HAKOL - December 2024 by Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley

What’s in store at the Shuk to the Core Israeli market? And did you know Chanukah is still ‘new’ to some? More . . .

Special Chanukah section and throughout FROM THE DESK OF JERI ZIMMERMAN p3

LVJF TRIBUTES p9

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER p10-11

JEWISH DAY SCHOOL p12

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE p13

COMMUNITY CALENDAR p19

So no one need say, ‘I didn’t know how to defend myself’ Expert teaches community audience how to

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

“Today marks 409 days since October 7,” Shira Bach, a Leventhal intern with the Jewish education organization StandWithUs, told the audience gathered at Congregation Keneseth Israel for the presentation “The Fundamentals of Israel Activism” on November 18. “I’m uneasy, to say the least.”

A student at Kohelet Yeshiva High School outside Philadelphia, Bach was introducing the featured speaker for the StandWithUs-Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley event, Charlotte Korchak, who has been with StandWithUs for 14 years and travels the world educating groups on issues related to the

organization’s advocacy for Israel and mission to combat antisemitism.

“This event wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of Shira Bach, who has done an amazing job at spreading the word these past few weeks, as well as college advocates like Sam Bitterman, who serves as a StandWithUs Emerson Fellow at Muhlenberg College,” said Connor Hayes, director of community programming for the Jewish Federation.

“We need to support and empower the students in our community, because at the end of the day, they are on the front lines of Israel activism.”

Charlotte Korchak was born in Los Angeles and moved to Israel with her

confront antisemitism, anti-Zionism

family when she was 9 years old. She later returned to the United States and ended up studying at the University of Southern California. It was there that she had her first up-close encounter with antisemitism and anti-Zionism, running into a group claiming that Israel was an apartheid state.

“I didn’t like that I didn’t know how to defend myself that day,” she said (speaking very quickly throughout her presentation and packing in lots of information!). “I also didn’t like that I ended up screaming at people. It’s not very effective.”

That incident was vivid in her mind when she received the opportunity for the educational role she now fills for StandWithUs. Every day,

A Chanukah mitzvah party

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

Women’s Philanthropy is having a Chanukah party with a focus on collecting toys and other items for kids who otherwise might not receive gifts.

Robin Raskin of FamilyMatters, a Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options (JAFCO) support network, will speak at the Shine Your Light event on Tuesday, December 17, at Jay’s Local in Allentown. Raskin will

talk about FamilyMatters’ work providing case management and support services to families going through crises. She’ll get into how families in the Lehigh Valley can take advantage of what FamilyMatters offers, particularly with its new, large facility located just down the PA Turnpike in King of Prussia.

One of FamilyMatters’ many efforts is to ensure that families going through difficult times don’t miss out on the uplifting effect of holiday celebrations. “No child

should have to go without the holidays,” Raskin said. “We have boxes filled with gifts that we will deliver.”

In an interview with Hakol, Raskin described some of the problems FamilyMatters sees. Sometimes there’s an illness, or a child is diagnosed with a developmental issue. Insurance companies, schools, and courts can be difficult to navigate.

“We are able to be that helping hand to help guide these families and these children through tough times,” she said. “It is so incredibly gratifying to see them come out the other end. These children are thriving. We are making sure that families stay together.”

Raskin put special emphasis on her organization’s effort to reach out to the Lehigh Valley since its relocation to King of Prussia. “We want people to know we’re not far from you,” she said. “Come have your kids meet other kids. It’s going to be a real community gathering spot.”

she has the chance to prepare others for encounters like that one she had in college. And, preferably, less heated encounters, where there may be legitimate hope for changing someone’s mind about something.

She starts her talk on activism with the story of the Jewish people—a problem in itself from the get-go. “It’s way too long,” she said. “And we’re dealing with a (young) generation that has the attention span of an ant.”

Part 1 of the story sounds simple enough. “The Jews come from the land of Israel,” she said, harking back 3,000 years to when the Jews became the Israelites under King David. “That is the beginning of the story.”

The new facility will offer all sorts of programs for kids and their families. There will be dance, music, and art classes. There will be classes in life skills and for parents and caregivers. There’s also “respite care,” she said, where children can stay with trained medical and social work professionals when their parents need a temporary getaway from home.

Part 2 is exile from that land, with Jews being scattered all over world, mostly

Confronting antisemitism continues on page 2

“We are the only organization in this area that is going to be able to offer something like that,” Raskin said. “That’s exciting because these families all need a bit of a break.”

The party runs from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., and sufganiyot (donuts) and other desserts will be served (dietary laws

observed). A pledge to the Jewish Federation’s 2025 Campaign for Jewish Needs is required to attend. For information and to register for the event, chaired by Amy Oselkin, Tracy Sussman, and Kimberly Valuntas, scan the QR code below. Attendees are encouraged to view the gift wish list online and make a purchase there so packages can be shipped directly to FamilyMatters.

In 2023, the Women’s Philanthropy Chanukah toy drive benefited the children at St.Luke’s University Health Network Children’s Hospital. Pictured: Kimberly Valuntas, event cochair; Lee Kestecher Solomon, the Federation’s director of community engagement; and Tracy Sussman, event cochair.

Vicki Wax with Charlotte Korchak.

Confronting antisemitism

to Europe, which gave us the Ashkenazi Jews. 135 CE was the last time ancient Jews had the land of Israel.

Part 3 fast-forwards through centuries of continual persecution to the 1880s.

“After 1,800 years,” Korchak said, “Jews decided enough was enough.” The solution to the history of exile and persecution was Zionism, “the belief in a Jewish state in the land of Israel.”

Zionism has become a point of particular contention since the State of Israel responded to defend itself in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and the capture of more than 200 hostages. Korchak referred to the anti-Zionism, and antisemitism, that seems to be just about everywhere.

Despite that, it’s neither true nor productive to assume that if someone tells you they’re not antisemitic, they’re lying. “Believe them,” she said. “They’re probably

telling you the truth.”

Most people don’t even realize that their thoughts and actions may lean toward antisemitism, she said. And they usually don’t understand how anti-Zionism, which might seem like a purely political position, could be antisemitic in that the existence of the State of Israel is essential to the security of Jewish people across the globe.

Korchak believes that about 5% percent of the American public is Zionist, while 5% is anti-Zionist. That leaves 90% in the middle who don’t really know what they think about the issue. “Let’s be honest,” she told the audience. “Most of them just don’t care.” Still, that’s a lot of people who might be convinced one way or the other.

“The average person walking down the street doesn’t understand why Israel, needs to exist,” Korchak explained. “If Israel no longer exists, are

you going to be there to protect me? People who do have a problem with Jews are going to come and get me.

“What happens in every generation? The right-wing antisemites hunt Jews down.” One method of trying to persuade people on some of your points is to ask questions. If they say they’re anti-Zionist, ask what that means. “People don’t like to be challenged,” she said. “They don’t like to be wrong.” They may be open to your explanations as a way to clarify their own thinking.

to a person and they respond with comment like, “You’re all propaganda,” walk away. Invest your efforts elsewhere.

That said, criticism of Israel isn’t necessarily antiZionism. Criticizing politics and policies is OK, for Jews and for anyone else. “Most Israelis do it all the time,” Korchak said. “Welcome to the club.”

Of course there are plenty of bona fide anti-Zionists and antisemites out there. You can’t change the mind of someone who wants to get rid of Jews, she said. If you’re explaining something

One way to promote positive attitudes toward the Jews and Israel with people whose minds may not be completely closed is to open up yourself. “Be more outwardly Jewish,” she said. “Be more outwardly Zionist. The more visibly Jewish you are, the more people can express support.

“We’re not perfect. Israel is not perfect. But we’re pretty damned good.”

Some of all this might strike you as raising questions as much as supplying answers. Dimas Guaico, senior campus regional manager for StandWithUs in the

area that includes the Lehigh Valley, said that’s fine. “If you don’t leave one of our talks with more questions than answers, then we really haven’t done our job right,” he said.

“We hope that this sparked some more curiosity, more questions from high school or college students or community members wanting to learn more, wanting to get their hands on more resources.”

To get your own hands on some of the resources StandWithUs provides, visit standwithus.com.

Jewish Foundation boosts investment in Israel Bonds

By Lewis Gaines Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation Investment Committee Chair and Mike Miller Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation Investment Chair

The Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation (LVJF) purchased an additional $1 million of Israel Bonds in November, bringing our total Israel Bond portfolio to $5,090,000. This purchase serves the dual purpose of being a prudent investment for our endowment fund and helping to build every sector of Israel’s economy. The new total is 9.6% of the endowment assets of $53 million, an increase from the previous allocation of 8%. In making this investment, we are joining many other Jewish Federations and government agencies, including in Pennsylvania, in expressing support for Israel while making a good investment decision.

With the new, higher target allocation of 10%, our Israel Bond portfolio has grown from $1.83 million to the current $5.09 million. Over time, we have con-

structed a laddered portfolio with an average maturity of four years to minimize interest rate risk and market fluctuations, while providing a combined yield of almost 4%. Israel Bonds offer significantly higher yields than U.S. Government Bonds, while providing a similar moderating effect on stock market fluctuations.

The LVJF portfolio is a pooled endowment investment fund of the Jewish Federation, its donors, and the funds of many Lehigh Valley agencies, synagogues, and organizations. Each ASO has its own fund and takes part in the pooled investments, like a mutual fund. It is truly a community endowment fund, where each ASO has a representative taking part in the investment policies and decisions, with guidance from Goldman Sachs, our investment advisor.

Therefore, each ASO and donor fund indirectly owns a proportionate share of our Israel Bond portfolio. For example, an ASO with $3 million invested with the Federation owns $300,000 in Israel

Bonds. Similarly, a donor with a named philanthropic fund of $10,000 would have $1,000 in these bonds.

Many of our community organizations and donors have a firm commitment to investing in Israel. Investing with the Federation provides

an efficient mechanism for managing that desire, while providing ongoing monitoring and portfolio management.

Israel Bonds rank among Israel’s most economic and strategic resources, with a record of proven success span-

ning over 70 years. Proceeds from the sale of Israel Bonds have played a decisive role in Israel’s rapid evolution into a groundbreaking, global leader in high tech, green tech, and biotech.

Shine a light!

Chanukah commemorates a pivotal moment in Jewish history—a victory over those who sought to wipe us out. It is a celebration of light triumphing over darkness. The Chanukah story reminds us that just as our ancestors overcame oppression, we too can emerge victorious. With each of the eight nights, we add another light to the chanukiah, gradually pushing back the darkness and reinforcing our belief that light will always overcome darkness, bringing peace and hope to the world.

This year, as we celebrate, we do so amid a world that feels weighed down by darkness.

Sadly, we are reminded of a time not so long ago when antisemitism and antiZionism were less visible, and we took for granted that hatred would never rise to such dangerous levels again. But antisemitism is a societal problem, and tolerating, ignoring, or denying it allows hate, scapegoating, and dangerous ideologies to flourish, threatening the very foundation of our democracy.

To combat antisemitism, we must speak up—every one of us must stand strong. YOU are the light for your family and friends. In moments of need, you offer help, and in times of uncertainty, you offer comfort. As we prepare to celebrate Chanukah, you have the opportunity to be that same light for your extended Jewish family, especially for those who need us now more than ever—whether they are here at home, in Israel, or in communities around the world. I encourage you to be the light for those who never thought they would need to rely on others for support.

We must remain a light.

Federation-supported initiatives are helping make the world a better, brighter place, and they are only possible through the collective efforts and generosity of our community. From providing for those in need to inspiring the next generation of Jewish leaders, our Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs highlights the many ways that Federation-backed programming, alongside the work of

our community members, brings light to the world.

Together, we can shine a light and dispel the darkness.

Through agencies like Jewish Family Service (JFS), the Jewish Day School (JDS), and the Jewish Community Center (JCC), we continue to bring light to our community, staying connected and offering support to one another.

This Chanukah, we ask you, our generous community members, to add your light by making a contribution to Federation. Through our 2025 Campaign for Jewish Needs, your support will provide essential resources to local agencies and synagogues, and help:

• Care for those in need

Providing food for those in need, counseling for families in crisis, and support services for older adults, and helping disabled individuals and their families

• Building a vibrant Jewish community

Encouraging young readers—PJ Library, making Jewish education and camp affordable, teaching teens to stand up for Israel, connecting

TOY DONATIONS NEEDED

Wings of Hope

people to their heritage

• Bringing people together

Providing volunteer opportunities to help others, traveling to Israel on missions, supporting our Partnership2Gether family in Yoav, creating lasting friendships

• Responding to emergencies

Providing relief and healing from Israel to Ukraine and when local disaster strikes

This Chanukah, you are a light that heals. You are a

CORRECTION

light that brings relief in times of need. This is a reminder for us all to continually and increasingly bring more light to others. Thank you in advance for your generosity and for being the light that helps us to be Here for Good.

Chag Urim Sameach!

In the November issue, the article about Harrison Goldfarb, 18-year-old book author and creator of YouTube history content, an editing error identified him as the nephew of Lehigh Valley community member Harold Goldfarb. Harrison is Harold’s grandson.

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. COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS

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

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

Phone: (610) 821-5500

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Member American Jewish Press Association

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DIANE McKEE Account Representative hakolads@jflv.org

JFLV EXECUTIVE STAFF

JERI ZIMMERMAN Executive Director

AARON GORODZINSKY Director of Development

DENISE AHNER Director of Finance & Administration

LEE KESTECHER SOLOMON Director of Community Engagement

CONNOR HAYES Director of Community Programming

ROBBY WAX JFLV President

WENDY EDWARDS Office Manager

GINGER HORSFORD Donor Services Associate

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

JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY

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.

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

IN HONOR

ANN GOLDBERG

In celebration of your birthday

Michele Levy

ALINA AND DANIEL SCHECHNER

In celebration of the birth of your son, Emilio Schechner

Rozie, Diego and Paloma

Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie Schechner

Jackie and Benjie Schechner

SHARI SPARK

In celebration of the birth of your granddaughter, Myla Piasecki

Elaine and Leon Papir

IN MEMORY

WALTER DUBLER

(Father of Ariela Dubler Furman) Cooky Notis

• 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

Guests from near and far celebrate new Bnai Shalom rabbi

Congregation Bnai Shalom

Rabbi Adrienne Rubin was installed as the rabbi of Congregation Bnai Shalom in Easton on Sunday, November 10. The event brought the community together to mark a new chapter for the congregation in a spirit of unity and joy.

Attendees were inspired by the heartfelt words of Rabbi Rubin and supportive messages from other leaders in the community: Bnai Shalom copresidents Dr. Marc Abo and Vickie Semmel, Bnai Shalom installation committee chair Aliette Abo, State Sen. Lisa Boscola, State Rep. Robert Freeman, Easton Mayor Sal Panto, Jewish Federation of Lehigh

Valley Executive Director Jeri Zimmerman, Diocese of Allentown secretary Kim Fiorentino, Rabbi Renee Edelman, Rabbi Michael Singer of Congregation Brith Sholom, Rabbi Simon Rosenbach, Cantor Ben Rosenbach, Cantor Jill Pakman, Cantor Robert Weiner, and Rabbi Rubin’s husband, Doug Rubin, and son Elian Rubin. A musical presentation by Randi Kaplan and Howard Kerbel included a parody of the Disney song “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” with original lyrics by Howard Kerbel.

Following the installation, guests enjoyed a luncheon featuring an array of dishes in Bnai Shalom’s decorated social hall. The meal, a testament to the congregation’s commitment to honoring tradition with warmth and hospitality, allowed congregants and guests to connect with one another and with Rabbi Rubin in a joyful setting. The event underscored the strong bonds within the congregation and hopes for the future under Rabbi Rubin’s leadership.

The installation ceremony and luncheon were put together by chair Aliette Abo supported by a committee of 32 synagogue volunteers. Julie Hochhauser handled graphic design and Ellis Weitzman the photography.

The congregation’s instal-

lation committee and board of directors were grateful to the rabbinical search committee and the many people who celebrated the installation event from near and far, in person and online. They are especially grateful to sponsors Aliette and Dr. Marc Abo, Marsha Abraham, Bethlehem Business Forms and Working Dog Press, Bnai Shalom Sisterhood, Edible Arrangements, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, Julie and Aron Hochhauser, Kosher Nosh, Love Blossoms, and St. Luke’s University Health Network.

ADVOCATES for security and combats antisemitism

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

ARRANGES programming to meet the needs of our community

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2025 | 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM | KLINE AUDITORIUM

THE JEWISH COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU!

• Help Us Unveil an October 7th Memorial

• Reach Out to Community Members

• Engage at the Maimonides Brunch and Learn

• Volunteer with Women’s Philanthropy for a Mitzvah Project

• Bring Your Kiddos to a PJ Library Event

• Come Meet and Thank Our Elected Officials

• Enjoy an Israeli Lunch

Children Invited to Bring Their Tzedakah Money to Participate in the Giving!

THANK YOU TO OUR PREMIERE SPONSOR

Chanukah-New Year’s Eve party

Congregation Brith Sholom invites community to its final centennial event

By Jennifer Lader

Congregation Brith Sholom

Congregation Brith Sholom will host a Chanukah-New Year’s Eve party on Tuesday, December 31, from 7 to 11 p.m. This is the fifth and final event celebrating Brith Sholom’s centennial.

Falling on the seventh night of Chanukah, the party includes the Chanukah candle lighting, DJ and dancing, and hors d’oeuvres and desserts. The entire Lehigh Valley Jewish community is invited to attend.

Centennial events throughout this year have been themed for particular decades in the congregation’s history. The first event, on January 1, had a Roaring ’20s theme. Then came the ’30s-’50s at the Centennial Simcha Main Event in March that featured a documentary in which three congregation members were interviewed. Next was a 1960s-themed Mother’s Day with speaker Ann Beth Blinderman Klein, who recalled the decade in vivid detail.

Most recently, in keeping with the tradition of inviting guests for Sukkot, the congregation hosted members of the Bethlehem Interfaith Group and municipal government leaders. It also received a proclamation from State Rep. Steve Samuelson and one from Gov. Joshua Shapiro. Prior to the Sukkot evening event, the cemetery committee and Rabbi Allen Juda hosted an afternoon Characters and Capers tour of the Brith Sholom Cemetery—way more fun that you might imagine.

Brith Sholom got its start as a Jewish Community Center on Bethlehem’s Southside. It has taken an active role in Bethlehem from the start. In those early days, most of the city learned to swim at its indoor pool, the only one in town at the time.

Since moving to Jacksonville Road in the 1980s, the congregation has welcomed members from throughout the Lehigh Valley and beyond. It has

YEAR-END TAX PLANNING

As we approach the end of the year, we wanted to remind you about charitable giving strategies to maximize the support you can provide our Federation, along with reducing your overall tax liability—not just income tax, but capital gains tax and even potential estate tax exposure for your heirs.

Donations to our Federation can reduce your overall income tax bill if you itemize your deductions. You can also avoid the application of capital gains taxes if you are disposing of assets such as stock that have appreciated in value. Gifts of retirement assets can provide a current tax benefit as well as remove the gifted assets from your estate. Here are some tips to consider before the end of the year:

Gift-Appreciated Assets

Charitable gifts of appreciated assets remain a best practice, and with the rise in stock market values over the last 12 to 18 months, you may have experienced significant growth in your investment portfolio. Such gifts can provide you with a deduction for the full current value of the asset, but also avoid the capital gains tax that would apply if you sold the assets yourself rather than gifted them. Conversely, assets with built-in losses generally should be sold (generating a tax loss) with

the resulting cash proceeds donated, if desired. Note, up to $3,000 in capital losses may be used to offset other income on your tax return.

Open a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)

If you are considering making a significant donation to charity over time or just want the ability to plan your charitable grants over a period of years, consider opening a DAF or adding funds to an existing DAF. Funding your DAF with appreciated assets can be especially beneficial as you again avoid any capital gains liability. We can accept appreciated assets; these include publicly traded stock, as well as other types of non-cash assets such as life insurance, privately held business interests, real estate, and certain collectibles to help create your DAF.

“Bunching” Charitable Gifts Can Magnify Tax Benefits

Combining these two strategies can enhance your tax savings by “bunching” two or more years of contribu-

tions this year. The larger contribution can create a bigger tax benefit this year and then provide a fund from which distributions can be made over several years to satisfy your anticipated charitable giving. This approach is especially helpful for donors who might not otherwise be eligible to itemize their deductions. Only taxpayers who itemize their deductions get a tax benefit from a charitable gift. By bunching into a DAF this year, you can increase the total amount of deduction to a level at which it may be more advantageous to itemize than to rely on a standard deduction.

Utilize IRA Charitable Rollovers

gotten involved in a community organic farming project that helps supply Jewish Family Service with produce. In just the past few years, Rabbi Michael Singer founded the Bethlehem Interfaith Group, which has grown to dozens of member houses of worship. But Brith Sholom is best known for its welcoming congregation. One theme that has remained consistent across the decades is: At Brith Sholom, friends become like family.

addition, such rollovers help satisfy the IRA minimum distribution requirement if you’ve reached the age where such distributions must be taken into income (generally when you reach age 73). The rollover also removes these retirement assets from any potential estate tax exposure.

Utilize IRA Charitable Rollovers

If you or your spouse are over age 70½, the IRA charitable rollover is an attractive option that permits you to transfer up to $105,000 this year (the amount is indexed for inflation) from each of your individual retirement accounts directly to a charity, free of any income tax. In addition, such rollovers help satisfy the IRA minimum distribution requirement if you’ve reached the age where such distributions must be taken into income (generally when you reach age 73). The rollover also removes these retirement assets from any potential estate tax exposure.

One Last IRA Rollover Advantage Congress recently expanded the rollover to allow for a one-time distribution up to $53,000 distribution to fund a

Disclaimer: JFNA and Federations do not provide tax advice. Please consult with your professional advisor before taking any action. If you have any questions, please contact Aaron Gorodzinsky, Director of Development at Aaron@jflv.org or 610.821.5500.

The cost to attend the Chanukah-New Year’s Eve Centennial Party is $54 per person. For more information or to make a reservation (by December 4), contact Tammy at the synagogue office at 610-8668009.

charity gift annuity that can pay you a fixed amount of money each year for life.

Accelerating Non-Charitable Family Giving The current unified estate and gift tax credit of $13.61 million currently is scheduled to decrease to around $7 million beginning with transfers made in 2026. Accordingly, if you intend to make significant family gifts (either during your lifetime or in your will), you may want to consider accelerating some or even all those gifts earlier, as your resources permit.

As with any significant tax and charitable planning, it is always advisable to carefully consider potential changes in the context of your complete financial profile and to consult with your tax advisor.

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

Brith Sholomers gather with interfaith and municipal leaders in the sukkah for the singing of “Oseh Shalom” (“A Prayer for Peace”).

Rabbi Allen Juda (foreground, near center) leads the Characters and Capers tour of the Congregation Brith Sholom Cemetery on October 20.

Community members Stand Together for Israel at D.C. rally

By Connor Hayes Director of Community Programming

When our community members boarded the bus to Washington, D.C., early on Sunday morning, November 10, everyone among us was hoping we would experience an event with the gravitas and scale of the March in Washington in November 2023. We are proud of our Lehigh Valley community for showing up and dedicating time to such an important event.

While the attendance that day was visibly disheartening, and many commentators have talked about the unexpectedly low turnout, it’s a shame that so few have focused on the diversity of Jewish life on display that day, something that should not go overlooked. Of all of the speakers during the program, Lani Anpo best epitomized this diversity. Her ancestry includes not only Sicangu Lakota and the MHA Nations (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara), but also Russian Jewish heritage, by way of immigrants fleeing pogroms in the early 1900s.

To Anpo, these two intersecting identities shared a critical trait: the undeniable indigeneity of Jews to Israel and First Nations (aka Native Americans) to America. She went on to describe how Zionism could be considered

the first Land Back Movement, a term that stands for the reconstruction of sovereignty, dignity, and security for a diasporic people. Although often used in the context of First Nations, it was refreshing to see it used in relation to Israel, in a world where detractors of the reestablishment of the state term it “settler colonialism.”

Luckily for attendees, Anpo was not the only First Nation speaker to highlight indigeneity. Chief Anne Richardson of the Rappahannock Nation, longtime ally of Israel, made it clear that many had come to express Indigenous solidarity.

“I’m here tonight to stand with Israel,” she said, “along with a delegation from Canada, all the way down to the Caribbean, of tribal and Indigenous nations that stand in covenant with Israel.” To her right, was a contingent of chiefs, all in ceremonial attire, all having traveled far to express their solidarity. At a time when Jews feel largely isolated, this kind of genuine allyship feels cathartic.

And that day in Washington, allies there were aplenty. Ritchie Torres, a politician who has never been shy about his staunch support of Israel, was a featured speaker later in the night. His appearance was welcomed by hearty applause. Yet, in addition to allies, there were also heroes. Israel Defense Forces Sergeant Isabelle

AMBUCYCLE UPDATE

Burke, who left Ottawa, Ontario, to become a Lone Soldier, shared her harrowing experience as a member of an Iron Dome unit on October 7. “When we arrived (at the Iron Dome base),” she said, “we were astounded to learn that we would not be completing our training due to the extreme emergency. We were quickly sworn in and put to work. The following days were a blur, as we defended our country from waves upon waves of terrorist missiles. We watched our friends deploy, not knowing if or when they would return”

Not all heroes came in uniform. Amit Elor, Olympic Gold medalist in wrestling, shared her story of rising to the challenge. “I had to train with the boys, many of whom did not want to pair with a girl,” she said. “But things were different when I visited Israel. When I was there, I trained in

a local (Ashkelon) gym with Israeli wrestlers, and they welcomed me. In Israel, I felt truly included.” After using her platform to speak out after October 7, Elor shared that she was inundated with vicious antisemitism and hate. “It is not always easy to be publicly, proudly Jewish. That took strength too.”

The spirit and energy tying the whole event together came not only from the speakers, but also from the music. Idan Raichel and his many performances throughout the event provided cohesiveness to the diverse polity of speakers. Raichel certainly didn’t let

the chance of rain dampen his sets, and he kept the crowd lively, even going right up to the dividing barricade to hold signs depicting the hostages. For more solemn musical moments, the incredible voice of cantor Shulem Lemmer, provided the National Anthem, and songs and prayers for members of the IDF. At the end of the day, we could celebrate what we experienced together and how it inspired us during this challenging, ongoing chapter in Jewish history.

Freight truck deliberately rams into crowded bus at stop

By Avraham Sacks

United Hatzalah

United Hatzalah of Israel sends regular updates about the ambucycle donated by the Jewish Federation’s Maimonides Society in memory of Dr. Mickey Ufberg. Volunteer EMT Yonatan Auoat operates this motorcycle-ambulance on the crowded streets of Netanya.

The sun shone lazily one recent morning as a crisp autumn breeze swept through the area around Glilot Junction, outside Tel Aviv and near an army base. A bus, carrying

a group of senior citizens to a nearby museum, pulled over at the Cinema City bus stop to let soldiers off. Behind the bus, a freight truck driver with murderous intent veered his vehicle toward the stop and rammed directly into the bus and the stop, injuring about 50 people. United Hatzalah medic Yissachar Pollack was on the bus with his wife, who was among the injured passengers. Despite the mayhem and deep concern for his wife, Pollack managed to relay a concise and accurate assessment of the scope of the incident.

United Hatzalah’s command center issued a mass-casualtyincident alert, calling in all ambulances, volunteers, and first response vehicles in the immediate and surrounding areas.

The Mickey Ufberg ambucycle was immediately dispatched to the scene. Yonatan Auoat swiftly joined the rescue operation, adhering to protocols. Working alongside firefighters, soldiers, and police, he and his United Hatzalah colleagues helped triage the injured, secure the area, and manage traffic flow.

victims trapped beneath the truck. Medics and paramedics provided on-site medical care and assisted in evacuating the injured to hospitals. Thanks

to the swift response and care provided by Auoat and his colleagues, all victims were promptly treated and transported from the scene.

First responders worked tirelessly to extricate

HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY

SHUK TO THE CORE

Join us as we transform Temple Beth El into an Israeli-style shuk, featuring vendors from Israel.

To register, please scan the QR code, visit jewishlehighvalley.org/calendar, email mailbox@jflv.org or call 610.821.5500.

IN HONOR

LORI AND HOUMAN AHDIEH

In celebration of your daughter

Sydney’s marriage to Matt

Debi and Dave Wiener

IRA BLUM

In celebration of the birth of your son Aaron Gorodzinsky and Jennie Schechner

CAROL BUB FROMER AND GARY

FROMER

In celebration of your daughter

Jenna’s engagement

Debi and Dave Wiener

RISE AND JERRY GELFMAN

In celebration of your grandson

Dillon’s Bar Mitzvah

Diane and Gary Miller

Pam and Greg Silverberg

LINDA AND HAROLD KREITHEN

In celebration of the birth of your granddaughter

Lynda and Richard Somach

KAREN KUHN

In celebration of your grandson

Reed’s Bar Mitzvah

Elaine and Leon Papir

MARLA AND JAY MELMAN

In celebration of the birth of your grandson

Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald

SUSAN AND MARC LEVIN

In celebration of your grandson’s Bar Mitzvah

Jeanette and Eduardo

Eichenwald

PHYLLIS AND HENRY PERKIN

In celebration of your grandson’s Bar Mitzvah

Lynda and Richard Somach

BETH AND ED POSNER

In celebration of the birth of your great-grandson

Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald

RANDI AND DONALD

SENDEROWITZ

In celebration of the birth of your grandson, Loukas Evangelos Ntonados

Lynda and Richard Somach

SHARI SPARK

In celebration of the birth of your granddaughter, Myla Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald

IN MEMORY

MOTHER

(Mother of Marlene Heller)

Carole and Michael Langsam

SIDNEY BRATT

(Father of Evelyn Lipschutz)

Lynda and Richard Somach

LOIS LIPSON

(Wife of Don Lipson, mother of Scott Lipson)

Jeanette and Eduardo

Eichenwald

Lynda and Richard Somach

Laurie, Robby, Ben and Danny

Wax

RUTH MEISLIN

(Mother of John Meislin and Ann Meislin)

Randi and Donald Senderowitz

HARRY ROSE

(Husband of Carol Rose)

Lynda and Richard Somach

STEVEN SCHIFF

(Son of Vera Schiff, brother of Richard Schiff)

Francie Bishop Good & Family

HELEN AND SOL KRAWITZ

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND

IN HONOR

SUSAN ENGELSON FRIEFELD

In celebration of your Special Birthday

Lynda and Stuart Krawitz

JOAN LESAVOY

In celebration of your grandson

Andrew Barson’s engagement to Ashley Ohnona

Lynda and Stuart Krawitz

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.

WONDERING ABOUT YOUR PLACE?

The JCC’s annual Friends of the JCC campaign is off to a fantastic start this year, with a theme that celebrates our community’s superstars, or as we like to call them, “Game Changers.”

As we reflect on the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley’s vibrant 2024, we are shining a spotlight on the ways our programs are empowering people to become true “Game Changers” - whether it’s on the field, in the gym, or through our robust arts and culture, health and wellness, and children’s initiatives.

Whether you’ve enjoyed our state-of-the-art fitness and aquatics facilities, witnessed the growth of children in early childhood classrooms, or seen the joy in our camp and youth activities, you’ve experienced firsthand the impact of our programs. The JCC is where professional athletes and performers hone their skills, where families find new passions, and where individuals discover the transformative power of community. Whether you’re training for your next big game, exploring a new hobby, or looking to connect with others, the JCC is committed to being there for you every step of the way.

As we approach 2025, we invite you to take your involvement to the next level. Your support could help us enhance these programs that you’ve come to know and love:

1. Fitness and Aquatics: Expand our offerings and upgrade facilities to promote health and wellness for all ages.

2. Early Childhood Programs: Invest in resources that provide children with the best possible start in life.

3. Camp and Youth Programs: Create more opportunities for fun, friendship, and personal growth in a safe, supportive environment.

4. Cultural and Educational Initiatives: Strengthen our community’s shared identity and celebrate our rich heritage.

By becoming a Friend of the JCC, you have the power to shape the future of our center. Your contribution, no matter the size, can help us develop innovative programs, maintain our excellent facilities, and ensure that our community continues to flourish in the coming year and beyond. We are deeply grateful to the generous supporters who have already made a gift to fuel these transformative programs. If you haven’t had a chance to contribute yet, there’s still time - the Friends of the JCC campaign runs through January 15, 2025.

Thank you for being an essential part of our JCC family, and for helping us empower the next generation of game changers! We look forward to the possibility of partnering with you to build an even stronger, more vibrant community in the year to come.

With warmth and anticipation,

Eric Lightman Jeff Fleischaker Executive Director President

Competition Ramps Up For New JHoops Season

ECE Celebrates Rosh Hashanah With Some Sweet Guests

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

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.

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).

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 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!

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.

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

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

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

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.”

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

or 13beekeeper@gmail.com for more information.

Stagemakers Brings the Spooky This Fall

By Heather Lavin Program Director

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

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

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

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

JSeals Is Back, Making a Splash This November

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

By Jodi Lovenwirth Aquatics Director

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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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.

By Tracy Sussman Membership and Marketing Director

Leslie & Victor Bunick+

Taffi Ney+(L)

Ali Raza Visram+*

FRIENDS OF THE J DONORS

Lois Albright+

Marilyn Claire+

Lisa & Andrew Ellis+(L)

Iris & Jonathan Epstein+(L)

Elizabeth & Jeff Greenberg+

Pamela & Vernon Guischard+

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

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.

On Sunday, November 10, we held our annual fall Mah Jongg Madness event where players gathered to eat,

Jason Alter

Sylvia & Sam Bub+

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.

Mah Jongg Madness Brings Fun and Friendly Competition to Local Community

schmooze and compete in the game of American Mah Jongg, based on the popular tile-based game. We had players of various skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Our players competed to win a series of rounds by accumulating the most

Julianne & Samuel Heiney+

Amy & Douglas Jaffe+

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.

Marty Katz+

Michael Krim

Suzanne Lapiduss+

points through a number of hands. Our next Mah Jongg Madness event will be held on April 6.

Lesavoy, Butz & Seitz LLC+

Colleen & Paul McGee+

Robert Rockmaker+(L)

Brenna & Michael Schlossberg+

Pam Lott & Ron Ticho+

Rabbi Seth Phillips+

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+

To register or learn more about upcoming lessons to learn to play Mah Jong, visit us at lvjcc.org/ Mahjong.

Ellen Osher & Robert Pritchard+

Beverly & Ronald Wasserman+

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.

HAKOL LEHIGH

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

Why JDS?

By Joanna Powers Head of School

It’s hard to believe that we’re just about halfway through the JDS school year. After a busy fall of celebrations, commemorations, meaningful holidays, and an abundance of learning, we are bundled up and ready for winter! We wish we were in school for more of Chanukah this year, but that won’t stop us from basking in the Festival of Lights as we study the his-

By Megan Hyman

Thetory, significance, and traditions of this beloved holiday. We won’t be skimping on the sufganiot (jelly donuts) or levivot (potato latkes) either.

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

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

Why JDS?

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.

The end of the first trimester is a special time for other reasons as well. Students, teachers, and parents pause and reflect on the curriculum covered and milestones reached since the start of the school year, from mastering PlayDoh techniques in pre-K to completing deeply layered novel studies in sixth grade.

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

As the tradition has always been, we are thrilled

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?

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

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-

By Megan Hyman

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.

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

demic as built-in playmates

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

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

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

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

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

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 enemy soldiers were closer and closer to our village. At

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

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

ing to a close. For professional reasons, wesion 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

app throughout the day.

tors of the past decade, is an incredible opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come and how high our students and alumni soar.

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

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.

to have our Annual Gala Dinner on the first Saturday night of December. This perfect timing for our main event of the year allows us to share our midyear progress with the entire community. Honoring Brian Goldman, one of our most influential educa-

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

For any parent grappling with the decision 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.

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.

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

Who is the refugee? It’s me.

Who is the refugee? It’s me.

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

Our kids became ing the quarantine

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

Who is the refugee?

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

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 every one, 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 happy.

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. So, I asked my husband to leave our home.

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.

The halfway mark is also a time to ensure that the second part of the school year will be incredible. We have so many events planned, including monthly Little Learners sessions for our littlest JDS fans; beautiful Tu B’Shevat, Pesach, Purim, Lag B’omer, and Shavuot plans; and meaningful Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut programs. Throughout it all, core subjects will be expertly honed, social and emotional health will be supported, and Jewish pride will be celebrated. The teaching team will continue to collaborate and work closely with our administration to perfect our dedication to all Pennsylvania state standards and beyond. The Prizmah network is our partner in our continued mission to use the latest strategies and techniques to deliver a Hebrew and Judaics curriculum that builds a foundation for lifelong Jewish learning and fervent Zionism.

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 it is still.

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, kindness and happiness.

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-

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 oc cupation during WW2 so we kind of could guess how it could be in our case. But we were wrong, very very wrong. Because in village aren’t many people – it’s dif ficult to feel panic. We heard sounds of missile strikes, the house was shaking every time, but personally I really felt it on the second week, end of February. I needed to take my youngest daughter to doctor. So, we were going by car there. It wasn’t far but we needed to go through a checkpoint which was created as a part of country protection actions. There I saw real soldiers, guns, bul lets laying on the ground, tanks for the first time in my life. And it wasn’t museum exhibition, it was real life situation. But worst was that something just fly above my head and then I heard and felt shot near me. It was enemy drone. It scared me to death, I never ever felt like this before. Next weeks were very scary for me. The enemy soldiers were closer and closer to our village. At

Features newsletter is a great way to stay informed and get a peek into our classrooms. Please drop me a line at jpowers@jdslv. org to get on our mailing list if you are not already. We have so much to share! Stay tuned for more educational and nourishing winter fun and games!

As we break out winter coats, menorahs, and wishes for or against snow (depends on your perspective), the JDS is buzzing with excitement and action. The warmth of our school family staves away the chill. Schedule a time to come by for a warm drink and a dazzling tour anytime! Our

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 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.

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

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

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

Kindling the Holiday Lights

Debbie Zoller MSW, LCSW JFS Executive Director

This year, the first night of Hanukkah begins on December 25 which is also Christmas Day. Since the start of the 20th century, there have only been four previous times when the two holidays coincided, including 1910, 1921, 1959, and 2005. Christmas is a major Christian holiday and Hanukkah is a minor festival. However, they are often compared as stores compete for everyone’s business during the gifting season.

While it’s purely a coincidence that Christmas day and the first night of Hanukkah happen to occur on the same day, I’d like to believe that there could be a hidden message. Both holiday celebrations emphasize lights, renewal and peace. More than ever, the need for compassion and understanding is crucial in a climate that has been very divided. The holidays are a time to come together and give of ourselves to those who may be in need.

As the Executive Director

of JFS, I witness small miracles when I see individuals improve their lives as a result of the work they do with the professional staff. This year, the agency launched initiatives including an empowerment group for adults with disabilities, a group for parents of adults with disabilities, and a grandparent’s group. Additionally, JFS staff facilitate two programs for older adults to decrease social isolation- Creative Connections and Let’s Play. JFS has counseling services which assist

individuals through a strength- based model emphasizing development of positive coping skills.

I am leading a six-session healing experience series that is on Zoom and in person that began last month. The purpose of this opportunity is to provide a safe space for individuals to express themselves and experience inspirational music, readings and stories. All of these programs provide an opportunity to “lighten” the load as we navigate these challenging times.

The Scherline Family – Next Generation

“Picking up where he left off,” proudly stated Lyell Scherline.

During Hanukkah, we light candles to dedicate as well as re-dedicate ourselves. We spend time with family and embrace our unique traditions and foods. One local family exemplifies the dedication to works of service as tradition and a way to honor those in blessed memory, the Scherlines.

The Scherline family have been a long-time supporter of JFS, active as board members and community partners. Lyell, a 39-yearold Lehigh Valley native, has been engrained with the memory of his father’s active board and philanthropy work.

IN HONOR

CORRINE AND JIM ADAMOVICZ

Diane and Paul Lemberg

LORI AND HOUMAN AHDIEH

Diane and Paul Lemberg

LAURIE AND MARC BERSON

Diane and Paul Lemberg

REBECCA AND MITCH COOPER

Diane and Paul Lemberg

JUANA DEL SOLAR

Linda and Harold Kreithen

DONNA AND RON FOHRMAN

(In honor of the marriage of Lauren and Derek Fohrman)

Phyllis and Jay Kaufman

JI-IN FRIESS

Diane and Paul Lemberg

When returning home from a school day, it was often that his father, Jay, would be at a meeting or a function. Jay instilled in Lyell the importance of being active in the community, whether it was a Jewish or Masonic organization, school, church, or another nonprofit entity.

On New Year’s Eve in 2012, Lyell’s father passed suddenly leaving the family to grieve. Yet during this hard time, they realized they wanted to fill the void left by Jay’s absence. Jay’s wife, Lorrie, led the initiative. She stepped into the board member role at Jewish Family Service until a few months ago when her term concluded. Currently,

MONICA AND HENRY FRIESS

Diane and Paul Lemberg

AMIRA AND JEFF GERVIRTZ

Diane and Paul Lemberg

TISH AND LEIGHTON LEBOEUF

Diane and Paul Lemberg

PAM LOTT AND RON TICHO

Diane and Paul Lemberg

JANE AND BILL MARKSON

Diane and Paul Lemberg

SHARON AND GREGG SCHUBACH

Diane and Paul Lemberg

RANDI AND DONALD

SENDEROWITZ

(In honor of birth of grandson, Loukas)

Carol and Bob Wilson

is a member for the 2025 Cheers for Volunteers event committee.

There was no hesitation for Lyell when he was asked to join the board. He wanted to serve in honor of his father and set a good example to his two young children. He is raising them as his parents did, with the importance of doing good deeds, mitzvahs. “They are the next generation,” he said while bouncing his son on his knee.

Lyell looks forward to continuing to host the Let’s Play program at his café, Jay’s Local, which is named to honor the memory of his father.

He is creating bilingual translations of recipe cards for the Community Food Pantry. He is thrilled to bring a fresh perspective and various talents to assist JFS.

We are very thankful to the Scherline family for their ongoing dedication to JFS and the local community!

The vision statement of JFS reads: “No one in our community should suffer hunger, isolation, abandonment, emotional or physical distress or lack of community support and caring”. The lights of Christmas, Yule, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa shine more brightly when we are talking to each other, listening and seeking out commonalities rather than differences.

STEPHEN AND STEPHANIE SZILAGYI

(In honor of the marriage of Jillian and Rory)

Bette Friedenheim

CAROL AND BOB WILSON

Diane and Paul Lemberg

IN LOVING MEMORY

BOB FLEMMNG

(Husband of Susan Flemmng)

Barbara and Fred Sussman

SONDRA JACOBS

(Mother of Marc Jacobs, Rita Wong, Chris Baer, and Karen Baer)

Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein

LOIS LIPSON

(Wife of Donald Lipson, mother of Scott Lipson)

Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein

Elizabeth and Jeffrey Greenberg

Jane and William Markson

Carol and Bob Wilson

RUTH SACHS MEISLIN

(Mother of John Meislin and Ann Rosen)

Leonard Abrams

Sheila Berg

Caroline Boderman

Robert & Laura Fox

Lisa and Barnet Fraenkel

Anne Dooley Ikeda

Anna Kodama

Martha Lebovitz

Susan and Henry Lehrich

Barbara and Andy Levine

Edith Miller

Cooky Notis

Karen Peiffer

Mimi Roth

Carrie Rubin

Erika Schon

Marjorie Weiss

Sandra and Norman Wruble

DENA ZAHN

(Mother of Bruce Zahn)

Carol and Bob Wilson

Lorrie

Above: Lorrie and Jay

Left: Tracey, Lyell and family

Donate today to the Operation Swords of Iron Israel Emergency Campaign and have it matched dollar for dollar by the strong support of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation. Learn how to give at jewishlehighvalley.org/swords-of-iron The deadline to make a gift and have it doubled is Our community is close to our goal of $1 Million raised for Israel!

Family report from Israel

‘He bears the weight of responsibilities no child should have to carry’

The following report from Israel arrived via email not long before this Hakol went to press. It comes from Deborah Sullum, an internationally recognized artist who lived in Allentown before moving to Israel in 1995.

Daniel and I live in Bat Galim (Daughter of the Waves). It once was a tranquil haven in Haifa, but the harsh realities of war have shattered its idyllic charm. Nestled on the Haifa bay with its picturesque waterfront promenade, the neighborhood resembled a close-knit village, bustling with life and simple joys—a bakery, coffee shop, local cooperative bar, and ice cream shop serving as community anchors. Families strolled, cyclists pedaled, and life flowed peacefully, much like the fictional town in Gilmore Girls. But all of this changed on October 7, 2023, when the echoes of war replaced the gentle hum of daily life.

Initially, the residents of Haifa felt somewhat insulated from the conflict, our bomb shelters ready but rarely used. The fighting seemed distant, concentrated in Gaza, and while each loss of life was deeply felt, the threat did not yet touch our homes. However, by September 2024 this fragile sense of safety

was shattered as Hezbollah intensified its attacks in the north. The once sleepy village found itself under siege, with daily missile barrages and the ominous wail of sirens becoming an inescapable routine.

For two months now, Haifa and its surrounding areas have endured relentless missile attacks. Beaches are deserted, restaurants have closed, schools have shifted to Zoom or been canceled altogether, and we live in a constant state of vigilance, dashing to bomb shelters at a moment’s notice. What was once a vibrant and peaceful community now grapples with the new normal of war—an existence defined by uncertainty, resilience, and the hope that someday, life might return to the quiet rhythm it once knew.

Our grandchildren also live in Bat Galim. They are being deprived of their innocence. The profound impact of this war has damaged their sense of security and wellbeing.

Our 4-year-old grandchild Canaan insists on sleeping with his shoes on, ready to flee to the bomb shelter when he hears a siren. He has developed a multitude of fears that are etched into his young

mind.

The twins, Mika and Sinai, age 7, transform their fear into play, mimicking sirens and parental roles of bringing the children to the bomb shelter. It is a heartbreaking mix of resilience and coping, showing how children adapt to unthinkable circumstances but cannot escape their underlying fears.

Our fourth grandchild, Yair, at just 13, becomes an emblem of courage and responsibility, embodying resilience far beyond his years. When home alone one evening with his siblings, a siren sounded. Yair dashed to the twins’ bunkbeds and began to rush them toward the three flights of stairs to their bomb shelter. Simultaneously he grabbed Canaan. He cradled the sleeping 4-year-old in his developing muscular arms and made the mad dash to the shelter. All of this had to happen within 1 minute—the time allotted to safely get to a shelter. His instinct to protect his younger siblings during an air raid siren shows maturity born of necessity, not choice. Despite his love for basketball and a desire for normalcy, he bears the weight of responsibilities no child should have to carry.

No child should grow up

equating sirens with danger, safety with a bomb shelter, or play with survival. It’s a sobering reminder of the need

for peace and the profound importance of safeguarding children’s innocence and security in times of conflict.

St. Luke’s hospitals received the best possible rating – five stars – from the annual quality and safety hospital review by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS).

St. Luke’s is the ONLY health network in the Lehigh Valley to receive the best ratings.

“Thank you and congratulations, St. Luke’s employees! This official recognition from the US government is a credit to our incredible 20,000 employees and their unwavering commitment to all-around excellence.”

–

Donna Sabol, St. Luke’s Senior Vice President & Chief Quality Officer

St. Luke’s rated BEST by US Government.

‘Zionism as Evolution’: Community leaders

By Adina Re’em

Temple Beth El and Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg

Congregation Keneseth Israel

Being Jewish in America today is an emotional experience. And a destabilizing one. So much of who we have been as American Jews is shifting, especially since October 7, 2023—the day of the Simchat Torah Massacre. Many of us are looking for language, ethics, ideas, and spiritual wisdom to help us chart the unknown on the horizon.

Adina Re’em, an Israeli living in the Lehigh Valley, was thinking a lot about these ideas when she approached Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg of Congregation Keneseth Israel. She was looking for a partner with whom she could think together and ultimately collaborate with to facilitate a group that would explore some of these ideas.

It seems that the Jewish community has lived through

so much in the past years and learned to cope. And then came October 7, followed by intensifying antisemitism around the globe. Since then, we’ve experienced an unparalleled cocktail of emotions. Shock, fear, rage, compassion, and hope are but a few. In thinking about and feeling these emotions—and in witnessing them in our community—we feel called to dig deeply into thinking about Israel and the history of Zionism that has led us here.

We live in an age where binary opposing views are constantly amplified. While standing strong against antisemitism and for Israel’s rights and survival are necessary, not everything is clearcut. As the now multifront war in Israel drags on, exacting its painful toll daily, and American intellectuals pass judgment, we are thrown into a profound uneasiness. Oversimplification cannot be allowed to win the day! We believe it does not leave enough room for thoughtful,

difficult, and deep inquiry. This approach offers a limited, binary answer to a very complex reality.

While there are some issues with no ambivalence— hostages of all ages violently kidnapped and carried away from their homes must be returned, and we must do everything to bring attention to their plight—many other issues are far more complex. Perhaps you similarly find that simple answers belie the complexity, confusion, messiness, and agony our people face. If so, we invite you to join us. As we all continue to march and sign and lobby, we still need to find room to listen. We are creating a learning space that will focus on listening. We will be offering a course for six weeks to be held on Thursday evenings at the JCC.

This course, “Zionism as Evolution: What Zionism Was, Is, and Can Be,” will be an ideal setting to examine our multiple identities as American Jews, especially in

relationship to Zionism and the State of Israel. Participants should expect to show up for a conversation. The ethos of this class will prioritize listening deeply. We will listen to voices from history along with current voices. We aim to unpack the multiple faces of Zionism and its possibilities for a sustainable future.

Classes are open to the whole community and will be held January 9, 16, 23, and 30 and February 6 and 13 from 6:45-8:15 p.m. Registration is required in advance. The cost for the class is $60, but scholarships are available.

American Jews face a vast, mixed bag of issues and chal-

lenges unique to this moment in history. We cannot address them all at once. In this class, we will begin by addressing the roots of Zionism and the reactions to its emergence. We are not here to justify, nor are we here to condemn. We join together to listen. As Abraham replied, “Hineini,” to God’s repeated call, we also assert, “We are here.” Will you show up for this conversation? We hope you will join us.

To register for the class, visit bit.ly/Zionismclass or scan the QR code below.

BIG gathers for annual interfaith Thanksgiving celebration

The Bethlehem Interfaith Group held its annual Thanksgiving celebration on Sunday, November 24, at College Hill Moravian Church in Bethlehem. A joyful gathering of Jews, Christians, Muslims and Bahá’is almost entirely filled the sanctuary (worship space) to hear readings and music from each faith tradi tion focused on the theme

“Starting Small to Build Big.”

Student Rabbi Alex Malanych

of Congregation Am Haskalah read the midrash “Rabbi Akiva: Little by Little,” and Rabbi Michael Singer of Congregation Brith Sholom sang “Al Kol Eileh” by Naomi Shemer (the late Israeli songwriter whose songs were featured at the October 7 commemoration at the JCC). Something new this year, and greatly appreciated, was a choir of children from the Lehigh Dialogue Cen

We Are HIRING!

ter (Turkish Muslims) who performed two songs, one in English and one in Arabic.

Following the program, people gathered in the

Older Adult Case Manager

JFS is committed to providing compassionate care to help older adults age with dignity. If you are looking for a job that will feel meaningful and make a difference in the lives of Jewish Older adults, this is the job for you, https://jfslv.org/careers.

For questions or to apply, contact: Chelsea Karp 610-821-8722, employment@jfslv.org

BOOK REVIEWS

Timely story of a Ukrainian girl coming of age in America

“The Whisper Sister,” Jennifer S. Brown, Lake Union Publishing, 2024, 419 pages.

By Sandi Teplitz Special to Hakol

This novel by the author of “Modern Girls” poses the question, When an emigrée is able to survive a difficult journey to America, what constitutes success? Brown allows us to make the trip with

this Prohibition-era Ukranian girl who transitions to womanhood in the United States. Minnie Soffer arrives amid hoopla concerning the 18th Amendment, also known as the Volstead Act, a new addition to the legal system, prohibiting “the manufacture, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors.” Her acquaintance with the implications of this legislation provides a backdrop for the

fast-moving, well-thoughtout plot.

Many challenges await this immigrant. In addition to language issues, she faces antisemitism; poverty and its cohort hunger; lack of citizenship; and violence directed at her for being a woman in the workplace. When family deaths arise, she is called on to face choices that threaten her very being.

Throughout these circumstances, she never loses her faith in Judaism. Aiding her is a rabbi, brought to life in a well-delineated portrayal, who does everything in his power to protect her and save her from the vicissitudes of a corrupt police department. When what she hoped Ellis Island would bring her was not realized, she discovered that she had it within herself to find a way to achieve satisfaction, untraditional as it was.

Brown sprinkles the novel with traditions that Jews have learned and kept through the ages. Minnie adapts them to fit her needs in a pattern that causes a lot of eyebrow-raising among her peers. Yet she remains steadfast in pursuing ideals that would have

made others give up. This is a timely story. One can easily think of war-torn Ukraine; the pandemic, then and now; and discomfort with feminist culture as issues that have not gone away, but have morphed into our

2024 lifestyles, threatening the American dream for all of us—yet we are still here, trying.

Sandi Teplitz provides a recipe for each issue of Hakol and frequently reviews books.

Community Calendar

To list an event in the Community Calendar, submit your information on our website, www.jewishlehighvalley.org, under the “Upcoming Events” menu. All events listed in the Community Calendar are open to the public and free of charge, unless otherwise noted. Programs listed in HAKOL are provided as a service to the community. They do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. The JFLV reserves the right to accept, reject or modify listings.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8

Jazz Cabaret

6:30 p.m., Congregation Keneseth

Israel

Dr. Gregory Edwards and Friends will perform live at KI in a program sponsored by KI Lifelong Learning. Edwards plays clarinet, sax, and flute and has performed with Ray Charles, Phil Woods, and others. A portion of Ken Burns’s PBS documentary “Jazz” will be shown. Dessert will be served beginning at 6:30, and music will start at 7. BYOB. The suggested donation for admission is $10 online or at the door. Register to attend at kilv.org by December 6; seating is limited.

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 37 vendors from Israel on a national tour of the United States. Wares include stones and jewelry, art, crafts, books, Judaica, and clothes and accessories. The event is presented in partnership with the Jewish Federation. Admission is $5 per person, free for children 12 and under. Registration required at kilv. org/event/jcc-shuk-to-the-core.html.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15

KI Religious School and Intergen Chanukah Program

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

Join KI members of all ages to celebrate the community and its blessings. Create a quilt with the group to represent those blessings. No artistic ability and no sewing required! Register at kilv.org

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15

TBE ChanuCan Party

11 a.m.-noon, Temple Beth El Celebrate this year’s ChanuCan drive to collect nonperishables and raise funds for those in need in the Lehigh Valley, and see the creative structures participants build using the various donations. For more information, including on how to donate, visit bethelallentown.org.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17

Women’s Philanthropy Chanukah Party

7-8:30 p.m., Jay’s Local, Allentown

Shine Your Light at the Women’s Philanthropy Chanukah Party. Robin Raskin of FamilyMatters, a Jewish Adoptions and Family Care Options (JAFCO) Support Network, will speak about her organization’s programs for children and families experiencing crises. As part of the event, gifts are being collected to give to kids over the holiday. The event also celebrates Chanukah with games, sufganiyot and desserts, and more. Registration is required at jewishlehighvalley. regfox.com/wp-chanukah-party-2024.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20

PJ Library Chanukah Tot Shabbat

3:30 p.m., Congregation Bnai Shalom

Come celebrate Chanukah, eat some latkes, and hear a PJ library story! We’ll finish by lighting Shabbat candles. Registration appreciated at jewishlehighvalley.org/pj.

THURSDAY, DEC 26; MONDAY, DEC 30; TUESDAY, DEC 31

Chanukah Grand Menorah Lightings

Various times in Bethlehem, Easton, Allentown

Rabbi Yaacov Halperin of Chabad of the Lehigh Valley will light menorahs in the Lehigh Valley’s three cities as a symbol of light and warmth with winter arriving. The Bethlehem lighting is 5:30 p.m. December 26 across from city hall; the Easton lighting, with the Big Easy Easton Brass, is 5:30 p.m. December 30 in Center Square; and the Allentown lighting is December 31 on the PPL Center ice before the 7:05 p.m. Lehigh Valley Phantoms game. For more information, visit chabadlehighvalley.com/ chanukahlv

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2025

Super Sunday: Uniting for Impact

9:30 a.m., JCC

Save the date for Super Sunday! There will be a Maimonides Brunch and Learn, a Women’s Philanthropy Mitzvah Project, a PJ Library event, and phone calls to donors. More details to come.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

KI Bingo

5:30-8 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel

There’s no admission fee for bingo night; players will be charged for games played. Casual food for dinner will be available for purchase.

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. Enjoy fun, fellowship, stories and more. Participants Zoom in from 5 states. No cost. Call 610-435-3571, ext. 501.

Celebrate the beauty of Shabbat

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). Modifications are given. Open to the public in person and live stream available to all via Zoom. *$10 drop-in fee payable to Congregation Brith Sholom. For more information email mbserow@ gmail.com.

WEDNESDAYS

Torah Studies: A Weekly Journey into the Soul of Torah

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

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

EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY

Hadassah Study Group

12:30 p.m., via Zoom

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

WEDNESDAYS, DEC 4, JAN 8, FEB 12, MAR 12, APR 9, MAY 7

JDS Little Learners Class

9:30 a.m., Jewish Day School

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

THURSDAYS

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

Learn to read, write, speak and comprehend Yiddish. Textbooks from Yiddish Book Center available for purchase. Contact 610-435-3571, 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.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 4:17 PM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 4:18 PM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20 4:20 PM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 4:24 PM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3 4:30 PM

SATURDAYS

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

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

SATURDAYS

Wisdom of the Talmud Class

After Shabbat Lunch and Schmooze, Congregation Brith Sholom

Join Rabbi Michael Singer in a discussion about Jewish law, ethics, customs and history as found in the pages of the Talmud. For information email tammy@ brithsholom.net or call 610-866-8009.

SECOND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH Shabbat Out of the Box 10 a.m., Keneseth Israel

Celebrating the sixth year of creative and interesting activities to inspire your Shabbat experience. Everyone is welcome. All events are free. Registration is required at kilv.org/shabbat-outof-the-box.html. Click on the particular date to register.

LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH Shabbat Yoga

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

Jett Ulaner Saracheck and Ann Friedenheim lead this experience of Shabbat through movement. All are welcome. For questions, call Ann at 610-4622549 or Jett at 610-762-1450. Register at kilv.org/event/shabbat-yoga1.html.

DAILY

Jewish Broadcasting Service

JBS is a Jewish television channel featuring daily news from Israel; leading Jewish figures, issues and events of Jewish importance. 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. Please check the synagogue at sonsofisrael.net for the weekly listing of the starting time for Mincha/Maariv. If you have any questions, call the synagogue office at 610-433-6089.

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

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 4:36 PM FRIDAY, JANUARY 17 4:44 PM FRIDAY, JANUARY 24 4:52 PM FRIDAY, JANUARY 31 5:01 PM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 5:10 PM