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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, FEBRUARY 5
JDS and PJ Library Sing, Smile, Schmooze
9:30 a.m., Jewish Day School
Join us in the JDS music room for a morning of fun with Miss Alli Lipson. All kids under 5 and caregivers are welcome. RSVP at jdslv. org/sing.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8
‘Hello Gold Mountain’: A performance and talk by Wu Fei
5:30 p.m., JCC; or 6:15 p.m. Zoellner Arts
Center
Wu Fei, a Beijing-born composer, performs part of her 2019 piece “Hello Gold Mountain,” inspired by the European Jews who fled to Shanghai during World War II. She will share the book “Shanghai: The Port of Last Resort,” written by best-selling author Paul French and share the brief history of a decade when Jewish life thrived in Shanghai. Transportation will be provided from the JCC to the Zoellner Arts Center at 5:45 p.m. Register jewishlehighvalley.org/calendar.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Maimonides Brunch and Learn: Cataract and refractive surgery
10 a.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel
Ophthalmologist Houman Ahdieh will discuss new innovations for cataract and refractive surgery. Open to the entire community. No cost for Maimonides members and spouses; nonmember cost is $10 per person. Register at jewishlehighvalley.org/calendar.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12
PJ LIbrary learns about inclusion
2-3 p.m., virtual program
As part of Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month, join PJ Library and Jewish Family Service in a virtual program geared toward young children about what inclusion means. And, of course, a PJ Library story. Closed captioning is available. The event is free. Registration is required at jewishlehighvalley..org/calendar.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Women’s Philanthropy Mitzvah
Project: Holocaust Research Center Organization
10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., JCC
Join the Jewish Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy for its third mitzvah project of the year to organize the historical resources in the Holocaust Research Center in the JCC. Other dates for the ongoing project are: February 15, March 15 and 22, March 5 (Super Funday) and April 4. Register @ jewishlehighvalley.org/calendar.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16
‘Bigger Than Us’ screening with filmmaker
7:30-8:30 p.m., JFS via zoom
“Bigger Than Us” is a behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of “Best Summer Ever,” the world’s first-ever, Screen Actors Guild-registered feature film made by a majority disabled cast and crew. Participants will watch the 16-minute documentary followed by a 40-minute Q&A with the filmmaker. Attendance is free. Please register @ amthomas@jfslv.org.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Sons of Israel Men’s Club
Brunch: Antisemitism
10 a.m., Congregation Sons of Israel
Bagels and lox Sunday brunch. Aaron Gorodzinsky, director of campaign and security planning for the Jewish Federation, will speak on the topic “Antisemitism? In the Lehigh Val- ley? Are You Kidding?” Cost is $5 payable at the door. Register by February 13 at office@ sonsofisrael.net or 610-433-6089.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Temple Beth El Comedy Night
8:15 p.m., Temple Beth El
With special guests Brad Zimmerman and Cory Kahaney. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. $50 admission includes appetizers, desserts and beverages. Make a reservation at bethelallentown.org or 610-435-3521.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26
JDS and PJ Library Purim
3-4:30 p.m., Jewish Day School
Join us for a Purim celebration at JDS. There will be face painting, chakra, Henna by Henna, special treats, a photo booth and more. Register at jdslv.org/purim.
FRIDAY, MARCH 3
Shabbat Across America Dinner
6:45 p.m., Temple Beth El
Shabbat Across America Dinner. For the entire family. Schmooze and Spirits begins at 5:30. Dinner is served at 6:45. Cost for dairy meal is $18 or $45 per family. Register at bethelallentown.org/event/shabbat-acrossamerica.html.
SUNDAY, MARCH 5
Super FunDay
JCC
In partnership with the JCC Purim carnival, come make your gift and buy tickets to the Main Event, MODI LIVE in the Lehigh Valley. Register at jewishlehighvalley.org/calendar.
SUNDAY, MARCH 5
‘Wicked’ Purim Spiel
5 p.m., Congregation Bnai Shalom Annelise Davis, daughter of Rabbi Melody Davis, wrote and directs this unique exploration of the characters of the Book of Esther with songs from the Broadway show “Wicked” reimagined with new lyrics. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, Anneslie also designed the elaborate costumes for the principals. Doors open at 4. Refreshments will be sold before the show, which begins promptly at 5. There is no admission charge, though donations will be accepted. For more information call 610-258-5343.
SUNDAY, MARCH 12
JFLV Antisemitism Summit
9:30a.m., Muhlenberg Seeger’s Union Elected state representatives, security and antisemitism experts, law enforcement officials and other leaders talk about the rise of antisemitism and extremism in Pennsylvania, how to best document incidents, and what are better ways to fight against it. Register at jewishlehighvalley.org/calendar.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22
Women’s Philanthropy Dignity Grows
6:30 p.m., JCC Volunteers will pack tote bags with of essentials for women in need. For information contact Lee Solomon at lee@jflv.org.
THURSDAY, MARCH 30
Women’s Philanthropy Dollar-aDay Spring Event
6:30 p.m., JCC Save the date. Further information to come.
THURSDAY, MAY 4
The Main Event: A Night of Comedy With MODI LIVE In the Lehigh Valley
The comedy headliner the New York Times called “the next Jackie Mason” is coming to the valley. Save the date. Details to come.
Ongoing Events
MONDAYS Yiddish Club
2 to 3:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley via Zoom
Experience the joys of Yid- dish via Zoom as part of “Adults at the J.”
The group meets weekly to discuss topics like cooking, humor, music and all kinds of entertainment in the Yiddish language. All are welcome to join this lively, weekly discussion. There is something for everyone no matter if you know a few words or are a fluent speaker. Enjoy fun, fellowship, stories and more. Participants Zoom in from 5 states. No cost. Contact Janis Mikofsky at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley, 610-435-3571, ext. 501.
Peaking Through the Veil class
7:15 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom
Jewish women have always been a spiritual force within Torah and Jewish tradition. Too often, however, the voices of prophetesses and female sages have been overlooked, discounted or repressed. Join with Rabbi Michael Singer to explore classical and modern texts, bringing new life to important voices, perspectives and issues. The required books, “A Bridge for One Night” by Ruth Calderon and “Sisters at Sinai” by Rabbi Jill Hamme, cost $50. No class November 7, December 26, or January 1 or 9. For information email tammy@brithsholom.net or call 610-8668009.
MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS
Online Jewish yoga studio
Mondays 11 to 11:45 a.m., Thursdays 4 to 4:45 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality
Mindful body practices help us find shelter right where we are, in our bodies in this very moment. Join yoga teacher and IJS faculty member Rabbi Myriam Klotz or Cantor Lizzie Shammash as she guides you in an all-levels yoga and movement session informed by Jewish spiritual teachings and designed to relieve stress as we increase awareness of breath and grounding through our bodies. Open to all, no experience needed. Sign up at jewishspirituality.org/get-started.
TUESDAYS
Weekly Torah study
11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality
Rabbi Jonathan Slater will lead a weekly program: “Torah Study to Sustain The Soul,” aimed at addressing an aspect of spiritual life that will help us navigate this time of uncertainty and isolation. Open to all, no previous knowledge needed. Sign up at jewishspirituality.org/get-started.
Torah on Tuesdays with Bnai
Shalom
12:30 p.m., at a private home Torah on Tuesdays interactive Torah study group. Contact office@bnaishalomeaston.org for more information.
WEDNESDAYS
Judaism for Our Time with Bnai
Shalom
11 a.m., Congregation Bnai Shalom via Zoom Register in advance for this meeting. For information call 610-258-5343.
Yoga with Miriam Sandler: ChairSupported Yoga
1 to 2 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom in person and via Zoom
Be seated in a comfortable chair, preferably armless (folding works well). Some standing poses holding onto the chair are offered, though students may choose to remain seated. Modifications are given. Open to the public in person and live stream available to all via Zoom. *$10 drop-in fee payable to Congregation Brith Sholom. For more information email mbserow@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAYS
Torah Studies: A Weekly Journey into the Soul of Torah
7 p.m., Chabad of the Lehigh Valley via Zoom and in person
Torah Studies by the Jewish Learning Institute presents Season Two 5783, a 12-part series. Cost is $36 for the course including textbook. For more information, call 610-3516511 or email rabbi@chabadlehighvalley. com.
EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY
Hadassah study group
12:30 p.m., via Zoom
We discuss short stories from an anthology. Always welcoming new participants! Contact Marilyn Claire at mjclaire@gmail.com or 610972-7054 to sign up.
THURSDAYS
Basic Yiddish class
4 to 5:30 p.m., JCC via Zoom
Learn to read, write, speak and comprehend Yiddish. Textbooks from Yiddish Book Center available for purchase. Contact Janis Mikofsky at 610-435-3571, ext. 501.
3RD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
Belonging to Bethlehem: A Jewish Story Sampler
1:15-2:30 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom or virtual
In this six-session workshop, you’ll hear the stories that made the Bethlehem Jewish community, starting from 1890. You’ll also learn writing techniques and have time to write stories from your life or family. $10 per session. Light refreshments served. Instructor Jennifer Lader is a writer, storyteller and author. Registration required at tammy@ brithsholom.net or 610-866-8009.
FRIDAYS
Kol HaEmek
8:30 to 9:30 a.m., WMUH 91.7
Radio show with Cantor Kevin Wartell. For information go to muhlenberg.edu/wmuh.
3RD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH
KI Shabbat B’Yachad
5:30-7 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel
Art projects, songs, snack stories, prayer and dinner. Geared toward kids ages 5-10, but perfect for younger siblings too. RSVP at kilv. org.
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. The fall-winter class begins a new volume of the Talmud: “Mesechet Megillah.” Books are available in the synagogue office. No previous Talmud study required. For information email tammy@brithsholom.net or call 610866-8009.
DAILY
Jewish Broadcasting Service
JBS is a Jewish television channel featuring daily news from Israel; leading Jewish figures, issues and events of Jewish importance; call-in programs; Jewish studies; 92nd Street Y; live Friday and holiday services for those at home; children’s programs; films; music; books; and entertainment. jbstv.org.
Congregation Sons of Israel minyanim
Shacharit on Mondays and Thursdays 6:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays
6:45 a.m.; Sundays 8:30 a.m.
Congregation Sons of Israel welcomes all to the daily Shacharis and Mincha/Maariv services which are conducted in the main sanctuary of the synagogue for Covid-19 safety. Please check the synagogue at sonsofisrael.net for the weekly listing of the starting time for Mincha/Maariv. Face masks are not required, but strongly recommended. If you have any questions, call the synagogue office at 610-433-6089.
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY
Daily online meditation
12:30 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality
One of their master teachers will lead a live daily guided meditation. Join with people from around the world to share 30 minutes of Jewish mindfulness. Open to all, no experience needed. Sign up at jewishspirituality. org/get-started.