The Voice of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Community
www.jewishlehighvalley.org
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Issue No. 420
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May 2019
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Nisan/Iyyar 5779
AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION EST. 1977
Read firsthand reflections from this year’s Lehigh Valley AIPAC delegation p16-17
Learn about the Valley’s first kosher food truck and more in our ‘Food We Love’ section p28-29
WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY p4 LVJF TRIBUTES p8 JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE p15 JEWISH DAY SCHOOL p18 JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER p19 COMMUNITY CALENDAR p30
Federation Board names Jeri Zimmerman new Executive Director The Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley has unanimously voted to appoint Jeri Zimmerman as the Federation’s new executive director. Zimmerman joined the Federation staff in 2016, serving as assistant executive director and managing the Annual Campaign. She has served as interim executive director since the passing of Mark L. Goldstein, z”l, in October. “Jeri took on this role at a time of great transition for the Federation, and didn’t miss a beat,” said Eva Levitt, Federation president. “There wasn’t anything missed, and things proceeded on schedule. I was especially impressed with that.” “Jeri comes with a wealth of information at her fingertips, and she has a particular talent for being able to
engage people,” Levitt continued. “It was abundantly clear to the board that she was the perfect candidate.” For 12 years before coming to the Lehigh Valley, Zimmerman was the director of the Center for Israel and Overseas at the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. As the founding director of that department, she led efforts to strengthen relationships between synagogues, schools and agencies with the Federation’s overseas projects and allocated money to priority areas and projects in Israel and overseas. Her extensive Jewish communal experience also includes seven years as the Philadelphia regional director of the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science and 10 years as the executive director of the UJA/Federation
of Princeton, New Jersey. In Princeton, as that Federation’s first executive director, she developed programs and expanded giving levels, enhancing the vibrancy of the community. No stranger to the Lehigh Valley, Zimmerman obtained her master of education in community counseling from Lehigh University. Her grandchildren, Liav and Maya, and their parents Dr. Elliot and Chelsea Busch, live in Allentown. Zimmerman and her husband Len are also the parents of Michael, his wife Carly, Zach, Shai and Gadi and grandparents of Norah. Moving forward, Zimmerman will continue to concentrate on the mantra she has articulated from day one: transparency, accountability, focus and impact.
“I feel truly blessed that our Board of Directors has entrusted me with this responsibility,” Zimmerman said. “I believe there are exciting things to come for our community, and it is my pleasure and privilege to work with our volunteer leaders and staff to make them happen.”
9 takeaways from Israel’s historic election By Marcy Oster Jewish Telegraphic Agency
GETTY IMAGES
Israel’s election on April 9 was contentious, historic, crazy — and somewhat predictable. Benjamin Netanyahu will become the longest-serving prime minister in Israel’s history with the help of his strengthened right-wing parliamentary bloc. But the results also brought some surprises. Here are the big takeaways.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, and Benny Gantz each won 35 seats. Non-Profit Organization 702 North 22nd Street Allentown, PA 18104
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1. Two winners? No Israeli party had ever garnered more than 1 million votes in an election, but two did in April: Netanyahu’s Likud and former Israeli military chief of staff Benny Gantz’s centrist Blue and White, which included other prominent politicians Yair Lapid and Moshe Yaalon. Each party won 35 seats, but Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition was better positioned to form a government. Still, Gantz’s showing was impressive, and his bloc could become a formidable opposition in the years to come. 2. Orthodox parties keep getting stronger. Two haredi Orthodox parties gained seats in the new Knesset, or parliament. The United Torah
Judaism and Sephardic Orthodox Shas each won eight seats, a gain of two and one, respectively. Their combined 16 votes could put them in the driver’s seat when it comes to legislation dealing with a host of issues they care about, such as the enlistment of yeshiva students, public transportation on Shabbat and the push for egalitarian prayer at the Western Wall. 3. Arab parties are getting weaker. In the last election, the Arab parties united and called themselves the Joint List. They won 13 seats in that election. This time, however, squabbles split the list into separate parties. Two Arab party coalitions made it into the new Knesset: The HadashTaal list received six seats and the Raam-Balad List barely squeaked past the electoral threshold of 3.25 percent of the total vote to garner four seats, for a total of 10 seats representing Arab-Israelis. But Arab voter turnout was historically low — nearly half the traditional rate. That was despite calls by Arab politicians and religious leaders, with the latter taking to muezzins to encourage the public to vote. One reason was likely disgust with the parties that ran in the
2019 election for not being able to find a way to continue together as the more powerful Joint List. Some were disappointed as well with the parties’ inability to prevent pieces of legislation such as the nation-state law, which codified Israel as a Jewish state. Election Day reports also showed that some 1,200 cameras were placed in Arab polling stations by Likud, which claimed it was protecting against voter fraud. Arab leaders said the tactic intimidated members of the Arab community and kept them from the polls. 4. It wasn’t a great day for women. The new Knesset will have the same number of women as the last: 29 out of 120. That puts Israel 76th internationally in terms of women’s representation in government, down from 66th in 2015. 5. It was a worse day for two right-wing stars. Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, two prominent and outspoken right-wing lawmakers, broke away from Israel’s election Continues on page 13
2 MAY 2019 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
‘I been blessed’
Years ago, my family was called up for an aliyah at our synagogue in preparation for our upcoming trip to Israel. As we were leaving the bimah, one of my then-4-year-old twins turned to me and said very excitedly, “I been blessed,” (and implying that all was right with the world). The comment quickly became a funny expression in our family. And all these years later, it’s the first thing that came to mind when I was given the honor and privilege of becoming the executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. “I been blessed” because my passion and career endeavors parallel one another. For the past 30 years, I’ve come to work excited about what I could do to help the Jewish people. It’s something that was ingrained in me at an early age – from my parents, from excellent Hebrew school teachers, and, ultimately, from
my first trip to Israel at age 15, a turning point in my life. On that six-week program with my Hebrew high school class, I fell in love with the land and the people. When I think about Israel and my own Jewish identity, I feel exuberant. I’ve watched my children embark on their own Jewish education, including time spent in Israel. The tradition continues as my grandson begins his Jewish journey here at the Allentown JCC. This community, like many Jewish communities around the world, is no doubt at an important crossroads. How will we grow? How will we make sure that that passion for Judaism that I feel – that many of us feel – gets passed on to the next generation? Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to students at our Jewish Day School. I talked to them about the importance of creating a kehillah kedosha – a sacred community. That with all of our agencies and synagogues working together, the Lehigh Valley Jewish community will remain vibrant and strong. The Federation is an important piece of that puzzle, not just as a funder, but as a community convener. I am proud to be working with our Board of Directors, our volunteer leaders and our staff to bring us into the next chapter. What will that chapter look
like? I can tell you that the book about our community will not be written by a single author. It will be a collaborative piece, with essay and verse from many contributors. And as we move forward, I remain dedicated to keeping you apprised of the progress. I believe that transparency, accountability, focus and impact are the watchwords that will guide us. There will be change, but not for the sake of change. We will be smart about the programs we implement, the programs we maybe adjust and the metrics we use to make these decisions. We will keep our board and our donors informed and look to the community to provide feedback and hold us accountable. This year’s campaign slogan is “it all starts with you.” I truly believe that it does. Our community is fortunate to have so many talented people with ideas to share and I want to hear them. I invite you to reach out to me by calling 610-8215500 or emailing jeri@jflv.org. Your input is most welcome. We have a great deal of work ahead of us and, with your help, we will celebrate many magnificent accomplishments. I look forward to meeting more of you one on one as we embark on this journey together and may we continue to go from strength to strength.
Federation goes Platinum
For the fourth year, HAKOL has won first place in the category of niche publication for weekly publications with a circulation of under 5,000 from the Professional Keystone Press Awards sponsored by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation. Thank you to our readers for your ongoing support!
HAKOL STAFF STEPHANIE BOLMER Editor
HAKOL is published 11 times per year for the Jewish communities of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and vicinity by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.
COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS Submissions to HAKOL must be of interest to the entire Jewish community. HAKOL reserves all editorial rights including, but not limited to, the decision to print any submitted materials, the editing of submissions to conform to style and length requirements, and the placement of any printed material. Articles should be submitted by e-mail or presented as typed copy; “Community Calendar” listings must be submitted by e-mail to hakol@jflv.org or online at www.jewishlehighvalley.org. Please include your name and a daytime telephone number where you can be contacted in the event questions arise. We cannot guarantee publication or placement of submissions. MAIL, FAX, OR E-MAIL TO: JFLV ATTN: HAKOL 702 N. 22nd St. Allentown, PA 18104 Phone: (610) 821-5500 Fax: (610) 821-8946 E-mail: hakol@jflv.org
The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley has earned a 2019 Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by GuideStar, the world’s largest source of nonprofit information. The seal demonstrates the Federation’s commitment to transparency and to giving donors and funders meaningful data to evaluate its performance.
STEPHANIE SMARTSCHAN Director of Marketing ALLISON MEYERS Graphic Designer DIANE MCKEE Advertising Representative TEL: 610-515-1391 hakolads@jflv.org
JFLV EXECUTIVE STAFF JERI ZIMMERMAN Executive Director TEMPLE COLDREN Director of Finance & Administration JIM MUETH Director of Planned Giving & Endowments AARON GORODZINSKY Director of Outreach & Community Relations WENDY EDWARDS Office Manager EVA LEVITT JFLV President
EDITORIAL BOARD Monica Friess, Acting Chair Barbara Reisner Judith Rodwin Sara Vigneri
Member American Jewish Press Association
The Lehigh Valley-Yoav Partnership Park in Blessed Memory of Mark L. Goldstein We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship by requesting that trees be planted in the Mark L. Goldstein Friendship Park, a Yoav-Lehigh Valley Partnership Forest. IN MEMORY MARY BECK (Mother of Marla Beck) Peggy and Jimmy Rau REBECCA FISHER (Mother of Peter Fisher) Lori and Houman Ahdieh DAVID FORGOSH (Brother of Neil Forgosh) Robie and Don Barga GISCA (Mother, grandmother and great grandmother of Berman and Norwood Families) Eileen and Roberto Fischmann MARION HALPERIN (Mother of Marcia Halperin, David Halperin and Alan Halperin) Peggy and Jimmy Rau
HAKOL WINS— AGAIN!
SHIRLEY LEVY (Mother of Abby Wiener) Eileen and Roberto Fischmann MARLENE SALTZMAN (Mother of Sue Goldstone and Jane Rosenfeld) Elaine Lerner Joan Lesavoy IN HONOR NOAH COHEN In honor of Bar Mitzvah Bob Lembach TALIA COHEN In honor of Bat Mitzvah Bob Lembach ANN AND GENE GINSBERG In honor of Lily’s Bat Mitzvah Roberta Barge
TO ORDER TREES, call the JFLV at 610-821-5500 or visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org.
All advertising is subject to review and approval by The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley (JFLV). JFLV reserves the right to decline, withdraw and/or edit any ad. The appearance of any advertising in HAKOL does not represent an endorsement or kashrut certification. Paid political advertisements that appear in HAKOL do not represent an endorsement of any candidate by the JFLV.
JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY MISSION STATEMENT
In order to unite, sustain, and enhance the Lehigh Valley Jewish community, and support Jewish communities in Israel and around the world, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is dedicated to the following core values: • Supporting Jews in need wherever they may be. • Supporting Israel as a Jewish homeland. • Supporting and encouraging Jewish education in the Lehigh Valley as a means of strengthening Jewish life for individuals and families. • Supporting programs and services of organizations whose values and mission meet local Jewish needs. To accomplish this mission the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is committed to the following operating guidelines: • Raising and distributing funds to support the core values. • Developing Jewish leaders. • Building endowments to support implementation of core values. • Committing to ongoing Jewish community strategic planning. • Fostering cooperation among organizations and community building. • Evaluating all decisions with respect to fiscal responsibility. • Identifying unmet needs and investing in community initiatives to help get them started. • Coordinating and convening a community response as an issue or need arises. • Setting priorities for allocation and distribution of funds. • Acting as a central address for communication about events, programs and services of the Jewish community as a whole. Approved by the JFLV Board of Directors on November 15, 2000
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2019 3
WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY
Poms and Lions participate in Good Deeds Day
Left, Pomegranates and Lions come together on April 7 for a service project that coincided with international Good Deeds Day. Right, Lois Lipson and Jane Markson show off their creation.
Left, Co-Chairs Beth Kushnick and Lauren Rabin welcome guests to the event, part of their spring event series. Right, the women prepare to make blankets to donate to Jewish Family Service.
4 Yoav women to join Israel trip with Lehigh Valley group
SPONSORED BY THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY’S WOMEN’S DIVISION
welcoming new babies to the Lehigh Valley If you’re expecting, know someone who is, or have a new baby, PLEASE LET US KNOW! Contact Abby Trachtman, 610-821-5500 | abbyt@jflv.org SPONSORED BY
For the first time, this year’s cohort of women from the Lehigh Valley traveling to Israel with the Jewish Federation and the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project will be joined by four women from Yoav. Dikla Eitan, Yael Feller Malka, Annette Mashi and Osnat Reuven were chosen to serve as the delegates from the Lehigh Valley’s Partnership community. They will accompany the Lehigh Valley group as they travel to Tel Aviv, Tsfat and Jerusalem over eight days. Before the official trip kicks off, the Lehigh Valley group will visit Yoav and spend a night in home hospitality.
Handmade Afghans
BY EVA LEVITT
All proceeds benefit projects in Israel:
Food Banks in Israel Neve Michael Youth Village
For prices or to place an order, call Eva 610-398-1376.
All payments are made payable to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley 4 MAY 2019 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
A far-flung journey to renewed passion for my Jewish heritage By Iris Epstein Special to HAKOL All my life, I’ve known that I am Jewish, and at the same time, I’ve struggled with what exactly that means. Growing up in Southeast Asia, I knew very little English when my family and I moved to Jericho, New York. My parents never forced the issue of religion, instead wanting me to focus on learning English and catching up at school. Although I witnessed and celebrated well over 30 mitzvahs while in seventh grade, we never belonged to a synagogue, nor did we observe Shabbat. We did, however, always have huge family dinners during the Jewish holidays, with Mom spending days recreating dishes my Grandma Rose taught her. Through it all, my parents always told me I am Jewish, and my Mom always encouraged me to marry a Jewish man. Conflict with my identity started as early as age five. In preparation for moving to the U.S., we spent summers in New York, where I attended a Jewish day camp. I remember waiting for the bus to pick me up. I spoke no English and wore a sign around my neck that read “Iris Rosenberg.” I was extremely upset when the bus counselor would not believe who I was, just because I clearly did not look like a Rosenberg. After we moved, I went through the Jericho schools, which were predominantly Jewish. Unfortunately, kids can be mean, and they made fun of me, calling me things like “almond eyes.” I was ill-prepared to respond to such ridicule. Instead, I focused on my studies, as my parents wanted. As I did better and better at school, I became more confident, learned to ignore the teasing, and it eventually stopped. But the teasing did its damage. After graduating, I turned my back on Judaism. Sure, I attended one seder at a family friend’s home while I was at the University of Pennsylvania, but that was it. It was really just blind luck I ended up marrying a Jewish man, and although we were married under a chuppah by a rabbi, it wasn’t until I was pregnant with my first child that I started to think about what it means to be a Jew. I knew I wanted to raise my children to be confident and secure about their Jewish heritage. Jonathan and I immediately went synagogue shopping, and I started to immerse myself in studying and understanding what it means to be a Jew. Joining National Young Leadership Cabinet, the Jewish Federations of North America’s leadership training program for people ages 30-45 seeking to enrich their lives and the Jewish community by becoming leaders within the global philanthropic movement, has done much in helping me with my struggles. During these last six years on Cabinet, I have attended six retreats, five study trips and a handful of national conferences. These experiences have allowed me to make countless friends all over the world and provided life-changing opportunities that drive home what it means to be a part of a global Jewish community. My journey on Cabinet brought a renewed passion for my heritage.
I recently returned from my last study trip with Cabinet. Over the course of 10 days, 105 young adults from North America traveled to Moscow, St. Petersburg and Tbilisi, Georgia. Our trip combined a mix of tourism and exposure to the important work Federations across the U.S. and Canada do overseas through our partnerships with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the Jewish Agency and World ORT. What I really discovered while wandering around the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center in Moscow was myself. As I visited the interactive exhibits and studied the maps depicting the Jewish history of the former Soviet Union, it hit me that I was looking at what my grandparents’ lives might have been like living in shtetls within the Pale of Settlement. A light was lit within me. When we were in St. Petersburg, my group had the privilege to be joined by Natan and Avital Sharansky and hear their inspiring stories. Natan is an Israeli politician, human rights activist and Refusenik, and Avital is an activist who fought tirelessly for the release of her husband. During a late night parlor session, Natan told us about how the assassination of Emperor Alexander II led to the beginning of the pogroms. Between what I saw at the Jewish museum and his words, I finally understood what forced my grandparents to settle in the tenements of New York at the turn of the century. These were “wow” moments, and this particular study trip brought my family history alive for me. Just like my previous trips, going to Georgia and Russia reinforced why I give to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. As we visited the most vulnerable at their homes, interacted with counselors and campers at camp experiences where children often learn for the first time that they are Jewish, visited a world class ORT school teaching valuable STEM skills and toured centers where we made challah, were entertained by talented young musicians, dancers and singers
(all underprivileged children) and watched Holocaust survivors suffering from dementia work with a psychologist playing memory games, I was reminded that the dollars I give to Federation’s Annual Campaign save lives, provide dignity and build Jewish continuity, here in the Lehigh Valley and all over the world. One of the most meaningful experiences was visiting Giorgi and his mother Marine while in Tbilisi, Georgia. I had the privilege of meeting Giorgi and his elderly parents four years ago on another JFNA trip. At the time, we were given a $20 bank card and told to purchase items on Giorgi’s wish list, including Nutella, Nestle chocolate mix, cookies, candy and juice. Having two young boys and having just hosted two 16-year-olds from Israel before the trip, everything seemed familiar so far. All similarities ended upon entering their home. Forget that his tiny home was run down with holes in the floor and cracks on the walls. Giorgi was a sweet boy who loved soccer, drawing and attending Jewish programs at the Hesed Center. But, Giorgi looked like he was 10 rather than 15, and he suffered from behavior issues and developmental problems. Before leaving, Shalva, Giorgi’s dad, told us that he is only alive because of our help. What do we do to help you ask? Through the JDC, which is funded by our overseas allocations, we give the family a $25 bank card each month for food, plus an additional $15 for medication and dental work for Giorgi. In just a few short years, Giorgi and his family’s lives have changed. Shalva passed away a couple of years ago. Giorgi turned 18 and, despite his challenges, he is working toward becoming a programmer one day. When I left Giorgi and Marine’s home four years ago, I didn’t truly understand the profound impact my short visit had on me and on them. My recent visit made me realize that not only did they remember me when Marine produced a small Polaroid photo I took of them years ago, but it also made me understand how important the meager amount we give them each month is to their
Iris visits for the second time with Giorgi and his family in Tbilisi, Georgia. She had the opportunity to purchase items on his wish list on a trip four years ago. survival. My heart warmed when Giorgi started playing football with the members in my group using the same ball we purchased for him on my last trip there. A short visit can indeed have a profound impact on the lives of people who never should have met except for the life-changing work we do at Federation. I’m proud to have been a member of the Cabinet and, more importantly, I’m proud to give
each year to Federation. I’m also proud that I’ve set up a LIFE & LEGACY endowment to ensure that my passion to care for our Jewish community continues when I am no longer here to do so myself. Funds raised and allocated through Federation do so much to ensure the survival and continuity of our Jewish people. Please consider joining me and giving to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2019 5
Eva Levitt reflects on Federation presidency By Stephanie Smartschan JFLV Director of Marketing Eva Levitt only has one regret after her two-year presidency of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley – that her parents didn’t live to see it. “They would have felt very good about it,” said Levitt, who will be completing her term as president this June. “Being an only child, especially because of what my parents went through during World War II, I always had this need to please them and make them happy and not worry them. They would have liked to see me up there making a speech.” It was in her very first speech as president that Levitt laid out three goals for her term: to engage more young people, to have a mission to Israel and to raise more money. “I’m patting myself on the back because my goals were accomplished,” Levitt said jokingly. “I can’t really take credit, but I’ll take credit by
association.” In fact, Levitt championed the mission and signed on herself to visit Israel this past December. She worked with the staff and other volunteers to further engage the groups of women who traveled to Israel with Federation and the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project. And under her tenure, the Federation brought in largescale designated gifts that supported important projects both locally and abroad. “People who are involved with Federation feel like they’re doing good, and I certainly felt that,” she said. A close friend of Mark Goldstien, z”l, Levitt led the Federation through a difficult transition with his passing in October. “Whenever called upon, she always rose to the occasion to help in any way she could,” said Jeri Zimmerman, Federation’s new executive director. “She has a dedicated and caring spirit and has the best interests of the community at heart. Whatever she
6 MAY 2019 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
works on, she gives her full attention.” Levitt said it’s her nowweekly meetings with Zimmerman that she will miss the most when her tenure is complete. But no matter – she plans to still pop in frequently and continue to be involved. “I look forward to the community growing from strength to strength,” she said.
Easton synagogue merger official By Susan Sosnow Easton Jewish Community B’nai Abraham Synagogue and Temple Covenant of Peace have officially reached an agreement to merge the two congregations in Easton. Meetings and discussions took place for over two years, and in February 2019, each congregation voted in favor of the merger by a clear majority. Now, the hard work has begun. The first necessary papers have been filed with the Office of the Attorney General in Harrisburg. Once approved, a memorandum of understanding will be reviewed by the same office. We anticipate this may take several months. We are very excited that the two congregations are merging. Everyone hopes that the newly formed congregation will continue to grow and be an integral part of the fabric of the greater Easton Jewish community. The two congregations are working together as one, and joint events and services are taking place. Board and committee members are also working together as one team. Congratulations to the joined congregations for the excellent work that has helped to achieve this goal. Special commendation to Rabbi Melody Davis and all the invaluable members who provided the much-needed depth and thoughtfulness that it takes to make a good idea into a realistic plan. Many thanks also to the Board of Directors from each congregation for working together to unify into a new entity.
Branches of Love Initiative to receive Schiff Award By Stephanie Smartschan JFLV Director of Marketing In the aftermath of the shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue in October, 18 local women sprang into action. They wanted to do something to promote tolerance and understanding among people of different faiths, a way for Jews and non-Jews to stand together as one. The Branches of Love Initiative was born. The women, who had traveled to Israel and studied together with the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project, began assembling, packaging and selling Tree of Life necklaces. The effort went viral. After only a couple of months, they had sold enough necklaces to raise $35,018 for the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, where the shooting took place.
For this incredible effort – which started here in the Lehigh Valley and touched people across the United States and in countries around the world – the Branches of Love Initiative is this year’s recipient of the Mortimer S. Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction. “The necklace served as a powerful symbol at a time when emotions were raw and the interfaith community was reaching out and wanting to help. Anyone wearing it was essentially saying ‘we stand with you,’” said Jeri Zimmerman, executive director of the Jewish Federation. “This initiative truly embodies the spirit of this award.” Established in 1999 by Vera Schiff to honor her husband Mortimer’s memory, the Schiff award is given to members of the Lehigh Valley community who are committed to spreading and teaching tolerance by both word and action. Past recipients
include Cantor Kevin Wartell, the Rev. Dr. Peter Pettit and Eva Levitt. The Schiff Award will be presented on two occasions: first, at the Federation’s Community Celebration & Annual Meeting on Wednesday, June 12, and again on Monday, June 17, at the Mortimer S. Schiff Memorial Golf Tournament. The tournament raises money to promote the same objectives as the Branches of Love Initiative – prejudice reduction and tolerance education. The Community Celebration & Annual Meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley. It is free and open to everyone. Registration for the golf tournament at Lehigh Country Club on Monday, June 17, is open until May 17, including the option to attend dinner only, where the award will be presented. To learn more, visit www. jewishlehighvalley.org/golf.
Some members of the group that started the Branches of Love Initiative prepare to present the Tree of Life Synagogue with the $35,018 they raised by selling necklaces in the aftermath of the shooting there. The initiative is this year’s recipient of the Schiff Award for Prejudice Reduction.
Community to celebrate Israel’s 71st birthday By Stephanie Smartschan JFLV Director of Marketing All are welcome to join the Jewish community to dance, eat, play, craft and more at Israel’s 71st birthday celebration on May 9. The party will kick off at 4:30 p.m. at the JCC with the musical stylings of Jewtronix, which fuses Jewish prayer’s spirituality with electronic dance music’s energy. Family activities will include face painting, hamsa making, bracelet beading, kite decorating and more. Brand new this year: Israeli shlicha Rotem Bar
will be turning the multi-purpose room on the JCC’s lower level into an escape room. Small groups will have the chance to register in advance and embark on a specially designed mission -- for free! Israeli food including falafel, hummus, salads and potato burekas will be available for purchase from Around the Table Catering, which recently secured its Lehigh Valley Kashrut Commission certification to operate a kosher food truck. Admission is free and the party will go until 6:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, in partnership with the Lehigh Valley Jewish Clergy Group.
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Melvin M. Goldberg Undergraduate Fellowship awarded to UPenn student Benjamin Porat, a junior at the University of Pennsylvania, has been awarded the 2019 Melvin M. Goldberg Undergraduate Fellowship to study photovoltaic solar cell technology at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel. Porat is from Los Angeles and is interested in working to combine semiconductor technologies with green energy. At UPenn, he studies electrical engineering, with a concentration in nanotechnology and a minor in energy and sustainability. The fellowship is a $5,000 prize supporting summer travel and living costs to perform supervised technical research at one of Israel's universities or research centers. Funding is provided by the Goldberg Family through the Lehigh Valley
Jewish Foundation in memory of Dr. Melvin Morris Goldberg, z”l (BSE UPenn 1961 / Ohio State PhD 1963). Research can be on any STEM topic. Candidates for the fellowship are required to work with an advisor at their home university to identify and confirm a willing supervisor in Israel. The fellowship is awarded annually to a U.S. junior or senior who demonstrates the initiative, enthusiasm, and aptitude to make such arrangements.
8 MAY 2019 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
recovery Sybil and Barry Baiman
IN HONOR ROTEM BAR Thank you for all your help on the Gala Barry Halper RANCE BLOCK In honor of being elected chairman of the USCJ District Leadership Committee Beth and Howard Kushnick IRIS EPSTEIN In honor of receiving the Women of KI Woman of Valor Award Beth and Howard Kushnick JOAN EPSTEIN In honor of your Birthday Lynn and Dick Gordon JOAN EPSTEIN In honor of the birth of your grandson, Warren Beth and Wes Kozinn AMY FELS
In honor of Special Birthday Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald SANDRA AND HAROLD GOLDFARB In honor of birth of granddaughter, Penelope Roberta and Jeff Epstein BOBBY HAMMEL In honor of return home and good health Valeska and Israel Zighelboim IRIS KLEIN In honor of your birthday Lynn and Dick Gordon BETH KOZINN In honor of receiving the KWF Award Bonnie and Bobby Hammel LINDA AND RON KRISCH In honor of son David’s marriage to Michelle Marla and Brian Strahl KAREN KUHN In honor of your grandson Jackson’s Bar Mitzvah Beth and Wes Gordon EVA LEVITT In honor of your speedy and complete recovery Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein RABBI SETH PHILLIPS In honor of your speedy and complete recovery Valeska and Israel Zighelboim LOTA POST In honor of your speedy and complete recovery Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein SCOTT WALDMAN In honor of your Special Birthday Marc Nissenbaum KATY ZABRONSKY In honor of your speedy and complete recovery Sybil and Barry Baiman MARCIA ZABRONSKY In honor of your speedy and complete
IN MEMORY BERNICE (Mother of Richard Schildhorn and Family) Rita and Michael Bloom NATHAN (NATE) BRAUNSTEIN (Husband of Marilyn, father of Cherie Zettlemoyer, Laurie Horton and Amy McCoy) Elaine Lerner REBECCA FISHER (Mother of Peter Fisher) Beth Rokus MARK KLEIN (Husband of Patty) Marlene and Arnan Finkelstein Elaine Lerner SHIRLEY LEVY (Mother of Abby Wiener) Wendy and Ross Born MARLENE SALTZMAN (Mother of Sue Goldstone and Jane Rosenfeld) Rita and Donald Hoffman GERSHEN WEINER (Father of Joel Weiner) Marc Nissenbaum MARTIN WIMMER (Brother of Jim Wimmer) Peggy and Bill Berger Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald MARK L. GOLDSTEIN MEMORIAL FUND Bonnie and Bobby Hammel HELEN AND SOL KRAWITZ HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND IN HONOR MOTHER (Mother of Mindy Brainum) Marsha and Mark Krawitz We gratefully acknowledge those individuals who have offered expressions of friendship through recent gifts to the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation. The minimum contribution for an Endowment Card is $10. Call 610-821-5500 or visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org to place your card requests. Thank you for your continued support.
Maimonides members come together for cocktail reception On April 17, members of the Maimonides Society for healthcare professionals and their spouses gathered at Grille 3501 in Allentown to mix and mingle. The reception was a way for the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley to thank them for their generosity. Maimonides members contribute $1,800 or more to the Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs, with a sliding scale available for young professionals. To learn more about becoming a Maimonides member, contact the Federation at 610-821-5500 or mailbox@jflv.org or visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/maimonides.
Maimonides brunch tackles mental health
Two mental health experts, a state representative pushing for mental health legislation and a rabbi came together on March 31 for a panel discussion focused on lifting the stigma surrounding mental illness. The brunch and program was sponsored by the Maimonides Society of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. Peter Langman, a
psychologist active in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; Maggie Murphy, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in the Lehigh Valley; Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Schlossberg, an advocate for mental health legislation at the state level; and Rabbi Seth Phillips of Congregation Keneseth Israel in Allentown each offered a different perspective on the topic. HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2019 9
Levy Hillel Awards distinguish young leaders
Jewish Heritage Night cap to memorialize Mark L. Goldstein, z”l By Stephanie Bolmer HAKOL Editor
Lauren Pogostin, Lehigh
Eric Steinbach, Muhlenberg
Gabby Tropp, Lafayette
The Levy Hillel Leadership Award is an annual prize given to students from area Hillels who have demonstrated evidence of promise in community leadership through active participation in campus organizations and awareness of the needs and concerns of the Jewish community. The award was founded by Mort and Myra Levy, z”l, through the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation, the community’s endowment fund of the Jewish Federation. Meet the 2019 winners: Though only a sophomore, Lehigh University Hillel director Rabbi Steve Nathan describes Lauren Pogostin as “indispensable to Jewish life at Lehigh and to the life of Hillel.” Lauren not only served as the freshman engagement board member last year, she also became the weekly Shabbat dessert
maker. She is now serving as both a Hillel International engagement intern and also the current president of the Lehigh chapter. Among her other duties, Lauren has taken it upon herself to be active in the restoration of the Jewish Student Center on campus. Eric Steinbach is a senior at Muhlenberg College, where he has made Hillel the center of his life on campus. His first in-depth leadership experience came as a sophomore, when he had the opportunity to travel to St. Louis with other Hillel leaders to learn about student engagement. From there, Eric spent a year as president of the Hillel student board. He has spent his final year at Muhlenberg coordinating Hillel’s traditional egalitarian minyan. Outside of Hillel, Eric is also involved in Jewish life through Zeta Beta Tau, a historically Jewish fraternity
at Muhlenberg, and through ongoing volunteering with the United Synagogue Youth chapter in his hometown. A junior, Gabrielle "Gabby" Tropp “has been a constant and significant presence at Lafayette College’s Hillel” according to their co-director, Dr. Ethan Berkove. She served as vice president of religion and culture, organizing and leading Hillel’s weekly services and interfaith seder. Gabby was excited about the opportunity to become part of the 2017-18 cohort of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Founder’s Fellowship, through which she hosted conversations about Jewish texts, creating thought-provoking Jewish experiences and interfaith dialogues on campus. Then, as a sophomore, she stepped into the role of president. This year, Gabby has been centrally involved in a successful student-led initiative to have significant religious obligations be included in the list of official reasons for students to be excused from class.
Art Auction MAY 18, 2019
Walter Emerson Baum
34th Annual
Live Auction: Begins at 8:00pm Silent Auction: Begins at 5:30pm Auction Preview Night: Third Thursday May 16, 2019 6:00 -8:00pm 510 W. Linden Street Allentown, PA 18101 610.433.0032 / www.baumschool.org
10 MAY 2019 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
Part of the excitement of Jewish Heritage Night at the IronPigs each year is the exclusive giveaway included with the ticket. Everyone from kids to their grandparents enjoy matching and showing solidarity and Jewish pride out in the crowd. The 2019 souvenir will be even more meaningful than ever. This year’s item – a hat bearing the initials “MG”– will memorialize Mark L. Goldstein, z”l, the long-time executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. “Every year we do an item. This year we’re doing a hat, but it’s a very special hat,” explained Aaron Gorodzinsky, Federation director of outreach and community relations. “At the beginning of the year, I spoke to the IronPigs because I wanted to do something special to honor Mark’s memory, because this was one of Mark’s favorite events. The IronPigs were very receptive. They loved the idea and decided to put Mark’s initials on the side of the hat to honor him.” Another thing that makes the hat special is that the design is based on that of the hat Team Israel wore at the World Baseball Classic in 2017. “Last year, Mark shared with me that he was buying the hat that Team Israel wore at the World Baseball Classic for
himself,” said Gorodzinsky. “He suggested that maybe a hat based on theirs would be a good item to give away for Jewish Heritage Night.” Now, his idea has become a reality, with an extra touch in his honor. “Seeing people come together at Jewish Heritage Night always made him happy,” said Gorodzinsky. “He thought it showed the power of the community. And he always felt like this was the type of event that really brought together a large demographic of our community to share an experience that’s not normally something that the Jewish community does. Having kosher hot dogs at the park, showing that we can be Jewish and be proud and enjoy some baseball, was something that he really loved.” Buy tickets with any of the Jewish agencies or the Federation to get your hat and wear it on May 23 at Jewish Heritage Night in memory of Mark. Learn more at more at www.jewishlehighvalley.org. ironpigs.
Elevating the conversation: Words matter! between Passover and Shavuot. Rabbi Hama bar Abba or, it might be said, Rabbi Chiyyah bar Avin said: All of them died a cruel death. (Yevamot 62b)
RABBI MICHAEL SINGER Congregation Brith Sholom And from the day on which you bring the sheaf of elevation offering—the day after the Sabbath—you shall count off seven weeks. They must be complete: you must count until the day after the seventh week—fifty days; then you shall bring an offering of new grain to the LORD. (Leviticus 23:15-16) Rabbi Akiva had 12,000 pairs of disciples, from Gevas to Antiparas (Judea); and they all died during one period because they did not treat each other with respect and the world was left desolate: until Rabbi Akiva came to our Masters in the South and taught the Torah to them. These were Rabbi Meir, Rabbi Judah, Rabbi Yossi, Rabbi Shimon and Rabbi Eleazar ben Shammua; and it was they who founded the Torah at that time. A Tanna taught: All of them died
Judaism places a very high value on the power of words. Words in Jewish thought hold God’s creative power within them, as the story of Creation itself utilizes words to create the universe. From the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai to the words of the Prophets calling us to justice, our most sacred Scriptures are a treasure trove of timeless words that continue to inspire, command and challenge us to strive for the highest ideals of moral and ethical behavior. Yet, our sacred texts also show us how words can demean, hurt and destroy one another, our world and God’s very name. From the unknown words that Cain speaks to his brother Abel before killing him to the hurtful words of Aaron and Miriam against Moses, words have the power to destroy relationships, divide a people (ie. Korach) and even exile God’s presence from among us (the rabbis attribute the destruction of the 2nd Temple to evil speech). Words are never taken lightly in the Jewish tradition. Enter the period of the
Jewish calendar called the Sefirat HaOmer (Counting of the Omer), which had its origins in the agricultural tradition of the wheat harvest. Each year as Passover approached, the old grain was used up, while the new grain awaited harvesting in the fields. Jews would then offer a “sheaf (omer) of elevation (t’nufah)” of the new crop of grain as a sacrifice to God for a prosperous harvest and as a thanksgiving offering to God. It was by all accounts a time of great happiness and celebration. This all changed during the time of Rabbi Akiva (some date this particularly to the Bar Kochba rebellion against Rome in 166 C.E.) where the Talmud (Yevamot 62b), in a tragic yet strange reference, remarks that 12,000 pairs of his disciples died because “they did not treat each other with respect …” Further, “the world was left ‘desolate’” and “all of them died a cruel death.” Whether it was a disease/plague (as some suggest) or the Romans (during the Bar Kochba war), the texts attributes their deaths to the rampant immorality of disrespect they showed each other—and alludes that their deaths were a punishment from God. What is crystal clear is that disagreements and hurtful
words lead to demeaning each other, disrespecting each other and, in the end, destroying each other. A pattern that history has shown time and time again to be true (from blood libels to the Shoah). The change in the nature of the Sefirat HaOmer (Counting of the Omer) from joy to sadness is often attributed to this story. It is traditional not to perform weddings or shave until Lag B’Omer (when the “plague” against the students subsided). While these traditions might seem a little bit drastic, I believe our times once again demonstrate that we should not, cannot, must not forget this lesson! How we talk, tweet and treat each other is extremely important. We can argue and disagree, but we must not lose sight of the respect we need to have for one another and the impact of our words to hurt or destroy. We need to fight the current rise in hateful speech in all of its forms, whether it is cyber-bullying, anti-Semitism, xenophobia, racism or Islamophobia. We must set an example by watching how we debate and talk about the topics that divide us. As we count the Omer, let us resolve to elevate the level of our discourse and, in so doing, create more Torah and more life.
SteelStacks is the perfect venue for your Bar or Bat Mitzvah! SteelStacks is the perfect venue for your next event. The ArtsQuest Center and the surrounding campus is an ideal location to host a spectacular social or corporate experience your guests will be talking about for years. From the first hello to the final farewell – every detail is handled by ArtsQuest’s courteous hospitality professionals.
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HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2019 11
Beresheet reaches moon, crashes on arrival By Abigail Klein Leichman ISRAEL21c Wild cheers turned to stunned silence on April 11 as Israel’s Beresheet unmanned spacecraft suddenly lost contact with the control center. Only minutes before, it had sent a spectacular selfie as it neared the surface of the moon. It was a little after 10 p.m. Israel time. I was at the Jerusalem Cinemateque watching a live feed of the historic event at a design-andtech evening hosted by StartUp Nation Central. Sitting around me were Alex Padua, the lead industrial designer of the craft; former NASA director Dan Goldin; representatives of the X Prize Foundation; Israeli venture capitalists; and lots of local families. Several minutes away at the President’s Residence, President Reuven Rivlin was hosting a pajama party for dozens of 9- to 12-year-old Israeli kids, all watching history unfold via the IAISpaceIL control center in Yehud. Our mood was euphoric as at first the complicated landing maneuver seemed to be proceeding like clockwork, actually a few minutes ahead of the estimated 10:25 p.m. touchdown. We applauded madly when the little craft successfully passed the point of no return and sent that selfie from a breathtaking
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altitude of 22 kilometers from the moon. That’s when things started going wrong. Telemetry from Beresheet was momentarily lost and regained. A problem in the main engine was quickly repaired. Then communication with Beresheet was lost and the engine problem returned. “Our situation is unclear,” IAI Space Division General Manager Opher Doron told thousands of astonished viewers across the world. “Uh oh, uh oh, something’s not working,” the man sitting next to me whispered to his teenage daughter. “It’s going to crash. It’s going too fast. Look how quickly the altitude went from 20,000 to 149! It must be crashing.” There were several groans from the audience but mainly just tense silence until finally we heard from the control room: “All the signs are that we will not be the fourth country in the world that lands on the moon, but we recorded a huge achievement. We reached the moon, but apparently not in the way we wanted.” Doron said, with surprising poise, “We had a failure in the spacecraft; we unfortunately have not managed to land successfully. We are the seventh country to orbit the moon and the fourth to reach the moon’s surface. It’s been a tremendous achievement up to now.” SpaceIL Chairman Morris Kahn, 89, who contributed $42 million to the privately funded effort, took the microphone from Doron. “Well, we didn’t make it,” said Kahn. “But we definitely tried. And I think that the achievement of getting to where we got is really tremendous. I think we can be proud.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said to Kahn, “If at first you don’t succeed, you try again. We will try again. We reached the moon but we want to land more softly and this will be on the next attempt. In another three years a spacecraft will land on the moon – whole.” Across town, Rivlin soothed the pajama-clad children. “Yes, we are disappointed, but there is no doubt that our
achievements and abilities – of our scientists and our country – are wonderful,” the president said. “When we were children your age, we never even dreamed we would go to the moon. I hope that you will be the scientists who get to the moon and achieve even greater things. We will succeed in the end.” The kids then joined the president in singing “Hatikva” (The Hope), Israel’s national anthem. And among the adults at the Jerusalem Cinemateque that night, applause rang out again, our distress already morphing into hope for the next time around. There was also good news from Lunar XPRIZE: “They may have not had a successful landing this time, but SpaceIL has still made history. We are happy to announce they will still be the recipients of our first ever $1M Moonshot Award, in honor of their achievements and their milestone as the first privately-funded entity to orbit the Moon.” And, on the night of April 11, Kahn announced the establishment of Beresheet 2. “This is part of my message to the younger generation: Even if you do not succeed, you get up again and try,” said Kahn, who is recruiting a new group of donors and has appointed an engineering team to begin immediately. The Beresheet 2 project already has $1 million coming its way, courtesy of the Lunar XPRIZE Foundation. “SpaceIL’s mission not only touched the Moon, it touched the lives and hearts of an entire world that was watching,” said Peter H. Diamandis, executive chairman and founder of XPRIZE. “The legacy SpaceIL will have on the future of the space industry is significant. This team’s ability to build a lunar lander for $100 million and less than 50 engineers is remarkable, a leap forward toward affordable and accessible space exploration.” SpaceIL was founded in 2011 by Yariv Bash, Kfir Damari and Yonatan Winetraub, in order to compete in the $30 million Google Lunar XPRIZE, which expired a year ago without a winner.
Scooters everywhere
JCC and JDS students celebrate space week By Stephanie Bolmer HAKOL Editor
By Rotem Bar Community Shlicha It’s amazing how many things change in such a short period of time. In March, I went to visit my friends and family in Israel. At the time, it had been seven months since I left Israel, and I was not expecting to notice much change. Of course, I was wrong, because in Israel, the pace is fast. Ventures, technology and infrastructure always progress and improve over time like we see in many places around the world, but it amazes me how fast these processes are in Israel. Even though I am a “moshavnikit” (someone who is from a moshav) at heart, I spent the last three years living in Tel Aviv, which quickly became home to me. When someone moves a piece of furniture at your home or changes the smell of the candles you always used, you feel it the moment you enter. That’s how I felt when I got to Tel Aviv. The first things I noticed were scooters. Everywhere I looked there was a random scooter lying on the side of the street, no locks, no owners. Apparently I am not up to speed with this worldwide trend that is currently taking over many large cities and is now successfully sweeping Tel Aviv. It’s now being provided by a few companies, but was first brought to Tel Aviv by the American company “Bird” that chose Tel Aviv as one of its first destinations for expansion beyond the U.S. borders alongside cities like Paris. To use these scooters, users need to download an app to find the nearest un-used scooter. When they get to it, all they have to do is scan the bar code located on the handlebar to unlock the scooter. At the end of the journey, the user can leave the scooter anywhere they want (following simple rules such as not blocking public space), and the scooter is locked until the next user. What’s also really cool about it is that it’s inexpensive and users can also earn money by taking scooters off the street at night time to charge them in their homes and return them to the street in the morning. In a city like Tel Aviv where parking is an issue and people prefer not to use a car, scooters are a great solution and can easily be found on almost every street corner. The second change I noticed was that the renovation of the famous Dizengoff Square that started in 2017 has finally been completed! The square I have been to so many times in my life
Israel’s election Continues from page 1
the Jewish Home party formerly headed by Bennett to form The New Right party, which they called a party based on a “full and equal partnership” between Orthodox and secular Israelis. The party was designed to give secular right-wingers a comfortable place to put their vote and increase the size of the right-wing bloc. The attempt backfired: Jewish Home, which joined with the Kahanist Jewish Power, or Otzma Yehudit, and the National Union Party for the 2019 vote, had five seats in the last Knesset and earned the same number in April. But The New Right did not pass the electoral threshold. 6. It was a letdown for stoners, too. In the few months leading up to the election, Moshe Feiglin was hailed as among the more important players in any upcoming Knesset coalition. He seemed to be attracting a large following of young people with his libertarian policies — including support for full legalization of marijuana. But his Zehut party also failed to pass the electoral threshold. 7. Voter turnout overall was a little low.
looks so different. The square is considered to be one of the symbols of the city, and is named after Tzina Dizengoff, wife of the first mayor of Tel Aviv, Meir Dizengoff. The colorful Dizengoff Square was first inaugurated on January 26, 1938, and quickly became a major city center surrounded by cafes, cinemas and shops. It also held many important events over the years, including independence celebrations. Since 2017, the square was being renovated and had become an area full of fences and bulldozers. It was certainly a refreshing change to see this landmark in its final form. The third thing I found out only after being refused service on a city bus, was that the “Rav-Kav” system that is used across Israel for public transportation has changed, or should I say improved. A “Rav-Kav” is a yellow card that you recharge your rides on for all buses and trains in Israel. There are special stations to recharge or put money on or recharge by using an app. It used to be that on buses, even if you don’t own a “Rav-Kav” card, you can still get a one-time ticket by paying the bus driver, or recharge the card through paying the bus driver. Well, that system doesn’t work anymore on buses, and you can only ride the bus with a “RavKav” that is charged in advance. I had to find out the hard way, but it’s nice to know that things are progressing and the public transportation system is becoming more efficient. These are all some of the things that I have missed in just seven months of my absence from Israel. Israel is constantly changing and improving, and I wonder what things will change until my next visit. I am sure some of you reading this have visited Israel sometime in your lifetime. I keep meeting people in the area who say the last time they visited Israel was in the 1990s and they are planning to visit again in the next couple of years. If you are one of these people, all I can say is, you are in for a wonderful surprise of a country that is not only rich in history but is progressive, full of colorful culture and fine culinary experiences and is a center for innovation and technology!
The final total was 67.9 percent, down from the 71.8 percent in the 2015 election, even though Election Day is a national holiday and all public transportation between cities was free to help voters get to their polling places. More than 150,000 Israelis managed to visit national parks — hopefully after they went to the polls. 8. One man made the final decision. Israel’s president, Reuven Rivlin, decides which party head gets a chance to form the new government. With Likud and Blue and White tied at 35 seats, Rivlin looked at which leader will be more likely to form a government. To do so, Rivlin met with each party head to ask who he recommends to lead the government. On April 10, Rivlin announced that the consultations would be broadcast live, and the party heads would be able to give official statements at a press center set up at the president’s residence. The post-election press center is nothing new, but the live broadcast certainly is, and was done “in the name of transparency,” according to a statement from the President’s Office. 9. What comes next? Netanyahu will become the country’s longest-serving prime
Leading up to the attempted moon landing of the Israeli space craft Beresheet on April 11, the young students of the Lehigh Valley explored the wonders of space. At the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley, the preK class celebrated with “Space Week” all week long. Community shlicha Rotem Bar visited their class to read them the story of “The Little Spacecraft” and guide them in cutting out and assembling their own mini-replicas of Beresheet. They also created their own spacesuit helmets from cardboard boxes, which they wore while attending “astronaut training”— a special, interactive obstacle course taking up the whole of the JCC gym. After passing this “simulation,” they also navigated through an imaginative journey “through the atmosphere to the moon,” learning about gravity and how it's different on Earth than it is in space along the way. At the end of the week, the pre-K students donned their carefully crafted space helmets one last time. Having packed what they thought they’d need for their trip in their backpacks, they were ready for lift-off. Bar rejoined them for a big countdown in their classroom as they got ready for their own “launch,” blasting-off to the “moon” as the culmination of their Space Week. The Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley also prepared for the historic day with several activities, including transforming their school lobby into a space-themed walkway for the students there. They watched a live-stream of the Beresheet attempted landing and had a special Israeli snack after lunch that day. Despite Beresheet’s crash landing, the kids had tons of fun and learned a lot during what JDS Head of School Amy Golding called “a truly momentous time."
minister, and it looks like his coalition — projected to be 65 seats, giving him a strong 10-seat cushion over the opposition — will allow him to govern comfortably and effectively. Still, expect big bumps for him along the way. Netanyahu promised at the very end of the campaign to annex the West Bank. If he follows through on the pledge, he is certain to provoke an enormous amount of international scrutiny, especially since the move would likely mean the end of a traditionally formulated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Trump administration is slated to roll out its Middle East peace plan not long after the dust settles from the election, and all signs have indicated that it will include full Israeli control of the West Bank. Finally, Netanyahu’s apparent crowning as “King Bibi” does not mean that his corruption scandals and looming indictments are going away. News reports the day after the election indicated that Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, who announced in February that he would indict Netanyahu in three cases pending a preindictment hearing, would schedule that hearing for some time in the coming three months. Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing in the cases. HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2019 13
#SpendYourSummerWithUs
Northampton Community College Summer Theatre
JFS invites women to ‘fly solo’ together By Stephanie Bolmer HAKOL Editor Are you a woman age 50 or over and living on your own? One of the many services which Jewish Family Service offers is support groups, and there is a new one starting up this summer. “Flying Solo” is a support and growth group for women ages 50 and up who are looking for a supportive place to share their stories, connect with others and thrive as singles. Led by Susan Sklaroff-Van Hook, JFS clinical coordinator and resource specialist, the group will meet on six Thursday nights during June through August, with each session focusing around a different theme. Some of the topics covered will include maneuvering social situations, safety, health and finances. “The idea with a support group is to have a safe and confidential place to come together with people with similar issues or who are on similar places in their journeys
or lives to talk about things that they might not feel as comfortable talking about in other environments,” explained Sklaroff-Van Hook. As for why this particular topic now, Sklaroff-Van Hook said that the time has actually never been better for it. “This is probably at this time the largest population of older adults in history who actually find themselves being single later in life,” she said of the research which was part of the impetus for this group. There were many shifts in society in the last century, and whether through divorce, bereavement, difficulty finding compatible partners or choice, there is just a higher population of people who are single over the age of 50. And women will benefit from this format the most. “Women really do tend to find strength in intimate friendships and through selfdisclosure, through talking. They thrive more in being able to share with each other. And
as they grow older, that skill set becomes even more important, to have people in their network to share with,” said Sklaroff-Van Hook. The format is meant to be both meaningful and fun. Each session usually starts with a check-in, might include some mindfulness work, centers on a discussion of that night’s theme and can wind down with a check-out. Sklaroff-Van Hook has lofty goals for the group, including increasing social connections, learning coping skills and gaining the ability to manage some of the challenges facing the group members better. “Just experiencing the relief with understanding that you’re not alone” is another major objective, she added. Pre-registration by May 24 is required. $120 for the entire series. Sliding scale and scholarships available upon request. Contact Susan SklaroffVan Hook, LPC at 610-351-9961 or svh@jfslv.org to set up a pre-group appointment.
JDS and Yoav students share virtual seder Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley
ncctix.org ncctix.org
Even though we are continents apart and close to 6,000 miles away, the JDS and our sister school in Sdot Yoav, Israel participated in a joint Passover seder as part of the Partnership2Gether School Twinning program. Students gathered at 9:00 a.m. (4:00 p.m. Israel time) to sing, share and pray the ancient words of the Haggadah—dressed in white shirts with a little help from
technology and a big screen TV. Where one table ended, another began, and we were connected. It was beautiful to join together with food and music (someone in Israel played the accordian!) It truly felt as if we were brothers and sisters sitting together. Our past and present merged as our connection to the land of Israel remained everpromising. Thank you to Dr. Joseph Ringel, Rotem Bar, Ron Sunshine, Feather Frazier and the team in Israel for making the unified seder possible.
Retirement living that’s a little
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Independent Living | Assisted Living & Personal Care* | Memory Care | Restorative Care* | Skilled Nursing** * Forks campus offers Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care. **Nursing & Rehabilitation Center serves Greater Lehigh Valley.
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THE LEHIGH VALLEY GOES AIPAC: A conference like no other By Aaron Gorodzinsky JFLV Director of Outreach & Community Relations Last month, I was fortunate enough to attend the AIPAC Policy Conference alongside 35 other community members from the Lehigh Valley. As a first-time attendee, and knowing how much attention AIPAC has been getting in the past few months, I wanted to share some thoughts I had at the Policy Conference. The Policy Conference is like no other conference I have attended before. Seeing 18,000 people from all Jewish religious movements and all political affiliations coming together is a special feeling. Having dinner and seeing so many members of our Lehigh Valley community so engaged at the conference was very inspiring as well. Despite everything you read or see in the news, bipartisan support for Israel in the House and Senate remains strong. Both majority and minority leaders and every single member in attendance expressed the importance of the AmericanIsrael relationship for both nations. We should never take this bipartisan support for granted. Speakers from both parties agreed
that making phone calls, writing letters of support and sending emails are always important. If we want to ensure that the special relationship between Israel and the United States continues, we must be proactive. The U.S.-Israel relationship is changing the world for the better—whether it is in the defense department with the Iron Dome battery now being deployed in U.S. active combat zones or launching an unmanned probe to the moon, the world is a better place when both countries work together. Being progressive and being a Zionist are not opposing values. During AIPAC, I got to see firsthand the thousands of progressives standing proudly with Israel, both with our elected officials but also with nonprofit organizations and attendees. One of the organizations that caught my attention is Zioness, which labels itself as unabashedly progressive and unquestionably Zionist and working within the progressive movements to provide a platform and a voice to Zionists who cared deeply about social justice and racial inequality. The movement launched last year, and it has chapters all over the country.
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I am proud to say we were the largest group to visit Rep. Susan Wild’s office in Washington during the Tuesday lobbying session. Rep. Wild is a strong supporter of Israel, and our group thanked her for her support. The Congresswoman is joining a group of 62 freshmen Democrats who will be traveling to Israel next August, and we should let her know how much we appreciate her support for the U.S.-Israel alliance. I encourage every member of our community to join the Lehigh Valley delegation next year at the AIPAC Policy Conference. To learn more about the Policy Conference, please feel free to email me at aaron@jflv.org.
BBYO experienc By Fana Schoen BBYO
From March 23-26, 20 Alephs and BBG from across the United States gathere our nation’s capital for the American Public Affairs Committee’s (AIPAC) a Policy Conference. Now that the spee the lobbying and the kibitzing are ove state with confidence that support for is strong! Roughly 18,000 people of all ages – fants to great-grandparents – and from 50 states came together to learn more Israel and how all citizens of the Unit States have the ability – and, more im tantly, the responsibility – to work tow positive and bipartisan relationship b the United States and Israel. BBYO teens arrived in Washington on Saturday night to be ready for Sun morning programming. BBYO even c up during my lobbying meeting, whe representative, Susan Wild, mentione her children used to be very active in We bonded and shared a Havdalah be getting a good night’s rest in preparat the excitement to come. This year’s policy conference was particularly important event from an American political standpoint. Over t year, and especially in the past few w Israel has become a hot-button politic issue, prompted by President Donald Trump’s recent pro-Israel policy decis and controversial statements made by
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various members of Congress. Each day of the conference included a huge general session where we heard headlining speakers, including members of Congress, CEOs of major organizations and foreign prime ministers, presidents and diplomats. It was great to see bipartisan American political support for AIPAC with strong endorsements from such diverse speakers as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Vice President of the United States Mike Pence. In addition, every day included breakout sessions which allowed for more specialized conversations. One session focused on high school activism for Israel and featured representatives from different high school AIPAC clubs who discussed how their clubs have an impact on Israel. Interacting with these teens who are making a difference for Israel was both exciting and inspirational for those of us in BBYO. The gravity of Israel’s foreign policy concerns became clear for all at AIPAC on Monday morning, when two missiles fired from Gaza hit a home in a moshav (cooperative farm community), injuring seven people, including an infant and a toddler. As a result, Prime Minister Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu chose to cut his visit to America short and head home to Israel immediately following his visit with President Donald Trump. The Prime Minister had been scheduled to address AIPAC Tuesday morning, but instead had to
AIPAC fosters passion for Israel, hope for the future
give his speech via live satellite feed. Netanyahu’s visit with President Trump provided more positive, if controversial, news for Israel, as President Trump recognized Israel’s claim to the Golan Heights. Many speeches and conversations throughout the remainder of the conference focused on these two pieces of news. I was blown away by what I saw at AIPAC. Speakers, lobbyists, teens and representatives from organizations covering many different political perspectives – people who typically disagree to the point of being completely unwilling to work together at all – came together and connected in meaningful conversations around Israel. I found myself clapping along with the crowd for the powerful arguments made by politicians with whom I often disagree. I readily joined the crowd in giving speaker after speaker standing ovations for their incredible insights. Not only that, but I saw people around me applauding speakers such as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer with equal enthusiasm. When asked what I took away from this incredible conference, I don’t hesitate with my answer: bipartisanship. I believe that we can bring the same energy we used to applaud speakers with whom we would otherwise adamantly disagree into our schools, our chapters, our regions and BBYO worldwide with a spirit of collegiality and cooperation for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.
By Fay Kun and Beth Kushnick Special to HAKOL Where do we even begin? AIPAC is an incredible experience to attend, especially when there is a contingency group from our community attending together! This year’s theme was “Connected for Good,” and the logo was big and bright throughout, with two stars connected together in front of our two flags, America and Israel. The passion we all feel for our country Israel is euphoric when you attend a conference such as AIPAC. It is the largest bipartisan convention held in the United States, with everyone’s common goal of supporting the America-Israel alliance. We were so fortunate to hear so many incredible speakers, from those involved in the innovation and cuttingedge technology of engineers and scientists from Israel to the amazing politicians from all over the world that stand behind Israel now and forever! Additionally, there were so many heartwarming stories from Israel and wonderful people who started organizations to help the betterment of Israel and their people. Organizations such as One Family, an organization which helps terror victims and their families
and brings them together to assist in their grief, truly captivated us. Another beautiful story was of an organization called SAHI, which was developed to help underprivileged and troubled youth in Israel come together with one important goal: to help others and feed the hungry, while giving the youth a true purpose. It was an amazing initiative and is growing leaps and bounds. When we hear these stories of human interest that come out of Israel and we see the innovation and advancement of such a small but powerful country, it is so inspiring and invigorating! To look around the convention center and meet so many people from all over our great country, with one common interest of supporting the America-Israel alliance, was incredibly moving. To be among 18,000 of our fellow supporters in this troubled time, traveling to Washington to be a part of this great mission, makes us believe that there is hope for a better future! We would encourage anyone with an interest and a passion for Israel to join us next year for AIPAC 2020. The time is now; you, too, can be a part of this amazing organization and endeavor. We hope to see you there!
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Yoav teens prepare to bring Israel to Camp JCC Editor’s Note: Each year, four teens from Yoav, the Lehigh Valley’s Partnership2Gether community in Israel, are selected to spend the summer working at Camp JCC in Center Valley. They bring their culture to the campers, particularly during “Israel Week.” Meet this year’s delegation. YOGEV GORDON I am 16 years old and I live in Kibbutz Galon with my three brothers and parents, whom I love very much. I have many hobbies, from sports activities and dancing to music, traveling, cooking and more. I study in Tzafit School, and there I find myself being interested in math, biology and physics. I spend half of my week in the dormitory inside of Tzafit with my friends.
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RAAYA ILANI I live in Kibbutz Revadim, and I spend most of my days in Tzafit Boarding School, also known as our youth society, and I love it! It’s my second home. I’m a counselor at Hashomer Hazair, which is my youth movement. I have four brothers (I know, it’s a lot). My older brother Rohe is super talented and he plays the guitar. I love to sing along with him as he plays. When I can find the time for it between my studies, my boarding school and my youth movement, I love to draw, cook for my family, especially for Friday’s dinner, go to the theater, listen to music, write and read. My major in school is theater, and I simply can’t
Raaya Ilani, Ori Mayan, Noa Lumbroso and Yogev Gordon from Yoav, Israel, will be spending the summer in the Lehigh Valley working at Camp JCC. get enough of it. I can’t wait to meet all of you, and I know this is going to be an amazing experience! NOA LUMBROSO I’m 16 years old and I live on a moshav, Kfar Harif. I have two brothers — one older and one younger —so I’m the middle child. I also have a dog named Puma. I am in the 11th grade in Tzafit High School. My majors are biology and theater. I love to dance, and I’ve been dancing in a studio for the last 10 years. I’m in a youth movement called Haihud Haklai and am part of the leadership team there. One of my responsibilities is to make sure that all the guides have their activities ready on time and that they are safe and appropriate for their groups. My hobbies
OPEN YOUR HOME TO THESE YOAV TEENS Your whole family will benefit from the special experience of hosting the boys or the girls for a week or two this summer. Interested? Contact Aaron Gorodzinsky at the Jewish Federation, 610-821-5500 or aaron@jflv.org.
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are skiing and surfing—both are very challenging and let me feel one with nature. I’m really excited to be part of this delegation and can’t wait to come to the camp this summer! ORI MAYAN I am the eldest son in the family. I have two little brothers named Nadav and Amit. I am 15 years old, and I was born in Beer Sheva and lived in Arad until the age of seven. In 2011, we moved to a small kibbutz named Beit Nir. In my free time, I like to do sports like running and cycling. One day a week, I’m an instructor in the Hashomer Hatzair youth movement. I am studying in Tzafit High School; the areas I study in school are computer science and biology.
Interfaith group making a BIG difference in Bethlehem By Stephanie Bolmer HAKOL Editor Rabbi Michael Singer knew that Bethlehem had a great need. No one else was filling it, so he stepped up. Sometimes, literally, to the doors of churches in his city. For over 20 years, there had been no interfaith group in Bethlehem. There’s ProJeCt in Easton and the Lehigh Valley Council of Churches in Allentown, but Bethlehem surprisingly had gone without an organization tying together faith groups for decades. After Congregation Brith Sholom, a public polling place
for the past 30 years, started getting hate mail around the time of the 2016 presidential election, Singer decided that enough time had passed. “I literally went doorto-door. Attended church services. I knocked on doors, even in my gym clothes,” he said. Through this outreach, he started making connections and talking with people. And he made a sad discovery. “There were houses of worship that are right next door to each other that didn’t even talk to each other,” said Singer. Hopefully, that will be a thing of the past now that the
Bethlehem Interfaith Group (BIG) has been created. Singer serves as its de facto president at the moment, and there are a large number of churches and pastors included, with Lehigh Valley Muslim groups also very involved. “We had been meeting already, even before Pittsburgh,” said Singer. Of course, after the tragedy that took place there on Oct. 27, BIG became even more important. BIG meets monthly, and they received a Community Impact Grant (CIG) from the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley to further
Joint Distribution Committee aids Mozambique cyclone victims Following the deadly cyclone that struck Mozambique in March, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) is providing emergency medical supplies through its partner the Afya Foundation and has deployed a response and assessment team, including a disaster relief expert and field medic, to the devastated nation. With widespread destruction and a death toll of over 1,000, JDC activated its network of local and international partners, is assessing emerging needs and will continue to direct relief accordingly. JDC is an overseas partner of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. “As we offer our prayers for the safekeeping of those still unaccounted for, and mourn the tragic loss of life in Mozambique, we are doing all we can to ensure the most immediate and urgent needs are met. The imperative to aid survivors and begin their healing process is crucial on what will be a very long road to recovery. We are proud to
put our Jewish values into action and repair this terribly broken corner of the world, one life at a time,” said JDC CEO David M. Schizer. JDC has worked in Africa for decades, addressing a variety of emergencies and development challenges including famine, war, educational opportunities for women, economic advancement for smallholder farmers and medical issues including spinal and heart disease. JDC has recently responded to disasters and crises in Guatemala, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Mexico, the Caribbean, Sri Lanka, and East Africa and has continued its post-disaster development work in Nepal and Haiti. JDC also provides ongoing humanitarian aid to refugees in Europe and the Middle East. Relief efforts of JDC are coordinated with the U.S. Department of State, USAID, the Israeli government and the United Nations, as well as local and international partners.
their work. Their three main focuses are education, building bridges through social connection and social justice. The first big event they held last fall was a Social Justice Shabbat, partially funded by the CIG. Their next event was a social one, dinner and a screening and discussion of the Disney/PIXAR movie, “Inside Out,” on March 31. “I ordered kosher pizza for 100 people,” said Singer. “It was wonderful.” Hitting their third main value of education, another event was held at the Muslim Dialogue Center on April 26 on the topic of identity. There are many more events in the works for the future, too, both for the greater public and things like a clergy trip to Israel that is already in the planning stages. All things which Singer hopes will forge bonds and bring the communities of faith in Bethlehem closer together.
“This is a new group, and we’re working hard,” said Singer. “We have a lot of things to do right now. We were officially formed this year, even though the work for it began almost two years ago now.” BIG has grown a lot already, and Singer’s hope is only for it to continue to expand. “It took boots on the ground in order to get it going. This was a way to break out of our silos. We can do so much good together. We can respect each other’s differences, learn from each other and work together to make a difference in the Bethlehem community.” A community which, as Singer points out, includes a historic Jewish community. “The hope is to invest in Bethlehem, which I think is really important. We’re in the center of the Valley. I think it can change Bethlehem,” Singer said.
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LETTERS FROM A LONE SOLDIER
It’s worth the trek By Helaina Zahn Special to HAKOL So much has happened since last month, and I am starting to see this crazy routine as a pattern. Since I am in the army during the week, I really try to squeeze everything into my weekends as much as possible. In my last article, I shared about my last base and what we did there, including the course and the basic training that I finished. I also shared my first experience at an army ceremony. Everything was amazing, and everything has changed, so get ready! I am now in the Air Force. Pictured here is my friend, Tal, who is 19 and works in
my office with me. As you can see, we are not wearing the typical green army uniform. When I first moved to Israel and decided to enlist, it never crossed my mind that I would be wearing this tan uniform because the stereotypical green uniform is what everyone knows as the army uniform. When I first arrived at my Air Force base, I was given the job of Mashakit Tichnun Keva. My job, in short, is to take care of all the paperwork and behind the scenes work of those in Keva. In the army, everyone has to serve their mandatory military service (for boys 2.8 years and for girls 2.4). Those who choose to continue their
army service voluntarily after their mandatory time are called Keva. Most of my base is made up of Keva because pilots and technicians need to sign on more time in order to have that specific job. Basically, there is a lot of work to be done on my part. My base is called Ramon Airbase and is located a half an hour north of Mitzpeh Ramon. If you're looking at a map, on the border of Israel and Egypt about halfway between Gaza and Eilat but directly below Be'er Sheva is where my base sits. Ramon Airbase is beautiful! It is also huge. The base has a pool and a movie theater as well as a super market because, unlike regular
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bases, mine has families that live here all the time. I compare the base to a kibbutz for these families. They live here because the base is very far away from anything else and a lot of officers and pilots that have higher statuses in the base live here with their families. Now that I have told you all the great and amazing things about my base, let me just say that the downside is the inconvenience of the location. The bus ride from my base in the south to my kibbutz in the north is over seven hours. I travel across almost the entire country! Before I go, I do want to touch upon the sad recent news of a fellow lone soldier named Alex Sasaki. He died last week from a drug overdose. I cannot say for certain if this was accidental or suicidal. Since then, the lone soldier and new immigrant community in Israel has been very focused on the well-being of lone soldiers and their mental health. Everyone is trying to find ways to give resources and help to those in need. Fortunately, I am well and healthy, but I know it is not easy for many lone soldiers here. It is very hard for Israeli soldiers to understand (whether being regular soldiers or officers and commanders) because they go home and fall asleep after a hard week in the army, while their parents take care of their
Helaina, right, with her friend Tal. physical and emotional needs. But a lone soldier has to go home and put their laundry in and then go out and buy food before the stores close for Shabbat. They then have to prepare their food and take their laundry out to dry before even thinking about a nap. And let me tell you, there usually isn’t time for that nap in the end. For those lone soldiers with stressful army jobs, their days off are not always the relaxing break that other soldiers regularly enjoy. Finally, I hope everyone had an amazing Passover and had interesting conversations about Israeli politics! Helaina Zahn is an Allentown native who attended Hebrew school at Temple Beth El and graduated from Parkland High School. She graduated from Temple University before making aliyah and joining the IDF.
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JDS students visit LVJF Investment Committee By Stephanie Bolmer HAKOL Editor When Mike Miller, chair of the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation’s Investment Committee, heard that seventhand eighth-graders from the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley placed fifth in the Pennsylvania Council on Financial Literacy Stock Market Challenge, he was impressed. Miller decided to invite the class, which has been led by JDS parent and financial advisor David Dahan, to attend the LVJF’s April 17 investment meeting. The students got to sit in and learn how a real endowment—one that includes their school—works firsthand from the committee and their advisers from Goldman Sachs. “We thought that this would be a really great opportunity for the kids to invite them to our meeting, to have them come as observers, and after our meeting, they would stay to ask any
questions they might have and give David a chance to comment on what took place. We’re keeping David pretty much up to date on what we’re going to cover, with the agenda and reports that we’re going to have, so he’s kind of preparing them in advance,” explained Miller. After the official meeting ended, Dahan debriefed the students on topics that had been discussed, including the structure and investment objectives of the Endowment, the relationship with Goldman Sachs as investment adviser, the asset allocations of the Endowment Fund and the Goldman Sachs forecast and projected asset allocations for 2019. The students eagerly participated in a Q&A, asking questions of both Dahan and the Goldman Sachs advisers. When one student asked why something is considered a risk, Ryan Leonard, one of the representatives from Goldman Sachs, taught another important
lesson about investments. “It’s not purely rational,” Leonard explained. As the meeting after the meeting wrapped up, investment committee member Dr. Larry Levitt praised Dahan and the JDS for their efforts. “I think it’s just terrific that you are starting at a relatively young age to understand these things,” he said of the students. And to Dahan, “I salute you and the school for doing that.” In addition to the stock market competition, where each of the 11 students involved was presented with a theoretical $100,000 to invest in five different NASDAQ stocks and six of them placed in the top 25 statewide, they have also gone through an eight-session course over two months led by Dahan called “Lessons for a Lifetime of Investing.” Through these lessons, they already had a basic understanding of many of the concepts they heard about at the investment meeting, from stocks versus bonds to the power of diversification.
PARTNERSHIP2GETHER UPDATE FROM YOAV
From elections to Pesach, Yoav marches on
By Nurit Galon Partnership2Gether I’m writing this the day after Election Day in Israel, and whatever our politics, there was no shortage of parties to vote for—I think there were over 40! Today, we have the results, and they are pretty final—Benjamin “Bibi” Natanyahu was re-elected as Prime Minister and is in the process of putting together again a right-wing nationalist government. So now our attention (as in the Lehigh Valley as we see from your newsletter) is focused on Pesach, which makes us realize that no matter what is going on around the world, the Jewish people will sit down at the Pesach table, as we have for centuries, to give thanks and celebrate our escape from slavery to redemption and our continuing responsibility for each other. This last month has been a busy one! First, we have chosen the four young counselors who will come to work at the Jewish Community Center summer camp, strengthening ties not only with their peer group and young campers,
but also with the Lehigh Valley families who so graciously host them each year. And though we don't as yet have the pleasure of young Lehigh Valley counselors coming to Yoav camps, this year we have a delegation of Lehigh Valley ladies coming to join Yoav ladies in an exciting adventure of exploration, discussions and getting to know each other with the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project trip. In March, the annual Yoav March for the whole family took place with a variety of activities en route— perhaps we could have a joint Partnership March next year? Meanwhile, from the entire Yoav community to you,
our partners and much more than that—we send you our fervent wishes that you had a happy and healthy (and tasty!) Passover.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2019 23
Purim in the Valley A motley crew of Purim revelers gather at Congregation Keneseth Israel.
Left, a Tyrannosaurus rex mauls partiers at the joint Temple Beth El, Congregation Brith Sholom and Congregation Am Haskalah bash. Right, the kids “glow crazy” at Chabad’s glow-in-the-dark-themed Purim celebration.
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Youth at Congregation Sons of Israel listen to the megillah reading.
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Sons of Israel welcomes new rabbi After an extensive search process, Congregation Sons of Israel will officially welcome Rabbi Nisan Andrews as their new rabbi on June 1. Andrews was born and raised in Canada. He attended Telshe Yeshiva in Chicago where he received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Rabbinics. While at Telshe, Andrews developed a special relationship with its Rosh Hayeshiva, Rabbi Avrohom C. Levin, z”l, from whom he received his semicha. Andrews has been deeply involved in the rabbinate and Jewish education. He taught at the Telshe Yeshiva and Akiva Academy in Calgary and ran educational outreach programs in both cities. This afforded Andrews the opportunity to learn the
craft from some of the most significant personalities in contemporary Jewish education and rabbinics. Additionally, he was the administrator for the local kosher supervision agency as part of his capacity as the assistant rabbi of Congregation House of JacobMikveh Israel in Calgary, where he resided for four years. He has also served as rabbi of Lake Park Synagogue in Milwaukee. Currently, Andrews is the associate rabbi of Finchley United Synagogue in London, a flagship congregation of the United Synagogue with over 1,800 member families. There, he has begun innovative social and educational programming and works tirelessly to strengthen the social engagement of its large
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Teen dedicates mitzvah project to stocking JFS food pantry with school supplies By Stephanie Bolmer HAKOL Editor Gabriel Morse will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on Sept. 14—the second week of school. So, he’s using his bar mitzvah as a chance to make sure other kids have the supplies they need to succeed in class. Already regularly volunteering at the Jewish Family Service Food Pantry once a month after school, Gabriel wanted to do more. His birthday being in September sparked the idea of a “back to school” theme for his mitzvah project. This spring and summer, Gabriel and his family will be selling reusable cloth grocery bags they designed for $5 each. The proceeds from the sale will be collected in August to buy a variety of school supplies in bulk. Then when school starts again in
the fall, families at the JFS Food Pantry will be able to pick out what they need. “The idea behind the grocery bags is that if someone has the bag with them while they’re at the store, maybe they’ll remember why they got it and will buy a couple extra things for the JFS Food Pantry while they’re there,” said Gabriel’s mother, Sarah, explaining her family’s hopes for this mitzvah project to have a ripple effect beyond just this fall. Gabriel plans to be at the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley on Sunday, May 19, to sell bags in the lobby during the JCC Stagemakers’ production of “Annie Jr.” You can also purchase one (local delivery included) by contacting the Morses at gabrielsmitzvahproject@ gmail.com.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2019 25
PJ Library Family of the Month:
THE ANDERSON FAMILY
Our son, George, loves his PJ library books. We like that each book showcases the diversity of Jewish traditions and customs. The books have fast become family favorites. - THE ANDERSON FAMILY To learn more about PJ Library and register to receive free Jewish-themed books for children from 6 months through 8 years, visit www.pjlibrary.org.
PJ celebrates Passover with Crayola Families gathered at the JCC for a PJ Library Passover program on Sunday, April 7. PJ was visited by the Crayola traveling experience that allowed children to make coloring sheets out of their own images and silly face emails. Crayola provided plague finger puppets and model magic to make Kiddush cups. Jodi Lovenwirth, aquatics director at the JCC, read PJ Library books and the children acted out the Passover story using the finger puppets they had created.
Book review: ‘By Light of Hidden Candles’ By Sean Boyle JDS Librarian Daniella Levy’s historical novel, “By Light of Hidden Candles,” begins in a mud-walled hut in the desert near Fez, Morocco. We meet Miriam as she passes a ring associated with a family secret to her granddaughter Mazal. The reader discovers through three intertwined narratives what secrets
the ring holds. The first narrator is Alma, an NYU student living with her grandmother who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Unlike in “Stolen Secrets” by L. B. Schulman, the historic narration is not provided by Alma’s grandmother, but by her maternal ancestor, Miriam, from 24 generations earlier. The third narration is provided by the Catholic Spaniard Manuel, who becomes Alma’s research partner as they travel to Spain to do semester-long genealogical research projects. Through alternating chapters, we learn the story behind Miriam’s ring and discover Alma and Manuel’s families own genealogical mysteries. As Alma and Manuel’s friendship deepens, we explore some of the differences between Judaism and Catholicism, and learn about Crypto Jews’ (Conversos) history and culture. The story culminates in a predictable, but satisfying ending. Levy was born in New York and raised in Pittsburgh until her family emigrated to Israel when she was 9 years old. “By Light of Hidden Candles” is partially based
Allentown & Lebanon Allentown & Wilkes-Barre
Unlimited time. Unlimited mileage. No cost to you. 26 MAY 2019 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
on a trip she took to Spain when she was 19 years old, when she discovered the difficulties of being an Orthodox Jew in a predominantly Catholic society. The book also gives insight into the relationship Levy later formed with a Catholic Spaniard man who helped her find kosher food during that trip. Since his last name is a common CryptoJewish name, he has always been interested in Judaism and was excited to finally befriend a Jewish person. They continued to write on topics of Judaism after she returned to Israel, and Levy has created a blog based on those letters where she answers both broad and specific questions about Judaism. Levy also sprinkles throughout the book events that have happened in her own family, as well as information from her professional research about the descendants of Conversos. The book sometimes feels like an introduction to Judaism handbook combined with an exploration of the history and culture of Conversos, that is held together by two love stories, one modern and one historical, but overall it is a well-researched and an enjoyable book to read. Recommended for ages 13-120 and highly recommended for those with interests in Conversos and Spanish Jewish life during the start of the Inquisition. A copy of “By Light of Hidden Candles” is available at the Jewish Day School Library. “By Light of Hidden Candles” (Levy, Daniella, Alfei Menashe, Israel, Kasva Press LLC, 2017, 341p.)
GIVE A MITZVAH, DO A MITZVAH
Sarah Dacey
Dogs need attention, too Sarah Dacey will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, June 8, at Temple Beth El in Allentown. The seventh-grade student at Springhouse Middle School plays soccer, and she loves summer camp at Pinemere. She loves animals, especially dogs. “Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted a dog. I would beg and beg, but my dad always said no,” Sarah said when asked about her project. “For my bat mitzvah project, I am volunteering at the Lehigh County Humane Society. I chose this because dogs are my favorite animal.” The Lehigh County Humane Society is a 24/7 organization caring for over 200 animals each day. They provide food, medical care, foster homes, adoption services, lost pet services, training and behavior assessments, community outreach and education. Each dog is given a plan and they work to train and socialize them. Most of the dogs are housebroken, and, with the help of volunteers and trainers, they learn etiquette and simple commands. Grooming is also provided by volunteer groomers and staff. The adoption rate is over 100 animals per week, and every animal is neutered before they leave. “I feel like dogs don’t get a lot of attention, so I wanted to give them the help they need and deserve,” Sarah continued.
“I have wanted a dog since I was little, and this was great for me to spend time with dogs because I couldn’t have one. I feel really happy doing this mitzvah. I feel like people donate to human shelters a lot more than to animal shelters. I want to help animals because they don’t get as much attention as humans do when they are in need.” Sarah’s parents, Karen and Patrick Dacey, are very proud of Sarah. She has been asking for years for a dog, and the answer she kept getting was no. But she crafted her project to fit her desire to be with dogs, and she has shared her energy and enthusiasm with the dogs at the shelter. “Too bad her dad is allergic to most dogs, otherwise, we would have a household full of them by now,” her mother said. “Just ask Sarah about Rose the Siberian Husky, Clarence the Chihuahua, or Bella the Yorkshire terrier.” In addition to her mitzvah project, Sarah has made her first adult gift of tzedakah to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs.
Bike, and may then participate in a full range of programs. All programs are offered at no cost, and students may participate until they turn 18. As students move through the programs, they gain increasing responsibility and opportunities. In Community Bike Works’ flagship Earn a Bike program, students team up with adult mentors for a 12-week course in bike mechanics and safety. Students work from a manual, and each student keeps a journal of his or her progress. Students arrive for class on time and ready to work at a task until completed, see the satisfaction of turning a broken bike into a functional one and earn their refurbished bike and new helmet! To raise awareness and money for Community Bike Works, Jack is having a Charity Ice Cream Bike Ride. Contribute $10 per rider or $18 per family and join the Edelman’s at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 2, for
an 11-mile ride on the Saucon Valley Rail Trail. Along the way, stop at the Inside Scoop and purchase your own ice cream. Ten percent of all sales that day will go to the Community Bike Works. “I learned how to ride a bike when I was three years old,” Jack said. “I have been riding ever since. At Community Bike Works, kids learn to ride and fix bikes. I think it would be good to donate money to them.” If you would like to contact Jack for more information about the Charity Ice Cream Bike Ride, you may email his dad at danedelman2000@yahoo.com. Liz and Dan are very proud of Jack. “Jack has always worked very hard to achieve his goals. He is thoughtful, compassionate and kind. Whether he is scoring goals in soccer, speaking in front of his class or playing with his brother, he continues to make us proud every day,” they said.
Jack Edelman
In addition to his mitzvah project, Jack has made his first adult gift of tzedakah to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs. For help developing your mitzvah project, contact Abby Trachtman, project coordinator, at abbyt@jflv. org or call her at the Federation office at 610-821-5500.
Bike ride to help kids get bikes Jack Edelman will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, June 22 at Temple Beth El in Allentown. The Hillside School sixth-grader loves all sports, especially soccer and video games. Jack’s parents, Liz and Dan Edelman, initiated a conversation with Jack about his mitzvah project. Dan is an avid bike rider. “Jack thought every kid should have a bike of their own,” Liz mentioned. The family did some research and found Community Bike Works. Community Bike Works works with inner-city students to foster positive outcomes. Students can earn a bike at Community Bike Works. Students begin their journey through Bike Works in Earn a
Looking for the premier summer programming in the Valley? With offerings including athletics, theater, robotics, coding and more look no further! To check out our exploration schedule and register..
VISIT www.swain.org/summer HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2019 27
Foods we love from the people we love By Sandi Teplitz Special to HAKOL Many people in the Lehigh Valley have favorite recipes that they cherish because of family-tied events associated with that food. Here are a couple of those recipes from our HAKOL readers. If you have one that is special to you for a certain reason, please email me at shuztep@aol.com with that recipe and why you have such fond memories of it. I will publish those recipes at a future date.
DELICIOUS BREAD PUDDING
submitted by Sandi Teplitz My mom made this recipe regularly, and it was always immediately devoured. Ingredients: 6 c. stale raisin Challah, cubed 6 c. scalded whole milk 3/4 c. sugar 6 extra large eggs, beaten 1 1/2 t. salt 1 stick + 1 T. unsalted butter 1 T. pure vanilla extract 1 1/2 t. nutmeg Technique: Grease a 13” x 9” Pyrex pan. Place bread cubes in. Add butter and sugar to scalded milk. Add salt, vanilla and nutmeg to eggs. Mix milk mixture with eggs. Blend with cubes in pan. Place in larger pan filled 1/3 of the way up with boiling water. Bake for 1 1/2 hours at 350 degrees. Cover for the last 15 minutes. Serve hot.
Ingredients for meatballs: 2 lb. ground beef 2/3 c. matzo meal OR stale bread crumbs 1/2 c. water 2 eggs 2 T. minced dried onion 1 t. salt 1/2 t. pepper Sauce: 10 oz. kosher grape jelly OR cranberry sauce 2 cans Rokeach mushroom tomato sauce 1/2 c. lemon juice 1/2 c. water Technique: Form meatballs by mixing all of the ingredients together, then place in sauce which is simmering in a 4 qt. pot. Cook on low for one hour, stirring occasionally.
VEGETABLE KUGEL
submitted by Dr. Judy Cohen Judy's Aunt Rosa always served this delicious side dish for Passover. It is from the Jewish Holiday Cookbook of Cincinnati, and became popular because Rosa's husband, Rabbi Louis Feinberg, was a popular community figure and a rabbi there for 40 years.
SWEET AND SOUR MEATBALLS
Ingredients: 1 c. grated apple 1 c. grated sweet potato 1 c. grated carrot 1 c. matzo cake meal 7/8 c. pareve margarine, melted 1 t. each: salt, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg 3/4 c. sugar
This is special to Toby because everyone in her family seems to enjoy it. Even her mom, a cook who was a "from scratch" chef, loved it. You can make it with that leftover matzah meal in the can that you wanted to toss or recycle. Toby serves it as a first course, but really it would make a wonderful
Technique: Set oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 10” round Pyrex with margarine. Mix all ingredients together. Pour into dish; cover with top or foil for 1/2 hour. Raise oven temperature to 350 degrees, remove cover and bake for another 15 minutes. Enjoy with a roast or other meat.
submitted by Toby Juda
28 MAY 2019 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
entrée with a bottle of red and some whipped mashed potatoes.
First kosher food truck in the Valley set to open soon Around the Table Catering has become the first catering truck to be certified as a kosher food provider in the history of the Lehigh Valley Kashrut Commission. Pending the results of a zoning hearing with the City of Allentown, Around the Table Catering hopes to open their food truck on the grounds of the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley after Passover. The truck plans to be open for business Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering kosher vegetarian fare. In observance of the Jewish Sabbath, the business will be closed on Saturdays. Co-owners Dror and Lee Levi, of Kingston, Luzerne County, have been servicing customers in eastern Pennsylvania since 2010. Since then, the Levis have become known for their extremely popular falafel sandwich, in addition to an eclectic assortment of vegetarian Mediterranean recipes crafted with all kosher ingredients. In addition to a variety of pita sandwiches, the couple take personal pride in their array of tasty middle-eastern salads. Prior to launching this new vegetarian operation, the Levis operated a catering business that, while not certified kosher, has always been kosher-style. “We’ve been in business for nine years,” said Lee. “We’ve gone all over the state of Pennsylvania, and in Florida, too.”
No stranger to the kitchen, Lee served as the in-house chef for Kiddush at their synagogue for five years. Together, the Levis also spent five summers cooking up kosher meals for 500 at their local JCC’s day camp. It was there that the inspiration for the food truck struck. “At camp, a donation of a lot of kosher briskets came in one day,” explained Lee. “They asked my husband to come up with something to do with them. So, he started to dabble and ended up smoking it. Everyone loved it so
much, and we got such a huge response, that someone said, ‘why don’t you open a food truck with that?’ So, he decided, ‘maybe, I will!’ We started the food truck off that little moment, and the rest is history.” At the same time, the Levis found themselves commuting to Allentown on a daily basis to enable their children to attend the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley. “We came here to give our children a Jewish education since our day school
had closed,” said Lee. “We’ve been commuting for four years, but we want to relocate permanently to the Valley and call it home.” Their connection to JDS has been a spark for both getting the official kosher certification and for basing their business out of Allentown. “The religious aspect of our life has become stronger, and we decided to do something more on a spiritual level for us and for the Lehigh Valley community.”
Why you should archive your grandma’s recipes By Britni de la Cretaz kveller.com When my mother went off to college, her own mother painstakingly typed all of her family recipes out on a typewriter and assembled them into a book. She sent this book off to the University of Florida with my mother, a little piece of home and familiarity tucked away inside her suitcase. But my mother doesn’t like to cook, so the book traveled with her from apartment to apartment to house over the course of 30 years. Every now and again it would be pulled down from a shelf and dusted off, but it remained mostly unused. My mother is not someone I’d consider to be nostalgic, either. She’s not one for maintaining tradition or family stories. That’s where I come in. I am incredibly tied to my family history. I’ve spent hours with my grandparents asking them questions about
their families who emigrated to the U.S. from Russia at the turn of the 20th century. I’ve collected old photographs of my ancestors, and they hang on a gallery wall in my home, images in black and white, of people with dark hair and pronounced noses staring back at me. I have inherited the bedroom furniture of my great-grandparents, choosing to keep it in my home when my great aunt was ready to sell it. And, as someone who loves to cook, I’ve also made it a point to collect those family recipes from my grandmother, the ones she shared with my mother three decades ago. I have my grandmother’s recipe for brisket, for noodle kugel, for potato latkes. Recipes for borscht and chopped liver and rugelach. I treasure these recipes for the way they connect me to my family and my heritage, to who I am and where I come from. I’m not the only one that values the food my
grandmother cooked, either. An organization called the Jewish Food Society (jewishfoodsociety.org) is on a mission to collect and archive Jewish recipes from all over the world: from grandmothers, but also from chefs and cookbook authors and anyone else who might have an emotionally or culturally relevant recipe to share. Their process for getting these recipes right is extremely thorough. They spend entire days with their sources, learning from them, and then they spend time testing the recipe to ensure they nail the texture and flavor before they photograph it and share it on their website. They are also hosting offline cooking classes and events, to bring Jewish food to the world at-large. “I’m really trying to communicate a diverse, creative representation of Jewish food. I want to reintroduce people to Jewish food and go way beyond what
they might think,” Naama Shefi, executive director of the Jewish Food Society, told Food & Wine magazine. “We find that people are excited and curious to explore a wide range of Jewish food traditions, and there’s a hunger for the unique experiences we’re trying to create.”
As someone who knows the value of food as a way of connecting to culture and history, I can’t wait to see where this project goes. And you can bet I’ll be recreating recipes from their site in my own home, creating new food traditions to go along with the old.
HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | MAY 2019 29
Community Calendar To list an event in the Community Calendar, submit your information on our website, www.jewishlehighvalley.org, under the “Upcoming Events” menu. All events listed in the Community Calendar are open to the public and free of charge, unless otherwise noted. Programs listed in HAKOL are provided as a service to the community. They do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. The JFLV reserves the right to accept, reject or modify listings.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 Ladies Luncheon with Adrienne Gold 12:30 p.m., Temple Beth El. Calling all women: Join Women’s Philanthropy for a luncheon with Adrienne Gold on “The Power of the Paradigm Shift: How to ReFrame Our Thoughts for a Happier & More Positive Life!” Adrienne Gold was a fixture on Canadian Television for over 15 years, including as host of her own daily fashion and beauty program. After taking a “life-changing” trip to Israel, she found herself captivated by the spiritual wisdom of Judaism and wanted to share that wisdom, much as she shared her passion for fashion! Today, she is a Trip Leader for the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (JWRP). She travels extensively helping JWRP participants keep the flame alive after their trips and igniting the flames of upcoming participants. Cost: $20 for lunch and program. RSVP to 610-821-5500 or mailbox@ jflv.org or register at www.picatic.com/lunchadriennegold. WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 Yom HaShoah Community Commemoration Reading of names 6 p.m., program 7 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley. A ceremony to honor the 6 million Jews lost in the Holocaust for Holocaust Remembrance Day. Free and open to the community. Learn more at www. jewishlehighvalley.org. THURSDAY, MAY 2 Holocaust Remembrance Day: David Tuck & ‘Who Will Write Our History’ 7 p.m., Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem. The community is invited to hear first-hand the stories of a Holocaust survivor as ArtsQuest welcomes David Tuck to speak at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. The presentation and Q&A will be followed by a screening of “Who Will Write Our History,” based on Samuel D. Kassow’s book about historian Emanuel Ringelblum, who gathered a secret band of journalists, scholars and artists imprisoned in the Warsaw Ghetto to collect and record the story of the war from the Jewish point of view. Known by the code name Oyneg Shabes, their goal was to defy their murderous enemy with the ultimate weapon – the truth. The Holocaust Resource Center of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley is proud to support this program. Reserved tickets are free, but must be requested in advance by contacting the Federation at 610-821-5500 or mailbox@jflv.org or the ArtsQuest Center Box Office at 610-332-3378. FRIDAY, MAY 3 Women of KI Shabbat Service 7:30 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel. The re-named Sisterhood women will be leading the service along with Rabbi Seth. SATURDAY, MAY 4 Uncork & Unwind 6:30 p.m., Boos Rock Winery, 10201 Ziegels Church Road, Breinigsville. Winery tour, tasting, snacks and a free bottle to take home for $18 per person. Food truck purchase available. Music by The IC Collective. RSVP with payment online at www.kilv.org or to the KI office. Must be 21 years or older. Sponsored by the Women of KI and KI Brotherhood. SUNDAY, MAY 5 Pomegranate and Lion of Judah Spring Event Series: Souper Sunday Open to All 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley. Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a Pomegranate or Lion is invited for a morning of soup making to benefit Jewish Family Service. Help cook delicious soup that will be frozen and delivered by JFS staff and volunteers during client visits. $10 per person to help cover the cost of supplies. RSVP to 610-821-5500 or mailbox@jflv.org or register at www.picatic.com/pomlionspring. MONDAY, MAY 6 Taste of Memories 6 to 8 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley. Taste of Memories is a unique program that blends together memories and food by commemorating IDF fallen soldiers through their beloved recipes. As we prepare for Yom Hazikaron, a day to honor the fallen, we will come to30 MAY 2019 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY
gether to cook a favorite recipe or recipes from a fallen soldier or soldiers. RSVP by May 1 to Israeli Shlicha Rotem Bar at 610-821-5500 or rotem@jflv.org. Limited space available. TUESDAY, MAY 7 Yom Hazikaron Ceremony 7:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley. A ceremony will be held to observe Israel’s Memorial Day and remember the IDF’s fallen soldiers and those who have died in terror attacks. Services will be held at 7:15 p.m. prior to the 7:30 p.m. ceremony. The public is welcome to attend. THURSDAY, MAY 9 IsraelFest - Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley. Celebrate Israel’s 71st birthday! Israeli dance party featuring Jewtronix, escape room, Kites for Peace, henna tattoos, face painting, arts & crafts and Israeli food for purchase from Around the Table Catering. Admission free! Sponsored by the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley in partnership with the Lehigh Valley Jewish Clergy Group. FRIDAY, MAY 10 Tell Me Why You Said That: Listening to Hear 12 p.m., Muhlenberg College, Seegers Union, 2400 Chew St., Room 111-112. How do we engage in meaningful dialogue in a time of great division within our country? How do we engage in conversation with people who articulate their beliefs quite differently than we do? Avoidance is not the answer. Come and learn some valuable tools to help you build bridges instead of burning or blowing them up! Rev. Dr. Susan (Sue) Pizor Yoder is a native of Butler, Pennsylvania. She received her degrees at Westminster College, Pittsburgh Seminary and Louisville Seminary. Her doctorate was in preaching to the whole household of God. She has been a pastor for 35 years. She has served three Presbyterian Churches: FPC of Allentown, FPC of Bethlehem and Liberty Corner PC in New Jersey. In 2005, she founded The Barn Faith Community, an intergenerational, innovative New Church Development of the PC(USA). She is currently planting another new community called “Blank Slate” that is learning about “nones” and “dones.” Sue loves teaching, spending time with her family, singing, travelling and hiking. Free and open to the public. Bring your lunch or purchase it at one of our tasty dining venues. Soft drinks available for purchase in the room. Please leave ample time to locate on-street parking. Sponsored by the Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding. FRIDAY, MAY 10 Adult Hebrew Class B’not Mitzvah 7:30 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel. Join the Adult Hebrew Class as they lead the service and celebrate their b’not mitzvah. A festive oneg will follow the ceremony! SATURDAY, MAY 11 Something For Everyone Shabbat 10 a.m., Temple Beth El. A Shabbat program for every age at Temple Beth El. 0-3-year-olds: bring a favorite grown up to BIMBOM BUDDIES. Pre-K-grade 2: enjoy games and stories in KINDERSHUL. Grades 3-6: daven with doughnuts at JUNIOR CONGREGATION. Teens: help lead youth service or visit GPS. Parents and other adults participate in the main service or drop in for our GUIDED PRAYER SERVICE. Everyone comes together for a delicious KIDDUSH LUNCH. Open to the community. Let’s celebrate Shabbat together at Temple Beth El! FRIDAY, MAY 17 CBS Visiting Scholar Weekend & Southern Shabbat Dinner 6 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom. Join us at Congregation Brith Sholom for a visiting scholar weekend featuring Dr. Margorie Lehman speaking on “The Ethical Quandaries Facing Rav Nachman in a Court of Law: What Do Flying Geese Have to Teach Us?,” followed by Shabbat dinner. Make your dinner reservations by 12 p.m. on May 10 (reservations are required). The price is $15 per adult or become a patron for $20; $5 per
child between the ages of 5 -13; no charge for children under 5 with maximum family charge of $45. Please pay in advance. Make out checks to “CBS - Shabbat Dinners.” Late reservations or “at the door” price is $18 per person. Call Tammy at 610-866-8009 for reservations, transportation and more information. SATURDAY, MAY 18 CBS Visitng Scholar Weekend 9 a.m., Congregation Brith Sholom. Dr. Margorie Lehman will give the Shabbat d’var Torah on “The Justice of Speaking Out: The Justice of Remaining Silent.” Shabbat learning after Kiddush will focus on “Dressing and Undressing the Priests: The Mothers of Priests and the Mothers of Rabbis.” For reservations or information, contact Tammy Watts at 610-866-8009. SATURDAY, MAY 18 Congregation Keneseth Israel’s Annual Gala 6 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel. Honoring Patty and Ian Carlis. Cocktail reception at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. KeyStone Vocals concert at 8:30 p.m. Post-concert dessert reception at 9:30 p.m. $125/ticket. RSVP by May 3. For tickets and information, call the KI office at 610435-9074. SUNDAY, MAY 19 Phyllis Ringel Memorial Lecture: Shining a Light on Palliative Care 10 a.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley. Join Jewish Family Service for a kosher brunch and presentation on this important topic. The program is free of charge. Presenter Dr. Jenni Levy has been an expert on palliative care for over a decade, with two more decades of experience as a primary care physician. She will discuss what palliative care is, how it can be helpful, some of the decision points involved, and how to make sure your values are honored when you are facing a serious illness. RSVP to 610-821-8722 or info@jfslv.org or register at www.jfslv. org.. TUESDAY, MAY 21 Women’s Philanthropy Spring Event: For My Mother 6 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel. Open to women who have pledged a minimum of $365 to the Jewish Federation’s 2019 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs. Featured speaker Jeannie Smith is the daughter of Polish rescuer Irene Gut Opdyke, who passed away on May 18, 2003. Irene was honored as one of the Righteous Among the Nations for risking her own life to save twelve Jews during the Holocaust. Her story became a Broadway play in the nationally acclaimed “Irena’s Vow.” Opdyke’s book, “In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer,” gives a detailed account of her life during World War II and is used in classrooms around the country. The story her daughter tells, although filled with the horrors of hate, also brings a message of faith, love and hope that good can triumph over evil. It proclaims the conviction that, one by one, we can say no to hatred, persecution and prejudice. $50 couvert. RSVP by Tuesday, May 7, to 610-821-5500 or mailbox@jflv.org or register now at www.picatic.com/womensspringevent. WEDNESDAY, MAY 23 Jewish Heritage Night at the IronPigs 7:05 p.m., Coca-Cola Park, Allentown. Join the community and the IronPigs for the 6th annual Jewish Heritage Night. Watch the IronPigs take on the Syracuse Mets. $22 tickets include a voucher for the kosher food stand (LVKC supervised) and special Jewish Heritage Night cap. $16 tickets include the cap and a $2 ballpark voucher. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit www. jewishlehighvalley.org/ironpigs. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. THURSDAY, MAY 30 JCC Jewish & Israeli Film Series: ‘The Cousin’ 7 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley. After a well-meaning Arab-Muslim handyman arrives in an Israeli village, a young woman is assaulted, and the community assumes he was her attacker. Co-sponsored by Jim and Linda Wimmer. Price: $12, JCC members $8. Tickets available at 610-435-3571 or lvjcc.org/film.
Celebrate the beauty of Shabbat
with Cantor Wartell
FRIDAYS 8-9:30 AM WMUH 91.7 muhlenberg.edu/wmuh 484.664.3456
Shabbat & Yom Tov Candlelighting Times Friday, May 3
7:42 pm
Friday, May 24
8:02 pm
Friday, May 10
7:49 pm
Friday, May 31
8:08 pm
Friday, May 17
7:56 pm
Friday, June 7
8:12 pm
He’s growing fast. So are we. The region’s leader in pediatric care has a new name: Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital Thanks to the Reilly family, the only children’s
hospital in the area will be able to provide even more quality care – all under one roof.
We already have the most pediatric doctors in the region – plus a surgery center and ER designed just for kids. And now, with the Reillys’ gift, we
will further enhance our neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, as well as expand our pediatric surgical programs.
Like you, we want only the best for our kids. Which is why we’re committed to providing the highest
level of care possible, right here, close to home.
LVHN.org/children | 888-402-LVHN
A new name. The expert care children need.