Hakol - May 2023

Fay Kun gives a moving presentation on her mother’s days in the death camps for Yom Hashoah. p6

Federation staffer Lee Kestecher Solomon tells her father’s harrowing story of the Yom Kippur War for Yom Hazikaron. p7

FROM THE DESK OF JERI ZIMMERMAN p3

WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY p4

LVJF TRIBUTES p8

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE p13

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER p14-15

JEWISH DAY SCHOOL p16

COMMUNITY CALENDAR p23

Carnival goers celebrate Israel’s 75th birthday

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

A crowd was waiting outside the JCC gym late in the afternoon of Yom Ha’Atzmaut. The community’s Israel Independence Day celebration was about to begin. A call came from inside: Come on in!

Kids led the way, of course. It didn’t take long for a line

to form at the cotton candy table. Of course. Tables around the gym featured games and other attractions. The festivity would culminate in the ceremonial lighting of the 12 torches representing the Twelve Tribes of Israel — an Israeli tradition being followed here for the first time.

A dozen community members and couples were chosen to do the lighting. Jeri Zimmerman, executive director of the Jewish Federation, lit the first candle for Bonnie and Bobby Hammels, who were unable to attend. “I am lighting this torch to glorify the land of Israel,” she, and all the torchlighters, said.

Following Zimmerman were Marc Berson, Vicki

Wax, Rabbi Moshe Re’em, Roberta and Lewis Gaines, Rachel Levin, Dr. Harold and Sandy Goldfarb, Beth Kushnick, Miriam Zager, Devorah Halperin and Dr. Zach Goldsmith. The ceremony finished with flair as Yitzy Powers kindled the last candle — wearing an Israeli flag as a cape along with an over-the-top assortment of the blue-and-white and light-up party doodads being given out to the carnival goers. Many of the kids were wearing those Israel-themed ornaments too. Lights blinked where they ran around the huge map of Israel spread out on the floor near the gym entrance. Kids could assemble a toy plane and throw it to try to land on Ben Gurion International Airport. Then they could retrieve the plane and

do it again. Many did that over and over. The basketball hoop also drew a young crowd of pretty good shooters.

Kids and adults alike stopped at the facepainting and temporary-tattoo booth as well as at the photo booth. Some put on the Israel Defense Forces uniforms that were available for dress-up. Finally came dessert, cupcakes to cap off the buffet dinner that featured falafel, vegetarian “chicken” nuggets, French fries, hummus

and salad. Each cupcake was topped with either blue or white icing, and the multiple dozens were strategically arranged on the table to depict the Israeli flag — until the line of kids was turned loose on them as the event concluded.

More carnival photos on page 10

Dollar-a-Day speaker glosses 3,000-year scourge of hate

By Carl Zebrowski

Antisemitism is more than 3,000 years old, Stephanie Hausner told attendees of the Dollar-a-Day event for the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley Women’s Philanthropy division.

The COO of the Conference of Presidents of the Major American Jewish Organizations traced the legacy of hate back to the start of the Book of Exodus. “Then comes a new king,” she told the audience, referring to the rise of a pharaoh who worried about the growing population of Jews

in Egypt and the potential for overthrow. “And that begins antisemitism.”

The pharoah’s initial response was harassment. Tax collectors were appointed. Storehouses were built to hold grain collected as additional revenue. It only got worse.

Just what is it that constitutes antisemitism three millennia later? The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance came up with a working definition in 2016. That was an essential start. “If we can’t define something,” Hausner said, “how can we fix it.”

The IHRA definition reads, “Antisemitism is a certain

perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/ or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

The United States and 30 of its individual states have adopted this definition.

It was 2018 that antisemitism came to a head in the United States, with the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh that killed 11 people. Jury selection in the trial of the accused shooter has just begun. Hausner said the pursuit of justice has is its own virtue, but the renewed public attention will come at a cost.

“It’s also going to bring out crazy people.”

This tragic attack woke up the U.S. Jewish community, which since then has worked continually to better protect itself against terrorism. “Tree of Life taught us a lot of lessons,” Hausner said. “This is our reality.”

But why does this problem persist in the first place? Ignorance is often at the root. “A lot of what people know

about Jews is from South Park,” Hausner said. “In New York State, 20% of students didn’t know where the Holocaust was.”

On top of that, troubling contemporary realities can lead some people to look for scapegoats to blame for their problems. There was plenty of chatter on the internet, for example, blaming Jews for COVID-19. “It’s crazy,” Hausner said. “The problem is a lot of people believe it.”

“Antisemitism comes out of political needs of persecutors in a political climate,” she explained further. “Wherever there’s economic uncertainty, it always leads to antisemitism.” That’s true even when the reaction doesn’t start out exactly that way. “It always comes back to antisemitism.”

Tree of Life was targeted that day in 2018 because it was holding an immigrant Shabbat. So Jews were being blamed for help-

ing others. Jews have in fact often been targeted for helping those in need.

Ironically, another common criticism brought by antisemites is that Jews stick to themselves. But there was a time, Hausner pointed out, that Jews were forced to stick to themselves, having little choice but to build their own communities and establishments. The need was existential. “We had to have our own

Dollar-a-Day speaker Continues on page 4

Editor

Vicki Wax, Federation campaign cochair; Aaron Gorodzinsky, the Federation’s director of campaign and security planning; and Stephanie Hausner, speaker for the Dollar-a-Day event.

Roberta and Lewis Gaines light a torch with Lee Solomon, associate director of development for the Federation.

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Are you ready to make a difference?

As we approach the end of our 2023 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs on June 30, I can’t help but think about what our Jewish community represents: resilience, dedication and the promise of a flourishing future. But like many Jewish communities around the world, we face many challenges. Most importantly, how will we ensure that the vibrancy of our community gets passed on to the next generation?

In the last few years, our community has rallied together to support those in need. We delivered meals, made phone calls and provided resources to help people get through difficult times. I am always

struck by the spirit of generosity and compassion demonstrated by our community members. It reminds me of what it means to be Here for Good. It means investing in our community. It means supporting our agencies and synagogues to ensure that critical programs and services are available, not just during times of crisis, but every day.

For many of us, community engagement and individual priorities share a relationship. Involvement in Jewish organizations like our Jewish Federation, Jewish Day School, Jewish Family Service and JCC; attending community events; and participating in synagogue

life focus on one’s spiritual engagement. Investing oneself in the community, by donating either financially or of your time and energy, builds and creates a vibrant Jewish community that, in turn, contributes to the well-being of our family, friends and neighbors.

With all our agencies and synagogues working together, the Lehigh Valley Jewish community will remain vibrant and strong. We are currently in the middle of our allocations process, where funding decisions are made to ensure the important, ongoing work of our partners. It is you, our donors and volunteers, who make this work possible. Your gener-

The Lehigh Valley-Yoav Partnership Park in Blessed Memory of Mark L. Goldstein

osity makes the difference and delivers vital funds so we can continue to be Here for Good. Every gift makes a difference locally and beyond. We are not just funders, but community conveners, bringing people together to create a better future for us all. That is how we ensure the vibrancy of Jewish communal life for our children and grandchildren.

As we move forward, I am dedicated to keeping you apprised of our progress. We will be smart about the programs we implement and the decisions we make. We will listen to your ideas and work together to build a better future. Together, we can make a difference in

HAKOL is published 11 times per year for the Jewish communities of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and vicinity by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.

COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS

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

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Phone: (610) 821-5500

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order to go from strength to strength.

So, what can you do to be Here for Good? Attend community events, participate in Jewish life, volunteer your time and energy, and donate to our 2023 campaign. Share your ideas.

As we embark on this journey, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. You are making a difference every day, and I am proud to be part of this incredible community. Together, we can create a brighter future for generations to come.

HAKOL STAFF

CARL ZEBROWSKI

Editor

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Director of Marketing

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TEL: 610-515-1391 hakolads@jflv.org

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JERI ZIMMERMAN

Executive Director

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Associate Director of Development

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JFLV President

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Member American Jewish Press Association

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

Volunteers finish Holocaust center cleanup

The Women’s Philanthropy division of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley has completed its mitzvah project to reorganize the Holocaust Resource Center in the JCC.

It’s a well-known story by now that during the pandemic, many people used their time in isolation to clean out their homes. When Jewish community members did that, many found books, videos and other items related to the Holocaust.

Wanting to share those resources with the public, to

preserve them and so they could be used for educational purposes, members dropped them off at the Holocaust Resource Center, located on the lower level of the JCC. Donations started to pile up to the point where the facility was unusable as a resource or education center.

Reorganization project chairs stepped in Fay Kun, Ilene Ringold and Miriam Zager, along with Lee Solomon, the Federation’s associate director of development, and Shari Spark, HRC coordinator, to oversee

volunteers cleaning up and sorting through the center’s reference materials and other resources and putting them in a more usable order.

The project lasted four months and brought volunteers together for several cleanup sessions through the end of March to complete the task. They came to help advance the HRC’s overall mission to preserve primary sources and to educate. Specific personal reasons were as varied as the volunteers.

“The current rise of antisemitism has moved me to want to make this an organized, user-friendly and inviting place for educators to bring their students and for anyone to use as a resource,” said Zager.

With a collection of over 1,000 books, visual and audio media, curricula, artifacts and art related to the Holocaust, as well as to antisemitism,

hate crimes, genocide and overcoming oppression, the center is available to assist both the Jewish community and the community at large. Most of its materials may be checked out free of charge.

Another resource available to the greater community is the HRC Legacy Exhibit, which travels to about a dozen schools in the region each year. Featuring a Holocaust timeline, museum-quality artifacts, original photographs, speakers and more, the exhibit supplements school programs on World War II. To find out about bringing the exhibit to your school, contact Marylou Lordi at mllordi@yahoo. com or 908-512-0490.

For the facility itself and for the traveling exhibit, the HRC reorganization has been a critical improvement that will bring benefits for years to come. As Gia Jones, chair of PJ Library, said during one of the cleanup sessions, “It’s a nice way to honor our past and our heritage, and have a place for our youth, our community, to come and learn.”

Dollar-a-Day speaker

Continues from page 1 hospitals,” she explained.

Today, ideas like these can spread, and find a receptive audience, quicker than ever through the internet and social media. Take Kanye West’s recent antisemitic outbursts.

“Kanye has more followers on social media than there are Jews in the world,” Hausner said. “The people that follow Kanye, that’s the problem.”

She told the Women’s Philanthropy audience about the national ad campaign that was just beginning to appear on TV and social media to educate Americans about antisemitism and mobilize non-Jews to address the growing hate and intolerance. The campaign, launched by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, features a # and blue box icon as visuals and informs viewers that Jews make up just 2.4% of the U.S. population, yet they are victims of 55% of religious hate crimes. “Obviously a blue box isn’t going to stop antisemitism,” Hausner said, “but it can raise awareness.”

The campaign is built on the idea of not waiting for the audience to come around but to go out into the world to find it, as the Jewish Federation did with its Shine a Light Against Antisemitism Campaign during this past Chanukah. “If we want to reach people who are not really attuned to these issues,” Hausner said, “we need to meet them where they are.

“It’s our job to educate them.”

BY EVA LEVITT

SPONSORED BY THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY’S WOMEN’S DIVISION

Ufberg ambucycle rescues motorist in cardiac arrest PJ Library learns about charoset

In early 2022 two dozen members of the Lehigh Valley Jewish community traveled to Israel to dedicate an ambucycle to United Hatzalah emergency medical services. The vehicle was donated by the Jewish Federation’s Maimonides Society of health care professionals in memory of Dr. Michael Ufberg z”l, who died in June 2021.

Through the use of specially equipped motorcycleambulances and creative technology, the mostly volunteer United Hatzalah achieves dramatically reduced response times to emergencies. The Ufberg ambucycle, No. 1283, continues to make a life-or-death difference on the congested streets of Netanya.

Just after 8 p.m. on March 30, a 40-year-old motorist suffered a cardiac emergency. The woman collapsed at the steering wheel and her vehicle crashed. Witnesses urgently called for help.

Yonatan Aouat, the driver of Ambucycle No.

1283, was at home enjoying a quiet Thursday evening with his family when dispatch alerted him. With support and encouragement from his loved ones, the volunteer medic grabbed his helmet, dashed out to his cycle and zipped to the nearby location, arriving in record time.

A fellow medic joined Aouat on scene to assist with the rescue. Finding the woman with no sign of breath or pulse, the pair extricated the patient from her car, safely lowered her to the ground and launched into roadside CPR. Aouat performed vigorous chest compressions, which kept

oxygenated blood flowing to the woman’s vital organs until the Mobile Intensive Care Unit arrived. When it did, he assisted as the patient was transferred to an ambulance and evacuated to the hospital with emergency resuscitation efforts in progress.

Incidents of cardiac arrest are a fight against time, so it’s essential that CPR begin as quickly as possible, as it did here. With United Hatzalah’s ambucycle unit, lightning-quick emergency response times are the norm. Seconds make the difference, and the seconds saved are saving lives.

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In the annual Passover seder, the fruit-and-nut paste charoset represents the mortar that Jewish ancestors used to build pharaoh’s cities. On Sunday, April 2, PJ Library families gathered to learn about charoset.

Children decorated bowls with fruit and nut stickers, then made different types of charoset to taste. Ingredients included dried cherries, blueberries and cranberries, banana chips, sunflower seeds, applesauce, apple and grape juices, and cinnamon. The only rule about making charoset this day was that the children had to taste the combinations they made.

Families also built representations of pharoah’s cities with blocks and dressed up in flowing garments with bells.

The program ended with, of course, a PJ Library story.

Fay Kun tells mom’s death camp story on Yom Hashoah

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

“It’s up to us to make sure their memory never dies,” Jeri Zimmerman, executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, told those gathered at the JCC for the Yom Hashoah commemoration on April 17. Local students had just finished their reading of Holocaust victims’ names had begun an hour earlier. Then the focus of this night when the Jewish community remembered the 6 million Jews killed by the Nazis became especially personal as Fay Kun stepped to the podium. Kun was there to tell “Frieda’s Story: Life, Love and Survival,” about her mother’s experience as a teenage survivor of the concentration camps. The highlight was a 1987 video of her late mother, at age 59, discussing her experience. Fay had possessed the video for some time, but had not been able to bring herself to watch it until recently.

“My mother felt the need to talk about her past daily,” said Fay, who over the years since her mother’s death in 2011 has visited local schools

to educate students about the Holocaust. “I didn’t always have the patience to listen to her talk about this part of her life.”

In the video, Frieda recalls her family living in her native Palana, Czechoslovakia. She, her parents, and two older sisters and brother were friendly with their nonJewish neighbors. At Christmastime, they’d visit houses visit to sing carols. The neighbors enjoyed the visits and thought they brought good luck.

But in 1938 the Nazis invaded Czechoslovakia and began to take over and occupy the country. Things got progressively worse for the Czech Jews. Kids were not schooled, workers lost jobs, food was withheld. Jews were eventually made to wear yellow stars so they could instantly be identified. Finally, on the last day of Passover 1944, Nazis rounded them up and led them from their homes, with minimal belongings packed. How many did they take? “All the Jews,” Frieda says. “We were just hoping the young ones would work, and the old ones would go to a camp.”

The longest year Troops marched the Jews, including Frieda and her family, away to load onto trains.

“Their once-friendly neighbors lined up to watch them being taken out and yelled, “Go home, Jews!” Fay said. The train reached its destination at Munkacs, Hungary, a

ghetto set up near the border to concentrate the Jewish population and steal belongings. There were no lights at night in the ghetto, Fay said. “Each family would receive one pail of food a day.” Frieda and her family remained in the ghetto just over a month. Then it was back to the trains — to head to Auschwitz in Poland. Jews were crammed into railcars, more of them than would seem to fit. “The entire cattle car was given one pail for bathroom purposes,” Fay said.

“As soon as they disembarked the train,” Fay continued, “everything happened so fast.” One group was sent left, the other right. Families were separated. Frieda’s mother lost track of Frieda and in her confusion got hustled along with the older adults and young children, even though she was visibly in between. “She went in the line that they shaved her head and stripped her clothing,” Fay said, “and she was told she was on the way to the showers to get cleaned up.”

They were not showers. They were gas chambers. The Nazis gassed Frieda’s mom and the rest of the Jews in her line.

The Jews in the other line were tattooed with ID numbers. “If you got a number it meant you were strong enough to work for the Nazis, and you were spared,” Fay said, “for at least a while.” Then they were sent to be showered. “We realized it

could be gas,” Frieda says. “But it wasn’t, for us.”

Frieda’s camp job was to sort through piles of clothing that was stripped off the incoming Jews and recover anything in them. She would hide lipstick and other such supplies to give to fellow prisoners to use. “If they could use a little bit of makeup to brighten up their faces,” Fay said, “they could look healthy.”

Frieda finally ended up in the Mauthausen camp in Austria. Even though the war was ending by then, she experienced even more horrors.

Finally, liberation

On May 5, 1945, the Allies arrived. “I remember seeing tanks,” Frieda says, “and I didn’t know what a tank was.” Soldiers passed by too, and they promised to hand out food.

Frieda soon found her sisters. “It was an amazing reunion,” Fay said, “and they were hardly ever separated after that day.” They found out their brother was also alive.

Their father was not so lucky. He’d fallen ill three weeks before the liberation, and the Nazis sent him to the hospital. He was kept for treatment. Worse then came to worst for the inpatients.

“The day before liberation,”

Fay said, “the Germans gassed everyone.”

Within a few years, the three sisters and brother had all immigrated to the United States and were settled in Brooklyn. From then on the sisters lived next door to one another. Their brother lived nearby. “My father always said, ‘Stay together, help one another,’” Frieda says.

After Fay finished telling the audience her mother’s story, rabbis from the Lehigh Valley community came forward to lead the assembly in prayers. Third-generation Holocaust survivors lit candles in memory of the Nazis’ victims.

“I would love the world to be in peace, and nobody would hate nobody,” Frieda says at the end of the video. “That’s how my father raised us.”

Shari Spark, Holocaust Resource Center coordinator; Fay Kun, Holocaust educator; and Jeri Zimmerman, executive director of the Federation

Staffer shares dad’s war experience on Yom Hazikaron

By Carl Zebrowski Editor

The first thing you saw on entering the auditorium at Congregation Keneseth Israel for the Yom Hazikaron ceremony was the exhibit dedicated to fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terrorist attacks.

It had been set up by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley during the day in the JCC boardroom and moved here for the evening. Placards on display told the story of each of Israel’s eight wars along with other conflicts, while a slideshow with photos of those who died played on a TV screen. The Israel Memorial Day ceremony began with the sound of a siren, as is heard all over Israel to mark the start of the day. Hearing it, Israelis stop whatever they’re doing, including driving their cars, and pay their respects to fallen Israelis.

with the announcement of the latest running total of Israeli losses under fire: 22,213 casualties of war and 4,255 victims of hostile acts. “May their memory continue to be a blessing to all of us,” he said.

Rabbi Michael Singer of Congregation Brith Sholom and Rabbi Yaakov Halperin of Chabad of the Lehigh Valley led the assembly in prayers. Alexis Gabay-Ratner, a student at the Jewish Day School, sang a powerful song about a medic who stopped to treat a wounded soldier. Both came under enemy fire as they lay there. Only the soldier survived. “I will always remember you,” he told the medic.

a commander at the Suez Canal. The situation there developed into what we know as the Yom Kippur War.

Lee said she didn’t know much about her dad’s experience until not long before he died two years ago.

“When it came to his military service,” she said, “he was never able to open up and share his experiences until a few years ago, when I got to hear his story that I share with you today.”

“Suddenly,” Lee said, “the senior commander yelled to the soldiers, ‘Prepare to charge!’” But a charge would have been suicide. Kestecher shouted, “Retreat backwards!”

A children’s adventure novel series came to mind.

“Hasamba” was about a group of boys and girls who formed a secret society to aid the struggle for Israel’s statehood.

Ariel Solomon of the Jewish Day School set the tone for the rest of the evening

Lee Kestecher Solomon, associate director of development for the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, told the story of her dad serving in the Israel Defense Forces during the Yom Kippur War 50 years ago, a 21-day fight with Egypt and Syria in which more than 2,500 Israeli soldiers were killed and 7,000 wounded. “He was educated to love Israel and to accept the responsibility of serving the country, and learned the importance of preserving the Jewish people in their own land,” Lee said. At age 18, Micha Kestecher enlisted in the Shaked Patrol that operated near the Gaza Strip.

Four years later, he was suddenly called to duty as

“About half an hour before the war,” Lee said, “my father received a broadcast that war would break out at 6 p.m.” He gathered his troops in their stronghold and reviewed plans. They started to hear explosions. He sent troops out to their fighting positions. Egyptian forces approached. Kestecher threw grenades at them while his troops fired their guns. They drove off the enemy for the night.

The Egyptians had success elsewhere along the front and Kestecher’s stronghold was one of the few that remained in Israeli hands. Reports came that reinforcements were on the way. Meanwhile, ammunition ran low.

Orders soon came to evacuate and rendezvous with a rescue force. But they marched into an ambush and immediately started digging into the sand for cover.

Kestecher remembered a trick from one book and decided to try it. In Arabic, he yelled, “You madmen! You bastards! We are from the Arab army. Stop shooting! Stop shooting!”

It worked. The gunfire stopped and the Israelis ran to safety.

The next day, another scenario of mistaken identity played out. Kestecher’s troops saw Israeli tanks and began to wave. But the tank crews thought they were Egyptians and fired.

Fortunately, one of Kestecher’s soldiers was carrying a prayer shawl. The soldier started waving the tallit overhead and the guns went quiet. Before long came a cease-fire.

“Since I was young,” Lee said, “I would accompany him almost every year to Jerusalem to pay

our respects to the soldiers from his unit who fought side by side with him in the Yom Kippur War. No matter where they might have been at the time, they always came together for the memorial ceremony on Yom Hazikaron.”

Rabbi Phil Cohen of Keneseth Israel and Rabbi Seth Phillips (retired) followed Lee’s presentation with prayers. Rabbi Moshe Re’em of Temple Beth El sang “Crying for You” and Gabay-Ratner sang “Perach” (“Flower”). The evening ended with a prayer for Israel, one for the United States and the the Israeli national anthem.

Noam Bach and his grandfather, David, view the display of Israel’s conflicts.

Micha Kestecher in the IDF.

Lee Kestecher Solomon, associate director of develoment for the Federation, presents the Yom Kippur War story of her father, Micha Kestecher.

IN HONOR

In honor of our great-grandchildren Piet

Denitz, Gemma and Penelope Rawdin and Otis and Jack Smith

Mitzi & Gene Denitz

JOAN BASS

Happy Birthday

Beth and Wes Kozinn

MARILYN CLAIRE

Happy Belated Birthday

Beth and Wes Kozinn

ALBERT DERBY

In honor of a speedy recovery

Barbara and Arthur Weinrach

CHASE EWING

In honor of becoming a Bar Mitzvah

Gloria Lowy

EILEEN AND ROBERTO FISCHMANN

In honor of your daughter Veronica’s

marriage to Yakov

Wendy and Ross Born

Carol and Gary Fromer

Beth and Wes Kozinn

EMILY AND BRIAN FORD

In honor of your son Al’s Bar Mitzvah

Wendy and Ross Born

CAROL AND BARRY HALPER

In honor of your granddaughter Jane’s

Bat Mitzvah

Wendy and Ross Born

EVA LEVITT

In honor of a speedy recovery

Carol and Gary Fromer

Beth and Wes Kozinn

Barbara and Arthur Weinrach

NANCY AND STEVE OBERLENDER

In honor of your daughter Isabelle’s engagement to Mark

Vicki Wax

ELAINE AND LEON PAPIR

In honor of your grandson Al’s Bar

Mitzvah

Beth and Wes Kozinn

LORRIE SCHERLINE

In honor of Jase’s 1st Birthday

Francie Ficelman

CANTOR ELLEN SUSSMAN & DAVID

VAIDA

In honor of the birth of your twin grandsons

Judy and Larrie Sheftel

IN MEMORY

STEVE BLUMBERG

(Husband of Ellen Blumberg)

Wendy and Ross Born

Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald

Roberta and Richard London

Diane and Gary Miller

Randi and Donald Senderowitz

Pam and Greg Silverberg

Eileen Ufberg and Family

HOWARD CENTER

(Brother of Larry Center)

Marilyn Claire

Ruth Derby

Beth and Wes Kozinn

TAMA FOGELMAN

(Mother of Mark Fogelman)

Carol and Gary Fromer

CAROLYN HOFFMAN

(Daughter of Barbara and Art Hoffman)

Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald

Beth and Wes Kozinn

ANDREW EMANUEL PERKIN

(Father of Michael and David Perkin,

grandfather of Matthew and Tyler

Perkin)

Hedy Perkin Geist

Jim Geist

PETER SOKALSKY

(Husband of Sheila Sokalsky)

Jeanette and Eduardo Eichenwald

Randi and Donald Senderowitz

HELEN AND SOL KRAWITZ HOLOCAUST

MEMORIAL FUND

IN HONOR

LYNDA AND STUART KRAWITZ

In honor of Josh’s upcoming marriage to Ali Goldstein

Lynne Stecher and Steve Sher

IN MEMORY

TEDDY STRAUS

(Husband of Shirley Straus) Joan Lesavoy

3 local college students win Levy Hillel Leadership Awards

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.

The winners of the Levy Hillel Leadership Awards for 2023 have been announced.

The award is an annual prize given to college students involved with Hillels in the Lehigh Valley who have demon¬strated promise in community leadership through active participation in campus organizations and awareness of needs and con¬cerns of the Jewish commu¬nity. The award was founded by Mort and Myra Levy z”l through the Lehigh Valley Jewish Foundation, the com¬munity endowment fund of the Jewish Federation.

Here are the winners from the three local Hillels, at Lafayette College, Lehigh University and Muhlenberg College:

Jenna Herzog is a member of the class of 2024 at Lafayette College studying toward a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering.

She is president of the Lafayette Hillel Society and believes it’s her responsibility to help create an environment inviting to everyone, she said, “a space where Jewish students and non-Jewish students alike can bond over our faith, our family practices, customs and, most importantly, our values.

“I adore Lafayette Hillel because of how inclusive it is to everyone, despite individuals’ varying knowledge of Judaism or the Shabbat prayers or a belief in God.”

Ethan Berkove, director of Lafayette’s Hillel, said, “Jenna really stepped up when she was elected president in December 2022. In this role, she has been a tireless advocate for the organization, both at Hillel events and as a representative on campus.”

Herzog became involved in the Jewish community early on. She attended Hebrew school, was bat mitzvahed, was elected president of her synagogue’s

youth group, volunteered as a teaching assistant and graduated from Hebrew high school.

“Some of the best mentors of my entire life have been through my Jewish community and are people who have inspired my personal journey and growth,” she said. “This and my passion for helping others are why I desire to pay forward this mentorship at Lafayette and otherwise.”

Her scholastic accomplishments and activities include membership in the Society of Women Engineers and the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, and tutoring at Lafayette’s math and reading center. She also serves as director of the Lafayette’s MOSAIC (Making Our Society an Inclusive Community) Food and Housing Insecurity program, connecting with Easton Garden Works to grow produce for those in need.

She spent the summer of 2022 as an intern for the food tech startup Mediterranean Food Lab in Tel Aviv, doing research on flavor enhancements. During the current academic year, she has been a Clare Booth Luce Research Scholar working on a project to help researchers and educators formulate problems in sustainable design practice and education.

Brooke Dunoff is graduating this semester from Lehigh University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance. She is a member of the Beta Alpha Psi honor society for financial information students.

Her family always encouraged her to be active in the Jewish community. She attended religious school, was bat mitzvahed, volunteered as a teen aide at religious school and pursued synagogue leadership roles.

On coming to Lehigh, she attended events and Shabbat dinners at the Hillel from the beginning. Soon she was treasurer of

the Hillel board and later copresident. She also joined the peer engagement staff, helping the Hillel stay connected with students during stretches between events and holidays.

“Hillel has granted me so many opportunities to better connect with my community,” she said, “and I am so grateful to have an impact and a contribution to Jewish life at Lehigh.”

Rabbi Steve Nathan, endowed director of Jewish Student Life, said Jewish life on Lehigh’s campus would not be what it is today without her. “In addition to her personality, which attracts so many students, Brooke is dedicated, passionate about Jewish life, and well organized,” he said. “As a board member and as a student staff member, she has played an integral role in the growth of Lehigh Jewish life over the past four years. She is a true asset to Jewish life and she will be sorely missed.”

Dunoff plans to continue her deep involvement in the Jewish community as she moves on from Lehigh after graduation. “I am so honored to be one of the recipients of the Levy Hillel Leadership Award,” she said, “and I hope to further develop my connection to Judaism in the future.”

Harli Strauss-Cohn is a junior at Muhlenberg College double-majoring in sustainability and international studies. She’s been on the dean’s list since the fall of 2020.

She has been in youth leadership roles in the Jewish community since a young age, attending Jewish summer camp and also working as a camp counselor for two years. In preparation for one of those summers as counselor, she participated in a Cornerstone Fellowship through the Foundation for Jewish Camp. She planned programs and activities, many of which were rooted in

Continues on page 9

Jenna Hertzog. Brooke Dunoff. Harli Strauss-Cohn.

Bnai Shalom to pop the cork for departing Rabbi Melody

school program at Temple Beth El, as well as in Hebrew high school and adult education classes.

As a student rabbi at Congregation Keneseth Israel, she participated in services, authored a High Holiday prayer book for children, counseled congregants, and visited elderly, ailing and terminally ill individuals, often with her guitar in tow. She led the rabbi’s study group and a women's Torah study.

Congregation Bnai Shalom will bid farewell and mazel tov to Rabbi Melody Davis at a champagne reception with food, friends and tributes on Sunday, June 4, from 3 to 5 p.m.

Whether teaching or counseling, leading services or writing and directing plays, Rabbi Melody made a difference in the lives of those around her since arriving in the Lehigh Valley in 1988. She immediately involved herself in the Jewish community, teaching grades four and six in the three-days-a-week after-

Upon her ordination at the Academy of Jewish Religion in Yonkers, New York, she accepted a position at Temple Covenant of Peace, one of the two synagogues that merged in 2020 to form Congregation Bnai Shalom. Rabbi Melody created and conducted thoughtful, interactive services; taught weekly classes in Hebrew, Bible, Ethics of the Fathers and basic Judaism. She developed soulful Zoom services throughout the pandemic and led healing and meditative services online, always seeking in-

novative ways to involve more congregants in their search for meaning. She capably created an interfaith community initiative that meets weekly to discuss the Torah and reflect on each person's individual journey. Most significantly, she assumed a prominent role in the successful merger between her reform congregation and the conservative Bnai Abraham Synagogue. In each venue, Rabbi Melody approached friends and congregants with warmth and authenticity. She loved designing new programs, teaching Hebrew at Lafayette College, working as rabbinic chaplain for Country Meadows Retirement Communities, writing plays and assuming pastoral roles at Oheb Zedek Synagogue in Pottsville and Temple Israel of Lehighton.

Should you wish to attend the champagne reception, or to get additional information, contact Irene at Bnai Shalom at 610-2585343.

TBE garden: 6,400 pounds of veggies and counting

Planting begins with master gardener Stan Tantsits. Myron Levenson then leads about 10 volunteers to maintain the garden, taking turns doing various tasks.

The benefits are reaped all summer, as long as the weather cooperates. The garden is impeccably cared for and it continues to prosper each year.

fresh air and sharing a rewarding experience with fellow gardening buffs.

To volunteer, call Myron Levenson at 484-821-7431 or email him at myronlevenson@gmail.com.

Continues from page 8

her interests in the environment and climate activism. “Connections with campers over shared anxieties for the future, awe of natural surroundings, and desires for change,” she said, “were deeply impactful and inspiring for me to keep doing work and learning of sustainable policy, ways for change and connecting with more people in intergenerational settings.”

At the Muhlenberg Hillel she has been a leader of Reform Shabbat services and of study sessions that delved into Jewish texts to find connections to climate change and injustice. While also serving as a leader of the campus Environmental Action Team, she has worked with other leaders of enACT and the Hillel to host environmentally focused Shabbatot where they share resources and connect with Jewish environmental organizations to spread

their messages.

“Harli demonstrates a unique ability to cultivate belonging and social responsibility among her peers as she creates meaningful Jewish spaces and experiences on campus,” said Ira Blum, director of the Muhlenberg Hillel. “It means so much to see her applying her learning and acquired skills at this stage of her life, by supporting the Reform Shabbat Service each week, as well as by bridging the relationship between Hillel and the Environmental Action Team on campus.”

Looking ahead, StraussCohn has a diverse set of aspirations that very much include the Jewish community. “I certainly see a continuation and expansion of my Jewish leadership,” she said, “whether it be in the front of the room or as an engaged participant.”

By Cindy Schneider Temple Beth El

The community garden at Temple Beth El has been turning out vegetables for those in need since 2016.

The garden was created in conjunction with the community garden of the Barn in Allentown. A nondenominational Christian fellowship established in 2005, the Barn encourages Barners, neighbors, partners and members of different faith groups to participate in feeding the needy.

The TBE garden is nine raised beds totaling 450 square feet of planting area. In its seven growing seasons so far, 18 different vegetables have been planted, yielding a total of 6,400 pounds of fresh produce. The veggies are donated to Jewish Family Service’s Community Food Pantry.

Volunteers are welcome. Tending the garden is a great way to give back to the community while enjoying

Schlossberg updates SOI audience on school district spending, mental health in Pennsylvania

still needed to be done.

State Rep. Mike Schlossberg spoke at a Congregation Sons of Israel Bagel and Lox Brunch on March 26 about two of his main interests: education and mental health.

Schlossberg, who represents the state’s 132nd District, including west Allentown and South Whitehall and Upper Macungie Townships, spoke about

the disparities in educational spending per pupil in wealthier and poorer school districts across the state, what that means for the quality of education in each district, and what options are being considered to increase equity. Guided by filled-out questionnaires, Schlossberg talked about what had been considered to date and what

In the area of mental health, Schlossberg is acutely aware of the deficiencies in services for adults and children in the Lehigh Valley and across the state. Questions were specifically aimed at services for children and adolescents, for whom appropriate care often involves long waits for beds, treatment and medical providers. The Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network both have proposals for more behavioral/mental health services, but those are months, possibly years, from availability. Meanwhile, the need grows.

Schlossberg also told the audience about the state House’s recently created Jewish Legislative Caucus, which has both Jewish and

Visiting scholar at Keneseth Israel, Bnai Shalom wrestles with turbulent times

tures and lead discussions on antisemitism, contemporary interpretations of the Talmud, overused Jewish buzz words and the situation in Israel.

The weekend proved to be an intense, deep dive into a wide range of issues confronting American Jews. On Friday evening, after a reception honoring Keneseth Israel’s Life and Legacy members (catered by KI’s Chef Eric), Martina Obenski led a Shabbat service followed by Rabbi Salkin’s talk.

Brunch was served Sunday morning, catered by KI congregants Lynda Pollack and Iris Epstein, after which Rabbi Salkin led a session on Zionism and the American Jewish community.

All the programs were well attended by members of both congregations.

non-Jewish members. Rapidly increasing antisemitic behavior in Pennsylvania and in the wider world required an organized response, so the caucus came to be.

The next Congregation Sons of Israel Bagel and Lox Brunch is scheduled

for May 21 at 10 a.m. Robert Simon, an investment advisor for Morgan Stanley in Allentown, will speak about today’s economy. Register by May 15 via email at sonsofisrael.net or by phone at 610-433-6089.

Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin, who has been called “an activist for Jewish ideas” and “a public intellectual of the pulpit,” was scholar-in-residence at Congregation Keneseth Israel and Congregation Bnai Shalom in Easton during the weekend of March 3.

The theme of the residency was “Turbulent Times: Jewish Life in the Contemporary World,” and participants in the weekend events heard Rabbi Salkin deliver four lec-

Several KI members traveled to Easton on Saturday morning for Rabbi Salkin’s Talmud study and a kiddush lunch.

That evening Rabbi Salkin led a havdalah service, and a light supper was served before his lecture on Jewish buzz words.

Rabbi Salkin, in addition to leading the weekend’s major programs, met with KI’s confirmation class and led a study session with Muhlenberg College Hillel students.

The counting of the Omer

Lag Ba’omer is the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer. It is observed this year on May 9. Like many Jew-

ish holidays, it is named for its date. (The Hebrew letters lamed and gimel, which make up the acronym “Lag,” have the combined numerical value of 33. Some other numerically named holidays are Tu B’Shevat and Tisha B’Av.) An omer is a sheaf. It specifically refers to the measure of grain that was once offered at the Holy Temple. The Torah commanded that seven weeks be counted for the omer. These seven weeks connect Passover to Shavuot. We are enjoined by the Torah to count the omer like this: “From the day on which you bring the sheaf of elevation offering the day after the Sabbath you shall count off seven weeks” (Leviticus 23:15).

There are no other attendant mitzvot (commandments).

The Talmud, in Yevamot 62b, recounts the story of Rabbi Akiva, who had 12,000 pairs of students, all of whom died in one period of time because they did not treat one another with respect. It is taught that all of them died in the period from Passover through Shavuot.

During the first 32 days of the Omer, many observe mourning customs in memory of those students and their severe punishment. Weddings are forbidden, and some Jews do not cut their hair. The Talmudic scholar Menachem Meiri (13th-century Spain) wrote in a commentary that according to a Gaonic tradition, the plague ended on Lag Ba’omer, which was why it was appropriate to celebrate.

The Ari (Rabbi Isaac Luria, 16th century) determined that Rabbi Simeon bar Yochai died on Lag Ba’omer. Since then it has become traditional to celebrate at his grave on Mount Meron. This celebration includes upshiren —giving 3-year-old boys their first haircuts, dancing, singing and bonfires. The fires recall the light that Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai introduced through his mystical teachings.

A midrash suggests that during Rabbi Simeon bar Yochai’s life, there were no rainbows. According to Rashi, there were entire generations that did not require a sign of the covenant, and Rabbi Shi-

mon Bar Yochai’s generation was among them. Since the Hebrew word for rainbow and bow are the same — keshet — playing with bows and arrows is seen as a way of remembering the great sage.

Jewish scholars in the 19th century chose to reinterpret the death of the 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva, suggesting it was a hint that they actually died in battle. (This is not a far-fetched conclusion, as Rabbi Akiva supported Bar Kochba unconditionally, during the 132-135 C.E. revolt against the Romans.) He saw Bar Kochba as the Messiah, as a person who would fight and regain Jewish dominion over the land. Lag Ba’omer was reimagined as the day on which Bar Kochba had a victory over the Romans. The news of the triumph was signaled with bonfires. The bows and arrows given to children corresponded to the weapons used to fight the Romans.

Today the holiday is celebrated in three different ways: some secular Jews light bonfires in honor of Bar Kochba, many Orthodox Jews make a pilgrimage to Meron to honor the life of Simeon bar Yochai, and some communi-

ties hold Scholar’s Day events to encourage education, research and enlightenment.

British novelist Margaret Storm Jameson suggests that we should take Lag Ba’omer as an opportunity to focus on the miracle of the here and now. “There is only one world, the world pressing against you at this minute. There is only one minute in which you are alive, this minute, here and now.” We must recognize that “the only way to live is by accepting each minute as an unrepeatable miracle, which is exactly what it is: a miracle and unrepeatable.”

May you find awareness of the miracles in your life.

Residents of Country Meadows of Allentown celebrated Passover with two events this year. Rabbi Seth Phillips, on behalf of Jewish Family Service, led a discussion on the history of the

holiday on March 28. A week later, on April 4, residents gathered for a “model seder” (a simulation of the actual seder) with Cantor Ellen Sussman of Temple Shirat Shalom.

Rabbi Melody Davis

Congregation Bnai Shalom

Photo credit: Edwin A. Davis

Jean Munn Reflects On Her Internship at JFS

Jean Munn, a Bachelor of Social Work student from Cedar Crest College, spent the 2022-23 academic year as an intern at Jewish Family Service. She entered this position with more than six years of experience working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Via of the Lehigh Valley. Under the supervision of Rebecca Axelrod-Cooper, MSW-LSW, Impact Coordinator, Jean worked closely with Amanda Thomas, PhD, Accessibility and Inclusion Coordinator.

“At the core of social work learning is having students take lessons from the classroom and apply them in their internships. Often, the intern will bring a fresh perspective or thought process that is shared with the staff. The opportunity to grow and learn together only enhances the work that we do,” said Rebecca.

During her internship

experience, Jean had the opportunity to expand her professional knowledge surrounding accessibility and inclusion. When asked to reflect on her internship experience, Jean remarked, “The culture at JFS was so friendly and welcoming. I really felt that all of the staff members were as invested in my education as I was. I was well supported and given so many great opportunities to expand on my existing knowledge. I really enjoyed assisting Amanda with trainings based on accessibility and inclusion, but especially on digital accessibility, which is the practice of removing barriers that may prevent access to websites or other digital tools.

During my time at JFS I was able to take a class on digital accessibility, create an accessibility toolkit, and assist with trainings that Amanda presented in the community on digital

JFS Celebrates Our Volunteers

JFS hosted volunteers, staff, and board members at Jay’s Local on April 24, 2023 in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month with food, drinks, and laughs. “Volunteers are the backbone of the agency, giving from their hearts and with smiles on their faces,” said Jennifer Oxfeld, Volunteer Coordinator.

accessibility.”

Jean stated that she looks forward to taking this knowledge with her and implementing it professionally. She said, “The knowledge I’ve gained about accessibility and inclusion is going to positively impact my practice as a social worker. Now that I know how to create content that’s more accessible, I plan to continue and make it my personal standard. I plan to stay up-to-date on digital accessibility and encourage any agency I work with to do the same.”

Reflecting on her experience working with Jean, Amanda said, ”Jean showed tremendous growth throughout her internship. She was extremely eager to learn and take on new challenges like Supported Decision Making, digital accessibility, and inclusive

IN HONOR

ROSS BORN

practices. Jean elevated our agency’s mission of accessibility and inclusion through her creation of videos, resources, and toolkits. I especially enjoyed working with her on digital accessibility trainings. I can’t wait to see what’s next for her.”

Jean will graduate with her BSW from Cedar Crest College on May 13th. She has been accepted to the

Master of Social Work program at Florida State University and plans to move to Tallahassee, Florida where she will continue her education and seek full-time employment in the field of social work while completing her master’s degree.

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

JEROME GINSBURG

In Honor of receiving Lifetime Achievement Award from National Confectioners Association

Marilyn Claire

PATTY & IAN CARLIS

In Honor of 50th Anniversary

Linda and Jim Wimmer

ABBY & BEN FEINBERG

In Honor of the birth of daughter, Brianna

Carol & Bob Wilson

ELLEN & NEIL FELDMAN

In Honor of the birth of grandson, Max

Carol & Bob Wilson

EILEEN & ROBERTO FISCHMANN

In Honor of the marriage of Veronica Fischmann to Yakov

Pechersk

Carol & Bob Wilson

Debbie Zoller, JFS Staff & Board

EMILY AND BRIAN FORD

In Honor of son Al’s Bar Mitzvah

Debbie Zoller, JFS Staff & Board

CAROL & BARRY HALPER

In Honor of granddaughter Jane’s

Bat Mitzvah

Carol & Bob Wilson

Debbie Zoller, JFS Staff & Board

RABBI DAVID KRANIN

In appreciation for your service, kindness and compassion

Cary & Michael Moritz

AMY & ROB MORRISON

In Honor of the birth of granddaughter, Brianna

Carol & Bob Wilson

ALICE & MARK NOTIS

In Honor of the birth of grandson, Oz Berger

Carol & Bob Wilson

Debbie Zoller, JFS Staff & Board

COOKY & MICHAEL NOTIS

In Honor of the birth of greatgrandson, Oz Berger

Carol & Bob Wilson

Debbie Zoller, JFS Staff & Board

ELAINE & LEON PAPIR

In honor of grandson, Al Ford’s

Bar Mitzvah

Susan & Larry Berman

VICKIE SEMMEL

In Honor of her birthday

Audrey Schloaepfer

IN LOVING MEMORY

STEPHEN BLUMBERG

(Husband of Ellen Blumberg)

Rabbi Allen & Toby Juda

Judy & Andy Murman

Carol & Perry Zirkel

IRA (BOB) BORN

(Father of Ross Born)

Marilyn Claire

Susan & Bob Gadomski and

Beth Gadomski

Rabbi Allen & Toby Juda

Carol & Bob Wilson

TAMA FOGELMAN

(Beloved mother, sister, grandmother and friend)

Sherrie & Tom Kelley

Amy & Greg McCoy

Kathy Thometz

(Husband of Gloria Ginsburg)

Judith Miller

Carol & Bob Wilson

THOMAS GOLDMAN

(Brother of Martin Goldman)

Sandy & Sid Brown

Chuck and Kate Schrader

Sandy & Stephen Sheller

CAROLYN HOFFMAN (Daughter of Barbara & Arthur Hoffman)

Bill Bergstein

Marilyn Claire

Judy & Andy Murman

Linda & Jim Wimmer

MAUR LEVAN

(Husband of Doe Levan)

Rabbi Allen & Toby Juda

LEAH LOWENSTEIN

(Sister of Dena DeYoung)

Rachel & Andy Shurman

ALAN MORRISON

(Father of Rob Morrison)

Carol & Bob Wilson

VERA SILVERMAN

(Mother of Kathi Katzman)

Carol & Bob Wilson

RON SILVERSTEIN

(Brother of Alyssa Drucker and Lori Bloom)

Barbara & Fred Sussman

PETER SOKALSKY

(Husband of Sheila Sokalsky)

Judy & Andy Murman

SHELDON SOMERMAN

Edith Miller

SHIRLEY STEIN

(Sister of Pearl Stein)

Carol & Bob Wilson

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

Jean Munn in her graduation regalia

The incredible volunteers of JFS!

Marge Carroll, Jane Pitkoff, and Amy Morse Bill Bergstein, Audit Chair, Robin Rosenau, Board President and Debbie Zoller, Executive Director

Stagemakers Go Wild With Spring Production

Heather Lavin Program Director

Hopefully, you were one of the wonderful audience members who experienced the latest Stagemakers Youth Theater production of DreamWorks Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr. Our young performers transformed themselves into characters including zoo animals, lemurs, foosa, and even some animal control officers and zoo guests. This upbeat musical showcased our performers singing and dancing all with high-energy and catchy tunes you can pack into 60 minutes.

Stagemakers’ fall 2022 and spring 2023 productions both had 50 children participate ranging in age from Pre-K to 8th grade. To engage and serve this large of

Lehigh

Valley

a group requires a combination of scheduling logistics, family participation, and a dedicated creative staff. It is anything but a one-man show!

This production debuted our latest upgrades to sound and lighting systems in the Kline Auditorium, made possible in part by a grant from David Katz Foundation. As we continue to grow our program’s reach and deepen engagement with the performing arts we are working to keep our technology up to par to provide the best experience for our young performers.

This was the third Stagemakers performance since the hiatus due to COVID. It is also my third production as producer and we are continuing to evolve the program and hone our mission. Stagemakers Youth Theater is dedicated to

bringing young performers the opportunity to experience the stage. Whether onstage or backstage, young performers work with a professional creative team to explore the concepts of musicals from dramaturgy and character development to singing and

Represented at JCC Regional Conference

Tracy Sussman Membership and Marketing Director

In March, Jewish community center professionals from eighteen JCCs in the northeast region gathered at Capital Camps & Retreat Center in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania for a professional development and networking conference. I was privileged to attend the conference alongside three other local JCC colleagues: Jodi Lovenwirth, aquatics director, Jackie Weiss, ECE and Jewish education coordinator, and Maggie Schutzler, development director. We felt the power of the extended JCC community as we spent time building relationships and sharing program successes. We also discussed operational challenges, community insights, and the latest industry trends.

One of the keynote speakers, Doron Krakow, president and CEO of the JCC Association of

North American summarized the conference: “We talked about divisions that seem to increasingly define our society and the extent to which community building— across backgrounds, politics, religious affiliation, and identity— has become almost countercultural at a time of growing polarization, or perhaps more accurately, atomization around us.

We underscored the even greater importance of such efforts in times like these. What an enormous point of pride it is for all who take part in the JCC movement that once someone passes through a JCC’s doors—anywhere in North America—the things that bind us together are far more important than those that set us apart.”

It is a remarkable time to come

dancing and even costuming and set production. Stagemakers is a long-running program, but it is anything but stagnant. For more information about Stagemakers camps this summer, visit lvjcc.org/Camp.

back together again after the yearslong wait since our last conference. Being part of this talented and diverse group of people from different backgrounds to share ideas, receive feedback and connect with one another who believe in the same mission was a special and meaningful experience, which will enhance the work that the JCC staff does for our local community.

Hanukkah is on the horizon

Begin Your Leadership Journey at Camp JCC

Rachel Doyle Camp & Youth Director

Jackie Weiss Early Childhood and Jewish Education Coordinator

So, what is Hanukkah and why do we celebrate this fun and joyous holiday?

Hanukkah is an eightday celebration that commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over King Antiochus IV and his soldiers. After their victory, the Maccabees rededicate the Temple in Jerusalem. A new menorah was built, but there was only a tiny jar of oil, which looked like enough to last for a day. However, a great miracle happened! The oil lasted for eight whole days.

Our new CIT (Counselor-InTraining) program this year is one we hope will develop and grow year after year! It is a bridge for young people that are too old to come to camp as campers but not quite old enough to start working at camp yet. CITs get to participate in and enjoy all the magic of summer camp while gaining hands-on experience, training, life skills, and fun for the summer. Instead of sitting home bored and looking for things to do, our CIT participants will learn about first aid, complete their Red Cross Babysitting certification, shadow camp counselors, participate in all our special events and field trips, practice time management and leadership skills, and experience what it is like to have a job in a safe and supportive environment.

In addition to our CIT program, we would like to introduce a few of our key staff joining us at camp this summer. First, we are excited to welcome Donna Seibert and Creyn Muthard back to camp as

our two Head Counselors. Donna will be overseeing Camp Junior and grades 5-8 of Camp Adventure and Creyn is heading up our grades 1-4 Camp Adventure team. Both of our amazing head counselors return following multiple years of fun and experience at Camp JCC, and we are thrilled they will be joining us again!

wonderful reminder to me that hope never fades, it can only grow stronger.

Hanukkah is a favorite Jewish holiday of many children because it is a custom for kids to receive gifts for all eight nights! In addition, many delicious traditional foods are made on Hanukkah. Potato pancakes or latkes, jelly donuts, and chocolate coins, known as Hanukkah gelt, are mainstays that the entire family can enjoy! In a heated debate that many Jews find themselves on the opposite side of, it is a question of whether latkes go better with applesauce or sour cream. While we won’t take sides in this article, there are cases for both!

Donna has been working in local schools for many years as a paraprofessional. Her wealth of experience and knowledge in early childhood learning and knowing just how to make both our youngest and oldest of campers feel at home and get the most out of their day is something only time has taught her and she is graciously willing to pass on that knowledge to up-and-coming counselors this year. Donna also utilizes a lot of mindfulness techniques that our older campers find relaxing and calming.

that make a new teacher so adored by all the kids they come in contact with. He has an ability to think on his feet, organize large numbers of campers and is always ready to jump into a class or group with techniques that can turn even the most stubborn frown upside down.

campers to attend. His knowledge of the inner workings of camp and experience are invaluable and will aid him in his role to support not just the head counselors but also Rachel Doyle and Alaina Schaeffer, the Director and Assistant Director of Camp.

For that reason, a candle on the menorah or Hanukkiya is lit for each of the eight nights of the holiday to commemorate the miracle. For that reason, Hanukkah is referred to as The Festival of Lights! It is a custom to light the menorah near a window, where it can be easily seen, and each night, the light from the candles continues to grow, which serves as a

Maggie Schutzler Development Director

Creyn is a recent college graduate with a degree in elementary education and a minor in special education. He is bringing his student teaching experience and all the lively energy and enthusiasm

Another staple is the dreidel, a four-sided spinning top with Hebrew letters on each side that stand for the phrase “a great miracle happened there,” with “there” referring to Israel (Fun fact, in Israel the letters are different with “here” replacing “there!”). Traditionally, games of dreidel are played for stashes of Hanukkah gelt, with the

Yitzi Powers is a camp staple returning to us this year in a new capacity. Coming off his own student teaching semester, Yitzi will be working behind the scenes as our Summer Camp Administrator, answering phone calls, emails and gathering all the required paperwork that enables our

winner receiving a pile of chocolate coins.

The JCC of the Lehigh Valley will be celebrating Hanukkah with our annual Family Hanukkah Celebration and Community Candle Lighting on Sunday, December 18 from 3pm-5pm. We will be celebrating in style

Together our dream team of five will be working hard this summer to provide all our campers and their families with amazing and memorable Camp JCC experiences. We look forward to seeing all our campers at the Open House on Sunday, June 18, 2023.

with games, crafts tables, doughnuts, hot latkes and cocoa, live entertainment, and a dance party! Register online at lvjcc.org/SpecialEvents or call the JCC at 610-435-3571. We hope to see you there and wish everyone a chag sameach!

JCC Recruiting Members For ECE and Camp Alumni Groups

Stagemakers cast explores indigenous culture

The JCC is excited to announce that we are forming an alumni association for past participants of both Camp JCC and Early Childhood Education at the JCC! We know that the JCC has a large network of alumni from both Camp and Early Childhood Education who may not currently be connected to our organization but are interested in learning more about what the JCC is up to. We also know that we have many alumni who are now returning to the JCC with their own children and may be interested to have more involvement in the community.

Heather Lavin

wowed the audience and was able to fully embrace their roles with the help of PBS39 and the Museum

We are hoping to bring these groups together in order to develop a passionate community of JCC alumni in support of the Jewish community and each other. This community of JCC alumni will help us to create meaningful events for the alumni and current families of Camp JCC and ECE, foster networking opportunities

amongst each other, and work towards helping the JCC to fulfill its core values of Respect (Kavod), Healing the World (Tikkun Olam), Charity/Giving Back (Tzedakah), Acts of Loving Kindness (Gemilut Hasadim), and Compassion (Rahamanut).

We cannot create this incredible community without the help of our

alumni! Please fill out the form linked via the QR code below to ensure that we know you are an alumnus of Camp and/or ECE at the JCC.

Save the Date for the upcoming Camp JCC Alumni Reunion at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley on Sunday August 6, 2023! More information to come soon.

of Indian Culture. Stagemakers Molly of Denali. In addition, the Participants worked on hand

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

The benefits of connecting with a senior citizen

Why JDS?

By Megan Hyman

By Leah Leisawitz

Why JDS?

The JDS received a $30,000 three-year national grant from the Jewish Education Project’s Better Together, a fund focused on transformational intergenerational programs. Spearheaded by Beth Kushnick, Director of Outreach & Engagement, JDS upper elementary and middle school students partnered with JCC’s Friendship Circle to create a pen-pal program and eagerly await their letters each month. As part of the grant, JDS students entered a contest to win $5,000 towards Jewish camp or a teen trip to Israel. Our school winner was fifth grader Leah Leisawitz. Here is her essay: Every young person faces problems in life. Often they do not know how to cope with these challenges and they are unaware who to turn to for advice. A great source for help that a young person can rely on is a senior citizen. This is because seniors have encountered these very same problems and many more. Having experienced these obstacles makes them able to provide advice based on their real life experiences.

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

We arrived in Allentown in late March 2020 with a 2-year-old son, Joseph and 4-month-old daughter, Evelyn. Having flown in from Dallas, Texas to be closer to family (Adam’s parents, Dr. David and Mrs. Susan Hyman who have lived in Allentown for nearly 50 years), we assumed

Senior citizens are able to provide helpful encouragement and many would love the opportunity to help those who need guidance.

When it came time for Joseph, our now five-year-old son, to get back into an early childhood education program, the welcoming, intimate, and warm environment at JDS was an obvious place for us to turn. The administration and staff worked tirelessly to adhere to everchanging guidelines from the CDC and still make the magic of school very real for its students. Joseph FLOURISHED in this environment, and now that he’s in his third year as a student (kindergarten!) he loves the dynamic and joyful learning experience he’s had there. I’ll never forget when he came home to recite the full Pledge of Allegiance and knew all the words to the Hatikvah at three years old!

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

what is not. This is why there is a big difference in how children view their small problems as a big deal, but as they mature and grow older they realize that some issues are not that important. Unfortunately, this is because seniors have gone through real hardships throughout the years and continue to face them as they get older. This includes losing a friend, parent, or loved one that they were very close to at some point in their lives.

We arrived in Allentown in late March 2020 with a 2-year-old son, Joseph and 4-month-old daughter, Evelyn. Having flown in from Dallas, Texas to be closer to family (Adam’s parents, Dr. David and Mrs. Susan Hyman who have lived in Allentown for nearly 50 years), we assumed

vironment at JDS was an obvious place for us to turn. The administration and staff worked tirelessly to adhere to everchanging guidelines from the CDC and still make the magic of school very real for its students. Joseph FLOURISHED in this environment, and now that he’s in his third year as a student (kindergarten!) he loves the dynamic and joyful learning experience he’s had there. I’ll never forget when he came home to recite the full Pledge of Allegiance and knew all the words to the Hatikvah at three years old!

Evelyn is always so proud when one of the “big kids” helps her with her backpack at the end of the day, and Joseph talks about his “reading buddy” constantly!

demic as built-in playmates and The JDS has enabled that relationship strengthen – they check in on on the playground and love to other in the hallways. It’s a joy older children care for the younger Evelyn is always so proud when the “big kids” helps her with pack at the end of the day, and talks about his “reading buddy” stantly!

One of the major tenets of a devotion to the development confident students who are well to meet the world. This couldn’t representative of our experience.

Why JDS?

This year, his sister Evelyn was able to join the three-year-old program with the same teachers and several younger siblings of her brother’s class. She was very shy at first, but quickly overcame that and truly gets ready for school with enthusiasm. The school has supported her love of art, singing, and she’s made the sweetest friends. We LOVE getting updates and photos on the Class Dojo app throughout the day.

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

Older generations have witnessed so much throughout the years. They have experienced historic events such as the Holocaust, the Vietnam War, and the Civil Rights Movement, and also had to deal with the everyday challenges that younger people face. How should I deal with a bully at school? How do I deal with my sibling? What can I do to get better grades in school? What do I want to be when I grow up? What do I want for my birthday? These are just a few examples of questions that young people ask themselves. The younger generation believes that no one can understand their problems, but that is not true. Seniors have experienced these problems and are more than happy to share their advice based on what they have seen in their life.

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

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

Some advice may be to handle life events like they did when they were young. However, some ideas may be to do the opposite depending on how the situation worked out for them. For example, a senior may recommend that a student work harder in school than they did because getting an education would have made their life much easier.

On the other hand, they understand what makes them happy in life, such as staying close with their friends and family, and watching their children and grandchildren grow up. These experiences allow seniors to help younger people with important decisions and difficult situations. Life events aren’t just for solving problems, they are also for the enjoyment of listening and seeing what you can learn from them. Seniors once looked up to their parents and grandparents and now the younger generation can look up to them. Eventually, the younger generation will grow up and become the seniors that their children and grandchildren can appreciate. Hopefully, they will return the favor.

going to the store for them, and many more obstacles that seniors could use help for. While over the years they could always rely on their memory, memory loss makes it more difficult to talk in front of people, is frustrating for the senior and very sad and difficult for the senior’s family. It is hard enough to lose some of your physical strengths which happens to all seniors, but to add memory loss makes it so much more difficult.

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

By Megan Hyman

Sadly, our chapter in Allentown is coming to a close. For professional reasons, we are moving back to Texas at the conclusion of the school year. Our love for the community that Amy Golding, her staff, and volunteers have created will stay with us forever. The friendships we’ve made as a family through the school will remain and we know these memories made here will bring us joy for years to come.

This year, his sister Evelyn was able to join the three-year-old program with the same teachers and several younger siblings of her brother’s class. She was very shy at first, but quickly overcame that and truly gets ready for school with enthusiasm. The school has supported her love of art, singing, and she’s made the sweetest friends. We LOVE getting updates and photos on the Class Dojo app throughout the day.

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

Sadly, our chapter in Allentown ing to a close. For professional are moving back to Texas at the sion of the school year. Our love community that Amy Golding, and volunteers have created will us forever. The friendships we’ve a family through the school will and we know these memories will bring us joy for years to come. For any parent grappling with sion of where to send your child in the Lehigh Valley, we found an extremely supportive place, from the uncertainties that we our daily lives, and the perfect ment to instill a love of learning ish values.

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

Seniors should feel comfortable asking for assistance. Unfortunately, they often do not ask because they feel that they are supposed to help everyone instead of having others help them. For that reason seniors are sometimes embarrassed to ask for help even though they shouldn’t be. Young people should offer to assist seniors to make sure they feel secure. Younger generations can not offer advice about their experiences the same way seniors can but they can help them physically and mentally. Some examples are going shopping for them, assisting them while walking, reading the newspaper to them, taking the trash and recycling out, cleaning their house, driving them around town to their appointments, and helping them with their daily schedules. Young people can also help with technology, modern ideas, current fashion, and the latest trends. Some examples of helping with technology are to help with their television, put pictures on their phone, teach them how to listen to their voicemails and many other things. Seniors can be both the teacher and the student throughout their lives.

Who is the refugee? It’s me.

For any parent grappling with the decision of where to send your child to school in the Lehigh Valley, we found the JDS an extremely supportive place, a refuge from the uncertainties that we all face in our daily lives, and the perfect environment to instill a love of learning and Jewish values.

The decision parents where to send their school is often one of the most and difficult. Will the school right balance between quality tion and overall child development? will our child fit in? Luckily ily, in a period of great uncertainty, decision to choose the Jewish of Lehigh Valley was the easiest we’ve ever said. We arrived in Allentown in 2020 with a 2-year-old son, 4-month-old daughter, Evelyn. flown in from Dallas, Texas to family (Adam’s parents, Dr. Mrs. Susan Hyman who have lentown for nearly 50 years),

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

Who is the refugee? It’s me.

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

Who is the

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

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

Seniors have experienced highs and lows throughout their lives. The amount and type of situations they’ve had allows them to understand what is important and

The beginning of 2022 It was a happy time for me. I had a beautiful house near Kyiv, capital of Ukraine. I had a garden full of fruit trees and berry bushes. I had great plans – I was opening my own cafe and bakery store, I was setting up a big greenhouse to plant many vegetables there. My children went to great preschool and afterschool smart classes. My daughter started to go to ballroom classes at the best dance school in the area. My husband had a very important role with great career opportunities in the biggest energy company in Ukraine. We used to invite our friends to our little parties at home, used to see our parents when we wanted to. It was really a very great period of life; I was truly happy.

While seniors are able to help the younger generation with their problems, seniors continue to face their own challenges as they age. Getting older requires more help and different challenges to overcome then the ones they had as a younger person. These tasks can be very difficult for an older person to accept. Some examples of these obstacles are: loss of sight, having a hard time hearing, trouble walking, loss of energy, and many more physical changes they are not used to. One of the hardest challenges some face is memory loss. The younger generation can help with some of these challenges by helping them with reading, reminding them about their appointments, with household chores, cooking for them,

Introducing middle school STEAM & Performing Arts tracks

People’s lives are similar to a well thought out book. The first chapters include a foundation of the story by providing an introduction to the characters and setting. The middle chapters include the plot and various events, conflicts, and themes. Then, the final chapters include suspense and the conclusion. All these parts come together and create wonderful books of lives that are unique. Just like the main character in a novel, a person has many people guiding and influencing them throughout life. The beauty of books is that they contain amazing chapters which are important to share with future generations.

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

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

JDS is thrilled to launch a new innovative multi-track program for fifth through eighth graders during the 2023-2024 school year.

The tracks will explore students’ unique passions. Students will choose either the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) track or the Performing Arts track.

And then, on 24th of February, all was ruined. The war started. And what did we know about war? Only history WW2 from books and movies…and some horrible stories from our grandparents. We decided to stay, because it was our home. We thought that our village was now a target for the enemy and even if they would come. We heard stories from our grandparents who remembered a time when their homes were under occupation during WW2 so we kind of could guess how it could be in our case. But we were wrong, very very wrong. Because in village aren’t many people – it’s difficult to feel panic. We heard sounds of missile strikes, the house was shaking every time, but personally I really felt it on the second week, end of February. I needed to take my youngest daughter to doctor. So, we were going by car there. It wasn’t far but we needed to go through a checkpoint which was created as a part of country protection actions. There I saw real soldiers, guns, bullets laying on the ground, tanks for the first time in my life. And it wasn’t museum exhibition, it was real life situation. But worst was that something just fly above my head and then I heard and felt shot near me. It was enemy drone. It scared me to death, I never ever felt like this before. Next weeks were very scary for me. The enemy soldiers were closer and closer to our village. At

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

In most cases seniors are lucky that they no longer need to work, have time to reflect on their past and share their experiences. It is important to cherish every moment. Even though not every chapter of every book is exciting or memorable, it is the sum of the moments that make the novel its own. The lives and lessons that are learned from them will be remembered from generation to generation.

So, what is the difference between me as and other people who came here as immigrants? sons why we came. I love Ukraine, it’s my home, of my children and many past generations my husband’s family. We miss our home a lot. fore February 2022 we never thought about ing abroad, we simply didn’t want to, because satisfied with our lives and happy in Ukraine. the US because it was the best option of all, the most difficult. It was hard, and it is hard. because of usual immigrant’s difficulties such ent language, different culture, finding job, local documents, impossible life without a impossible life without a credit score, but the ficulty is not being allowed to go out of the US. for people, who decide to come here, who big goal, who choose to live here and can stand thing to make this “American dream” came it is very hard for us, refugees, forced migrants, heart is still at our home with our friends, parents, houses and gardens. And only your our life here more like at home (through relations, versations, care and support). Because at the day most important things are not material things, will never ever fill your heart and soul with ness and happiness.

So, what is the difference between me as a refugee and other people who came here as immigrants? Reasons why we came. I love Ukraine, it’s my home, home of my children and many past generations of my and my husband’s family. We miss our home a lot. And before February 2022 we never thought about emigrating abroad, we simply didn’t want to, because we were satisfied with our lives and happy in Ukraine. We chose the US because it was the best option of all, but also the most difficult. It was hard, and it is hard. Not only because of usual immigrant’s difficulties such as different language, different culture, finding job, getting all local documents, impossible life without a car, almost impossible life without a credit score, but the real difficulty is not being allowed to go out of the US. Maybe for people, who decide to come here, who has it likething to make this “American dream” came true, but it is very hard for us, refugees, forced migrants, who’s heart is still at our home with our friends, neighbors, parents, houses and gardens. And only your help madeversations, care and support). Because at the end of the day most important things are not material things, they -

So, I want to say a big, huge thank you one to all of you! I am grateful for the ability to day, in a safe, beautiful and ambitious place, the grateful to all of you, for listening to my story, porting my family and Ukraine. I believe that end soon, that I can finally see my home and friends and neighbors. But I, as all Ukrainians, in that fatal February, in pre-war days, when our land, in our home; happy, confident in the

The STEAM program engages students to think critically, provides hands-on learning experiences, and challenges students to collaborate, take risks, and solve problems and is taught by the JDS faculty.

The Performing Arts program, led by Mark Stutz, an award-winning artistic director with decades of experience, will expose students to the world of theater, both on stage and behind-the-scenes, and help students discover, develop, and hone their creative talents.

And then, on 24th of February, all was ruined. The war started. And what did we know about war? Only history WW2 from books and movies…and some hor rible stories from our grandparents. We decided to stay, because it was our home. We thought that our village was now a target for the enemy and even if they would come. We heard stories from our grandparents who remembered a time when their homes were under oc cupation during WW2 so we kind of could guess how it could be in our case. But we were wrong, very very wrong. Because in village aren’t many people – it’s dif ficult to feel panic. We heard sounds of missile strikes, the house was shaking every time, but personally I really felt it on the second week, end of February. I needed to take my youngest daughter to doctor. So, we were going by car there. It wasn’t far but we needed to go through a checkpoint which was created as a part of country protection actions. There I saw real soldiers, guns, bul lets laying on the ground, tanks for the first time in my life. And it wasn’t museum exhibition, it was real life situation. But worst was that something just fly above my head and then I heard and felt shot near me. It was enemy drone. It scared me to death, I never ever felt like this before. Next weeks were very scary for me. The enemy soldiers were closer and closer to our village. At

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

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

So, I want to say a big, huge thank you one more timeday, in a safe, beautiful and ambitious place, the US. I’mporting my family and Ukraine. I believe that war will end soon, that I can finally see my home and hug all my friends and neighbors. But I, as all Ukrainians, still stay in that fatal February, in pre-war days, when we were on our land, in our home; happy, confident in the coming

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

like this before. Next weeks were very scary for me. The enemy soldiers were closer and closer to our village. At

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

evening we needed ritorial defense realized that tend as nothing enough for kids. fear, to feel war. until they are not be hurt by confident and

So, I asked my We left on sians* came killed men, raped houses… it lasted pation during it is still.

Now we are met people with kindness, people People from Jewish Lehigh Valley, words to describe great opportunity

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

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

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

Israel & Technion Partners In Innovation

Since the day it opened its doors in 1924, the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology has been the cornerstone of Israel’s remarkable advancements in science, technology, and education. Together, the Technion and Israel have forged a partnership to advance the nation’s global prominence and thriving high-tech economy.

As we approach the Technion Centennial next year, we honor Israel’s 75th anniversary today, and celebrate the bright future we are creating together through groundbreaking collaboration.

Coding for the future Tech startup founder gets Jewish Day School kids excited to learn vital skills

students write code to build and change elements.

By Crissy Toff Special to Hakol

Jason Toff, tech industry veteran and Jewish Day School alum and current parent (and husband of this writer), recently visited grades five through seven at the school to teach about the importance of tech literacy and coding. He demonstrated a project that his startup, Things Inc., is working on: Rooms.xyz, an educational, Lego-esque room-building website where

The knowledge and skills required for this fall under STEAM, teaching and learning that combines science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics to guide student inquiry, encourage discussion and foster problem-solving skills. Students are limited only by their imagination. They’re encouraged to take thoughtful risks, build resilience through safe failure, embrace collaboration and experimentation, think creatively, become determined and resilient problem-solvers, and learn how to learn.

“Education means teaching a

child to be curious, to wonder, to reflect, to enquire,” wrote Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, the late author and Orthodox leader in Great Britain. “The child who asks becomes a partner in the learning process, an active recipient. To ask is to grow.”

So, what besides the obvious makes coding be such an important part of today’s education? And how does it align with Jewish values?

1. It can help repair the world. Think of all the incredible things that computer technology has done to improve — and save — people’s lives. In the spirit of tikkun olam, coding can have a positive lasting impact on the people and world around us.

2. It teaches storytelling and gives children a new way to create content and express themselves. No longer do students only consume content; they can imagine, create and write the story themselves from their perspective, and watch as it comes alive for all to see.

3. It helps us understand those around us. Computer code is a different language and in learning how to code, students discover they must make something illogical logical. The Talmud says, “If a great man says something that seems illogical, don’t laugh; try to understand it.”

4. It builds resilience by encouraging us to experiment — and fail — safely. As Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” Coding allows — even forces us — to imagine. Imagination is like a muscle that must be exercised, and coding is an effective workout.

5. It encourages us to believe in miracles (and magic). Technology can do so many things, and it often seems to create miracles. As David BenGurion, first prime minister of Israel, said, “In order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles.”

Students are growing up in

a world where technology is moving at warp speed and will touch every industry they’ll enter and explore. In fact, the department of labor statistics says that 65% of today’s students will work in STEAM jobs that don’t currently exist. Students are the future. And the future is now.

Crissy Toff lives in Allentown with her husband, Jason, and three young children. She builds websites, is a photographer and volunteers at JDS and for the Women’s Philanthropy division of the Jewish Federation.

The bar for luxury has been raised. With advanced technology and an exquisite interior, the redesigned BMW X7 offers an elegant and memorable driving experience.

Take charge of the journey with up to 523 horsepower at your disposal, and arrive at your destination with unmistakable presence. The latest model includes unique features such as split headlights and BMW’s latest

2 3 h o rs e p o w e r a t yo u r d i s p o s a l , a n d a r r i ve a t yo u r d e s t i n a t i o n w t h

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CELEBRATING ISRAEL

Mourning and celebration, one after the other

By Nurit Galon Special to Hakol

When I came on aliyah (to immigrate) to Israel with my youth group in 1962, it was a totally different Israel than it is today. The country was basically agricultural, with a large percentage who had chosen to live in kibbutzim and moshavim (communal settlements) because a new and poor country had to make sure it could survive as much as possible independently, surrounded as Israel was by enemies always ready to attack and with a fledgling army, largely untrained, as defense. Survivors of the horrors of the Holocaust could hardly believe they were alive and in Israel, and youth movement participants came from around a still-shaken world to build a new society based on equality and socialism.

What’s there to celebrate here? Ma’abarot (tent towns for the new immigrants)? Threats of attack from the neighboring countries? Hard physical work for those who previously had white-collar jobs? There actually was much to celebrate — survival! In spite of everything, our people were alive and eager to be a part of rebuilding our ancient new country. Nowhere to live? Strange food? Everything new was a source of pride and a statement that we are here and we are alive.

Fast-forward 61 years to 2023. Israel is no longer the poor relation of the world, but rather a leader in many areas of achievement: high tech, science, culture, art, fashion, education, Nobel Prizes. Is it any wonder that we hold our heads high in celebration?

We in Yoav celebrate our Partnership2Gether relationship with the Lehigh Valley. It is the realization of the dream of

Jewish communities holding hands across the world to strengthen each other and the Jewish people. Our younger generation in Yoav delights in becoming youth leaders at the JCC summer camp, and over the years, we see long-lasting friendships created. We are thrilled to meet members of the Lehigh Valley community who participate in the various joint projects. April is a full month in the Jewish calendar, with happy and sad events.

Holocaust Day (Yom Hashoah) remains, as it probably always will — a day of terrible memories, both for the survivors and for those who may never have answers. Israel doesn’t forget, and every year it renews its oath that the Holocaust will never be repeated. Is this cause for celebration? In a way, yes. We celebrate that we have our home and no longer need to travel the world looking for a place, a people, that will take us in. Today, if Jews are in trouble, they know that one country will not rest until it provides a solution.

Following Holocaust Day is Memorial Day (Yom Hazikaron), for fallen Israel Defense Forces soldiers and victims of terrorism. This too is a very difficult day, especially for the families, but also for the whole country, who are well aware that the rows upon rows of graves are the price we pay for protection.

Is this, too, a cause for celebration? Perhaps appreciation is a better word, for when the siren goes off all over the country at sundown and everything stops and people stand next to their cars and appreciate the sacrifice made by our armed forces, male and female, and those killed by terrorism, all our hearts are filled with the wish “Please, no more

war.”

Immediately following Memorial Day, the very same evening, begin the celebrations for Independence Day (Yom Ha’atzmaut). There is an ongoing argument about whether this arrangement is justified. How is it possible to go from mourning to celebration within the space of a few hours? Perhaps the explanation is how quickly life in Israel can change from peace to war, from celebration to crisis.

Since the last election, there is unrest in the country, over a number of serious issues, and Israelis of all ages, normally apathetic about politics, are demonstrating in the streets. We all hope the issues will be resolved and we will see the beginning of a healthy relationship within our government.

To all our family and friends in Lehigh Valley, we raise our glass of wine to drink together, and may we always find more to celebrate than to mourn.

Recipe: Israeli Oreos

By Sandi Teplitz Special to Hakol

The only place I’ve ever tasted these cookies — Krembo cookies — was in Israel. I therefore call them Israeli Oreos. They are sweet, chocolatey and addictive. You need to accompany them with a cold glass of milk.

COOKIE INGREDIENTS:

1 1/4 cupsfl flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 cup sugar

7 tablespoons cold, salted butter, sliced thinly

3 large egg yolks

COOKIE TECHNIQUE:

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until it all comes together. Roll out dough and cut out 25 cookies with

a round 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter. Place on a buttered baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Rest for a minute and transfer to cooling rack.

MERINGUE INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup water

1 1/4 cups sugar

3 large egg whites

1 teaspoon vanilla or coffee extract

MERINGUE TECHNIQUE: Bring water and sugar to a boil and boil 7 minutes without stirring. After 5 minutes, beat egg whites in a mixer at high speed for 2 minutes. Drizzle in the hot syrup, then beat on high for another 5 minutes. Add the extract and beat for 30 seconds. Pipe onto cooled cookies, forming a mound. Freeze for 1/2 hour.

TOPPING INGREDIENTS:

11 ounces Ghirardelli 60% chocolate chips

3 tablespoons of Crisco

TOPPING TECHNIQUE:

In a double boiler, mix together chocolate chips and Crisco until melted. Turn cookies upside down and dip into the warm mixture. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes to set, then chill in the refrigerator.

ISRAEL

L’shanah haba’ah b’Yerushalayim

By Shira Yacker Special to Hakol

As we celebrate the 75th birthday of Israel, I would love to share what this joyous occasion and Israel means to me. I am the product of the Philadelphia Day School system (Forman Hebrew Day School and Akiba Hebrew Academy, as they were named in the 1970s and 1980s). The love of Israel was ingrained in me since birth, and I have so many fond memories of the various ways my schools and family celebrated Israel.

At a very young age I was taught the love of Israeli music and could often be heard belting out songs like “Hallelujah” and “Al Kol Eleh.” I remember understanding the love that the Israeli people had for their country and feeling the kinship between myself and them.

I remember celebrating Israel in a variety of ways at

school. I specifically remember building the Kotel (Western Wall) out of stuffed brown paper bags and being taught about putting notes and prayers to G-d in our homemade wall. I knew at that fairly young age that visiting the Kotel and putting notes in its cracks was of utmost importance, and that I would make it a priority to visit as soon as possible.

Another childhood experience I will never forget is Yom Ha’Atzmaut in Philadelphia. The annual Israel Day Parade was something I looked forward to every May.

I loved marching down the street with my school and/or synagogue and seeing everyone I knew. My whole family would be there with their organizations, and we would meet at the festival, which usually ended at Independence Mall. We would listen to Israeli music, eat falafel, shop for Israeli-made items

and see everyone we knew. It was a happy day of celebration and love.

Throughout my later teen years and into adulthood, I strived to discover a meaningful way to visit and experience Israel. Things didn’t line up properly for me until 2015. I was waiting to be seated at a restaurant and scrolling the internet when I came across an article about a women’s trip. It was a free trip for women with children under 18, and all I had to do was apply. This trip was through the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project, now called Momentum, the same program that was introduced to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley by Beth Kushnick and sent four Federation groups to Israel. I was lucky enough to be accepted into a group in Bensalem. I couldn’t believe I was actually going to live out my lifelong dream of traveling

“home.” I say “home” because when I arrived with my “sisters” in July 2015, I truly felt like it was a homecoming. Being in Israel was the culmination of a lifetime of love and respect and admiration for everything that Israel stood for. The experience of being there was one of the most cathartic events in my life. Every mother should travel to Israel to learn more about our homeland and about themselves as Jewish mothers, wives and daughters.

When I returned from that trip, I knew it couldn’t be the last time I would experience Israel. Three years later, for our 20th wedding anniversary, my husband and I went for two weeks. We love Israel immensely and originally planned to go again this summer, for our 25th anniversary, but that didn’t work out, so we have postponed that trip until next summer. Our daughter also went on Birth-

right Israel trip a few years back. I feel like I have passed the love of Israel on to my family, and I hope that love continues for generations to come.

Shira Yacker of Palmer Township teaches special education in the Pen Argyl School District and has taught at Hebrew school for about 25 years.

Cell: 610-393-0892

Office: 610-432-5252 LarryGinsburgTeam.com Larry.Ginsburg@BHHSRegency.com

BOOK REVIEWS

‘Israel 201’

“Israel 201: Your Next-Level Guide to the Magic, Mystery, and Chaos! of Life in the Holy Land,” by Joel Chasnoff and Benji Lovitt, Gefen Publishing, 2023, 294 pages.

Reviewed by Sean Boyle Special to Hakol

“Israel 201: Your NextLevel Guide to the Magic, Mystery, and Chaos! of Life in the Holy Land” is a collaboration between two American-born Israeli comedians, Joel Chasnoff and Benji Lovitt. Their use of humor to address tough topics makes this an entertaining while extremely educational look at Israel and Israeli culture. Seventy-five topics are broken down into eight chapters, including limited coverage of what you would expect in a typical introduction-to-Israel book: the history of the revival of the Hebrew language, the different streams of Zionism and the reasoning why the heartbreak of Yom Hazikaron is immediately before the celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut. The book is not just Chasnoff and Lovitt giving their perspectives and viewpoints as immigrants who grew up in the United States; they include interviews with many experts who go in-depth on most of the topics, ensuring there is something new for everyone to learn.

The eight chapters cover everything new olim (immi-

“Bad Jews: A History of American Jewish Politics and Identities,” by Emily Tamkin, HarperCollins Publishers, 2022, 320 pages.

Reviewed by Sandi Teplitz Special to Hakol

The first time I saw the title of this book, I figured it was about Jews in the limelight acting in a reprehensible manner. Intriguing. A must read.

Only later, when I picked it up, did I discover a very different focus. “Bad Jews: A History of American Jewish Politics and Identities” is a minihistory of politics and foibles of Jews largely centered on Americans and their varied relationships to Israel and to one another, with a not insignificant amount of politics thrown in for good measure.

Author Emily Tamkin was not a newcomer to the subject. She had previously distinguished herself as a journalist by penning “The Influence of Soros: Politics, Power and the Struggle for an Open Society.” She is no slouch in academia either, having earned a Fulbright Fellowship and studied at Columbia University and the University of Oxford. As a current resident of Washing-

grants to Israel) will need. One interesting insight included is that the rise in the numbers of Arab-Israeli doctors and pharmacists is due to the opening of Jordanian schools as a result of the 1994 Israel-Jordan peace treaty. Another is that “lone soldiers” does not refer only to foreign citizens in the Israel Defense Forces. It also refers to Israeli soldiers without family support. But since they are Israeli, they do not get the same support that foreign lone soldiers do. The authors also provide insight to Israeli business culture and the effects of low wages combined with high taxes and rent. To go along with the multiple examples of the major role service in the IDF plays in Israeli life, they provide an entire section dedicated to IDF slang. In the Making Aliyah chapter they include phrases commonly mistaken by new learners of Hebrew. Israeli history is presented through a brief “Remember when …” of each decade’s major historic events, and there is a list of 75 “I knew I was Israeli when …” collected from recent immigrants. There is even a section on school recess games played with minimal equipment and space, explained by current sixth-grade students. One interesting insight is why the Israeli high school ranked No. 1 for almost a decade is

ton, D.C., she has ready access to media platforms.

Tamkin divides her book into nine chapters, each concerning her ideas on a different type of Jew and peppered with examples of “bad Jews.” Along the way, she addresses the question of what makes a bad Jew. Not keeping kosher? Not being an active member of the Jewish community? Not supporting Israel? Not being attuned to current inclusive trends in the community? With great and sincere exploration, she tracks the evolution of Jewish history and forms the conclusion that Jews, as an identity, are always changing.

A few of the book’s features are troubling. The introduction is lengthy, 12 pages, and contains information likely to be off-putting to segments of her potential readership. Do we have to be aware at first that she eats shellfish and is married to a non-Jew and liberal? That data could have been more appropriately included within the book’s chapters. Tamkin also has no problem confusing opinion with fact, referencing the Iraq War as

not a Jewish school but the Darca Druze High School for Science and Leadership. One item to note: the book is written from an Anglo point of view by authors who have experience only in Israel and the United States, and several Israeli cultural aspects mentioned are not unique to Israel but are shared throughout the Middle East. Highly recommended for ages 14-120, ideal for anyone wanting to learn more about Israel and Israeli culture.

Sean Boyle is Congregation Keneseth Israel’s librarian and also serves as vice president, president-elect, of the Association of Jewish Libraries.

disturbing without pointing out the contributions made by American soldiers and diplomats.

Despite these minor blemishes, the amount of complex and complicated material that Tamkin deftly covers makes the book worth the read. Be prepared for an interesting discussion to follow.

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

Community Calendar

To list an event in the Community Calendar, submit your information on our website, www.jewishlehighvalley.org, under the “Upcoming Events” menu. All events listed in the Community Calendar are

FRIDAY, MAY 5

Book signing and lunch with Amy Oselkin

Lunchtime, Boutique to Go

Meet Amy Oselkin, community member and author of the newly released poetry book

“The Story Behind the Poem: A Reflection on Mommyhood, Miscarriages and Marriage,” at the Boutique to Go designer women’s fashion store in Allentown’s West End Theatre District. For further information, contact boutique2go@yahoo.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 7

Gather and Grow: Jewish Women in Health Care

10 a.m.-noon, JCC

Join the Jewish Federation’s Maimonides Society of heath care professionals for a networking brunch to explore the future of women within the society. Open to all women of the Jewish community who work in health care. Childcare will be provided. The event is free, and registration is requested. RSVP at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/maimonidesbrunch-women-may-7-10am.

SUNDAY, MAY 7

The Word Mavens Brunch and Learn

10 a.m, Congregation Brith Sholom

The Word Mavens, Joyce Eisenberg and Ellen Scolnic, are coming to the Lehigh Valley again, this time for a Brunch and Learn at Congregation Brith Sholom. The Word Mavens engage and entertain with their hilarious, fact‑filled look at Jewish holidays, traditions, foods and more. The event is free of charge. Brunch begins at 10 a.m. and the Word Mavens at 11. RSVP to 610-866-8009 or tammy@brithsholom.net.

TUESDAY, MAY 16

Women’s Philanthropy Chai Club Dinner ($180 giving level)

6:30 p.m., JCC

The guest speaker will be Ruchi Koval, cofounder and associate director of Congregation JFX, an innovative community in Cleveland. Drawing on themes from her book “Soul Construction: Shape Your Character

Using 8 Steps from the Timeless Jewish Practice of Mussar,” she will talk about ways to become the best version of yourself. A pledge of $180 or more to the Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs is required to attend. Cost for the event is $18. Register now.

THURSDAY, MAY 18

Lion of Judah luncheon

11:30-2 p.m., home of Carol Bub Fromer Gather with fellow Lions of Judah for the sisterhood’s first annual luncheon. A minimum gift of $5,000 to the Jewish Federation’s 2023 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs is required to attend. Register at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/lion-brunch-may-18-2023.

SUNDAY, MAY 21

The Great Shalom Baby Playdate

12:30-2 p.m., JCC

Join Shalom Baby for a play date. Meet other families with young children. There will be snacks, crafts and schmoozing. Contact Abby Trachtman at abbyt@jflv.org with questions.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24

2023 graduates — submission deadline for Hakol

Our class of 2023 high school graduates will appear as usual in the June issue of Hakol. Graduates or family members, please fill out our online form at jewishlehighvalley. org ASAP, including extracurricular activities and other relevant information, and upload a photo.

to the

Programs listed in HAKOL are provided as a service to the community. They do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. The JFLV reserves the right to accept, reject or modify listings.

SUNDAY, JUNE 4

Champagne brunch honoring Michelle Rohrbach

11 a.m.-1 p.m., Temple Beth El

For information contact the synagogue at 610-435-3521.

SUNDAY, JUNE 4

Champagne reception for Rabbi Melody Davis

3-5 p.m., Congregation Bnai Shalom

Congregation Bnai Shalom is saying farewell to its rabbi, Rabbi Melody Davis, who has served the Lehigh Valley community for 30 years. To attend or to get additional information, contact Irene at 610-258-5343.

THURSDAY, JUNE 8 Jewish Community Celebration and Annual Meeting

6 to 8 p.m.

Save the date for the Jewish Federation’s annual community celebration, meeting and presentation of awards. Details to come. Meanwhile, nominations are open for the George Feldman Achievement Award for Young Leadership and the Mark L. Goldstein Award for Outstanding Jewish Communal Professionals. Visit jewishlehighvalley.org/ awards for more information on these awards and/or to nominate someone.

TUESDAY, JUNE 13

Jewish Heritage Night at the IronPigs

7:05 p.m., Coca-Cola Park

Come out to the ballpark in Allentown with the Jewish community. See friends and watch the Iron Pigs play the Toledo Mud Hens. $22 tickets include a field level seat, a voucher for a glatt kosher meat meal certified by the Lehigh Valley Kashrut Commission, and a Jewish Heritage Night backpack or hat; $16 tickets include a field level seat, a $2 ballpark credit, and a backpack or hat. (Please, no mixing of different-price tickets for a family.) Buy tickets at jewishlehighvalley. ticketspice.com/jewish-heritage-night-at-theironpigs-june-13-at-705

ONGOING EVENTS

2ND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Bnai Shalom cash bingo fundraiser

1-4 p.m., Congregation Bnai Shalom

Doors open at 12:15 and games start at 1. There’s no game in October. For information email the synagogue office at office@ bnaishalomeaston.org.

MONDAYS Yiddish Club

2 to 3:30 p.m., JCC of the Lehigh Valley via Zoom

Experience the joys of Yiddish via Zoom as part of “Adults at the J.” The group meets weekly to discuss topics like cooking, humor, music and all kinds of entertainment in the Yiddish language. All are welcome to join this lively, weekly discussion. There is something for everyone no matter if you know a few words or are a fluent speaker. Enjoy fun, fellowship, stories and more. Participants Zoom in from 5 states. No cost. Contact Janis Mikofsky at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley, 610435-3571, ext. 501.

MONDAYS KI Seminarion

7-9 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel via Zoom

Join Rabbi Phil Cohen for this Zoom class. For information, contact Vicki Dunn at 610-4359074 or vdunn@kiallentown.org.

MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS

Online Jewish yoga studio

Mondays 11 to 11:45 a.m., Thursdays 4 to 4:45 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality Mindful body practices help us find shelter right where we are, in our bodies in this very moment. Join yoga teacher and IJS faculty member Rabbi Myriam Klotz or Cantor Lizzie Shammash as she guides you in an all-levels yoga and movement session informed by Jewish spiritual teachings and designed to relieve stress as we increase awareness of breath and grounding through our bodies. Open to all, no experience needed. Sign up at jewishspirituality.org/get-started.

TUESDAYS Weekly Torah study

11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality

Rabbi Jonathan Slater will lead a weekly program: “Torah Study to Sustain The Soul,” aimed at addressing an aspect of spiritual life that will help us navigate this time of uncertainty and isolation. Open to all, no previous knowledge needed. Sign up at jewishspirituality.org/get-started.

TUESDAYS Torah on Tuesdays with Bnai Shalom

12:30 p.m., at a private home Torah on Tuesdays interactive Torah study group. Contact office@bnaishalomeaston.org for more information.

WEDNESDAYS Judaism for Our Time with Bnai Shalom

11 a.m., Congregation Bnai Shalom via Zoom Register in advance for this meeting. For information call 610-258-5343.

WEDNESDAYS Yoga with Miriam Sandler: ChairSupported Yoga

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

Be seated in a comfortable chair, preferably armless (folding works well). Some standing poses holding onto the chair are offered, though students may choose to remain seated. Modifications are given. Open to the public in person and live stream available to all via Zoom. *$10 drop-in fee payable to Congregation Brith Sholom. For more information email mbserow@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAYS Torah Studies: A Weekly Journey into the Soul of Torah

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

Torah Studies by the Jewish Learning Institute presents Season Three 5783, a 12-part series, in person and via Zoom. Cost is $36 for the course, including textbook. For more information, call 610-351-6511 or email rabbi@chabadlehighvalley.com.

EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY

Hadassah study group

12:30 p.m., via Zoom

We discuss short stories from an anthology. Always welcoming new participants! Contact Marilyn Claire at mjclaire@gmail.com or 610972-7054 to sign up.

THURSDAYS

Basic Yiddish class

4 to 5:30 p.m., JCC via Zoom

Learn to read, write, speak and comprehend Yiddish. Textbooks from Yiddish Book Center available for purchase. Contact Janis Mikofsky at 610-435-3571, ext. 501.

3RD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

Belonging to Bethlehem: A Jewish Story Sampler

1:15-2:30 p.m., Congregation Brith Sholom or virtual

In this six-session workshop, you’ll hear the stories that made the Bethlehem Jewish community, starting from 1890. You’ll also learn writing techniques and have time to write stories from your life or family. $10 per session. Light refreshments served. Instructor Jennifer Lader is a writer, storyteller and author. Registration required at tammy@ brithsholom.net or 610-866-8009.

FRIDAYS

Kol HaEmek

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

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

3RD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

KI Shabbat B’Yachad

5:30-7 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel

Art projects, songs, snack stories, prayer and dinner. Geared toward kids ages 5-10, but perfect for younger siblings too. RSVP at kilv. org.

SATURDAYS

Wisdom of the Talmud class

After Shabbat Lunch and Schmooze, Congregation Brith Sholom

Join Rabbi Michael Singer in a discussion about Jewish law, ethics, customs and history as found in the pages of the Talmud. The fall-winter class begins a new volume of the Talmud: “Mesechet Megillah.” Books are available in the synagogue office. No previous Talmud study required. For information email tammy@brithsholom.net or call 610866-8009.

DAILY

Jewish Broadcasting Service

JBS is a Jewish television channel featuring daily news from Israel; leading Jewish figures, issues and events of Jewish importance; call-in programs; Jewish studies; 92nd Street Y; live Friday and holiday services for those at home; children’s programs; films; music; books; and entertainment. jbstv.org.

DAILY Congregation Sons of Israel minyanim

Shacharit on Mondays and Thursdays 6:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays

6:45 a.m.; Sundays 8:30 a.m. Congregation Sons of Israel welcomes all to the daily Shacharis and Mincha/Maariv services which are conducted in the main sanctuary of the synagogue for Covid-19 safety. Please check the synagogue at sonsofisrael.net for the weekly listing of the starting time for Mincha/Maariv. Face masks are not required, but strongly recommended. If you have any questions, call the synagogue office at 610-433-6089.

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

Daily online meditation

12:30 p.m., Institute for Jewish Spirituality

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

open

public and free of charge, unless otherwise noted.

John Stapleton, DPM Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute

At our five specialized health institutes, we’re always evolving. Here, you’ll find advanced medical techniques and technologies, the latest clinical trials through alliances (with innovators like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) and a dedicated team –your team – focused on getting you better. Five institutes. Five more reasons why we’re the leading health network in the region. Learn more at LVHN.org/institutes.

Our five health institutes. Where what’s next happens.