Retired IDF officer shares inside view with donors
By Carl Zebrowski Editor
Jonathan Conricus, retired Israel Defense Forces lieutenant colonel, offered at least a bit of optimism to the nearly 150 Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley donors gathered at Temple Beth El September 10 to hear his insider’s take of the war in Israel.
Though the situation remains volatile and peace is not imminent, Israel will prevail, he said. “It is our home and we’re not going anywhere.”
Then came the rest of his story of the rapidly changing and escalating situation. He quickly outlined the realities on the ground that day: Hamas was still holding 101 Israeli hostages; residents were still displaced from their homes in southern Israel, where the October 7 attacks occurred; 70,000 Israelis remain displaced from their homes in the north, near Lebanon and the Hezbollah terrorist group; and fighting continues on seven fronts, with most efforts still focused on Gaza.
Then he offered another bit of positivity. “Over the last
three weeks, we have been super fortunate,” he said. Five vehicles loaded with explosives were sent toward Israeli targets. “None of them succeeded,” he said.
“That’s why you haven’t heard about it. I’m happy that most of you are not aware of this.”
Conricus prefaced the rest of his talk with this: “I’m going to cut through a lot of nonsense and reckless media publications.”
He described the situation with Hamas as “very volatile.” “All of Hamas’s military capability has been severely degraded,” he explained, but the terrorist organization was not yet defeated. Nor was the news for them all bad. “What has not changed significantly is their political control of the population,” he said. That remains solid.
Conricus believes it’s not to Hamas’s advantage to negotiate as its predicament worsens. “I personally do not believe that Hamas will do a hostage deal,” he said. Their goal is to buy time in hopes that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government collapses.
Once Hamas is defeated,
he said, “there needs to be a political alternative.” Meanwhile, oversight of Gaza would be established during a transition period. “It’s called military rule,” he said.
That wouldn’t be the end of Israel’s troubles, however. Even with Hamas gone, there still would be Hezbollah in Lebanon. Hezbollah is much stronger and more numerous.
It’s also much better supplied. “Amateurs talk about operations,” Conricus said, “and professionals talk about logistics.” Hezbollah’s supply line stretches all the way back to Iran.
Conricus didn’t have much positive to say about possible all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah. He said the result would definitely not be good for Lebanon: “There won’t be anything left of it.”
“War between Israel and Hezbollah will be a very significant and horrible endeavor,” he said, “catastrophic for Lebanon, and very bad for Israel too.” He predicted “hundreds of casualties every day.”
Since Hezbollah hides among the civilian population, he said, “Israel will retaliate in those areas. We
know how the world responds when Jews fight for themselves.
“We see where the war is leading,” he said, “and we definitely don’t think it’s a good path.”
Conricus trained his focus on the power that fuels the proxy forces that fight Israel. “The common denominator between all of these enemies is the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he said.
So far through the years of tension and conflict between Israel and Iran, Israel has largely limited its responses to attacks by Iran’s proxy forces to the forces that have made them. “Our actions have very conveniently fit into Iran’s strategy,” he said.
That strategy is to weaken Israel with continual attacks on it by proxy forces. Iran’s plan, if certain intelligence is correct, is to continue this until 2024, by which time it has assessed that Israel would be seriously depleted. “They plan to destroy Israel at that time,” Conricus said.
He said Israel needs to recalibrate. “Now is a great opportunity for Israel to change strategy,” he said. He specified that Israel needs
to announce a new policy to hold Iran fully responsible for any attacks on Israel by its proxies and to reserve the option to respond directly.
The cumulative effects of the ongoing current war, the destruction and the stress in Israel, has a ripple effect through the Diaspora, he said. “Israel understands pretty clearly that we have to brace ourselves for a long and challenging fight,” he continued. “Those in Israel will be fighting in real life, and Jews around the world will have to deal with consequences. I think it’s very important that Jews around the world get organized.”
Training his point on the audience before him, he said: “The key here is influence in American politics.” As opinions change in local and national government, he said, much of the media tends to follow along. National strategy gets reconfigured.
* The Jewish Federation is pleased to have partnered with the Israel advocacy organization Stand with Us to present this event. Special thanks to event chairs Eileen Fischmann, Eileen Ufberg, and Vicki Wax.
Days of Awe 5785
October 7 has indelibly left its mark in our memories and in our hearts. We remember where we were, what we were doing, and the overwhelming sense of horror and loss on what should have been a day of celebration and joy, Simchat Torah. The tragic loss of so many Israeli lives, the hostages taken, and the displacement of families weighs heavily on us. In the aftermath, we’ve witnessed a rise in antisemitism globally, mass evacuations in northern Israel, and the heartbreaking sacrifice of hundreds of soldiers.
As we observe this solemn anniversary of the worst violence against Jews since the Holocaust, our mission is to bear witness, to remember, and to mourn. We will find opportunities to address each of these challenges—demanding the safe return of our hostages, confronting anti-
semitism at home and abroad, and healing divisions within our community. A time for healing and rebuilding will come—God willing, soon.
The events of and following October 7 were both shocking and horrific, leaving many of us in deep grief, perhaps in anger, and in a state of identity turmoil. It has led some of us to reassess our worldview and grapple with unfamiliar emotions—fear, betrayal, and a profound sense of uncertainty. This year, many of us may feel a sense of dissonance when celebrating. Finding joy amid so much pain and loss can be challenging. Here are a few simple additions suggested by OneTable to help acknowledge our sorrow:
• Light an extra candle
Consider lighting an extra candle as a symbol of remembrance and solidarity. This candle can honor those who
October 7
Community Commemoration
Kline Auditorium
are no longer with us, those currently experiencing loss and pain, and serve as a guiding light of hope amid the darkness.
•Add an empty chair
Place an empty chair at the table to honor the hostages still held in Gaza who were captured a year ago on October 7. This gesture acknowledges their absences and invites reflection on their memories or on their safe return.
• Set out an empty cup
Position an empty cup at the table as a symbol of the unfulfilled and the lost. This can serve as a reminder to pause and reflect on the voids we carry and the resilience we seek to cultivate. These additions can create a space for meaningful connection and help balance the joy of the occasion with an honest acknowledgment of the sorrow that fills the world right now.
In celebrating Rosh Hashanah, we pray for renewal and growth. We reflect on this past year while looking forward to a new year filled with peace and recovery, longing for calm and tranquility for all in Israel and within our Jewish community. During the Ten Days of Repentance, before Yom Kippur, we are called to introspection: to reflect deeply, to seek forgiveness from those we may have wronged, to extend forgiveness to others, to perform acts of kindness and charity, to reconcile, and to strive for personal growth.
The High Holidays season, occurring over three weeks this October, is some of the most beautiful, special, and
CORRECTION
sacred time on the Jewish calendar, rich with symbols, rituals, and traditions. It is an opportunity to process our emotions, engage in discussion, and share experiences that may bring clarity, comfort, and relief.
We are fortunate to have a caring community, and I hope you find solace in knowing that you are not alone. May this year be better than the last, and may we find comfort in navigating it together.
Michele Salomon wrote the article about Congregation Keneseth Israel’s annual Harvest 5K that appeared on page 17 of Hakol’s August issue.
HAKOL STAFF
CARL ZEBROWSKI Editor
CHARLENE RIEGGER Director of Marketing
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.
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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.
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JFLV EXECUTIVE STAFF
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JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY
MISSION STATEMENT
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.
• 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
Shana Tovah U’mevurechet.
Gene and Ann Ginsberg
My Life, My Legacy highlights community members who have set up endowment funds through the Life and Legacy program, offered in partnership with the Jewish Federation, to support the growth and vitality of our community for generations to come.
Ann and I came to appreciate our Jewish beliefs from very different backgrounds. Ann’s parents were Holocaust survivors with heartrending stories. They met in the Farenwold Displaced Persons Camp and married in six weeks. A year and half later, Ann was born and her brother followed a year after that. The family came to the United States in 1949 and lived in various cities until finally settling in Philadelphia. Her parents instilled a tireless work ethic, owning and managing a luncheonette in West Philly. Most of her parents’ friends were survivors as well. Thus, Ann grew up in the shadow of the Holocaust,
at Muhlenberg College. I remember that the college was exactly 10% Jewish, and most were in pre-med and in the same fraternity. How things have changed! The college is now 25-30% Jewish, with a very active Hillel and a connection with the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.
Our paths finally crossed when I was a medical student at Jefferson and Ann was teaching fourth grade in a Philadelphia suburb. We met by chance at a wedding in Philadelphia. I was a high school friend of the groom and Ann was a high school friend of the bride. In those times, even Jewish wedding receptions often would feature a certain fun tradition— well, Ann caught the bouquet and I caught the garter belt! We were engaged six months later.
When time came for me to start my internship and residency, I decided on Allentown Hospital, now Lehigh
director of the Federation. He asked me, Doug Blake, and Ian Carliss to organize Jewish healthcare providers to create a fundraising event, such as a dinner-dance. The year was 1986, and after a few meetings, which included Mickey Ufberg z”l and Larry Levitt, we formed the Maimonides Society. Membership was open to all healthcare providers, with stratified minimum gifts depending on years in practice or retirement, educational brunches, free care to Russian immigrants, and an “exchange” program with Western Galilee Hospital in Nahariya, Israel.
I was the second president of Maimonides and I administered the program with Israel for 13 years. Ann and I visited Israel three times, the first in 1987, when I met with several doctors who would later come to the Lehigh Valley for training. Each of our visits to Israel was among the most inspiring moments of our lives. Ann was a great
major part in achieving that ultimate goal.
Now we are retired and live in Sarasota, Florida. We visit Allentown in the summer, which serves as home base for seeing our friends, colleagues, and families. Although we are fairly active in our Sarasota Synagogue, Temple Beth Sholom (Ann is active in Sisterhood and I often read Torah and Haftorah),
our hearts are still in the Lehigh Valley. We will always embrace the Jewish rituals, education and values, and the sense of kehilah that are integral to this community.
For information on the Life and Legacy program and how you can support our community and its programs and services well into the future, contact Aaron Gorodzinsky at aaron@jflv.org.
camps, and to support Israel and overseas communities
ARRANGES programming to meet the needs of our community ASSURES the continuation of our Jewish community
AMPLIFIES your voices and values to the wider community
APPRECIATES your generosity to make sure GOOD continues to grow throughout our community
Thank
Jewish Tomorrows
(as of September 27, 2024) 576 Commitments with an estimated value of $16.2 million!
Dr. Marc and Aliette Abo*
Leonard Abrams*
Dr. Rony Ackerman
Dr. Houman and Lori Ahdieh
Richard and Karen Albert
Phoebe Altman (z”l) Lion of Juda Endowment*
Carolyn Andersen (z”l)
Tara Epstein Baiman
Stephanie Barnett
Tama Lee Barsky
Robert (z”l) and Linda Becker
Dr. Neil Belman*
Sheila Berg
Steven Bergstein and Nanci
Goldman Bergstein
Ethan and Kyra Berkove
Dr. Scott Berman
Sadie Berman (z”l)*
Dr. Marc and Lauren Berson
Hon. Alan (z”l) and Donna Black
Dr. Jeffrey and Jill Blinder
Rance and Sheryl Block
Ross and Wendy Born*
Bob (z”l) and Pat Born*
Nathan and Marilyn Braunstein (z”l)*
Pearl Brooks (z”l)*
Dr. John and Ingelise Brown
Sheila Brown
Mr. Jerrold Brucker and Dr. Wilma Brucker
Jessica Burde
Dr. Ian and Patricia Carlis
Harvey and Elizabeth Cartine
Lawrence Center
Emily Charlap
Daniel and Nancy Cohen*
Martin* and Beth Cohen
Elsa Collins
Peter and Karen Cooper*
Rachel Cubellis
Edwin and Rabbi Melody Davis
Juana del Solar*
Scott and Beth Delin
Risa Dorfman-Thomas
Vikki Dunn
Brion and Nancy Ebert
Glenn and Jan Ehrich
Eduardo and Jeanette Eichenwald
Fred and Gail Eisenberg
David Eiskowitz
Andrew and Dr. Lisa Ellis
Dr. Mark and Ellyn Elstein
Jonathan and Iris* Epstein
Jeff and Roberta* Epstein
Rabbi Mordechai Eskovitz
Joseph Facchiano
Liz Fear
Dr. Eric J. and Amy Fels
Ben Felzer
Arnan and Marlene Finkelstein*
Veronica Fischmann
Roberto and Eileen Fischmann*
Harry and Amy Fisher
Dr. Jay and Fran Fisher
Dr. Peter Fisher and Kathy Zimmerman
Eric Fleisch
Jeffrey Fleischaker
Tama Fogelman (z”l) Lion of Juda Endowment*
Brian and Emily Ford
Rena Fraade
Barnet and Lisa Fraenkel*
Susan Engelson Friefeld
Gary Fromer and Dr. Carol Bub
Fromer
Susan Gadomski
Stanley and Lora Geftic
Dr. Jeffrey and Amir Gevirtz
Dr. Gene and Ann Ginsberg
Renee Gittler (z”l)
Gary and Pat Glascom
Leonard and Rhoda (z”l) Glazier
Lauren Glick
Steven Glickman
Neil and Eydie (z”l) Glickstein
Dr. Gordon (z”l) and Rose Lee
Goldberg
Dr. Harold and Sandra Goldfarb*
Amy Golding
Steven Goldman and Nancy Wax Goldman*
Anita Goldman (z”l)
Jordan Goldman
Mark (z”l) Goldstein and Shari Spark
Martin Goldstein (z”l)
Allan Goodman
Dr. Robert Gordon
Shirley F. Gross (z”l)
Dr. Henry Grossbard
Bennett Grossman
Drs. Harvey and Melissa Hakim
Greg and Linda Hamilton
Bobby (z”l) and Bonnie Hammel*
Jerome (z”l) and Florence Hausman
Kevin and Mary Ellen Hausman
Eric an Lori Herz
Cory Hiken and Beth Zaleon Hiken
Diana Hirsch
Arthur and Susan Hochhauser
Philip and Ellen Hof
Dr. Arthur and Barbara Hoffman
Carolyn Hoffman (z”l)
Mark and Amy Holtz
Charity Hyde
Dr. David and Susan Hyman
Michael Iorio
Gwen Jacobs
Rabbi Allen and Toby Juda
Andrew Kahn
Dr. Kenneth and Marilyn Kalnitsky
Arnold and Deanne Kaplan*
Irving Kaplan
Alan Kares
Dr. Binae Karpo
Dr. Aaron Katz and Joanne Cohen Katz
Dr. Barbara Katz
Martin Katz
Seth and Kathi Katzman
Anne Keller-Smith
Kenneth and Susan Kirshner
Rabbi Malkah Binah Klein and Neysa Nevins
Patty Klein*
Robert Klein and Judy Auritt
Klein (z”l)*
Kobrovsky Family Fund*
Dr. Hilary Koprowski
Dr. Nelson and Andrea (z”l) Kopyt
Lucy Korsky
Martin and Judy Krasnov*
Stuart and Lynda Krawitz
Robert and Roberta Kritzer
Danielle Kroo
Ferne Rodale Kushner (z”l)
Dr. Hartley Lachter and Dr. Jessica Cooperman
Gary and Jennifer Lader
Peter and Madeline Langman
Suzanne Lapiduss
Dr. Henry and Susan Lehrich
Scott Leiber
Daniel Leisawitz and Daniella Viale
Elaine Lerner*
Olivier and Alice Level
Dr. Larry and Ina Levin
Mary Jane Levine
Jennifer Levins
Dr. Lawrence and Eva (z”l) Levitt*
Dr. Marc Levitt
Dr. Edward Levy
Ursla Levy
Joan Lichtenstein (z”l)
Eric and Margo Lightman
Emmy Livezey
Raymond Livezey
Jess Mahler
Gale Maleskey
Dr. Moshe and Lisa Markowitz
Dr. William and Jane Markson
Richard and Susan Master
Claudia Mattison
Dr. Gerald and Ethel Melamut (z”l)
Dr. Jay and Marla Melman
Edward Michael (z”l)
Jeannie Miller
Michael and Linda (z”l) Miller*
Alvin and Roz Mishkin z”l*
Rabbi Yehoshua and Yael Mizrachi
Lynn Mollick and Dr. Milton Spett
James and Shelah Mueth
Jeffrey Murdoch
Dr. Douglas and Ruth Nathanson
Kyle and Dr. Daria Newfeld
Sandy Newman
Taffi Ney*
Audrey Nolte
Dr. Mark and Alice Notis
Dr. Michael (z”l) and Ruth Notis
Dr. Michael and Martina Obenski
Dr. William and Marjorie Ofrichter
Diana Fischmann Orenstein
Morton and Dorothy Parmet (z”l)
Alan and Roberta Penn
Dr. Andrew and Dr. Flora Pestcoe
Joseph and Eve (z”l) Peterson
Rabbi Seth Phillips
Jeremy and Megan Pildis
Michael and Barbara Platt
Edward and Beth Posner
Dr. Robert and Lota Post
Abby Pozefsky
Gary and Sandra Preis
Patti Price
Eric Rappaport and Patricia San Andres
Elaine Rappaport-Bass
Seymour and Lois Ratner (z”l)
Rabbi Moshe and Adina Re’em
Bruce and Enid Reich
Dr. Richard and Barbara Reisner
Kevin and Lauren Reuther
Carol Robins
Robert Rockmaker
Judith Rodwin
Michelle Rohrbach
Dr. Alex and Robin Rosenau
Jodie Rosenblum
Janet Rosenthal
Alan and Mary Salinger
Rick and Amy Sams
Dr. Charles and Sheila Saunders
Herbert and Julia Saunders
Mary Lou Scarf
Marcia Schechter
Lisa Scheller*
Lorrie Scherline
Vera Schiff*
Michael and Brenna Schlossberg
Melvin and Pearl Schmier
Irwin and Ellen Schneider
Ivan and Jill (z”l) Schonfeld
Mark and Deena Scoblionko
Joy Scott
Eileen Segal
Vickie Semmel
Dr. Mark and Lynne Shampain
Adrian Shanker
Howard and Dr. Susan Sherer
Sam Shikiar
Stanley Shrager (z”l)
Linda Silowka
Jack and Amy* Silverman
Robert Simon
Rabbi Michael Singer and Alexis Vega-Singer
Dr. David Smith and Dr. Jenni Levy
Elaine Snyder
Susan Sosnow
Spiro Special Gift Fund*
Michelle Star
Dr. Mark Stein and Sharon Albert
Margret Stettner (z”l)
Aimee Stewart
Sylvia Perkin Perpetual Charitable Trust*
Ron Ticho and Pam Lott
Richard and Marsha Timmerman
Dr. Michael (z”l) and Eileen Ufberg*
Ufberg Family Community Fund
Dr. Stephen and Beverly Volk
Dr. Stanley and Judith Walker
Vicki Wax*
Joseph Weiner
Arthur and Barbara Weinrach*
Barbara Weitzman (z”l)
Yale West
Rabbi David and Dr. Rachel Wilensky
Dr. Robert and Carol Wilson
James and Linda Wimmer
Ilene Wood*
Norman and Sandra Wruble
Elissa Wurf
Rachel Zane
Larry Zelson
Dr. Israel and Valeska Zighelboim
Dr. Larry and Debra Zohn
Leon and Debbie Zoller
Anonymous (49)
* Heritage Society Names in bold have formalized their Life & Legacy committment
YOUR NAME BELONGS HERE
Contact Aaron Gorodzinksy at (610) 821-5500, ext. 337 or at aaron@jflv.org
Art for therapy’s sake
Yoav artists lead Women’s Philanthropy in healing-through-creation session
By Carl Zebrowski Editor
The first event in the Lehigh Valley for the three artists who had just arrived from the Valley’s Partnership2Gether community of Yoav, Israel, on September 9 was a hands-on art therapy session with the Jewish Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy.
Romina Oppel, an art therapist who led the program fittingly titled “Art and Life,” used art to promote healing from the difficult year that has passed since the October 7 Hamas attacks.
“This is not an art class,” said Oppel, who was joined at the event by the other two Yoav artists, Sunny Versano and Idit Porat. “This is an experiment. This is to work from the heart.” Porat, a sculptor whose medium is “earth,” talked about a photograph she had on display at the event. It showed sunlight shining into sandstone formations at the site of Solomon’s Temple in Israel’s Timna Valley.
“There is a crack in everything,” she explained. “That’s how the light gets in. “This is for hope. The main issue here is the light that is coming through the crack. Even though we are having very tough times now, there is still the light coming through the crack.”
Oppel, a native of Argentina who moved to Israel after falling in love with it (and her
now-husband) during her first visit there, left Israel after the October 7 attacks. Her family lived near the border and she decided they needed to get away to keep her son safe. That didn’t last long. “I realized how much my heart is in Israel,” she said, explaining her return. “Just going back made me feel full. I cannot be in a different place.”
The program moved into the art-creation phase. Participants choose from a selection of photographs from Israel on offer to inspire their own creations and even to include in their own works. Then they could choose from among dozens of media and tools from paints and rubber stamps to glue and crepe paper for making their own pieces.
Afterward, some of them talked to the gathering about their experiences and how they were connected to what the Israelis lived through on October 7 and the trying circumstances they continue to live through.
“A lot of you chose the color yellow,” Oppel pointed out, referring to the color representing the Israeli hostages. “I think it is in our hearts, it is in our minds, all the time now.”
Elaine Rappaport was one of those who highlighted yellow. “I have the sun,” she said of the focal point of her work. “But the sun is crying.”
Cherie Zettlemoyer worked with a photo of three Israel Defense Forces soldiers hug-
ging. “There’s nothing like the resilience of the Israeli soldiers and the Israeli people,” she said. “Obviously they’re there for each other, because they’re in a tight embrace.”
Miriam Zager, one of the organizers of the local Run for Their Lives effort to keep a focus on the hostages and getting them freed, said, “We walk for the hostages every week.”
She told the gathered women that the hostages are always on her mind. “I just can’t stop thinking about them,” she said. “So many tears are shed.”
The event did provide relief for participants, as intended, from its start with socializing among the Women’s Philanthropy members to the communal process of art creation to the sharing of thoughts and feelings about the experience. “Just playing with the clay was very therapeutic,” Zager said.
Eileen Ufberg took a light approach to her piece, which proved to have the intended healing effect. “It’s not going to hang in an art museum,” she said, “but I did have fun.”
Other appearances by the artists during their week in the Valley included at the JCC’s weekly Friendship Circle for older adults, at the JCC’s early childhood education, at the Jewish Day School, for Jewish Family Service, and at the Tikvah House group home.
Artists present 3 programs for Jewish Family Service
tiles on September 10.
Romina Opel lead a public lecture on September 11 on “What It Means to Be a Jew,” beginning with a heartwarming
story of her art and connection to Judaism. Afterward, the participants created artworks highlighting what it means for them to be Jewish and includ-
ing words for future generations.
That afternoon, the Yoav artists met at the Tikvah House group home for a special program to decorate personal calendars designed by Yoav artist Sunny Versano.
The programs allowed the participants to get to know the artists and one another other, helping to blossom new friendships, partnerships, and a sense of community.
Join us at NextGen’s opening event of the new campaign year to find out “where you belong.”
We’ll gather in the unique, rustic outdoor setting of Wanderlust Beer Garden for fun conversation and community, and a short info session about Federation affinity groups. Kids are welcome.
October 13, 2024, 3:00 p.m.
Light snacks will be provided. Dietary laws observed.
RSVP by scanning the QR Code or by visiting the link below. jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/ nextgen-opening-event
JCC’s Friendship Circle connects with Israel through art
By Simon Katz JCC Membership and Program Associate
To open the 2024-25 season of Friendship Circle, the JCC welcomed Sunny Versano, an artist from Yoav, Israel. Versano charmed and captivated the group with a presentation on her art, touching on the meaning behind her work and where she finds her inspiration. It was particularly moving to hear her speak about how motherhood shaped her art. This resonated
with many in the Friendship Circle.
Her discussion on her works showcasing nature created another opportunity for the attendees to relate with her art. In the same way one might harbor a particular fondness for the goldfinch or cardinal that eats from their birdfeeder—or for the squirrel that cleans up after it—Versano described how she connects with the flora and fauna of Israel. Illustrating her talk with her works, she taught us that the hoopoe is the na-
tional bird of Israel and showed us how flowering beauty can arise from a prickly pear cactus—or sabra—that might seem dangerous.
To cap things off, she allowed the group members to express their own creativity through collaging and crafting Shana Tovah cards. It was wonderful to see the group members home in on what images and phrases were important to them.
This was an enthralling event full of awe, education,
Hands-on art sessions bring a bit of Israel to JDS kids
By Joanna Powers Jewish Day School Head of School
The Jewish Day School hosted the three Israeli artists visiting from Yoav, Israel, in early September through the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Partnership2Gether program: Sunny Versano, Idit Porat, and Romina Oppel. Versano taught students relief sculpture in plasticine, which entails transferring images onto cardboard and sculpting with plasticine to create a framed tablet. This hands-on activity helps de-
velop observational skills and is very relaxing. The results were impressive and the children were so proud of their creations.
Porat uses natural materials in her art to connect us to our roots. During her workshop, students experienced earth-based art as they created different shapes from a combination of mud, clay, and hay, with the impressions of leaves pressed on top. Holidaythemed art for Rosh Hashanah was also made with joy.
Oppel is an art therapist who facilitated the students’ efforts to write and decorate cards for soldiers in Israel with a wish for a Shanah Tova and gratitude for protecting the land of Israel. Early childhood students created Rosh Hashanah mobiles that they exchanged with students from the Shaked kindergarten from Kibbutz Sde Yoav.
The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley planned and coordinated the visit of these artists to our community, and Ariel Solomon, JDS director of
Sunday, November 10, 2024
3:30 - 5:00 PM
Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Road Allentown, PA 18104
and expression, but most importantly it allowed the group to connect with Israel in a way
that most of us don’t get the chance to, especially during times like these.
Thanks to Lewis and Roberta Gaines, a discount tuition incentive program is available for New Families enrolling their children in Kindergarten and First grade for the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 school years. There are also additional opportunities to receive needs-based scholarships as well.
• Celebrate the richness of Judaism’s language, culture, and history
• Develop strong connections to Israel
• Student to faculty ratio of 4:1
• Focus on the development of each child
• 100% of students go on to high school and college
Hebrew and Judaics, planned the morning at JDS down to the last detail.
Volunteerism will help ensure Jewish futures
By Billy Thompson Digital Marketing and Graphic Design Associate
If the Jewish community is to be strong heading into the future, what are we willing to do about it? Dena Kaufman, Life and Legacy representative of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, asked in her Life and Legacy volunteering training session in late September.
An analysis of the population shows that Baby Boomers are currently the highest giving-level bracket, but what about the next 20 years? The subsequent Generation X has a significantly smaller population than the Baby Boomers. Even assuming they would be willing to donate as Baby Boomers have, synagogues, Jewish agencies, and Federations across the nation may still find themselves coming up short on campaign goals. This is why it’s important to discuss Life and Legacy funds today—that pool of money can help supplement funds raised from a smaller population of donors.
The strongest communities have large groups of volunteers dedicated to growing Life and Legacy funds. In building or maintaining volunteerism here in the Lehigh Valley, we need to understand why people volunteer
in the first place. Kaufman prompts us to rank what we believe to be the six reasons people volunteer:
5. Because family and friends are doing it
4. To explore personal strengths
3. To use one’s skills
2. To meet new people
1, tied. Because they're personally affected by the cause, and to contribute to the community.
Understanding these values is the start of building your organization's volunteer culture.
Kaufman asks us to understand that people want the experience to be fun and enjoyable. When communicating with potential volunteers, it can be easy to communicate your organization's needs in a matter-of-fact way. This paints the potential volunteers' responsibilities to be daunting, hard work. The key to securing a long-term volunteer is framing. Rather than have a conversation about obligation and responsibilities, make it about a small task that has the potential to be a good experience. Ask someone to make one small solicitation phone call, and once that goes well, suddenly the task seems manageable on a larger scale.
Mike Miller said that at
the start of his work at Congregation Keneseth Israel, he found that no one wanted to make solicitation phone calls. He and his wife, Linda, decided to reach out to close personal friends to spread the word, and from there the volunteerism in the synagogue grew. They’re happy to report they experienced a response rate over 90%.
To create an effective, fun volunteer culture, perhaps start by inviting friends to participate. A great pool of potential volunteers is the newly retired—they have long-term ties to the community. Encourage folks to bring a friend to volunteer so the experience is fun! Volunteers recruit more volunteers, according to event participant Abby Trachtman.
Some advice Kaufman gives about creating a strong volunteer culture is to set clear expectations and goals for your volunteers, with both short- and long-term goals clearly communicated. Check in once or twice a year with each of your board members, and be sure to elicit feedback. Remember that being open-minded, friendly, and confident are key to being a successful volunteer coordinator. Kaufman urged the group to remember that volunteers want to do what they volunteered to do, so
THE REGION’S FIRST & ONLY MEDICAL SCHOOL
don’t feel bad reminding them of their commitments. Keeping folks looped in to their tasks is best practice. In soliciting potential donors to the Life and Legacy program, Kaufman said a whopping 600% increase in donations can come from one change. Organizations from around the nation report higher giving levels from donors asked to give a percentage rather than a direct dollar amount. That’s some food for thought as we close out this calendar year.
The Lehigh Valley currently has 576 letters of intent and over $16.2 million in funds dedicated to the betterment of
our Jewish community. While this achievement is worth commending, it's advantageous to improve on it now, while we still have the large generation of Baby Boomers in the highest giving -level bracket. And it all starts with a healthy volunteerism culture. After all, Kaufman said, “Volunteers aren’t paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they are priceless.” Where is it that your organization could improve? The Jewish Federation is here to assist you. If you have any questions, reach out to Aaron Gorodzinsky at (610) 821-5500 or aaron@jflv.org.
Nate Berger – Class of 2027 | Orefield, PA Parkland High School | Ursinus College
Temple/St. Luke’s student Nathan “Nate” Berger, a native of Orefield, was raised in a family that wanted him to always have an appreciation for how fortunate he is and to give back to those in need. His teachers over the years taught him the same. “I came to realize that practicing medicine would provide me with opportunities to live every day feeling fulfilled while helping others,” says Berger. “All of the Temple/ St. Luke’s faculty embody that same objective; it is truly an honor to learn from (and among) such incredible people.”
sluhn.org/SOM
Lynne Shampain and Dena Kaufman
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 YoavLehigh Valley Partnership Forest.
IN MEMORY
SIDNEY BRATT
(Father of Evelyn Lipschutz) Jill and Jeff Blinder
TO ORDER TREES, call the JFLV at 610-821-5500 or visit jewishlehighvalley.org.
IN HONOR
JOAN AND RICH BASS
In celebration of your grandson Dylan’s engagement to Sydney
Vicki Wax
CAROL BUB FROMER
In celebration of receiving the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award
Vicki Wax
LAURENCE CHACKER
In celebration of your new home
Joan and Richard Bass
LINDA AND HAROLD KREITHEN
In celebration of the birth of your granddaughter, Londyn Aria
Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein
LARRY LEVITT
In commemoration of the yahrzeit of your beloved wife, Eva
Jeanette and Eduardo
Eichenwald
DEENA AND MARK SCOBLIONKO
In celebration of your 60th wedding anniversary
Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein
RANDI AND DONALD
SENDEROWITZ
In celebration of the birth of your grandson, Loukas Evangelos Ntonados
Marc Nissenbaum
IN MEMORY
SIDNEY BRATT
(Father of Evelyn Lipschutz)
Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie
Schechner
JACOB ELLIS
(Son of Lisa and Andrew Ellis, grandson of Wendy and Ross Born)
Linda Silowka
EYDIE GLICKSTEIN
(Wife of Neil Glickstein)
Jeanette and Eduardo
Eichenwald
Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein
NANCY KURLANSIK
(Mother of David Kurlansik and Lauren Kurlansik)
Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein
Eileen Ufberg
ADINA PORESKY
(Mother of Sandi Goller)
Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein
DENA ZAHN
(Mother of Bruce Zahn)
Amy Golding
Jeanette and Eduardo
Eichenwald
HELEN AND SOL KRAWITZ
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND
IN HONOR
ASHLEY OHNONA AND ANDREW
BARSON
In celebration of your engagement
Joan Lesavoy
JODI AND RANDY BARSON
In celebration of the engagement of your son Andrew to Ashley Ohnona
Joan Lesavoy
JOAN LESAVOY
In celebration of the engagement of my grandson Andrew to Ashley Ohnona
Joan Lesavoy
NATALY AND EVAN PARISER
In celebration of the birth of your grandson, Henry
Lynda and Stuart Krawitz
LORRIE SCHERLINE
In celebration of the birth of your grandson, Shai
Lynda and Stuart Krawitz
RANDI AND DONALD SENDEROWITZ
In celebration of the birth of your grandson, Loukas Evangelos Ntonados
Lynda and Stuart Krawitz
Joan Lesavoy and Family
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.
Student to Student is a high school peer education program that:
• Strives to reduce prejudice and bigotry
• Fosters understanding among peers
• Brings together Jewish students from different backgrounds
• Trains them to talk about their lives as Jewish teens
• Facilitates discussions in an effort to dismantle antisemitism
• Puts a human face on Judaism
Ready to nominate a student?
Scan the QR code or visit the link below. jewishlehighvalley.org/student-tostudent-program
Sunday, October 27, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
Congregation Brith Sholom
What are the polls telling us about the next election?
Get insight into the upcoming elections from Dr. Chris Borick, director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion.
RSVP by scanning the QR code or by visiting the link below.
jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/dr-gordon-goldberg-mem-polling-event-2024
On Rosh Hashanah, we often wish others l’shana tovah u’metukah - a good and sweet new year. Good and sweet, what wonderful adjectives. Even the youngest among us can understand these concepts, and in fact, they must be among the first adjectives that enter a child’s vocabulary. And despite their simplicity, they continue to be something that we strive for every year.
Many of us will remember this past year as one of upheaval and sadness in our Jewish community.
The High Holidays are upon us, and with them come a New Year, the solemnity of atonement and the celebration of the Torah and the bounty of our labors. Over the period of a few weeks, we get to experience the full range of our faith and challenge ourselves for the year to come. For many of us the High Holidays are marked with frequent visits to Temple, reunions with family and friends at worship and traditions rooted in our faith. For me, the High Holidays are about memories less associated with ritual, and more connected to
We’ll remember the inhumane attacks on Israel by Hamas at the end of last year’s holiday season, and the ensuing war that continues to this day. We’ll remember the lives lost and the hostages still held. We’ll remember the disturbing rise in antisemitism both around the world and locally. We must also, however, acknowledge that it is normal to be saddened by things going on in the world and, at the same time, happy about the many joys we still have in life. We celebrate family gatherings
how my faith guides my connection with the world.
I think about attending Rosh Hashanah services with my friend Ali, who I met playing squash at the JCC. We prayed together that year as we both endeavored to learn more about each other’s faith and grow our bond as members of this community. It is a curiosity and a friendship that continues today as he and I work together on the Board of Directors to make our JCC a welcoming place for everyone in our community. I look forward to a 30-year tradition of
and lifecycle events, personal and communal achievements, and the strengthening of relationships and commitments. By not losing sight of these positive things, we become more resilient and more complete. Among grief and sadness, there is always still a place for goodness and sweetness. With each New Year, we must take stock of the good in our lives and in our community. With each taste of honey, actual or metaphorical, we can make our world just a little better, and a little sweeter. From a
breaking fast with pizza and beer and a phone call with my friend Keith, who I have been breaking fast with since our sophomore year of college. We live hundreds of miles apart, don’t talk as much as we should, but we share a tradition rooted in our collective faith that will always be a part of who I am, as a Jew and as a man. I remember lunches with my daughters in the JCC sukkah when they were young, celebrating nothing more than a chance to be together, outside, laughing and eating. As they get older and move away, it is the
child coming to their first day of school, to seniors staying physically fit, to families celebrating a Jewish holiday, the JCC will continue to showcase all that is good and sweet in our community and our world. We wish you and your family a healthy, good, and sweet New Year.
Eric Lightman Executive Director
memory of our younger selves that makes me smile, laugh, and proud of the people they have become.
The High Holidays present us with chances for redemption, hope for the future, and pride in our past. This year, as always, I will remember my connection to my faith, my family and my friends and aspire for better days ahead. Happy New Year to you all.
Jeff Fleischaker JCC President
Join Us: Inaugural Eve Peterson Memorial Pickleball Tournament
By Heather Lavin Program Director
Join us on December 8 for the inaugural Eve Peterson Memorial Pickleball Tournament at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley! This special event honors the memory of Eve Peterson, a beloved member of our community and longtime JCC employee, whose passion for pickleball and dedication to the JCC left a lasting impact on many. This doubles tournament will be
held indoors at the JCC and will feature both a beginner division (USAPA levels 1.0-2.0) and an open division. Whether you’re new to pickleball or more experienced, this tournament is a great way to participate in the sport Eve loved and support the JCC. Tickets are available for $60 per team. Tournament registration is open and can be found at lvjcc.org/ PickleballTournament. Looking to improve your skills before the tournament? We’ve
partnered with Universal Rackets to offer pickleball clinics starting October 5! Clinics will be held on Saturdays and Wednesdays with time slots for junior clinics (ages 6-14), beginner adults, and intermediate players. Get ready to play your best by registering for clinics at lvjcc.org/pickleball.
ECE Celebrates Rosh Hashanah With Some Sweet Guests
Competition Ramps Up For New JHoops Season
Welcome Back JSeals Swim Team for Another Amazing Season
JCC Executive Director Visits Israel for Solidarity Mission
By Heather Lavin Program Director
By Tracy Sussman Director of Membership and Marketing
By Jackie Weiss Early Childhood & Jewish Education Coordinator
Additionally, the students had the opportunity to smell a honeycomb and learn how honey is made!
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).
By Jodi Lovenwirth Aquatics Director
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.
gardens, witnessing the devastation that befell a peaceful neighborhood in which 25% of its residents were murdered or taken as hostages.
the team and give you insight into what this season has in store.
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.
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.
The JSeals Swim Team is diving back into action for another incredible season. Like the Olympic athletes who inspire us with their dedication, teamwork, and passion, our JSeals swimmers are ready to make waves in the pool. With the season fast approaching, it’s time to sharpen our strokes, strengthen our kicks, and focus on what makes this
JHoops
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
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
Whether you’re looking to increase your swimming skills and endurance in a fun-filled team atmosphere, or if you’re seeking a more competitive experience with swim meets, there’s a place for you on the JSeals team! Our team caters to swimmers of all levels, ensuring that everyone can grow and thrive in the water.
Championships. All the JCCs will come together for this thrilling final meet, where swimmers can showcase their hard work and enjoy the excitement of competing against peers from across the region.
team truly special: our swimmers. Mark your calendars! On November 3rd from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., we’re kicking off the season with a fun-filled JSeals Swim Team Kickoff Party. Come for the JTriathlon Dip N Dash and stay for the free swim, which is open to all potential JSeals participants. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet Coach Miriam and myself, and we’ll both be on hand to answer any questions about
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 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.”
The season isn’t just about practice and competition; we also know how to have fun. The team includes two exciting parties: a holiday celebration and an endof-the-season bash to wrap up a successful year.
For those looking for more competition, our travel team will compete in three dual meets against other JCCs in the Mid-Atlantic region with the season culminating with everyone’s favorite event:
Hits the Court This November
The JSeals Swim Team proudly competes in the Mid-Atlantic JCC Swim League, facing teams from the Siegel JCC in Delaware, Harrisburg JCC, JCC of Greater Baltimore, and Katz JCC from Cherry Hill. These meets foster camaraderie and friendly competition, helping swimmers grow both in and out of the pool. Practice officially starts on November 25, so stay tuned for more details, and don’t miss the chance to be part of this incredible season! You can learn more about JSeals Swim Team at lvjcc.org/ JSeals. See you at the pool on November 3!
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 Road, Schnecksville, PA 18078. Contact Dr. Robbie Roeshman and Adrienne London at 610-360-4191 or 13beekeeper@gmail.com for more information.
Stagemakers Brings the Spooky This Fall
By Heather Lavin Program Director
The JCC of the Lehigh Valley’s Youth Basketball program offers kids a chance to play, grow, and learn in a safe and fun environment. We emphasize skill-building and character development, ensuring that sportsmanship and fair play are balanced with healthy competition. The 2024-2025 season kicks off in
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
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.
mid-November with practices, and games beginning in December. We are recruiting players for teams in grades 1-2, grades 3-4, and grades 5-6. Coaches and volunteers are always needed to help make our program a success! Practices are during the week, with most games on Sundays, both home and away. Whether your child is new to the game or wants to play with friends, JHoops is the perfect opportunity
for them to join in the fun.
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
Our teams will compete again in the Rising Stars Basketball League, with divisions for both boys and girls. Last season’s participation in the league was a huge success, with our teams gaining valuable experience and enjoying exciting victories. Stay tuned for the release of our home game schedule.
We are also bringing back our popular JHoops Jr. classes for
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.”
winter. Pre-K and Kindergarten athletes will be introduced to the basics of basketball in a fun, noncompetitive environment. These classes meet once a week and focus on learning skills and gameplay development without competitive games. To register or learn more about JHoops, visit lvjcc.org/JHoops.
Give It a Tri: JTriathalon Day
By Heather Lavin Program 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
The JCC will host its very first Triathlon Day on Sunday, November 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with events for adults and kids.
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+
participate as individuals or as teams of 2 or 3 working together to complete the Tri events. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. families are invited to take part in the Dip ‘N Dash swim and run/ walk event (strollers are welcome). Dip N Dash participants have the option of completing the swim and run/walk as an individual or as a family, with members taking turns completing each leg of the event. We will keep time, but this day is all about fun and accomplishing goals!
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
The day will begin with an adult sprint triathlon for participants 18 and older from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Our Sprint Tri consists of a 500 yard (20 lengths) indoor swim, 5 mile indoor cycle on stationary bikes, and an outdoor neighborhood run for 1.5 miles. Athletes can
Jason Alter
Sylvia & Sam Bub+
Julianne & Samuel Heiney+
Need some motivation or
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+
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.
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+
training? We can help! Aquatic and land-based personal training package specials are available for those interested in preparing for the Triathlon. Contact us to get started with your training plan and
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
For tickets and more information visit lvjcc.org/stagemakers.
Robert Rockmaker+(L)
Brenna & Michael Schlossberg+
Pam Lott & Ron Ticho+
Beverly & Ronald Wasserman+
accomplish your next fitness goal! For more information or to register, visit us online at lvjcc.org/Triathlon.
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.
+ Previous Year Donors
(L) Life & LegacyTM Donors
*Denotes JCC Board Member
List as of 2/15/24
JDS is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation
is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley
JDS is a beneficiary
agency of
we’d be here only a few weeks at most. As the pandemic continued, we made decision after decision to establish roots and
the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley
Why JDS?
By Joanna Powers Head of School
There is never a dull moment at the JDS! We were off and running (or walking nicely in the halls) from the very start.
This year’s Jewish calendar allowed us a month to settle in before the fall holidays. Judaics classes benefit from this timing the most— there are several weeks to learn about all of the details of Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. Projects were crafted from pre-K through middle school, songs and prayers were learned, and an exploration of the parts of the Torah that teach
By Megan Hyman
Theus about these holidays was experienced. There was plenty of time to practice the four sounds of the shofar— tekiah, shevarim, teruah, and tekiah gedolah—and to taste the symbolic foods of the Jewish New Year. The 10 days between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah, gave all of our students the opportunity to reflect on the choices they made this past year and the improvements they will put into place for this coming year. A kindergartener might draw and write about a time they made a mistake and say sorry to a friend, while an elementary school student might write an essay about teshvah, or repentance, and the difference between mitzvot between people and G-d and between individuals. We differentiate and customize our teaching to the developmental and academic needs of each class and student.
Why JDS?
By Megan Hyman
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 education and overall child development? How will our child fit in? Luckily for our family, 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.
Yom Kippur is approached differently in each class as well. Our littles might make bookmarks for their parents’ prayer books or talk about wearing sneakers to synagogue. Our older kids will talk about fasting and how that affects the adults’ outlook on the day, while understanding that there is no requirement to fast until they are bar or bat mitzvah age, if that is their family’s practice. That doesn’t stop some middle schooolers from “practicing,” even if it’s only until lunch.
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
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!
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. 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 Al lentown for nearly 50 years), we assumed
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 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 everchanging guidelines from the CDC and
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 talks about his “reading buddy” con-
demic as built-in playmates
Starting the Year Off Right and Continuing with Strength
we’d be here only the pandemic sion after decision build a life here
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!
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 -
When it came now five-year-old an early childhood the welcoming, vironment at for us to turn. 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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Our younger children dance with stuffed Torah toys while our older students learn the ending and the beginning of the Torah. “In the beginning, G-d created the heavens and the earth.” With G-d at our side, we can create a new beginning too.
Who is the refugee? It’s
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.
Once those sweet and somber holidays are over, Sukkot really raises everyone’s spirits! We build and decorate our own sukkah at the JDS and host a big Community Sukkot Dinner. We hope you can join us on October 21 at 5 p.m. Please call us at 610-437-0721 to RSVP or go to jdslv.org/sukkot. The students also enjoy eating snacks and lunches in our sukkah throughout the holiday.
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
Our kids became ing the quarantine
me.
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!
Who is the refugee?
The beginning of 2022 It was a happy time for me.
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.
Lulavim and etrogim are shaking up, down, left, right, front, and back. Songs and stories about Sukkot can be heard through the halls. My favorite classic Sukkot book is "The House on the Roof: A Sukkot Story" by David A. Adler. Just about every age group will get a warm feeling from this tale. This a time for joy. Ending the holiday with Simchat Torah, a celebration of beginning the reading of the Torah from the start, is the big finale.
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 parties 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 horrible 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
This year there is a dark cloud that rests over our festivities. We mark the memorial of October 7 of 2023, when the war in Israel began in unimaginable tragedy and still continues as hostages remain captive and soldiers sacrifice their lives. While we come together on October 7 as a school and as a community to commemorate those we have lost and to pray for peace, on the Jewish calendar Simchat Torah is the one year yartziet of our pain. A day of happiness will always be damaged by memories of what occurred. That is where our school and our students can make a difference. Our enemies will not take our traditions and jubilation away. We will teach our children to be resilient and strong and balance respect for the day with dedication to our Jewish pride and love for our Torah.
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 here, in the US!
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. 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 parties at home, used to see our parents when we wanted to. It was really a very great period of life; I was truly
evening we needed to shut all lights, because our territorial defense was looking for hiding russian soldiers. I realized that I couldn’t stand any more. I couldn’t pretend 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.
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 horrible 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 occupation 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 difficult 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, bullets 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
So, I asked my husband to leave our home.
We left on 7th of March and on 8th of March russians* 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 occupation 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-
This busy time of year is filled with other JDS events as well. We held three curriculum nights that share important details of the children’s journey through the school year and from now through graduation. New this year is our Little Learners program that invites parents and caregivers to bring their babies and toddlers into this very room to enjoy music, movement, and stories while getting to experience what it is like to be in the JDS. Israeli artists from Yoav held workshops that guided our students through art experiences that connected them to the world around them. Student Council members were voted in and our middle school headed to Country Meadows to begin the Better Together program that pairs them with senior pen pals. Butterflies were released by first grade, upper elementary school threw an In-Hebrew Salad Party, and the annual Rosh HaShanah Seder was a big hit. Who doesn’t prefer Air Head candy over fish heads? Afterschool clubs are in full swing, hydroponic plants are growing in the science lab, and the classrooms are bursting with imagination, creativity, learning, and growing.
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 ness and happiness.
So, what is the difference between me as a refugee and other people who came here as immigrants? Reasons why we came. I love Ukraine, it’s my home, home of my children and many past generations of my and my husband’s family. We miss our home a lot. And before February 2022 we never thought about emigrating 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 only because of usual immigrant’s difficulties such as different language, different culture, finding job, getting all local documents, impossible life without a car, almost impossible life without a credit score, but the real difficulty is not being allowed to go out of the US. Maybe for people, who decide to come here, who has it like big goal, who choose to live here and can stand everything 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 made our life here more like at home (through relations, conversations, care and support). Because at the end of the day most important things are not material things, they will never ever fill your heart and soul with love, kind-
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 time to all of you! I am grateful for the ability to be here today, in a safe, beautiful and ambitious place, the US. I’m grateful to all of you, for listening to my story, for supporting 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 days, full of ambitious plans.
I am so appreciative and honored to be able to spend my days at the JDS. There is no other place like it. Let us know when you’d like to stop by. We’d love to show you the magic!
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 it is still.
*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
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
demic as built-in playmates and friends. The JDS has enabled that relationship to strengthen – they check in on each other we’d be here only the pandemic sion after decision
JDS
area. My husband had a very important role with great career opportunities in the biggest energy company in
enemy drone. It scared me to death, I never ever felt like this before. Next weeks were very scary for me. The
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
Resiliency in the Face of October 7
The toll of human suffering from the outbreak of hostilities on October 7 is universally tragic. These horrific events forced us to accept, or at least acknowledge, the unacceptable.
The conflict created personal traumatic experiences as well as historical trauma, a form of trauma that impacts entire communities. This cumulative emotional or psychological wounding resulting from a group’s traumatic experiences results in traumatic stress being experienced across generations. The impact is about what has happened in the past, but also about what is still happening including the recent rise of anti-Semitism. Traumatic events are experienced as
physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening.
These experiences result in lasting adverse effects on the individual’s mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being and functioning. The events of October 7th, 2023, and the ongoing war have torn open traumatic wounds from historic/ intergenerational traumas. On the anniversary of the massacre we can recognize the impact of these horrifying and ongoing events. Much research exists and continues to be done about the intergenerational impact of trauma and building resilience. Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources
of stress. This can mean bouncing back (or perhaps “bouncing forward”) from difficult experiences.
Ways to bounce back and adapt include:
• Being able to talk about feelings
• Feeling supported by family in difficult times
• Participating in community traditions
• Feeling supported by friends
• Feeling safe and protected at home
• Increasing healthy relationships
• Growing support systems
• Taking care of our body, practicing mindfulness, and avoiding negative outlets
• Embracing healthy thoughts
New Year – New Volunteer Opportunities
As the High Holidays are rapidly approaching, there is an opportunity to reflect and possibly rededicate ourselves to acts of kindness. It may be a time to make new year’s resolutions, whether for self-improvement or community involvement. At Jewish Family Service, you can do both at the same time. When helping others in the community, volunteers can gain a sense of fulfillment that will translate into excitement and joy.
Offering a ride to an older adult who is no longer able to drive provides a crucial service in our community.
JFS’s partnership transportation program with ShareCare Faith In Action engages volunteer drivers to transport those who can’t drive themselves to medical appointments, shopping, and social activities. The JFS volunteer drivers report that more than just driving, they cultivate meaningful relationships with their riders.
Other volunteer opportunities include helping in the Community FoodPantry, facilitating holiday programs, or delivering Mazel Meals. By helping others, volunteers receive the double benefit of building relationships within the community and feeling a sense of satisfaction from helping others.
IN HONOR
JULIETTE AMOUYAL
(Second great granddaughter’s birth)
Barbara and Fred Sussman
JEFF AND JILL BLINDER
(In honor of 50th wedding anniversary)
Cooky Notis
JANICE KAY (In honor of 80th birthday)
Casey Goldblat and Irving Kaplan
Ruthie and Harry Shleifer
MARCIA SCHECHTER
(In honor of chai year at JFS)
Cooky Notis
JFS invites the community to consider becoming a valued volunteer.
For more information, contact Jennifer Oxfeld at volunteer@jfslv.org.
• Focusing on accepting change
• Maintaining a hopeful outlook
• Learning from the past
• Seeking professional help
These coping skills can help us to move toward a path to connection, hope, strength, resilience, and wellness. The most important step we can take is to acknowledge the trauma and find our path to healing. Jewish Family Service has therapists available to help you cope with trauma or other issues.
Contact JFS by emailing counseling@jfslv.org or by calling us at 610-821-8722.
Thank You to All the Ringel Lecture
Attendees
Thank you to the attendees and panelists of the Annual Phyllis Ringel Memorial Lecture on “The Downsizing Dilemna” held on Sunday, September 15, 2024. The hybrid lecture hosted over 40 guests.
Special appreciation to Rabbi Singer and staff of Congregation Brith Sholom for a successful event.
FLO KOBROVSKY
IN LOVING MEMORY
JACOB ELLIS
(Son of Lisa and Andrew Ellis, Grandson of Wendy and Ross Born)
Cooky Notis
(Mother of Barbara Sussman)
Barbara and Fred Sussman
ADINA PORESKY
(Mother of Sandi Goller and Philip Poresky)
Susan and Henry Lehrich
ZAHN (Mother of Bruce Zahn)
Rebecca and Ross Silver
DENA
Stuart Horowitz, retired licensed social worker and JFS board member
Jennifer Oxfeld
Emily Ford
Carol Wilson, Bill Bergstein, Renee Hillman
Yoav mom: If my family ever left Israel, we’d head to LV
By Nurit Galon Partnership2Gether
Some years ago, Ranni Trainin, the mayor of the Municipality of Yoav, called me, very excited. Ranni had been trying for quite a while to get Yoav involved with the Partnership 2000 program (now known as Partnership2Gether), partnering a Jewish community from abroad with Jewish community here in Israel.
At that time, only certain communities here were considered suitable—poor communities that really needed the extra financial and social assistance that wealthier Jewish communities in North America were willing and eager to provide. Yoav’s early
requests for partnership were turned down on the grounds that Yoav was too wealthy. We were happy to hear the latter, but we couldn’t figure out where the wealth was being hidden!
Then the day arrived: We were informed that a delegation of 18 men and women would be arriving in Yoav to check out the prospective bride. What a great delegation they were. And what fun we had together—walks over the beautiful hills of Yoav, parties together. But the Yoav population at that time numbered close to 8,000, while our prospective partner had over 100,000. With real regret, we said goodbye.
The next delegation from a United States commnity to
visit Yoav was Barry Halper and Terry Neff from the Lehigh Valley. It was love at first sight. We toured Yoav together, visited our schools together, tried on soldiers’ hats together, went to concerts in an ancient setting, crawled through caves together. Everything just clicked.
After Barry and Terry returned home, we waited anxiously for a letter of acceptance. It was not long in coming. Carol Halper’s gracious letter cementing our new partnership in 2003 was the beginning of many years of
working together—exchanges of letters and projects, visits, the outpouring of support and sympathy for Israel’s battle with Hamas over the last year. We still have over 100 hostages in Gaza, and weekends are reserved for assemblies to support their families.
We follow closely the events and activities in Lehigh Valley and are proud of the variety of your activities, which include so much in support of those who so need your support. It is thrilling to see the interaction between the religious bodies and the
understanding of the need for unity. You are indeed an example for other communities.
Last week, someone in our area said that if her family ever leaves Israel, they will go to the Lehigh Valley. She said she trusts the leadership there.
We wish you the best in your efforts to grow your community, welcoming newcomers to the region and encouraging those already there to take a more active role alongside their peers.
Rosh Hashanah, bees, butterflies, and PJ Library
PJ library gathered together in late September to learn about pollinators. As families arrived, kids were invited to wear butterfly wings and to color Rosh Hashanna–themed pages. The themed activity of the day was to decorate little pots in which they planted seeds of wild flowers.
Parents and kids settled in quickly, communing with their respective peers. Kids set out to pretend they were butterflies that were flying in the Jewish Community Center’s Washington Street field. Abby Trachtman, PJ Library project coordinator, called the gruop to a little impromptu flower garden. Trachtman asked the kids what they knew about pollination and taught them that creatures like bees and butterflies were very important, demonstrating how they went about
pollinating. Kids were given paper straws to practice pollinating the flowers as well as watering cans to nurture the plants. As this was also a Rosh Hashanna celebration, families were then called to enjoy some apples and honey, and then, of course, to hear the reading of a PJ Library book.
Celebrating the Jewish New Year is a time for us to look inward at the blessings in our lives, while also remembering that for some members of our community, this has been a year of loss, financial uncertainty, and stressful challenges. Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley has played an integral role in caring for the Jewish community and the community at large for over 50 years.
By making a financial contribution to Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley’s High Holiday Appeal, you are helping to ensure that clients of JFS have access to essential resources.
Visit our website jfslv.org to give.
Women’s Philanthropy mitzvah group makes art for Israel
By Billy Thompson Digital Marketing and Graphic Design Associate
The Jewish Federation’s connection to Israel is exemplified in its Partnership2Gether relationship with Israel’s Yoav region. To celebrate this, Women’s Philanthropy gathered to hear Connor Hayes, director of community programming for the Jew-
ish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, present on the many ways Yoav and the Lehigh Valley have helped each another. A video was sent here from each member of the P2G committee in Yoav thanking the Valley community for its continued collaboration and contributions.
To express our gratitude, Women’s Philanthropy coordinator Lee Kestecher
Solomon and mitvah project committee chairs Fay Kun, Rachel Levin, Ilene Ringold, and Miriam Zager decided to create a communal mosaic art piece. The mosaic, now finished, was designed by Billy Thompson, digital marketing associate of the Jewish Federation, and funded by the women of our community.
The purpose of this project was three-fold. One, to collect
donations to the Operations Swords of Iron Israel Emergency Campaign. Two, to deliver a unique, meaningful gift to the Yoav committee. And three, to gather our women in a fun, charitable endeavor. The effort was rewarded with more than $1,600 raised to aid Israel. A huge thanks to all the women who came out to foster our connection with Israel and
Yoav.
On the evening of the event, we together finished a large portion of the mosaic, and the following week, Amy Oselkin and Gia Jones came to the Federation office to complete the project with Solomon.
The project will be delivered to the Yoav committee during the Federation’s next mission to Israel.
Northampton Community College
FALL SEASON
The 614th commandment and the new imperative post-October 7
By Rabbi Moshe Re’em Temple Beth El
My teacher of blessed memory, Professor Emil Fackenheim, a survivor of the Holocaust and one of the preeminent Jewish philosophers of the 20th century, coined the term the “614th commandment.” For Fackenheim, there were two “epoch making events” for Jews during the 20th century: the Holocaust and the creation of the State of Israel. Judaism has 613 commandments. After the Holocaust, according to Fackenheim, Jews have an additional imperative: to continue Jewish life and not to give Hitler a posthumous victory.
Since October 7 I have been thinking a great deal about Fackenheim’s teaching. I think it is clear to many of us that the horrific and catastrophic day of October 7, 2023, has served as an “epoch making event” for Jews of the 21st century. The notion that Israel serves as a safe haven for Jews was completely shattered on October 7. As of this writing, over 100,000 people in Israel are still displaced from their homes and communities, and 101 hostages are still being held by Hamas in unspeakable conditions. The barbaric attack on Israel initiated by Hamas has caused unspeakable suffering for all in the region. As we reflect on and mourn the loss a year later, what imperative now exists for Jews?
One obligation for American Jews is to call out antisemitism wherever it exists, on both the extreme right and the extreme left. Whether Republican or Democrat, Jews must be vigilant and honest to recognize that antisemitism exists in both parties. The other obligation is to affirm the need to continue Jewish life, as Fackenheim repeatedly stressed, by encouraging attachment to the organized Jewish community. Encouraging attachment to the Jewish community also demands engaging Jews who hold different views from those of the organized
Jewish community in dialogue. There is no benefit to be gained by simply ignoring or demonizing those with whom we disagree. While we speak of attracting the “unaffiliated,” we ignore those “unaffiliated” who differ from us in our views. “Cancel culture” exists on both the right and the left of the political spectrum.
I will give you one example of how “cancel culture” functions within the Jewish community and divides us.
My sister-in-law serves as a tour guide and educator in Israel. In February she hosted an American Jewish journalist on one of her guided tours of the Gaza envelope in Israel, the site of the October 7 atrocities. She was shocked and horrified this past summer to discover that the solidarity mission that she guided, the same one attended by the journalist, was characterized by the journalist as “dark tourism.” “Dark tourism” is the term used to describe travel to places associated with death and tragedy. The title of the piece was “The Rise of October 7th Tourism: Harrowing ‘solidarity tours’ of Israel are reinscribing American Jews’ sense of victimhood.” It was published in the progressive Jewish quarterly magazine Jewish Currents. Jewish Currents has a readership of more than a million online readers. It is strongly critical of Israel and advocates for the right of return for Palestinians and for the boycotting of Israeli businesses in the occupied West Bank. When my sister-in-law offered to write a response to the article, the quarterly denied her the opportunity. You can read her response at blogs.timeso-
NextGen Presents
fisrael.com/yes-to-solidarity.
My point here is to stress that there is a generation of young American Jews who we are losing by not engaging them in dialogue and by them “canceling” us. In the face of growing antisemitism in this country, we cannot afford to ignore Jews with differing views, even if they choose to ignore or cancel us. Conversations must be civil and respectful. Of course, we can go on ignoring those who with whom we disagree, but communities and ultimately the American Jewish community will pay the price. There is a difference between education and indoctrination. What we are witnessing is not merely a failure to educate, but a failure across the political spectrum to be self-critical.
I didn’t always agree with the late Professor Fackenheim, but I certainly agreed with his notion that we must continue Jewish life and not give Hitler a posthumous victory. That imperative is as true in 2024 as it was when Fackenheim coined the term. In the last interview that he conducted prior to his death, 24 years ago, Fackenheim was asked, “Do you think Israel can ever come to the point where it doesn’t have to be in a state of resistance?” He answered, “I think it will be a very long time. But I would say this. Will the time ever come when we can say Hitler’s shadow is gone? I think, yes, it will come when Israel is accepted in peace with its neighbor states. But it doesn’t look like it will happen soon.”
Maimonides event focuses on repetitve stress injuries
By Charlene Riegger Director of Marketing
Do you spend your days making repetitive motions such as grasping tools or instruments, typing, or constant lifting? On September 22, at the opening Maimonides Society Brunch and Learn of the Jewish Federation’s new campaign year, physical therapist Suparna Damany gave valuable insight into what you can do to help your body cope. Damany specializes in the treatment of chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders.
The event centered around stretching and trying to undo or at least mitigate the problems caused by repetitive motion. Damany suggested that you create a “health account” and to think of it like a bank account. Each time you stretch or do exercise, you make a deposit in your body’s health account. The more you have in your account, the better it will be for you when you have no choice to do repetitive motion or are not able to work in an ergonomicallyfriendly way, which is like making a withdrawal from your account.
Damany talked about microtrauma, which you do not feel. The body tries to repair itself when you sleep or rest. However, microtraumas may build up over time,
leading to residual damage. This is why you may wake up one morning, for example, and say your wrist hurts, and you’re surprised because you couldn’t hurt it during normal sleep. The damage built up over time finally resulted in pain. Nerves only have a few millimeters of give and will become damaged when overstressed. Increasing oxygen and blood flow to the areas of concern will help the trauma and eventually help your body to heal. Damany also spoke about computer work and creating an ergonomic computer work station. Ideally, your computer monitor should be at eye level and your wrists should
be slightly angled down for typing. If you are lifting your hands to type, this causes damage in the wrists and arms and goes all the way up to your neck. Sometimes carpal tunnel syndrome is the result of a poor work station, but it can be overdiagnosed. The trauma can often be mitigated by stretching exercises. See a few examples in the box to the right.
“Injury prevention doesn’t have to be time consuming,” Damany said. “Little bursts through the day help you to balance the scale.” Also, the stretching activities are not about intensity. Stretch enough that you feel it, but not until it hurts. You don’t
want to overstretch and hurt yourself. Breathing is also important to increase oxygen to your body. In everyday breathing, people typically do not take deep breaths. Making sure you take deep breaths throughout the day that you can feel in your lower ribs helps supply the oxygen your body needs for nerve and muscle health.
SIMPLE STRETCHES TO DO ANYWHERE
1. Make like you are gesturing “stop” behind you with your arm and hand outstretched. If you do not feel a stretch, you can lean your head the opposite way.
2. Put your arm out to the side and put your palm flat as if it were on a wall. Rotate your body away until you feel a good stretch.
3. Put your arm at a 45degree angle to the side. Put your palm up and lean away from your arm. Face your palm down again and relax.
4. Make a loose fist and curl your hand. Bring your arm straight behind you until you feel the stretch.
5. Place your heel on the gound with your toes pointing up, and lean forward, bending with your hips. Pump your foot up and down like you are hitting the gas pedal in your car. Turn your leg inward, hold, go back to neutral and then outward, hold, and back to neutral. Don’t forget to breathe!
Dr. Zach Goldsmith, Maimonides Society president, and event presenter Suparna Damany, a physical therapist.
Suparna Damany demonstrates a lower body stretch. (Photo courtesy of Bruce Sheftel. ©2024 Bruce Sheftel. All rights reserved)
Mosaic celebrating Yoav partnership hung in JCC
By Carl Zebrowski Editor
The mosaic created locally to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Lehigh Valley’s Partnership2Gether with Yoav, Israel, has been hung for all to see inside the JCC in Allentown.
The artwork is the Valley’s half of a joint project to make one similar mosaic for each community to go on display as a symbol of the partnership that they’ve continued to strengthen over the years—particularly important now with Israel at war.
The backboard for the Valley’s mosaic, designed and made in Yoav, arrived last year packed into a box as smallish squares to be assembled into one piece so glass tiles could be attached to it to form the image.
The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley soon asked Jane Markson to complete the work. She said she could do it if the Federation could afford to be patient.
The Federation said yes, and she set to work on the project as time allowed.
Markson was well suited for the job. She’d learned the craft in a class on mosaics taught by Cindy Schneider at the JCC in 2017 or 2018. Participants learned the essential skills to produce a finished piece.
After assembling the backboard, Markson cut mosaic tiles from large sheets of glass. “That was what Cindy taught us how to do?” she said. She choose the glass colors based on suggestions that came from Yoav.
Markson said producing a mosaic like this was right up her alley, explaining that she’s “very organized.” “I have a need to make things like a puzzle,” she said. “My style is more precise and tight.”
As she made clear at the start, the mosaic wasn’t fin-
ished. She said that besides the limits on the amount of time she could free up regularly, she also had to consider the temperature outside. The work makes a mess, so it had to happen in the garage. “And it can’t be too hot or cold,” she explained; otherwise the tiles wouldn’t have adhered properly.
“I would say it took a year,” she said, “nine months to a year.” She finished this past spring.
Now the mosaic hangs in a hallway on the main floor of the JCC. A plaque dedicating it arrived in August and appears next to the artwork.
“This mosaic celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Lehigh Valley-Yoav Partnership2Gether and the
unbreakable bond between our communities…,” it reads. “Special thanks to Jane Markson for the countless hours spent creating the mosaic locally.”
Looking back, Markson said she’d be happy to be part of a project like this again. “Even though I didn’t create the design,” she explained, “I was honored to be able to put my stamp on it and bring it to life.”
She’s also proud to have the mosaic on display where it is. “I think the JCC is an unbelievable organization,” she said. “I think it’s why this is a great Jewish community. It’s not as big as some other communities, but it feels equally vital.”
Jane Markson with the Lehigh Valley’s Partnership2Gether mosaic in the JCC. Yoav’s Partnership2Gether mosaic hangs in a Yoav municipal building.
ADL teaches teens, parents what to do about antisemitism
By Connor Hayes Director of Community Programming and Billy Thompson Digital Marketing and Graphic Design Associate
Four representatives of the Anti-Defamation League came to Congregation Keneseth Israel in late September to talk with concerned families in our community about the continuing rise in antisemitism and what to do about acts of hate. Teens and parents split up into different rooms to participate in respectively appropriate discussions.
Since October 7, antisemitism has been on the rise. Nearly 3,300 antisemitic incidents were reported during just the three months after the Hamas attacks. A lot of these incidents have occurred to Jewish children. The ADL reports that 75% of Jews sense that there’s been a huge increase in antisemitism over the past five years and 45% say they feel more endangered.
ADL presenters Heather
Kay and Jen Kugler asked parents to share their experiences with antisemitism in their kids’ schools— some of the experiences were as extreme as threats and physical violence. Adults themselves have experienced antisemitism in their advocacy for Israel.
Antisemitism doesn’t just occur in school hallways, as platforms like TikTok have been co-opted by antisemitic influencers and neo-Nazis to spread misinformation. Parents are then tasked with having difficult conversations about antisemitism—thus the open conversation here facilitated by the ADL.
Kids being fearless and proudly showing their love of Judaism and Israel can be scary for parents. The question of how to support and advocate for a child in these hard times weighs heavy. Breaking into groups, adults were tasked with sharing how they have handled these hard conversations so far, talking about different approaches and tactics, and generally about how to be a
Jewish parent nowadays. Be patient, it’s OK if not every conversation ends well. If your kid experiences antisemitism in their school, the ADL suggests starting with a report directly to their teacher. If the teacher doesn’t respond well, start to escalate to higher authorities. There ought to be a certain degree of trust, because legally, authority figures in schools can’t disclose the punishments they enact on students that misbehave, even in instances of extreme antisemitism. Kugler said to get involved with the student body, attend student-teacher conferences, and meet with the principals. Establishing trust can be very important.
While parents were sequestered in one wing, the teens gathered in another, to take part in a seminar that was part lecture, part social experiment, part trauma sharing. The presentation and lecture portion were led by two ADL representatives who went over a brief history of some of the better known
antisemitic myths and tropes, while also fielding questions from the students about how these might crop up in students’ lives. Students were then asked to respond to different common scenarios of antisemitic incidents. Responses ranged from simply moving forward without action to personally investigating the cause of the incident. Students also shared instances where they had experienced an incident firsthand, with testimonies highlighting the importance of outreach organizations like the ADL. “When something like this happens,” one eighth grader admitted, “I don’t really have anyone to talk about it with except my parents.”
A 12th grader chimed in, “If I heard an antisemitic joke, I would try to figure out why the person made it, and then teach them how it was wrong.”
Other admissions illuminated why student self-advocacy is critical and sometimes overlooked. In the words of one middle schooler, “I was on vacation at the beach
with my family, and it came up that we were Jewish when we were talking with another family. They said, ‘You don’t look Jewish,’ and I was having a lot of fun that day, so I didn’t think about it much.”
Despite that this event was held on a Sunday night before a school week, the students were engaged and took away from the event as much as they gave, exhibiting their own hineini (“here I am”) moment.
The event was organized and run by event chairs Miriam Zager, Tama Tamarkin, Lauren Rabin, Caren Lowrey, and Sara Jane Bub along with the ADL, which has 25 regional offices across the United States that work to combat antisemitism and ignorance or hate that could lead to attacks on minorities. If you’ve witnessed an antisemitic incident, please report it to Tim Brooks, the Federation’s regional security advisor, at 872-400-0239 or tbrooks@ securecommunitynetwork. org.
Volunteers will be raking leaves for older adults on November 17, 2024
If you are 65 or older, you can sign up for this service by emailing mailbox@jflv.org or call Rabbi Juda at 484-626-2212
Student to Student open house
High school juniors, seniors being recruited to educate peers
By Connor Hayes Director of Community Programming
Teens and parents gathered at the JCC on September 25 to hear about a new peerto-peer education initiative facilitated by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. During an intimate open house, attendees were introduced to the Student to Student program, a nationally recognized initiative tasking Jewish 11th and 12th graders with leading classroom presentations about what Judaism means to them. Launched by the nonprofit Be the Narrative in 2022, Student to Student has its roots in the St. Louis Jewish community and has grown to encompass over 20 states, all seeking to dispel stereotypes about Judaism and reduce antisemitism through presentationbased education.
Students receive training not only in how to highlight antisemitic tropes and myths, but also in how to teach the general public about the Jewish life cycle and holidays, all the while encouraging participants’ growth as public speakers. The 2023-24 academic year will be the inaugural Student to Student program for the Lehigh Valley. The hope is that it will continue to grow in the coming years. The program:
• Strives to reduce prejudice and bigotry
• Fosters understanding among peers
• Brings together Jewish
students from different backgrounds
• Trains them to talk about their lives as Jewish teens
• Facilitates discussions in an effort to dismantle antisemitism
• Puts a human face to Judaism
Student to Student presentations take place in public and independent schools. Since such a presentation is by students for students, it is not perceived as “just another lecture.” It resonates with the students and leads to more informal discussion where questions are encouraged. Any questions? Email Connor Hayes, director of community programming, at connor@jflv.org or at 610-8215500, ext. 331.
Now recruiting new Student to Student presenters for the 2024-25 Academic Year.
We encourage nominations from within our Lehigh
community. Scan the QR code or visit the link below to learn more!
By Sandi Teplitz
Gaza, then and now: The view from Kibbutz Nahal Oz BOOK REVIEWS
“The Gates of Gaza: A Story of Betrayal, Survival, and Hope in Israel’s Borderlands,” by Amir Tibon, Little, Brown, 2024, 352 pages.
By Sean Boyle Jewish Day School Librarian
Journalist Amir Tibon’s recently released book, “The Gates of Gaza,” is both a firsthand account of what happened to him and his family on October 7 inside Kibbutz Nahal Oz and a the history of Gaza since the kibbutz was founded in 1953.
Less than a kilometer from the Gaza border, Nahal Oz has had a front-row seat to everything that has happened in Gaza and the border region since its founding in 1951 as an Israel Defense Forces outpost and then in 1953 as a kibbutz. Tibon and his wife were awakened at 6:29 a.m. on October 7 to the sounds of mortars being fired from Gaza into their community. They immediately ran into
their safe room, which was also the bedroom of their two youngest daughters. So began an ordeal that had not been experienced since the end of the Holocaust.
Tibon weaves in what happened not just to his immediate family, but also to the rest of the kibbutz, including the police and IDF members immediately responding to the attack and the forces who came from outside the region, including Tibon’s retired IDF general father. It took 12 hours for Tibon’s neighborhood to be declared safe by the IDF, and the survivors were eventually evacuated by bus. It took from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. to get everyone safely to an IDF base 40 minutes away. Fifteen people were murdered in the attack and 7 were kidnapped, including Judith and Natalie Raanan, American citizens who had been visiting family and were released two weeks later.
Tibon alternates chapters between his and his fam-
navigation through the health system
MELISSA HAKIM, MD Health Advocate
484.533.7822 | www.hakimhealthpartners.com drmelissa@hakimhealthpartners.com
ily’s personal ordeal with the history of his kibbutz and its tumultuous relationship with the Gaza border. He said in an interview that he wanted to highlight the “long history of life alongside the Gaza border, with a lot of ups and downs, with good periods of relative quiet and coexistence and dreams of peace, and more difficult periods of war and conflict…. I felt that without telling that story, you cannot really understand October 7.”
Tibon, an Israeli, chose to write in English in hopes that the book would gain a wider readership. He used his kibbutz’s archives and interviewed the initial founders and more recent members to ensure that he accurately captured the story of what it was like living so close to Gaza and the historical events witnessed by its members. That history included the SixDay War and the Egyptian Peace Treaty in 1979, when there was no longer a border
between Gaza and Israel.
The final chapter is about what has happened to the members of the kibbutz since October 7 and their efforts to get answers and understand what led up to such an unprecedented tragedy. The book contains an epilogue and multiple maps and photographs, both representing the history of the kibbutz and the horrific events of October 7.
“The Gates of Gaza” is highly recommended for ages 17-120, especially for anyone wanting to learn the history of Gaza and the border region since the 1950s to present day.
Sean Boyle is librarian of the Jewish Day School and Congregation Keneseth Israel and serves as president of the Association of Jewish Libraries.
Chaired by Tracy Sussman and Kimberly Valuntas
For a Sweet Shabbat
“Shabbat: Recipes and Rituals from My Table to Yours,” by Adeena Sussman, Avery, 2023, 384 pages.
By Sandi Teplitz Special to Hakol
If you were raised in a home where Shabbat was regularly observed, there are unique memories that will remain with you for life. One spe-
cial time I got to stay at my uncle’s house. He lived with my bubbe, his mother, in Scranton.
He owned and operated a bakery, so there were plenty of treats around at every meal. When the end of Shabbat was approaching, he and I sat outside. He was as an avid cigarette smoker, and he held a cigarette between two fingers as we looked skyward, waiting for three stars to appear, signaling the end of Shabbat, when he could satisfy his craving. Then he would stay up the whole night baking for Sunday customers.
In the introduction to Shabbat, Adeena Sussman, an Israeli, shares some of her stories with us, including recipes from others. One of my favorites is an easy-to-make coffee ice cream, a delicious conclusion to a restful day.
Rabbinic presidents
2. Former NBA champ
Trevor
3. ___ a hatter
4. On the dot
5. Mound built by insects
6. Fishing spots
7. Last name of one likely to get Sheni
8. What the wary smell
9. “The Pianist” director
10. Doctor, perhaps 11. Praise
12. Singer whose last name is Sarkisian
13. Beats in the ring, for short
21. Singer Winehouse
22. Hindu-inspired exercise
26. Ken or Ringo
27. Stuff in a muffin, say?
28. Mr. Potato Head accessory
29. Kinderlach
30. Fancy
31. Opera solo
Across
1. Where Rays sometimes shine?
6. Comedy stick?
10. Break into, in modern times
14. Big name in electric shavers
15. Ehud or Barack, in the Bible
16. Bounce back
17. “I ___ do it!”
18. Face sketcher’s start
19. Ideal serves
20. Favorite President of a Talmudic rebel?
23. Start of Casablanca’s song
24. Not a Jewish holiday song
25. The Vilna Gaon’s favorite President?
30. Like several anti-Semitic
bulls
33. “Actually”, to Mendy
34. Notable Scooby
35. Some Torah
36. Fine, rare violin
38. Salsa quality
39. What most do for Kiddush Shabbat day
40. Bygone Asian ruler
41. Diamond safety zones
42. Rebbi Nachman’s favorite President?
46. College in New Rochelle, N.Y.
47. Beginner
50. Singer Ben-Ari’s favorite President?
53. Rude or polite dinner sound (depending on your point of view)
54. Ford role of note
55. ___-wip topping
57. Not repeated 58. Money-object linkage
59. “___ to remember...”
60. Danish Nobelist Niels, 1922
61. Oscar winner for “Hud”
62. “Ad ___” (Brad Pitt sci-fi movie)
Down
1. Up in the air, briefly
series with Jeanette
32. Abraham or Isaac
36. Thomas Matthew Crooks, almost
37. Floor for Aly Raisman
38. Buffoonery
40. Actress Daly of “Judging Amy”
41. German state
43. Certain room for 29-Down
44. Nerdy, perhaps
45. Highest U.S. military award: Abbr.
48. Patton, circa 1904
49. What can follow week or rear
50. Wife of Jupiter
51. It makes sound products?
52. Bone that’s Latin for “elbow”
53. Palindromic boy’s name
56. Abba’s mate
Jeanette Eichenwald returns for this special series West Bank and Lebanon in Jewish History: What’s it all about one year after October 7? This eight-session series will be in person at the JCC board room. The cost is $100 per person. A recording of each class will be available for those who cannot attend. Registration is required to attend in person or to view the recordings. To register, scan the QR code, or visit jewishlehighvalley.org/calendar or call 610.821.5500. sessions begin on october 29 and october 31
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7
Hostages Square Virtual Tour
10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., stream-
ing
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, established after October 7 to focus on bringing the hostages home, will take you along on a virtual tour of Hostages Square in Israel on this first anniversary of the Hamas attacks. Register at bringthemhomenow.net.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7
October 7 Community Commemoration
7 p.m., JCC
Gather to show our unity as a community as we remember the victims of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust. Together we’ll remember, reflect, and find strength in our shared experiences. Registration required at jewishlehighvalley. regfox.com/october-7-commemoration- . Bring a photo ID to the event.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13
NextGen Opening Event
3 p.m., Wanderlust Beer Garden
Join NextGen (ages 30-45) for its first event of the Jewish Federation’s new campaign year, in the unique, rustic setting of Wanderlust Beer Garden in Easton.
Community Calendar
Discover that this is “where you belong” while enjoying conversation and community and a short session about Federation affinity groups. Light snacks will be provided. Dietary laws observed. Registration required at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/nextgenopening-event.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14
College First-Year Leadership Internship 11 a.m., Jewish Day School
The FLI program offers first-year college students a unique platform to fast-track their growth as campus leaders. Through this semester-long program, FLI students gain hands-on training from StandWithUs experts through interactive workshops and tailored mentorship from seasoned student leaders. Upon completion of the program, FLI students are rewarded with StandWithUs Emerson Fellowship. Learn more at standwithus.com/fli.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
KI Hiking to Celebrate the Wonders of Nature
10:30 a.m.-noon, Congregation Keneseth Israel
Join Lisa Knicos for a Shabbat Out of the Box hike that gets heart rates up and brings attention to the surrounding natural
beauty. Open to all ages. Location will be given after registration at kilv.org.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20
Lauren’s Sunday FUNDay: Eagles Football! 12:30 p.m., JCC
Join the community and the Halper family to watch the Philadelphia Eagles vs. New Year Giants game and cheer for Lauren’s Eagles. The event celebrates Lauren’s life and raises money for the Lauren’s Fund: Bringing Everyday Joys, a Lehigh Valley Health Network hospice fund. Lunch and refreshments will be provided under LVKC supervision. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., and kickoff is at 1. Tickets are $20 for ages 16 and over, $10 for kids 4-15, and free for kids 3 and under. RSVP at laurenpearlfund@gmail.com.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 21
JDS Community Sukkot Dinner 5-7 p.m., Jewish Day School
Celebrate the holiday at JDS. Cost is $5 per person; children 9 and under are free. Call 610437-0721 to register.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22
Lions and Poms Visit the Weitzman Museum
A bus will take the Women’s Philanthropy’s Lions of Judah
and Pomegranates from the JCC to visit the Smithsonian-affiliated Weitzman National Museum of Jewish History in Philadelphia. Bus transportation and a to-go dinner from Goldie (a restaurant from Michael Solomonov of Zahav) included. Registration required at jewishlehighvalley. regfox.com/lion-pom-eventfall-2024.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
Chris Borick Election Program and Brunch 10 a.m., Keneseth Israel Days before the Presidential election, KI will be fortunate enough to welcome Muhlenberg College political science professor Chris Borick, one of our nation’s most highly regarded pollsters, for a non- partisan analysis of the race for the White House. Event is free to attend. Donations greatly appreciated. Register at kilv.org.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
Dr. Gordon Goldberg Memorial Lecture on 2024 Election Polling 7 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom
What are the polls telling us about the November election? Get expert insight straight from one of the prime sources: Professor Chris Borick, director of the
Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion. Registration required at jewishlehighvalley. regfox.com/dr-gordon-goldbergmem-polling-event-2024.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30
NextGen Info Session with Middle East Expert Avi Melamed 6:45-8:15 p.m., JCC Kline Auditorium
Gather with NextGen (ages 3045) for a presentation on “What No One Tells You about the Middle East.” Childcare available for kids ages 3-10 for $10 per family. Learn more about Avi Melamed. Register at https:// jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/ avi-melamed-session.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Evitchka: A True Story of Survival, Hope and Love
10 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel
Join KI for a brunch and learn with authors Lawrence P. Levitt and Kl congregant Stephanie Smartschan. Evitcha tells the story of local Holocaust survivor and Jewish community leader Eva Levitt z”l. Register at kilv.org by October 28. $10 ticket donation suggested.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8
JFS Healing Service
11 a.m., Jewish Family Service
Join JFS for a restorative communal experience. Visit jfslv.org for more information.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9
KI Shabbat Out of the Box
10 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel
KI celebrates its sixth year of creative and interesting activities to inspire your Shabbat experience. Registration is required at kilv.org (click on the particular event to register). Locations vary. Outdoor activities are weather permitting. Everyone is welcome, so feel free to bring your friends and family. All events are free. Registration is essential; no walkins will be permitted.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Evening of Unity in D.C. 6:30 p.m., Nationals Park
This inaugural event in the Washington Nationals ballpark will bring together thousands from the Jewish community across the continent to celebrate shared values and aspirations for a safe and secure future. Find more information and register at generalassembly.org/evening-ofunity.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24
The JDS Holiday Market 11 a.m., Jewish Day School Join JDS at a free to enter holiday market. More details to come. Interested Vendors call JDS at 610-437-0721.
Community Calendar
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9
Shuk to the Core 3-8 p.m., Temple Beth El Temple Beth El will be transformed into an Israeli shuk (market) featuring vendors from Israel. In partnership with the Jewish Federation. Details to come.
SUNDAY-TUESDAY, JANUARY 1214, 2025
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.
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
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 Zoom in from 5 states. No cost. Call 610-4353571, ext. 501.
MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS
Online Jewish Yoga Studio Mondays 11-11:45 a.m., Thursdays 4-4:45 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality
Mindful body practices help us find shelter right where we are, in our bodies in this very moment.
Join yoga teacher and IJS faculty member Rabbi Myriam Klotz or Cantor Lizzie Shammash as she guides you in an all-levels yoga and movement session informed by Jewish spiritual teachings and designed to relieve stress as we increase awareness of breath and grounding through our bodies. Open to all, no experience needed. Sign up at jewishspirituality.org/get-started.
TUESDAYS
Weekly Torah Study 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality Rabbi Jonathan Slater will lead a weekly program: “Torah Study to Sustain The Soul,” aimed at addressing an aspect of spiritual life that will help us navigate this time of uncertainty and isolation. Open to all, no previous knowledge needed. Sign up at jewishspirituality.org/get-started.
WEDNESDAYS
Yoga with Miriam Sandler: Chair-Supported Yoga 1-2 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom in person and via Zoom
Be seated in a comfortable chair, preferably armless (folding works well). 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 Four 5784, 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, SEP 25, OCT 30, NOV 13, DEC 4
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/ contact-rabbicall.
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.
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 to share 30 minutes of Jewish mindfulness. Open to all, no experience needed. Sign up at jewishspirituality.org/getstarted.
Were you kind to rewind?
Time for a mammogram.
No matter the era, this is your friendly reminder to schedule your annual mammogram at LVHN.org/mammo.
You, you, you oughta know: Get that mammo.