Hakol - April 2024

By Robert Wax Jewish Federation Board President and Laurie Wax Women’s Philanthropy President

During Passover, we are reminded that we were once strangers in a strange land. The seder meal instructs us to envision ourselves as slaves in the land of Egypt, and we recount the times our Jewish ancestors faced unimaginable atrocities. We are left to appreciate our freedoms, as we recognize that Jews in the Diaspora are protected by our ability to return to Israel and Jerusalem if we are to face another generational threat to

Colorful costumes, carnival games with prizes, kids everywhere... Sounds like Purim. p17

JDS kids prep for Pesach Fair, PJ Library offers online resources for kids, our columnist in Israel wonders what the holiday will be like there... See our pullout Passover section

FROM THE DESK OF JERI ZIMMERMAN p3

LVJF TRIBUTES p9

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER p12-13

JEWISH DAY SCHOOL p14

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE p15

COMMUNITY CALENDAR p23

Feeling like strangers in a strange land

our people.

Since October 7, many American Jews have questioned whether we are facing that threat right now. We have witnessed a rampant spike in antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment in public schools, on college campuses, and in cities across the country and the world. We are not immune to these issues in the Lehigh Valley, and some of us have openly questioned whether we are still welcome here.

In the midst of these concerns, anti-Israel protestors recently turned their attention to local city councils and advocated for the passage

of unilateral ceasefire resolutions condemning Israel. These protestors ignore the atrocities that occurred on October 7. They fail to acknowledge the hostages being held in Gaza. They present with intentional misstatements and outright lies in an effort to gain the support of local politicians.

What should we do when faced with this vitriol directed toward our community? Should we just leave it alone, knowing that municipal government has little sway on our international policies? Should we wait until this crisis passes and then reemerge from our abodes when it feels safe to do so?

Absolutely not. Despite the gang mentality demonstrated by these protestors at these meetings, regardless

of the heckling or other poor behavior they demonstrate,

Together, we remember Yom HaShoah commemoration to feature the survival story of Eva Levitt z”l

By Carl Zebrowski

Editor

Some stories need to be told over and over. You can only begin to get a glimpse of their depth and magnitude after multiple retellings. Think of Genesis and Exodus. Think of the Holocaust.

On May 5, Yom HaShoah (Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day), the Jewish community of the Lehigh Valley will hear the Holocaust survival story of Eva Levitt z”l, one of only six Jewish children in her hometown of Humenné, Czechoslovakia, to survive the reign of the Nazis.

“A lot of people in the community have heard Eva’s

story,” said Stephanie Smartschan, coauthor of “Evitchka: A True Story of Survival, Hope and Love,” the book on Eva’s life that will be released on May 5. “She told it a lot.”

Smartschan and her coauthor, Larry Levitt, Eva’s husband of 61 years, will present Eva’s story that night at the JCC. They’re two of the people who know that story best. Working on the book for about two years—interviewing, researching, writing, and editing—only deepened their

positions, including president of the board of the Jewish Federation from 2017 to 2019. Larry, a retired neurologist who founded and built up the Neurology Division at Lehigh Valley Hospital, has served on the Federation board and various committees. Both are well known for their generosity and volunteer work. Smartschan is a journalist by trade turned Jewish nonprofit professional who used to be marketing director for the Federation.

father and sent him from concentration camp to concentration camp. Her mother remained, and she took care of Eva, a toddler at the time—in hiding.

Larry and Stephanie will focus on this early part of Eva’s story at the Yom HaShoah commemoration. They’ll tell how courage, determination, resilience, and luck—and the grave risk taken by the Catholic couple who story, the post-Holocaust

Robert Wax, Federation president. Laurie Wax, Women’s Philanthropy president.

Strange land continues on page 6

Coauthors Stephanie Smartschan and Larry Levitt, holding a photo of Eva (Evitchka) Levitt z”l.

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What makes this year different from all other years?

The Jewish calendar reminds us that this is an eventful time from Passover through the Season of Independence, including Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom HaZikaron (Israel Memorial Day), and Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day). It is with all these events in mind that we spend time with family and friends, reflecting on festivities or sharing our collective memories.

Passover, the Festival of Freedom, alludes to more than just the Jews’ freedom from enslavement in Egypt thousands of years ago. It invokes the true freedom of each and every Jew in all times and places. The current situation in Israel has been like nothing before in her short history. We stand with Israel as it faces an unprecedented crisis.

Can we say “dayenu” (it’s enough) this Passover? According to American-Israeli poet, Marty Herskovitz, “It’s clearly not enough.” The prospect of singing “Dayenu” at the seder since Israel was attacked didn’t sit right with him. As long as people are trapped in Gaza, it’s not enough. As long as our soldiers are still risking their lives, it’s not enough. This year, it may be difficult to

say “dayenu.” (See page 6 of the pullout Passover section. “Can Jews sing ‘Dayenu’ while there are hostages?”)

Our hearts are with Israel and our Partnership2Gether community, Yoav, at this challenging time. Many seder tables will have empty seats representing October 7 victims, hostages, and soldiers who are unable to return home for the holiday. As we mark the Festival of Freedom, we pray for the freedom of all hostages to return to their families and escape the cruel bondage of Hamas.

Passover also teaches us to make the world a more compassionate place. It is because of compassionate people like you that during this time, we’ve been able to offer innovative programs that provide meaningful connection and involvement. And while doing this and more, we continue to connect with our extended family, and to help our brothers and sisters in need locally, in Israel, and around the world.

Passover leads us into the Season of Independence beginning with Yom HaShoah. The Holocaust played a significant role in the founding of the modern Jewish State of Israel. On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion, announced the establishment of the State

of Israel, saying, “The Nazi Holocaust, which engulfed millions of Jews in Europe, proved anew the urgency of the reestablishment of the Jewish State, which would solve the problem of Jewish homelessness by opening the gates to all Jews and lifting the Jewish people to equality in the family of nations.” We hope you will join us as we commemorate Yom HaShoah on Sunday, May 5, at 7 p.m. as we present the book, “Evitchka,” the Eva Levitt z”l story of survival, hope, and love.

One week later, Monday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. we will observe Yom HaZikaron, Israel Memorial Day. The modern Jewish State of Israel exists because of the sacrifice and heroism of the fallen as a result of war and unthinkable terrorism. This year, we will remember the fallen soldiers, and those killed as a result of terrorist acts, specifically those massacred on October 7.

According to Rabbi Professor David Hartman z”l of the Shalom Hartman Institute, the placing of Yom HaZikaron— the day of remembrance— and Yom Ha’Atzmaut—the day of our independence as a state—one right after the other reveals a profound characteristic of Israeli value systems. Only as one grasps

the way we move so uniquely from weeping to celebration does one understand what memory, history, and the hope for a better future life means for the Jewish people. However, this year there’s still a question of what the celebration of Israel’s independence will look like. While all attention is focused on getting the hostages released, it’s hard to imagine a celebratory atmosphere in Israel.

Our tradition teaches that tzedek and mishpat (divine justice) demands the protection of all. As American Jews, we hear, care, and pray for a peaceful resolution to this horrific war and welcome conversations that will lead toward a stable resolution that will be faithful to the democratic ideals upon which the state was founded.

As Jews the world over watch the current events in

Israel unfold, it’s a sobering reminder of the fragility of global Jewry—and a reminder of the interconnectedness of the Jewish world. So, too, should this be a reminder within our own community that our strength is in our connectedness. We are at our most vulnerable when we are divided.

Let the celebration of Israel at 76 be a day of thanksgiving. A day of hope.

Wishing you and your families a zissen Pesach and a meaningful Chag Ha’Atzmaut!

Looking forward to seeing you at our community events.

Member American Jewish Press

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

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

services of the Jewish community as

I sraeli journalist gives war update as Ramadan begins

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

The good news that Israeli journalist David Horovitz delivered during his March 11 Zoom briefing on Israel was, “‘Hamas is maybe threequarters dismantled as an organized army.”

The founding editor of the Times of Israel told his U.S. audience, in the latest installment of his series of updates sponsored partly by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, that missile firings into Israel have also decreased. This was true even in the city of Sderot, near the Gaza border. Sderot is infamous as a frequent target of Hamas missiles over the years, sending residents running to bomb shelters. “School restarted in Sderot,” Horovitz said, a positive sign. Otherwise, the news on this first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan remains much the same as it has been. “It’s an enduring nightmare in Israel,” Horovitz said. Well over 100,000 Israelis remain displaced from their homes.

Rafah operations

The Israel Defense Forces were preparing for an eventual advance into the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. Pushback from the United States against such an action was escalating. “We know that President Biden said that Rafah is a red line,” Horovitz said. But the Israeli military insists on the necessity of operations there. “There’s a lot of Hamas military capability in Rafah,” he said, probably Hamas leaders and Israeli hostages too. He said the time for the invasion will come, but he believed the plan for it “would not run afoul of the United States.”

Ceasefire talks

Hamas rejected the most

recent ceasefire proposal, endorsed by the United States and agreeable to Israel. “Maybe they think they can do better,” Horovitz said. For now, Hamas apparently will wait as international pressure builds for Israel to end the fighting. “The longer they can string things out,” Horovitz surmised, “the better their chance of survival.”

Ramadan: A month of tension

There were some confrontations at the Temple Mount the night before this news briefing, the first night of Ramadan. All three Abrahamic religions consider the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem among their holiest sites, and trouble there is the norm during the Muslim holy month of prayer and fasting. This night was comparatively mild, Horovitz said, but nonetheless not an encouraging start. “Many times in years past,” he said, “you had not just worshippers, but violence agitators. There will be scenes that will be presented as Israel’s responsibility.” Hamas’s rejection of the most recent ceasefire deal was based partly on its hope that incidents during Ramadan will work to its benefit, he added.

The hostages

More than 130 of the Israeli hostages Hamas terrorists took on October 7 have not been returned home from Gaza. What can be done to change that? “It’s proven incredibly difficult for armies to extricate people alive,” Horovitz said. That means a deal must be negotiated. “I don’t think Israel will do absolutely anything possible to get the hostages back if it means Hamas would survive,” he said. The Israeli government and the people agree that Hamas must be destroyed,

but what about the hostages? “We can be fighting Hamas for as long as it takes,” he said, “but the hostages don’t have that kind of time.” Israel already failed them once, he explained, by not protecting them from the Hamas attack. “It is unthinkable that Israel fail them again,” he said.

Hezbollah: More formidable than Hamas

Hezbollah, in the north, could present a more difficult problem than the IDF has faced in Gaza. “It is much more powerful than Hamas,” Horovitz said, and the Israeli government has assessed that Hezbollah is probably more committed to Lebanon than Hamas is to Gaza. “But we should be careful of assessments. Look where those got Israel in this situation.” Israel has called for Hezbollah to back off from the border; Israelis who have been displaced from this area need to get back to their lives. But Hezbollah has not shown any signs of cooperating. If diplomacy does not defuse this situation, there could be “intensive conflict,” Horovitz said. “There’s a considerable Israeli deployment in the north and considerable air capability.”

Netanyahu-Biden friction

President Joe Biden has been feeling increasing opposition in the United States to his support for Israel, even with his recent tack in the other direction, which doesn’t sit well with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “You see friction, hostility, frustration from the president reciprocated by Netanyahu,” Horovitz said. One of the eventual outcomes

Biden hopes for is Palestinian

statehood, and Netanyahu is not on board with that. At this time, Horovitz added, the Israeli people are wary of that too. But U.S. support is critical to the continuing war effort. “I’m not sure how long Israel can wage the sort of campaign it is waging without American supplies,” said Horovitz. “We have an arms industry, but this is an incredibly intensive war with extensive weaponry.”

Israel Defense Forces callups

Horovitz said he believed that this was a time of unprecedented call-ups to military service. “The army was short of manpower,” he said, explaining that it wasn’t expecting anything like October 7. “It is considerably reliant on its reservists.”

Meanwhile, ultra-Orthodox Jews are, for religious reasons, not required to serve, which doesn’t sit well with many other Israelis. “This is a distortion of Orthodox Judaism,” Horovitz said. “Tradition was that the best and brightest study Torah to keep the articles of faith relevant and understood. The norm of an entire Orthodox community subsidized by the state is something new.”

American Jews

What should they do? Horovitz said, “Be informed.”

Know what’s happening and double-check the validity of news reports. He gave war casualty counts as an example of the sort of specious information that’s circulating. Hamas puts the number of people killed in Gaza at more than 30,000, while Israel says it’s about 13,000. While casualty figures are always difficult to determine, Horovitz allowed, “I don’t understand why any international news media would cite the Hamas figure and not say it’s a Hamas figure.”

Saudi-Israeli relations

Normalization of relations depends on many things at this time. One of them is likely that Israel show evidence of supporting Palestinian statehood down the road. That doesn’t look promising right now. “This (Netanyahu) administration is willing to pick a fight with the U.N. over that,” Horovitz said. He added that the Palestinian position needs to change too: Jews belong on that land as well.

An ambulance arrives at the Ziv Medical Center in Tzfat carrying a patient who was injured in a missile strike fired from Lebanon at the northern Israel city on February 14. (David Cohen/Flash90)

A united effort to clean up antisemitic graffiti

By Carl Zebrowski Editor Tracey

Billig has the kind of kids who go out in their neighborhood to pick up trash. They find and properly dispose of snack wrappers, plastic drink bottles, papers— the usual.

One day this winter, while making their cleanup rounds in Upper Macungie, they discovered a whole other level of trash: swastikas and other explicit antisemitic graffiti. After the initial shock of such an act happening in their suburban neighborhood passed, Billig decided to turn the act of hate upside down. She and a bunch of friends and others from the Lehigh Valley Jewish community would come together in a show of unity to wipe away the hateful symbols and ugly scrawl.

At least 20 people turned out in early March to paint over the graffiti. The weather wasn’t very cooperative. A previously scheduled date had to be postponed due to snow, and this time, there was rain. But the cleanup area was sheltered inside a waterdetention tunnel.

“I am so impressed with the Billigs for turning a traumatic experience into a learning and bonding opportunity for our Jewish community and the Jewish Day School,” said Joanna Powers, JDS head of school, whose eighth graders requested and received permission to join Billig’s son, their classmate, in the cleanup effort. “I am also very proud of our fantastic eighth grade for being willing and eager to help repair the vandalism. This will be an impactful memory that will stay with them.’

That winter day when the kids found the graffiti was January 7. What they saw inside the tunnel, a tunnel large enough to walk through upright, was swastikas, text that included “Palestine Lives Mattr Matter” (sic), “Nazis For Life,” and the N-word, along with lewd symbols and the like.

Words matter, emphasized Rabbi Moshe Re’em. “Rabbi

Abraham Joshua Heschel said that ‘words create worlds,’” said Rabbi Re’em. “He noted that the Holocaust began by the use of evil words and that the Book of Proverbs reminds us that death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

Billig said her son had never experienced anything like this in person. “This is

the first time I think he’s ever seen hate,” she said.

After the kids found the graffiti, she called the police and an officer from the Upper Macungie Township Police Department came to her house. She also called Tim Brooks, regional security advisor for the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. Brooks visited the scene and later got in contact with the police department. Since no one witnessed the vandalism, the investigation remains open.

Billig said that a Macungie police officer, Lieutenant Pete Nickischer, did follow up with her to say she should call him if she ever experienced anything like this again. She said he told her, “Hate has no place here.”

Billig initially had to think about going public with this story, and she finally decided that people needed to hear about it. “I want people to know it can happen in your backyard,” she said. “It could happen to anybody.”

The bright side of this whole situation, she said, was the opportunity for community members to gather to support one another through a troubling time.

Elena Pascal of BoutiqueToGo presents a check for the Israel Emergency Campaign to Aaron Gorodzinsky, Federation director of development, for part of sales during an Israeli designer Daniella Lahavi handbag event. The Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation matched her donataion.

Strange land

Continued from page 1

our voices must be heard.

Since December, several of us from the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and others began attending the city council meetings in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton to oppose these resolutions. Initially, we were surprised by the anger and hatred directed toward us from some in the crowd. In Easton, we were mocked and ridiculed by those who disagreed with our statements. The city council meeting in Allentown was a bit more controlled, but the anti-Israel crowd was very vocal. The latest meeting, held in Bethlehem on March 5, lasted past midnight. It was marked by an angry mob spewing inaccurate facts and statements about Israel and the current conflict in Gaza. It ended without any city business being conducted when the anti-Israel group refused to leave the podium at the conclusion of the open comment period.

At each meeting, representatives from the Jewish Federation made it clear that we were representing more than 8,000 Jews from across the greater Lehigh Valley. Other members of the Jewish community also spoke eloquently and passionately and made strong points in opposition to the anti-Israel crowd.

We reminded those who would listen that the hostages remain in captivity. We explained that Hamas wants to take the land “from the river to the sea”—meaning all the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea (i.e., all of Israel). We told those in attendance that this is a call for an entire country and its people to be wiped off the earth.

For those demanding that Israel immediately agree to a peace deal in Gaza and a twostate solution, we explained that the Palestinian Authority and neighboring Arab countries rejected nine peace plans between 1947 and 2019. Each of these plans would have created a state for the Palestinian people.

When the anti-Israel crowd demanded an end to the Israeli “occupation” in Gaza, we reminded everyone that Israel unilaterally evacuated the Gaza Strip in 2005. Regrettably, the Palestinians elected Hamas to power, and Hamas began diverting humanitarian aid to support its military operations and reign of terror, including the October 7 massacre.

In response to arguments from the anti-Israel crowd that the United Nations should be empowered to resolve this dispute and

provide aid to those suffering in Gaza, we responded that the U.N., through its refugee agency, has allowed humanitarian aid to be diverted to Hamas and other terrorist organizations, and that employees of the U.N. participated in the attacks on Israeli citizens on October 7.

Attendees seemed to ignore that Iran has been supporting Hamas for years, sending hundreds of millions of dollars to Hamas and providing military training to the terrorists. How would residents of the Lehigh Valley feel if a terrorist organization funded by Iran launched thousands of missiles at our families from U.N.-sponsored schools and hospitals a few miles away? Wouldn’t we be asking our government to protect us from the terrorists targeting our homes? Why didn’t these protestors ask

for a resolution condemning Iran?

There were assertions from the crowd that Israel is engaged in “ethnic cleansing” or committing “genocide” against the Palestinians. We explained that between 1948 and 2023, the combined Jewish population in Arab countries surrounding Israel dropped from 985,000 Jews to 12,000 Jews, representing a decrease of 99% and leaving Israel—a country the size of New Jersey—as the sole safe haven for Jews in the entire Middle East. During the same period, the number of Arabs in Israel increased from 156,000 to 2.1 million, and the number of Arabs in Gaza increased from 80,000 to 2 million. So, claims of ethnic cleansing or genocide are patently untrue.

At the end of the day, did we convince anyone from

the anti-Israel crowd? Probably not. However, we had the support of the mayors of all three cities, as well as every council member in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, with one exception in Easton (Councilwoman Taiba Sultana). None of the councils considered a unilateral resolution against Israel, and none are expecting to do so in the future.

At the end of the day, did our efforts change the course of international affairs? Definitely not. However, we refused to remain quiet and hidden when our community was challenged, and we will continue to speak the truth in the face of these falsehoods. For those who joined us, we thank you. For those who were unable to do so, we invite you to join us in the future.

This year, we will continue to reach out to those in need, find innovative ways to engage with our community and make sure GOOD grows at home, in Israel and around the world.

Because of your generosity GOOD continues to grow throughout our community.

For almost 70 years, Federation has been HERE FOR GOOD.

And with your help, we’re not going anywhere.

EMT aids motorcyclist and mobility scooter rider

By Avraham Sacks United Hatzalah

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Maimonides Society of healthcare professionals donated a motorcycleambulance to United Hatzalah of Israel emergency services in memory of Dr. Michael Ufberg z”l in 2022. Its rider, volunteer EMT Yonatan Auoat, continues to make a life-or-death difference with speedy responses through the congested streets of Netanya.

In a harrowing recent incident on the outskirts of the city, an older man was

struck by a car while riding his mobility scooter across the road. Auoat was working nearby when dispatch alerted him to the emergency. He sped to the accident scene and arrived before any other responders.

The mobility scooter had been severely damaged in the collision. Yet Auoat spotted the rider over a block away, attempting to leave the scene before he’d arrived.

Auoat quickly caught up with the man, who was bleeding heavily from a head injury sustained in the crash. He treated the wound and

Dr. Binae Karpo

bandaged the area while he persuaded the seemingly resistant patient to get followup care at the hospital.

In another accident that week, a motorcyclist lost control of his vehicle and struck a bicycle rider in his 70s who was making his way along Weitzman Street, a central thoroughfare in Netanya. Both men were wounded in the accident, and the cyclist sustained life-threatening injuries.

Auoat had been very busy with his business lately, but he left everything behind in the middle of his work-

day and sped to the nearby emergency, alongside fellow United Hatzalah medics in the area. He got to work bandaging wounds, providing initial cervical spine immobilization, and assisting with patient transfer. The patients were then evacuated to the trauma unit at Laniado Medical Center for further treatment and observation.

MY LIFE, MY LEGACY

Ancestors of Dr. Binae Karpo were among the 200,000-plus Eastern European Jews who arrived in the United States in the 1800s, passing through the immigrant processing center at Ellis Island. They moved to and lived in various towns and cities throughout America, settling in Philadelphia, which

eventually led Karpo to settle in the Lehigh Valley.

As a young girl, Karpo became aware that her grandfather was buying Israeli bonds, always emphasizing the significance of Jewish philanthropy and giving to Israel. This established within her the sense that Judaism revolves around community and support and the love we offer to those important to us.

Karpo was involved in

a young Jewish professionals group early on and met a lot of wonderful friends who continue to be in her life today. They would celebrate Shabbat and Jewish holidays together. They also would celebrate their children’s milestones together, from bat mitzvahs (no boys, sorry) to weddings.

As a community, they were there for one another, to comfort one another at the passing

of their loved ones. Karpo’s daughters saw how strong the community was when her brother died suddenly seven years ago. The outpouring of support in the community showed her daughters how important it is to have people to lean on until you can stand alone. It shows that we as Jews need to be there for each other.

$36 couvert. Dietary laws observed. Kindly RSVP by May 2, 2024. Temple Beth El 1305 Springhouse Road, Allentown, PA 18104 Thursday, May 9, 2024, 6:30 p.m.

jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/365-wp-spring-event-2024-

Yom HaShoah

Continued from page 1

Holocaust books out there is that the Holocaust is just part 1,” Stephanie said. Larry added, “The whole part 2 is about life in America.” Life in America, that is, without previous ability to speak English.

One part of that later story is Eva’s reunion with the Catholic couple in the 1980s. Exchanging letters after that, the Levitts found out that the husband was suffering from serious medical problems. They brought him to the Lehigh Valley to get treatment that was not available to him at home. He underwent a successful surgery here. Larry at one point asked him why he helped Eva’s family when getting caught meant they could have been shot for collaboration. “That’s what anyone would do,” the man replied. “A good life comes from working hard and helping other people.”

The mission to spread Eva’s story, through the book and to those gathered for the Yom HaShoah com-

memoration, is ultimately about encouraging people to push through even the most difficult, possibly terrifying, challenges in their lives and come out on the other side dedicating their lives to helping others, as Eva did.

“This story has been inspirational my whole life,” Larry said, “but I think it might inspire others.”

Both Larry and Stephanie were honored to be leading this year’s Yom HaShoah presentation. “We feel very fortunate for the opportunity to share this story with Eva’s home community on such a special day,” Stephanie said. “We’re grateful to the Federation for giving us the opportunity to share that story at such an important program.”

Larry said the fundamental message he wanted people to take from Eva’s story can be found in the dedication

he chose to open the book: “We dedicate this book to Eva, aka Evitchka, who has inspired us to try to live our lives the way she lived hers.”

The presentation on Eva Levitt will begin at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at the JCC Hammel Campus in the Kline Auditorium. The annual reading of the names of Holocaust victims with ties to the Lehigh Valley will begin at 6.

IN HONOR

NANCY AND HOWARD AMOLS

In celebration of your anniversary

Carole and Michael Langsam

Jeanette and Eduardo

Eichenwald

In celebration of your grandson

Jackson’s Bar Mitzvah

Carole and Michael Langsam

AMY GOLDING

In celebration of your son Jackson’s Bar Mitzvah

Carole and Michael Langsam

ETHEL MELAMUT

In celebration of the birth of your great grandson, Isaac Minkoff

Carole and Michael Langsam

IN MEMORY

NEPHEWS (Nephews of Beth and Wes Kozinn)

Elaine and Leon Papir

MARILYN BRAUNSTEIN (Mother of Cherie Zettlemoyer)

Carole and Michael Langsam

Randi and Donald Senderowitz

ELSIE LAFFER (Mother, grandmother and great grandmother)

Elaine and Leon Papir

HARRIET MAY (Mother of Cindy Levine)

Arlene and Lenny Samuelson

KIM PACKMAN (Daughter-in-law of Ann and Dave Packman)

Marlene and Arnan

Finkelstein

LOIS RATNER (Mother of Amy Morse)

Marlene and Arnan

Finkelstein

Eileen Ufberg

Laurie and Robby Wax

LISA SHEDROFF (Wife of Steve Shedroff)

Please join us for the celebration of Temple Beth El's

Honoring Brad Finberg

Honorable mention

Sheryl Block

Sunday, June 2, 2024 at eleven o ’clock

Scan QR Code for more details

Carole and Michael Langsam IN HONOR MARILYN CLAIRE

In celebration of your grandson Holden’s Bar Mitzvah

Ruth Derby

FERN SPITZER

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.

You can vote from home! Scan the QR code. visit the link, or call the number below for a Mail-In Ballot.

In celebration of your Birthday

Diane and Gary Miller

ERIC ZAGER

In honor of representing our community proudly

Vicki Wax

IN MEMORY

SHIRLEY ENGELSON (Wife of Jack Engelson)

Francie Ficelman

THERE ARE STILL 134 HOSTAGES

#BringThemHomeNow

#BringThemHomeNow

Women’s Philanthropy fills bags with essentials for JFS

The Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation held a Dignity Grows event on March 5. Rachel Levin, chair of the event, and 15 people came to fill 150 tote bags with hygiene products for women.

The volunteers included personalized notes for the recipients inside the bags, hoping to lift their spirits while providing useful items. The bags were then donated to Jewish Family Service. Doug Trachtman, food pantry coordinator at JFS, explained that the bags are very much welcomed for the food pantry clients, since Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) does not cover hygiene products.

It turns out that the Jewish Day School is great not only for students, but also for teachers and other employees. The Morning Call just named the school among its 2024 Top Workplaces in the Lehigh Valley. The school also received the special award for Appreciation. Winners are determined by employee surveys and are chosen in categories of small, medium, and large employers. JDS, with 41 employees, is in the small (less than 124).

Making Waves for a Cause: Swim-a-Thon Success

By Jodi Lovenwith Aquatics Director

In a world where every stroke counts, we dove into the depths of community support and enthusiasm, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. Our recent swimming fundraiser not only showcased the prowess of our swimmers but also demonstrated the power of collective action in making a meaningful difference. Let’s take a dive into the waves of success we rode together.

With the goal of raising funds for new aquatics equipment, we organized a Swim-a-Thon that invited participants from all walks of life to join in. Fueled initially by the JSeals swim team, the event gained momentum as the aquatic community rallied around it, propelling us toward our shared goal. Whether seasoned swimmers or newcomers to the

sport, everyone was encouraged to take the plunge and contribute to a worthy cause. The event was not just about swimming laps but also about fostering a sense of camaraderie and community spirit.

The response from the community was overwhelming, with individuals and families rallying behind the cause. A total of 187 separate donors generously contributed to our fundraiser, demonstrating the widespread support for our mission. Swimmers and families pledged donations per lap completed, every contribution made a difference. It was heartwarming to see people of all ages and backgrounds united by a common goal, proving that when we work together, we can achieve remarkable things.

Our JSeals swimmers were the true stars of the event, pushing themselves to new limits and inspiring others along the way.

Together with the aquatic community, they swam an impressive total of 12,700 laps, each one representing a step closer to our fundraising goal. Our hardworking Swim-a-Thon winners were Emma Smartschan who completed the most laps, Josie Zolotsky who received the most pledges in her name, and Gabriel Marlin who demonstrated the most spirit. They inspire us all. From young children bravely tackling their first lap to experienced athletes setting personal bests, each participant brought their own unique energy to the pool. Their determination and dedication were truly awe-inspiring and served as a testament to the power of perseverance.

Thanks to the unwavering support of our community, the hard work of our participants, and the board committee who championed our efforts, we

surpassed our fundraising target with flying colors. The funds raised will provide us with new diving blocks for use by our members, participants, and the JSeals swim team. It’s incredible to think about the ripple effect that our collective efforts will have on the wider community and beyond.

As we hang up our goggles and towels, we do so with a sense of pride and gratitude for what we have accomplished together. The Swim-a-Thon was not just about swimming laps; it was about coming together as a community, making a difference, and leaving a lasting impact. As we look to the future, let’s carry the spirit of unity and determination that propelled us to success and continue to make waves for the causes we believe in. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this event a resounding success. Together, we truly are unstoppable.

Competition Ramps Up For New JHoops Season

ECE Celebrates Rosh Hashanah With Some Sweet Guests

JCC Executive Director Visits Israel for Solidarity Mission

Young Performers - All Good Eggs - To Appear in “Honk! Jr.”

By Heather Lavin Program Director

By Tracy Sussman Director of Membership and Marketing

By Jackie Weiss Early Childhood & Jewish Education Coordinator

By Heather Lavin Program Director

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

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 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.

The Lehigh Valley will be flocking to Stagemakers Youth Theater’s production of HONK! JR., a contemporary and comic re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling. Based on the awardwinning musical Honk! by George Stiles (composer) and Anthony Drewe (books and lyrics), HONK! JR. is a witty and heartwarming show celebrating what makes each of us special.

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.

“Plucked” as the 2000 Olivier Award’s “Best New Musical,” HONK! is so inspirational in its message of acceptance and tolerance that the Ministry of Education in Israel made it compulsory viewing for school children.

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.

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!

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.

HONK! JR. hatches at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley on Thursday, April 18 at 7pm and Sunday, April 21 at noon and 4pm. Tickets are $15, and JCC members receive a discounted ticket with a promo code. There is no dress code although duck-billed shoes are encouraged. For more information on the show please call 610-435-3571 or visit lvjcc.org/stagemakers.

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

By Heather Lavin Program Director

Stagemakers Youth Theater

HONK! JR. is an incredibly clever show that will have you laughing out loud. Yet at the center of all its humor is a touching message about acceptance. We’d like to applaud the students in Stagemakers’s production, by working as part of this cast and crew, each young person has been able to explore what makes him or her unique. This production is directed by Kim Millward with assistant direction by Tess DeJesus. The musical director is Madison Williams and choreography is by Stagemakers newcomer Julia Alnutt. Playbills will meet duck bills when

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

To register or for more information about JHoops visit lvjcc.org/JHoops.

Performers ages 4-14 will transform the stage into a lively duck yard transporting audiences to a countryside farm. HONK! JR. follows “Ugly,” who hatches looking quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice, and despite his loving mother’s protective flapping, Ugly’s odd, gawky looks instantly incite prejudice from his family and neighbors. When Ugly is separated from the farm and pursued by a hungry Cat, he must find his way home. Along his harrowing yet hilarious journey he not only discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny, but also finds love and acceptance in all its forms.

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.

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

Stagemakers Brings the Spooky This Fall

HONK! JR. is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY, (212) 541-4684, mtishows.com.

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.”

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.

A Time for Fostering Knowledge and Sharing Traditions

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

By Jackie Weiss Early Childhood and Jewish Education Coordinator

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

KEYSTONE SOCIETY

Taffi Ney+(L)

Ali Raza Visram+*

FRIENDS OF THE J DONORS

Lois Albright+

Jason Alter

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

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

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

Leslie & Victor Bunick+

Sylvia & Sam Bub+

As the youngest member of my family, I was given the special responsibility of asking the Four Questions at our Passover seder. I have many fond memories of singing the Four Questions and then hearing my dad provide the answers. The specifics of the seder may vary from family to family, however,

Marilyn Claire+

the seder always opens with one big question, “Why is this night different from all other nights?” This is followed by what we know as the Four Questions. These questions focus on specific rituals that are performed on Passover. We ask why, on this night as opposed to all other nights, we eat matzoh instead of leavened bread, why we only eat bitter herbs instead of all other vegetables, why we dip our food twice instead of once, and why we recline as opposed to sitting upright. The answers lead to a retelling of the Passover story, which is filled with adventure and has a happy ending: liberation!

Lisa & Andrew Ellis+(L)

Iris & Jonathan Epstein+(L)

Elizabeth & Jeff Greenberg+

Pamela & Vernon Guischard+

Julianne & Samuel Heiney+

Amy & Douglas Jaffe+

By having the youngest ask the Four Questions, we are encouraging them to be curious and to think about the story of Passover. We are sending the message to children that asking questions is part of the learning

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

Marty Katz+

Michael Krim

Suzanne Lapiduss+

Lesavoy, Butz & Seitz LLC+

Colleen & Paul McGee+

process. In fact, as we continue through the seder, we are encouraged to ask even more questions! A beautiful aspect of Judaism is that we are encouraged to ask questions and to wonder. As Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel said, “Wonder rather than doubt is the root of all knowledge.” In Judaism, we strive to understand and, in order to gain knowledge, we need to ask questions first. Additionally, by giving children the responsibility of being the ones to ask the question, parents fulfill their responsibility of passing our traditions down from generation to generation.

Rabbi Seth Phillips+

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

Jill Pincus+

Ellen Osher & Robert Pritchard+

One of the many reasons why I enjoy being in the ECE department is that I am asked many questions by the students. The questions range from what my favorite color is to how much salt is in the Dead Sea. Asking questions is both beneficial to

the child, and as a teacher, fulfilling to me because it allows me to inspire our students, and occasionally I learn something new!

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.

#bringthemhomenow

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.

Robert Rockmaker+(L)

Brenna & Michael Schlossberg+

Pam Lott & Ron Ticho+

Beverly & Ronald Wasserman+

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 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.

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

+ Previous Year Donors

(L) Life & LegacyTM Donors

*Denotes JCC Board Member

List as of 2/15/24

Whether you are a child or an adult, we all have responsibilities at the Passover seder. As adults, we are tasked with being the ones who instill and pass along our Jewish values and customs, while children partake and immerse themselves in the story of Passover. On behalf of all of us at the JCC, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all of you for a truly meaningful and joyous celebration. May your eight days be filled with the warmth of family, the richness of tradition, and the sweetness of freedom. May the blessings of Passover bring you renewed hope, happiness, and peace. Wishing you a Passover filled with love, laughter, and many cherished memories. Chag Sameach!

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.

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

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

school; to the next holiday; and to the last day of school.

Why JDS?

Why JDS?

By Megan Hyman

As we cruise through the excitement of enrollment season, giving tours and planning for all our returning and new students who will be with us for the 2024-25 school year, it’s a good time to list the 10 reasons why JDS is special. No locusts included!

security.

By Megan Hyman

By Joanna Powers Head of School

There are a lot of fascinating numbers throughout the Torah, not just in Sefer Bamidbar, the Book of Numbers. There are seven days of creation, 613 mitzvot, 10 commandments, 12 tribes of Israel, one G-d, and, as we approach Passover, the 10 plagues. Once Passover begins, we count the 49 days of the Omer until Shavuot when we commemorate receiving the Torah. Every letter in the Hebrew alphabet has a numerical equivalent, and every word has mathematical significance in a system called Gematria.

1. JDS: Where everybody knows your name.

The teachers and staff know every student from Pre-K to eighth grade. The children all know one another, and there is no bigger smile than on a kindergartener who is enthusiastically greeted by a middle school student. JDS is a home away from home.

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

Entering the JDS and our classrooms is like receiving a warm hug. Our kids feel cared for and safe. Our fulltime security agent provides the highest level of professional vigilance to keep our children, families, and staff protected every day. There is nothing more important than your child’s well-being.

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 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 learning 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!

that celebrate talents and interests.

Why JDS?

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” constantly!

demic as built-in playmates

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

How Is the JDS Special? Let Me Count the Ways!

4. Not too much, not too little.

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

2. Instruction tailored just for your child.

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

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.

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 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 learning 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!

Twice a week, right after morning prayers, the middle school students start their day with their chosen elective class. This year the selection was between a specialized STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) course that is continually producing inventions and hands-on discovery or a Performing Arts Studio class that will culminate in a performance we are all anticipating. The students are thriving and are already considering future careers. We are so proud of them!

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

Numbers are important at the Jewish Day School too. Our math classes are unrivaled, and there is always some sort of countdown—to the first day of school; to the 80th, 90th, and 100th days of

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!

teachers continue the day alongside our pre-K and preK-plus children with stories, snacks, songs, and playtime. A parent’s schedule can be tricky, and our families can rest assured that their children are being loved and looked after until pickup time.

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

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

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

9. Our alumni can’t stay away.

Sadly, our chapter in Allentown is coming to a close. For professional reasons, we are moving back to Texas at the conclusion 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 will bring us joy for years to come.

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.

6. Fine dining every day.

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

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

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.

Our impressive studentto-teacher ratio ensures that your child’s curriculum and school experience is customized and individualized to meet their needs. Our teachers are experts at differentiation, and our support staff, including our education specialist and guidance counselor, work tirelessly to make sure your child is set up for success.

3. The comfort of safety and

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

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 ties at home, used to see our parents when we wanted to. It was really a very great period of life; I was truly

And then, on 24th of February, all was ruined. The war started. And what did we know about war? Only rible stories from our grandparents. We decided to stay, because it was our home. We thought that our village was now a target for the enemy and even if they would come. We heard stories from our grandparents who remembered a time when their homes were under oc like this before. Next weeks were very scary for me. The

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.

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

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

Our technology is just right. We all know that learning how to be tech savvy is crucial for our students as they prepare for their future. Our technology classes and lessons that help navigate Google Classroom, Quizlet, and other learning management systems give our children the tools they will need to succeed. We invite teachers in Israel into our classrooms who interact personally with our students through their own Chromebooks. At the same time, we know that screens need to be limited. Nothing replaces face-to-face learning, collaboration, and communication. Paper, pencils, and textbooks are still valuable tools. We strike just the right balance.

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 par ties at home, used to see our parents when we wanted to. It was really a very great period of life; I was truly happy.

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.

Who is the refugee? It’s me.

A ninth grader will come by to visit the school they have just left. High school students will ask to do their internships where they once learned to read and write. College students stop over to reminisce about their favorite teachers and classes. Several times this year an adult alumnus visited with their family to show their kids where mom or dad grew up. It is always very special when a former JDS student enrolls their child in our school. What greater endorsement for the JDS could there be?

Our kids became ing the quarantine

Who is the refugee? It’s me.

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

Who is the refugee?

Packing lunch every morning can become a chore. At the JDS there is no need to squeeze that task into your schedule. Five days a week we are spoiled by the Sunshine Cafe’s hot, delicious lunches. Favorites include falafel, tacos, burgers, baked ziti, and quesadillas, all freshly made with love. Pizza Fridays are a fan favorite too, so much so that some students enjoy vegetable pizza without thinking too much about the vegetables!

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.

5. Middle school electives

7. After school clubs—extracurriculars right down the hall

war started. And what did we know about war? Only history WW2 from books and movies…and some hor rible stories from our grandparents. We decided to stay, because it was our home. We thought that our village was now a target for the enemy and even if they would come. We heard stories from our grandparents who remembered a time when their homes were under oc cupation during WW2 so we kind of could guess how it could be in our case. But we were wrong, very very wrong. Because in village aren’t many people – it’s dif ficult to feel panic. We heard sounds of missile strikes, the house was shaking every time, but personally I really felt it on the second week, end of February. I needed to take my youngest daughter to doctor. So, we were going by car there. It wasn’t far but we needed to go through a checkpoint which was created as a part of country protection actions. There I saw real soldiers, guns, bul lets laying on the ground, tanks for the first time in my life. And it wasn’t museum exhibition, it was real life situation. But worst was that something just fly above

10. Jewish pride is overflowing.

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

So, who is the refugee? It’s me. I can’t speak for everyone, only for myself and my family. But let my story be something that can show the general picture. The beginning of 2022 It was a happy time for me. I had a beautiful house near Kyiv, capital of Ukraine. I had a garden full of fruit trees and berry bushes. I had great plans – I was opening my own cafe and bakery store, I was setting up a big greenhouse to plant many vegetables there. My children went to great preschool and afterschool smart classes. My daughter started to go to ballroom classes at the best dance school in the area. My husband had a very important role with great career opportunities in the biggest energy company in Ukraine. We used to invite our friends to our little parties at home, used to see our parents when we wanted to. It was really a very great period of life; I was truly

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

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. 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

We are living in challenging times when being Jewish and supporting Israel can be difficult in some environments. At the JDS, inside our safe and secure building, Judaism and Zionism are embraced, encouraged, and woven into all we do. From joyous Shabbat and holiday celebrations (preparations for our Model Seder and Pesach Fair are in full swing) to our engaging Hebrew and Judaics classes that foster discussion, discovery, and a strong identity, to our Israeli history and culture classes that reveal new worlds, the JDS imbues every day with the beauty of being Jewish.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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-

You would think the 3:30 dismissal bell would signal an excited exit from school after a busy day of learning, growing, and thriving. For many of our students, that bell tells them they get to stay for one of our after-school clubs. We have three semesters of choices every year. This year our kindergarten through eighth graders got gooey in Yuck Club, magical in Harry Potter and Percy Jackson Clubs, architectural in Lego Club, and imaginative in Star Wars Club. Future agriculturalists enjoyed the fresh air and the miracle of growing their own produce in our Garden Club. Five o’clock comes too soon!

8. Early childhood after care—a time to relax and play! Our littlest friends are not left out of the afterschool fun. Caring early childhood

We love serving as an important part of the wonderful Lehigh Valley Jewish community. If you are not already a member of our JDS family please set up a visit with our director of outreach and engagement, Beth Kushnick, at bkushnick@jdslv.org, and make sure to RSVP at jdslv.org/passover-tour for our Make, Take, and Tour open house on Sunday, April 14, at 10 a.m. Don’t miss the opportunity to have spring family and student portraits taken that morning as well. Just visit bit.ly/jds-photos. Always feel free to call us at 610-437-0721. We can’t wait to see you!

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 it is still.

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

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

demic as built-in playmates and friends. The JDS has enabled that relationship to strengthen – they check in on each other we’d be here only the pandemic sion after decision

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

Plant the Seeds and They Will Grow

An Update from the JFS Volunteer Coordinator, Jennifer Oxfeld

JFS Volunteers play a key role in carrying out our vision that no one in our community should suffer hunger, isolation, abandonment, emotional or physical distress, or lack of community support and caring.

Collectively, volunteers bring joy and sunshine to everything they do, and it is because of volunteers that the agency has been able to grow and flourish.

The Mazel Meals program started with eight drivers in 2018 and has grown to 15 drivers who deliver prepared meals to more

than 50 older adults across the Lehigh Valley. The Community Food Pantry has expanded to serve over 160 households a month with the help of two dozen volunteers. These individuals stock shelves, guide clients through the grocery store-style pantry, pack boxes for Meals on Wheels, and pick up donations from community partners including Wawa, Wegmans, Giant, and Monocacy Farm.

Another way JFS continues to grow is by developing relationships with local colleges and businesses throughout the community. Over the years JFS has welcomed volunteers to the food pantry from Muhlenberg

College, Cedar Crest College, Lexus of Lehigh Valley (see Volunteer Spotlight article), and Wegmans.

As JFS continues to increase the number of households that the food pantry serves, we are in need of more volunteers to help with deliveries from Second Harvest Food Bank. JFS receives 2,500-5,000 pounds of food twice a month which is unloaded from the truck, sorted, organized, and stocked on the shelves in the Community Food Pantry.

Transportation is a challenge for many older adult clients, and we are actively recruiting volunteer drivers to

bolster the driver pool.

Over the past 10 years, JFS has partnered with ShareCare Faith in Action, a community organization that facilitates rides for older adults. ShareCare provides training to volunteer drivers, as well as liability insurance. Partnering with them has allowed JFS to grow our volunteer pool and provide invaluable assistance to clients. Volunteering to drive once or twice a month helps older adults get to medical appointments and community programs. This vital service needs you to make a difference for JFS clients.

Life’s garden is filled with seeds of opportunity. Join

Contact

Volunteer Spotlight: Lexus of Lehigh Valley

Since 1990, Lexus of Lehigh Valley has played an integral role in our community. President and CEO Peter Cooper is an active and appreciated philanthropist in the Lehigh Valley and beyond, with COO David Cooper following in his father's footsteps. “How we choose to give is how we want our employees to give. A simple philosophy is this: We don’t live on a one-way street; life is about giving and receiving,” says Peter.

David says, “From a young age, my parents instilled in me the value of giving back. They taught me that what you give, you receive tenfold. It is both our collective and individual responsibility to contribute to making the world a better place. At Lexus of Lehigh Valley, we are dedicated to improving the world, both within our four walls and beyond.” Two years ago, Peter and David engaged LOLV management to think about how the organization could give to the community. To build a giving culture, they decided to empower each individual staff member

to choose and donate to a charity or person in need. The employee is then able to make the donation, on behalf of LOLV, to their recipient.

The pair didn’t stop there. As part of continued donation outreach, Peter and David chose to send LOLV employees to volunteer in the community during the holidays. Three local establishments were chosen including Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley.

Since 2022, LOLV employees have come to JFS twice a year to help unload the Second Harvest Food Bank delivery, and then stock the shelves.

Says volunteer Luke Whary, “My first time volunteering for Jewish Family Service was very eye opening. I learned of people who are less fortunate than me and what they must go through to get food. I had a great time volunteering with the folks at Jewish Family Service and hope to continue in the years to come! It felt good to give back to the community.”

Kyle Colarusso said, “They are a very well maintained and kind organization. I’m always happy to offer my help to them when they are in need!”

JFS is grateful for community partners like Lexus of Lehigh Valley and the individuals who come to the agency. To become a volunteer for the JFS Food Pantry, contact Jennifer Oxfeld, volunteer@jfslv.org

We thank those individuals who have graciously supported Jewish Family Service by sending tribute cards:

IN HONOR

TAMA LEE BARSKY

In honor of special birthday

Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein

WENDY AND ROSS BORN

Barbara and Arthur Hoffman

LIZ FEAR

In honor of Cheers for Volunteers

Paula Tahler

GIA JONES

In honor of Cheers for Volunteers

Eric and Margo Lightman

VICKIE SEMMEL

In honor of Cheers for Volunteers

The Extended Schwartz Family

IN LOVING MEMORY

JOSEPH BERGSTEIN

(Brother of Bill Bergstein)

Carol and Bob Wilson

MARILYN BRAUNSTEIN

(Beloved Mother)

Deanne and Arnold Kaplan

Barbara and Fred Sussman

Carol and Bob Wilson

BOBBY HAMMEL

(Husband of Bonnie Hammel)

Marsha and Richard Timmerman

RICHARD KANTOR

(Brother-In-Law of Leon Zoller)

Sylvia and Sam Bub

EVA LEVITT

(Wife of Lawrence Levitt)

Barbara and Arthur Hoffman

LOIS RATNER

(Mother of Alyssa Emswiler and Amy Morse)

Phyllis and Jay Kaufman

Pam Lott and Ron Ticho

Jane and Bill Markson

A wonderful way to share your thoughtfulness with family and friends, the minimum contribution for a JFS Tribute Card is $18. Visit www.jfslv.org/give to place card orders. Questions? 610.821.8722. Thank you for your continued support.

our volunteer team to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community, and help our garden grow.

Jennifer Oxfeld at volunteer@jfslv.org.

Jennifer Oxfeld

Lexus volunteers from left to right: Yianni Korovesis, Kyle Colarusso, Jake Boyle, Luz Torres, Luke Whary

Film club discusses Israel TV show about US Jews

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

“The New Jew,” a fourpart miniseries that aired on Israeli TV in 2022, begins with Israeli comedian Guri Alfi zigzagging across the United States to find out what it means to be a Jew here. On his mission to show Israelis what he calls the “new Jew,” he discovers a pluralistic, multicultural Judaism that he describes as packed with promise.

The Partnership2Gether Israeli Film Club, sponsored in part by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and including Yoav, the Valley’s sister community in Israel, met via Zoom on March 17 to view and discuss a selection of clips from “The New Jew.” The host was Yoni Alon, a soldier with the Israel Defense Forces reserve stationed in northern Israel whose business is building bridges between Israeli and American Jews. Guri Alfi moved to America with his family in 2018. Like many Israelis settling here, he suffers an identity crisis. He sets out to see the country and

discover what Jews here think and experience. He takes with him the conceit that he’s a secular Jew who doesn’t know much about the practice of Judaism. Alfi focuses on Reform and Conservative Jews, those who practice the Jewish religion but are not Orthodox traditionalists. Those movements are less prevalent than the Orthodox in Israel, so Israelis may be surprised to see them thriving as they do in the United States.

“The New Jew” originally aired evenings on Israeli TV, which focused a bright spotlight on American Jews and the differences between them and Israelis. Some 1.5 million viewers tuned in.

“It’s been maybe more than 25 or 30 years since this issue was discussed in prime time,” Alon said. “They kept it very colorful, very interesting. Some of the topics there could maybe get you moving uncomfortably in your chair.” He considered that last part a positive.

One of the criticisms raised in the post-screening discussion of the clips was that it focused too

much on a narrow slice of American Jewry. “It portrayed Judaism as if it’s mostly New York,” a participant said.

Some said the show also didn’t spend enough time on portraying Orthodox culture and practices. “That’s something most Israelis already know,” Alon explained.

Among the clips shown was a profile of a Reform rabbi who converted to Orthodoxy even though she remained a Reform rabbi. Certain viewers wondered why and thought the reason might be related to making aliyah to Israel. Alon explained that Israel’s supreme court has ruled that the privilege of aliyah cannot be limited only to Orthodox. Brenda Ganot, coordinator of the meeting, in Israel, added, “Everyone has the right to make aliyah if they have one Jewish grandparent.”

Alon continued, “I’m guessing she did it because people told her, ‘It’s going to be good for you. Do it because you’re going to be more accepted.’” He offered an example of people who have converted and later wanted to convert

back. “Then try to get married here,” he said. “It’s going to be a challenge.”

With the topic of Reform Judaism raised, some of the Americans wondered what Reform congregations were like in Israel, specifically how diverse they were. “It wouldn’t look quite the same,” said Ganot, “but there would be diversity. For example, you’ll see gay couples there.”

One of the participants talked about meeting an Asian convert to Judaism on a visit to Scottsdale, Arizona. “She said she couldn’t go to the ultraOrthodox,” the woman reported. “They wouldn’t accept her.”

That sort of behavior needed to change, she offered. “We as a people need to teach each other to accept diversity.”

Alon closed the film club meeting with some remarks on the give and take between American and Israeli Jews. “This is a fascinating time to be in this relationship,” he said.

“The level of pain here is unbearable, and if you’re not Israeli, it’s a bit more difficult to understand— the level of shock we had here on October 7.” Some discussions between the groups will be difficult, he concluded, but they need to happen.

Costumes, games, ‘Esthers’ — It must be Purim!

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

It was a carnival at the JCC on Sunday, March 24. A Lehigh Valley Jewish community crowd came out in costume to celebrate the holiday of Purim. There were fun foods and games and prizes.

Kids and adults dressed

up as superheroes and movie characters and in a variety of other playful and colorful costumes. As always on Purim, there were “Esthers” in the crowd.

In the biblical Book of Esther, Esther dons a costume to conceal her identity as part of a plan to avert a plot by the Persian minister Haman to

wipe out the Jewish people. She then reveals her true self to the king and convinces him to intervene.

It turns out that it’s too late to halt the plot, but the king permits the Jews to rise and defend themselves. They succeed, leaving behind their story of resistance and hope for a descendant people who

have too often faced hatred and violence.

Thus the celebratory atmosphere. And the games, which included mini bowling, an inflatable obstacle course, putting green, and lollipop tree and which attracted smiling kids by the dozen. The game tables had piles of prizes for kids to choose from when they won. As the event neared its close, a reading from the Book of Esther by Rabbi Yaacov Halperin of Chabad of the Lehigh Valley reminded those in attendance of the reason for the celebration.

MAIMONIDES SOCIETY

SAVE THE DATE

Maimonides Brunch and Learn*

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 19, 2024

*Topic TBD

Maccabi offers opportunity for sports media hopefuls

Maccabi USA and Maccabi Media are presenting a career-development program again this year that offers a unique international experience to aspiring sports media professionals who are Jewish. A team of students will be selected to cover the 2025 Maccabiah in Israel July 1-22, 2025, with a domestic training camp to start a few days before that. The application process is open now and will remain open until October 21, 2024.

College undergraduates who are Jewish and age 18 or over on July 1, 2025, and college graduates who are Jewish and no older than 25 on that date are eligible for the program. Applicants must be enrolled in, intend to enroll in, or have already graduated from a university-level communications-related program such as sports media, communications, TV/radio/ film production, journalism, and digital media.

Participants will perform several of the following sports media roles while covering the games and must show previous experience in as many of these areas as possible: shooting and editing video for daily packages; sports reporting (interviewing and writing articles); play-by-play and color analysis; social media content creation; hosting, anchoring, and sideline reporting; and live event production and streaming. Sports photography, graphic design (Canva,

Photoshop), and website management skills are also highly valued.

All applicants must write a short essay and submit a resume, demo reel, examples of written/social media work and media/school references. Specific submission requirements will be provided after a person applies. Those selected for the Maccabi Media Program will be notified late this year and must commit to attend all virtual training, in-person training prior to the games, and the games in Israel.

Monthly Zoom sessions will begin in early 2025 and will include assigned written and video projects.

Selected team members will have a financial responsibility of $6,800 plus a $60 application fee. The $6,800 will cover expenses for registration, international airfare, accommodations, transportation, meals, equipment, medical insurance, Maccabi apparel, and work-

shop events. For candidates selected for the program, efforts will be made to provide some financial assistance for those in need, so finances should not be a barrier to applying.

Participants will be given all equipment necessary for their media coverage, but must bring their own phone and laptop computer (with editing software). All provided equipment must be returned to Maccabi USA following the games.

Maccabi Media team members must have passports valid through January 23, 2026. Maccabi USA will provide any necessary documentation for students who are able to receive college credit for this program.

To apply to be a team member, visit maccabiusa. com/22nd-maccabiahsports-2025. For more information contact Neal Slotkin, Maccabi USA digital media director, at nslotkin@maccabiusa.com.

June 21 - August 11

Ages 7-15

Golden Slipper Camp has been promoting teamwork and the personal growth of our campers since 1948.

▪ The camp program is rooted in Jewish values.

▪ We provide kosher-style meals.

▪ We offer a variety of Jewish activities.

Our campers have fun and enjoy engaging in the spirit of camp simply by being themselves on 600 wooded acres in the beautiful Pocono Mountains. GSC has it all, including basketball, soccer and lacrosse, biking and skateboarding, boating on our lake and swimming in our pool, climbing wall, archery, music, campouts, art and STEM, and so much more! There really is something for everyone to enjoy during each fun-filled day and evening. In all, there are over 30 different activities held at Slipper, and each one is better than the last!

Generous scholarships are available on a confidential basis. For more information, contact: Kristin at kgrapes@goldenslipper.org

Register your kids for Golden Slipper Camp. They will be so happy you did!

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

Those who have been following the war in Israel closely won’t be surprised to hear that too much of the information being reported is wrong or biased against Israel.

On March 21, recently retired Israel Defense Forces Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus called attention to some of the worst examples in the Jewish Agency for Israel webinar “Israel and the War in the International Media.” He implored his audience to check the facts.

Conricus, senior fellow for the Foundation of Defense of Democracies, spoke on behalf of the IDF in hundreds of interviews during the first three months after October 7. He was interviewed during this webinar by Gadeer KamalMreeh, the Jewish Agency’s senior emissary to Washinton, D.C., and the first Druze woman ever elected to Israel’s Knesset.

Kamal-Mreeh opened with the topic of social media. “Some people are relying solely on social media in order to follow news,” she said, describing it as a powerful tool for transmitting stories but not always reliable amid chaos. And some outlets will try to weaponize it. “Suddenly you see the dark side of social media,” she said. She talked about how

difficult it was to verify the information you receive anywhere in the media. A prime example she gave of a story the mainstream media thoroughly bungled was the explosion at Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City on October 17 that killed 200-300. Hamas initially reported that Israel targeted the hospital with a missile and 500 were killed in the blast.

Kamal-Mreeh asked Conricus about this incident. He said that the New York Times and BBC and a host of others “were simply advertising Hamas lies.” It took the IDF a while to investigate the incident. “We wanted to be absolutely sure it wasn’t Israeli bombs that hit that area,” he said. “We knew it wasn’t on purpose.”

After all the evidence was gathered and analyzed, the IDF concluded that there was indeed a missile, just not an Israeli missile. It was a malfunctioning or misfired Hamas missile. “It took some time to amend the media narrative,” he continued. “The BBC had to apologize for their horrible coverage.”

Conricus recalled October 7, the day all this started. “We live in central Israel and are not accustomed to alarms and bombings,” he said, unlike Israelis who live in some areas closer to the Gaza border. He was with his wife when the warning alarms went crazy.

He knew something was very wrong.

“It’s a big statement,” he told his wife very early on—a major attack on Shabbat morning. “I’m going to have to find my uniform. We are going to war.” He contacted his former commander and went on to spend the next three months communicating IDF news to the media and fighting back against fake news.

Another of Conricus’s early realizations was that Israel would soon get blamed for what happened. More than 250 international journalists descended on the scene, realizing the level of atrocity of Hamas’s unprovoked attack. “I tweeted, ‘Remember how this all started,” he said. What would come next, he predicted, was what always came next. Israel would respond. Israel would win. “Then, for some absurd reason, Israel is blamed for creating the problem,” he explained. “Sadly, the world moves on and forgets about what caused the events.”

Like the hospital bombing, casualty number reports have been polluted by false information and careless or reckless lack of attribution. At the time of the webinar, Hamas was reporting about 30,000 killed in the war, while the IDF figure was less than half that.

“Even the U.S. president,

and legislators and elected officials around the world— they’re using the Hamas figures, even though they know that’s false,” he said. Maybe worse, few are attributing the Hamas count to Hamas, which lets the number stand unquestioned in the mind of many who hear it.

On humanitarian matters in general, there’s rampant misrepresentation in the media. He asked how many people around the world hear that there are more aid workers in Gaza than anywhere in the world, that Hamas was told to move civilians but “they said no,” that no international aid organization has visited Israeli hostages, or that the United Nations’ Palestinian relief arm UNRWA “is

aiding the enemy”?

Retired-IDF officer: Check the ‘facts.’ They may be wrong THE

Despite all this, Conricus said, there are positives to be found. He said he took hope in seeing people set aside their political differences to come together at this difficult time. “I am happy to see the shift in many Jewish hearts around the world,” he said.

Israel is in a position, a location, where it generally needs all the support it can get. “We would love to be Switzerland or Sweden,” he said, “but we are not. We live in a horrible neighborhood.”

“The first job at hand is to defeat Hamas,” he said. “I hope that our hostages will be brought home as quickly and as safely as possible.”

“We will be victorious. We will defeat our enemies.”

The 330i now has an upgraded interior and connectivity, all housed inside the classic 3 Series silhouette. Innovative driver assistance, a new curved display and a toggle selector make it even more seamless to get wherever you need to go. And one look at the premium interior is all it takes to know the 330i is a smooth ride.

As one of the longest-running car models in America, the 3 Series just doesn’t have stagnancy in its DNA. The 3 means moving forward—in every way. This

By David Fryer Congregation Keneseth Israel

What does it mean to be Jewish? Who are Jews? Who gets to decide whether someone is Jewish or not? And how do we build a brighter, more connected future as Jews in a troubled world?

These are just some of the questions posed by Professor Lewis Gordon during his

visit as scholar-in-residence at Congregation Keneseth Israel in partnership with Congregation Brith Sholom on the weekend of March 15-17.

Gordon is Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and Global Affairs at the University of Connecticut, Storrs. He founded the Center of Afro-Jewish Studies at Temple University and is one of the world’s leading ex-

perts in black existentialism, philosophy of existence, and Afro-Judaism.

On Friday evening after Shabbat services at KI, Gordon spoke on the question “Who are the Jews?”

He talked of his experiences traveling the globe and finding Jews everywhere he went. In meeting Jews and Jewish communities of all ethnic backgrounds, skin colors, and nationalities, he uncovered many fallacies shared by Jews all over. In every Jewish community around the world, for instance, Jews believe their Jews to be the Jews. This fallacy (my Jews are the Jews) is one of the biggest obstacles we face today. Instead of believing we are the Jews, we need to be able to recognize the diversity of Jews in the world and build connections with those “other Jews.” When we approach other Jewish communities with openness and love instead of fear and suspicion, we begin to see that we are all valid in our own right and that the things that connect us as Jews are far more important than the superficial differences that keep us apart.

On Saturday afternoon after Shabbat services at Brith Sholom, Gordon took us on a journey through Jewish history from the days of the Israelites, to the first and second diasporas, through the various movements of Jews along the trade routes through Africa, India, and China, to the days of coexistence with the Moors, to the trauma of the expulsion from Spain and the days of the Inquisitions, and to the spread of Judaism to the new world, including both South and North America as well as the Caribbean. Along the way, Jews built communities all over, many of which remain today.

On Saturday evening after Havdalah at KI, we explored the problem of Ashkanormativity in U.S. Judaism. Gor-

don asked us to think about what ideas come up for us in thinking about this concept, and then he shared a bit more about his own childhood to help us think beyond this limitation. Born in Jamaica to a Jewish mother of Sephardic Irish and Mizrahi Jerusalem descent, Gordon grew up in a place where all the Jews he knew looked like him—darkskinned. Moving to the Bronx later in his childhood, Gordon was shocked to encounter white Jews, who to him looked “Christian.” Learning about the existence of Ashkenazi Jews was an eye-opening moment for him. In thinking through Ashkanormativity, we talked about Jew-on-Jew antisemitism and the destruction it causes, looking for a new way to approach the diversity of Jews and Jewishness. It is in younger generations that Gordon sees Jews thinking beyond the traditional walls that have kept our communities closed off from one another, and in those generations that something new is being built.

Throughout these discussions, the idea of race was omnipresent. Wherever we have gone, Jews have not been white, at least at first. Beyond the fact that Jews have skins of all colors, from the whitest of white to the blackest of black, Jews have been outsiders, and the idea of our being of a different (and lesser) kind is precisely how

the idea of race itself emerged. Jews, along with Moors, were labeled “raza”—a term that originally meant radiant and full of sun, but became a slur to refer to dogs and other less-than-human groups. Jews and Moors were the first racialized people, the first people who were “not-white.” This moniker has followed us throughout history and remains even today. In this country Jews have achieved “whiteness” only by separating ourselves from a group we can call “non-white.” And this separation was the beginning of the unnatural conflict between (white) Jews and Black people in the United States today. Again, this can be overcome when we overcome Ashkanormativity and the fallacy that all Jewish communities suffer from—the idea that their Jews are the Jews. It is only in facing this history head on that we can fully become the religion of hope and home we continually strive to be.

On Sunday morning, Gordon’s weekend as scholarin-residence drew to a close when, after brunch at KI, Gordon had us explore the value of Jewish humility in a world of hubris and the possibility of Jewish hope and joy in a world of despair. Gordon put forth some ideas of a Judaism that creates a place of joy as home for our people. The Torah is, after all, a book not only of warning, but also of possibility and hope for a better future. As we create a Judaism for now, where we welcome one another and build our home together, Gordon, drawing on the wisdom of the sages from Rashi to Maimonides to Martin Buber, reminded us to remember that we as Jews are not a random grouping of isolated, atomized individuals, but rather a communal people whose connectivity precedes our egoism. As such, Judaism teaches us that we are not only for ourselves, but also for others and, according to Gordon, that we are at our best “when we realize it’s not always about us.”

David Fryer, a member of Congregation Keneseth Israel, is a philosophy professor at Brown University and a colleague of Professor Lewis Gordon.

(Photo courtesy of Donna Fisher.) (Photo courtesy of Donna Fisher.)

Professor Lewis Gordon. (Photo courtesy of Donna Fisher.)

Playing, talking, learning at Tikvah House group home

The Hebrew word “tikvah” means hope, and there is no better word to describe what embodies the Tikvah House, a supportive group home in Allentown for Jewish adults with special needs. Its residents—Adam Levitt, Ally Bergstein, and Becky Sarachek—are long-time beloved members of the Allentown community and have lived together for over 30 years.

“What makes Tikvah House so unique is that it allows its residents to live semi-independently but also with rich, meaningful lives filled with purpose and activity, Jewish and otherwise,” explained Larry Levitt, board member of Tikvah House and one of its founders.

Tikvah House was established over 35 years ago by three families, each with adult children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Like at many group homes, specially trained staff stay in Tikvah House to provide ongoing care and supervi-

sion, from meals, support in self-care, and daily living activities to coordination of social programming, transportation, and community outings.

Zac Cohen, president of the Tikvah House board, said Tikvah House is an important asset and symbol to our community. “It enables the residents—despite their disabilities—to live with dignity and meaning and to fully participate in the Jewish community and contribute in their own way, like everyone else.”

Today, the residents of Tikvah House function much like a family, a very active family. Each day, the three residents go to a sheltered workplace in the community. During time off, they participate in a variety of activities, including dances, movies, bowling, walks in the park, field trips, Special Olympics, and Shabbat dinners at Muhlenberg College Hillel and at homes of community members.

Noam Bach, a seventhgrade student at Kohelet Yeshiva in Lower Merion who is celebrating his bar mitzvah at Congregation Sons of Israel on April 6, knows the residents personally. “Adam, Ally, and Becky have been coming to our home for Friday night dinners for as long as I can remember,” he said. That’s how I first met them.” Noam has been leading a bimonthly parsha class at Tikvah House for the past year.

“We learn together,” he said. “We play and talk. They love the Torah stories and playing the Jewish matching game. I enjoy hanging out with them, and more so, I love that I can help enrich their lives Jewishly.”

Tikvah House is unique in having a Jewish component as an integral part of its charter, and thanks to its partnership with Jewish Family Service, the residents are now exposed more regularly to Jewish content. Chelsea Karp, JFS director of operations, said, “We look for programming opportunities beyond their home, which include participating in Jewish community-wide programs and celebrations, developing relationships with members of our community, and Jewish learning. Ally, Becky, and Adam love their Jewishness. I am thrilled that they have the opportunity to learn about Judaism from Noam. They greatly enjoy their time with him.

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities encompasses hundreds of diagnoses—autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome among them—that affect 7-8 million Americans. Those people face a host of unique challenges. Group homes such as Tikvah House are great options for adults with special needs who don’t require more advanced care but who cannot live independently.

Noam’s parents, David and Carmit Bach, are very proud

Dance school sends ‘magical’ gifts to Israeli kids displaced by war

of their son. “Working with the Tikvah House residents came quite naturally to Noam, and his commitment speaks volumes to the importance he recognizes in what he’s doing,” they said. “It’s a beautiful chesed (kindness). It’s beautiful how they’ve all connected, and as much as he’s enriching their lives, they’re also enriching his.”

The Tikvah House welcomes more community support. To find out how you can help, call Chelsea Karp at 610-821-8722.

Israeli kids receive books and dolls sent to them by the Accent School of Dance in Allentown. Instructors at the school packaged copies of

“Pixie’s Holiday Quest” and the matching character dolls, both created by instructor Erika Rich, to be distributed to children evacuated from

their homes due to the IsraelHamas War. The daughter of Jewish community member Kira Bub attends classes at the school.

How Geddy Lee lost and found his Jewishness BOOK REVIEWS

By Sandi Teplitz Special to Hakol

If you know and like Geddy Lee as one of the world’s best bassists, be sure to pick up his current oeuvre, a memoir that introduces us intimately to stories that track the history of Rush, his iconic progressive rock trio from Toronto, Canada. A former best-selling book of his, “Geddy Lee’s Big Beautiful Book of Bass,” tempted us and made us wish for a peek into his personal life.

Here it is. I was quite surprised that the first 80 pages of this tome (a whopping 512 pages in all) was exclusively devoted to Lee’s parents’ Holocaust experiences and their effect on his future vocational choices.

Lee’s parents landed in

Canada, where he experienced his share of antisemitism. Born Gershon Eliezer Winerib, he became Gary to his friends. Later, when one of these friends asked why his mom called him Geddy, he explained that the pronunciation was how Gary sounded to a Polish person. The name stuck.

After the untimely death of his father, Lee immersed himself in music and along the way lost the connection to Judaism that his parents tried so hard to maintain. His obsession with music was so strong that he dropped out of high school to pursue a musical career.

The book is replete with pictures of Lee and the two other Rush members, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart. Lee shares his adventures with other rock groups, citing his appreciation to Kiss front man Gene Simmons for

advising him to “lose the Mezuzah” to avoid antisemitic jabs as he performed live.

Though Lee married a non-Jewish woman, his longtime love, he eventually comes to terms with and embraces his roots, celebrating his son’s bar mitzvah in Israel. His grandson affectionately refers to him as Zaidy.

The 50 years that this book covers recounts in detail the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s work as a vocalist, writer, keyboardist, and human being—relating it all with his own brand of humor and life lessons. It’s effin’ worth your attention.

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

“My Effin’ Life,” by Geddy Lee, Harper, 2023, 512 pages.

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

An Evening of Stories, Reflections, and Conversation about Our Magical Relationship with Israel with Joel Chasnoff

7 p.m., JCC Kline Auditorium

Join us for an evening with Joel Chasnoff, coauthor of the book “Israel 201: Your Next-Level Guide to the Magic, Mystery, and Chaos of Life in the Holy Land.” Registration is required and tickets are $36 each. All proceeds from the evening will go to the Israel Emergency Campaign.Register at jewishlehighvalley.org/mainevent

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

JFS Cheers for Volunteers

10 a.m., Temple Beth El

Join Jewish Family Service for a brunch to celebrate community volunteers. Sponsorship opportunities are available, with all proceeds going toward JFS programs. Sponsorships begin at $118 and include one or more tickets to the event. Visit jfslv.networkforgood.com/ events/65057-cheers-for-volunteers to sponsor.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9

Celebrate Pesach with Miriam’s Song

6:15 p.m., Temple Beth El

The Women of KI and TBE Sisterhood are partnering for a celebration and exploration of freedom shared through women’s voices led by KI’s Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg and TBE’s Shari Spark. There will be a complete seder with Pesach meal catered by Chef Eric Rappaport. Ages 13-100 are welcome. Cost is $45 for each member of KI or TBE and $55 for each nonmember. RSVP at bethelallentown.org/form/ Celebrate-Pesach-with-miriams-song. html with payment by April 1. For questions or to set up a ride, contact KI at sharonsrland@gmail.com or TBE at chelseakarp@yahoo.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14

PJ Library Celebrates Passover

3:30-5 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel

Join PJ Library and Congregation Keneseth Israel to celebrate Passover with a scavenger hunt. There will be crafts, snacks, and, of course, a PJ Library story. Register at jewishlehighvalley. regfox.com/pj-passover-page.

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

KI 11th Annual Super Shabbat Seder

5:45-9 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel

Eat, drink, sing, and learn at the 11th Annual Shabbat Super Seder featuring Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg, Alex Malanych, and traditional foods by chef Eric Rappaport. BYOB to share with your table. Cost is $54 for adult nonmembers, $45 for adult members, $36 for child nonmembers, $30 for child members, and free for children under 6. RSVP at kilv.org/event/11th-annual-super-shabbat-seder.html before April 19.

SUNDAY, MAY 5

Author Molly Golubcow

10 a.m., Congregation Brith Sholom

Molly Golubcow, author of “The Hotel on

Community Calendar

St. James Place: Growing up in Atlantic City between the Boardwalk and the Holocaust,” will speak at a brunch and learn cosponsored by Brtih Sholom and Congregation Am Haskalah. Brunch will be served first. RSVP to Tammy at 610866-8009.

SUNDAY, MAY 5

Yom HaShoah Commemoration

6-8 p.m., JCC

Join the community in commemorating the victims of the Holocaust, with the memorial reading of the names of survivors beginning at 6. Sponsored by the Holocaust Resource Center of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.

THURSDAY, MAY 9

Women’s Philanthropy Dollar-a-Day Spring Event

6:30 p.m., Temple Beth El

Amy Albertson, named among Hadassah magazine’s 18 American Zionist Women You Should Know in 2023, will address important topics like antisemitism and Jewish pride from modern perspectives during an intimate Q&Astyle conversation. A light dinner will be served. A minimum pledge of $365 to the 2024 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs is required to attend. Register at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/365-wpspring-event-2024-.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Torah in Motion: Exploring the Weekly Parashah through Dance

10-11 a.m., Congregation Keneseth

Israel

Join Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg in your yoga pants or sweats to explore Torah through moving your body. Come see what Torah wisdom and moving and grooving can yield. No dance experience necessary. Participants of all physical abilities are welcome. Open to all ages. Register by May 9 at kilv.org/ event/shabbat-out-of-the-box-torah-inmotion-exploring-the-weekly-parashahthrough-dance.html#

MONDAY, MAY 13

Yom HaZikaron Ceremony

6:30-8 p.m., JCC Kline Auditorium

Join the community for a ceremony to observe Israel’s Memorial Day and remember the fallen soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces and Israelis who have died in terrorist attacks. Register at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/yomhazikaron-2024.

TUESDAY, MAY 14

Yom Ha’Atzmaut Mitzvah Carnival

Time TBD, Congregation Keneseth Israel

Celebrate Israel’s birthday at this festival. Details to come.

SUNDAY, MAY 19

Maimonides Brunch and Learn

10 a.m., JCC

Details to come.

SUNDAY, MAY 19

Teen Israel Leadership Institute

10 a.m. - 2 p.m., JCC

Fedration is partnering with the Center for Israel Education to bring a certifica-

tion program to teens in 10-12 grades. Apply at centerforisraeled.wufoo.com/ forms/m91t6f70pcc3hk/

SATURDAY, MAY 30

Young Leadership End-of-the-Year Celebration

7:30 p.m., Bru Daddy’s in Allentown

Celebrate the end of the campaign year with the new and improved Young Leadership at the Bru Daddy’s Brewing Company in Allentown. The event is adults only and will include a tour of the brewery. Cost is $18 per person. Register at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/ end-of-year-celebration-yl-2024.

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 the month. For more information call 610258-5343.

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. Enjoy fun, fellowship, stories and more.

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

MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS

Online Jewish Yoga Studio Mondays 11-11:45 a.m., Thursdays 4-4:45 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality

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. Open to all, no experience needed. Sign up at jewishspirituality.org/get-started.

TUESDAYS

Weekly Torah Study 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality

Rabbi Jonathan Slater will lead a weekly program: “Torah Study to Sustain The Soul,” aimed at addressing an aspect of spiritual life that will help us navigate this time of uncertainty and isolation. Open to all. Sign up at jewishspirituality. org/get-started.

WEDNESDAYS

Yoga with Miriam Sandler: Chair-Supported Yoga

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

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 in person and via Zoom

Hadassah Study Group

12:30 p.m., via Zoom

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. Celebrate

Friday,

Friday,

Torah Studies by the Jewish Learning Institute presents Season Two 5784, a 12-part series, 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

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

THURSDAYS

Lishma: Learn, Listen, Listen, Learn 10:30 a.m.-noon, Congregation Keneseth Israel or via Zoom

The program is held most Thursday mornings. In person, enter through the 23rd Street entrance. Register at kilv. org/event/learn-listen-listen-learn.html. For the Zoom link, email jperry@kilv.org.

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

8:30-9:30 a.m., WMUH 91.7

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

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.

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.

SATURDAYS, APRIL 27, MAY 18

KI Shabbat Yoga

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

Experience Shabbat through movement with Jett Ulaner Saracheck and Ann Friedenheim after Torah study. For information, call Saracheck at 610-7621450 or Friedenheim at 610-462-2549. Register at kilv.org.

DAILY

Jewish Broadcasting Service

JBS is a Jewish television channel. Visit jbstv.org.

DAILY

Congregation Sons of Israel Minyanim Shacharit on Mondays and Thursdays 6:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 6:45 a.m.; Sundays 8:30 a.m. Congregation Sons of Israel welcomes all to the daily Shacharis and Mincha/ Maariv services. Please sonsofisrael. net for the weekly listing.

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. Sign up at jewishspirituality.org/get-started.