the world

NoCamels Israeli Innovation News

Israel is world-famous for its innovation in a wide range of fields, from cybersecurity that protects from hackers to awe-inspiring defense tech on the ground and in the air that keeps us all safer. But for many who find themselves facing the greatest battle of all—for their health—Israeli companies have developed truly life-changing medical technology. We take a look at some of the most significant innovations, which have the potential to really make the world a better and healthier place.

Freezing out cancer

IceCure Medical’s ProSense system does what the name of the company suggests—freezing tumors as a treatment for early-stage breast, lung, liver and kidney cancers. Doctors insert a small needle into the tumor, using liquid nitrogen to freeze it to temperatures as low as -170°C, without harming the healthy tissue that surrounds it. The cells die as they thaw, and are then absorbed by the body.

The system can be used in a doctor’s own surgery with no invasive treatment or general anesthetic, involving no hospitalization or tissue removal that can cause scarring. The ice ball also has an analgesic effect, providing additional numbing and pain relief to the treated area.

Today, ProSense currently has regulatory approval in 15 countries, including Canada, the United States and China.

Wheelchair that puts users back on their feet

The wife of inventor and entrepreneur Dr. Amit Goffer cried when she saw him standing on his own feet for the first time, after almost two decades in a wheelchair, thanks to his UpnRide development. The unique mobility device gives users the freedom to sit, stand and travel in an upright position, and can lift the user from a sitting to a standing position—and back again—unaided.

Goffer had lost the use of both legs and some movement in his arms when he broke his neck in an ATV accident in 1997, He had already invented the “bionic” ReWalk, a wearable device that allows paraplegics to walk again, and then began developing a solution for people who did not have the upper-body function it requires. And unlike other similar solutions on the market, FDA-approved UpnRide’s sophisticated technology allows the user to travel upright at 4km per hour regardless of terrain, tackling almost all

urban environments.

Tiny camera is canceling colonoscopies

Perhaps the most famous of Israeli medtech developments, the PillCam is a non-invasive method of detecting disorders in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Developed by Given Imaging (today owned by American multinational Medtronic), the pill-sized camera is ingested by patients, which allows physicians to visualize the esophagus, colon and areas of the small intestine. This is vital for detecting diseases including Crohn’s, obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) and even esophageal cancer.

After a 10-hour fast, patients swallow the PillCam that then passes naturally through the digestive system over an eight-hour period. During that time PillCam transmits approximately 50,000 images, which can then be downloaded and reviewed by the physician. The pill also costs around $800, making it far cheaper than a colonoscopy that can come with a price tag of more than $4,000 and is often far more uncomfortable. Since acquiring Given Imaging, Medtronic has opened development centers in Jerusalem and Yokneam, where it employs around 750 people.

Predicting strokes with sensors

Prevention, as the saying goes, is better than a cure, and Avertto’s groundbreaking wearable device alerts people to the dangers of an imminent stroke before it even happens. The firstever device of its kind uses cutting-edge pulse wave analysis technology to monitor changes in the blood flow to

the brain through the carotid artery, allowing immediate medical steps to be taken to mitigate the risk.

Strokes are most commonly caused by a clot blocking the essential supply of blood to the brain, and according to the World Health Organization are the second leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability across the globe.

Avertto’s device uses sensors placed over the carotid arteries, the two major blood vessels on either side of the neck that provide the blood supply to the brain. A lower blood flow level indicates potential blockages in the carotid arteries. The device’s AI-based alert system detects these changes and within seconds notifies the wearer, first responders and healthcare providers.

AI platform makes snappy work of diabetic eye test

A store-bought camera and a revolutionary AI platform have made simple work of one of the seemingly endless list of tests required by diabetics to monitor their health—with minimum discomfort and in a convenient setting. AEYE Health’s proprietary software analyzes an image of the eye for diabetic retinopathy—damage to the blood vessels in the retina that can lead to blindness— without having to dilate the pupil in an uncomfortable and incapacitating procedure.

Building the platform, which uses machine learning, involved collecting and analyzing massive amounts of data in order to understand how to differentiate between patients whose eyes needed no immediate further care and those who required a referral to an ophthalmologist.

The method can be used

by a family doctor at a pharmacy or even in a patient’s own home, and yields immediate results, avoiding the discomfort and inconvenience that deters many people from having the crucial annual test.

So remarkable is the development that AEYE Health CEO Zack Dvey-Aharon was recently named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in artificial intelligence for 2024.

Mapping endometriosis without surgery

Women suffering from endometriosis—when tissue similar to the womb lining grows as “lesions” on other parts of the body—have traditionally had to undergo painful and invasive surgery to properly assess the extent of the debilitating disease. So challenging has been the detection of the disease, Yale Medicine says that it takes between four to 11 years from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis and treatment.

But femtech startup EndoCure has developed an AI-powered ultrasound platform for comprehensive mapping of the lesions, leading to quicker diagnosis and

customized treatment options for the one in 10 women of reproductive age worldwide who suffer from endometriosis. The lesions appear primarily on the ovaries, bowel and other areas of the pelvic region, causing severe pain and affecting fertility.

EndoCure’s system integrates with standard ultrasound equipment, streaming the data using its own software as the area is scanned. It produces 3D imaging that is able to detect lesions smaller than one millimeter, which are extremely hard for current systems to spot.

An honorable mention also goes to femtech startup Gynica, which has developed a treatment for endometriosis with cannabinoids, the main component in the cannabis plant.

The startup’s proprietary slow-release suppository makes use of cannabinoids’ anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as their ability to deter the movement of the endometrium cells to different parts of the body in a three-fold treatment that tackles different aspects of endometriosis.

Houman Ahdieh, M.D.

Daniel Ross, M.D.

Irena Cherfas, M.D.

Amanda Hadeed, O.D.

Mark Krakauer, M.D., M.Phil

Kelsey Paciotti, O.D.

Magi Labib, O.D.

Dr. Amit Goffer visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem using the mobility device he invented. (NoCamels photo)

By Sandi Teplitz Special to Hakol

Time for those New Year resolutions, almost all of which involve eating more healthfully . . .

New-Fashioned Oatmeal Kosher Dog Biscuits

INGREDIENTS

1 Anjou pear, cored and coarsely chopped

3/4 cup old-fashioned oats

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 Medjool date, cut up

1 dried fig, cut up

1 teaspoon miso

Oat milk or almond milk

Demerara sugar (optional)

TECHNIQUE

In a saucepan, place the pear in enough water to cover it. Cook over low heat for 3½ minutes. Add the oats with 1½ cups of water and the spices. Bring to a quick boil. Add the dried fruit and miso, turn to low, and cook for 6 minutes. Stir often.

Remove from heat, wait five minutes, then add oat milk or almond milk, and enjoy the sweet and salty flavors that meld together. A sprinkle of sugar is optional.

Zoë François, queen of cookies, has just published a tribute to these delights in her latest cookbook. She begins with a dedication to her adorable poodles, who were fortunate enough to be born into a home with a mom who is both loving and a treat maker of renown. These dog biscuits are kosher, easy to make, and have natural ingredients, readily available in any store. (Stay tuned for the February issue of Hakol with a review of the cookbook along with a featured recipe.)

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup mashed ripe banana

1 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup peanuts, ground into flour

1/4 cup cinnamon

1/4 cup turmeric

TECHNIQUE

Mix all ingredients together. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, spread out this mixture 1/4-inch thick and cover with plastic wrap. Freeze for 15 minutes. Set the oven to 350 degrees. Use a bone-shaped cookie cutter to press into dough. Bake for 15 minutes, including the scraps to use as training treats.

BOOK REVIEWS

Lehigh Valley native publishes picture book with AI art

“Growing Pains: A Teenage Bedtime Story,” Erica Marom, Spines, 2024, 48 pages.

By Sean Boyle Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley

Israeli author Erica (Chernofsky) Marom, a native of the Lehigh Valley, recently released a picture book, “Growing Pains: A Teenage Bedtime Story,” illustrated with AI. Her text is a poem about a mother reflecting on her teenage son’s journey from little boy needing her constant help to independent young man.

This past summer, Marom sent her oldest son to one of the Ramah Camping Movement camps in the United States in an effort to give him at least one month of normalcy since October 7. It was the first time Marom was separated from her 15-yearold son for so long.

Talking as she commuted from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, she reflected on his growing up and wrote a poem about his becoming a young man. She said she shares her poetry with her three sons, but this was the first time she had written specifically about one of them.

She was encouraged to

publish the poem, believing that a mother’s reflection on raising an independent son has universal appeal. Her desire, which this book definitely fulfills, was to create a place for mothers and sons to bond and bridge relationship gaps without needing to have conversations that may be difficult to vocalize, to create a space where mothers and sons could be vulnerable and remain safe sharing their feelings.

She thought of the book publishing company Spines, which was supported by the venture capital investment fund Aleph, where she is chief of communications. She sent her Google Doc to Spines in August 2024 along with AI illustrations replicating the watercolor style of illustrations in picture books she remembers from her childhood. “Growing Pains” was published just a few weeks later, on November 1 (traditional publishing can take over a year to get a manuscript to print). Spines started publishing books only in September 2024, but plans to publish 8,000 books in 2025, with the assistance of AI to speed up the process of getting books from concept to publication. Marom has been writing short stories and poems since

she was a young girl. She remembers vividly her English teacher at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley, Beth Kidd, whom she credits for helping her develop her creative writing style and who told her back then that she knew she would write a book one day.

This is Marom’s first book, and she has three more in the works. First is another picture book, “Middle Child.” The other two are adult books.

One is about her grandmother’s Holocaust survival story and Marom’s efforts to find details of that story, years after her grandmother had died. The other is a fantasy novel based on Jewish folklore.

Marom has many amazing stories of her time as a kindergarten-eighth grade student at JDS. Another of her favorite teachers was Morah Sima Greenberg, her kindergarten teacher. Marom also fondly remembers going to the nurse with a stomachache and getting to drink Coke syrup. She was happy to hear that today’s JDS students have season passes to Dorney Park, and many go every day throughout the summer as she did with her friends.

After graduating from JDS, Marom attended Kushner

Nostalgia, music, love, and loss

“What You Do to Me,” by Rochelle B. Weinstein, Lake Union Publishing, 2023, 363 pages.

By Sandi Teplitz Special to Hakol

When a person begins to read this compelling tale of love and loss, she can’t help but feel a hit of nostalgia. This novel will likely be one that holds great appeal to music lovers who lived through the sixties and seventies and their concomitant discomfort and anxiety. The characters come to life convincingly through Rochelle B. Weinstein’s skilled writing.

Weinstein carries us through the book by telling us two stories that eventually meet and become interwoven. No focus on looks here—it’s all character development.

One’s arêté comes through via actions that are not always on the up and up.

One nice touch in the book is the chapter titles— names of songs and artists the reader is familiar with and that relate to the content. Thematically, the topics are relevant to events of 2024. If there is a flaw in the book, it seems to be an overreliance on coincidence, detracting from the uncovering of character delineation. The process does not detract, though, from the author’s focus on relationships and their fluidity. It is likely that readers who identify as female will find themselves intrigued by the concepts in the plot and ultimately the ending.

Fast moving and inspiring, this book is recommended as a respite from the trials of

High School in Livingston, New Jersey, and graduated from New York University with a journalism degree. She then made aliyah and her family followed a year later. She worked as a reporter for the Jerusalem Post and then for the BBC in Jerusalem for a total of 15 years before starting at Aleph. Her father, Dr. Michael A. Chernofsky, formerly a reconstructive

plastic surgeon in the Lehigh Valley Hospital system, still practices in Jerusalem. This book is highly recommended for ages 15-120, especially for all mothers and sons.

Sean Boyle is librarian for the Jewish Day School and for Congregation Keneseth Israel and serves as president of the Association of Jewish Libraries.

daily life. It will take you on a temporary journey to the past.

Sandi Teplitz reviews books regularly for Hakol and also provides a recipe for each issue.

SIX THURSDAYS STARTING JANUARY 9

Zionism as Evolution: What Zionism Was, Is, and Can Be 6:45-8:15 p.m., JCC

Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg of Congregation Keneseth Israel and Adina Re’em of Temple Beth El will lead this six-session course examining our multiple identities as American Jews, especially in relation to Zionism and the State of Israel. The cost for the course is $60, but scholarships are available. Class dates are January 9, 16, 23, and 30, and February 9 and 13. Register at bit.ly/zionismclass.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 12

“Hearing Every Voice: How Gerrymandering Hurts Democracy— and What You Can Do about It”

10 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel

Terry Schettini of Fair Districts PA will talk about how the process by which legislators choose their voters suppresses many voices and about how to improve the situation. Registration required at kilv.org.

Community Calendar

SUNDAY, JANUARY 12

“Praying for ____: A Reconstructionist Approach”

1 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom and via Zoom

Rabbi Steven Nathan and Congregation Am Haskalah present a discussion on how Reconstructionist Jews understand prayer requests: What does petitionary prayer mean if we don’t, or might not, believe in a supernatural God? For questions or to arrange accommodations to participate fully, email AmHaskalahDirector@ gmail.com. Participate via Zoom.

SUNDAY-TUESDAY, JANUARY 1214

2025 International Lion of Judah Conference

Marriott Marquis, Atlanta, Georgia

The Jewish Federation of North America’s Lion of Judah will gather for its annual conference in January. Carol Bub Fromer will receive the Kipnis-Wilson Friedland Award for philanthropy and volunteerism at the event. Current Lions, as well as future Lions (i.e., daughters, granddaughters, and friends of Lions), are invited to attend. The women philanthropists will learn about and discuss the most pressing issues facing local,

national, and global Jewish communities and envision together how to initiate change heading into the future. Find more information and register at lionconference.org. If you have questions, contact Lee Kestecher Solomon at lee@jflv.org.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

PJ Library Havdalalala

5:30 p.m., Temple Beth El Sing along, PJ Library story time, “almost like dinner” snack. Wear comfy clothes or PJs, and bring a pillow or blanket. Registration required at jewishlehighvalley. org/pj.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26

Super Sunday: Uniting for Impact

9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., JCC Unite for Impact with the community on a Super Sunday full of programs and fundraising to help for those in need. The schedule:

• 9:30-4: Volunteer Phone Calls to raise funds for the Federation’s 2025 Campaign for Jewish Needs.

• 9:30-10:30: Maimonides Society Brunch and Learn with Dr. Frank Tamarkin, chief of urology for St. Luke’s.

• 11-noon: Women’s Philanthropy Dignity Grows mitzvah project filling bags with hygiene products for women in need.

• Noon-1: Israeli-Fare Lunch by Around the Table Catering.

• 1-2: Security Training with regional security advisor Tim Brooks on what to do when a crisis arises.

• 3-4: PJ Library Sights for Hope event, in partnership with Jewish Family Service, educating participants on what it’s like to live with visual impairment and free vision screenings.

• 4: “Wings of Hope” Unveiling Visit the Super Sunday website at jewishlehighvalley.org/supersunday for more information and to register for the event and for any individual programs. Registration is required at jewishlehighvalley. org/supersunday.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Women of KI Bingo Night 5:30-8 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel

A 10-games packet (card dabber included) is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Admission is $10 for children, and there will be kidfriendly activities. Family-friendly food and refreshments will be

available for purchase. Find more information and register at kilv. org/event/bingo.html.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

TBE Casino Night

7 p.m., Temple Beth El Doors open at 7 and games begin at 7:30. There will be bites to eat, adult beverages, and prizes. $36 per person. Registration required at bethelallentown.org/event/ comedy-night2.html.

ONGOING EVENTS

FIRST OR SECOND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Bnai Shalom Cash Bingo

1 p.m., Congregation Bnai Shalom

Join Bnai Shalom for its monthly bingo games on the first Sunday of most months but on the second Sunday of September and December. There’s no game in October. For more information call 610-258-5343.

MONDAYS

The Importance of Tefilah/ Prayer

8:00 PM, Congregation Sons of Israel, via Zoom

Join Rabbi Michael Belgrade of Congregation Sons of Israel for an online class about the Importance of Tefilah/Prayer. The class will draw from all Jewish sources: Tanach (Bible), Talmud (Gemara), Law (Halacha), Hashgafa (Philosophy), Ethics (Pirkei Avot), and Introspection (Mussar). This free class is open to the entire community. For Zoom information, please email office@sonsofisrael. net or call 610-433-6089.

MONDAYS

Yiddish Club

2-3:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley via Zoom

Experience the joys of Yiddish via Zoom as part of Adults at the J. The group meets weekly to discuss topics like cooking, humor, music and all kinds of entertainment in the Yiddish language. All are welcome to join this lively, weekly discussion. There is something for everyone no matter if you know a few words or are a fluent speaker. Enjoy fun, fellowship, stories and more. Participants

Community Calendar

Zoom in from 5 states. No cost. Call 610-435-3571, ext. 501.

WEDNESDAYS

Yoga with Miriam Sandler: ChairSupported Yoga

1-2 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom in person and via Zoom

Be seated in a comfortable chair, preferably armless (folding works well). Some standing poses holding onto the chair are offered, though students may choose to remain seated. Modifications are given. Open to the public in person and live stream available to all via Zoom. *$10 drop-in fee payable to Congregation Brith Sholom. For more information email mbserow@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAYS

Torah Studies: A Weekly Journey into the Soul of Torah

7 p.m., Chabad of the Lehigh Valley and via Zoom

Torah Studies by the Jewish Learning Institute presents Season One 5785, a 12-part series offered in person and via Zoom. Cost is $54 for the course, including textbook. For more information, call 610-351-6511 or email rabbi@chabadlehighvalley.com.

EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY

Hadassah Study Group

12:30 p.m., via Zoom

We discuss short stories from an anthology. Always welcoming new participants! Contact mjclaire@ gmail.com or 610-972-7054 to sign up.

WEDNESDAYS, FEB 12, MAR 12, APR 9, MAY 7

JDS Little Learners Class

9:30 a.m., Jewish Day School

Jewish Day School is offering a free Little Learners class for caregivers with children ages 3 and under. Storytime, movement, and music with a Jewish twist. Register at jdslv.org/ little-learners.

THURSDAYS

Basic Yiddish Class

4-5:30 p.m., JCC via Zoom

Learn to read, write, speak and comprehend Yiddish. Textbooks from Yiddish Book Center available for purchase. Contact 610435-3571, ext. 501.

FRIDAYS

Kol HaEmek

9-10 a.m., WMUH 91.7

Radio show with Cantor Kevin Wartell. For information go to muhlenberg.edu/wmuh.

SECOND FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

KI Shabbat Friends

5 or 5:30 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel

If you attend Shabbat services alone and feel awkward, you can join this enthusiastic group for pre-Shabbat dinner and conversation. Bring your own food, drink, and topics for discussion. Call 610-435-9074 for more information or to register. Shabbat Friends will not gather in October.

SATURDAYS

KI Torah Study

9:30-11 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel

Join Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg for a study session making sense of the week’s Torah portion. Enter the building through the 23rd Street door. For more information, contact Rabbi Tornberg using the form at kilv.org/form/contactrabbicall.

SATURDAYS

Wisdom of the Talmud Class

After Shabbat Lunch and Schmooze, Congregation Brith Sholom

Join Rabbi Michael Singer in a discussion about Jewish law, ethics, customs and history as found in the pages of the Talmud. Any necessary books are available in the synagogue office. No previous Talmud study required. For information email tammy@brithsholom.net or call 610-866-8009.

SECOND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

Shabbat Out of the Box

10 a.m., Keneseth Israel

Celebrating the sixth year of creative and interesting activities to inspire your Shabbat experience. Monthly programs and locations vary. Outdoor activities are weather permitting. Everyone is welcome so feel free to bring friends and family. All events are free. Registration is required at kilv.org/shabbat-out-of-the-box. html. Click on the particular date to register.

LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

Shabbat Yoga

10:30-11:30 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel

Jett Ulaner Saracheck and Ann Friedenheim lead this experience of Shabbat through movement. Bring a mat, blocks, or anything else that will bring you comfort in the practice. All are welcome. For questions, call Ann at 610-4622549 or Jett at 610-762-1450. Register at kilv.org/event/shabbat-yoga1.html.

DAILY

Jewish Broadcasting Service

JBS is a Jewish television channel featuring daily news from Israel; leading Jewish figures, issues and events of Jewish importance; call-in programs; Jewish studies; 92nd Street Y; live Friday and holiday services for those at home; children’s programs; films; music; books; and entertainment. jbstv. org.

DAILY

Congregation Sons of Israel Minyanim

Shacharit on Mondays and Thursdays 6:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 6:45 a.m.; Sundays 8:30 a.m.

Congregation Sons of Israel welcomes all to the daily Shacharis and Mincha/Maariv services, which are conducted in the main sanctuary of the synagogue. Please check the synagogue at sonsofisrael.net for the weekly listing of the starting time for Mincha/Maariv. If you have any questions, call the synagogue office at 610-433-6089.

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY Daily Online Meditation 12:30 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality

One of their master teachers will lead a live daily guided meditation. Join with people from around the world to share 30 minutes of Jewish mindfulness. Open to all, no experience needed. Sign up at jewishspirituality.org/get-started.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3 4:30 PM FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 4:36 PM FRIDAY, JANUARY 17 4:44 PM FRIDAY, JANUARY 24 4:52 PM FRIDAY, JANUARY 31 5:01 PM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 5:10 PM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 5:18 PM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 5:26 PM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 5:35 PM FRIDAY, MARCH 7 5:42 PM

LOST

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Diane

Is your weight weighing heavily on your energy?

Diane’s was, too. That is until she turned to Lehigh Valley Health Network for help.

With our weight-loss team’s support and the best bariatric surgery team in the region, Diane was able to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and now has the energy to enjoy life again. Now it’s your turn. Visit LVHN.org/weightmanagement to begin your journey.